Happy 50th Merdeka!!

From Japan





Happy Merdeka Everybody!!!

Never sleep in a Tokyo TAXI!!

In fact, never sleep in any metropolitan taxi.

Let me tell you the infamous public transport in Tokyo, the Tokyo subways.

Tokyo city has probably THE MOST extensive, complicated, mind boggling underground subway network I have ever seen, surpassing the complexity of that of London, Paris and Hong Kong.

What do I mean? Well, when I first arrived in Tokyo, taking the subways was the first option I go for every time I hit a big city, that includes the few cities I mentioned above.

I walked up to the ticket machine to make my purchase, in order to do that, I have to know where I wanted to go and which line I wanted to take. Three map showed on top of the row of ticketing machines.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Tokyo Metro.




And next to it, was the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line (which I found out later)




]And to its left, was the KEIO line (which I found out later too)




Now, combining SOME (not all) of the government lines and private lines, this is the concluding line of Tokyo Metro.




I mean WTF?!!!!!

I stood there in awe and probably scared a few locals with my dumbstruck expression, and continued to spend another half an hour, if not more, or so figuring how to reach my destination. Cause you see, too add salt to water, there is no ENGLISH on these boards!! How the bloody hell am I going to know what Roppongi looks like in Kanji?! (which later I found out is 六本木), and HOW, oh god tell me HOW, the bloody hell am I going to know WHERE THE HELL AM I??!!

There’re so many lines in Tokyo I’m sure you do not need a car to get around town or anywhere out of town but just look at these!! The monstrosity of this network!!


No one on land, everyone has gone underground.


The roads are so confusing, even the taxis here need satellite GPS navigation maps installed in their cars.




Now yesterday, I wanted to go to this very cool retarded place (which I soon found out) located somewhere off Tokyo city, according to a local, it is almost an hour from where I am.

So I went online and check. Okay fine, the place I went to was Hello Kitty Land. Fine, go, laugh! But who could resist, it’s the only place in the world where mouthless cat is a hero to kids everywhere, and they freakin build a theme park out of it!!

According to the net, I have to take a ride to Shinjuku, the major and most developed district of Tokyo and transfer to Keio line, take the train that heads towards Hashimoto and get off Keio Tama Center, Puroland is just 5 minutes from the station.

Easy peasy.

Even 5 year old kids can do this.

I mean, 5 year old kids who can read Japanese can do this.

If you think Tokyo Metro is confusing, take a look at the overall subway network of Tokyo!




o.O;;

See the black circle in the centre, that’s Tokyo Metro, yes, ONLY Tokyo Metro!!

I am supposed to get out of that circle and head west. In hell I know which stop in the west!! The English site never shows those stop names in Kanji!

I spend sometime analyzing the page and find out I am here.


The red circle


And I need get to here.


Shinjuku is in the blue circle


Okay fine, I know where I am and I know where I am heading. Now, which line am I suppose to take?


Red to Blue


I continue to analyze the page for a while, before…

Walking out of the building and call for a cab.


For illustration purpose only


Give me a break!! I can’t read Jap!!

Anyway, so I decide to take a cab. I mean, it’s rather near right? Right??

Taxi system in Tokyo is like this. The moment you put you delicate butt onto the back seat, 660 yen pops up on the meter bar, that’s RM20. And that will last for any 2 kilometres this fancy Nissan can bring you. Any additional 274 metres, it’s an additional 80 yen.

I am desperate. Shut up.

I hail down a taxi and hop onto it.




Taxis here are so cool, you don’t even need to open or close the door, it’s all manually controlled by the driver.

Keeping in mind, Roppongi to Shinjuku looks near to me, on the map. So in the back of my mind, it is reasonable to save myself that kind of trouble to squeeze myself among the busy crowd underground when I can be all comfortable on land.

I mention Shinjuku to the taxi driver to which he responded a ‘Hai’ (means Yes) and in 5 minutes, I doze off.

Comfort, my friends,

Has a price.


What seems like an 8 minute nap (I’m sure it is just 8 minutes). I wake up to see this!




HOLY JESUS MARY!!!

I want to ask the driver to stop but realize we are in the middle of a high way (or looks like some roads with no sidewalks) and it is impossible to ask him to break the law and pull over.

Besides, how do you say stop in Japanese!!!

As these queries cross my mind, for a spilt second, yes… a spilt of a second, as in half a second!!

The meter just ‘magically’ goes up.




And up.




If only you are here to see my face, cold sweat popping out and no longer in comfort I am. In fact, it is the total opposite, I am sitting on the edge of my seat clenching my fists, and purse.

The taxi finally stops in front of the Shinjuku terminal where a large KEIO sign shows.



The meter?

3450 yen.

3450!!!! That’s a whooping RM120!!

RM120!!!!! For a 10 minute drive!


Next time I’m cycling.




Anyone lend me a bike?

Nicole eats GOLD!!!!

Everything in Japan is insanely expensive. Just looking at price tags makes up most of my activities in Japan. Yes, price tags exploring if part of tradition and culture when visiting this country. It's a whole new tourist attraction on its own!

Every where, you see lots of zeroes. If you don’t know the currency exchange rate, RM30 is almost equivalent to 1000 yen, that is almost 10 US dollars.

And it is probably the only country in the entire world that has such small figures in their currency AND it does not mean a good thing.

Take Malaysia for example, if Singaporeans come to Malaysia, they spend like crazy, because 1 Sing Dollar is more than 2 Ringgits. They can spend twice that amount in Malaysia than when in Singapore.

Take Thailand for example, the Americans go to Thailand and spend like kings. USD10 = 350 baht. You can savour 7 good meals with that money.

The British goes to Indonesia, he will spend like an Emperor. Bring 50 quid and you are almost a millionaire! (53 GBP = 1,002,844 IDR)

But not in Japan. Uh huh.

Dining in Japan is like eating gold.




Literally.

Yes!! Those are Gold you’re looking at.

THEY FREAKIN SPRINKLED REAL GOLD ON MY FOOD!!

REAL GOLD!!!





OMG... I know about splurging. BUT THIS?!!!!!

COME ON! This is GOLD!!!!! 18 K 24 K PURE GOLD!!!!!

INTO MY MOUTH. MY STOMACH!! And eventually out into the TOILET!!!

HOHOHO. If Japan is not the country to splurge, I don’t know where is! I’m eating and dumping gold here!

Thin layers of beautiful gold sprinkled on this wonderfully aligned dish.

It is an exquisite dish serves in a Martini glass that cost 900 yen. Almost to RM30, for a tiny little martini dish!




A combination of Ikura, raw Mackerels, Sea Urchins and some seasonings sauce.

And it is HEAVENLY.

Nothing is cheap in Tokyo, Japan. Any single simple a la carte meal price starts at RM30 (or 1000 yen) and above. And I mean any. Not talking about expensive fine dining, just normal restaurant. If you order drinks and desserts, prepare to whip out at least RM100 for each meal of two at any one time.

I can’t buy you all those food, but what I can do is show u a teaser of what this Food Paradise has to offer.

























Food~~~ I see food~~~~


If you are wondering,

No, gold does not have any taste!

Japanese Blogger

Seriously, blogging has never been more difficult.




Blardy hell, everything is in Japanese! The menu is in Japanese, the underground signs are in Japanese, even the panty vending machine is in Japanese!! (don't ask me how I know)

Thanks to my habitual blogging lifestyle, I have grown used to blogger so that I don't need to look at blogspot to understand how to 'create post' or 'save' and 'publish'.

Ahh, Japan!

Finally! I am here!

I used to think travelling across 2 countries on 4 buses over a stretch of 32 hours was crazy.

Now I can conclude that travelling in between 3 countries on 3 different airlines crossing 5 cities (that includes Krabi, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka and Tokyo) in the pass 24 hours definitely tops my chart of insanities.

What's more. I don't remember sleeping more than 12 hours over the pass 5 days!

Hello to all from sleepless Tokyo!

Blogger singing off in Jap.




No pun intended.

Still Images of Nature

I love these photos so I'm sharing them here.

I didn't put any Nicolekiss trademark as it would ruin the photos, so if you want to use the photos, please ask kindly. :D

Crawl Above




Rainforest




Underneath




Shelters




Rocky




Play Time




Income Source




Baby




Warmth




Sniff




Peace




Stroll in Nature




Upward View




Spiral




Flow




Rain




Basic




Wonders of Nature




River Bank




Cruising




And my favourite of all,

Embrace




Hallelujah~

My First Official Documentary Travel Vlog

I am uploading this post on the street of Ao Nang beach, Krabi. A long hot bath is all it takes to make a day brighter (a free krabi trip and good food helps too :D).

Life has never been better!

Anyway, here's a short 4 minute documentary I edited on a small piece of Taman Negara trip.

I spent quite an amount of time on this! I think I might go pro in this, LOL!




So how is it? (big EyEs)

Visiting the Natives

I have news!

For those who have not been following up on my twitter. I have quit my job!!!!

Yep!! I am JOBLESS now!!!

Weeee~~!!!!

It never felt so good and so bad at the same time to be unemployed. First, I got back all my freedom!! So now I get to travel!! Woo hoo… But at the same time, I have no money to buy all those wonderful things I want when I travel? *sob*

Tomorrow (or in the morning) I’m flying off to Thailand, again! This time to Krabi!! Will update more when I return. But no worries, I will still keep you guys updated.

Oh my god, I must be insane, flying back on the 24th from Phuket and flying off to Japan, on the same day!!!! I will be so wiped!! And I am sick! Why do I do this to myself?! Why?!!


After trekking…


In the mean time, I would like to bring you a special episode of my Orang Asli visit in the National Park.

A team of 24,




One boat,




It is a fine weather for rapid shooting,




The view is great.




Then it starts to pour,




We reach our destination soaking wet,




We hide under a hut




In the Orang Asli campsite




I snack a bit while waiting for the rain to subside,




With a friend,


soaking up with a drenched bird seeking shelter from the rain in the Orang Asli house


Nature and human live in harmony in this place.




The natives show us how to make fire and arrows,




Having a go with their hunting pipe




To shoot a pin-up teddy bear located miles away…




Aim~~ aim~~

Shhh, don’t disturb, I’m trying to kill a teddy.

Aim~~~

BLOW!!

I BET YOU GUYS THINK I MISS. HAH!!!

The last thing you want is to mess with this girl.

Cause I shoot a blardy good target.




Muahahaha!!!

Doesn’t it remind you of that scene in Rush Hour 3.




I almost kill the bear. ALMOST. IT WAS SO CLOSE!!!!




Bet you must be feeling hot down there. LOL!

Riding the Rhino

Okay, here’s another trivia.

Do you know that the Sumatran rhino is 6.5 – 9.5 feet in length? That’s like 1-4 feet taller than me if it can stand up.

And do you know that a Sumatran rhino is at least 10-20 times heavier than me? Oh my god, I can’t even be bothered dieting if I weigh that much, I will just commit suicide, I’m serious.

And and and… do you know, that the Sumatran rhino has been identified as “the most seriously endangered species of large mammals in the world” as early as 1990?

Hah! I bet you don’t know that! (the 1990 part I mean)

Following my previous entry on the Sumatran Rhino in Taman Negara, I decided to do a bit of research on the topic.

You know it is an amazing fact that Malaysia is a country that inhabits some of rarest species and plants in the world. Like the endangered Orang Utan, Great Hornbill (threatened species), Malayan Roundleaf Bat, Horseshoe Bat Species, False Serotine Bat (I never knew there were so many bats endangered o.O),

Black Shrew, Malayan Water Shrew, Borneo Water Shrew, Bornean Tree Shrew, etc. (I never knew that were so many shrews too! And what are shrews?!)

So I went online and check.




Awe… So cute.


Why do animals go extinct? It angers me when something as beautiful as these are facing endangered danger due to habitual loss caused mainly by humans.

Do know what pisses me off the most? When human hunt magnificent animals such as this to the point of extinction.




There are now less than 300 surviving Sumatran rhinos left in the world. Can you believe it?

This map shows that the Sumatran rhinos only exist in these areas. And Malaysia is smacked right in the middle of it all.




300!!! Few more poaches and one day your kids are going to point to a rhino picture ask: “Mommy, why does this hippopotamus got horn one?”


Me? Hippo? (Photo courtesy of WWF-Malaysia)


Don’t we humans feel ashamed enough already? See what we did do the Woolly Rhinoceros. Hunted by our early ancestors to extinction as recent as 8000 BC. Now the close relative aka Sumatran Rhino aka the more furred rhino on earth at present is going through the same thing.

But finally, something is being done.

Honda, together with WWF-Malaysia, has started a 5 years RM5 million Rhino Rescue Project since last to save these beautiful creatures from facing their worst fate. Averaging at RM1,000,000 per year. That’s a hell lot of money. *dream* The thing I can do with 1 million ringgit… travel the world, thrice! Wait!! *slap self* Rhino more important!!

So far, Honda is the first and only corporation that is commiting itself, and with such a generous amount, to save the Sumatran rhinos. You can help raise awareness about this endangered species by putting a logo up in your page, be it blog, site, online store, etc.

Honda, the power of dreams.

Save the Rhino!!!




Pur-lease? (doggy rhino-y eyes)

Living in The Oldest Nature in Malaysia

Short Note: today is the last day for July’s Nicolekiss Give Away Contest, so send in your story before the strike of midnight. Selected 3 articles will be published next week for voting.


Taman Negara spans over 4,343 square kilometres, spreading across Pahang, borders of Terrenganu and Kedah states. Impressively, Taman Negara is more than 130 millions years old and believe it or not, one of the oldest existing rainforest in the world.

The highest point in Taman Negara is Mount Tahan (or Gunung Tahan) that reaches 2,187 meters above sea levels and is the toughest trek in Malaysia (believed by many in SoutheastAsia too), as suggested by the name (tahan means endure), conquering Mount Tahan is not an easy task, the old long trail from Kuala Tahan will take you seven days to trek, return journey.

The traditional way, and most recommended in my opinion, to get into Taman Negara is through the river, a 3 hour river ride upstream Sungai Tembeling via the Kuala Tembeling Jetty. Accessible through the town of Jerantut, Pahang.


Kuala Tembeling Jetty is located at the bottom of the map


The rainforest inhabits over 10,000 species of plants, 350 species of birds and proudly, some of the rarest and critically endangered species in the world.


Never knew cinnamon comes from such a sturdy tree



Never knew tongkat ali comes from such a scrawny tree



Guess how big this tree is?



No I’m not a midget, the tree is huge…



It’s called “Giant Tree”





Written way below the photo (unshown here):

Extinct in Malaysia
The Javan Rhinoceros once roamed the Malay Peninsular. Once roamed and found in India, Myanmar, Indo-China, Malaysia and Indonesia. Today only a handful remains in Hava and Indo China. The last Javan in the Peninsular Malaysia was shot in 1932.

Now what catches my heart is the top part.

Will the Sumatran Rhinoceros go the same way as the Javan? The population in the Peninsular is about 80-100l in Borneo about 36 remained. Even if it proves possible to breed them and return them to the wild, they will still be threatened by poachers. Hunted to the edge of extinction because of silly belief in the value of the matted hair of their horns, it is unlikely that these gentle, rather comical creatures will survive far into the next century.

Have a moment to think about this. We can’t do much of what we have lost, so try to save what we can today.


The entrance fee of Taman Negara is RM1.

But please bring more than just RM1, camera license is RM5. So are many of the hidden charges.




The only way to get around the rainforest, other than through the river, is on foot.


Trekking down



Climbing up


You might want to get a sturdy pair of hiking shoes if you wanna go far in this jungle.

One of the highlight in the forest is the Canopy Walkway.




Built in September 1992, this 450 metres long and 50 metres high above the forest floor canopy walkway is the LONGEST in the world. But the most impressive part of this construction is no nails have been driven into the trees. Only wood, ropes and cables, nonetheless, it is very stable.




But for safety purposes, there’s a long list of regulations to follow before setting foot on the walkway.




Read: do not run or sway on the canopy walkway, do not make noise, etc.

But what is the fun of that?!!

Getting on the walkway will set you back another RM5.




Don’t underestimate this walkway, at one point (which is the highest), it is impossible not to hold onto both side of the walkway really tight when you’re standing on a flimsy piece of wooden plank (or so it seems) and is 50 metres high way, a small breeze can make the plank sway like crazy.




I bet if Ming would piss in his pants if he walks through this walkway. :p

The view on the top however, is very rewarding.




If there is one thing I love about being in a preserved rainforest more than anything else, is the nature. It is here, you find some of the most preserved caves no where else can.

Have you been to a cave?

If yes, how many out there have been to a cave where pavements have been carved out, lights have been set within the cave to ease tourists to walk around. But not in this rainforest, no.

The cave I visited was called Gua Telinga (or funnily translates to “Ear Cave”).




I didn’t know why it is called that way.

Till I got inside.




The “pathways” are so narrow, it there wasn’t a guide forcing himself through it, I didn’t think it was even possible for a human to crawl through such narrowness. There are no lights in the cave, and the only way to get around, is holding a torch light in one hand and balancing yourself on rocks from time to time.


Very slippery rocks


Some 20 metres into the cave, we reached the largest void of the cave, which is not so big, and were welcomed by this magnificent sight!




It was so beautiful I could not describe the sensation. These creatures were just at most 2-3 metres above me, some was so close, I could touch them (though I did not).




I was probably the only one in the group who took photo, risking having bats sworn all around with my blinding camera flash. But back in my mind, I wanted to share this delightful moment with my readers and people out there. See the things I do for you guys? Appreciate me already? :p

Note: I asked permission from the guide of course

I look back now at how much I have written and feel that I should stop here. But not before describing one more thrill I had on this trip, the rapid shooting.

Gosh, you guys have to try this. It is so cool.




The scenery is spectacular as you tour along the river through the primitive rainforest, indulging every sight in the most relaxing way.


The water got rougher



And rougher


Okay, maybe not so relaxing. Hold one tight or you might get wet!




Someone hand me a towel.

Taman Negara - Back to Nature?

I am going to Japan!!! I am going to JAPAN!!

DO YOU HEAR ME!! I AM GOING TO JAPAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three days ago I was holding a stack load of documents in my hand waiting anxiously for my number to roll in in the Japan Embassy located at Persiaran Stonor, KL.

And today…(technically it’s already yesterday, but I’m not in bed yet, so it still today)




Ta da!!!!… I finally got my visa! It’s a confirm trip!

It now only takes 3 WORKING DAYS to get your Japan Visa!!! Isn’t that awesome?!

I am going to Japan on the 24th, that’s next week Friday. Right after my Krabi and Phuket trip from 21st to 24th.

OMG OMG OMG, Japan!! My lifelong dream is finally realizing!


Alright, back to the topic. 24 people, six cars, one destination. When I visited Taman Negara (National Park) trip last weekend, I didn’t know it would take so long to reach the largest preserved national park in Peninsular Malaysia.

There are few entrances to the rainforest. Two most popular entrances, if coming from the south, are Kuala Tahan (by land) and Kuala Tembeling (by river). We opted for the former (faster).

Some six hours of dreadful driving and two rest stops later, we found ourselves driving in pitch dark in the middle of a jungle along a narrow winding road. For another hour and half, with no road signs, coming car lights or street lights in view, we were getting restless and slightly worried.

It was then a large signboard became visible as we drove nearer. The signboard was clearly worn out, mainly due to long term weather damage and lack of maintenance, the wordings on the board were fading, barely visible; but still readable: “Taman Negara 15 minutes ahead”.

The sun rose as we approached the river side. It was perfect timing.


Morning at Kuala Tahan


This journey will take you back into nature, to the primitive stage where people travel on water, not land.


Main Transportation in Taman Negara, other than feet



View from across the river



Posing in front of the national park sign


Here you will find constructions that are so primordial; they don’t need cost building it.


Small river bridge


Don’t be alarmed to see some wild animals roaming the streets here though.


Little tigress, roarrr....


Don’t have to worry, they don’t usually disturb human.


Minding my own business


Despite being primal, technologies and comforts remain important roles among the human race. It’s part of our everyday lives.


my saviour


Even in the jungle, you'll find a bit of modernity within.


Sofa on a tree?


Sometimes, we human get so disgustingly attached to comfort of the modern world. Contraption such as this is created.


Luggage escalator


I mean come on!!!

Carry your own bag for heaven’s sake, we’re in the middle of the jungle! Can’t you live without a bell boy for once?! Get rid of your five star services already.

Seriously! If I can be sure of one thing, there is NOTHING more ridiculous than a luggage escalator in the middle of the jungle!



That is,


until I see this,





........ -.-

I’m having PMS! Durians! PMS!

I don’t feel like working

I don’t feel like blogging

I don’t feel like doing anything!

*grumble grumble grumble*

And suddenly I have this craving for durians! King of Fruits!

So screw fasting, I don’t care, I have PMS, I have the right to nag and complain and have things my way. Don’t care don’t care don’t care…. *whine whine whine*

Hence I went to SS2 for some durians session yesterday after work.

Remember that corner stall beside the furniture shop where people can choose and sit and eat durians on the spot? As I approached the stall, I felt myself entering this dome of aroma that shouted “Good Durians Here!” Heaven awaits.


dom sitting on the far left


This stall has been here for years. The first time I visited KL when I was young, they were here. And now they are still here. Only nicer looking, more organised, and even have their own website!




The durians sold here aren’t cheap, but they are sure delicious. You get 100% guaranteed good durians here. So in my opinion, I think it’s worth every single cent!

We took a seat and they took two 101 durians for us. (D101 is the sweetest type of durian. I like sweet, hate bitter; I don’t care if you say durians are meant to be eaten bitter, my taste buds tell me otherwise.)


skilled hands opening durians


Gosh, my cravings kicked in and I could barely contain myself.




The color,




The texture,




We spent the whole night finishing two humongous durians. It was heavenly, smelly, but heavenly.

Okay, now back to my fast. Shut up.

If you think RM12 per kg is too expensive, you can always opt for cheaper option.



Want durians?

3 Blind Rats

I was supposed to update this yesterday but after two days of trekking, climbing, crawling, swimming and jumping from rock to rock, I reached home 10:30pm yesterday feeling like a sloth; but didn’t go to bed after one hour of scrubbing my battered muddy new sport shoes that went through intense mud race.

I need some time to compile all the photos taken during the weekend so in the mean time, let’s talk about this really funny rat movie I watched more than a week ago. Which is named after a dish - Ratatouille.

It is ironic you see, since I was born in the year of rat, a rat went to watch a rat movie that is about rat and more rats living in the city of Paris who love food.




Me – Rat – Food

Ahh… Now I see the connection.

You know what? I realized I have a brother and a sister too!!

Yes! My long lost brother and sister. Twin brother and twin sister, a triplet!!

Instead of having a rat watching the movie, I have two other rats watched the movie with me! And these three rats don’t only have the same age, they share the same surname!

Meet, (if you don’t know yet)




Ringo Tan (to the left)

My sister


And



Timothy Tiah (Which is also Tan in Mandarin)

My brother


Yes!!! I bet you don’t know that!! Hah!! We share the same year, same surname! (No we don’t share the same birth month). 10 bucks say we even share the same forefather.

And it is proven that all rats enjoy watching a rat movie, because it’s really funny, it’s about good food, it’s Paris and most importantly, it’s about a rat!

If I were to describe what kind of rats my siblings are based on the movie.

Then Timothy has got to be Remy.




An innovator. Always thinks out of the box.

A womanizer.




Could even get a vegetable to shag him.



And always on the run. This brother of mine is always busy. I mean always...


As for my sister, I can’t find a suitable rat character in the movie that fits her since there’s no pretty little rat so she has to be a human character – Colette.



Yup, beautiful and tough, the only female chef in Gusteau’s kicthen. That’s my sister.


Finding a character for me is easy. I’m Emile.



The fat rat who eats anything.

Muahaha…

Ratatouille is an enjoyable, rather entertaining movie; a good flow from the beginning till the end. You’ll find yourself laughing the moment you stepped into the cinema and will sit on the edge of your theater seat throughout the screening. The whole movie will put you in anticipation to know more.

It is also probably the first movie I’ve seen whose marketing feels compelled to tell you how to pronounce its title. Wee, it’s called Ra-ta-too-ee.

Click here for its recipe.

Then I thought of all kinds of Ratatouille dishes. Ever wonder what kind of Ratatouille you are?

Finding Ringo’s ratatouille was easy.

She’s a proper French cooked ratatouille.




Dainty with a hint of spice.


Timothy’s ratatouille was also rather easy.



All messed up inside but still turn out alright.


But mine was the easiest of all. The moment I saw this ratatouille dish, I know it’s meant to be.








Pack and ready to go.

I'm off again!

Tonight, I will be departing to Taman Negara for a weekend getaway with, get this, TM CLUB. LOL. To be exact, it is 20 Malay people and maybe just one Chinese - me. But let’s just cross our fingers that they’ll be more than one Chinese in the group or I’ll probably be mumbling most of the time to myself in English and fumbling most of the time to the jungle in Malay.

Yo, I’m the white among the black yo…

Well, at least I’m finally going somewhere now. Hah! Always wanted to go to Taman Negara, never had the chance, so the day I heard about this trip organized by some human resource department (that has no relation to me or my dept), I immediately jumped at the opportunity.

I’m such a sucker for traveling.

Come on, RM95 for a weekend trip, inclusive of all. Who wouldn’t!!

Let me look at my check-list provided:

1. All your personal items (erm…. Does that include tampons?)
2. Shower cream, tooth paste, toothbrush, shampoo
3. Towel & face towel
4. Sleeping bag
5. Flip-flops
6. Gloves
7. Torch light (for Night jungle walk)
8. Personal Medication/Ointments
9. Attire for out-door activities with casual shoes (don’t wear leather shoes or high heels)
10. Camera (Optional) (License RM5 per Camera)
11. Fishing rod (Optional) (License RM20 per Rod)
12. Etc (you may add this list but No.1 to 9 are strongly recommended)

Right, so I have 1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10. Errr.. the rest… errr… oh well.. I’ll find a way. I can always sleep under leaves or catch some fireflies and put in a plastic bag for my jungle walk. I’ll survive. :D


On another note, the “Stupid Thing I Do” this month which I declared I would do last week, was…. A total failure.

Damn, not only I was dining at some of the most prestigious places in KL (thanks to Timothy and friends and some of my pals), I found myself whooping down some sinfully butt kicking delicacies


San Francisco Steakhouse black pepper beef


And desserts,


Tony Rama’s Chocolate Avalanche



Starbucks Banana Chocolate Pie


And have friends who bring back ‘souveniers’ from their oversea trips.


Pocky Pocky Tira-miss-u


Woo hoo, Godiva!


(Thanks to Zul and Dom for bringing me chocolates despite knowing my fast, argh!).

Next week! Next week I shall fast!!!!!

I will!!

Really!!

Damn it, what must I say to prove my point!!

Argh!! Why won’t you believe me!!

*grumble* *walk to fridge for a Godiva*

Love Is In The Air

Working in Cyberjaya has one huge disadvantage. There aren’t many dining options in this area.
Seriously, ask anyone who work or stay in this area where do they usually dine. I can summarize all the ‘only’ places to eat here.

1. Old Town Café
2. Padi Restaurant
3. Alamanda mall
4. Jusco
5. Bus station

That’s it and that’s all.

I mean what the hell?! BUS STATION? Who goes to bus station to eat?! Cyberjaya has so limited restaurants we have to resort to bus station food stalls for lunch! It’s sad. Very sad.

Recently, I found a new place to resolve my lunch solution. It’s not too far like Alamanda Mall or Jusco; it’s an alternative to the usual-never-changing kopitiam (café) and food stalls; believe it or not, it’s the one and only petrol station in the whole of Cyberyjaya - Petronas! Yes! There is only ONE petrol station here. Yes! I am saying petrol station mini-mart is a great place to buy your (or my) everyday lunch.

Don’t underestimate this gas station; you can buy everything you need here from tampons to mineral water. It’s so useful!

Few days ago on one particular working day during one particular lunch time, I decided to spoil myself and my colleagues with some treats. So I drove out to our friendly nearby station to do a bit of little shopping.

And I saw this!




Hey what’s better to indulge on a hot sunny afternoon with some cold delicious ice creams!

I went in and opened the freezer box.




Ooo, all the new flavors. I was spoilt for choices.

I picked one flavour out - Cookies and cream.




Then I saw the chocolate flavour. So I picked that up too. Then there’s this blackforest flavor, ermm…. New flavour… Never tried.. ermm….




Omg, Tiramisu flavour, I had to try this!




Before I knew it.




HO HO HO!!!


Happily cashed them at the cashier, I drove back to office merrily.

I took out two flavours from my plastic bag.


Chocolate and Blackforest


I bet you think I will eat the chocolate flavour first!

NO! I beg to differ this time. I will eat the blackforest flavour first. (Save the best for last :p)

Thus I unwrapped my slightly melted Cornetto.




See me indulge in my lovely “Love you Berrryy much” cornetto.


So cold…


How do you normally eat your conned ice cream? After several bites, I decided to miss my chocolate. So I ate the ice cream like this.


Muahaha…


The top flip of the ice cream wrapper bears a series code for a “Lurve Klicks” contest that was advertised on my Nuffnang banner few days ago.




And since Kenny and Timothy told me they have joined and formed a group, I thought, why not.

I heard you can dive with the sharks or win group dates in the “Lurve Klicks” bidding contest (I’ll dive with any shark than be desperate enough to go on blind dates, but hey, group blind dates sounds fun too). Not too sure of how that works since I only ever browse through that site for a nano-second (despite it being my ad >_<), and well, I have six ice creams in my hand…




After messing around the site for a while, I managed to create my own group and profile.

Ta da!!


One ice cream for 100 points, 50 given when a group is created.


Okay, what’s next. *Lingers aimlessly around the site*




Right, so I need two more girls to join in my group so I can start playing as a group. Erm… any girl, lady, woman, aunty, grandma out there willing to join me? We can share lots of ice creams together? Or we can buy lots of ice creams and donate it and we collect the flips. :D

Anyone?


Continue redeeming points.


If you are wondering. NO, I DID NOT eat ALL the ice creams on my own!!

The Thing with Travel

Ever since re-entering working life, I realized my social life has plummeted drastically.

I have less time to travel, less time to chat with friends online; and even though when I was staying in Melaka, I didn’t go out much, at least I was still socializing with most of my friends on the net, so whenever we do catch up, I don’t feel that we have not kept in touch for a long time.

Working 8:30am – 5:30pm is a sad life. But it is life. At times I wonder what it would be like to let go of everything and just leave, at times I was really tempted to do just that. But then my parents came into mind, and this sense of responsibility as a daughter churns up and I am brought back to reality.

“I can’t, I just can’t. I have no choice!”

THAT is the MOST COMMON excuse everyone, especially Asians, not to be racist or anything, use.

I call it an excuse because, well, it is. Think about it. Did anyone literally force you to stay, as in, tie you down with a rope to a chair and ask you to work 24 hours. No right? If yes, well, you have my condolences; else to most, no right? Right??

“I am far too busy with work”, “I have a business to run”, “my parents need me”, I have commitments”, etc.

Yes, they are very reasonable reasons, or excuses, whichever. But you choose to be that way. You choose to work, you choose to start a business, you choose to be a good son or daughter, and you choose to have a commitment.

Now, before you start flaming me for being an inconsiderate asshole. I am not saying that it is a bad thing. But it is a choice you made, good or bad, a CHOICE nonetheless.

Life is full of choices. For me, I choose how I wanted life to be, I choose to work so I can support myself and hopefully one day, my parents. I choose to be bonded by heck loads of commitments so one day I can actually own properties. It is a choice I made. Saying “I have no choice” is irrelevant and selfish. It’s an excuse to push all YOUR inability to take that risk and step out of your comfort zone in order to venture further.

Tell me, why is it a dream to travel the world, at one go. Whoever said it is impossible?




Since my appearance on national television TV3 “Wanita Hari Ini” last Monday, I have received hordes of emails on how people are amazed, impressed and envious of my ability and courage to backpack as a female traveller, to many parts of the world, alone.

How do I find time? How do I find the money?

My answer to that is “there’s a will, there’s a way.”




Seriously, who ever said women cannot travel alone? Did the law state that? You said it is dangerous, have you tried it? Sure, there are many crimes on the newspaper where this girl is raped and that girl is kidnapped and killed; come on, there are crimes everywhere. Crimes happens everyday, every hour, every minute, and it can happen any where! Who ever said staying at home is safe?

And since when money is an issue for those who spend at least RM50 on alcohol and clubbing every weekend, or more than RM20 on meals every day?

Do you know, if you stop clubbing on weekends and cut your food cost by RM5 per day, you can save up to RM75 or more per week? In a month, you can save up RM300. With RM300, I can go on a 3 days 3 nights trip to Koh Samui, Thailand.

Hey, no one asks you to stay in a fancy hotel or fly there. If hitching is not your cup of tea, take an overnight bus or train. It will save you a night AND it is cheap AND you get to see sceneries along the way!

Then they will ask: “but why alone?”

My question is “why not?”




Maybe I’m a loner; maybe I have few friends that share the same passion in travelling as I have; maybe whenever you arrange a trip, everyone will bail out in the end due to work commitments; maybe no matter how many people you invited on a trip, you will end up being alone due to unforeseen circumstances. There are so many reasons I ran out of breathe just thinking about it. So why not alone?

Maybe because you think that going alone won’t be as enjoyable? Maybe because you think that it is dangerous? Maybe… maybe…

I can only say, the most outrageous trips that I have embarked so far are those when I go solo. On these trips, I met people around the world, and they are there and then my friends, my food-mate, my clubbing-mate, my hitch-hiking mate…etc. Three years ago I met this Dutch girl who was 19 years old back then, and both of us hitch hiked our way through Isle of Skye and from Kyle to Fort William in Scotland; we rented a bike and cycled through the most beautiful glens in Europe and cycled back drenched in rain, it was wild, but it was fun.

I was hiking up the third tallest mountain in the UK with a 21 year old American guy whom I just met a day ago on the bus, and we celebrated our conquest over a glass of (and my very first) self-brewed ale at the foot of the mountain.




I met this remarkable 17 year old girl of what nation I have forgotten and of what name I couldn’t recall in a small hostel in Westport, Ireland who had been travelling for 3 years then and decided to continue travelling for the rest of her life. And then I met this adventurous Australian divorced woman in her late 40s who had last spent each of her 6 months in Ireland, Germany and the UK and had this crazy wild relationship with a 21 year old Irish boy. They were in love, so deeply they parted the day she left Ireland because she knew there were better girls out there for him, and they cried.




There are so many things one can experience when one travel alone. And these people I met throughout my journey are the people that have my deepest respect and envy. Because they took risks like none other, they are the ones that made their choices in life, despite their sacrifices; they proceed to pursue their dreams. How are they different from the rest of us? We are, after-all, human beings.

My dream, is to travel the world.

Harajuku Dolls are Fugly

Ok ok, so I jumped into the Harajuku bandwagon after much peer pressure from my fellow bloggers. And who wouldn’t want a free phone. It’s free!

And my blasted old phone needed a new replacement, badly. Heck, I think I am the only person on earth who still uses a phone with no 3G, Wifi, GPRS features! (Welp, I haven’t activated my GPRS), the only thing that is “High-tech” in there is the blue tooth, which I hardly use.

Ringo created a oh-so-adorable my favourite color harajuku doll - orange, knowing that I can never beat her doll’s cheesiness (pardon the pun); and Timothy said that it is IMPOSSIBLE to make a Japanese girl look ugly. I beg to differ, strongly.

I’m tired of pretty dolls, who ever said dolls should be pretty. Look at barbies, it’s just so wrong, they are so perfect, so iconic-ally beautiful and ideally shaped at the right place. It’s unreal and what signals are we sending to our kids?

You have to look like a Barbie or be skinny like a Barbie or to have long-wavy silky hair like a Barbie or have perfect features like a Barbie to look pretty. Heck!!! Where got human look like that! Botox, plastic surgery and silicons might do the trick, but then we average humans do not have that kind of money to splurge 20k on a boob job!

God damn it.

Therefore, I shall prove timothy and his fellow testosterone-filled guy mates wrong by producing the fugliest harajuku doll ever!!


Behold!!

Miss Fugly (yes that is her name)




Muahahaha…

Tell me that is NOT the UGLIEST looking, if not scary looking, doll you have ever seen.

What’s with the explosion hair style! And that table-lamp-looking top! A cartoon-ish sling bag mix match with a so very the ‘cool’ yellow colour boots that is just out of place with the top and bag! The eyes are distorted and the glasses look like a crooked line drawn across the face. Yes, introducing Miss Fugly.

She will make any girl feels pretty and the guys run for the hills.

If you agree with me that she is fugly, out of style, simply a mess. Vote for her out of RM0.50 pettiness for me for taking the effort to produce such a creation against nature.




Okay, okay, since everyone is giving rewards, I shall find something too. If I win this phone, my reward or punishment would be, to dress in the most horrific harajuku style ever. Worse than this!



if u r too slow to notice, yes that is me. last year. at halloween. singapore


You do want to see me suffer don’t you?

J.CO Donuts & Coffee

J.Co Donuts, one of the two leading doughnuts chain stores in Indonesia, rivalry of Krispy Kreme, arrived safely in KL two weeks ago. Thanks to Micheal Song, one of my loyal readers whom I find a very friendly and sociable person.




I can’t wait. After my exploitation with Krispy Kreme and Big Apple, it’s only fair to taste the last of the three famous doughnuts branch in SEA to decide who is the king of doughnuts.




J.CO doughnuts are as tantalising as Krispy Kreme’s. The glaze over the doughnuts never ceases to make me drool.




Since it was dinner time when Michael passed the doughnuts to me, so I couldn’t eat the doughnuts on the stop. Hence I brought it home and put it in the fridge to save it for another day.

The next day, in order to eat these doughnuts at its best, I put it in an oven to lightly heat up the cold hard doughnuts.


Waiting patiently


*Ding!* (oven’s bell)
Time to eat!





Ooo, look at the glaze >_<


I carefully set the original flavour sugar glazed doughnut on a plate.




Then the other chocolate coated one.




Don’t they look gorgeous.


Wa, so proper like that. Western Dining meh… lol


And I cut it.




Took a whiff.


Ahh, simply aromatic, awakening my senses


I finished the first piece to the last crumb.


This is serious good shit.


How should I say, tt is simply delicious. After a long time since my last Krispy Kreme, this is as close of a GOOD doughnut as I can get. Yum! (Yes you heard me right, I say Krispy is still the best! But I love JCO too!)

I mean, it is unfair to judge. Because when I got Krispy Kreme, it was almost fresh from oven. It was still warm when I ate it. As for J.Co, I ate it overnight, so I couldn’t really say it is not as good as Krispy since I never taste fresh J.Co before. (A good reason for me to try J.Co again :D)

But it is still damn good.




How can you deny. Just look at the chocolate filling flowing out.


Look at me, I'm so beau~ti~ful~


If this is not sinful food, I don’t know what is.

Fasting is my best friend.

I just wrote an entire entry, but decided not to post it in the end.

There are things better left be unsaid and unshared.

May I clarify I have never once mention I am in any way good looking or pretty.

To me, I am me. Just me. A compulsive traveller who can never get enough of travelling. These two weeks, I'm taking a break, not because I have finally taken a toll, but because I need to prepare myself for a travel schedule that is beyond imaginary to come.

I am fat. There I said it, again and again. To people who thinks so, you are right. I never once deny I am fat. So fat I should be put in jail and sentence to death. To people who object, thanks but accept it. This is not America or the UK. This is Asia, where being skinny is a trend. Where being underweight is considered normal, acceptable; and being normal is fat. Where obese people should be killed than be seen walking down the street.

Where being anorexia is better than being called 'fat'.

Sad but true.

I have said that I will dedicate myself to do something exceptionally stupid every month or so. Simply because I am Nicole.

This month stupid thing is simple. I will not harm any fries, nor children of the third world. But instead, to punish myself for being myself, or for being fat, or for being selfish, or for being _____. (fill in the blank)

I will go on a 7 day fast as of today, to redeem myself? To lose 10 pounds? To torture myself? To inflict bowel injury on myself in order to distract self from other negative influence such as depression and stress?

Well, maybe a bit of all of the above. Medidation, a journey through seeking oneself. Whatever..

The only thing that is allowed, is water; and maybe soya or milk during sunset. That's it. At least I won't be overally malnutrition. I think.

If I stop blogging after 7 days, call 999.

I Saw A Traumatizing Accident

On my way to work this morning.

The motorcycle was thrown to one side and the body some distance away further up, or down as I was coming on the other side of the road.

While driving to work, I passed this motorbike that was lying sideways on the road and the first thought that came to mind was: “oh, another accident.”

But as I drove up a little further, I saw something lying on the ground, next to the dividing platform that usually separates the roads, laid a figure. For that split second, I thought it was a road kill of some sort. But a closer glance at it, it appeared a little too big to be any sort of animal, it was then I realised a human was lying on the road just meters away from my car.

If my eyes weren’t playing tricks, I think I saw both of his legs were dislocated because they weren’t attached correctly to the body. The face and body of this man (should be a guy judging from the masculine features) were facing downward so I couldn’t identify of what ethnicity he belongs to.

For a short moment, I was stunned. As I continue driving like what seems to be 30 seconds, I picked up my phone and called 999.

As the freaking slow line was directing me to the ambulance department, I made a U-turn further down and return to the scene. I informed the ambulance about the location of the accident and hoped they can be quick about it, as the man didn’t seem to be giving signs of being alive.

When I arrived, I pulled my car over at the side but no body was at sight, the motorcycle has been adjusted to stand. Villagers from nearby were gathering. I saw a car across the road and assume the body has been carried into the car and away to a nearby hospital.

There was nothing much I could do. The helmet that was previously on the ground has been put into the basket of the motorbike, and from the helmet screen, I see splashes of blood within the helmet. The head must be terribly injured.




The number plate of the motorcycle is NAR 59. If anyone knows the owner or relatives of this motorcycle, please be kind enough to inform the immediate family. The accident of the location was somewhere off Bandar Puteri Puchong, right in front of the Koi Tropika Condominium.

Fries anyone?

Taking a break from travelling. I have spent my time at home regenerating from over-travelling since my Kuching trip, and also trying to cope with work at the same time.

Life’s not easy.

I realised when one, such as me, stays at one spot for too long, I will eventually lose it.

This is best illustrated by my sudden decision to have a ‘fries gathering/party’ at my humble crib last week. So last Friday, I went shopping for the “party”. (I hate calling it party; I prefer the term gathering)

Which is also why I have created a label -Stupid Things I Do, specially for occasions like this. Yep, I'm sure this is not my last time.

Back to the 'party', I visited our friendly local supermarket Giant in Puchong after work last friday to look for my supplies for the ‘party’.

First, I stopped here.




Then I stopped here,




Rm11.90. Erm, a bit too expensive for some papers don’t you think?

Then I saw these at one corner.


RM2.90


Ahh, perfect. Just what I need.


So I got these two.




What are fries without sauce to dip in? I like my fries with Mayonese. Lots of them!







Err, cheap, but never tried this brand before. It looks so dodgy. -.-

Then I was really tempted to get one of these.




But in the end, I’d settled for this.


Trusty old lady’s choice mayo


And camwhore a bit while at it.


NicolekissOreoWaffle


Time to check out.




Back at home. I laid out the accessories I bought.




After some cutting and folding and taping.

I made this.




Yup, it’s big enough to fit a human being. No I’m serious. It can fit.

Don’t believe?

See…


You never said I couldn’t bend down.


While busy fussing over my nice paper bag, there was a knock on the door.

So I went to open it.



Special delivery~~~
from left: Fai and Dominic


Ho ho, guess what it is?







Muahaha… fries and more fries…


Solved the puzzle yet?

Click to watch the video to watch the largest Shaker French Fries ever shaken!



Note: Do not scroll down till you finish the video.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.


In the end, we got so sick of fries, we recruited backup to the ‘party’ to join forces. After what seems like endless hours of eating, I could have sworn the mountain of fries didn’t even reduce a bit!!! I swear!!!!


from left: Gerald, Justina, Alvin, Clare, Fai, Nicole and Zul


I am not touching another fries for at least 1 year!