... i somehow dont do.
Like blogging for instance. My last post was what, 2-3months ago?
I've got a half dead (or half alive - depending if you're a glass half full, kinda guy) Aloe Vera plant which apparently is the hardiest of plants. I dont know why, but I'm thinking i need to do something about it.
I have boxes which I've not moved to my store room.
I've got tons of old picture which I've not properly placed in an album
Bloody hell, I've got to do something about this!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Bang-sar-lity
ive been in Bangsar for quite a while now, staying on my own. Partly due to the fact that the petrol prices have been increasing, the distance from Bangsar to my office in One Utama is a third of what it would have taken me if i were to drive all the way from Subang.
So yeah, I hear some of my mates saying its cool to be living on your own, but I think I disagree. Whilst there are advantages in living on your own, there are some fundamental flaws that needs to be addressed as well.
Bills, for instance, dont come cheap, and they come thick and fast. Water, electricity, broadband, god knows what else they put through the letterbox.
The idea of friends popping over, well, they dont. Partly to the fact that there isnt anything much to do at home. Yeah, DVD's, but, nothing much of interest. A PS3 might do the trick, but my recent spending pattern is kinda horrifying so there will be a need to reign in spending.
The idea you can bring girls home. Yeah, um, the major flaw in this argument is that, you need to have some sort of female company in the first place???
Independence - not really, no. I'm still prepared for my parents to 'conveniently' pop in anytime they are in Bangsar. The apartment is in 3 different state of preparedness. 1) Unprepared, 2) Ok, 3) DEFCON1. At DEFCON1, everything is as spick as span.
But most of the time its unprepared. haha.
Well, thought of rambling a bit on a lazy sunday morning. Lots of things to do today. Work!!! Oh no.
Take care peeps.
So yeah, I hear some of my mates saying its cool to be living on your own, but I think I disagree. Whilst there are advantages in living on your own, there are some fundamental flaws that needs to be addressed as well.
Bills, for instance, dont come cheap, and they come thick and fast. Water, electricity, broadband, god knows what else they put through the letterbox.
The idea of friends popping over, well, they dont. Partly to the fact that there isnt anything much to do at home. Yeah, DVD's, but, nothing much of interest. A PS3 might do the trick, but my recent spending pattern is kinda horrifying so there will be a need to reign in spending.
The idea you can bring girls home. Yeah, um, the major flaw in this argument is that, you need to have some sort of female company in the first place???
Independence - not really, no. I'm still prepared for my parents to 'conveniently' pop in anytime they are in Bangsar. The apartment is in 3 different state of preparedness. 1) Unprepared, 2) Ok, 3) DEFCON1. At DEFCON1, everything is as spick as span.
But most of the time its unprepared. haha.
Well, thought of rambling a bit on a lazy sunday morning. Lots of things to do today. Work!!! Oh no.
Take care peeps.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
A 520km Adventure
Again, being the consultant that gets to travel to 'glamorous' (notice the sarcasm, and probably the incorrect spelling) places, today I find myself the rather fun task of driving me and my colleagues to Kuantan for a meeting.
Woke up and picked up Ajit from SS15, and headed to office, where it is nearly empty, with everyone jetting off somewhere for their projects. Picked up the boss and headed to Kuantan.
I must say it was a good drive. Gave my car a chance to stretch its legs over the long distance. A minor niggle is the fact that the tires were not as smooth as before once i reach a certain speed, which i will not disclose in this blog for fear of persecution. However, after exceeding a certain speed again, the tyres become smooth as usual. Weird, but true. Ajit recomended his friend's shop in SS14 for high speed balancing, so i think i should give it a try before i send my car to the boys at AB.
Meeting went fine, very technical with lots of code. Confusing for simpletons like me.
Drove back the afternoon and again, same problems with tyres. But didnt drive too fast back as the road was totally dark.
Im thinking Kuantan is nearly cool. It doesnt warrant its entry into the cool-list yet, but i think i need more than a daytrip to make a more informed judgment. So far, my list (always open for debates by the way) are as follows
Cool Cities
KL (of course)
Penang
Melaka
Nearly Cool (Could do Better)
Kuantan
Uncool but Ok-lah
Labuan
Dead
Perlis
Bandar Sri Begawan
Shah Alam
More elaboration will be made later. Im tired! Ciao!
Woke up and picked up Ajit from SS15, and headed to office, where it is nearly empty, with everyone jetting off somewhere for their projects. Picked up the boss and headed to Kuantan.
I must say it was a good drive. Gave my car a chance to stretch its legs over the long distance. A minor niggle is the fact that the tires were not as smooth as before once i reach a certain speed, which i will not disclose in this blog for fear of persecution. However, after exceeding a certain speed again, the tyres become smooth as usual. Weird, but true. Ajit recomended his friend's shop in SS14 for high speed balancing, so i think i should give it a try before i send my car to the boys at AB.
Meeting went fine, very technical with lots of code. Confusing for simpletons like me.
Drove back the afternoon and again, same problems with tyres. But didnt drive too fast back as the road was totally dark.
Im thinking Kuantan is nearly cool. It doesnt warrant its entry into the cool-list yet, but i think i need more than a daytrip to make a more informed judgment. So far, my list (always open for debates by the way) are as follows
Cool Cities
KL (of course)
Penang
Melaka
Nearly Cool (Could do Better)
Kuantan
Uncool but Ok-lah
Labuan
Dead
Perlis
Bandar Sri Begawan
Shah Alam
More elaboration will be made later. Im tired! Ciao!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Life - One Week at a Time
What a week I've had.
Fresh from my relaxing (or shall I say 'renewal') holiday in Langkawi, which recharged my batteries and strenghtened whatever I have left in my body, it was a case of 'another day, another aeroplane' for me.
Flew back to Perlis (Kedah actually, and taxi-ed it up to Kangar), and met with the Pengarah for a meeting session for our draft final report. Drove back down and worked on it for a few hours whilst waiting for our flight back.
Tiring, and worse is to come.
Scheduling dates, and an angry civil servant ensued, which really drained whatever that is left of me. Now I'm glad the week has passed, but now im dreading the coming week. Who knows what' going to happen. More stress? More work?
Well, I'd have to say that Life is what you make of it. If you make it stressful and worrisome, its going to end up like that. If you make it into what / where you want it to be, then most times out of ten it will turn out alright.
I made many new years resolutions, maybe its time I actually followed up on them.
Here's to a new week.
Or maybe just same ol' shit, but different perspective.
Fresh from my relaxing (or shall I say 'renewal') holiday in Langkawi, which recharged my batteries and strenghtened whatever I have left in my body, it was a case of 'another day, another aeroplane' for me.
Flew back to Perlis (Kedah actually, and taxi-ed it up to Kangar), and met with the Pengarah for a meeting session for our draft final report. Drove back down and worked on it for a few hours whilst waiting for our flight back.
Tiring, and worse is to come.
Scheduling dates, and an angry civil servant ensued, which really drained whatever that is left of me. Now I'm glad the week has passed, but now im dreading the coming week. Who knows what' going to happen. More stress? More work?
Well, I'd have to say that Life is what you make of it. If you make it stressful and worrisome, its going to end up like that. If you make it into what / where you want it to be, then most times out of ten it will turn out alright.
I made many new years resolutions, maybe its time I actually followed up on them.
Here's to a new week.
Or maybe just same ol' shit, but different perspective.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Happy New Year
Welcome 2008.
This year promises to be another eventful, roller-coaster ride of a year, if 2007 was anything to come by. In 2007 I had found myself in many deepshit-esque situations, wrangled myself out of the "digging deeper in your own grave" situations, and experienced various hilarious moments, which included me on a beach, being fined, knocking a motorcycle over, exposed a big secret, enraged a crowd, eating nearly a kilo of crabs, exploring dead cities, and er, thats all that i can think of at the moment. There were happy moments, there were some not-so happy moments, but life is ups and downs, and that is what makes it interesting.
I spent my New Years in Singapore. quite nice, everything was a bit TOO organised, and clean and safe, but i guess that's good right? Its all good and now I'm back to work. Many thanks for those who wished me on my birthday, for those who dont, trust me I dont mind, because I suck at remembering people's birthdays!
Here's wishing everyone a great 2008, and hope that love, peace and happiness will prevail, in this world of hate, anger and suffering.
Much love
Adlan
This year promises to be another eventful, roller-coaster ride of a year, if 2007 was anything to come by. In 2007 I had found myself in many deepshit-esque situations, wrangled myself out of the "digging deeper in your own grave" situations, and experienced various hilarious moments, which included me on a beach, being fined, knocking a motorcycle over, exposed a big secret, enraged a crowd, eating nearly a kilo of crabs, exploring dead cities, and er, thats all that i can think of at the moment. There were happy moments, there were some not-so happy moments, but life is ups and downs, and that is what makes it interesting.
I spent my New Years in Singapore. quite nice, everything was a bit TOO organised, and clean and safe, but i guess that's good right? Its all good and now I'm back to work. Many thanks for those who wished me on my birthday, for those who dont, trust me I dont mind, because I suck at remembering people's birthdays!
Here's wishing everyone a great 2008, and hope that love, peace and happiness will prevail, in this world of hate, anger and suffering.
Much love
Adlan
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Christmas + Cuti Cuti Malaysia
Christmas huh? A time where you spend time with family and friends, regardless of who you are. I guess it doesn’t matter if you celebrate Christmas or not, but what is important is that the spirit of Christmas is celebrated.
Hence why I am 400kms away from anyone, in a town that doesn’t really celebrate Christmas is beyond me. So I went off, celebrating one of my favourite festivals alone. And it turned out to be alright!
Pre-christmas was spent with my girlfriend and my parents. On Saturday I went to Pavilion and bought Christmas gifts. Ferragamo for her, Kiehl’s for me. And nothing for anyone else. Haha. Sunday I flew out to Perlis onboard a semi-empty flight. I guess Alor Setar on a Sunday night is not really top on anyone's list.
On Monday the thought occurred to me that its not going to be fun staying in the hotel room, racking up room service charges and staying in and stay fat. There really isn’t much things to do here in the first place! So off I went to Kuala Perlis and bought a ferry ticket to the paradise island which ive never been to before – Langkawi.
Syed provided me with a number for car rental. At first I thought id rent a convertible, but my rational and logical thinking outlined the fact that Malaysia has hot balmy weather, with stinging sun rays, a condition not really suited for convertibles. So I rented a 4X4 in the end. I could’ve rented a cheaper and smaller car, but I wasn’t sure on the road conditions in Langkawi. Best be prepared, and after requesting for an X-Trail, I get a RAV4 instead.
I took the 7.30am ferry from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi. Usual Malaysian timing meant that the ferry didn’t leave at 7.30, but started boarding at 7.30. Eventually we left in the ferry which was so much more different than the rust-bucket type of ferry I took in Labuan. Glad to see that they really take care of people here.
The ferry ride took slightly over an hour and when I arrived I met the car rental guy who handed me keys to a 2 year old RAV4. Not bad at all, except that the petrol gauge was flashing and he didn’t tell me where the nearest petrol pump is. After 15minutes of nail biting “Is-It-Going-To-Run-Out” tension, I found a Petronas station and filled up. Then I made my way to The Westin for the start of my bar hopping adventures.
10 in the morning and I’m seated on the couch at The Westin’s Breeze Bar, and I was just enthralled by the view. I could see about 10 islands, a few boats from where I was perched and I must say that Langkawi must be the most beautiful place Ive ever been in Malaysia.
After breakfast I made my way around the Island. First stop was Pantai Batu Hitam, which wasn’t really nice. The typical Malaysian stalls were there as usual, selling batik, keychains and the usual touristy stuff. I found out a peculiar rule that states one individual is only allowed to bring back 5 pieces of Batik. Okay, I know you’re going to ask why is one guy going to bring back 5 pieces of Batik, but the main question is why just 5? It turns out that because its tax free, people would hoard this Batik and sell it on the Mainland. The makcik there told me that I could bring back 10, 5 from me, the other 5 from my partner. I told them Im here alone and they looked at me as if I was a creature from outer space.
"Usually people come to Langkawi with families, or their girlfriends/wives" she said.
Long story makcik, another story for another day.
I made my way to Teluk Datai, home of the Datai and Andaman resorts. I went to the Datai, had a mojito and admired the view. Its in the middle of the rainforest, and the beach is a bit secluded. Not bad, but I reckon the place is abit too quiet for my liking. I like quiet, but the Datai is so quiet it feels as if its empty. Well, I’m not surprised if it is, as im sure at RM1800++ per night for the cheapest room, it’ll be fairly exclusive.
Went to the Andaman and decided it was not to my liking. Don’t get me wrong, it is 5 stars and maybe a bit higher than the usual 5 star affair, but after you’ve been to a place like the Datai, its just a different level. The Andaman may be on a hill, but the Datai is on a different stratosphere.
I decided to go to the Four Seasons, but by chance I encountered a sign that showed where the Loaf is. If you probably know by now, the Loaf is Tun Dr.M’s Japanese bakery which serves great food. Unfortunately it is a bit small there and all the tables are always full, so I picked up some pastries and was about to go off when I saw signs showing the cable car attraction. Talk about not having a plan and going as you please!
The cable car up Gunung Mat Chincang is very famous and so I thought I’d better have a looksy. Tickets cost RM15 if you’re Malaysian but I can tell you, its worth it. Most probably the best tourist attraction in Malaysia (are there any others? Museum Kuala Perlis? Or even our Museum Negara? Labuan Underwater World? Nah). The cable car ride up was fantastic, the view just amazing. Going on the bridge, you can feel the vibrations when you step on it. The bridge is huge, solid piece of architecture, but because you’re perched so high up, I guess vibrations must be part of the deal. I wonder how they achieved that feat of engineering, without roads and lorries. They helicoptered up everything?? The trek to the bridge was quite something, and it showed me how bad my fitness has become. Still, managed to get myself some water and took the cable car down, which, in my opinion, can be quite scary at times.
I came down, in awe and inspired by the view. It really is something. Then I headed off for Tanjung Rhu.
On the way to Tanjung Rhu, I saw a small stall selling coconuts and air kelapa by the road. I stopped (thank god for 4WD traction- it was on the beach!) and enjoyed nice air kelapa with a view to die for. Can life be any better than this I thought, and soon I found out.
I continued on and stopped by the Four Seasons. And I guess I have found the most beautiful resort in Malaysia. By my standards, this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. It beats the forests of the Black Forest (a place, not the chocolate cake you idiots). It beats watching the sun set off the coast of Labuan, and it definitely is much nicer than watching the calm seas off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
Imagine this, Im sat at the bar, mojito (again) in hand, cool wind blowing, the white sands in front of me and the deep blue ocean intersecting with the sky as far as the eye can see. Those classy white square umbrellas lined up infront on the beach, with the matching darkwood sunloungers. I sat there for hours, longer than any other hotel bars which I visited. I probably notched up a bigger bill than than the other bars ive visited but it was worth it. My dad was surprised with my barhopping antics, and I told him I’m a backpacker- with a platinum card. He wasn’t amused, and neither will my bank account as I seek to pay the bills back!
All in all, I would say that Langkawi is the most beautiful, most awe-inspiring and easiest place to move around in. I am in awe, and will definitely head back there again soon. But next time The Westin, Four Seasons and Datai is probably out of the question. Maybe I would stick it out as normal people do, but hey, no harm in dreaming eh?
Back to reality, I find myself alone in my hotel room, one with an airconditioning control which has just two presets - "Freezer" and "Off". Wi-Fi works, but shuts down when you need it the most (i.e when sending work emails) and room service is suspicously efficient. Maybe theyre cooking in the next room, who knows!
Merry Christmas all, hope everyone is happy. Im alone for another few days, lets hope I keep my sanity. Cant wait for Singapore! Woohoo! Right everyone, its time for me to crawl to bed in my freezing cold room watching Discovery Channel (again! and because the movie channel aint too good here).
Love all.
Hence why I am 400kms away from anyone, in a town that doesn’t really celebrate Christmas is beyond me. So I went off, celebrating one of my favourite festivals alone. And it turned out to be alright!
Pre-christmas was spent with my girlfriend and my parents. On Saturday I went to Pavilion and bought Christmas gifts. Ferragamo for her, Kiehl’s for me. And nothing for anyone else. Haha. Sunday I flew out to Perlis onboard a semi-empty flight. I guess Alor Setar on a Sunday night is not really top on anyone's list.
On Monday the thought occurred to me that its not going to be fun staying in the hotel room, racking up room service charges and staying in and stay fat. There really isn’t much things to do here in the first place! So off I went to Kuala Perlis and bought a ferry ticket to the paradise island which ive never been to before – Langkawi.
Syed provided me with a number for car rental. At first I thought id rent a convertible, but my rational and logical thinking outlined the fact that Malaysia has hot balmy weather, with stinging sun rays, a condition not really suited for convertibles. So I rented a 4X4 in the end. I could’ve rented a cheaper and smaller car, but I wasn’t sure on the road conditions in Langkawi. Best be prepared, and after requesting for an X-Trail, I get a RAV4 instead.
I took the 7.30am ferry from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi. Usual Malaysian timing meant that the ferry didn’t leave at 7.30, but started boarding at 7.30. Eventually we left in the ferry which was so much more different than the rust-bucket type of ferry I took in Labuan. Glad to see that they really take care of people here.
The ferry ride took slightly over an hour and when I arrived I met the car rental guy who handed me keys to a 2 year old RAV4. Not bad at all, except that the petrol gauge was flashing and he didn’t tell me where the nearest petrol pump is. After 15minutes of nail biting “Is-It-Going-To-Run-Out” tension, I found a Petronas station and filled up. Then I made my way to The Westin for the start of my bar hopping adventures.
10 in the morning and I’m seated on the couch at The Westin’s Breeze Bar, and I was just enthralled by the view. I could see about 10 islands, a few boats from where I was perched and I must say that Langkawi must be the most beautiful place Ive ever been in Malaysia.
After breakfast I made my way around the Island. First stop was Pantai Batu Hitam, which wasn’t really nice. The typical Malaysian stalls were there as usual, selling batik, keychains and the usual touristy stuff. I found out a peculiar rule that states one individual is only allowed to bring back 5 pieces of Batik. Okay, I know you’re going to ask why is one guy going to bring back 5 pieces of Batik, but the main question is why just 5? It turns out that because its tax free, people would hoard this Batik and sell it on the Mainland. The makcik there told me that I could bring back 10, 5 from me, the other 5 from my partner. I told them Im here alone and they looked at me as if I was a creature from outer space.
"Usually people come to Langkawi with families, or their girlfriends/wives" she said.
Long story makcik, another story for another day.
I made my way to Teluk Datai, home of the Datai and Andaman resorts. I went to the Datai, had a mojito and admired the view. Its in the middle of the rainforest, and the beach is a bit secluded. Not bad, but I reckon the place is abit too quiet for my liking. I like quiet, but the Datai is so quiet it feels as if its empty. Well, I’m not surprised if it is, as im sure at RM1800++ per night for the cheapest room, it’ll be fairly exclusive.
Went to the Andaman and decided it was not to my liking. Don’t get me wrong, it is 5 stars and maybe a bit higher than the usual 5 star affair, but after you’ve been to a place like the Datai, its just a different level. The Andaman may be on a hill, but the Datai is on a different stratosphere.
I decided to go to the Four Seasons, but by chance I encountered a sign that showed where the Loaf is. If you probably know by now, the Loaf is Tun Dr.M’s Japanese bakery which serves great food. Unfortunately it is a bit small there and all the tables are always full, so I picked up some pastries and was about to go off when I saw signs showing the cable car attraction. Talk about not having a plan and going as you please!
The cable car up Gunung Mat Chincang is very famous and so I thought I’d better have a looksy. Tickets cost RM15 if you’re Malaysian but I can tell you, its worth it. Most probably the best tourist attraction in Malaysia (are there any others? Museum Kuala Perlis? Or even our Museum Negara? Labuan Underwater World? Nah). The cable car ride up was fantastic, the view just amazing. Going on the bridge, you can feel the vibrations when you step on it. The bridge is huge, solid piece of architecture, but because you’re perched so high up, I guess vibrations must be part of the deal. I wonder how they achieved that feat of engineering, without roads and lorries. They helicoptered up everything?? The trek to the bridge was quite something, and it showed me how bad my fitness has become. Still, managed to get myself some water and took the cable car down, which, in my opinion, can be quite scary at times.
I came down, in awe and inspired by the view. It really is something. Then I headed off for Tanjung Rhu.
On the way to Tanjung Rhu, I saw a small stall selling coconuts and air kelapa by the road. I stopped (thank god for 4WD traction- it was on the beach!) and enjoyed nice air kelapa with a view to die for. Can life be any better than this I thought, and soon I found out.
I continued on and stopped by the Four Seasons. And I guess I have found the most beautiful resort in Malaysia. By my standards, this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. It beats the forests of the Black Forest (a place, not the chocolate cake you idiots). It beats watching the sun set off the coast of Labuan, and it definitely is much nicer than watching the calm seas off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
Imagine this, Im sat at the bar, mojito (again) in hand, cool wind blowing, the white sands in front of me and the deep blue ocean intersecting with the sky as far as the eye can see. Those classy white square umbrellas lined up infront on the beach, with the matching darkwood sunloungers. I sat there for hours, longer than any other hotel bars which I visited. I probably notched up a bigger bill than than the other bars ive visited but it was worth it. My dad was surprised with my barhopping antics, and I told him I’m a backpacker- with a platinum card. He wasn’t amused, and neither will my bank account as I seek to pay the bills back!
All in all, I would say that Langkawi is the most beautiful, most awe-inspiring and easiest place to move around in. I am in awe, and will definitely head back there again soon. But next time The Westin, Four Seasons and Datai is probably out of the question. Maybe I would stick it out as normal people do, but hey, no harm in dreaming eh?
Back to reality, I find myself alone in my hotel room, one with an airconditioning control which has just two presets - "Freezer" and "Off". Wi-Fi works, but shuts down when you need it the most (i.e when sending work emails) and room service is suspicously efficient. Maybe theyre cooking in the next room, who knows!
Merry Christmas all, hope everyone is happy. Im alone for another few days, lets hope I keep my sanity. Cant wait for Singapore! Woohoo! Right everyone, its time for me to crawl to bed in my freezing cold room watching Discovery Channel (again! and because the movie channel aint too good here).
Love all.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Weekend? What weekend?
the weekend!! its friday and the weekend is here. the only two (2) days of pleasure, joy and sheer rest. a time to recharge, shopping and be merry!
wrong
ive got to work through the weekend. not fun at all!
wrong
ive got to work through the weekend. not fun at all!
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