Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Traffic congestion earned me a relaxing day

Its Wednesday and not not even a festive season, but the traffic congestion this morning was unbearable. I attempted  a few options of road accesses, driving here and there for 1 hour and I was still lingering around the same housing area.

I couldn't even get out of my area AAARRGGGHHH….!!!!

I decided. “I will be on leave today” I sent short message to my office.

At home, I played with my stray kitten, I lied down on the sofa watching the ceiling. I moved to another sofa looking out to where my old paintings are.

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“hmmm… maybe I should do some sketches..but..ah..Im just too lazy. I need a coffee”. I thought.

So I drove out to the nearby Kopitiam (its a new name for a modernized Chinese coffee house)IMG01296-20121031-1245

I wanted to check on my emails, but..nay…its my off day. I dont want to think about work.

Somewhere along the way, the car sales person called. your loan is approved and the car should be ready once you pay the down payment.

“Oh No….my personal banker (hubby) is out of town”. ARGGHHH..!! I had to keep it on hold.

I needed a new car not because I have so much money to spend, but I lost confidence on the existing vehicle due to something that happened to it quite recently while being serviced. The Servicing man negligently damage the piston that causing them to hold to my car for almost a month. Lucky for me, they had me a replacement car for my everyday use.

Now am sitting in the kopitiam, listening to the soft music sipping my coffee bit by bit to keep my stay longer. No traffic, no customer’s call, no discussion….hmmm….how nice if only I could do this often.

I feel so relaxed.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Komodo Island stole my heart

 

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The picturesque scenery still lingering in my mind even after 10 days leaving the place.

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The ugly Jurassic dragon couldn't deter me from wanting to come again.

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Even the scenery approaching the port of Labuan Bajo is awesome.

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If I could afford the money and time…I’ll be back..!!

My Eid-Ul-Adha 2012

 

We Malaysian call this special day as Hari Raya Haji. This is the day when million would be spending their prayers feeling so close to Allah in The Holy Land of Mecca, doing their Hajj .

Those who couldn't be with them would stay and spend time with their close relatives and friends in a memorable gathering. I did too

Due to my back to back travelling recently, I could not spend time doing grocery, but still I invited my in-laws, because I knew they would be here just for the gathering, even if I couldn't prepare more than just a simple meat ball soup.

Meat Ball Soup..?????

Thats is not in the norms served during this Eid.

 DSC04805 And they came , anyway.

DSC04806 To my space limited casa.  DSC04802

They came with love. That's the most important.

Having only 6 seater dinner table, they were willing to take turn to eat. Oh..my beloved in-laws. Thank you for coming.

I didn't have any other close relatives to spend with me at this time, as they are all in my hometown…My in-laws presence made my day.

Selamat Hari Raya..!!!!!! (Malaysian way of greeting as in Eid Mubarak)

Friday, October 26, 2012

My morning story

 

That  morning, I saw a group of student were heading towards my house. I reckoned one of them. He is Syamin, my son’s good friend. So I opened the door. but before opening it wide, one of them took out a ‘parang’.

It was hidden behind him earlier. As quick as I could, BANG…!!!! I closed the door .

Through the glass sliding door, the one that I reckoned, said something unclear to me. He wanted to tell me something, but ….Kring..!!kring..!! kring..!! …..my phone rang.

I saw my door was shacking then. Oh.no..!!!…..They tried to force it open. I rushed to the door. HELP…!!!!! kring..!!kring..!! kring..!! my phone kept on ringing.

Help..!! help me..!!! ..The situation turned havoc. kring..!! kring..!! kring..!! I tried to search for the phone in my pocket, but I could not reach, my other hand pushed the door as hard as I could.

I screamed. I called for my son to help.  but kring..! kring..!! the ringing was so loud that no one could hear me. The  door was shacking harder and harder.They were trying to get in. OMG.! OMG..!!. HELP..!!!!

Kring..!! kring..!!kring..!!kring..! kring..!

help..!!!!

kring..!!kring..! kring..!

HELP..!!!! HELLLLLLPPPPP..!!!!!!!

kring..!! kring..!! kring..!!…

Still no one heard. The phone ringing tone was too loud for my voice to be heard.

KRING..!!! KRING..!!! KRING..!!!!

My right hand kept on searching for the phone…at last, I found it. I looked at it…….. OMG!!! I’m late..!!!!

I jumped up and rushed to the washroom. My alarm was on for almost half an hour.

I arrived 15 minutes late for my meeting.

what a nightmare….

On my very next doctor’s appointment…”I’m having a nightmare every night..!” was my first complain.

He gave me something to help me relaxed, which also helps me overshooting my sleeping hours. ……whaaattt lah….(one of popular Malaysian slang)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Brunei again


Two days after after coming back from the exciting trip to Komodo Island, it was time to fly again.
DSC04744Back to the Airport.
This time to the same place I’ve been for many times, Brunei.
On that very day, I got my long-wanted local Bruneian dish ‘Ambuyat’.
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An Ex-schoolmate of mine, Mahani (Hajah)and his hubby were kind enough to drive me to the restaurant where Ambuyat is served complete with it’s other complementary dishes like ‘Belutak’ (as in blue-tuck).
DSC04750This was our 1st meeting after almost 30 years.

DSC04751DSC04753 We chat about our grown up children and a’lil business talk too.

While talking to her, I tried hard recalling a few old friends of ours. As usual, my memory failed me. Somehow, our little chat was kinda putting me into deja-vu of our good-old-days, that nite.
Thanks for coming Hani. I really appreciate the time you both lovely couple spent on meeting me.

 Belutak..!belutak…! belutak..!!! hehe…the sounds of saying it still keeps on playing in my mind. 
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According to Hani, Belutak (the black looking dish) is made from combination of beef fat, tendon, meat,and many more. All mixed with tamarind,salt and I’m not sure what.

The interesting part is,as lenghty explained by Hani’s friendly hubby, those ingredients would be later, stuffed into the cleansed cow’s intestine, and kept aside for the fermentation process to take place, before its ready to be served deep fried. hmmm…I didn't know this. To my taste bud, its just like eating a deep fried beef and tendon mixed with sourish spices like Tamarind.
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You will need a special utensil, made of Bamboo, chopstick-look-alike. Unlike Chopstick, the other end stays intact. 
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While its still hot, you would moderately roll the Ambuyat with the Bamboo,  dip it to the sourish  dish and GULP..!!! ..feel the thrill of experiencing the hot sensation the glue-like Ambuyat slipping down your throat.

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
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I was there to check on my ongoing project.
I consider this place clean and peaceful country. No liquor, no smoking, no adultery no car thieves, no beggars. Should be no problem too…..but…..
by 10pm NO MORE SHOPS OPEN..!!?????? Now that's not peaceful for me. HELLOOOOOO…….!!! anybody still awake..???? 10pm is just a time for me to go out for coffee at the Mamak’s

So on the 2nd night, after a long day meetings, since I'm not a TV watcher, I got myself drawing materials.

Charcoal …hmmm…let me try…..

Slowly but surely, I started to scribble .  Roses again…????               DSC04759 DSC04766
Yes, Roses again, but this time they are black.

It completed long after midnight and it was time to sleep.
DSC04797 Hmmm….perhaps I should come often should I needed to practice my drawing skills.

As I was working on this journal…………
Ops..! I just heard my flight being called. It was time for boarding.

Malaysia, I’m coming back..
Muah..muah..muah…. Im back with my loved ones by 8:30pm.

Mieng Kam…!!! All of a sudden, I missed the Mieng Kam (however you say it),the Thai appetizer. So…direct to the Thai restaurant we went.

Mieng Kam consists of fresh leaves of Piper sarmentosum or in Malaysia called ‘Daun Kadok’ that are filled with some roasted coconut shavings, small pieces Shallots, Fresh red or green bird's eye chili (Fuhhh…!!! this is extremely spicy hot..!),Ginger , Lime  with its peel, roasted peanuts and small dried shrimps.
DSC04790 Yummy….I ordered 3 servings. Trust me..I finished them all..mbeeekkkkkk…!

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At last….and home sweet home…..

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Labuan Bajo, Yes. there’s such place

My business partner, Gina and I enrolled in a conference….but…Labuan Bajo.??? where the heck is that? So I did my internet surfing.

Labuan Bajo Map

If you are Malaysian, like me, you may take MAS or Airasia to Denpasar(Bali), Indonesia, which takes 2.30hrs. Next, you may take a domestic Fokker flight operated by Lion Air or Merpati to Labuan Bajo.

I just came back last night and still groggy of sleepiness, while when I was out there for 4 days I was looking fresh as ever.

Trip was quiet short, but the environment as I reached Bali, contributed to the hoohaa…feelings. Anyway, I wouldn't make too much fuss about it, but just an advice, if you ever go to Indonesia, set your mind that its going to be crowded anywhere until you reached your hotel room.

DSC04402 Going through the immigration was faster than I thought.

First thing caught my sight were those beautiful paintings hung on the wall everywhere.

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So, there I was, arriving Denpasar, then later told that my luggage was still in Malaysia. Great..!!!

The book said, do not stress yourself, what ever happens, just relax….and  enjoy yourself… So, I obeyed.

Phew....!! I found a lounge especially for Citibank Platinum card holders. Being the bank’s member for more than 20 years, I think I deserve a good treat from the bank.

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Gina and I waited for our flight in the simple and comfortable lounge, filling myself with liquid after liquid. That’s my secret of staying energetic while travelling. drink mineral water and juices a lot.

20 minutes later than the actual time. our flight was at last, called. So we left the ‘Bandara Ngurah Rai’ (Name for Bali Airport) , thinking of what am I going to wear to the conference later in the evening. Whatever…..relax…enjoy…. (I remembered the book said, again)

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There was a shuttle ferrying us to the small aircraft, by LION Air.

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1.5 hours later…..

DSC04415  Labuan Bajo, the destination that we, the whole group who were there to attend the conference , were heading.

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One thing I love about Indonesia, is the colorful culture.

As we touched down, The Head man of the province, and his cultural group were there to greet.

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I just kept myself busy with my camera, not wanting to miss anything.

Ah..I met someone I came to know in those good old days when he was still a client. Pak Joko.

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DSC04428   While others waited for their luggage, I continued playing with my camera.

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No too long after that, we boarded the van. I chose to sit in front.

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This is Pak…errr…(I forgot).

Being seated infront, I had the advantage of having a better view of the town and the surrounding area.

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Beautiful small town…..

DSC04442 DSC04441 DSC04440 DSC04439 DSC04448   I saw a tiny minie adult chicken by the roadside.   

 

We reached the hotel, La Prima, within 15 minutes. Registration done and we then, sent to Hotel Jayakarta , where the conference was to be held.

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Anton, was among my first new acquaintances.

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And this …was the first Komodo I saw. Don't worry, it doesn't bite. DSC04467

The conference began. Oh..in case you are wondering…

FaidainRed I actually bought a T-shirt to wear, while waiting for my luggage, which was still a night away. The disposable panty in my handbag came in handy too. ngeee……

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Within the conference, I kept on looking out to the window, to the islands. My heart were already there, the island I was looking forward to visit.

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YEAYY..!!! the conference ended 2 days later.That much awaited day came, at last.

That very morning, I woke up earlier than I should. My mind was full of the images of the Jurassic Dragon.

Wait..!! I forgot to tell you that my luggage  arrived on the promised date. That day, I was excited and full of eagerness waiting for my transport to the airport to collect my bag then, when some good looking policemen were also excited knowing  that I am a Malaysian.

IMG01239-20121017-0931These handsome Policemen were not there to guard me though, they were there to ensure their Mr.President known as SBY will be safe. The Indonesia President happen to also visit the island, but I didn't get to see him

These photographs with the friendly locals were taken during our dinner at the hotel.

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Ok, about my missing bag, I at last got it, alright.

Now back to my excitement…

Visit to Rinca Island, where the great Dinosaur era creature, Komodo, can be found. The visit to the island was part of the conference’s agenda.

Everyone was so excited that morning. We had bus ready to shuttle us to the port.

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All participants were ready at the port at 6:30 am. Just look how broad day light it is, while in Kuala Lumpur, it would still be beyond visibility.

DSC04515 Our hired boats were ready, waited in line.

DSC04525DSC04522DSC04521 Watch your step, Gina….

It wasn't easy for Gina and I to board the boat, we did it , anyway.

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By 7am, we were all happily seated in the boat.

Half an hour later, out boat started to move.

DSC04548 I didn't know anyone other than my business partner, then, anyway, I just went ahead talking to them as if I’ve known them for ages.

Playing Titanic, and playing sailor….excuse me Mr. Popeye..move over please….

DSC04576 Don't worry Mister, I will get us to the right island.

 

I enjoyed  the scenery so much.

Beautiful………

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We passed by islands after islands….DSC04588  DSC04585 DSC04587

after islands….DSC04577 DSC04573

after islands….DSC04555   DSC04551 

At last……the  2 hours boat ride reached ‘Pulau Rinca’ (Rinca Island).

JENG..!!JENG..!!JENG..!!!!  (suspense)

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We reached ‘Loh Buaya’ , where the Komodos were expecting for their visitors. Seems that, the locals call the Komodo, ‘buaya’ (crocodile).

DSC04598  DSC04597 DSC04613The young rangers gave us a quick briefing on the DO’s and Dont’s

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These are among those parts that didn't get swallowed by the Komodo, while other parts of the body, including bones and hooves are all get digested. The ranger said, Komodo could last the whole month without eating, once they had their stomach filled.

The field walk started not long after that…

it was HOT..!!!..but the excitement overcame the heat.

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There is a kid in every adult.

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AHAH..!! we saw the first one. This one is big but not hungry. So, its found it’s comfort zone under the ranger’s quarters.

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The clicking of our cameras didn't bother this guy at all.

We continued our walk. I followed the handsome ranger closely, but not for the look though.

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He would be my savior , just in case if……and if.. and  if…..

AHAH..!!!!! more to see…

DSC04623 DSC04621 They were there, under the rangers’ quarters, close to the kitchen.

DSC04664 DSC04663 Adi, from Kupang, my new friend, and I, proudly capturing memories with those dragon.

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The ranger said, they could smell food, especially blood, from more than 5 km away. Among the DONT’s is … ladies who are having period(menstruating) , are not allowed to enter the place.

DSC04629 Watch out, Gina..!!! they are moving towards you..!!!

DSC04628 Hu.hu.hu.. the dragon seemed to be moving towards me too.

 

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click..click…click…click…..ok guys…thats enough, we have to continue our trail.

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Along the trail, we came across a white traces of the Komodos’ droppings.

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Also buffalo’s droppings

DSC04606 Buffalo are among the dragon’s special prey. We found one, as we walked through the trail looking for the Jurassic dragon.

We came across monkeys too.

According to the ranger, Indonesian government stops feeding the Komodo. They let nature takes its course. 

Look..!!! Komodo’s nest.

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17 August is their mating date…huh?… why only that date?…I didnt have a chance to ask the ranger.

Komodo makes a 2 meters  hole in depth. They lay about 30-35 eggs. The incubation period is 9 months. Only about 50% of the eggs get hatched and from that, only 20% survival rate.

Komodo practically eats everything, including their young. To be safe, the young Komodo would dwell up in the tree for up to 2 years.

The amazing part is, the nest is also shared by a type of bird, which digs  1 meter deep in the same hole, doesn't the  predator smell their existence in there.?? hmmm… I have no answer for that.

Too bad, we didn't come across the bird, called ‘Burung Gosong’

 

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Komodo’s poisonous saliva could kill the prey almost instantly.

Guess what..?..Our ranger said there was an old ‘Nenek’ (old lady/granny) died quite recently, attacked by the dragon. And that wasnt the first incident. eyeeeuuwwww….. That caused us to continue our trails following the DO’s and DONT’s obediently, all the way.

It was hot and humid, but who would want to be left far behind. So, we  walked and walked..and walked

DSC04658 ….”Gina, are you still there??” I kept on checking on my friend, who tracked quite further behind me. By now, everyone should have known her name.

LOOK..!!!!! There is another one under the trunk.….. watch your step guys…..She didn't seem happy with the attention.

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We passed by with extra careful, beside this unhappy mom. My ranger offered me to sit slightly closer to be captured in a camera with it.

“No..no..no…..I still have a long trip to do and my family are waiting for me to comeback in one piece.” The group laughed

In another 30 meters away…..

 

LOOK..!!!! There’s another one. This one looks very alert.

MAKE SURE…YOU STAY BEHIND ME….! I told the ranger as I got someone to handle my camera. As I heard the click, I jumped far from the creature. phew..!!

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The tracking resumed.

DSC04647 DSC04650  Old trees amazed me too. Lovely sights they made.

As I was enjoying the tree structure, I turned my attention down to the ground. Not too far from there, again, the ranger pointed at another adult komodo. shhh………dont make noise……

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After all the clicks of cameras, we headed back to the starting point. but…….

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 AHAHHHH….!!!!!!  this naughty one blocked our track and it didn't want to give way. So, we had to maneuver our way through the bush.

At last….

We reached the end of our trail.

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And back to the boat tired, hungry and thirsty….however….

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Lunch in a box helped indeed.

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I asked everyone for their emails and Facebook accounts…..DSC04681DSC04571

for us to  exchange photos and to get to know each other better in the future.

Somewhere in between the journey back, we stopped by another island called, ‘Pulau Bidadari’ (Fairy Island). Neither Fairy nor Komodo found there.

DSC04689 DSC04688 DSC04687 Half and hour later, our boat were heading back to Labuan Bajo Port.

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We left the jetty at around 3pm, with wide smile, full of satisfaction.

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YEAYYY…!!!!!!

 I’ve seen Komodo…!!!!

And I bought the little wooden carving with me back to Malaysia.

IMG01259-20121017-1631 From the actual price RP150,000, I negotiated down to RP90,000 ~ RM35 ~USD11