Gong Xi Fatt Chai

A Kay Poh Chi Shih Tzu

Angel loves cats.
We always teased her by saying CATS CATS CATS and
she would shoot off to the kitchen, smelling for cats
and peeping for them thru the grill door.
And when Angel sees them, she would be so excited,
barking non stop until the cats moved out of her senses & sights
Sometimes we carry Shorty Angel to have a good look over the grill door so that she is satisfied there are not more cats in the backlane

This morning, while cleaning my kitchen, Angel was busy barking and jumping, hoping she can see the cats.
And me being occupied with my cleaning, had no time to carry her for a peep.

Improvised, Angel can have the backlane view to her satisfaction & heart content.




Presenting KPC Angel..


standing on a stool, looking out to the world



trying her hardest to hold on to dear life with her front paws







and looking at the drain to see if the cats are hiding under them

she one real KPC dog...

Levian Bread House @ Jalan Delima, Kuala Lumpur

It has been a quite awhile since we found time to have a nice breakfast together. With the girls growing up and having their own life & activities, our time out together sometimes just does not meet everyone's schedule.

Moreover, with Angel around, we had to properly house-train her first. She does not like to be alone for long.

Anyway, today we managed to get/sneak out for the morning, drove down to Kuala Lumpur and have a brunch at Levain. This place is housed in one of those old bungalows, renovated to look like a Parisian cafe.

The moment we stepped into the shop, the aroma reminded me of those bakeries at Europe. Perhaps it because the bread & pastries are baked in stone oven.

With Chrismas just roun the corner, of course there must be some Christmassy stuff on display.

Pastries ...

More yummies pastries & salad

cute looking bread

Macaroons ....and cakes

ok..I got to go enjoy my brunch now...

GUIDE FOR DRIVERS IN MALAYSIA

I was checking for guidelines on driving.

Stumbled upon a gem of story on this webpage, contents of which I have reposted as below.


http://www.backpackingmalaysia.com/stories/a-guide-for-drivers-in-malaysia




Aptly worded. Humourous as the article may seem, it is really a shame that's the way we Malaysian drivers are seen nowadays.




Driving in NZ was a wonderful experience. On uphill roads/terrain, bigger truck/lorry and slower vehicles actually stopped at the side of the road to allow the faster/smaller vehicles to overtake. We definitely would not see such discipline driving manner here.






Happy reading and let's try to make KL a better & safer place to drive.




Malaysians are the most friendly people but put behind the wheel they become MFMs (Me-First-Malaysians). As a traveller just keep in mind, people drive on the left side here and look to the right and the left before crossing the road (lots of one-way-streets) The following is from a funny email I received recently. A humorous way look at how people drive in Malaysia. Enjoy.

What is the most important rule of the road in Malaysia?

The most important rule is that you must arrive at your destination ahead of the car in front of you. This is the sacrosanct rule of driving in Malaysia. All other rules are subservient to this rule.What side of the road should you drive on in Malaysia?A: 99.7% of cars drive on the left hand side, 0.2% on the right hand side, and 0.1% drive in reverse (be on the look out for drivers reversing at high speed in the left hand lane of freeways, having just missed their exit). Therefore on the basis of 'majority rules', it is recommended that you drive on the left. However, be aware that only 90% of motorcyclists travel on the left hand side - the other 10% ride in the opposite direction or on the sidewalk. Fortunately, motorcyclists traveling in reverse are rarely seen.


What are the white lines on the roads?

A: These are known as lane markers and were used by the British in the colonial days to help them drive straight. Today their purpose is mainly decorative, although a double white line is used to indicate a place that is popular to overtake.


When can I use the emergency lane?

You can use the emergency lane for any emergency, e.g. you are late for work, you left the toaster plugged in at home, you are bursting to go to the toilet, you have a toothache or you have just dropped your Starbucks coffee in your lap. As it is an emergency, you may drive at twice the speed of the other cars on the road.




Do traffic lights have the same meaning as in other countries?
Not quite. Green is the same - that means "Go", but amber and red are different. Amber means "Go like hell" and red means "Stop if there is traffic coming in the other direction or if there is a policeman on the corner". Otherwise red means the same as green. Note that for buses, red lights do not take effect until five seconds after the light has changed.




What does the sign "Jalan Sehala" mean?

This means "One Way Street" and indicates a street where the traffic is required to travel in one direction. The arrow on the sign indicates the preferred direction of the traffic flow, but is not compulsory. If the traffic is not flowing in the direction in which you wish to travel, then reversing in that direction is the best option.




What does the sign "Berhenti" mean?
This means "Stop", and is used to indicate a junction where there is a possibility that you may have to stop if you cannot fool the cars on the road that you are entering into thinking that you are not going to stop.




What does the sign "Beri Laluan" mean?
This means "Give Way", and is used to indicate a junction where the cars on the road that you are entering will give way to you provided you avoid all eye contact with them and you can fool them into thinking that you have not seen them.




What does the sign "Dilarang Masuk" mean?
This means "No Entry". However, when used on exit ramps in multi-storey car parks, it has an alternative meaning which is: "Short cut to the next level up".


What does the sign "Pandu Cermat" mean?This means "Drive Smartly", and is placed along highways to remind drivers that they should never leave more than one car length between them and the car in front, irrespective of what speed they aredriving. This is to ensure that other cars cannot cut in front of you and thus prevent you from achieving the primary objective of driving in Malaysia, and that is to arrive ahead of the car in front of you. If you can see the rear number plate of the car in front of you, then you are not driving close enough.




What is the speed limit in Malaysia?
The concept of a speed limit is unknown in Malaysia.



So what are the round signs on the highways with the numbers, 60, 80 and 110?
This is the amount of the 'on-the-spot' fine (in ringgits - the local currency) that you have to pay to the police if you are stopped on that stretch of the highway. Note that for expatriates or locals driving Mercedes or BMWs, the on-the-spot fine is double the amount shown on the sign.




Where do you pay the 'on-the-spot' fine?
As the name suggests, you pay it 'on-the-spot' to the policeman who has stopped you. You will be asked to place your driving licence on the policeman's notebook that he will hand to you through the window of your car. You will note that there is a spot on the cover of the notebook. Neatly fold the amount of your fine into four, place the fine on the spot, and then cover it with your driving licence so that it cannot be seen. Pass it carefully to the policeman. Then, with a David Copperfield movement of his hands, he will make your money disappear. It is not necessary to applaud. But isn't this a bribe? Oh pleeease, go and wash your mouth out. What do you want? A traffic ticket? Yes, you can request one of those instead, but it will cost you twice the price, forms to fill out, cheques to write, envelopes to mail, and then three months later when you are advised that your fine was never received, more forms to fill out, a trip to the police station, a trip to the bank, a trip back to the police station, and maybe then you will wish you had paid 'on-the-spot'.




But what if I haven't broken any road rules?
It is not common practice in Malaysia to stop motorists for breaking road rules (because nobody is really sure what they are). The most common reasons for being stopped are: (a) the policeman is hungry and would like you to buy him lunch; (b) the policeman has run out of petrol and needs some money to get back to the station; (c) you look like a generous person who would like to make a donation to the police welfare fund; or (d) you are driving an expensive car which means you can afford to make a donation to the police welfare fund.




Does my car require a roadworthy certificate before I can drive it in Malaysia?
No, roadworthy certificates are not required in Malaysia. However there are certain other statutory requirements that must be fulfilled before your car can be driven in Malaysia. Firstly, you must ensure that your windscreen is at least 50% obscured with English football club decals, golf club membership stickers or condo parking permits. Secondly, you must place a tissue box (preferably in a white lace cover) on the back shelf of your car under the rear window. Thirdly, you must hang as many CDs or plastic ornaments from your rear vision mirror as it will support. Finally, you must place a Garfield doll with suction caps on one of your windows. Your car will then be ready to drive on Malaysian roads.


What does a single yellow line along the edge of a road mean?

This means parking is permitted.




What does a double yellow line along the edge of a road mean?This means double parking is permitted.



What does a yellow box with a diagonal grid of yellow lines painted on the road at a junction mean?

Contrary to the understanding of some local drivers, this does not mean that diagonal parking is permitted. It indicates a junction that is grid-locked at peak hours.




Can I use my mobile phone whilst driving in Malaysia?
No problem at all, but it should be noted that if you wish to use the rear-vision mirror to put on your lipstick (women only please) or trim your eyebrows at the same time as you are using a mobile phone in the other hand, you should ensure that you keep an elbow free to steer the car. Alternatively, you may place a toddler on your lap and have the child steer the car whilst you are carrying out these other essential driving tasks.




Is it necessary to use indicator lights in Malaysia?

These blinking orange lights are commonly used by newly arrived expatriate drivers to indicate they are about to change lanes. This provides a useful signal to local drivers to close up any gaps to prevent the expatriate driver from changing lanes. Therefore it is recommended that expatriate drivers adopt the local practice of avoiding all use of indicator lights. However, it is sometimes useful to turn on your left hand indicator if you want to merge right, because this confuses other drivers enabling you to take advantage of an unprotected gap in the traffic.


Why do some local drivers turn on their left hand indicator and then turn right, or turn on their right hand indicator and then turn left?

This is one of the unsolved mysteries of driving in Malaysia.

Angel & Durian, the Fruit King

Our little Angel ..whom we adopted on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month..Sept 12, 2011.

When my MIL was told the meaning of ANGEL, she called her 'DEVIL' ..and yea, I would agreed fully..cos Angel is definitely one..
devilish clever, devilish naughty, devilish delightful, devilish playful, devilish emo and definitely devilish GREEDY !


The other day, the whole family was enjoying durian and this little lady walked up, smelled and sniffed around.
Probably trying to identify that 'funny weird' (maybe foul) smelling aroma

And my doter decided to test if this is a MALAYSIAN dog..


gave her a little bit of durian flesh

Angel : emm..ok,..one small bite first of this funny stuff

Angel : the taste not bad leh...boleh tahan woh







Angel : Not finger licking good..
TONGUE LICKING GO000ODDDDDDD

Angel : Can I have a bit more PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

Angel : Burrppp...DURIAN ..my favourite fruit for now

Life

How do you console a friend when she tells you that she only has 6 months left?

Tell her to be positive, live her life to the fullest, realises her dreams, where possible?

It’s definitely easier said than done. When life dealt one with such cruel blow, does one goes against it?

Try to fight it or accept that your Maker loves you more and wants you Home with Him.

Yes, definitely depressing for me when I ‘bumped’ into my friend and knew her situation.

She has been a gutsy fighter, going for repeated chemo treatments, taking up different classes to improve her health, faithfully following strict diets but unfortunately, these provided no remedies.
Maybe she has more than 6 months or less.

What would I do if I have 6 months left?

What kind of legacy would I leave behind for my family?

Money or memories?

Perhaps less of the former and more of latter, good loving ones.

Would it be too late to make amends for all my wrong doings?

Whatever is it, I guess the best is live life to the fullest now for you never know what tomorrow may or may not bring.

Depressing piece for the year end, for I can empathise with my friend. Of her preparation for her school-going kids and their future when she is not around to see to their needs.

Confession of a Bagaholic at Bandung

B FOR BANDUNG
B FOR BAGS
B FOR BUY BUY BUY
B FOR BYE BYE MY RUPIAHS


I have a weakness for bags, big or small, formal or leisure

At Bandung, I was in bag paradise..

Stores and stores of bags...

Different designs, colours, sizes and brands...

and most importantly, darn affordable

would have bought more, but lack of rupiah notes held me back and some smaller outlets do not accept cards..

3 in one Bag (no brand)

supposingly to be made from cow skin. The size is just 'gam-gam' for me, not to big or small.

it has a smaller bag, which can be used as stand-alone, as well as a coin-purse

price : RP390,000 (RM140.00)
for this price, it's really a good bargain

complete set





Three in One Back Pack / Hand Carry Pouch

I love this bag too, it's a 3-in-1 carry bag. My doter has taken ownership meanwhile

Price : RP250,000 = RM90.00

Another nice back pack. Was tagged at RP344,900, tat about RM125.00. Was deciding to buy or not for at least 30 minutes....temptation was too great and I decided to give in lah willingly..is there not a saying..if you cannot 'beat it, join it'

At the cashier, was informed that the price was wrongly tagged, actual price RP190,000 = RM68.40. My GF jumped with joy on hearing that and grabbed the remaining piece.

A purse for myself ..I think it was less than Rp 50,000 = RM18.00

Hermes Reversible Bag
Price :RP35,000/pc = RM12.60



comes with a pouch inside

Sling Jean Bag

also at RP35,000 = RM12.60/piece

Last but not least Chloe bag (all bags are imitation lah)

material synthetic leather

Price : RP250,000 = RM90.00

I AM JUST A TYPICAL WOMAN, WHO LOVES BAGS

Bandung - A Woman's Shopping Paradise

Our 4 Days/3Nites Bandung trip was superb hilarious and truly rewarding.


Now I realised that my shopping kakis could buy almost anything, even lesong (yes..lesong tat goes tom tom) ..

One kaki bought enough bras&panties that she could change different sets everyday and still has new

and

until the next millenium



Another kaki bought enough slippers that she can easily open a store






One kaki has new bags for different days of the week
(hi hi tat's me..the guilty one)









Because it's super duper reasonably priced!





Bandung..I will be back ! Yes, I"ll definitely be back..even with all the horrendous jam !



WE WILL - HASTA LA VISTA BABY

Tangkuban Parahu & The Lesong - Bandung

Today our day started with a trip to Tangkuban Parahu, dormant volcano crater, located some 30km away from Bandung town.


Pak Yuyun got us thru the 9curves 13corners road upto the parking on the rim of this 'must-see' tourist attraction.

Last eruption was in 1959, Tangkuban Parahu means 'overturn boat'. There is a folklore about this place, so if you are interested to know more, go read wikipedia. After reading, please do donate to this e-encyclopedia.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for other tourists), this place hold little or no interest at all to my tour kakis.

Wandering around, we spotted something that caught our attention !

like moths drawn to the light, all the ladies (ahemm,..including that one male) made our way to this stall

no it's not the weaved mengkuang stuff, or the carved items


Wanna know..scroll down









more

some more lah

PRESENTING THE LESONG

made from volcano rocks

Pak Seller :

Mari, saya demostrasikan

Ni Bagus, goyang-goyang, tumbuk-tumbuk semua kau tim

ada gaya ada ummmppphh

My gf : Bawa sini, saya mau cuba, saya lagi ada gaya

My gf (scratching her head): to buy or not to buy

(US : after having a EGM over this

in one unison voice)

BUY LAH

My gf : Ok ok lah I buy...naH Pak ambil these uang before I changed my mind

And she would go home happily with her lesong in tow


Sometimes, there is no happy ending to some stories, and this is one of them..

She did not buy
Instead only this happy lady got HER ROYAL lesong ..
good bargain for a 20cm cir lesong @ Rp70k = RM25.00

We flew Garuda, so no need to mentally calculate the extra luggage costs..

DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY

Either she was over stressed from the walk or losing her mind because no lesong, so she decided to do the Para para dance ala Bandung style

and the winner said..no,..this is the way to do it..

hand up up in the air

ya ya ..i got my lesong

the lady in the mid: ahhemm..i tink your ketiak got bau already lah

end of the story..,,

stay tune for our next stop update !!!

West to East via Arthur's Pass

Today, we crossed over to the eastern coast of South Island, which meant also that our wonderful trip is coming to an end soon.

The sign says it

Driving thru Arthur's Pass was a breeze during the first phase. The eastern side of Arthur's Pass National Park is characterised by wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and vast beech forests.

And then the real challenge presented itself, in the form of Otira Gorge. When Arthur Dobson first encountered the precipitous Otira Gorge in 1864, the pass was almost impassable - he had to leave his horse at the top and lower his dog on a rope.

 Chute to drain the water off the mountain

We made it yahoo...thanks to my darling ...now onwards to Christchurch to spend some relaxing days before we fly home..