Christmas in Bangkok

Bangkok is the epicenter of fun and entertainment in Thailand. Its rich cultural heritage accommodates practically much of outside influences, making it a veritable city of non stop celebration. Be it Western bash or a local festivity, Thais always find a good reason to celebrate it.

Undoubtedly, as Thailand becomes more tangled in modern culture and globalization becomes more real. Western influences such as Christmas also comes unavoidable. That is not to say that Thais are discarding their wonderful age old culture and customs; they have always been zealously guarding their traditions. That Christmas celebration has become common, at least in the top tourist destinations, simply reflect the Thai people’s innate tendency to embrace everything that constitute fun.

Christmas, in fact, gives great occasion for great merrymaking. Futhermore, Thais are generally generous, and the spirit of giving that Christmas encourages blends well with their homebred values. Not surprising then that Christmas is widely celebrated in the country that is largely Buddhist.

In short, it doesn’t take a Christian country to have real fun on Christmas. Buddhist or Christian, Thai or Farang (foreigner), everybody can have a good Christmas time….

Tèŕŕåńċę

All I Want For Christmas Is ...

Christmas is around the corner...

Santa will be coming to town...

For the first time in my life,

I will be celebrating this year's Christmas out of Malaysia.

Bangkok - That's the place I will be.

No, that's not what I really want for Christmas.

All I want for Christmas is...

To stay healthy and be happy always.

No amount of money can buy happiness and good health...

I can only pray that I can live a normal life...

Nothing to stress about...

Nothing to worry...

Just be a simple person, with a simple life.

I know it's not easy or possible to achieve that...

But that's what I really want for this Christmas...

Not only for this Christmas...

But throughout my life.

Thanks Santa ! Hopefully my wish will come true...

I will have pirated croc shoes for you and the reindeer on Christmas eve night...

Fly carefully and hope for good weather :)

Merry Christmas...and Happy New Year ! :)

Tèŕŕåńċę

Stupid Saman

My 300 ringgit gone when I opened a registered letter from the 'great' Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM).

Not for shopping...

Not for food...

But, for our Malaysia Government.

I got a saman. Well, two actually...so it's RM600! because I went online and found out I have another one which I presumed still on the way to my home :(

First one... apparently I got clocked at 93 km/h in a 80 km/h zone around KM10 right after Ayer Keroh toll.

Second one...also same place !!! I really couldn't believe it !!!

Damn it !!! I go Melaka at least once a month, and I really wonder how many more saman I can expect from the pakciks in PDRM. As the saman I received was for October, that means I still have November and December to look for :(

I am also wondering why I am so generous to the Government of Malaysia. This year alone, 6 samans for me...I guess next time I must drive 50 km/h :(

Tèŕŕåńċę - Sad Case

Sawasdee Khrap, Sawasdee Kha...

KLIA - Boarding Thai Airways to Bangkok on Boeing 777

My souvenir from Thai Airways

The journey from Survanabumi Airport to the city center takes between 30 and 45 minutes. However, I took 2 hours to reach my hotel which is located at the downtown of Bangkok - The Amari Watergate Hotel because of rush hour.

Sawasdee Khrap...Sawasdee Kha

In Thailand, people in general greet one another with the word Sawasdee and a gesture of pressing the palm together called Wai. The word Sawasdee can be used all times of the day. A male would add the word Khrap and a female the word Kha after Sawasdee to show politeness. The Wai has much more social significance than a western handshake and in general, the younger person or the person with junior ranking wais first to an elder or senior, who returns the gesture.

I was told that there are three institutions that the Thai people regard highly and must therefore pay proper respect. The Nation, represent by the Nation Flag and the National Anthem. The Religion, represented by the Triple Gems: Buddha, Dharma and Sangkha (the monks). The Monarchy, represented by the King and members of the Royal family.

Long Live The King

Here's a quick review of the hotel I stayed...

The Amari Watergate Hotel, Bangkok

View of Amari Watergate Hotel from CentreWorld

The Amari Watergate Hotel is located in the very heart of the city in Pratunam, one of Bangkok’s main commercial and shopping district.

I was not dissappointed with the Amari. Good location, close to shops, restaurants, public transportation...in the heart of the city and brilliant all round package. I stayed in a deluxe room for 3 nights; which was modern and very clean, with LCD TV and DVD player. One night here cost me 5,438 Baht which is equivalent to RM550.

Deluxe Room with 42' LCD

Bathroom with duckling duck to play with

The difference between a Superior and a Deluxe is the floor level and room decoration; Deluxe rooms have been refurbished in a more modern/business style, but the bathrooms are still the same in all rooms - twin hand basins, a separate show cubicle and a large bath tub. Each room has a spectacular view of the city.

Staff were very polite, they try to make your stay really pleasant and will help out any way they can. The 8th floor gym and pool area are also great. The breakfast buffet is quite good and runs until 10:30am, which is also great if you're not an early bird!

Swimming Pool @ Amari Watergate

There is no air condition in the corridor - where the elevators are, and also in the elevators themselves - so it's pretty hot there... The only thing that I found a bit of the nuisance was that no free internet in the room. However, there was free wi-fi in the lobby, which I only found out when I checked out!

Right in front of the hotel, there is a new wholesale mall with not less than 1500 shops, and clothes are extremely cheap! But I am not a shopaholic, so I bought nothing at all...was tempted to buy the pirated version of croc shoe @ 159 Baht; but end up didn't buy...

Tèŕŕåńċę

Meal Box...Anyone???

Lately, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) stopped serving hot meals on indo-china sector and replaced it with cold meals, lunch box-styled and worse still, there is practically no choice for passengers to choose as it only come with cold sandwiches.

But with MAS intention to be a 5 star airline, this change in meal policy will not do any good to MAS especially with stiff competition from other regional airlines.

The management's intention to serve cheap looking meals is part of their cost-cutting exercise but this lowers the quality of cabin service and I doubt MAS will ever be voted Best Cabin Service again this year if this continues. I am sure the cost of the box is not cheap...

I wish to point out that MAS is a national carrier and it represents the image of Malaysia, so do not compromise on service as it reflects badly on us Malaysians.

MAS should go forward, and not backward to serve passengers with cold meal box...

This is what I had during my flight from Bangkok - Kuala Lumpur ... 2 hours international flight but eat sandwiches :(

Tèŕŕåńċę

Puteri Resort, Ayer Keroh

Puteri Resort Ayer Keroh, nice name but not-so-nice hotel.

I had high expectation on this hotel….basically because of the nice big swimming pool and also the landscape was nice. However, it was a big disappointment. First the room was big but dirty. The balcony was not accessible because of birds stools everywhere. The side tables were not clean and sticky. The sink was blocked with water. The shower was not working. The hanger for the towels was out of place. The air conditional was too cold and I couldn't control it at my room. TV was malfunction. As I arrived past midnight, I was just too tired to complain.

Swimming Pool View

Breakfast served can be considered of junk grade. For a price of RM168++ a night, it is definitely a NO-NO for me to come again. I rather stay at Rumah Tumpangan (Hostel) and save the balance for some nice nyonya food in Melaka.

My final verdict ? this hotel can be given a 2 star rating instead of 4.

Tèŕŕåńċę

Le Meridian Kuala Lumpur

Everything about Le Meridien is as you would expect from a five star hotel. It is a beautiful hotel and one certainly couldn't fault the quality of the fixtures and fittings.It is located directly across the road from KL Sentral and has a taxi rank outside.

Lobby

My room at 31st floor

The Lounge at lobby

I stayed in an executive room which was quite small when compared with other five star hotels. Having said that, the room had everything else required for a comfortable stay.The highlight of the room for me was the bath which was set beside the bathroom window and offered the most incredible view across Kuala Lumpur. The scented candles and the drink from the minibar provided the final touches to a hugely relaxing bath treat.The pool/spa is located on the 8th floor and the facilities are shared with the identical Hilton hotel next door. Slippers and bathrobes are provided with the room the pool has a towel service.

Breakfast was ok, but only limited choices of main course available. this is maybe due to the renovation being done on the restaurant which will be completed by end of month.

Le Meridien, despite its proximity to the Sentral Station, is not centrally located- if you like to take a walk before or after dinner - do some extra sightseeing or shopping in the area around your hotel - you can forget this place. You're isolated...still, this is one of the best hotel I ever stayed.

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Proud & Pride

I don’t give Drs problem...
But I solve their problems.

I don’t sell them stuff, and I am not a typical salesman...
But I give them a solution.

A solution that can enhance their clinical skills, their clinical knowledge...
So that they can treat with more confidence.

I advise them on clinical stuff...
But I am not a qualified medical practitioner.

I provide them trainings...
So that they can treat and diagnose patient efficiently.

I am proud, when doctor ask my opinion on how to treat his/her patient in the best manner.

I am proud, when doctor ask for some suggestion to improve surgery outcome.

Very often I was mistaken by patients as a specialist...
By asking me lots of questions regarding their problems.

I will try to answer their doubts...
But it's not my job to do so.

Yes, I am a specialist…
But I am not an eye specialist

I am nobody...

But I am proud of who I am.

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Imagination...

What if I strike a jackpot in casino?

What if I have millions in my bank account?

What if I committed a crime and gotta serve the jail term?

What if I lose my sight?

What if I am disabled?

What if I am a celebrity?

What my life will be if I am a pilot?

or a doctor?

or a lawyer?

or a taxi driver?

Lots of imagination running on my mind...

but I can't have control on my life.

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

The Turning Point of Life...

The course of life is unpredictable…

no one can write his/her autobiography in advance.

Just when you think you trust someone...

they go & stab you in the back.

Every single day we are faced with some life challenge...

sometimes the challenges defeat us, and we suffer.

I am now at the lowest point of my life...

and somehow it has changed my course of life.

Tèŕŕåńċę ™ - in need a hug

In Memory...

Braz Jr CH St James Spring Hill Happily Even After - 'Oscar'

Oscar is my first imported American Cocker Spaniel from Brazil. Isn't he gorgeous?

Oscar winning his Braz Jr Champion Title

"You were so special in your own cute way in and out of the show ring, and no one can take that away from you. The memory of those soft eyes and that little squeaky bark and of course playfulness, will forever be engraved in my heart, soul and mind. Thank you for letting me be your human daddy here on earth. I was so proud to have that honor and privilege even though it was just a little while..."

Oscar's daughter - Yasmine & Star

Yasmine winning the Canada Champion Title

Star winning her Brazilian Junior Championship Title

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Malaysia Weights Buying Russia Spacecraft

Malaysia is thinking of buying the Russian craft that carried the first Malaysian into space and putting it on exhibit to stimulate scientific interest among the country's youths.

Russia's space agency offered to sell the Soyuz TMA-11 craft to Malaysia and that negotiations were under way.

To the Russian, the spacecraft has no value anymore. Instead of throwing it to scrapyard, might as well sell to Malaysia; which the government will take it as something very valuable like gold bar.

If they were to purchase the Soyuz, where they wanna display it? Is it worth buying that just for display purposes? or should the government spend the money on other 'more important' stuff? How on earth by having that spacecraft in Malaysia will stimulate the scientific interest among the youths? No offence, but I really don't understand-loh

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Real Player v.11

Real Player is probably the leader in terms of streaming media (streaming = plays as it downloads). I honestly hate having to stream media content, as it never looks or sounds very good, especially in slow connection; but for those with a fast connection then it'll be just perfect for you!

I mainly use Real Player to play MP3's or music in the Real format. Listening to MP3's on Real Player sounds very good and it doesn’t sound distorted when running or open other programs at the same time. There's hardly any interference. With this version 11, I can download streaming audio and video from youtube or other places easily using this software; so that I can view the videos anywhere, anytime I want.

It's free and can be downloaded from http://www.realplayer.com.au/

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Kuching Food Trail

With so many stalls to choose from, it’s not surprising that Kuchingites are divided in their opinions about where to find the best of the city’s signature dishes.

Sarawak Laksa

Unique to Kuching, this breakfast staple (also eaten for lunch and dinner) consists of thin rice vermicelli, prawns and strips of omelette and chicken in belacan based soup of coconut milk and spices.

Kolok Mee

Sarawak’s humble kolok mee is arguably less visually appealing than its counterpart – wanton mee. Yet many fans rave over its subtle flavour and crunchy bite. It’s topped with minced meat, prawns and spring onions, with a noticeable scarcity of vegetables. It’s widely available at coffeeshops and hawker centers.

Other Kuching Must-haves

Midin

Also called bidin, this is a type of jungle fern unique to Sarawak. Much sought after for its crunchy texture, it is usually cooked in one of three ways-stir fried in garlic, fried with belacan, or cooked with ginger and red wine ala foochow style.

Teh C Special

A Kuching specialty, this drink tastes as good as it looks. Served in a glass with three different distinctive layers –thick, gooey palm sugar at the bottom, evaporated milk in the middle and tea at the top-it’s deliciously yummy and standard fare at any kuching coffeeshop.

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

AirAsia

Who would have known such a small airline from Malaysia which started out with RM40 million in debt and with it's tagline of "Now everyone can fly" would have such impact on the aviation landscape today...

Grown from a 2-aircraft fleet to 62 today, revolutionary achievements, outstanding performance and accelerated growth have cemented AirAsia as the leading and largest airline in Asia, and in growing from strength to strength, AirAsia has now proven itself to be worthy of the Airline of the Year 2007 award.

There are rooms for improvement, like cutting down flight delay rate and perhaps introduce frequent flyer programme...in which I believe that if they provide the same services provided by MAS and yet be able to keep it at low cost, I am sure the passenger load will increase.

"Teasing" MAS - Super Obvious...

P/S: Dato' Tony Fernandez, I doing free promo for you, got free air-ticket for me ah?

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

On Board Experience...

I was expecting to be served the new MAS meal box when I was flying to Kuching. But somehow, I was served the normal meal which we usually get on board...

Nasi Lemak Sotong * Yummy...Yummy*

Alamak, two forks and no spoon ! How to eat leh ??? What is this ???

Luckily I had my not-so-fresh prawn kueh teow noodle in the Golden Lounge before I boarded the plane

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Letter to Drs

Dear Drs,

You want me to sponsor you...

I will if it's within my budget...

You want me to provide free training...

I will for the sake of building relationship...

You want 'additional' stuff when you purchase something...

I will give if I can afford to...

But please don't be unreasonable...

Like demanding 'a car with no engine to be able to function like a car with engine'.

I seek your understanding...

That sometimes I can't please all of you & fulfill all your demands...

All I can do is...

to try my very best...

and don't be a sicko, keep on complaining when the fact that nothing can be done.

When a 'car with no engine' can't function, don't complain and ask why...

Nothing is perfect in this world...

You're a doctor and don't expect me to help you all the time...

Just because you are a doctor...

doesn't mean you are a class above me...

Just because you have the purchase power...

doesn't mean you can squeeze me dry...

or 'control' me...

or even being unreasonable...

It's hard to please all of you, in the way you want me to...

But I have tried my best and what can I do?

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Online Advertisement...

Nuffnang - “Asia’s First Blog Advertising Community”

and

Advertlets - “Asia’s Better Blog Advertising Network”

Noticed the tagline for both the advertising company?

One claims to be FIRST, while the other claims to be BETTER

So which is good?

I have no idea….

That’s why I am being fair to both of the company :)

By having 2 ads each on my site…

But I do PREFER Nuffnang’s ads more…

Simply because their variety of ads are more…

and also more relevant to my blog…

and also more ‘colourful’…

and also more ‘interesting’…

Companies such as AirAsia, FireFly…(errr... where is MAS ?), TuneHotels, Maxis, Nokia etc are Nuffnang’s advertisers…

While I only see Toyota’s ad on advertlets so far.

I am really curious who pays more…

and it’s not easy to earn money from them…

If no click on the advertisement, then no money lah

How many of the readers will actually click on the ad?

and I am pretty sure not many people like to click on ad leh…

Unless it’s a really good ad, which can attract people like you to go sibuk-sibuk…

Still, I have seen people earning hundreds to thousands a mth from them…

and I am here to try this out.

Oh ya, before you close this window, click on the ad ya… :)

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Bollywood...

This is super funny....

Bollywood Boleh !!! :)

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Enriching ...

Being a member of Malaysia Airlines frequent flyer programme (Enrich),

and flying so often this year...

I got upgraded from my blue tier status to silver...

But I want a gold status...

so that I can have free meals all the time in the lounge

hehe :)

To achieve that, I need to fly twice the no. of times I flying now...

Which means I need to collect 50000 miles within a year... :(

sigh...

what a 'target' to achieve...


Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Hotel Seri Malaysia - Melaka

I just came back from a 2 days 1 night stay at the Hotel Seri Malaysia, Melaka.

It is a 3-star hotel but definitely good value for money, considering the good room condition, the service I got from the hotel as well as its quiet location far away from town centre.

The hotel is located right after the Ayer Keroh toll. Room rate was RM130 nett for a standard room with two single beds.

Wi-Fi internet access available but payable at RM10 for every 3 hours.

Here, I stayed in a Standard Room, which was considerably spacious and very clean. The bathroom is also nice and clean. Bath towels provided are in good condition so no need to bring your own. However, I couldn't sleep well because the air-con was sooooo noisy.

I like the overall ambiance of the hotel because of its quiet location. Definitely good for families. It has the facility of swimming pool, table tennis, pool table (which I never get to enjoy). Great place for family vacation.

The room rate of RM130 nett comes with a breakfast for two. However, if you want breakfast go somewhere else. The food was terrible. For example: Orange juice is just like plain water in orange colour.

My preferred choice of hotel will be around town centre, but still...

I will come back here if i have no other choice...

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Berjaya Times Square Hotel

I had the opportunity to stay at Berjaya Times Square Hotel for the past 5 days 4 nights.

The hotel offers spacious suites and a huge swimming pool.

Most of the rest is not on par with what you get at similarly priced hotels in KL.

For example, the selection of TV channels included only a limited number of English language channels and neither CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC or other leading news channels.

No Astro, only blurry local channels such as RTM1,RTM2, TV3, NTV7 and 8TV….plus Vision Four channels…(old old movies)

The rooms are large and competitively priced. It is a suite, but the bathroom is really huge! I really don’t understand who designed it….perhaps they should provide bigger bed instead of a big bathroom.

The views over KL are nice. The food in the restaurant and room service varies from tasteless to OK.

pool view from my room

View of Pudu Jail from 14th Floor High

The gym is small and very basic while the pool is huge. It is a pity the pool closes already at 8 pm.

Overall, it was a nice experience staying over there.

Liked: nice room, nice view, great location...

Disliked: The elevators can really make your head spin...

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Sick & Tired...

I am sick…

I am tired...

I don’t eat properly...

I don’t sleep well...

I don’t go out...

All I do is sit and work and study.

My bedtime is 3.00 AM to 9.00 AM.

Somedays, if I am fortunate enough, I get to bed at 2.00 AM.

I have never ending work...

I have hectic schedule...

I need rest...

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Problem ???

Is there a problem with Blogger.com?

How come I have problems uploading images, creating post and etc?

It's taking too long to load...

I am falling asleep...

Maybe it's streamyx problem...

But I don't have problem with other sites...

So, what's the problem ? :(

Tèŕŕåńċę ™

Freebies...

After 5 years of being loyal to Maxis,

I got myself a FREE phone from them.

@ Sony Ericsson K530i

Not bad...

But there's a catch...

I need to sign on a contract for 2 years...

That means I can't change operator for 2 years...

I have to use my current no. for another 2 years, and a minimum usage of RM150 per mth..

But what I care...

I have nothing to lose, my monthly bill exceeded that amount all the time...

So, I accepted the 'offer'...

and I am planning to sell it off...

Because I need cash and not the phone :)

Tèŕŕåńċę ™