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Saswadee To Bangkok ...

2010-07-22T12:54:00.017+08:00

We arrived Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok about 10.30 pm. But the time we get off from the airplane to the exit area and the time waiting for our luggage took us about an hour. My cousin was there to receive us and drove us to China Town for supper. It’s was already past midnight, and the traffics in Bangkok was still heavy and jammed. I totally forgotten about the unrest situation in Bangkok. I was told that we are just about 2 LRT stations away from the anti-government protest zones. But life seems to be normal from where we were and no curfew nor army to be seen as reported by the media except nearby the airport area.

After supper we moved on to my cousin’s house located at Nakhom Pathom. For the next 3 days, we’ll be staying and visiting most of the places in Nakhom Pathom to avoid the troops and the Seah Daeng also called the anti-government red shirts protesters.

Our first destination is the Dumnoen Saduak Floating Market. We left the house at about 6 am because the activities at the Floating Market starts during the early morning.

From Chiang Rai to Bangkok

2010-07-20T15:45:00.010+08:00

On our last day in Chiang Rai, we decide to go for street photography. My son carrying a Canon EOS 400D and me a Canon EOS 550D. Our target place is the main market in the city as we heard that there will be a lot of monks during the early hours. We walked to the market which is just a few streets away from our hotel at 6 am. As expected there are already a lot of people there to offer food to the monks. WE took a lot of shots there and around the market non stop until we reached our hotel front. We had our breakfast at a mobile stall just a few steps away from our hotel, serving western breakfast.. . scramble eggs, toasted bread and hot coffee.
Our flight to Bangkok is at night about 9 pm, but because of the heat in Chiang Rai, we decide to leave for the Chiang Rai International Airport at about 3 pm, right after our lunch. The porter at our hotel offer us a special rate for the taxi to the airport at just 400 Baht.

Motor Tour On Day 2, Change Of Plans

2010-07-15T18:09:00.010+08:00

I thought we have missed the road to the Long Neck village for that day. My discussion with the Baan See See hotel owner on that night before we left gave me valuable information on the route we suppose to take for tomorrow morning. We were told that there is another route down the mountain where we can detour to visit the Long Neck village called Yapa. And the sight is even beautiful and less traffics.

We started early the next morning just before the sun rise. It was a long but interesting journey down the mountain. The road condition was good and the scenery was excellent. Since it was early, we took our time to ride down slowly and take many pictures along the way.

We followed the direction given by the hotel owner. It was about 60 kilometres journey. Initially we had some difficulty locating the Baan Yapa village. Somehow we managed by asking the local folks along the way. It’s worth the finding. There is a charge to enter the Long Neck village at 250 Baht per person. We have to walk down the slope of the hill for about 300 metres before reaching the village. Along the way, there are other hill tribes as well trading souvenirs items. We were the first visitors for the day.

The Yapa Village where it belongs to the long necks and other hill tribes..

After Yapa, we head for Mae Chang, than Chan Saen and towards the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is where the three countries Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet separated by a common river. The distance was about 100 kilometres. Than we returned to Chan Sean for lunch before starting our long journey to Chiang Khong, which is the border town to Laos. That took us another 100 kilometres. We stop at Chiang Khong for a very short while taking some pictures here and there. The scene along the way was beautiful too but we have to rush for time as we intent to reach Chiang Rai town before the sunset since we are unfamiliar with the place and route. My skin over my face and hands are getting sore and numb because of the heat, wind and the motorbike vibration. I have to look for some lotion available at the local shop. We managed to buy an old stock of ‘Vaseline cream’. I don’t know whether it helps or not but that is the only cream available. By now the three of us are already tanned and overheated under the hot sun.

At the Golden Triangle once famous for Poppy planting and drugs distribution..
Kbguy on the road..

The twins on the road..

Opposite the river is Laos

The journey from Chiang Khong to Chiang Rai is about 120 kilometres. Just about 40 kilometres before downtown, I had trouble with my scooter. The tyre punctured! Thanks God, the repair shop was nearby. It seems like the harrier you need, the more problems you encounter. Anyway, we reached our hotel at Chiang Rai city just about dusk.

That night we celebrate our achievement for the two days Motor Tour and for reaching back our hotel safely at the Night Bazaar with sumptuous food and shopping for the last night at Chiang Rai.

Motor Tour on Day 1

2010-07-08T13:27:00.010+08:00

We returned the rented bicycle the same day just before dusk as we intent to tour by motorcycle for the next two days. We made the reservation on that evening and came back the next morning to collect the automatic scooters.

Our plans are as follows: Day 1 - Chang Rai City to Doi Mae Sa Lorn ( about 80km), and Day 2 - Golden Triangle, Chiang Khong, Chiang Sean (to visit the Laos border) and back to Chang Rai city ( about 250 km).

We started the journey early about 7.00 am. This is my first return to the motorcycle experience after more than twenty five over years, with the assistance and an intensive training from my twin sons..

It was a long ride and an adventuring experience even though dangerous most of the time riding along the highway and half of the journey riding up the steep and winding mountains. But the best part is that we have fun together as father and sons which we rarely have the opportunity to get together and the scenery was beautiful too all the way.

As we approached our destination Doi Mae Sa Lorn, we looked out for a restaurant for our lunch . Doi Mae Sa Lorn is a small little town occupied mostly by the Chinese who came during the early 1960's lead by General Tuan during Chang Kai Sheik's era. Most of the Chinese here still speak Mandarin among themselves. We took the opportunity to taste Chinese dishes over here as we already had a lot of spicy food during our stay. This time we ordered the famous Dongpo Pork and some Yunnan dishes. For dinner, we had the famous Halal Northern Curry Noodles called Kao Suoy prepared by the Yunnan Chinese.
Below is General Tuan's Memorial which is Chinese oriented.

The hill tribes village called Mae Tur which is located border to the Burma mountains.

The Chinese Martyr's Memorial Museum and a Chedi with a Thai Temple near it.

And our hostel Baan See See (Telephone: 66-53-765053). The rate is 400 baht per room during off peak season which can accommodate 3 persons, without air conditioned. ... And the photos showing the scenery surrounding our hostel, the interior amd exterior room and the view during sun rise.

Bicycle Tour Chang Rai

2010-07-03T12:44:00.004+08:00

To rent a bicycle is easy in Chang Rai. There are lots of advertisement by the road side placing bicycles, motorbikes and various types of cars for rent. We can't resist the temptation to rent one even though one of my son suggested that we shoud rent the motorbike on one of the days. So we compromise on the bicycle first and the motorbike on the next day.

A day rental for a bicycle is RM8.00. We rented 3.

We had so much fun having being able to travel much further instead of walking. This time we will cycle to the river side which they called the Chang Rai Beach. The trill we had is not just the destination but the fun all along the way during our journey. And the reward for the long journey under the hot sun is the delicious Thai food waiting to be served along the Chang Rai Beach. Anyway, in Thailand, our trip is all about fun, shopping, photography and food after all.

Chang Rai Down Town

2010-06-30T20:30:00.008+08:00

We shifted to the hotel downtown instead of staying at the hill top at my cousin's house. I asked my cousin to recommend me a hotel which is clean, reasonable price and strategically located where buses, taxis and food is easily accessible. He brought us to a nice business class hotel called Suknirand Hotel (Telephone number: 053-711055 / 053-711801. The room rate is amazingly cheap at RM40.00 per night, with one queen size bed and one single bed. Just nice for me and my two sons. The hotel has been repainted and my only comment is the air conditioned which is not so cold especially during the hot season.
The hotel is strategically located as it close to everything I wanted. There is a Night Bazaar just about 10 minutes walk where you can get lots of local food, shopping and at the same time watching cultural performance every night.

The Wet Market is also closed by our hotel where local dishes, fruits, flowers, clothing, vegetables and meat can be obtained.

Another attraction nearby is the new Clock Tower. At each hour, the light at the tower changes with musics can be heard.

Other attractions around down town are the Buddhist Temples such as Wat Phra Singha, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Jedyod.

Wat Rong Khun, Chang Rai

2010-06-23T20:55:00.006+08:00

Wat Rong Khun or also commonly called The White Temple among non Thai speaking tourist is about 12km away from the Chang Rai city. It's easy to find and easily identified. This is a new tourist attraction destination in Chang Rai as the Temple was built just a few years back. This is one of my must visit place even before I arrived Chang Rai as I have seen the photos from the emails circulated about a year ago.

Wat Rong Khun is different from any other temple in Thailand. It is designed in white color. Chalermchai Kositpipat is the famous Thai artist who volunteered his service to carry out the construction of Wat Rong Khun at his own expense.

Memorial For The King's Mother

2010-05-16T15:46:00.004+08:00

Not far from the Doi Mae Salong village is a Memorial for the King's mother. It's on the other route down the mountain. We stopped for a couple of hours to take some photos and to watch the ranges of mountains and the other villages from the other side.

Doi (Mountain) Mae Salong

2010-05-15T14:46:00.005+08:00

My cousin's wife prepared for the breakfast. She cooks Chinese porridge and some Thai style dishes. The meal taste yummy, spicy hot and delicious. The Thai way of saying very delicious is 'aloy mak mak'. Short while after breakfast, we proceed for our tour around Chang Rai.

Our first stop is The Doi Mae Salong.

The peak of Doi Mae Salong has an elevation close to 1,800 meters. Many hill resorts, large and small can be seen as we approached the little town on top. Pine trees, Oolong tea plantation and beautiful panorama are everywhere to be seen.

It is said that the origin of the Mae Salong community goes back to 1949. During that time, after the Mao Zedong's communist party victory in China, the defeated KMT army escaped to Taiwan except the 93rd Division. They instead fled to Myanmar (Burma). From there, they were later expelled and granted asylum in Thailand. The 93rd Chinese division settled in Mae Salong and built village right on top of the mountain. As a result, most of the villagers today are ethnic Chinese and direct descendants of the KMT.

We stop for lunch at the Chinese township. I noticed that most of the people there speak fluent Mandarin or also called as 'Pu'dong Hua'. They serve excellent Chinese dishes from Yunnan province. The most popular dish is the 'Red Pork Legs'.

Many Chinese products can be found here especially tea leafs and tea pots. Of course there are other souvenirs too made by the hill tribe people who lived nearby.

After lunch and some shopping along the road stalls, we proceed to our next stop at Wat Rong Kun ( The White Temple )

Too Steep Terrain

2010-05-14T07:20:00.006+08:00

We arrived Chang Rai town past mid night. We stopped for dinner before meeting up with the other cousin who came down to meet us somewhere along the way to lead us to his house. The meeting point is at the front entrance of a Buddhist Temple along the way. Surprisingly, there are so many large Buddhist Temples all along.

My first plan was to stay at my cousin's house for a few days in Chang Rai. But looking at it, the road which lead to his house is a few kilometers away from the main road. I have doubts about the availability of public transport to get in and out from his place. I was told that the only way is to ride his motorbikes when my elder cousin and the family is back to Bangkok. That does not deter me. After about 5 kilometers from the main road and with many turnings to left and right, we came to the end road. Now we have to go through dirt road. For a short distance we reached a very steep terrain. That's where the 4x4 is useful. The terrain was so steep almost 75 degree, and that worries me. However after changing gear, with his driving skill, we make it after many bumps.

We reached the top of the mountain where my cousin's house is located. It's a small farm house-like uncompleted. The weather is cold during the night, as I was told. WE didn't get to see much at the surrounding as it was dark. We chatted for about an hour before going to sleep.

I woke up early to explore the surrounding. We were at the peak of a mountain which I don't even know where. I was told that we are close to Myanmar and there are a few Myanmar settlers and villages nearby. Surrounding us are mostly fruit farms such as lychee's, oranges, pamelos and mangoes and tea plantations although some have converted to rubber trees as they fetch better prices. The panorama from his house was great and I anticipate a lot of adventuring activities to take place for us after the elder cousin is back to Bangkok with his SUV 4x4 Toyota Fortuna.

Great views, fresh air, cool weather, variety of fruits and lots of interesting places to explore by tracking and motor bike .

Narathiwat To Bangkok

2010-05-13T19:51:00.007+08:00

We left home at about 6.30 am when the sun is about to rise. We stopped half way for breakfast at the one of the famous 'nasi lauk' (rice with curry fish and chicken) stall in Pasir Mas. It's almost 7.30am when we arrived at the Rantau Panjang check point. We crossed the Malaysian border immediately and walk across to the Thailand check point without wasting much time. There was some delayed at the Thai side as the Immigration counter didn't offer any deportation forms. We have to use the local service to fill the forms by paying RM$2.00 each for each forms. This is one of the way the Thai Immigration Officers earn extra income by employing the local Thais to fill forms for travelers. Than we later took a motorcycle each for the service to reach DD Tour Agency for our next transportation to Narathiwat Airport. Each motorcycle cost us RM$3.00 for a distance of about 1 kilometer. We were slightly early. The van service left for the airport at 8.30 am. The van service cost RM18.00 per person. The distance is about 45 minutes and there were many road blocks along the way by the Thai armies because of the insurgencies at the Southern Thai area.

And here is the interior of the luxury van we took to Narathiwat Airport which can accommodate 11 passengers.

The departure hall for the waiting guests before boarding the Air Asia flight. There were only 2 flights per day from Narathiwat. The other is 1-2-go airline. The announcement came informing that our plane will be 1 hour delayed while inside the hall. That's the usual Air Asia's stuffs.

The sky view from our flight.

Bird's eye view before approaching Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

The view when we almost landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. We were received by my cousin at the arrival hall. Stopped at his house to fetch the family before proceeding to Chang Rai with his Toyota Fortuner SUV 4x4.

Saswadee To The Northern Most of Thailand !

2010-04-26T20:17:00.008+08:00

Water lilies are common flowers in Thailand, and can be easily found or seen in or around most Buddhist Temples, at the wet markets and even floating markets. The Thais mostly offer them as prayers and during other cultural or Buddhist religious event. The most commonly seen are the pink and white.

And soon, I will be visiting the most Northern part of Thailand, Chang Rai. It's a long journey from my place, Malaysia. My targeted destination is Doi Tung.

I will be taking various mode of transportation to reach there. My itinerary will be as follows:

Day 1 : Leave home by car for the Malaysia-Thai border at Rantau Panjang - Sungei Kolok. After passing the immigration Check-Point, take a motorcycle transit for a van service to Narathiwat Airport. The journey will take me about 45 minutes. Than take the Air Asia flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Reaching Bangkok, my Thai cousins will be there to drive us to Chang Rai. The distance is about 700 over kilometers.

Day 2 to Day 8 : In Doi Tung, Chang Rai, free and easy. Expecting some tracking on my own and lots of photography. I was told the weather is quite hot at the moment, so I will bring lots of cotton T-shirts but no Red Shirts, and a pair of sports shoe.

Day 8 : Night, leave Chang Rai by Air Asia in the evening for Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Day 9 to Day 11 : In Bangkok. Haven't decide which cousin's house to stay yet.

Day 11 : Leave Bangkok ( Suvarnabhumi International Airport ) for Narathiwat with Air Asia. From Narathiwat Airport, take a taxi to Thai - Malaysia border at Takbai, than by boat to Pengkalan Kubor, Malaysia for home sweet home.

So during this time I will be away from my PC, meaning no Internet Connection and better for my eyes. And the best part is to be away from work and closer with the family.

Saswadee krupp !

Using Zoom Lens For Macro Shot

2010-04-23T21:44:00.003+08:00

Here's another test I just did on My Canon EOS 550D with my Canon EF 70-300mm USM zoom lens. Personal opinion: I think the zoom lens is suitable for larger objects but small objects may also do, but need to stabilize. I tried with aperture and speed, but to be safe I think I still need to use the automatic Mode setting when opportunities are rare or when time does not permit. It's easy to snap the picture of the cherry but very difficult to get a sharp image of the worm because of it's tiny hair and the wind blowing.

Canon EOS 550D, Moon Watch !

2010-04-22T23:49:00.003+08:00

The advantage of a 18.0 Mega pixels camera with a zoom lens is that you get to crop the photo but still getting a fine picture.

My New Canon EOS 550D

2010-04-18T19:13:00.004+08:00

I know I shouldn't spend any more extra this month as I have exceeded my budget. Even canceled two of my credit cards because of the RM 50.00 Service Charge. I didn't bother to pay the charges as I never use the cards either, but the late payment charges and interest got me hot. The matter was made worst when I spoke to the call center who are just not well verse in handling these type of cases. He suggested me to cancel the cards. Thanks to him, anyway. Well, what has it got to do with my EOS 550D ? Actually, all I wanted to say is I am charging this new gadget to my other card.
I have given away my EOS 400D to my son who just got back from his semester break. He wanted to take up photography as his new hobby. So I've been so generous to give away this 4 year old camera because of the temptation I had for a newly launch EOS 550D. I knew about the price range and the smart seller from a local photo shop gave me a good offer which I can't resist. I didn't expect he would slaughter me with the accessories, such as the lens hood, screen protector and the UV lens filter. That is so common in the retail business nowadays.
Anyway, I would like to show off my new photo shots from the new EOS 550D using the Canon EF 70-300 mm zoom lens. And for the coming three months I will have to put aside my Credit Cards, and on stricter budget. No more shopping unnecessarily !

Qing Ming ( 清明节 )

2010-03-31T06:20:00.007+08:00

We were there just before the sun about to rise. There were some people who are already there much earlier than us, using torch light to locate the grave of their loved ones. I believe everyone are there early to avoid the heat when the sun is at the above. The group from the Buddhist Kelantan Society were already there chanting and offering prayers at the small temple on the hill top.
Qing Ming festival or Qingming Jie in Chinese is also called Grave Sweeping Day. Qing Ming, which also means clear and bright in Chinese falls on Apr.4th, 5th or 6th every year. In 2009 it falls on April 4. And this year it falls on April 5th. According to modern Chinese, there is no fixed rules to attend Grave Sweeping Day as long as it is convenience to all family members. Usually a group agreement among family members will be made so that those from far and near could attend at the same time to clean and sweep the graves of the ancestor and also worshiping and offering of food to the deceased and to burn joss papers. It is a festival to be conduct at any day one week before the actual date. It is a memorial ceremony for their loved ones and time to express one's grief for his lost relatives.

After praying at the Temple to seek permission for Grave Cleaning, we proceed to my mom and dad's grave. First we pray to the Guardian God which is next to every Chinese Grave. Only after permission, we continue with the ceremony. We start off by clearing away weeds and touching up the fading gravestone inscriptions. After the grave are cleaned, than the joss papers are laid on top of the graves.
This year our sons couldn't make it for the festival. As such only my wife and my daughter attended. I believe the young ones should be taught to pray to their ancestors. As such I leave some of the duty and responsibility to my 16 year old daughter to assist in the ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, the money or joss papers are lightened for the deceased to use in his after life. In addition to this, food laid out in front of the headstone includes steamed whole chicken, hard boiled eggs, sliced pork and sometimes cut roast pork with crunchy skin attached and others according to the offeror's liking or their loved one's favorite. Besides these, 3-sets of chopsticks and 3 Chinese wine cups are arranged above the food to be used by the deceased.
The family head usually performs the ceremony, followed by each member of the family. The families often eat the food there at the grave site after the ceremony, as if having a picnic with their deceased relatives and ancestors. Chinese have a strong notion that by doing this, it will bring good luck in the family
Qing Ming ceremony can take a few days for a family to complete because of the distance of one cemetery to another and to some who have too few children but too many deceased relatives. Me for instance attended my mother-in-law's last Friday, and yesterday was for my late mom, dad, sis and aunt. On this coming Friday, we will perform for my grandma's, grand dad's and great grandma's and at the same time attending at my late aunties whose graves are at the same cemetery. This time, there will be a huge gathering as most of the cousins will be there including from overseas.
Even though many Chinese Customs and Traditions has changed, forgotten and left aside by the younger generation, I believe that Qing Ming should be preserved and maintained in order to maintain relationship and harmony among siblings, cousins and other relatives. It is a day of gathering and should be consider as family obligation and a heritage to be kept. To all Chinese, I wish them Happy Qing Ming or Grave Cleaning on this auspicious bright and clear week. And have fun !

Qing Ming Season Take Off

2010-03-26T14:06:00.004+08:00

I think Qing Ming season take off a bit early this year over here. The actual day for Qing Ming falls on 5th April. Probably because of the 2 days public holiday which falls on the 30Th and 31st March in conjunction with HRH The Sultan Kelantan's birthday, many people take the opportunity to go for vacation elsewhere. For the Kelantanese, this is the best time to go holiday as the hotel rate is cheaper in other states since it is not a holiday. The most popular places among the Kelantanese during these time are Genting Highland, Penang and Hadyai, Thailand.
Qing Ming is the day the Chinese go to visit the graves of their loved ones for cleaning. Most family members from far and near will return on this particular day for the grave cleaning and for a reunion. Usually a day is fixed among the members so that all are able to attend at the same time. The actual day for this grand occasion falls on every 5Th of April. But there is no fixed day for the cleaning as long as they are within the season and convenience to all members.

Qing Ming has become a grand occasion nowadays and to some, it is like a party celebration having all kind of foods at the grave yard.

Flash Off !

2010-03-20T19:20:00.002+08:00

I always wanted to take this type of photos for quite sometime but too lazy to get hold of the camera when opportunities are there. Yesterday I was reading the latest issue of the Digital Camera Magazine and decided to use the same technique of taking photo without flash and to play around with the aperture. Co-insidentally, there is this bubbles on the lily leaves inside the fish pot of my house. Well I did grab the chance, but this time I am using my compact Lumix TZ7. Flash off, Auto Intelligent feature on and my hand and the camera supported by the pot. And here is the result !

When The Sunrise

2010-03-11T19:53:00.004+08:00

When the monsoon season is over, the sky looks beautiful during sunrise and sunset, even though the days are hot at noon ! This one is taken while driving to work just before and on top of the Sultan Yahya Petra Bridge. Everyday the traffic got jammed before the bridge and this has been going on for decades. This is because of the two lane road leading to a one lane bridge.

Anyway, watching the beautiful sunrise is enough to freshen up my mood for the day... unless some idiot spoil it.

Hot Summer Time & Dry Spell !

2010-03-10T20:12:00.008+08:00

Pantai Sri Tujoh, Tumpat - Despite it's close proximity to the sea ( South China Sea ), the pine forest still dry and died because of the very hot weather. We have not had any rain for the past one month. And the temperature has reached 45 degree centigrade during the afternoon.

Back at my home in Wakaf Bharu area, our water supply has been cut off during the day time since Chinese New Year. And since yesterday, we had no water at all even during the night. We even start implementing water saving but cutting off the water supply totally means trouble as I don't even know where to shit once our water reserve runs out ! My water reserve can only last until tomorrow morning assuming tonight the water doesn't come.

Wat Machimmaram, Tumpat, Kelantan

2010-03-07T21:46:00.006+08:00

Wat Machimmaram is located at the Pengkalan Kubur district in Kelantan, and border to Southern Thailand, Takbai. It has the largest Sitting Buddha in Southeast Asia. It is 30 metre high and 47 metre wide and is frequently visit by tourist from near and far. Occasionally there are many Buddhist celebration and festivals held over here. One of the main event is the New Year celebration held every year.

To get there from Kota Bharu, you'll have to drive across the Sultan Yahya Bridge (near Tesco Hypermarket) to Pengkalan Kubor. The distance is about 21 km from Kota Bharu, or alternatively you may also contact or phone below:

Wat Machimaram
Chief Abbot: Ven. Phrakhru Vithest Thammanad
Address: Kg. Jubakar, 16200 Tumpat, Kelantan
Telephone: 09-7256769

While you are there, you may also visit other Buddhist Temples around and also visit the 'Free Trade Zone' at Pengkalan Kubur or also view the trading activities of the Malaysian-Thai trader along the river next to Takbai town, border to Malaysia-Thai.

What We Did on NY Eve..

2010-02-17T19:46:00.005+08:00

During the day, offering food and prayers to the ancestors. After prayers, we took a short nap or break, followed by house cleaning again and more decorations. Red is the custom color and a must around the house with meaningful Chinese wordings and characters such as 'Fook' which means prosperity are pasted at most of the walls. Other decorations include 'pineapple' which mention in hokkien dialect means 'Ong' literally means 'Luck'. In the evening we proceed for the reunion dinner at the Renaissance Hotel. Various hotels and restaurants offer CNY package for dinner varies from RM688 to RM988 per table. Our dinner cost RM688.00 ++ which include salmon fish, yee sang, sharks fin and etc.
For those with big family members, they usually cook and have their reunion dinner at home. Dinner usually ends at about 11.00 pm to 11.30 pm with lots of beer, wine, whisky or brandy. The celebration usually adjourn to home with fire crackers and fireworks display take places just as the clock strike at 12.00 mid night sharp.

Chinese New Year Promotion At A Local Mall

2010-02-16T10:04:00.006+08:00

The Chinese population is less than 4% in Kelantan with majority of the younger generation resides in the other part of the states in Malaysia because of furthering education and job opportunities elsewhere. However, Chinese New Year is celebrated by all Chinese over here as a grand occasion. Even shopping complexes and the only mall does promote the occasion in quite a grand scale when the season approached.
Come CNY, most of the family members will be back to their hometown to celebrate the reunion dinner with their loved ones and to pay respect to their elderly.

14th. February 2010, Double Celebration !

2010-02-11T16:47:00.004+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year or Spring Festival to all ! When you drive, don't drink. When you drink, don't drive. May you have a great family re-union. This new year will be the year of the Tiger. And on this 14th February 2010, we will be celebrating CNY and Valentine day. Have fun with your loved ones and do not forget the less fortunate..
Happy CNY and Valentine day to all my blog friends..

Going Home

2010-01-14T19:33:00.007+08:00

Shuangliu International Airport is just about 30 minutes from Chengdu city. It's a very large airport but simple. There aren't many restaurants there and the only fast food available is the Kentucky Fried Chicken which is usually packed.
We took the Airasia airbus and the journey took us about 6 hours. This time we are lucky because our flight is on time as scheduled. Not as our earlier flight from KLIA to Chengdu where most of the passengers are almost 95% Chinese citizens, our return flight is a fair mixture of Chinese and Malaysians.
Not as during my younger days, now I seems to enjoy flying even on a long distance because I love watching out. In 2009, I have flew overseas the most within a year.
I traveled with family and even solo. I also brave myself to travel as an independent budget traveler on my own in a foreign country, taking buses and train without been able to speak fluently the native language. Most of my friends already asked where is my next destination for 2010. Frankly, I have not plan anything yet. Maybe this year I will travel on land, i.e. by train, bus and maybe driving..