Weather: In winter, cooler than Guangdong. Less variety of palm trees. Leafless trees in many areas. Buildings have heating.
Food: Spicy, salty, oily. Lots of chilli padi. Jacy, you'll love it since you said you can eat chilli padi like eating rice. Hahaha.
Language: Mandarin everywhere with a strong Hunan accent. In some areas local people also speak Hunan dialect, known as "Xiang" or "Changsha hua". Almost nobody speaks English and the only Cantonese you'll hear comes from tourists.
Cities: Even their smaller cities are at least the size of Ipoh or Petaling Jaya. Lots of six-lane thoroughfares even in the smaller towns. Some district cities can rival Kuala Lumpur in size.
People: Mostly Han Chinese in the big cities of Changsha and Changde, and also in the Xiangtan and Shaoshan areas where Mao Zedong came from. In Zhangjiajie and Phoenix City areas, the minority becomes the majority. Tujia people dominate in Zhangjiajie City and Furong (Wangchun), Miao (Hmong) people live in Phoenix City.
Tourists: Usually Chinese from other parts of China, and some overseas Chinese or those from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Hardly any non-Chinese foreign tourists other than Koreans. Can count the number of laowai (gwailo) faces with the fingers on one hand. Non-Mandarin speakers will have a hard time here. Being unable to speak or read Mandarin means no way to ask for help, directions, or anything.
Scenery: Breathtaking. Must visit at least once in a lifetime. Take as many photos as possible. Must visit both Tianzi and Tianmen mountains by cable car. It'll make you tremble when you realise how far you are from the ground below.
What else:
People plant veggies everywhere. At the roadside, at the riverside, on any piece of empty land where plants can grow.
It's customary to sound the horn when overtaking anyone.
Traffic rules don't exist. Yet there's some sort of unwritten order such as the customary sounding of the horn when overtaking.
A lot of people still spit everywhere in public. Kiak, ptui! Yucks. So don't ever fall down on the ground or drop anything. You'll never know if someone just spat there.
Some people throw all their rubbish outside their front or back garden. The reason: They can't afford to pay for proper waste disposal.
Cable cars and high-tension power cables go above people's houses and apartments. I don't know if it's the reluctance of those people to move out or ignorance of the potential health hazards.
In the countryside and even in some cities people still wash their clothes in the river. The water's clear, I saw it with my own eyes but I'm not confident about the cleanliness of the water.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tourist in My City: Bukit Bintang
Last Saturday, 6 Feb 2010 I went to explore Bukit Bintang on my own in the morning. To avoid traffic jams I left home at 8 something and reached B.B. at 8:50 am, parked in Low Yat Plaza basement and walked around the still-closed shopping mall. Walked the backlane to Imbi Plaza, which I hadn't set foot in 13 years. Only a mamak and one or two computer service shops opened at 9 something.
Continued on foot to Sungai Wang Plaza around 9:30 am and overheard the security guards telling some lenglui tourists that the place opens at 10. Took snapshots of the lovely tiger decorations in the basement, taking care to use ISO HI in low light conditions. Continued to B.B. Plaza and crossed over to Hicks Street now known as Changkat Bukit Bintang.
A lot of restaurants have changed, old names of yesteryear are no longer there and new ones have taken their place. Saw a cute tortoiseshell cat with blue bell collar, patted her and made her my photographic model of the morning. Checked out the new Havana formerly known as Little Havana, looks nice with all new renovations. Said hello to the doggy at the Chinese temple nearby, her owner the aunty seems friendly. Saw the new Hotel YY38 along Tong Shin Heights just opposite Hotel Rae. Seems worth a stay.
Passed by Chua Brothers coffeeshop and the famous Meng Kee char siew place, both only open in the morning. Didn't eat because I already had breakfast. Ngau Kee beef noodle already opened for breakfast, they never sleep don't they?
It was getting hot as cloud cover dissipated so I walked past some travel agencies back to Alor Road. Near the place Aunty Linda worked before, I discovered a short row of small wooden houses from the 1950s or before. People still live there and doggies too. Quaint discovery a little off the beaten track :)
Soon I cut across some unnamed sidelanes to Federal Hotel and then back to Low Yat. Bought what I needed to buy there and left B.B. just as the jam picked up. By then it was ten minutes to noon. What a way to spend a Saturday morning :) Felt so happy. Must do more exploration some other weekend mornings.
Continued on foot to Sungai Wang Plaza around 9:30 am and overheard the security guards telling some lenglui tourists that the place opens at 10. Took snapshots of the lovely tiger decorations in the basement, taking care to use ISO HI in low light conditions. Continued to B.B. Plaza and crossed over to Hicks Street now known as Changkat Bukit Bintang.
A lot of restaurants have changed, old names of yesteryear are no longer there and new ones have taken their place. Saw a cute tortoiseshell cat with blue bell collar, patted her and made her my photographic model of the morning. Checked out the new Havana formerly known as Little Havana, looks nice with all new renovations. Said hello to the doggy at the Chinese temple nearby, her owner the aunty seems friendly. Saw the new Hotel YY38 along Tong Shin Heights just opposite Hotel Rae. Seems worth a stay.
Passed by Chua Brothers coffeeshop and the famous Meng Kee char siew place, both only open in the morning. Didn't eat because I already had breakfast. Ngau Kee beef noodle already opened for breakfast, they never sleep don't they?
It was getting hot as cloud cover dissipated so I walked past some travel agencies back to Alor Road. Near the place Aunty Linda worked before, I discovered a short row of small wooden houses from the 1950s or before. People still live there and doggies too. Quaint discovery a little off the beaten track :)
Soon I cut across some unnamed sidelanes to Federal Hotel and then back to Low Yat. Bought what I needed to buy there and left B.B. just as the jam picked up. By then it was ten minutes to noon. What a way to spend a Saturday morning :) Felt so happy. Must do more exploration some other weekend mornings.
Ting Ji Tiu Mou 停止跳舞
Since the middle of January 我已经停止跳舞。只系个一晚喺舞蹈室举办嘅 party 先有跳几场舞。果然冇嗮心嚟跳舞。 Granted I enjoyed the moments at the party, each and every one of them, but that doesn't mean that outings will be just as great.
到而家我仲未再去参加啲舞蹈活动。拜三拜五拜六嗰啲舞会我觉得冇趣。仲有几日就过年啦，之後就去中国湖南省旅行。返到嚟就月尾 so looks like 唔使去跳舞 for the rest of the month. 人哋觉得好有趣好 enjoy 嘅话， good for them, I'm glad they have fun and hope they continue to keep their interest going.
有人问我几时会出场？我嘅答案，唔知道几时，睇点先。 When I find back my 心 for 跳舞 I shall return. As long as 嗰个满意得唔到我唔爱去，因为挫败，尤其是阿哩也每次我去都系一样咁唔满意嘅。 Oh well. Just my opinion based on my experience. Others may differ, but they're not me, and they experience different things so that's their opinion based on what's applicable to them.
到而家我仲未再去参加啲舞蹈活动。拜三拜五拜六嗰啲舞会我觉得冇趣。仲有几日就过年啦，之後就去中国湖南省旅行。返到嚟就月尾 so looks like 唔使去跳舞 for the rest of the month. 人哋觉得好有趣好 enjoy 嘅话， good for them, I'm glad they have fun and hope they continue to keep their interest going.
有人问我几时会出场？我嘅答案，唔知道几时，睇点先。 When I find back my 心 for 跳舞 I shall return. As long as 嗰个满意得唔到我唔爱去，因为挫败，尤其是阿哩也每次我去都系一样咁唔满意嘅。 Oh well. Just my opinion based on my experience. Others may differ, but they're not me, and they experience different things so that's their opinion based on what's applicable to them.
Friday, January 22, 2010
A Struggle For Optimism
The past eleven days have been rather tumultous with lots of troublesome thoughts and knowledge of undesireable events going on within earshot. It was so disheartening that I felt drained, to say the least. Yet there were times when light shone through the darkness for a little relief.
It is never easy to talk about certain things especially when what you say can be used against you in future. It's always better to err on the side of caution in such situations. Having seen the ugly side of human nature, I do not wish to have anything to do with certain individuals.
Meanwhile it is comforting that there are a few who will stand by me in times of need. However, there will be many instances that I have to face alone. There is no other way around it. I can only hope for the best. That's called optimism.
It is never easy to talk about certain things especially when what you say can be used against you in future. It's always better to err on the side of caution in such situations. Having seen the ugly side of human nature, I do not wish to have anything to do with certain individuals.
Meanwhile it is comforting that there are a few who will stand by me in times of need. However, there will be many instances that I have to face alone. There is no other way around it. I can only hope for the best. That's called optimism.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Bachata Notes From Class 20100109
Bachata Notes: (1) Contact points: a) arm b) side c) knee; close is needed for some cool moves. (2) When dipping, balance the weight / counter / centralize. (3) Shoulder lead for "boneka" head styling. (4) Empty right pocket.
How I Felt After the New Year Holidays
"It has been a totally relaxing holiday retreat so far. Swam, ate, drank, socialized with great companionship. I feel I'm getting my life back to where it should be."
That's what I wrote immediately upon reaching home on Sunday, 3 January 2010. Felt such a good feeling. Below are the "before" and "after":
Before: "Tomorrow, Thursday, 31 December 2009 is New Year's Eve. The last day of 2009. I shall avoid downtown Kuala Lumpur with all its traffic jams and human congestion. I seek a retreat from the stressful madness of rushing here and there in noisy environments."
After: "Day 3 of 365: Am back in Kaye Elle safe and sound. Had a fun-filled vacation with great companionship and good luck timing. May more good things come in the days to come."
That's what I wrote immediately upon reaching home on Sunday, 3 January 2010. Felt such a good feeling. Below are the "before" and "after":
Before: "Tomorrow, Thursday, 31 December 2009 is New Year's Eve. The last day of 2009. I shall avoid downtown Kuala Lumpur with all its traffic jams and human congestion. I seek a retreat from the stressful madness of rushing here and there in noisy environments."
After: "Day 3 of 365: Am back in Kaye Elle safe and sound. Had a fun-filled vacation with great companionship and good luck timing. May more good things come in the days to come."
Dance Quotes
Dancing is wonderful training for girls, it's the first way you learn to guess what a man is going to do before he does it. ~ Christopher Morley, Kitty Foyle
Dancing: the vertical expression of a horizontal desire legalized by music. ~ George Bernard Shaw
Dancing: the vertical expression of a horizontal desire legalized by music. ~ George Bernard Shaw
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Notes from Malacca: Malacca
Dateline: 11:10 am, 2 January 2010
Subject: Malacca
A good morning so far. Met up with the makan gang yesterday afternoon on their sojourn to the historic city.
Managed to taste the following:
1) Tangkak Beef Noodle
2) Jonker 88 Durian Cendol
3) Ban Lee Siang Satay Celup
Didn't manage to eat at Capitol Satay Celup due to super long queue.
At night, the seven of them went out to Jonker Street pasar malam and "or chien" place. I didn't join as I felt tired and needed some sleep.
Woke up close to midnight, joined them in a chat/drink/music session before calling it a night at 3 am.
Woke up around 8:20 am to a brand new day, Day 2 of 365, Year 2010. Still carrying a healthy sense of optimism.
Felt satisfied that I did manage to reccee some of the key places on my list. Now it's a matter of scheduling. Yes, scheduling.
On Tuesday, many places of interest are closed. On Fri, Sat, Sun ...
-ends-
Subject: Malacca
A good morning so far. Met up with the makan gang yesterday afternoon on their sojourn to the historic city.
Managed to taste the following:
1) Tangkak Beef Noodle
2) Jonker 88 Durian Cendol
3) Ban Lee Siang Satay Celup
Didn't manage to eat at Capitol Satay Celup due to super long queue.
At night, the seven of them went out to Jonker Street pasar malam and "or chien" place. I didn't join as I felt tired and needed some sleep.
Woke up close to midnight, joined them in a chat/drink/music session before calling it a night at 3 am.
Woke up around 8:20 am to a brand new day, Day 2 of 365, Year 2010. Still carrying a healthy sense of optimism.
Felt satisfied that I did manage to reccee some of the key places on my list. Now it's a matter of scheduling. Yes, scheduling.
On Tuesday, many places of interest are closed. On Fri, Sat, Sun ...
-ends-
Notes from Port Dickson: New Year's Day
Dateline: 10:35 am, 1 January 2010
Subject: New Year's Day
I wake up to a cooling morning that got warmer as the hours advanced towards midday. About ten and a half hours ago, I found out about a trip to Malacca, which I decided to hop on to. It coincides precisely with my desire to reccee the place for a future road trip, be it a day trip or 2D1N.
So I shall drive to Malacca after checking out from the holiday apartment in Port Dickson. Most probably I'll take the coastal road, Federal Route 5 to Lubok China and Masjid Tanah to reach Malacca town.
It has been a totally relaxing holiday retreat so far. Swam, ate, drank, socialized with great companionship. I feel I'm getting my life back to where it should be. Can't wait to get back to gym though. These three months of constant exercise have shown results, though not exceptionally spectacular yet it indeed is substantial. Can see and feel the difference compared to those days. My only regret is not starting 10 years ago. Age is catching up and I've to stay healthy, more so as I love to eat seafood especially prawns and crabs.
In Malacca I'll get myself familiarized with the streets and directions. I expect a lot of tourists in town due to the long weekend in Malaysia and Singapore. It will be jammed in the top tourist areas. Better fill up my petrol tank to the max in Port Dickson.
-ends-
Subject: New Year's Day
I wake up to a cooling morning that got warmer as the hours advanced towards midday. About ten and a half hours ago, I found out about a trip to Malacca, which I decided to hop on to. It coincides precisely with my desire to reccee the place for a future road trip, be it a day trip or 2D1N.
So I shall drive to Malacca after checking out from the holiday apartment in Port Dickson. Most probably I'll take the coastal road, Federal Route 5 to Lubok China and Masjid Tanah to reach Malacca town.
It has been a totally relaxing holiday retreat so far. Swam, ate, drank, socialized with great companionship. I feel I'm getting my life back to where it should be. Can't wait to get back to gym though. These three months of constant exercise have shown results, though not exceptionally spectacular yet it indeed is substantial. Can see and feel the difference compared to those days. My only regret is not starting 10 years ago. Age is catching up and I've to stay healthy, more so as I love to eat seafood especially prawns and crabs.
In Malacca I'll get myself familiarized with the streets and directions. I expect a lot of tourists in town due to the long weekend in Malaysia and Singapore. It will be jammed in the top tourist areas. Better fill up my petrol tank to the max in Port Dickson.
-ends-
Monday, December 21, 2009
Road Trips To Date
Done:
01. Kluang, Mersing, Tioman
02. Penang Island, Nibong Tebal
03. Ipoh
04. Cameron Highlands
05. Tanjung Sepat
06. Sekinchan, Kuala Selangor
07. Old Gombak Road
08. Bentong
Coming Soon:
01. Port Dickson
Potential:
01. Taiping (Wild Boar Temple)
02. Kuantan (Secret Beach)
03. Hulu Yam Lama (Fishcake)
04. Malacca (Historic City, Umbai Seafood)
05. Sungai Lembing (Sunrise)
06. Kampar (Food, Waterfall)
07. Seremban (Siew Pau)
01. Kluang, Mersing, Tioman
02. Penang Island, Nibong Tebal
03. Ipoh
04. Cameron Highlands
05. Tanjung Sepat
06. Sekinchan, Kuala Selangor
07. Old Gombak Road
08. Bentong
Coming Soon:
01. Port Dickson
Potential:
01. Taiping (Wild Boar Temple)
02. Kuantan (Secret Beach)
03. Hulu Yam Lama (Fishcake)
04. Malacca (Historic City, Umbai Seafood)
05. Sungai Lembing (Sunrise)
06. Kampar (Food, Waterfall)
07. Seremban (Siew Pau)
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