Adventures While On Vacation In Phuket - Day 3

Breakfast as usual at the hotel early in the morning. We had arranged for Laguna Resorts to pick us up at 10am for a tour of their resort. You know one of those arrangements where you spend 90 minutes of your time touring their resort and understanding their 'plans' and you get something for free? We had come across this at the airport when we arrived and they were giving out 2 Phuket Fantasea tickets inclusive of transfers. So we thought, why not? (You're going to think, cheapskate!) But hey, those tickets normally cost 1500 Baht per person and the transfer costs 300 Baht per person. So we saved 3600 Baht. That's a lot of money!

Pickup arrived punctually at 10am. There was another Swedish couple with their baby joining us from our hotel. They had come across this at JungCeylon Shopping Centre and were also interested in getting hold of those free tickets.



Laguna Resort is really beautiful. Sheraton is there. So is the exclusive Banyan Tree. One can move around to all the resorts there by boat or bus available free. So we spent our 90 minutes touring and having a consultant explain to us their "plan". But of course, they'll never be able to make us pay anything. All we want is the free tickets... haha

We got what we wanted and they let us off pretty easy. Our friends, the Swedish couple, was there for 5 hours! Amazing how they manage to tolerate all that nonsense.

By the time we arrived at Patong, it was past 2 pm. Head for lunch (again!) at Break Point. Ordered tom yum koong again. Hahaa.. When in Thailand, this is what I do. Tom yum koong whenever I can get my hands on them. Well, lunch was again an affordable affair (I wouldn't say cheap). Less than 400 Baht.

Walked around a bit after lunch. Did some window shopping. One thing I realised this time is that many of the traders seem to be foreigners and not Thai. Strange. Gotta investigate. These foreigners sell the same stuff and at higher prices.

I was interested in a silk scarf. A local trader offered it to me at 150 Baht (after a 50% discount). But stingy ol' me wanted it for 100 Baht. So I kept asking other stalls. One stall I came across, the trader (who happened to be Nepalese) gave me a starting price of 800 Baht. I asked for a discount and she lowered it to 500 Baht. I asked for more discount and offered 100 Baht. She said it wasn't even enough to buy stock. She offered a final price of 400 Baht. Since the price wasn't right, I walked away. As I was walking away, she said to me from my back, 100 Baht can't buy anything in Thailand nowadays. Sigh... The rudeness!

After some 'window shopping' , we took the 6pm shuttle back to the hotel to get some rest before the pickup arrived from Fantasea.

At 6.50pm, our van arrived to shuttle us to Phuket Fantasea. It was a boring ride. Nothing interesting along the way. But when we arrived at the main entrance, it felt like a whole new world was waiting for us. The lights and colours were just simply amazing! All the staff were dressed up in traditional Thai costumes.

I went on to the ticketing counter to collect our tickets and proceeded to enter the theme park. It is just awe-inspiring to be inside this Fantasea world. There were stalls selling all sorts of souvenir items, there were games stalls, there were food stalls. It was a fun fair at night.



The show started at 9pm in the Palace Of The Elephants Theatre. Everyone was required to deposit any sort of photo / film recording type of equipment at the counter before entering the theatre. We were wondering why and then we saw it. After depositing the cameras, videocams and camera phones, there were stalls where one can have their photo taken with girls dressed up in traditional costumes, elephants, baby tigers and so on. You pay and have your photo taken. At the end of the show, you can collect it at the exit counter.

When we entered the hall, it was huge! Rows and rows of seats. Our seats weren't too good. It was high up and on the right side of the hall. But since we didn't pay for it, we shouldn't be complaining at all.

The show started with a parade of elephants entering from the side of the hall and walking up on stage. It was a story about Kamala beach. Amazing show I would say but personally I'm not too keen on watching animals perform. Humans performing, yes, I will be interested. But definitely not animals. It's not their nature to be performing. It's unnatural. It's torturous to them. I always wonder why people force animals to train for shows and stunts when it's not in their nature to do those things. Sigh...

Anyway, after the show, we took the shuttle back to our hotel. It was late and we hadn't had dinner. With the light drizzle, we decided to just have dinner at the coffee house in the hotel. Expensive and nothing to shout about. Just get our tummies filled.

And that's Day 3 in Phuket.

Adventures While On Vacation In Phuket - Day 2

Day 2 started with an early breakfast at the hotel. Nothing specific planned for the day. After breakfast, headed back to the room and watched 2 movies on HBO. I can't even remember what movies they were.. haha...



We took the 2pm shuttle to Patong coz we were hungry and needed food. This time we headed again to one of the lanes around the beach. We decided to head straight to the place that was packed with patrons the night before during dinner time. Prices were reasonable but quality of food was still much better at Break Point, the night before. Still less than 400 baht for 3 dishes and 2 drinks.

After our late lunch, walked around Patong area slowly exploring every nook and corner. Did some window shopping. And finally we decided to get a hairwash. No massage for us this time. Just a plain hairwash. 100 baht for men and 150 baht for women. Not too bad. Although it's cheaper in KL.

More walking around after our hairwash and we stumbled upon a bar that had a sign saying... A-Go-Go Boys. Hmm.. this is a first. All the other bars were a-go-go girls. But the show starts only at 11.40pm. Very specific timing. We probably wouldn't be able to catch the show since our hotel shuttle leaves Patong at 12am.

After all that walking, we decided to stop for dinner. Saw 2 stalls. The roast pork was tempting us. I decided to opt for noodles instead. Steven decided on roast pork rice. Ordered some pork satay too. There were so many choices, I asked the lady to put in crab meat, cuttlefish, deep fried prawns and I can't remember what else. The roast pork was just superb and we ordered another plate of it.. haha... Well dinner costs 120 baht if I remember correctly.

And then greedy ol' me saw a pancake stall. I have been missing the pancakes since my last trip to Phuket which was pre-tsunami. I couldn't resist and ordered a chocolate & banana pancake. It's basically roti canai wrapped with sliced banana and beaten egg. Then topped with chocolate sauce. Heavenly...



After my indulgence, we headed back to Bangla Road. Ready for some excitement. More shows to see ;) This time we headed to another bar. More interesting shows and a fantastic pole dancer.

By 12am, my eyes can barely open so we headed back to the hotel and called it a night.

Adventures While On Vacation In Phuket - Day 1

My long awaited trip to Phuket finally came. Booked them AA tickets way back in Feb when they had the 5 sen promo. My round trip air ticket cost me less than RM200 per person which is a steal!

So the day came and I packed my bags and head along to the airport. Of course I got a good friend of mine to send us to the airport that morning. I woke him up really early (coz he's well known for being late) and it turned out that I woke up later :)

Anyway, check in at LCCT was smooth. Albeit feeling more like a bus terminal than an airport. But hey, who cares?! As long as I travel at the lowest cost possible, I'm not gonna care how the airport feels like.

Landed just after lunch. Still hungry even though I had my favourite turkey ham & cheese sandwich on the plane. Now what's the cheapest way to get to Patong area from the airport? The bus of course. Hopped onto a bus waiting outside the terminal and the fare was 85 baht per person all the way to Phuket town. I had asked the bus attendant to stop me somewhere I can catch the bus to Patong. She did stop the bus as we were approaching town and asked me to wait across the road. 5 minutes later a bus to Patong came along. The fare was only 25 baht per person.

Now the problem is from the main road, it was a 1km hike up the hill to the hotel where I was staying and with my luggage, I wasn't going to hike all the way up. This is vacation. Not a hiking trip. So we decided to stop for lunch first and then only think of a way to get to the hotel.

Lunch was at a noodle stall. Didn't catch the name of the shop but there was so much options there I just told the lady to put a bit of everything into my bowl. That cost us 115 baht in total which included a bottle of mineral water.

After lunch, we decided to buy a local prepaid card and called the hotel. Told them we were lost and couldn't find our way to the hotel and asked if they could pick us up. We had the noodle stall operator explain to the hotel staff exactly where we were. 5 minutes later a van arrived to pick us up.

Checked in at the hotel and discovered that the hotel wasn't so nice after all. But then again, free hotel stay, better not complain so much.

The hotel has a shuttle to Patong beach every 2 hours on a daily basis. So we decided to take the 6pm shuttle to walk around and have dinner.

The shuttle stopped us right at Bangla Road. Happening!

Walked around a bit all the while looking for a place to eat. Thai food a must of course. Nothing western for me, not in Thailand.


Finally we found this quaint little restaurant tucked in one of the alleys by the beach. It's Japanese owned and they had the cheapest beer in town. A small bottle of Chang beer costs only 25 baht and a large bottle costs 50 baht. We ordered tom yum koong, stir fried morning glory (make a guess what's morning glory), stir fried chicken with cashew nuts (koong poh kai ting) and green curry pork. I had a strawberry shake and Steven had a large Chang beer. Our dinner costs us just under 400 baht. That's a steal. 4 dishes and 2 drinks. Go check out my food blog for more yummy info.

After dinner, it was time to walk around again. The sky was dark and the street is coming alive. Suddenly we saw a lot of activities at one of the small lanes. Ooh... there were transvetites dressed up to the nines parading about. You can take a photo with them for 50 baht. No way am I going to pay that kind of money.

We bumped into touts who kept on inviting us for 'shows', if you know what I mean. No cover charge some more. Just order a beer for 120 baht. Interesting shows. For me it's a first. So it was an experience. Had heard all about it from others. Well, it sure was an eye opener for me. We went to another bar the following night. Caught more interesting shows :)

We caught the 10pm shuttle back to the hotel and decided to call it a night.

And so ends Day 1 of my vacation.

Cute Ultraman

Got this from Siew Says blog... Cannot resist putting it here ;)

Notice how the ultraman changes colour in sync with the music...

Conscience

This is a good one. Sooooo true!

Bill Clinton in Malaysia

It was such an honour for me to be able to get tickets to Bill Clinton's lecture in conjunction with The Inaugural Sekhar Memorial Lecture at the Plenary Hall in KLCC. I have to add that I was privileged to score Special Guest tickets and was seated right behind the VIPs. The view was great!

The day started off with some makeup, which I usually reserve only for dinner parties, and dressing up. That caused a mad rush for me early in the morning. Worked half a day at the office and by 1.30pm I was heading to KLCC. Traffic was a bit heavy that day since it was a Friday and it was prayer time at the mosques.

Passes were to be collected between 2pm to 4pm and I was thinking that there might be a long queue. I mean, this is the Bill Clinton we're talking about. I'm sure my Special Guest passes are not that special. But boy was I in for a surprise.

There was a long queue, never seen such a queue before when I arrived. But I thought, maybe I'll just walk up to the front to see what's going on. And lo and behold, there was a Special Guest counter and there was nobody queuing there. Yay!

I got my pass and decided to head for lunch. It was only 2.15pm and doors didn't open till 5pm. So off I went to Spring Garden Restaurant. Newly renovated. I thought, why not give myself a treat. As usual, even the simplest dishes amaze me at Spring Garden.

At 5pm, proceeded back to the Plenary Hall where I was led about on a wild goose chase. There I am in my heels (which I'm totally not used to - another story for another day) and those ushers just kept directing me the wrong way. From the Ground floor, they said to go up to the 3rd floor. So took the lift up and tried to look for the entrance. Asked around and was told to go to the 1st floor. At the 1st floor, was told to go back up to the 3rd floor. This is when I started to get mad. I hate it when people can't give me proper directions and make me walk such distances in heels.

Finally found out that entrance is at 3rd floor down the stairs to enter the Plenary Hall at the 1st floor. Gosh! And that took like 4 different people to get it right.

Went in the hall and phew there were still good seats available. Quite up the front just behind the VIPs. Unobstructed view of the stage. Cool!



The event was supposed to start at 6pm so it was quite a long wait inside the hall. I wasn't going to move and get out for fear of losing my seats. They're my seats! Mine!

As usual, nothing ever starts on time in KL. So it wasn't a surprise that the event only started at 6.30pm. Wasn't all that bad. Wedding dinners start at least an hour later. So half an hour wait is quite good actually.



The event started off with Datuk Vinod Sekhar welcoming and introducing Former US President, Bill Clinton. What followed in the next 40 minutes when Bill took the stage was just awe inspiring. His articulation of his thoughts on what is happening around the world is just amazing. In fact, it's exactly my thoughts.

Why must there be war? Why must people fight? Why can't people just be more tolerant to differences? In the end, we're all humans after all and we're all dependent on each other. That's what global interdependence is all about.



Few points that I will always remember clearly during his lecture are:

1) Before coming to the lecture, he had the opportunity to visit the Bird Park. There were all kinds of birds all living harmoniously in the park. And they were all getting along just fine. At one point, there was a male peacock which spread it's tail to another bird. I can't remember of what species but it wasn't a peahen. Now if birds could do that, why can't we humans do that?

2) After visiting the bird park, he paid a visit to our Prime Minister and his Deputy in Putrajaya. On the way back to KLCC, traffic was heavy and a 35 minute journey became a 65 minute journey. Hence the delay in starting the lecture which he promptly apologised for. But then he said, for a country with so much traffic, your economy will do just fine in these trying times. Coming from a man who was responsible for the longest economic expansion in American history, it sure does mean something for us.

3) Personally I have been wondering for a long, long time why wars are raged onto others in the name of religion. Bear in mind I'm not a very religious person. But I just hate to see all the fighting going on for years and years. And when Bill told the audience about his wife's personal aide who happens to be a devout Muslim and has a best friend who's Jewish, it really showed me that it's all about tolerance. When you're far away in another land, it really doesn't matter who you are and what your beliefs are. All that matters is the connection that each of us has with one another. No matter who we are and what we believe in, we are the human race. Simple.

4) Good business. When asked about charity versus profits, it all boils down to good business, according to Bill. And it just makes so much sense. Take for example, The Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative with its goal to help being AIDS treatment to people all over the world. One of its biggest success is in brokering drug distribution agreements. Lower the cost, increase the volume. Result = same profit. Personally, I think the profit could be even more.

If only everyone could make the shift in their mindset about how interconnected we are with every other human being, life would actually be much simpler and happier.

After his lecture, Bill was presented with The BC Sekhar Medal for Transformational Leadership.

It was a very good day for me albeit I ended up with sore feet from the wild goose chase. But it was all well worth it.

Appreciation

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is here! Although we don't celebrate it in Malaysia but I sure have lots of friends who are celebrating overseas. I am thankful for what I have in my life right now. It has been a long journey and life still goes on. I just want to say a very big

THANK YOU

to everyone who has touched my lives, to my family and friends who have supported me through thick & thin.

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

And in the spirit of being thankful, here's a game for all to enjoy!

The Greatest Lesson I Have Just Learnt - FLOW

I have just returned from the most amazing and awesome weekend in Bali. And no... it's not another holiday. It was EBS.

What is EBS?

It's Entrepreneur Business School.

Business school?

Yup. But it's not about business. It's not about the plan.

Most of you readers out there probably wouldn't understand what I'm going to be rambling about for remainder of this post but if you did... you'd know.

Over the weekend, I learnt a lot about people and connection and flow.

I never really thought about flow throughout the weekend during EBS. But then a thought occurred to me at the airport while waiting for my flight to return to KL.

Why is EBS always held in Bali?

I had been wondering why Roger chooses Bali as the venue. At first I thought, hmm... maybe because his family now lives in Bali. But then I thought again. There must be something more.

So, there I was wandering around the boarding gate area waiting for my flight and it suddenly occurred to me.

I know why EBS is held in Bali! It is a lesson that Roger hopes all EBS participants will learn from the people of Bali.

Just think about it. What is it about these simple people leading simple lives in Bali?

Bali is one of Indonesia's wealthest regions thanks largely to the tourism industry. It is paradise to some. Despite all the development on the island, the Balinese people have always been very grateful for what they have. Yes, they are proud of their achievements, but they did not have any ego in them. They were just grateful.

Then, in 2002, the Kuta area was bombed by militant Islamist. It shook the whole island. Every single person in Bali was affected in one way or another. I remember several years back when I made my first visit to Bali and I had a chat with the travel agent there. There wasn't a single tourist for at least 3 months right after the bombing. Not a single one.

Workers went for months without getting paid. People could hardly survive. They couldn't feed their families.

Yet, they persevered. They struggled. And throughout this struggle, they were never upset. They accepted that whatever happened, had happened for a reason. Now, there are also Muslims living on the island. Most of them came from the island of Java. It could have been easy enough for the Balinese people to take revenge as Muslims are a minority on the island of Bali. But yet they didn't. Instead, they worked together to rebuild the island.

Things were only starting to get better when again in 2005, another bomb was set off. Again by militant Islamists. The lives of all the people on the island was once again sent into turmoil. Yet, the people were not upset. They accepted again that what happened, had happened.

And at that moment, when that thought occurred to me, I knew the reason why EBS is held in Bali. The people of Bali are so in flow... What better place to learn about flow than in Bali...

And if all the participants of EBS could just learn this one lesson from the people of Bali, that would have been the most important lesson learnt.

Malaysia. My Country, My Home

Malaysia... What can I say? My country, my home. Despite the recent developments in the country, I must say that Malaysia is still a beautiful country. A rich country.

Rich? You would ask. Yes. Rich.

Rich in culture.

Rich in colours.

Rich in food.

Rich in people.

Rich in resources.

Rich in destinations.

Rich in talent.

Rich in so many other things.

Now you may ask. Is Malaysia really that rich?

Why not? Here's why.

Rich in culture.

Over the years, different races have been living harmoniously under one 'roof'. Yes. Amazing but true. Our cultures have blended so well that the oh-so-famous Coffee Bean Ice Blended Coffee can't beat that.

We see the Malays giving green packets during Hari Raya. Notice something familiar? Red packets during Chinese New Year.

And when it's EPL season, you'll see people from all walks of life floodingthe mamak stalls to catch their favourite team in action on the big screen.

What about the ever famous batik cloth now fashionably made into cheongsam. It's totally fabulous!

Rich in colours.

Have you ever seen all the different traditional costumes of all the different races in Malaysia all put together? You'll be amazed at the colours on display.

And then there's the Annual Flora Fest held in Putrajaya. Oh! The colours are such a sight for sore eyes.

Rich in food.

Anyone ever tried going on a 'makan' trip anywhere in Malaysia? For the benefit of overseas readers, 'makan' means eat in Malay. The culinary delights you'll find here are of (g)astronomical proportions. I read in a magazine recently that for every hour of the day, you'll be able to find something to fulfill all your cravings.

From the ever so famous nasi lemak to bak kut teh to durian tarts to fish head curry to Portugese grilled fish to chocolate banana cake to asam laksa to char kueh teow to hokkien meehoon to grilled chicken wings to satay to banana leaf rice to roti canai to dim sum to otak-otak.

I have to stop here. My mouth is watering...

Rich in people.

Some might think that there are only three races in Malaysia. The Malays, the Chinese and the Indians. Many have forgotten about the Dayaks, the Kadazans, the Ibans, the Bidayuhs, the Melanau, the Minangkabaus, the orang asli. And just imagine, we all live happily under one 'roof', regardless of race and religion.

Rich in resources.

Has anyone ever pondered upon the fact that the people of Malaysia are one hell of a lucky bunch?

We are strategically located in a little circle within the Pacific Rim of Fire, free of volcanoes, earthquakes, typhoons and hurricanes. Our neighbour, Indonesia, isn't as lucky as us. They have volcanoes which are the most active of the Rim. And to think we are only separated by the Straits of Melaka.

And within this strategic location, we are blessed with petroleum and tin. We have soil so fertile that rubber and palm oil flourish in plantations. Not to mention the various types of fruits that we export to the Western countries.

Rich in destinations.

One will be amazed at the inbound tourists that flood the country year in year out. We have Americans, Europeans, Middle Easterns, Australians, Japanese, Koreans and even Singaporeans constantly arriving on our shores. But have you ever wondered why we have tourists from all over the world coming here year after year after year?

One thing I have to admit is our government does a really good job promoting Visit Malaysia Year. And it's really not that difficult a task to do.

We have some of the best island destinations in the world. From Pulau Pinang to Pulau Langkawi to Pulau Redang to Pulau Perhentian to Pulau Tioman and not to forget Pulau Sipadan, home to one of the best diving locations in the world.

And how can we forget our beloved Mount Kinabalu, tallest mountain in Malaysia. Home to the Rafflesia, the largest single flower in the world. Mount Kinabalu is also home to thirteen species of the insectivorous pitcher plants, the Kinabalu giant red leech, the Kinabalu giant earthworm and the Rhinocerous Hornbill.

Rich in talent.

The above said, we have yet more richness in us. And that is talent. One may not know but there are quite a number of Malaysians who are internationally renowned.

We have Jimmy Choo (shoe designer), Zang Toi (fashion designer), Melinda Looi (fashion designer), Nicole David (squash player), Lee Chong Wei (badminton player), Siti Nurhaliza (singer), the late Sudirman Arshad (singer), Sheila Majid (singer) and oh so many more.

I was born here. I grew up here. I studied here (although I did a twinning program). I work here.

My life is here. My Malaysia.

Here In My Home

Absolutely lovely video...

Quote Of The Day

There are two things to aim at in life; first to get what you want, and after that to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind has achieved the second. - Logan Pearsall Smith

How Fast Can You Type?

How fast can you type? Try out this cool SpeedTest.


101 words

Rocky Inspirations!

By ELIZABETH NG

So what does Sylvester Stallone have to do with a Penangite writer’s first book? The answer: everything, as the soon-to-be released book is a collection of the Hollywood actor’s “life values”. The philosophies are not only gleaned from Stallone’s life but are also mined from his most popular film character – the underdog pugilist Rocky.

The principles of persevering despite the odds and how winning isn’t the only thing that matters are found in Gerald Chuah’s inaugural book entitled In the Eye of the Tiger: Survival Principles from Sylvester Stallone’s Life & Films.

“The book offers fundamental principles on how to be successful in life,” said the slightly overwhelmed and nervous author during the book’s soft launch at Borders, Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur on Jan 22. “My first draft was written in 1990.”

Jacqueline Stallone (right) -- mother of the Hollywood actor -- launches Chuah's book. -- Picture by ELIZABETH NG.

Chuah has come a long way since then, rewriting the book countless times before finally deciding to complete it to coincide with the release of Stallone’s Rocky Balboa, the sixth and final movie of the Rocky franchise.

Of course, part of Chuah’s “final boost” came in the form of Jacqueline, Stallone’s mother, who wholeheartedly endorses Chuah’s dream project-turned-reality.

“I met Gerald through e-mail 10 years ago and when I saw the book about two years ago, I thought it was wonderful. I showed it to Sylvester and he said every bit of what is written is actually true,” said Jacqueline, a noted celebrity astrologer, who was also present at the launch.

According to Jacqueline, the principles in the book were what Stallone was raised on and her son had a really difficult time while growing up.

“His face was half-paralysed and his body half-crippled because he was injured at birth. He didn’t have many friends growing up and he couldn’t get along with the other kids -- they were mean.”

Chuah's book (above) will be available in Borders bookstores in February.

Stallone was also thrown out of 17 schools and didn’t excel in any subject, even physical education! So when Jacqueline turned to her astrological charts to see what the future had in store for him, she discovered something surprising.

“His chart said that he would be a writer so I told him about it and he got angry. Didn’t want to talk to me, but see now…” she said of Stallone, who penned all the Rocky movies.

Of Chuah’s book, Jacqueline hopes that readers will like the quotations and gain something from the insights as they aren’t dispensed by geniuses or experts, but a regular guy who has had experience fighting for what he believes in and achieving goals that others deemed impossible.

It looks like the zen-like principles do pay off. Just ask Chuah, who continued to pursue his dream even when he couldn’t see an end in sight. Holding on to the very values he was writing about, the New Straits Times journalist worked on his labour of love without knowing whether a book would ever be published.

“I didn’t know that today would ever come. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my book would one day be endorsed and launched by Jackie. This is indeed a great honour, and a high point in my life.

“I want the legacy of the Rocky spirit to continue and if I can do it (publish a book), anybody can do it,” added Chuah, who has yet to actually speak to Stallone.

With materials sourced from newspaper archives, books, magazines, rare documentaries and the Internet, Chuah’s collection of Stallone-esque principles touches on various aspects in life such as love, faith, courage and spirituality. Apart from the inspiring insights into reaching one’s goals, the book also contains 36 hand-drawn illustrations of Stallone’s popular film characters.

Now that that’s done, what will Chuah attempt next?

“I would like to write a book on people who’ve gone through hardships and make it in real life. Stories of how people can be the best they can be. It would be about real ‘Rocky’ stories.”

In the Eye of the Tiger: Survival Principles from Sylvester Stallone’s Life & Films will be available in all Borders bookstores in February. Those who would like to pre-order the book can do so at www.stallonism.com. Rocky Balboa is scheduled to open in cinemas on Feb 22.

Happy New Year 2007 http://www.audreychooi.com

Tens of thousands of Malaysians ushered in the New Year on a boisterous note at various venues. Packed with tens of thousands of revellers for the New Year street party. A magnificent 15-minute pyrotechnic show took place. Roads in the vicinity of The Curve in Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya were closed to traffic for a street party attended by a large crowd. At nearby Bandar Utama, thousands were entertained by Australian boy band North, Taiwanese singer Jenie Chuo, Singaporean Apple Hong and others. http://www.audreychooi.com

Non-threatening, homely, down to earth, informal and relaxed.

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Aren't they just pretty?

It's been a while since my last post. Have been busy. Anyway, had the pleasure of visiting Sungai Buloh nurseries recently and came across my fave flower. How could I resist?

Bad Day About To Get Worse

Polite Way to Pee

During one of her daily classes a teacher trying to teach good manners,
asked her students the following question:

"Michael, if you were on a date having dinner with a nice young lady,
how would you tell her that you have to go to the bathroom?"

Michael said, "Just a minute I have to go pee."
The teacher responded by saying, "That would be rude and impolite."

What about you Peter, how would you say it?"

Peter said, "I'm sorry, but I really need to go to the bathroom. I'll be
right back."

"That's better, but it's still not very nice to say the word bathroom at
the dinner table. And you, little Johnny, can you use your brain for
once and show us your good manners?"

"I would say: Darling, may I please be excused for a moment? I have to
shake hands with a very dear friend of mine, whom I hope you'll get to
meet after dinner."

The teacher fainted...

Is it true???

How would your life change if you earned an extra $120,000 online this year?

Smart Kid!

A first-grade teacher was having trouble with one of her students. The teacher asked, "Harry, what is your problem?" Harry answered, "I'm too smart for the first-grade. My sister is in the third-grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I should be in the third-grade too!"

The teacher had enough. She took Harry to the principal's office. While Harry waited in the outer office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told the teacher he would give the boy a test and if he failed to answer any of his questions he was to go back to the first-grade and behave. The teacher agreed. Harry was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test.

Principal: "What is 3 x 3?"

Harry: "9"

Principal: "What is 6 x 6?"

Harry: "36"

And so it went with every question the principal thought a third-grade should know. The principal looks at the teacher and tells her, "I think Harry can go to the third-grade." The teacher says to the principal, "Let me ask him some questions?" The principal and Harry both agree.

Teacher: "What does a cow have four of that I have only two of?

Harry: "Legs"

Teacher: "What is in your pants that you have but I do not have?" (The principal wondered, why does she ask such a question!)

Harry: "Pockets"

Teacher: "What does a dog do that a man steps into?"

Harry: "Pants"

Teacher: "What starts with a C and ends with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious and contains thin whitish liquid?" (The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer...)

Harry: "Coconut"

Teacher: "What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky?"

Harry: "Bubblegum"

Teacher: "What does a man do standing up, a woman do sitting down and a dog do on three legs?" (The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer...)

Harry: "Shake hands"

Teacher: "Now I will ask some 'Who am I' sort of questions, okay?"

Harry: "Yup"

Teacher: "You stick your poles inside me. You tie me down to get me up. I get wet before you do."

Harry: "Tent"

Teacher: "A finger goes in me. You fiddle with me when you're bored. The best man always has me first." (Principal was looking restless and bit tense)

Harry: "Wedding Ring"

Teacher: "I come in many sizes. When I'm not well, I drip. When you blow me, you feel good."

Harry: "Nose"

Teacher: "I have a stiff shaft. My tip penetrates. I come with a quiver."

Harry: "Arrow"

Teacher: "What word starts with an 'F' and ends in 'K' that means a lot of excitement?"

Harry: "Fire truck"

The principal breathed a sigh of relief and told the teacher, "Put him in the fifth-grade, I got the last ten questions wrong myself."

Ever wonder...

Rise and shine :)

..why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?
..why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
..why you don't ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
..why "abbreviated" is such a long word?
..why doctors call what they do "practice"?
..why you have to click on "Start" to stop Microsoft Windows?
..why lemon juice is made with artificial flavour, while dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons?
..why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?
..why there isn't mouse-flavoured cat food?
..who tastes dog food when it has a "new & improved" flavour?
..why Noah didn't swat those two mosquitoes?
..why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
..why they don't make the whole plane out of the material used for the indestructible black box ?
..why sheep don't shrink when it rains?
..why they are called apartments when they are all stuck together?
..if con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
..why they call the airport "the terminal" if flying is so safe?

AND...

In case you need further proof that the human race is doomed because of stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.

On a Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping.(darn, and that's the only time I have to work on my hair).
On a bag of Fritos: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (the shoplifter special?)
On a bar of Dial soap: "Directions: Use like regular soap." (and that would be how???....)
On some Swanson frozen dinners: "Serving suggestion: Defrost." (but, it's "just" a suggestion).
On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom): "Do not turn upside down." (well...duh, a bit late, huh)!
On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding: "Product will be hot after heating." (..and you thought????...)
On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do not iron clothes on body." (but wouldn't this save me more time?)
On Boot's Children Cough Medicine:"Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication." (We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5-year-olds with head-colds off those forklifts.)
On Nytol Sleep Aid: "Warning: May cause drowsiness." (and...I'm taking this because???....)
On most brands of Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only." (as opposed to...what?)
On a Japanese food processor: "Not to be used for the other use." (now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)
On Sunsbury's peanuts: "Warning: contains nuts." (talk about a news flash!)
On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts" (Step 3: maybe, uh...fly Delta?)
I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one: On a child's Superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."
On a Swedish chainsaw: "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals." (...was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)

Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even a chuckle)...in other words send it to everyone.

Seven Wonders Of The World

A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World." Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.

"The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:

1. To see
2. To hear
3. To touch
4. To taste
5. To feel
6. To laugh
7. And to love

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous!

A gentle reminder -- that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man. Don't be too busy to pass this along.

Girlfriends...

On this day when I'm missing my friends... here's something about girlfriends...

I sat under an Oak tree in Wyoming on a summer day, drinking iced tea and visiting with my Mother.

"Don't forget your girlfriends," Mother advised, clinking the ice cubes in her glass. "No matter how much you love your husband, you are still going to need girlfriends.Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.And remember that girlfriends are not only friends, but sisters, daughters and other relatives too."

What a funny piece of advice, I thought. Hadn't I just gotten married? Hadn't I just joined the couple-world? I was now a married woman, for goodness sake, not a young girl who needed girlfriends. But I listened to my Mom.

I kept contact with my girlfriends and made more each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, gradually I came to understand that Mom really knew what she was talking about.

Here is what I know about Girlfriends:

Girlfriends bring casseroles and scrub your bathroom when you need help.

Girlfriends keep your children and keep your secrets.

Girlfriends give advice when you ask for it.

Sometimes you take it, sometimes you don't.

Girlfriends don't always tell you that you're right, but they're usually honest.

Girlfriends still love you, even when they don't agree with your choices.

Girlfriends might send you a birthday card, but they might not. It does not matter in the least !

Girlfriends laugh with you, and you don't need canned jokes to start the laughter.

Girlfriends pull you out of jams.

Girlfriends don't keep a calendar that lets them know who hosted the other last big party!!

Girlfriends will give a party for your son or daughter when they get married or have a baby, in whichever order that comes!

Girlfriends are there for you, in an instant and when the hard times come.

Girlfriends listen when you lose a job or a friend.

Girlfriends listen when your children break your heart.

Girlfriends listen when your parents' minds and bodies fail.

My daughters, sisters, family, and friends bless my life!

When we began this adventure we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead.

Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Pass this on to your girlfriends/sisters/daughters. I just did (to all my girlfriends reading this).

All-time favourite car!

Mini Cooper S... Whoa!

David Copperfield Found Fountain Of Youth!

Friend sent me this snippet from www.i4u.com.... Do you think it's true?

I am not making this up. It is on bloody Reuters: Famous Magician David Copperfield says he found the Fountain of Youth on one of the Bahamas Islands he bought recently.

Apparently if you drop dead leaves or near dead bugs into the magic water, they become full of life again. Mr. Copperfield has hired biologists and geologists to figure out how the effect of the water on humans might be.

To live forever is a ancient dream of human kind. We are (at least in the industrial nations) are anyway getting older because of advances in medicine and the convenient life. I do not think we are in the need for Copperfield Bottled Water.
See also the David Copperfield site.

TV in Stores!

The wait is over! Television is in stores now! Go grab it!



Check out Pete's newly revamped website while you're there...

Fire at the old Swettenham Bus Terminal

Trailed two fire engines yesterday evening during rush hour and found this. The old Swettenham Bus Terminal was on fire! Massive jam during rush hour yesterday evening causing the fire engines delay in getting to the site. Talk about motorists who are supposed to obey rules. As the fire engines were trying to rush to the scene, lorries and cars were just not willing to give way. Screeching sirens went unheeded. Sigh... What has become of the world...

Another big day...

It's my sister's birthday today and it started to make me wonder... how fast time flies??? I can still remember the fights and quarrels we used to have when we were little and now she's all grown up and married! Even talking about having babies next year... When I think back on those times, I can't imagine us being mothers when we're still like babies at times. Oh well... that's life I guess... It will go on...

Think about it!

1. People who point at their wrist while asking for the time.... I know where my watch is pal, where is yours? Do I point at my crotch when I ask where the toilet is?

2. People who are willing to get off their ass to search the entire room for the TV remote because they refuse to walk to the TV and change the channel manually.

3. When people say "Oh you just want to have your cake and eat it too". Damn right! What good is a cake if you can't eat it?

4. When people say "it's always the last place you look". Of course it is. Why in the world would you keep looking after you've found it? Do people do this? Who and where are they?

5. When people say while watching a film "did you see that?" No Loser, I paid $12 to come to the cinema and stare at the floor.

6. People who ask "Can I ask you a question?".... Didn't really give me a choice there sunshine?

7. When something is 'new and improved!'. Which is it? If it's new, then there has never been anything before it. If it's an improvement, then there must have been something before it.

8. When people say "life is short". What the heck?? Life is the longest damn thing anyone ever does!! What can you do that's longer?

9. When you are waiting for the bus and someone asks "Has the bus come yet?". If the bus came would I be standing here, dumb ass?

Happy Birthday PC!

Tomorrow, August 12,2006 marks the 25th anniversary of the Personal Computer. First developed by IBM in 1981, the PC was touted as something "for just about everyone who has ever wanted a personal system in the office, on the university campus or at home".

We couldn't agree more.

A pity we can't all give our PCs a day off though!

For those of us who grew up with computers, it might seem that the beige box has been around forever, but on Saturday morning you might like to wish your PC a happy 25th birthday.

It was back in 1981 that IBM took the wraps off its first Personal Computer, and it was subsequently launched with great fanfare in Australia 16 months later.

Brian Finn, IBM's managing director at the time, described the PC as "the computer for just about everyone who has ever wanted a personal system in the office, on the university campus or at home".

A starter system cost $4273 (in Australian Dollars) and featured 64K memory, a 160KB disk drive, ran on Microsoft's Disk Operating System (DOS) and included a keyboard and monitor.

In the two years after the launch of the IBM PC, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of units were sold worldwide, and as it became the dominant force in the market throughout the 1980s, the decade also gave birth to the adage: "No one ever got fired for buying IBM."

Although IBM was the first to ship a Personal Computer to market, the company's machine was not the first to bring microprocessor technology to the masses. That movement was born in 1976 when Apple rolled out the Apple II computer.

Despite the IBM brand becoming virtually synonymous with PCs during the '80s, the company's strength in the corporate market was forged through its historical association with the massive computers that predated microprocessors, typically run by teams of specialists charged with feeding in instructions.

What proved to be IBM's great strength in the Personal Computer market was its broad industry support from a range of software and hardware players, an open architecture that encouraged third-party development, and attractive prices.

The decade also gave birth to a precursor to the laptop, with IBM's "Portable Personal Computer" hitting the market in 1984. Weighing in at 30 pounds, the machine was touted as being able to "travel where the work is".

The Personal Computer spawned a number of rivals throughout the '80s and a whole new market evolved based on IBM "clones", which ultimately proved a generous source of income for the company in licence fees.

Source: The Age

My first monorail ride

Finally, my first KL Monorail Ride. Was quite scary though coz the whole train vibrates and shakes when it's moving. Wonder why...

My Big Day...

One of the best celebrations I've had in years.... Lazed around till late and had a wonderful time up in Genting... Hot choc up in the highlands with the cool (or rather cold) breeze blowing... Won some at the 'tables' as well ;)

Are we getting old?

We're getting old, right?

You still talk about Doraemon whereas kids today talk about Pokemon. We are from the Doraemon generation and they are from the Pokemon generation.

Let's see. The majority of students in universities today were born in 1983.... They are youth.

For them, they have never heard of "We are the World, we are the Children..."

And the "Uptown Girl" they know is by Westlife not Billy Joel.

For them, there have always been only one Germany and only one Vietnam. AIDS exists since they were born.

CD exists since they were born.

Michael Jackson is already whitened.

John Travolta is always round in shape and they can't imagine how this fat guy could be a god of dance.

They believe that Charlie's Angels and Mission Impossible are just new films out last year.

They can never imagine a black and white screen for a computer.

They never know Pac-Man.

They can't believe a black and white television ever existed and they don't even know how to switch on a TV without a remote control.

And they never understand how we could go out without a mobile phone when we were in university...

Let's check if we're getting old...

1. You understand what was written above and you smile.

2. You need to sleep more, until afternoon, after a night out.

3. Your friends are getting married.

4. You are always surprised to see small children playing comfortably with computer.

5. When you see teenagers with mobile phones, you shake your head.

6. You developed more and more feelings about your work. It's not your life.

7. You spend less and less time talking on phone with your friends daily.

8. You meet your friends from time to time, talking about the good old days,repeating again and again all funny stories your experienced together.

9. Having read this, you are thinking of forwarding it to some other friends. You think they will like it too.....

Ha..ha...ha....Yes, you're getting old.

Sunrise Jazz & Rhythm Fest 2007

Anyone went for the Jazz Fest this year? This is the 7th time I'm there and it still rocks! Asiabeat will always be Asiabeat. Never miss that for anything. This year I managed to catch Shelley Leong and the Jazz Odyssey.

Finally bought Az Samad's CD Acoustic Gestures.

Audrey Hepburn's Beauty Tips

A favourite poem of Audrey Hepburn by Sam Levenson. She read it to her sons Christmas eve of '92.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone ...

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,
reclaimed and redeemed and redeemed and redeemed. Never throw out anybody. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

If One Day

If one day you feel like crying
Call me
I don't promise that
I will make you laugh
But I can cry with you

If one day you want to run away
Don't be afraid to call me
I don't promise to ask you to stop
But I can run with you

If one day you don't want to listen to anyone
Call me
I promise to be there for you
And I promise to be very quiet

But if one day you call
And there is no answer
Come fast to see me
Maybe I need you

If I ever ignored you
I'm sorry

If I ever made you feel bad or put you down
I'm sorry

If I ever thought I was bigger or better than you
I love you

Don't ever forget that!

Through bad times and good
I'll always be here for you

I am sorry
For everything wrong I've ever done

I'm writing this because
What if tomorrow never comes?

What if I never get to say goodbye or give you a big hug?
What if I never get to say I'm sorry or I love you?

Because what if tomorrow never comes?

I LOVE YOU!
FRIENDS ALWAYS!

Common Phrases Quiz - Answers

1. 26 Letters of the Alphabet
2. 7 Wonders of the World
3. 16 Ounces in the Pound
4. 12 Signs of the Zodiac
5. 54 Cards in the Deck (with Jokers)
6. 9 Planets in the Solar System
7. 88 Piano Keys
8. 13 Stripes on the American Flag
9. 0 Degrees Celsius at which Water Freezes
10. 18 Holes on a Golf Course
11. 90 Degrees in a Right Angle
12. 200 Pounds for Passing Go in Monopoly
13. 7 Sides on a Fifty Pence Peace
14. 3 Blind Mice (See How They Run)
15. 13 Loaves in a Bakers Dozen
16. 24 Hours in a Day
17. 1 Wheel on a Unicycle
18. 57 Heinz Varieties
19. 11 Players in a Football Team
20. 29 Days in February in a Leap Year
21. 64 Squares on a Chess Board
22. 76 Trombones in the Big Parade
23. Rained for 40 Days and Nights in the Great Flood
24. 39 Steps
25. 3 Men in a Boat
26. 20 Numbers on a Dart Board
27. 900 Miles from Lands End to John O' Groats
28. 1 Partridge in a Pear Tree
29. 366 Days in a Leap Year
30. 2 Shakes of a Lamb's Tail
31. 4 Seasons in a Year
32. 4 and 20 Black Birds Baked in a Pie

Common Phrases Quiz

Anyone dare to attempt this?

1. 26 L- of the A-
2. 7 W- of the W-
3. 16 O- in the P-
4. 12 S- of the Z-
5. 54 C- in the D- (with J-)
6. 9 P- in the S- S-
7. 88 P- K-
8. 13 S- on the A- F-
9. 0 D- C- at with W- F-
10. 18 H- on a G- C-
11. 90 D- in a R- A-
12. 200 P- for P- G- in M-
13. 7 S- on a F- P- P-
14. 3 B- M- .... (S- H- T- R-)
15. 13 L- in a B- D-
16. 24 H- in a D-
17. 1 W- on a U-
18. 57 H- V-
19. 11 P- in a F- T-
20. 29 D- in F- in a L- Y-
21. 64 S- on a C- B-
22. 76 T- in the B- P-
23. R- for 40 D- and N- in the G- F-
24. 39 S-
25. 3 M- in a B-
26. 20 N- on a D- B-
27. 900 M- from L- E- to J- O- G-
28. 1 P- in a P- T-
29. 366 D- in a L- Y-
30. 2 S- of a L- T-
31. 4 S- in a Y-
32. 4 and 20 B- B- B- in a P-

Answers tomorrow...

Thought for the day...

If you think life is bad..... How would you like to be an egg?

You only get laid once.
You only get eaten once.
It takes four minutes to get hard.
Onlytwo minutes to get soft.
You share your box with 10 other guys.
But worst of all..
The only chick that ever sat on your face was your mother!!!

So cheer up, Your life ain't that bad!!!!

Pass it around to someone who you feel can use a good lay, Oops....I mean day!!!!!

World's Easiest Quiz - Answers

Are you ready?

1) How long did the Hundred Years War last?
A: 116 years
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
A: Ecuador
3) From which animal do we get cat gut?
A: Sheep and Horses
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
A: November
5) What is a camel's hairbrush made of?
A: Squirrel fur
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
A: Dogs
7) What was King George VI's first name?
A: Albert
8) What colour is a purple finch?
A: Crimson
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
A: New Zealand
10) What is the colour of the black box in a commercial airplane?
A: Orange

How did you score?

World's Easiest Quiz

1) How long did the Hundred Years War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get cat gut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's hairbrush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What was King George VI's first name?
8) What colour is a purple finch?
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
10) What is the colour of the black box in a commercial airplane?

Answers tomorrow...

Inspiritional Quotes

A friend sent me this recently...

What we are today is a result of our own actions;
Whatever we wish to be in future depends on our present actions;
Decide how you have to act now.
We are responsible for what we are, whatever we wish ourselves to be.
We have the power to make ourselves.

The most difficult phase of life
is not when no one understands you;
It is when you don't understand yourself.

Whatever you give to life, it gives you back.
Do not hate anybody.
The hatred which comes out from you will someday come back to you.
Love others. And Love will come back to you.

For everything you have missed, you have gained something else;
And for everything you gain, you lose something else.
It is about your outlook towards life. You can either regret or rejoice.

Arrow goes forward only after pulling it backwards
Bullet goes forward only after pressing the trigger backwards
Everyone will be happy
only after facing the difficulties in life...
So do not be afraid to face your difficulties.
They will push you forward.

Remember you are born to live
Don't live because you were born!
Don't go the way life takes you...
Take life the way you go!