Author Archives: daniaryezel

17

Certified Knockers.

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Life is like a work in progress book. Days are turned into chapters, people we know are the characters playing their roles and moments are written as plots for the stories in our lives.

Now MySelangorStory is being written in my book, a whole chapter with many new characters appearing in it. And I’ll look back to this event as one of the awesome-st story ever written at this point of time in my life. 🙂

Right. Let’s get on with Day 2 where we departed from Carlton Holiday Hotel in Shah Alam to Setapak where Royal Selangor Pewter is situated. The journey took about an hour and in a way I find it funny because it’s so close to where I live.

Despite the fact that I live nearby to Royal Selangor Pewter, this trip was my first visit there. I guess we tend to take something for granted when it’s closer to you huh? Nonetheless, this visit might not be the last from me. There were so many other parts of RSP that we couldn’t cover which had caught my interest during the visit.

So what does that mean? Round 2 visit 😉

We were divided into 2 groups hence why we needed two tour guides to bring us around 🙂 They were pretty cool. I mean c’mon, look at the photo above and you can tell they are a fun bunch in RSP.

Like I said earlier, there were so many parts of RSP that screamed out storytelling worthy and we only covered (possibly?) 40% of the area. I really love the steel plate hand prints pasted all over the walls in the RSP building. These hand prints are RSP employees hand prints who have worked more than 5 years. I dare you to count the number of steel plates because I lost count!

Royal Selangor Pewter turns 125 years old this year. That’s a century older than me! It was founded by Yong Koon. This is truly one of Malaysia’s remarkable icon. You can’t find any other tea pot with a story like the Melon Teapot. Even I was on the edge of my seat when I was told by their very special, very own storyteller whom I’ll reveal towards the end of this post.

Fact of the day – Pewter = Tin + Copper + Antimony.


We were then brought to the second part of the building where the real work is being done. Watching everyone walking on single file reminded me of the old days when we would go for school trips. As we observed how flat material were transformed into amazing artwork, we became more aware how difficult it is to master this skill.

Yes like kids, we were at awe watching them knocking, polishing and carving.
*Insert oohs and aahs here*

And boy, it takes years to master this skill. Once you’ve got it – you’re able to turn nothing into something in a blink of an eye. Ok I lied. A few blinks really. Still, I admire their attention to detail. Something I should be applying in everything I do..

On a cool note, we were able to drink 100 plus from their pewter mugs. I think there was a difference drinking from pewter and glass but I can’t place my finger on it. Maybe it has something to do with retaining the temperature. That and it feels a lot “crispier” when drinking it. I told you, I can’t figure out what made it different. Heh.

By the way,  aunty in the photo above has worked for more than 30 years for RSP. That means her hand print is definitely on the wall. Bravo!

We then moved to the furthest part of the building. The entire workshop was embracing us and it really was one heck of an experience indeed! Definitely an eye opener. I won’t look at RSP’s packaging the same way again after this, that’s for sure. Oh, and I used the wide angle setting from Pentax P80 which stitches two parts of pictures together in case you were wondering what the middle section of the photo was. 😉

Ah, the things cameras these days can do I tell ya.

To think that was the coolest thing to happen. Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas everyone because RSP planned to blow our mind even more as we explore deeper in this mysterious building.

Look what we got ourselves into..

That’s right folks, we’ll be doing some hard knocking ourselves too. Never again will we ever take anything for granted after this. This school requires a lot of energy and focus, I kid you not. Just to spell 4 letters of my name was already tricky enough. I can’t imagine what it takes to make the entire mug. -_-

In the end we all graduated from the School of Hard Knocks. Bravo MSS kids 🙂 We are certified knockers!


While knocking the bowl like nobody’s business, I found out that Sharmaine from RSP was my senior in Convent Bukit Nenas. The whole time we were there, I kept thinking she was so familiar but I don’t know why. Then I nonchalantly blurted it out while she helped package our gift and she simply asked which school I was from. Bingo!

 
Like any other students, we have our own graduation ceremony too 🙂

What I love most about this part of the building is it’s design that feels very homely. Maybe it’s the english setting but I love it. Also, like many other trips we made, we’re never short of food. Blessing indeed but really, wherever we go, it’s always food food food fooooooooood. If my tummy could talk, it would probably be screaming throughout the 6D5N journey. Really.
I mentioned that RSP has it’s own storyteller right? 
Yup, it’s none other Datin Paduka Chen Mun Kuen. She came all the way to meet us and tell us of this enchanting story about the Melon Teapot. Who would’ve thought that something like that could save a man’s life? And it so happened to be Datin’s own grandfather’s piece of work. 
Life, don’t you just love to surprise people? 🙂
If you want to know what it’s about, click on the link or better yet make your way to RSP. In case you are curious, RSP opens 365 days a year from 9AM to 5PM. Here we are complaining when we can’t get a holiday, they pretty much work everyday. Salute!
And thank you to Hanin for pointing out from her comment – this tour is free for everyone 🙂 So, no excuse not to visit and have a knocking time at RSP! 
Also thank you to a certain Anonymous for directing me to the right path – School of Hard Knocks is a group activity you need to book in advance; minimum 5 participants and maximum 50. The fee is RM50 per person (I learned something new!). Just dial (6)03 4145 6000 or head over to Royal Selangor.
It was certainly a treat to meet her and RSP really made sure this trip was a memorable one. So special, I’d get myself one of the Melon Teapots too the next time. Kudos Royal Selangor Pewter. You’re definitely a gem!
I’m sure many of us know this but in case you don’t .. we have the largest mug in the world at RSP 🙂 Tadah!
Before I forget (besides voting for me at this page), let me introduce to you to my very faithful friend…Sheepy 🙂
Oh yes, this lil’ fella has gone to India, KK and wherever I happened to throw myself to. 
So that’s Day 2 Part 1. Next up, I’ll be writing about our journey to the top of the world!
18

Like Qings & Kueens

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Come to think of it, there were many things I checked in my to do list while going for this MySelangorStory tour. One of them was to visit i-City. I got to know of this place through numerous photo albums uploaded by my friends on facebook who had visited i-City. Didn’t think I’d come to this place this soon though 🙂

What were we doing there you might ask?

Well, the plan was to dine at i-City. But little did we know, they had set up the dining area in the middle of the digital of lights park for us, and wouldn’t you know it, the only other person who had dined in that same spot was the Sultan.

Truly, we were welcomed like kings and queens indeed. Let’s not even talk about feasting like one yet!

As we got off the bus, we were greeted warmly by the staff of i-City, something I still couldn’t get used to. Such warmness should be spread around to every Malaysians everyday. 🙂

After the presentation about the developments of i-City, it made me realise that Selangor really plans to move forward with technology as it hopes to be the IT hub for everyone. What with the exceptionally fast internet speed, I couldn’t think of any better reason not to drop by here. Oh wait, there is one other good reason actually. But we’ll get to that stage later.

So i-City wants to be the leading animation studio in the future eh? It’s high time since the economy has been moving towards advance technology and what better way to bring in more income than this right? I shall wait for the day when Lucasfilm hand picks a Malaysian animation studio to work with them 🙂

Hey, one can dream right? Oh, we have so much to catch up with the rest of the world!

After the short presentation by the CEO of i-City, Mr Eu Hong Chew, we then were adjourned to our dining area which was at the park. I’ll tell you one thing about myself that the world already knows – I’m a sucker for steamboat.

When we went to the our tables, we found out that they were serving us seafood steamboat. Double joy! God, you should have seen the size of ’em crabs. Goodness. It was huge..and juicy too. Yummeh. I could still remember the taste of it 🙂 After all, what is Malaysia without good food right?

Because 70% of the population at my table were girls, we couldn’t finished the food as much as we had hoped to. However, we didn’t put the food to waste by simply adding them inside the soup. We just added according to our consumption instead. That pretty much took roughly about 1.5 hours of eating before we went into food coma 😉

But that didn’t stopped us from moving about around the park. It was too inviting to not explore!

You know, the whole time I was there, there was only one song that was played in my mind and I thought it fit so perfectly well as their anthem. U2 – City of Lights 🙂 I think that will be my official i-City soundtrack. Being here in i-City got me thinking how amazing it can be in the years to come when they have completed this project. As of right now, it’s still in an infant stage but with the right dedication and ambitions, I think it’ll be a leading hub indeed. Hello, free wifi with fast internet speed is enough to lure you in (especially if you’re staying nearby).

Best part about this place would be the LED lights surrounding the park in all shapes and forms. Hence the Digital Lights park. It does have the whimsical feel to it. Although, I’m not sure what T-Rex was doing at the end of the park tho o_O. In a nutshell, this park caters to all ages – young and old; a place you have to visit at least once in your lifetime.

Just so you know, the park opens from 8pm to 4am everyday. FINALLY, Malaysia has a park to call it’s own without worrying about being caught or have curfews.

Since it is new, the entire place is still what I like to call a prototype. At least for now. There’s a small scale snow room for everyone to wander around. This room will eventually has it’s own section somewhere in the park in a bigger scale – think Mines Wonderland’s Snowland. Yeah something like that. Brrr..

As usual, wherever I go, it’s usually the people that I love observing. They make an interesting subject to ponder on ‘cuz you’ll never know when someone you don’t know can make your day by doing something you didn’t expect. So, it’s really no surprise that a lot of my photos I took consists of other people.

And it’s only in Malaysia that I’ll get refused when I asked for permission to take one’s picture. At least that’s what happened when I approached one of the visitors at the park. It was my first time being rejected for a photo but that didn’t deter me from taking other people’s photos.

Then I saw this group of girls happily posing in front of (assuming) their favourite band.

They were such a sport! I couldn’t help but intrude in their comfort zone. Of course this time, I had improvised my approach (actually I was misunderstood) as they thought I offered to take their photo with their camera (which I did) and then I clarified about my true intention. Luck was on my side since they didn’t mind me taking their photo 🙂 Thank you girls!

If there’s any lesson I learned from this even it would be not to give up and always find alternatives to do something because there’s never just one way of doing it.

Then, I walked around and saw this particular shop at the corner lit up with so many vibrant colours. Suddenly, I felt like a kid again seeing these toys coming alive with the lights. After browsing through the many incredibly awesome things they had, I walked out satisfied with a magical orb/ led lit translucent bouncing ball for RM10 🙂

And apparently I wasn’t the only kid at heart around here .. as soon as the rest of the bloggers saw me with this orb, I managed to persuade one of them to get it too. The power of indirect marketing! Heh.

Behold, the magical orb!

Nice eh? 😉 Well, you know where to get it.

After that, we were brought to Uptown Shah Alam to enjoy the night bazaar at Seksyen 24. If it weren’t for MySelangorStory, I don’t think I’ll ever know this place ever existed. There were many people outside waiting for us to drop by. For a moment, it did felt like we were some famous people.

Wait, En. Aizul Hisham explained further about uptown before this night bazaar thing came around, it started off as a funfair. Don’t we just love the ’80s? I used to anticipate funfairs when I was younger. I’ll get excited whenever I see Ferris Wheel standing tall. Then in the 90’s it became a pasar malam. Moving to the new era, it is now a night bazaar with sturdy structures for all stalls. Here you can find all kinds of things. Believe me when I said all kinds of things – there’s a shop selling fighting fish in plastic containers and snakes.

Oh yes. Those ..err..no neck monsters are in Uptown too. *runs away*

Jass Cafe was our last pit stop in the bazaar that night. We had some refreshments to keep us awake, at least enough energy to take a look at what Uptown Shah Alam is all about.

 

Always expect the food stalls to be up and running till late because if there’s a business that doesn’t die, it’s the food business. Case in point. It looked so good, I was tempted to get some but..I was too full to eat anything that night.

We were entertained by Irwan Shah as well as a local magician in some hidden corner of the area. Also featuring two people from our group (names shall not be mentioned :P). Ah, it was a nice way to end the night actually.

By the time we reached the hotel it was close to 1AM. And everyone was busy mentally jotting down what to write in our blogs.

Since the rule was to blog our journey on the day itself, P1 W1max was our official broadband provider and gave us each our own broadband to use. Unfortunately, it doesn’t run on Mac OS. I was a sort of let down by it since I can’t use it. Hopefully they’ll be mac friendly in the future :/

And that ladies and gentlemen was how we spent our Thursday.

On a side note, it’s be really really realllllyyyyyy awesome if you could vote for me (daniaryezel) at MySelangorstory/like-qings-and-kueens for the posts you like 🙂

11

Introducing the Colourful Insanities

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Because we are a colouful bunch of insanities during MySelangorStory tour. I couldn’t think of anything better to describe it.

The moment I stepped foot on Subang Sky Park Terminal’s ground, that familiar coming home feeling kicked in. It’s been my childhood playground due to the fact that I spent a lot of my time growing up here. So this event only amplified the sentimental value I have with the airport. Ah, memories.

At the entrance of Kapitan Kopitiam, the Tourism Selangor crew as well as Firefly’s crew greeted me with big smiles. That warm welcome instantly calmed my nerves. I couldn’t thank them enough for that.

I always think that the start to anything is always the hardest and awkward but the moment all 26 bloggers from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore met each other, it was as if everyone had known each other for sometime already. It’s probably because MySelangorStory has helped made the transition for all of us much smoother and easy. Also it has a lot to do with the fact that everyone sort of “ice break” through twitter and emails when the finalists were announced earlier.

I think Kapitan Kopitiam was a good location for us to sit and chill because we were definitely doing a lot talking, laughing and of course camwhoring. Not to mentioned, they made really good Teh Tarik and some local delicacies to keep our stomachs from growling. What is Malaysia without it’s good o’ Teh Tarik?

 

Sy told me that those who were flown in by Firefly (since they were our official airline) were given VIP treatment prior to their flight. Heck, they even got a tour around the airport! Now, how awesome is that? Made me wish I was from Penang instead 😉

About 30 minutes later, Raja Sa’adi, Head of PR & Marketing for Firefly kick started the tour with a short speech before handing over Firefly’s jersey to us to wear which then proceeded with more camwhoring. I guess it comes with the territory of being a blogger.

The first time when I stood next to a stewardess for a photo shoot, I was taken aback by how spontaneous Firefly cabin crew were as they posed silly with all of us. Even I can’t help but be charmed by their warm personalities and joined in the fun. Yes, me likey.

However, the one person who caught my eyes was James, the official Firefly photographer. He is quite the character I must say, so animated. I can tell he is a good storyteller by the way he talked to us.

You’ll know a good photographer when one can get the best out of the people and situation; something I keep in mind to practice in my approach when the occasion arises in the future.

Thumbs up sir =) You definitely made me day with your witty remarks.

Besides, the only way to learn something is by observing how the pros do it.

Then, we headed to the bus outside and were greeted by Kak Ning, who I must say is one of the coolest tour guide I’ve come across and standing beside her was Somu, our driver for the day.

Since the itinerary was not released yet during the time, Kak Ning informed us that our first stop would be Shah Alam where we stayed in Carlton Holiday Hotel for the night.

Later, we were sent over to one of the hall for a PENTAX-DSC World briefing. There, Madam Rissa Chan, Executive Director of DSC World Sdn. Bhd. handed out PENTAX cameras for our use during the tour. There were a few different models and I was handed the Optio P80.

Right away, we fiddled with the camera and I sure hope Citra (guy with the green camera) will get to keep his Optio W90 because he was so happy when he showed the camera he received to me and Nicole. Yes, Citra – write that advertorial ok? This tour has only just begun and I’ve already learned so much from everyone and everything that had happened.

Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart. – Sarah Ben Breathnach

As the sun went down for a rest, we went out to play. Part II will reveal what we did throughout the night.

// Think this post deserves a vote? Go to this link http://www.myselangorstory.com/introducing-the-colourful-insanities/

1

Traveling: It’s a state of mind.

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Everyone travels, whether it’s from one’s house to the office or across the ocean. Different places offer different experiences, some gain a new perspective and others find it indifferent. It’s all about making the lemons into lemonade.

This is why I love traveling. It didn’t matter where I go, how I do it or why I make the journey because without fail, I will learn something from it. Able to appreciate further what a smile from a stranger without feeling hesitant to reply the same is an amazing feat I’d say! It also humbles us from the materialistic world, educating us to make the most of what we have and always be grateful.

What is the best part for me about traveling? People I rub shoulders with can easily make my day just as much as I can make theirs. It’s the little things in life that makes it so special, you truly have to be there and experience it yourself to understand how remarkable the experience is. I wouldn’t be surprised to know that Selangor can throw our socks off with its incredible characters and stories.

Since I started backpacking out of curiousity 5 years ago, I learned to be more tolerant of other cultures, have deeper connection with people I meet along the way and make each place I stay a home of my own. That way I’ll be able to embrace the beauty God has created for us that we disregard so often these days.

Maybe that’s why He wrote MySelangorStory into our lives.

I like to think that each street, area, city, state, country and continent holds a secret key for each and every one of us. I know it sounds impossible to unearth every key in the world but that’s what motivates me even more to move around. After all, to do something and follow through, we need to make sure the intentions are solid and real. Otherwise, it will just fizzles out with time. Which wouldn’t do any place, even Selangor for that matter, justice if we don’t put our heart into it.

I wouldn’t know how to word out reasons why I should be part of MySelangorStory team because you don’t need reasons to travel. You just do it because you want to and have faith that every person, place and culture touches your heart so that you’ll come out better from it.

Thus far, I can’t find a place I’ve been to that I never liked. Heck, you can throw me in Bukit Melawati tomorrow and I’d be just as ecstatic to go. Traveling has truly shaped my mind and altered it into something else that I hope I’ll be able to return the favour along the way.

Yes, I must admit, traveling is a sacred ritual in my life and I’d like to make Selangor part of that ritual too.

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. – Henry Miller

0

Projection

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A few days ago, Black Tomato had this interesting weekly competition and I got inspired with it and made this wallpaper of the thoughts I want to project out to the world. I think if each of us got around to fill in the blank canvas with thoughts and emotions, then stick it anywhere we always spend most time looking; we’d all be more positive and happy.

It’s just a theory but I really do think it would work because we will be able to to see our own state of mind laid out in front of us rather. That’s when you get to analyse yourself, see yourself for what you are than *think* about what you may be. You can’t disregard it, nor make excuses and delete it because it’s right there..in front of you.

Each and every word in that canvas are linked to each other one way or another. And a lot of them would not have been the case if it weren’t for traveling. It made me grow a lot in terms of being more humble and laid back. We know all things don’t happen the way we want it to be but if you go along with the journey to getting there, you’d learn a lot more when arriving at the destination.

The journey not the arrival matters. – T. S. Eliot

So I can’t imagine what it’d be like not to travel at all. Not able to see, smell, touch, talk and love while traveling would be absurd to me. Then again, even those who travel and not able to experience those little things are just as pointless as each place we go (even the places we already know) is capable to teach us something we can apply to ourselves.

🙂 If you think you have not enough money to travel, I’d say bogus! Travel is just a state of mind – even the city you live in has a lot of hidden secrets you don’t know about. Go, discover your roots and have lots of fun while you’re at it.

4

A Candid Sensation

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Seven days of summer in Haarlem was meant to be the perfect escapism away from the overwhelming reality; instead it brought me closer to reality. Oh the irony! When I was caught red handed for secretly taking photo of this charming family in Grote Markt, I swear I was in big trouble. 

So, I had the goofiest smile on my face, praying silently to Him I won’t get sued for invading someone’s privacy and unbeknownst to me, their mother welcomed me with opened arms, even consented my side activity to take their photos. I’m so thankful He had blessed me by capturing this portrait, aptly titled “A Candid Sensation”. She taught me many things in a span of minutes when she allowed me into her wonderful world. Reality is what we make it to be, good or bad. We have the choices in our hands, what comes out of it is beyond our control. 

With that in mind, we are capable of making life (and memories) as beautiful and crazy as we want it to be. So, to know that she invited a stranger like me into their circle without preconceived judgment enlightened me even more. If she can accept me for who I am, I should be able to do the same for others and myself. We don’t have to conform to others way of life in order to blend in. 


After all, where is the fun when everyone looks or acts the same?


* This post has been entered into the Grantourismo and HomeAway Holiday-Rentals travel blogging competition


You’re welcome to share this story and comment it. Would love to hear your point of view 🙂
0

Le Petit Paris à Viêtnam: Part 2 – Daylight Run Around Day 1

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Much like the title suggested, I really do think HCMC is the Little Paris in Vietnam for it’s well organised and structured town planning, all thanks to their French counterpart back in the day.  Even the compact sized tall buildings were are build according to a standard measurement to keep the consistency of look and feel of the city. Like the French, HCMC has many parks for everyone to work out or wind down.

Any place with parks around is good for me when I feel like walking among the greens and not worry about crossing roads or cafes closing. Parks are perfect when you need to collect your thoughts at any time of the day or night, one thing that KL will never have due to certain regulations. Once, my Science teacher once said if my eyes are tired, all I need to do is look at the trees or anything green to relax. So yes, parks are a definite sight for sore eyes 🙂

This particular section of the city in Dong Khoi Street, District 1 (opposite Majestic Hotel, where I stayed) definitely resembles the French flair. The cafes are all around the city; left right, up down. It’s everywhere! And I realised they love their New Zealand Natural ice cream too. Food wise, there are a whole selection to choose from whether you prefer your food to be served in restaurants, markets or by the street. This particular part reminds me a lot of Malaysian food. Vietnamese food is a mixed of Chinese, American, French, Japanese, Thai and a bit of Malaysian. So, don’t worry if fried insects or snake wine isn’t your thing, there are a lot of other edible food around too.

 They have this concoctions to make drinks and desserts. They could make Ais Kacang (Red Bean Ice)!

If you haven’t heard, Vietnam is synonymous with Phở bò – a type of beef noodle soup. Oh so very delicious. And if you choose to have it from the small stalls, your eating area will be the streets itself. Anywhere you like 🙂 The prices ranges from very affordable to very expensive. Pretty much caters to all.

No city can get away without having a go-to market. It’s your one stop to do all kinds of shopping, at least that’s what Cho Ben Thanh is about. Front part of the big market will satisfy your clothes/shoes/accessories/souvenirs and the other half is dedicated to all kinds of food/drinks you can imagine. It’s a mad world in there. So, if you do go in, put on your best poker face and make sure you survey the prices before bargaining. They can be very aggressive to sell you anything and sometimes, it pays to be nice and talk to them to distract them from selling you things you don’t want.

 

I’m horrible at bargaining. Seriously. But I do enjoy chatting up with the sellers, some of them are really friendly. When they found out I’m from Malaysia, they put on this big smile and get so excited. It’s an amazing energy just being around them.

I was snapping her photo when she told me she’s shy then proceed to make conversations with me. The owner of this stall is the guy who was waving in the picture asked if I had taken his picture, and thank god for this one! 🙂

You know, now that I realised it..wherever I go, I’ll bound to discover a piece of Malaysia around me. I don’t know why but it’s just one of those things. Like being in this very chaotic market, so chaotic, I had to remind myself to focus..lo and behold, I heard someone speaking in Malay out of the blue. Turns out to be one of the many sellers who happened to marry a Malaysian or something like that selling material cloths.

 Busy busy.

🙂 No matter how many times something like this happens, it’ll always manage to surprise me. Possibly one of the reason why I love traveling so much – the further you are away from where you come from, the closer you get to it.

Ok, I underestimated. It’s more than 2 parts :/ It’s obvious I love my stay while I was there and there’s just so many things I experienced that I can never put it into a few words.

I’ll sign off with this quote that I can relate to 🙂

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake.
The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

0

Le Petit Paris à Viêtnam: Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly known as Saigon) Part 1 – The People

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I realised how different I have become traveling these days as compared to my first time. We all grow up, hopefully a better person and through traveling, it is easier to see where we stand in this world (if it even mattered at all). So through this blog, I’ll see where/when/what and how my perception changes in every place I go while writing about it. 

The thought of being ‘bare naked’ for the world to see me is a little intimidating. Oh well. If one out of billions of people can learn something from my journey, it’s all good.

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things
– Henry Miller

In a way, this was the lesson I learned when I went to HCMC/Saigon.

The #1 thing I learned about traveling that I carry around with me is to never have (or have as little as possible) expectations about the places you will be going. When I have this in mind, I’ll be guaranteed to have the time of my life no matter the outcomes I’ll be getting. It just makes it that much more easier to appreciate what you have and accept things the way it is and not the way you want it to be.

When I was getting ready in my seat to HCMC, I really don’t know what to expect (even with the materials I read up about the city) except to capture as many photos as possible and..

to cross the roads of Saigon! 

Yes, it was in my To-Do-Before-I-Die list. A true testament about how little expectation I had.

The journey is about 2 hours from KLIA to HCMC. There are over 20 airlines with direct flights via this route. Malaysia Airlines(MAS) offers low fares (RM180 per way) and it sure as heck worth the money + 20kg (It never hurts if you do shop a lot).  🙂

South East Asia’s essentials are the sun and rain, but different levels of humidity. In Saigon (I’m so used to saying this than HCMC), the weather is somewhat similar to KL, not as humid but I was told it can be just as hot certain time of the year.

This is the view of HCMC from the top. Compact as compact can be.

When I saw this from my window, I was taking away but it’s density yet you can still sense the French town planning. Like a kid getting a lollipop, I was excited to land and go crazy with my camera. Oh the many visuals I had in mind.

Superfragilisticexpialidocious!

The people are great, friendlier than I could have imagined. Always one to smile back at you, one to say hello. Heck, one of the motorist on the road near Notre Dame church who was planting a kiss on his son’s forehead, waved at me when he realised I was taking his picture. He even greeted good morning to me too. That was simply the icing on my cake.

The guy who made my trip sweeter.

I have come across many friendly faces while I was traveling but that particular one easily stood out among the rest. Thank you for making a permanent mark in my mind whoever you are 🙂

So the moment I sat my foot on the ground, I asked Tom who was my guide during the stay what would be his advice for me to cross the street. He simply said – Just cross the road!

Right, in theory; that sounded so absurd, it was just not possible.

Being the scaredy-cat that I am, I took a second to close my eyes and prayed that I’ll be able to cross the street in one piece. Even if it was just one street. Took a deep breath and crossed.

Holy mother of all things crazy, Tom was right (obviously) and it was really about just crossing. The road users will stop/slow down for you. So this was what it must be like for Moses to part the Red Sea back in the days huh?

In a way, I could relate that concept with driving a car. When you are driving, just drive. Once you feel hesitant in overtaking, pressing the throttle or making a turn, you will be dangerous not just to yourself but everyone around you too. In other words, being confident makes a big difference in saving your life.

After that, I’m a pro at crossing the roads 🙂 Day or night. One more thing less to do before I die.

During my unfortunately short stay, I knew the best way to get to the heart of HCMC is through it’s people. And it pays to just be yourself, happy and smiling like you know them. I can’t tell you how effortless it is to break the ice with them just by smiling, as if their walls come crashing down.

Despite the war, the wound is still very much open and in recovery mode. It’s so raw, it makes you realised where you come from, how lucky you have been and above all else, the fact that they can still carry on with their lives, put a smile on their face and welcome people as their own is one that I find humbling most. I can’t imagine the pain they have to endure with the side effects of Agent Orange, made a million or so victims deformed.

I could still remember the feeling as I type this like it was only yesterday I was there. Devastating indeed.

I can’t imagine being in the photographer’s shoes when he witnessed all this behind a lens. I really can’t.

So in reality, this city is walking with sorrow and motivation to move forward hand in hand. Not an easy task I must say but they are making it work, building up the people and city one step at a time. All I can say is that, they can move further as long as their good heart remains intact. They have a big heart. They truly do.

Ok, this entry turned out to be longer than I expected it so I’m breaking it into two parts – The People & The Art. I have so many things to say about this wonderful place but no words will do just therefore you people have to go there and experience it 🙂 There’s always a good reason to travel.


*A month later I got to know @Vietnam720 from twitter. Had I known his existence way before, I would’ve gotten a lot more out of HCMC but that’s ok 🙂 I shall make a return someday. For those of you who haven’t, add him up. He’s a cool guy who knows a lot about Vietnam.

Till the next post 🙂 Make the most of what you have around you!

4

Hello World.

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Everything in life has a beginning and an end. We’ll start with the beginning (and just enjoy the ride while the end comes; whenever it wants)..which will be Kuala Lumpur, my birthplace.

Let’s just say it’s Wanderlust Theories introduction to the world.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and it’s people are normally referred to as KLites. Tall buildings, food, shopping malls, haze, more glorious food, colourful culture, a lot of holidays and summer 24/7 pretty much sums up KL to it’s core. Oh, not to forget it’s traffic jam as well. But that’s another story altogether.

                                                        This was taken from the Observation Deck in Menara KL.

I used to think that KL is only most beautiful during the night or very early in the morning; for the obvious reason until recently, I rediscovered this city in a different perspective and it is a lot more fun/warm too. See, the thing about living in a city is that, the real face is covered with concrete all over causing the true life experience of what made it the way it is now left unknown to many people, even KLites themselves.

To me what makes a place appealing would be the raw emotions of it’s people. With the hustle and bustle of the city, one rarely get to experience it aside from it being just another city. Ok, Tokyo probably can get away with this. Never been there before, but one day some day soon I will.

So back to KL.

I’ll write about what KL is in general for now and delve into my new discoveries later on in new entries.

KLCC pretty much put us in the map, aside from the Sepang International Circuit for Formula 1. For the longest time, when you ask any westerner if they know where Malaysia is, they wouldn’t know, unless you say a neighbour to Singapore. It’s quite frustrating because Malaysia has so much to offer but was hidden from the world. Now though, it’s a different case.

I must admit, KL has a lot of energy. It caters to everyone with all kinds of interest. If you’re the running type of person, there are various hills you can go to – Tabur, Broga or Gasing Hill; heck, while you’re at it, might as well run up the stairs at Batu Caves. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Get your body work out with ATV or Paintball in the jungle. Hey, nothing beats being one with Mother Nature right?

Zorbing will turn your life upside down, literally. A tad crazy but it’s a once in a lifetime thing being in a washing machine-like enviroment. Of course those who suffers from claustrophobia are not advised to do it.   

The KL I grew up with is very humid during the first half of the year. What with global warming, boy, you’ll probably want to sleep in the freezer. For someone who does not like the air condition system, I sure as heck is tempted to install one in the room but once May-June comes, hello rain! Open your windows, welcome the cool breeze into your space and it’s just as chilly. I am amazed with women like them who doesn’t seem bothered with the heat.

As of late, we’ve been getting many more Koreans and Arabs coming over to KL either for holiday or to stay. Considering the conversion rate to Ringgit Malaysia(RM), KL is pretty cheap to shop, eat & stay. It’s no surprise the Arab/Korean restaurants are booming here; unfortunately the authentic good Korean restaurants (mostly in Korean Street, Ampang) are non-halal.

With so many races living together here, it’s no wonder our most popular question in everyday life is “What to eat ah today?” and most frequent answer to this would be “Anythinglah”. I mean of course we can’t think straight when it comes to food; God, look at the choices we have here! Let me assure you that, good ‘ole Malaysian food is best served in small stalls by the street or drains. There’s just something about it that makes the food extra delicious. You can spend as little as RM2 for Roti Canai and Teh Tarik or spend a bit more for noodles, rice or our local Burger Ramly. Let’s not even talk about the desserts!

If I can say one thing that we are rich in, it’s most definitely food. It doesn’t matter what your budget is, you’ll be guaranteed for a gastronomical experience anywhere in the city.

We’ve got some nice places to hangout during the night too. Whether you’re the clubbing type of person, lounge or just want to go out for the heck of it; KL’s got it all! From Zouk to No Black Tie to ehem..

people who constantly serving us day and night, the mamak stalls!

What would we do without those hardworking fellas making and serving our food when we crave for something to munch at 2AM? I can’t imagine a life without them. No wait, I could – something like London. That’s not even a compliment.

Yes, they are our unsung heroes.

Seriously. Food is KL and KL is food. There’s no other way about it.

You know what? KL is alright. It’s not mad. Albeit the crime issues are terrifying but it’s not so bad after all (also because of the new discoveries).

I didn’t think it would be this hard to write up a place like KL but how wrong was I?

Phewh. I can now stop looping Maroon 5’s Misery.

I can choose either to be a victim of the world or an adventurer in search of treasure
– Paulo Coelho