Things that annoy me @ the movies

You do watch films at cinemas, right?

Well, I definitely do. What else can I do in KL (Kuala Lumpur)? (besides shopping, food hunting and getting a new haircut)

OK, OK, let's get to the point!

Now, like others, there are things I can withstand and things that I can't tolerate in life.
Hey, I'm not perfect! (there, I said it)

I wasn't easily annoyed, not until recently, for some reasons which I can't even explain. Hormonal imbalance, maybe?

Ok, here goes....


Things that annoy me at the movies


1, People who talk or text on their mobiles


Some people just don't find it a problem talking on their phones or texting while the movie is on.

There's a reason why we're required to switch our mobiles to silent mode in the cinema, no?

Let me tell you a related, non-fictional story:

An Indian girl sat in front of me,  with a bunch of her friends,  in the cinema one day.

Despite the fact that she and her friends were the most noise-making bunch in the cinema,  I cared less.

But when her phone rang TWICE,  I was REALLY annoyed.  Pissed off.

Her phone didn't only ring TWO times,  she was playing with her phone almost throughout the movie!

Her phone's bright screen almost blinded me.

ARGHH! GRRR!


2. People who forget to switch off their mobiles

It's simply mind-boggling as to how movie patrons can forget the most basic thing to do when they enter the cinema  BECAUSE   I've never once failed to switch off my mobile once I'm in the cinema.

It's purely automatic.

The moment my butt kiss the surface of my seat,  I would take out my phone and switch it to silent mode. Next,  I would remind my fiance to do the same.

Maybe I just hate attention.


3. People yelling

To be more specific, it's talking out loud.

So far (touch wood),  I've only met a guy who's done this in the cinema.

No, I've got no idea who he is. (but my guess,  he's a guy who's not reached puberty,  hence the attitude)

This young chap or fella, who was hugging his popcorn box, came with his guy friends and 2 chic girls.

The level of his ego must have had gone high when his pretty friend sat next to him. 

He started talking when he took a seat a row in front of me.

Throughout the movie, he would go,  "Ah!" "Look at...!"  and a lot more comments.

All I could hear were his annoying voice.

One guy saved the day by "shushh-ing" him.

GOD bless him!


4. People who can't sit still

This is not a rare phenomenon. No,  trust me.

We're not westerners, so the legs shouldn't be TOO long until they keep knocking on the seat in front.

But much too often, there are way too many people who have the "I don't care" attitude. I just do whatever I like.

What I would usually do when faced with this problem is turn my head around, indicating my frustration towards that fella's non-stop motion.

If it doesn't work, well, try turning your body around, putting on a glaring look (eyes must open wide, wide) and speak, "DO YOU MIND?"

Hopefully he gets the message.

I should be doing the latter next time. (when I've got the balls)


5. People coming in late

Late for the movies is OK, as long as you don't block my view!

I was watching a movie just recently.

The starting was exciting and I was glued to my seat,  when this group of people stood in front and totally blocked the screen! They blocked my view!!

I tried peeking on the left, then right. I wasn't able to see what's going on in the movie!
That left me in frustration, really, for a minute there. 

Just because they came in late and had no idea where the seating were. So they had to find and stand and find again. OOoooh, these people had to get on my nerves!


6. No movies?

I find it comical.

It was the first time I went to the movies at Capsquare.

I was alone at that time and was pretty glad it wasn't crowded. Just a handful of us.

15 minutes passed. 20 minutes passed. There was nothing on the black screen.

Something's not right. I went out to find a staff I could talk to, but no one to be found on the first floor, where I was.

Without given any choice, I went to the lobby and grabbed someone to ask.

To much of my surprise, they had totally forgotten about the screening! When me and few others were stupidly waiting in the hall and nobody even realised we were there.

If I didn't ask, we could easily be sitting there for ONE hour before they realise!

San Francisco Nov '09

Winter
10-15 Degree Celcius

          

     (Left: Seagulls crossing the beautiful 
     San Francisco bay in the evening sky)       





In a glance, San Francisco exudes the sense of tranquility.

Unlike the loud and bustling New York City,  San Francisco is very much quiet and peaceful. 

However, once you start exploring the corners of this populous city, you may find many loud, hidden treasures here in San Francisco and one instance is the Golden Gate Bridge, which is a sight not to be missed.   

       

Attractions

#1 The Golden Gate Bridge   


This bridge boasts wonderful architectural design, so it's little wonder why it was ranked 5th on the List of America's Favourite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects in 1999 (wikipedia).

(L: What better way to spend the cold, beautiful evening than cruising around San Francisco's Golden Gate bay?)

I find that to truly experience the beauty of this bridge, there's no better way than taking a ride on a cruise across the Golden Gate bay in San Francisco.

You can take the Bay Cruise at Pier 49 at Fisherman's Wharf.


The Bay Cruise

The best time to board the cruise is when evening is nearing...

You won't regret it, I promise! The setting is just purely romantic...just sit, chill and admire the landscape around you.

But, do remember to bring along your gloves if you're not adaptable to cold weather.

I initially thought the weather was bearable for me; that I wouldn't need to put on my gloves, like everybody else on the boat, but, the strong and freezingly cold wind forced me to surrender.

I had to wear gloves.

Now, besides taking the cruise to take a close view of this bridge, you can either drive or take a bus to Fort Point (allegedly the best point to see the Golden Gate Bridge).


(Note: Renting a car might be affordable or cheap, but the parking can cost a lot in San Francisco. Get a MUNI or CITY pass instead.)

You can get tram rides with your passes...just flash your pass to the conductor. It's easy and the rides can be thrilling when it's going down the steep slopes.

Must try the tram ride!

#2 Fisherman's Wharf

It's definitely a one-stop family entertainment place!

Well, we planned the course of our trip according to what we could find online and in forums. 
Most of the mentioned attractions are all in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco.

There's just plenty to see and do there. It's just so 'colourful'.  

Pumped with excitement, we dropped our bags at Marriott hotel and immediately checked out the Fisherman's Wharf...it covers a really huge area! 

L: Happy times at McDonald's

 Bottom: Fire up at Johnny Rocket!  The atmosphere's good and the food will take you to the space.


That's why we decided to stay in the vicinity - Marriott Hotel.


Marriott Hotel 

Let's talk about Marriott at Fisherman's Wharf, shall we? The staff were very helpful and friendly.

We reached the hotel a few hours before check-in time and if you were us, you'd surely want to go to your room and take a rest after so many hours on the plane.

So, we politely asked if there was any room available for an early check-in and without reluctancy, she checked and said, yes (with a wide smile)...and if we didn't mind to stay in a disabled-friendly room, we could check in right at that instant.

I felt like hugging her!


(Note: All texts and photos are copyright reserved - Z)

HO-HO around Kuala Lumpur city

Hop On - Hop Off Bus

No, Ho-Ho in this context isn't related to laughter at all. 

But, there's a reason for you to smile when you're on a Hop On-Hop Off bus for it saves you a lot of trouble getting to places in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia.  

Bus Fares

By paying RM19 (adult with MyKad) or RM38 (adult w/o MyKad), you can get down at exactly 22 stops, with over 42 sights and attractions, in one whole day! 

If you think one day isn't sufficient for you to travel around Kuala Lumpur (KL), you can always purchase a 48-hour pass. Frankly, one day's not enough.

I took a ride on the KL Hop On-Hop Off (Ho-Ho) bus during the year-end school holiday last year and I was caught with a sweet surprise when I had to pay only RM10, instead of RM19. 

"It's a school holiday promotion," the bus conductor explained. Well, well, well...I saved RM20 that day. I was with my bros, aged 14 and 10.

Our First Stop

Due to convenience sake, we boarded the bus at KLCC stop (Stop 22). We asked the concierge at KLCC for direction and arrived at a bus stop outside Suria KLCC (exit KLCC near Couch boutique).

We waited and the longer we were there, we sensed that something was amiss. My bro then remembered, "There should be a colourful and visible signage."

On that note, we walked further up and ta-da! - the pink sign with the no. 22 - the last stop. There was a Ho-Ho guy stationing there too.

Directions

You can get a brochure (which includes a map) from the Ho-Ho guy or when you're on the bus.

For non-Malaysians, get the tickets at the stops before boarding the bus. Malaysians, meanwhile, have to purchase the passes on the bus.

About the Bus

On the Hop on-Hop off bus: I have no complains about the bus, seats are pretty comfortable and are odourless. 

Some buses, though, have broken on-board commentary devices as a result of vandalism or roughness (too masculine or muscular), I assume. 

The open deck is a very good element (to get a panoramic view) of the bus, if you don't mind having your hair all blown to all direction. 

If you're bald, it's recommended to get the open deck seat. Remember, the seats are limited! 

The interval time is usually around 20-30 mins. There were times when we had to wait for 30 mins, if lucky, 15. 



FOOD 

Our first stop of the day: Petaling Street or Chinatown, Stop no. 8 
Nam Heong - Hainanese Chicken Rice since 1938 

We fuelled up our empty stomach at a famous chicken rice shop called Nam Heong, which happens to be right opposite of the stop. Well, I would say it's pretty good. 

The 3 of us enjoyed our brunch (11sth am) there. Meal was good, but not good enough. The chicken wasn't that tender. However, I've got no complaints.

Nam Heong closes at night.

Restoran Seng Kee - famous Claypot Lou Shu Fan (recommended!)

Two doors away is a popular eatery among locals called Restoran Seng Kee. 

This restaurant is very famous for its Claypot 'lou shu fan' and I've tried it - it's absolutely 'mou dak deng' (delicious)! 

Just order anything, you'll definitely love the food there. Their la-la belacan (clams with Malaysian shrimp paste) is simply enticing! 

The restaurant opens during daytime, but I'll have to find out what they serve, most probably the same dishes they serve at night. 

When we returned to the same restaurant (Seng Kee) the next night, it was so crowded that there wasn't any seats left for us.  

Just when we were about to leave, a staff directed us to Nam Heong, a place they're renting to accommodate its customers that come flooding in. 

My parents speak highly of this restaurant.


Attractions 

2nd Stop: KL Bird Park, Stop no. 14


Admission Fees:

Adult - RM42, RM15 (with MyKad)
Children - RM32, RM6 (with MyKid) 

Opening Hours: 

Daily, from 9am - 6pm (including weekends & public hols)


It's 'the' place to mingle with birds!

Malaysia's KL Bird Park is one of the recreational places I have been more than once (excluding shopping malls) and is one of my favourites whenever I feel like being close with nature. 

Birds walk amongst visitors. At times, I feel like I'm the one being watched, instead of me watching them. Sometimes, they like to take a quick walk. 

At times, they just stand and stare. It's just so cool to watch these cute creatures. 


KL Bird Park is called the free-flight walk-in aviary, which houses more than 60 species of local and foreign birds.

 We were so lucky to have walked into this bird park during the peacocks' mating season. I must say they're very proud creatures, showing off their wonderfully designed feathers, which look like a big fan. 

And, they were making a lot of noises, at very high pitch. 

Hunger strikes, where to get food?

After a long, tiring walk, hunger will certainly strike, right?

Well, food is hard to get around this area, but at Bird Park, there's a restaurant which offers local and western cuisine. 

Don't get too excited, tho'.

At Hornbilll Restaurant & Kafe, the food is a bit pricey and ermm...the word 'tasty' isn't even close to how I would describe the taste of the food there. But, the view is cool. 

Here, the birds will come to you...oh yes, exciting huh? Just wait till they hop...and hop...and hop to your table! It can be intimidating when they're trying to approach you....r food!


3rd Stop: Orchid Garden

Admission Fee: 

FREE for weekdays
RM1 during the weekend


Opening Hours: 
Daily, from 9am - 6pm


Just walk across the street and you'll find this beautifully manicured garden full of different species of orchids. 

Personally, I love this place. It's a place where I can roam freely, without disturbances, and do some experimenting with my DSLR. It's not crowded.

 

One word of advice: Never take a cab at KLCC or KL Bird Park, if you're not in a rush! If you do need to take a cab, insist on meters. Don't be victimised.


(Note: All texts and photos are copyright reserved - Z)

Victim of Pick Pocket in Geneva

The sms read, "Daddy got pick pocket loss credit card IC and RM1600." The news came like a bolt from the blue. My adrenaline started rushing. I was in total confusion. I tried to think, but my mind was blank, empty. What should I do now?

I wanted to call Mom, but I didn't know the country calling code to Geneva. Instead of calling, I decided to text her back. So, I did some research online, hopefully to find something useful that could help them. So, I Googled, to be specific.

"Pick pocket victim in Europe + what to do" I typed. As usual, hundreds of thousands of sites appeared in front of me. And, usually, I won't bother looking at the second page if I find what I need on the first one.

My eyes were fixed to the screen and started filtering unnecessary information.
"Warning: Are You A Pickpocket's Next Victim?" No, the incident happened.
"How to React After Being the Victim of A Pick Pocket" Yes! This is the one.

Here's what to do:

1. Don't panic (which would naturally happen)
 
2. Call the helpdesk to cancel all the credit cards that were stolen (which might take up time...the site says that it usually takes only 20 mins for the robber to make several purchases using your cc)
 
3. Call 911 or go to the nearest police station to lodge a report (which might never happen due to the hassle or tight schedule)

So, I texted my Mom all the info I got.

And here's what she replied, "Our tight schedule lucky he didnt take our passport."

Because my parents are on vacation, they don't have time for a police report. You can say they're ignorant because if they do lodge a report on pickpocketing, the police could keep track of the crime rate and hopefully, do something about it.

However, my parents are visiting several places in just 2 weeks and that means, they have to utilise every min they have. That means, forgoing the police station.

My mom called me hours later to update me on their situation and told me that my dad was robbed in the washroom. Luckily, he wasn't mugged. That would be terrible.

I'm not here to scare you. I'm not here to tell you, "It's safer to be here than there." My only message is "Be extra vigilant."

Here's how to avoid being pickpocketed by ehow.com:

1. Look confident. Don't show confusion or the expression of "I am lost".
 
2. Carry your backpack in front. Maybe you should start calling it frontpack. Or use a money belt.
 
3. Trick the trickster (I like this!) Carry an empty wallet in your back pocket.
 
4. Don't be a nosy person. Pickpockets may stage scenes (as a distraction) while their other allies will rob you when you're so busy looking at what's happening.
 
5. Always, always treat your belongings like your precious babies. Don't leave them unattended even if they're close to you.
 
6. Remember that kids will steal too.

Finally, this is what I always do, keep ur cash separately. Some in the wallet, some inside the pocket, some leave in the backpack.

That's all, travellers! Happy travelling!

It's TGI Saturday's @ Pavilion

I told KK we were going to celebrate his belated b'day, for I
realised that we hadn't been celebrating his special day for quite some time now.

So "Charm", right? So, I took the initiative to organise a party for him!

I then tried to gather as many friends as possible by posting a message on Facebook.

Well, it turned out to be quite inefficient as there were only 2 people who responded, sadly.
They were Choy and Le Sze, who are obviously FB's big fans or as I would call them "people who have too much time to spare." :b

I waited and waited. No new replies. So, I texted the others on Friday, which apparently
was too late for them to cancel their initial plans.

Thus, only four of us turned up.

It's embarassing for me to say that I was late that day due to overnapping. *pai seh*

When I got there, the 3 of them were in the mid of finishing their main courses.

Well, it was TGI Saturday's for us that day as we celebrated our buddy's BIG day
last Saturday @ Pavilion KL. *yay*

Since age is not so important for guys, I can say that he's now 27! So old dy...Haha.



(Top: Left - Right KK, Me, Le Sze)


Yum Yum...here comes the best part of the meal!
Mini desserts:
Introducing Mocha Latte & Oreo (below)!


Yes, that's my bulky wallet I'm holding.
You know what it means, "Waiter, Bill please."


My bro (Below: Right: Wai Yen)

Wonderin' why they look so busy?
Look again...Something is keeping 'em occupied - it's always 'bout the $$! *che ching*
(Gee, can you see what they're using to calculate such small amount of $$? tsk tsk..) :b


KK was asked to make a wish

When he stepped into TGI, he didn't know what awaited him...a BIG surprise!

The surprise came when we were about to leave...and he was caught by surprise.

"KK's in the house!" a staff shouted loudly.

The b'day boy was asked to stand on a chair, with his shoes on, so that the limelight
would be on him.
A staff then passed a bottle of ketchup to act as a mike.
KK was asked to sing a song for us...
but he gave a short speech instead!

"What!?" I said to myself.

"KK, sing, you're asked to sing a song!" I cheered.
He was stoned.
"...I don't know how to sing."

The magic sentence had let him escaped from singing a song for us...huhuhu...*no fair*

Then, we sang "Happy B'day to you..." in English version.

"In Chinese! Ju ni sen je kuai le..." we all sang.

He blew off the candle, ate the ice cream cake and we left.

(Images courtesy of KK)

The Big Apple

NEW YORK CITY
0 °C - 9 °C

"Ahhh….New York City!", most may exclaim as they step on the soil of the huge metropolitan for the very first time.

However, nothing really amazed me, just yet.

It’s the third day I’m in the big city, which is full of branded boutiques (ranging from Levi’s to Coach), delis, authentic hotdog mobile stalls and beautiful people clad in beautiful winter clothings (despite it being spring season now).

It’s the third day I’m in this big city & that’s also how long Onn’s been sick. Poor him.

The wind chilled my tiny bones as I walked out from Newark airport at around 8sth pm last Saturday. It was 6 °C.   According to Daphne (Onn’s sis-in-law), it was warm last week & the weather got colder this week (which is not supposed to be) and what surprised me most when I was watching the news on TV was, it snowed heavily in Texas!

I mean, everybody knows that Texas is hot all year round. The weather has changed horribly. It signifies the coming of Armageddon.

The question is, are we ready to face it? What can we do to delay the process? Think and act now!

Ok, we (including Alex & Daphne) got up early on Sunday to have a shopping spree at Woodbury outlet (where you can find really good bargains on branded goods like Coach, AX, Guess, Kenneth Cole, Seiko, and so many other brands).

Ooo La La~ Before our spree, we fueled up at Ihop (where they serve authentic American food - hotdog, bacon, crepe, chips, omelette, etc.)…drooling yea? ~ Yummy.

However, I didn’t manage to finish my food as the portion was huge! We had to wait to be seated as the restaurant was overcrowded but, we needn’t have to wait too long tho’.

The very thing I love about America is their extremely good services & not to mention - their politeness. It makes me think now — why do foreigners think that M’sians are friendly, warm & polite?
Hmmm…hmmm…Easy answer!

It’s because M’sians regard foreigners as GOD or more superior. We really look up to them aye? Sure, they’re tall, fair, what else…? Hmm…Nothing superior.

We reached Woodbury at noon (that was the time they open on Easter Day) & completed our bargain hunting at 4.30pm.

Well, doubtlessly, I bought lots of stuff (I think I saw tears in Onn’s eyes) as he carried more and more shopping bags. Haha…kiddin’!

We had to endure the chilly wind as we got into one outlet to another.

Okay, that’s all for now…Shower time.

Onn booked tickets for the "Bodies Museum" at 11.45am today.
And, it’s now almost 9am.

"Bodies Museum", which I watched on the TV in M’sia, is a museum that exhibit complete, real human bodies attached with veins, bones and inner organs.

Yea, the first time I saw it on TV, it really grossed me out. How would it be like to have a first hand experience? Errmm…I’ll tell you about it…

TO be cont’…

(This was posted on my Friendster in 2007....and I haven't
got to finish it)

Andaman, Langkawi

So there I was
looking all so beach-y
with cool shades on
'cos I was in Andaman, Langkawi baby!
It was the best getaway/pre-honeymoon
so far

The acclaimed Andaman hotel nestles high up on a hill
with tropical rainforest surrounding it
And the beach is just steps away from your room
How cool's that?

It's a 5-star hotel so you can expect top-notch services

You get to have DVD player in your room
DVDs are hotel complimentary
But don't expect to get Transformers 2
At least they have Jurassic Park 2

Oh, monkeys of different species are at your reach
They love to hang out at the parking areas
Just sightseeing, you know
And play like monkeys do!

The lobby is so serene and spacious
There's a lounge
There's a band in the evening
Playing beautiful tunes

There's a souvenir shop
which sells beautiful, high quality items
Hats, keychains, necklaces, dresses
But whoa, the prices are as 'good' too!

Our room overlooked the jungle
But we never opened the windows
'cos we were afraid hairy visitors with long arms
might get into the room
and make a mess!



The room was wonderful!
The deco was simple and nice
There's so much space
you can invite a large group of party animals
to shake their 'whatevers'


On the way up to the hotel
Saw a few bird watchers with their binoculars
dangling around their necks

If you're a nature lover
There's a nature guide
if you concern for your safety
There's morning and night tour

I won't say the beach is all that clean and
beautiful
but it's nice to flip-flap your way
along the white sandy beach

Or you can just go for a dip in the large hotel pool!
The hotel has one
no worries
but I didn't get the chance to have a swim
for I was busy exploring the nature
and Langkawi

If you're in Langkawi
make sure you don't miss out
this place
BARN THAI


This Thai restaurant
is set in the heart of a huge mangrove
and is said to be the first in the world
to have this concept

Now, the trail to the restaurant
is made of wooden planks
So if it pours when you're there
Be careful of your steps
It can be very slippery

You know what's amazing?  
I saw two woodpeckers at the mangrove
The first time ever
That's why I can never forget Barn Thai
because I love Woody Woodpecker cartoon! (this is random)

It's very easy to get around "the Jewel of Kedah"
Rent a car!
Grab a map
You won't get lost
It's a small island :)
But we found out that it wasn't 'that' small after all
after a few rounds of driving

Btw, we rented a Nissan Sentra for 3D/2N for RM300 (for your info)

I heard that there's a more spectacular hotel located in nearby area
called the DATAI Langkawi
The price is, of course, higher than what you pay for a
Andaman room