Aww... Shucks...

It looked like it was going to pour this morning and since I had to vacate my apartment by the end of the month I decided I'd catch the gloomy morning scene before I lost the chance.

The phone rang at 8:33 am to the theme of Ironside. Only one person in my phone book with that ringtone... my boss. Alamak... not again... last week's argument was enough. I don't need another one. I've been having too many arguments with him in the last 8 months. Come to think of it, we've had more arguments in the past 8 months than over the last 10 years. I take the call and he asks if I am at work yet. Yes, I am... he's here too. Aiyoyoh... karavale, karavale... this is so unusual. I go to meet him and he asks that we adjourn to my office. That's even more strange. This is the first time he's been to my office.

Something's not right. He closes the door after he gets in. It was an hour session. He apologised for not guiding me properly since I took this challenge 8 months back. He must have heard or felt that I was serious when I said I was going to leave though he never touched on that topic. He explained many things which had to stay within the four walls of my office. There were emotional moments... him holding back his tears when I told him how shitty it is to be a senior management and to get your 10-year service cheque and letter from your own HR manager and the letter signed by the HR manager and not from the owner himself or Council. Of course he assumed responsibility for that failure. As usual... Well... to cut a long story short, he's managed to make me feel guilty. I tell you... this one man is the only thing binding me with this company.

Anyway... I have NOT changed my mind. He's got me mixed with my feelings and I MAY stay on but that certainly remains to be seen. I am still going ahead to recce the resort next month during Raya Haji and I called Mahmoud yesterday to ask him for leads on international postings. I'll be sending him my resume tomorrow.

Oh, by the way... in that discussion... I was told I now don't have to move from the apartment... damn... he sure knows how to go for the moral ground. His Sun Tzu is WAY superior to mine.

Intai-Intai to Kunang-Kunang

I woke up early again today. Made my coffee and decided to watch my DVDs. I managed to finish Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and also Quantum of Solace. Brunch was sausages, burgers and drummets again. Then I did some cleaning and lazed around a bit.

By 3:30 pm, I was hungry again and decided to go out and have some sushi... yes Ampang Point again. By the time I got to Ampang Point it was 4:30 pm. Had my usual fare and then I decided to check out what was at CapSquare. There wasn't much to see there. I was in and out of that place in less than 30 minutes. I had my camera with me with just my 50 mm lens. I didn't feel like bringing the 55-250 mm zoom lens along as I didn't think there would be much use of it. I managed to snap a couple of shots without spending too much time looking for an appropriate angle. Here they are... nothing fancy... just straight forward and thoughtless shots.

A shot of the Petronas Twin Towers is a must... gee, I'm so Malaysian now. Just like how each and every local movie or drama MUST HAVE a Petronas Twin Tower background scene. Hahaha... and if you look at the left, that's proof that I was there.... as if I need to prove this to anyone. Hahaha...

Then there's the KL Tower... this is not so popular these days. I have some ideas for this but it will have to wait till I get a sturdy tripod.

Got myself a coffee at Starbuck's and left. Drove around a bit and was just about to head home when I thought of a place that I read about. It's called Intai-Intai... supposedly a well-kept secret. It's located somewhere along Jalan Ulu-Kelang. I came from Jalan Ampang and as I drove slowly on the left lane looking for signs of this restaurant I noticed the traffic building on the opposite direction. As I drove further down towards Setapak I realised that it is probably located on the opposite direction but since the traffic looked bad I decided not to make a U-turn. So I just drove on. I see the Muzium Orang Asli signboard so often and today I just decided to follow it and see where it was located.

I drive and drive following the signboard and the next thing I knew I was driving on Route 68. It took me all the way to Genting-Sempah. This route is no joke... kinda eerie and looks like a good place to dump dead bodies if you know what I mean. Winding like the Tapah route to Cameron Highlands and narrow too. I drove pretty slow since I was not familiar with the route. I arrived at Genting-Sempah just after 7:00 pm. Made a quick run to the washroom and quickly made my way back to KL.

I was starving by now so I decided to head on to Kunang-Kunang since it was the nearest place I could think of. I got to know of this place back when I used to plough the Karak highway regularly when I worked in Kuantan. Everytime I stopped to refuel at Shell, northbound on MRR2 just before you turn off to Karak Highway I would notice this restaurant as I pulled out of the petrol station. Eventually curiosity got the better of me and I stopped there one day and checked it out. It was oklah... garden a la feed-the-mosquitoes-while-you-dine concept. Just a note though which I think needs to be mentioned just in case. Not that I am a racist or anything... but in the few times I have been there I only saw Malays. So, if you're not comfortable then up to you lah. For me, I hantam je.... I kan Muhibbah?

Laksa Kedah... I think it was RM8.90++. It was very good the last time I was here but today, kurang sikit.

This is the Nasi Lemak Rendang Daging which I think was RM4.00++. No... I think it was RM4.00 extra for the rendang. A bit too much sliced serai in the rendang and a bit too much cardamom in my opinion.

The other side of the platter for a better view of the condiments. The ikan bilis was nice...

This is my favourite drink for this place... Watermelon Lychee. Totally refreshing and generous with their lychees too. The damage for those two dishes, my drink and a mango puree was RM32.00.

McDeluxe?

I was at Ampang Park and was deciding what to have for dinner when I came across this. I found it quite amusing... McDeluxe... heh, heh, heh... and open 24 hours too. I wonder if they have anything other than McChicken, if you know what I mean... ha, ha, ha...

Anyways... back to dinner... it was either Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa or Manhattan's Fish Market. I finally decided on MFM since I've never tried it although the smell of the nasi lemak just next door was really inviting.

Manhattan Fish n Chips. There is a choice between Dory, Pollock or Cod fish. I opted for the Pollock which is RM16.90++. It was okay, nothing to shout about. The fries sucked... they were dry.

This is the Flaming Platter for One. It has a catch of the day, pan-fried and their 'award winning' flaming prawns served with buttered rice. They have a nice gimmick of flaming the prawns in front of you with a hand-held burner. I wonder who gave them the award for their prawns? It was just so-so... for RM27.90 I guess it is reasonable but the combination is bad. Way too creamy for me. Cream on the prawns, cream on the fish and buttered rice. I think I'll puke if I had to finish it. I just don't fancy creamy food. Oh, did I mention that the fries sucked? Heh, heh, heh...

I don't see myself going back there again...

Genting Highlands

Made a trip to the highlands today. I decided to drive halfway and then take the Skyway. There was a large crowd and although I was told it would take 45 minutes, I was in a car within 30 minutes.

Upon arriving at the highlands I noticed one of my favourite fast food kiosks and I just couldn't resist and ordered these two. I really sound like a pig with all my double-whammy orders right?

1901 New York Chicken

1901 Coney Dog

Then it was off to the Outdoor Theme Park. Honestly, this is my first time. I paid RM44.00 for the entry... I think. It's free entrance for birthday celebrants. Frankly, I find it quite ridiculous. The entire set up is ridiculous to me... here's why... I pay a premium to enter... then when I decide on a ride, I have to queue... in my instance, I chose the Cyclone first... I queue up for about 45 minutes and my ride was over in 30 seconds. Hello? That's just one ride. At the Space Shot it was the same... a long queue... I took one look at it and walked away. I have to spend almost an hour for every ride? Come on...

So it was off to lunch and what do I see as soon as I exit the Outdoor Theme Park? Old Town White Coffee... apa lagi? On... heh, heh, heh... malas nak jalan punya pasal...

Chicken Curry. It came with steamed white rice. Very plain but very nice. I tell you... I can layan chicken curry with plain bread only... yummy... those were the days...

This is their signature coffee if you don't already know. I like it... nice... strong enough for me.

Before I move on, my 2 sen on the previous two rides.

The Cyclone - it was nice but to wait for 45 minutes and have it over in 30 seconds? It's like having sex with a guy with premature ejaculation. I'm sure you ladies can relate to that. Frust kan?

Space Shot - first of all the queue was ridiculous like I said, then I am Acrophobic... yeah, yeah... so tall yet have Acrophobia? Yes... I am Acrophobic... so? Anyway, queuing for approximately 45 minutes only to feel your balls move to your throat is not my idea of fun. Kinda sadistic to me... so, I doubt I will ever get on that ride.

After lunch it was time for the Flying Coaster. It was RM10.00 for wristband holders. Since this was pay per ride, the queue was short. Got my ride in 5 minutes. This was fun... but the head rests smelt horrible and it stays with you for quite a bit... potong stim...

Then off to the Snow World... this was RM17.00. Now, this.... is a disappointment. Really...

They have time slots which is fine.... gave me time to grab a Hot Caramel Macchiato from Starbuck's. Then they don't allow any cameras in the Snow World. Why? They have their cameramen there and you have to use their services. This is too much. Ok, I can afford it and even I feel the pinch. How about those parents who HAVE TO take their kids there? RM30.00 for 2 pictures is simply outrageous. And on top of that they take crappy pictures. And after you pay your RM30.00 you can't even get the soft copies. Just one word for Genting management on this... FUCK. I can understand that it is a business but this is simply outrageous and people should complain to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs on this. Then inside... Snow World? What snow? Ummm... maybe giant freezer is a better description. Sedih lah... this will be the first and the last for me. The next time I get the urge or if I ever think of this Snow World, I'll just walk into the hotel's walk in chiller and freezer. I think that would be a better experience. Sad... very sad... so save your moolah and don't go there.

Then it was time to leave...

While we're on the topic of rides... the scariest ride I have ever been on is called the Orbiter. I could hardly walk when I got off. It really didn't look like much from the ground but when you're in the air it is something else. I took this ride at a fun fair in Kuantan. This fair comes to Kuantan about twice a year. If you don't believe me... when you see this fun fair near you, go try it. Here are some pics I took early this year.

This is the Orbiter in motion... yes, it was moving that fast... and it is not just spinning around like The Spinner.

This is a high-speed shot. While it spins around, each individual arm spins around as well.

Haze, haze, haze...

The haze is back... yet again. This has now become a yearly affair. There was no haze in while I was in Kuantan.

I'm Back... Yet Again...

I'm back in KL... was reassigned in February. The company provided me a place to call home... and this is the view from my balcony.

First of all, I miss Kuantan. Never thought I'd ever say that being a KL-boy. I went to Kuantan kicking and screaming but now I miss it... especially the beach... accessible every single day. I guess the quality of life is just way better than in KL, that's why.

Anyway, what have I been up to? Life's been busy... very busy.

1. I'm back in KL against my will. I knew that this assignment was going to be a nightmare that's why I didn't want to accept it and neither did any of my peers. But here I am... struggling to cope.

2. I'm now officially divorced. Received the papers a couple of months back.

3. We got conned of approximately RM55k last month. Not my fault but me being the boss here, I am responsible for it.

4. I was just informed that I will have to be issued a warning letter. A decision by the board... my 1st ever in my entire career.

Some new things I've learnt...

1. 10 years of service means nothing... you'll still get a warning letter. All it takes is 1 mistake to wipe out 10 years of excellence. I think the time has come to look for greener pastures as soon as the economy stabilises.

2. Some people... well not some... there are a lot out there who just thrive on poking their noses into others' affairs. What they gain out of it I will never understand. The EX is tying the knot (again) in November for crying out loud. If you report 100% facts, fine... facts are facts but you idiots report half-truths which just drive me up the wall. I just want to carry on with my life peacefully. So why can't they just leave me alone?

Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque

Tv(Shutter Speed) 5Sec, Av(Aperture Value) F10, ISO Speed 200, Lens EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Focal Length 44.0 mm

I took this shot last night. This is the state mosque and is one of Kuantan's main landmark.

Eye On Malaysia...

I have to be in the Industrial Court in KL tomorrow morning at 9:00am. So I drove over to KL this evening. I arrived at about 10:30pm. Had a view of the Eye On Malaysia. I had brought my new camera with me, obviously... actually I had to take some pictures for work that's why I brought it. And here are the pictures...

Tv(Shutter Speed) 1Sec, Av(Aperture Value) F5.6, ISO Speed 800, Lens EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Focal Length 55.0 mm, Program Mode Night

Tv(Shutter Speed) 0.6Sec, Av(Aperture Value) F5.6, ISO Speed 1600, Lens EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Focal Length 55.0 mm, Program Mode Night

Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/4Sec, Av(Aperture Value) F5.6, ISO Speed 800, Lens EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Focal Length 55.0 mm, Program Mode Shutter Priority

Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/4Sec, Av(Aperture Value) F5.6, ISO Speed 800, Lens EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Focal Length 55.0 mm, Program Mode Shutter Priority

Oh, by the way.. I didn't bring my el-cheapo tripod along so all these were taken hand-held...

Pandan Waterfalls

Today is a public holiday here in Kuantan so I decided to take a drive to the Panda waterfalls located about 25kms from Kuantan towards Gambang. It was relatively easy to find. At the entrance they collect RM1 per person. As I drove in I noticed about 4 large buses parked outside which seems to look like a designated bus parking area. I drove further in but only to be stopped by a group of kids in National Service uniform. There were some cars parked alongside the road so I gathered that, this was as far as I could go. I parked and made my way to the waterfall. As I approached the waterfall I came across the National Service students getting a brief from their leader. There were about 150 of them in total, give or take.

As I was in jeans and had no intentions of 'playing' with the water, I made my way up the trek alongside the waterfall. As I trekked I saw many, many people playing in the water and after awhile, I noticed I was the ONLY Chinese there. Well, I wasn't alarmed as this happens a lot here in Kuantan. I would have been if I was in KL and I would have been a few months back.

This is a shot of the waterfall that I took from the website. As you can see later it is of a different angle from mine as this shot was taken while standing in the stream which I didn't want to do.

This is the shot that I took with my ever faithful Nokia N95. I took it from the trek alongside the waterfall.

As I was trekking down, I came across this mushroom.

And I also came across this flower. Don't know what it is called though.

All in all it wasn't really much fun and I doubt non-Muslims would enjoy it either unless you enjoy playing in water fully clothed like most of them were except for the men that is. And if you do decide to go as you wish you'd probably end up getting 'dagger stares' or even get cited for indecency. It is Kuantan after all you know...