The latest being Poland and Czech Republic in 2015.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Update - visited countries
An update on the latest visited European countries.
The latest being Poland and Czech Republic in 2015.
The latest being Poland and Czech Republic in 2015.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Food in Japan
One of the highlights of this Hokkaido trip is definitely the food. If you google for food in Hokkaido, you are most likely to be directed to the few specialties of Hokkaido which I had tried.
Soup Curry
I had these twice during the whole trip - in Sapporo and Hakodate.
In Sapporo, I had the one located at Sapporo Factory - Hiri-Hiri. Ordered the Vegetarian Soup Curry with pork toppings. It has to be one of my favourite food.
Soup Curry
I had these twice during the whole trip - in Sapporo and Hakodate.
In Sapporo, I had the one located at Sapporo Factory - Hiri-Hiri. Ordered the Vegetarian Soup Curry with pork toppings. It has to be one of my favourite food.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Hokkaido, Japan 2012
Japan has never been a place that I intended to visit in a very near future. The country has also been about Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka etc. Big cities with skyscrapers - just like what I would see in KL or Singapore. That's until I saw this documentary in a Singapore TV channel on travel. It was on Hokkaido, the northern most island in Japan. That's when I decided that I will make Hokkaido my next destination.
My itinerary in Hokkaido is as follows:
18 May 2012 - Depart at 11.30pm to Tokyo with MAS.
19 May 2012 - Arrive at Narita Airport after a 7 hours night flight. Took an ANA domestic flight from Narita to Sapporo. My first destination in Hokkaido.
20 May 2012 - Sapporo
21 May 2012 - Day trip to Otaru
22 May 2012 - Sapporo to Noboribetsu by bus.
23 May 2012 - Noboribetsu
24 May 2012 - Noboribetsu to Lake Toyako Onsen by JR train.
25 May 2012 - Lake Toyako Onsen to Hakodate by JR train.
26 May 2012 - Flight from Hakodate to Haneda. Walked round Shinjuku and Shibuya.
27 May 2012 - Flight back from Narita to KLIA.
This trip is slightly different from those I have been. It is more about food, nature and hot spring than historical buildings like in Europe or modern buildings in Seoul or London. And it was this that appeal to me. Overall it was an enjoyable trip. And I could go back for other parts of Hokkaido or perhaps in a different season.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Movie 5
Watched this at MBO, KSL Johor Bahru. Wasn't intended to see this. Went to the cinema wanting to see Marrying Mr. Perfect - Chapman To and Gigi Leung etc. but was told not screening there. This was the next best option.
Overall, OK.
Rating: 2 of 5
Monday, March 26, 2012
Movie 4
16 March 2012 - John Carter
This was picked because it was the only show available at the 9.30pm (plus/minus) time slot.
I don't quite enjoy this sort of science fiction, where one was transferred back in time. Or in this case, a guy on earth was transferred to another planet - Mars. And I think the giant, four-armed Green Martian was heavily copied (or influenced) from Avatar, although the bleed blue. No originality.
Rate: 1.5 out of 5
This was picked because it was the only show available at the 9.30pm (plus/minus) time slot.
I don't quite enjoy this sort of science fiction, where one was transferred back in time. Or in this case, a guy on earth was transferred to another planet - Mars. And I think the giant, four-armed Green Martian was heavily copied (or influenced) from Avatar, although the bleed blue. No originality.
Rate: 1.5 out of 5
Monday, March 5, 2012
Publika Motor Treasure Hunt
3 March 2012 - Only managed to get a full team to take part in the last week before registration ends with Fong's confirmation. With that, we get the team of Angie, Wee Kiat, Fong and myself. Was trying hard to push for this hunt.
We started on the wrong foot. Without going through the tulips direction, I told the team that we are starting with Q23-30 which was the Mall hunt part. Unknown to me, Q1-4 was also a walk hunt in the exterior of Publika, while Q23-30 was inside the Mall. While everyone was hunting outside the Mall, we were the only team inside the Mall. Sensing something not quite right, I asked the COC and was told that we were supposed to do Q1-4 first, which was clearly written in the tulips. I tried to call the team, no one picked up my call. But then I saw they were already outside the Mall looking for answers. Flouted the very basic treasure hunt rule - did not read tulips and instructions - from the very beginning. We were out there looking for answers to the four questions, but could not find two. And we took about an hour and could only found the two answers. Then we decided to move on the next part - the motor part and drove out from the Mall. As I was leaving the Mall, I already have a bad feeling over the whole thing. Are we again going back not within the Top 10, as in the Empire Hunt??
The next sector at Sri Hartamas wasn't too good as well, only get 1 out of 3 questions there. Then it was Desa Sri Hartamas and it was a breeze through as we get the next four questions driving through. Then it was Damansara Heights (CIMB office area) and then back to the Mall for the last portion of the Mall walk hunt part.
Dinner for the hunt was served at night in Publika. That was one of the best hunt buffet ever tasted. Then Q&A time. Calculated our score to be 145 points out of maximum of 175. Thought that was not too bad. When it was announced that the 10th place team scored 135 points, my heart sank as I thought we would not be able to get into Top 5, though we would have been guaranteed a prize which would at least cover our expenses. Then it announced the 9th place, then 8th, 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd and we were still not being called out. Finally for the 2nd place winner with 150 points, it was team No. 6 which is ours. RM1600 cash prize for the second place team. Although the champion team took home RM400 more, it would also be promoted to the Non-beginner list of Trialblazers. So we still keep out Beginners Status which enables us to take in the Beginners category.
I think we are now a stage where we too far away from the Master/Non Beginners/Diamond category, but we are at the top of the Beginners/Gold category. Hopefully I get the team to hunt more often and move on the higher category for personal satisfaction. But of course, winning then would become very, very difficult.
We started on the wrong foot. Without going through the tulips direction, I told the team that we are starting with Q23-30 which was the Mall hunt part. Unknown to me, Q1-4 was also a walk hunt in the exterior of Publika, while Q23-30 was inside the Mall. While everyone was hunting outside the Mall, we were the only team inside the Mall. Sensing something not quite right, I asked the COC and was told that we were supposed to do Q1-4 first, which was clearly written in the tulips. I tried to call the team, no one picked up my call. But then I saw they were already outside the Mall looking for answers. Flouted the very basic treasure hunt rule - did not read tulips and instructions - from the very beginning. We were out there looking for answers to the four questions, but could not find two. And we took about an hour and could only found the two answers. Then we decided to move on the next part - the motor part and drove out from the Mall. As I was leaving the Mall, I already have a bad feeling over the whole thing. Are we again going back not within the Top 10, as in the Empire Hunt??
The next sector at Sri Hartamas wasn't too good as well, only get 1 out of 3 questions there. Then it was Desa Sri Hartamas and it was a breeze through as we get the next four questions driving through. Then it was Damansara Heights (CIMB office area) and then back to the Mall for the last portion of the Mall walk hunt part.
Dinner for the hunt was served at night in Publika. That was one of the best hunt buffet ever tasted. Then Q&A time. Calculated our score to be 145 points out of maximum of 175. Thought that was not too bad. When it was announced that the 10th place team scored 135 points, my heart sank as I thought we would not be able to get into Top 5, though we would have been guaranteed a prize which would at least cover our expenses. Then it announced the 9th place, then 8th, 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd and we were still not being called out. Finally for the 2nd place winner with 150 points, it was team No. 6 which is ours. RM1600 cash prize for the second place team. Although the champion team took home RM400 more, it would also be promoted to the Non-beginner list of Trialblazers. So we still keep out Beginners Status which enables us to take in the Beginners category.
I think we are now a stage where we too far away from the Master/Non Beginners/Diamond category, but we are at the top of the Beginners/Gold category. Hopefully I get the team to hunt more often and move on the higher category for personal satisfaction. But of course, winning then would become very, very difficult.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Treasure Hunt Society of Malaysia Treasure Hunt League
11 February 2012 - Treasure Hunt League Leg 1
Ever since the Society announced the starting a Treasure Hunt league, I have waited anxiously for it. It was supposed to be held last year, but was postpone to this year.
The failure to get a full team to hunt most the time was quite frustrating. Missed out on some of the hunts that wanted to go. This league series is easier as it only requires 2 to form a team. So teaming up with Wee Kiat, we set out for the first hunt of the year.
Hunt fee was RM10 for members, which both of us are. Walk hunt, petrol cost zero. So it was just an investment or RM10. Cheap.. Cheap...
When I first started to hunt, we would stack the car with thick dictionaries of various kinds. Later Angie brought along a digital dictionary with thesaurus function. Nowadays, we simply go for hunt with a smart mobile phone - one that can access the net for wiki, dictionary, thesaurus etc. However, I still noticed for most Master teams, they still bring along thick dictionaries/thesaurus. Was this their secret to become Masters?
This first leg consists of 20 route and 2 treasure questions to be done within 3 hours in a hot and blazing afternoon sun (3pm to 6pm) at Bangsar. Towards the end (about 5.30pm), the rain started to pour. So it was shine and rain for a walk hunt. The 2 most irritating weather conditions for walk hunt.
Final results: Third place with 64 points. Drop 4 route questions and both treasures. Sob..Sob... Both treasure questions. How pathetic...
Of the 4 route questions, should be able to crack 2 of them if only we had 'opened up' the net in our small smart phone to look for synonyms of some words. But we had not taken that trouble then. Lessons learned.
The prize: RM60 for third place. Just nice to cover Hunt Fee (RM20), Banana Leaf Rice Dinner at Devi's Corner Bangsar, venue for the hunt (RM31) and parking (RM9).
We are now at joint fifth place in the league with 20 points. The winner (individual) of the league walks off with RM1000. Can't wait for the next leg.
Ever since the Society announced the starting a Treasure Hunt league, I have waited anxiously for it. It was supposed to be held last year, but was postpone to this year.
The failure to get a full team to hunt most the time was quite frustrating. Missed out on some of the hunts that wanted to go. This league series is easier as it only requires 2 to form a team. So teaming up with Wee Kiat, we set out for the first hunt of the year.
Hunt fee was RM10 for members, which both of us are. Walk hunt, petrol cost zero. So it was just an investment or RM10. Cheap.. Cheap...
When I first started to hunt, we would stack the car with thick dictionaries of various kinds. Later Angie brought along a digital dictionary with thesaurus function. Nowadays, we simply go for hunt with a smart mobile phone - one that can access the net for wiki, dictionary, thesaurus etc. However, I still noticed for most Master teams, they still bring along thick dictionaries/thesaurus. Was this their secret to become Masters?
This first leg consists of 20 route and 2 treasure questions to be done within 3 hours in a hot and blazing afternoon sun (3pm to 6pm) at Bangsar. Towards the end (about 5.30pm), the rain started to pour. So it was shine and rain for a walk hunt. The 2 most irritating weather conditions for walk hunt.
Final results: Third place with 64 points. Drop 4 route questions and both treasures. Sob..Sob... Both treasure questions. How pathetic...
Of the 4 route questions, should be able to crack 2 of them if only we had 'opened up' the net in our small smart phone to look for synonyms of some words. But we had not taken that trouble then. Lessons learned.
The prize: RM60 for third place. Just nice to cover Hunt Fee (RM20), Banana Leaf Rice Dinner at Devi's Corner Bangsar, venue for the hunt (RM31) and parking (RM9).
We are now at joint fifth place in the league with 20 points. The winner (individual) of the league walks off with RM1000. Can't wait for the next leg.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Movie 2 and 3
6 February 2012 - Ah Beng The Movie: Three Wishes and All's Well, Ends Well 2012
There are a number of Chinese Movies being screened in conjunction with Chinese New Year for this year. As in previous years, would not have time to watch any of these during the festive period. However, there was an intention to catch up 1 or 2 later on. So on this public holiday, I decided to go for two. Both movies schedule fitted nicely with one after another at MBO in KSL City Mall in JB.
First, the local production of Jack Lim, MyFm Deejay - taken from his Astro character, Ah Beng. This is the third production featuring the faces from MyFm and Astro, although this is the first which uses the Ah Beng's name for the movie title. Box office wise, it is a huge success. Beating all other movies which included star-studded Hong Kong and Taiwan cast. Thanks to their great publicity stunt which culminated in the premier screening of the movie in Pavilion, which was attended by the Prime Minister and wife.
Movie wise, I think it does no better than the first one. I did not watched the second one. With all the hype surrounding it, I would expect a better story, acting, cinematography and editing. But was truly disappointed in all. A forgettable production.
Rating: 2.5 of 5
The Raymond Wong Hong Kong production of this franchise movie is better one, compared to Ah Beng. Not that because it boast of several superstars, but better acting, shooting and editing.
As seen in the poster, it revolved around 4 stories which are totally unrelated to each one. Here is where being the producer has the biggest advantage. Raymond Wong, one of the producers, probably picked the best story of the four for himself.
My favorite act goes to Chapman To. I simply adored his acting. He has never failed to amuse me. I think he did a great imitating Director Peter Chan (Sandra Ng's husband).
Rating: 3 or 5.
There are a number of Chinese Movies being screened in conjunction with Chinese New Year for this year. As in previous years, would not have time to watch any of these during the festive period. However, there was an intention to catch up 1 or 2 later on. So on this public holiday, I decided to go for two. Both movies schedule fitted nicely with one after another at MBO in KSL City Mall in JB.
First, the local production of Jack Lim, MyFm Deejay - taken from his Astro character, Ah Beng. This is the third production featuring the faces from MyFm and Astro, although this is the first which uses the Ah Beng's name for the movie title. Box office wise, it is a huge success. Beating all other movies which included star-studded Hong Kong and Taiwan cast. Thanks to their great publicity stunt which culminated in the premier screening of the movie in Pavilion, which was attended by the Prime Minister and wife.
Movie wise, I think it does no better than the first one. I did not watched the second one. With all the hype surrounding it, I would expect a better story, acting, cinematography and editing. But was truly disappointed in all. A forgettable production.
Rating: 2.5 of 5
The Raymond Wong Hong Kong production of this franchise movie is better one, compared to Ah Beng. Not that because it boast of several superstars, but better acting, shooting and editing.
As seen in the poster, it revolved around 4 stories which are totally unrelated to each one. Here is where being the producer has the biggest advantage. Raymond Wong, one of the producers, probably picked the best story of the four for himself.
My favorite act goes to Chapman To. I simply adored his acting. He has never failed to amuse me. I think he did a great imitating Director Peter Chan (Sandra Ng's husband).
Rating: 3 or 5.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Movie 1
07 January 2012 - Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol
I have been watching the past seasons of The Amazing Race on Youtube. The Amazing Race is a TV reality show that take the participants in a race around the world for the title of The Amazing Race Champion and the 1 Million US Dollar that comes with the title.
Watching the MI-4 last weekend is like deja vu, where the actions took the audience from Budapest in the opening scene, to Moscow, then Mumbai and finally back to the States for ending. Although this is already the third installment, but it was my first MI.
Tom Cruise still looks stunning - 'age is but just a number'. I like the humor that was included in the script. My memory states humor is very scarce in this type of movies, but the servings in MI4 is very forthcoming. Simon Pegg did a good job here.
My favorite scene has got to be Cruise scaling the heights of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, with a pair of special gloves. The chasing of Hendricks by Hunt in the sandstorm seems rather stretching for me.
Overall, it was an enjoyable one. My rating: 4 of 5.
I have been watching the past seasons of The Amazing Race on Youtube. The Amazing Race is a TV reality show that take the participants in a race around the world for the title of The Amazing Race Champion and the 1 Million US Dollar that comes with the title.
Watching the MI-4 last weekend is like deja vu, where the actions took the audience from Budapest in the opening scene, to Moscow, then Mumbai and finally back to the States for ending. Although this is already the third installment, but it was my first MI.
Tom Cruise still looks stunning - 'age is but just a number'. I like the humor that was included in the script. My memory states humor is very scarce in this type of movies, but the servings in MI4 is very forthcoming. Simon Pegg did a good job here.
My favorite scene has got to be Cruise scaling the heights of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, with a pair of special gloves. The chasing of Hendricks by Hunt in the sandstorm seems rather stretching for me.
Overall, it was an enjoyable one. My rating: 4 of 5.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Annual Round-up
2010 - 3 posts...
2011 - 4 posts...
2011 better than 2010 with 1 additional post. Am I a blogger? Certainly would not count as one even in the broadest definition. Well, let me say I will try to improve that in 2012... (crossing my fingers).
To start off, 2011 was pretty mundane as in previous year. Still working here in JB. Spending weekends rotating between JB, KL and Ipoh. Another year to go for my contract. Will it be extending. Not sure. Up to my Boss, and the development plans for Nusajaya.
Did not hunt that many. Still having problems with forming a regular team.
Movies also less. Which did I watch? Thor, etc. ETC stands for can't recall. But do remember 2 others though. Firstly, Choy Lee Fut - because it has to be the most boring one in 2011. Slept through, almost. Secondly, White Vengeance (鴻門宴) - another Chinese historical epic - was probably one of the more interesting one.
Traveling - only short trips.
23-25 September 2011 - 3Days2Nights Club Med Bintan, Indonesia. First Club Med experience. Love it. Will definitely go for another one. Maybe to Phuket.
27-30 November 2011 - 4Days3Nights Superstar Virgo Cruise from Singapore to Penang and Phuket. Another first. Love it too, and will definitely go for another one. Maybe the Royal Caribbean Cruise.
New year resolutions - go for more hunts, movies and holiday trips. As usual...
2011 - 4 posts...
2011 better than 2010 with 1 additional post. Am I a blogger? Certainly would not count as one even in the broadest definition. Well, let me say I will try to improve that in 2012... (crossing my fingers).
To start off, 2011 was pretty mundane as in previous year. Still working here in JB. Spending weekends rotating between JB, KL and Ipoh. Another year to go for my contract. Will it be extending. Not sure. Up to my Boss, and the development plans for Nusajaya.
Did not hunt that many. Still having problems with forming a regular team.
Movies also less. Which did I watch? Thor, etc. ETC stands for can't recall. But do remember 2 others though. Firstly, Choy Lee Fut - because it has to be the most boring one in 2011. Slept through, almost. Secondly, White Vengeance (鴻門宴) - another Chinese historical epic - was probably one of the more interesting one.
Traveling - only short trips.
23-25 September 2011 - 3Days2Nights Club Med Bintan, Indonesia. First Club Med experience. Love it. Will definitely go for another one. Maybe to Phuket.
27-30 November 2011 - 4Days3Nights Superstar Virgo Cruise from Singapore to Penang and Phuket. Another first. Love it too, and will definitely go for another one. Maybe the Royal Caribbean Cruise.
New year resolutions - go for more hunts, movies and holiday trips. As usual...
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