Always a surprise.

Visit Melaka, visit Malaysia.

2009-07-17T15:10:00.000+08:00

I wish to dedicate this post to a friend of mine and her wonderful family. My host was kind to let me stay over. Su Anne was my tour guide and makan buddy.

Malacca, the historical city. The origin of Malaysia. And this was my first time here and now I feel a little more Malaysian.

This is Melaka.

The river.

It was named after pokok melaka, a tree Parameswara was resting under when he saw his hunting dog was attacked by a kancil.

Windmills were influence of VOC.

The Brits also made their mark here.

This church is still functional since...1753

Keris Taming Sari and Eye On Malaysia.

Ruins of St Paul's church.

This is what's left of the huge Famosa Fort.

This is the Chevy the first Prime Minister of Malaya sat when Malaya got its independence.

Some random ornaments on Jonker Street aka Jalan Hang Jebat.

Jonker Street at night.

Another attraction in Malacca is FOOD! The food there was just wonderful, very unique.

These are what I ate:

Prawn mee - The prawn mee is actually dry! It was a light meal to enjoy if you don't eat much.

Roti Bakar - Kaya and butter sandwiched between soft yet crusty Hainanese bread.

Ikan Pari Bakar - Was told to be a Portuguese dish. With spices and ladies fingers, it is one food you won't wanna miss. The sotong bakar is superb too.

Oi chien - which I cannot eat as it has oysters in it (allergic to seafood...so I ate the eggs only)

Nonya laksa - the thick curry of the broth with it's special mix of spices makes you wanna go have another sinful bowl... over and over again

Paitee - Vegetables cooked and raw in small biscuit cups are just a tasty mouthful

Chicken rice balls - this is a hit in Melaka as it is unique. Chicken is served with rice shaped into balls.

Mihun Kuih/ Traditional Pan Mee - Simplicity is the key to finding the originality of what it was

Cendol - Cendol (green jelly) with kidney beans topped with shaved ice with gula melaka and santan (coconut milk) makes it a great simple dessert that no one should ever miss when visiting Melaka. One recommended shop would be Jonker 88 on Jonker street.

Portuguese egg tart - Egg custard filling in a flaky crispy crust. Yum.

Satay celup - Food on sticks dipped into boiling peanut soup. An experience not to be missed.

It was a nice experience going around Malacca, in such detail. It was fun and I think I may go there to eat... Soon.

Miri (Soon to be International) Airport

2009-07-14T13:37:00.005+08:00

After years and years of talk, finally they have direct flights to Singapore from Miri. Yes!!!

Before this, we would either have to fly to Kuching International Airport (KIA) or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) before being able to fly to Singapore OR fly to Senai Airport and get a cab down to Singapore.

First flights will begin operation on 9th Sept 2009. Refer to this

Hahaha.. Miri International Airport (MIA), will definitely open doors for travellers from overseas to come to see what Miri has to offer. MIA has been MIA for far too long.....

Getting better

2009-07-09T20:55:00.004+08:00

When I first got back to my hometown, there was no recorded cases of H1N1. But days later, the unthinkable happened. H1N1 is in Miri. Soon after a family of 5 got down with the flu. And it began to spread like wild fire. Maybe my flight was H1N1 infested (there were loads of people coughing like crazy)

And being in a cautious family, I was home quarantined for the past week (or more). It was to prevent INFECTION. Just in case I'm down with H1N1, I won't go around and spreading it to everyone, which I'm not sure whether I got it because I did not go and test. I just had home quarantine and treatment. I was also ISOLATED in my own home. To prevent intra-home infection so that my school going siblings, market going mum and my working dad don't get affected.

It was a struggle for a foodie like me... to lose the sense of olfaction, to actually taste GOOD food:( Everything tasted blander than plain water. Whenever my mum asked for my opinion for the taste I would say, "I can't smell"

It was a sad sad week. But with my nature of trying to get myself better ASAP spirit, I developed a skill, that is to enjoy food not with by smell but by sensation. Cool huh? I ate a lot of food despite having nose block the whole week. And my mum thought I was lying about being not able to smell. So sad...

Yay to getting better!! Lol~ I really thought that I might be down with Ah HeeNeee virus but I got through it. Really different cause I've not been down with flu for sooo long and wound up having all the symptoms pop up after my flight. Freaky! And the coughing... It was solely triggered by laughing. Serious. And I had wear a mask in my own home:(

Still having headache... and a little running nose but much better now.

Not going Cambodia for reasons that is really obvious. H1N1 though mild, it spreads really quickly. It can get to everyone but not everyone can make it alive. Depends whether one wants to take that risk. I'm just following dad's order cause I think he is more knowledgeable about this quadruple strain virus. 1 Bird 2 Pig and 1 Human. Plus if you read about the Spanish or Hong Kong flu, you'll understand more.

Just a simple stuff.. flu pandemics come in 2 waves. The mild one and then the lethal one... So be ready.

Currently...

2009-06-26T14:38:00.003+08:00

Once again I am trapped in LCCT airport. Ah... when I stepped into the airport I can feel the H1N1 paranoia.. I could see people wearing face masks. It was quite an interesting sight to see. Well, it is a precautionary step, just to be on the safer side. I too wore a mask, that was conveniently available... as a dental student:)

Putting that aside, I am now here, with my plane recently (notified when I was at the counter) delayed for 1.5 hours. This meant that I skipped an hour of class quite for nothing.

Ahh... I remember the last time I was sitting at this airport, blogging. And then going up the plane and then an incident happened. That was just too memorable.. It's almost a year now but the images and sights and sounds are still vivid in my mind. What an experience. This time I'm a little prepared:) Anything can happen right?

Yea. And this brings me to the topic of... the death of the King of Pop. MJ. He was the man who sang for the children of the world. Was accused of child sexual molestation. Was famous for his musical hits like Beat it, Thriller, Billie Jean... and so much more. He was goiing to start his world tour. He was also famed for being the black one who turned white. He is one legendary artiste known for his dance moves especially the moonwalk. He was also known as the one who has a nose who has a life on its own (sometimes fat, sometimes skinny, sometimes gone). He was known for trying to live longer by using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. He was known to go to court in fancy outfits or PJs. He was known as Wacko Jacko. But through his 50 years of life, I don't think he lived a fulfilled life. Not even when he's earned so much. It's so sad he left his very young children behind. Life's unexpecting. Live life to your fullest. Be happy:)

Lame post. Let's hope I have a safe trip home:) Melaka post next.

I want to graduate!

2009-05-30T13:21:00.006+08:00

This was what I've been saying all day today when I was helping out in IMU. Just got back. Time = 1.23pm

I volunteered to help out in the IMU's convocation which was held for the very first time in IMU. Woke at 4 something this morning, bathed and made up and prepared to go to IMU.

Reached IMU before sunrise and signed in for work. Pinned a crosage on my shirt and we had breakfast provided in Cengkih Corner (staff lounge). But it's just nasi lemak, by Sheraton Subang. Many of the staff were there. Early on a Saturday morning.

Then, it was time for work. I was stationed at level 3 to direct the crowd to level 4 as the ceremony is held in the Auditorium. I stood near the library near the staircase to Chancellor Hall. Job description? Ushering. Standing on 4 inch heels and put on a permanent smile and greet. And show them the way. For one and a half hour. Then continue work when they finish. To direct them back again.

It's not bad, because I get to practise smiling:D

And, I get to see people dressed up like Harry Potter in a quidditch game. Robes.. haha... I saw many friends and families of the graduands coming, and it was such an honourable event in one's life.

What did I do in between? I went to the Oral Healthcare Centre booth and helped out folding the brochures and distributing. And chatted:) with Kak Kat and Stephanie.

I can't wait for mine. I want flowers. Lots of them. I want to carry lilies, roses, tulips, daisies, sunflowers, orchids... I want teddy bears too! It's just so great to see people graduating and tossing their hats in the air. I want pictures. I want to graduate.

It's just another year before we end phase one. And Prof Toh says that our robes will be lined with orange. For Dentistry!

Time flies. I wonder if I can wear that robe, get the scroll and toss the hat next year.

MVA is bad. Don't watch.

2009-05-28T18:52:00.002+08:00

Monsters Vs Aliens was just released today and we chose that over Terminator Salvation because Terminator was sold out (except for the front seats).

And one word, bad. Or what Peisan says, below umum umum. First few minutes of the movie was rather disappointing and sitting through the movie was torture.

My advice would be not to watch it. But if you want to know how it's like, go ahead. You have been warned.

Live long and prosper

2009-05-23T18:46:00.006+08:00

Medical Summatives ended yesterday but I didn't have the mood to celebrate. Didn't do well, but life goes on.

After getting back from IMU, I went to my laptop and started working on another blog. I'm in charge of Design & PR for my house, Pegasus. So once exam's over, it's work time. I'm more enthusiastic in doing this (compared to studying)as I did it till 3am without food. Then slept and woke at 6am to continue, then got dimsum breakfast with Amos Josh and Psan.

Then got back to continue and then go MidValley. Watched Star Trek.

Heard that the movie was good. Papers gave it high ratings (8 or 9 of 10).

So basically I expected it to be good. And the movie, just blew me away. Cause it exceeded my expectations. Story was good, acting was good, graphics was good. Good! I would recommend this movie. No spoilers here tho' cos you must enjoy the movie:) If you think Xmen origins is good, this is waaaaaaay better;)

But you'll be numbed at certain areas due to prolonged "buttock-chair contact". Do remember to move your toes and legs time to time to prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

After movie, went back then continued work and finally is done!!! And that's just the blog part. I don't know how I'm going to do for the banner/logo part.

See the imupegasusblog. I've learnt some new things:) Not that great but quite impressive in one day.

Would like to rest and FB now. Tired.

Don't remember at all

2009-05-20T22:31:00.003+08:00

Things I have read before seems to be alien to me. I can't remember a thing!

I can't get anything in or out my head.

Was stressed that I called my mum and cried it all out. Stressssss!!!!!

Persevere

2009-05-20T13:45:00.002+08:00

Cavity preparation + amalgam restoration + medical summatives + competency test = ?

A dental student.

And that's what I am. So, I was and is supposed to face all these. All I need is the strength to pull through and the heart to remember and a mind to think.

Was panicking last night. Thinking of how much I didn't cover and how much time I have left.

K la, we all must study. Tho' a little afraid of what might come out.

thanks sabbie:)

A little slower

2009-05-19T12:10:00.004+08:00

I HAVE TO finish CVS today. If not, there won't be enough time for GI and Haemato. My brain needs food.

**********************

Just had 'brunch' of toast with eggs and baked beans. Reminds me of my school holiday breakfasts my mom would make when I was younger.

Yum. Eggs are said to be DHA enriched. True or not?

Nur evaw onuzim + 5k

2009-05-17T12:31:00.003+08:00

Don't know why I actually signed up for a 15km run. New Balance 15km run 2009 was organized by pacesetters Malaysia which used the route of Mizuno Wave run 2008 with aan additional 5km to it.

As you can see, the title above is Mizuno Wave Run in reverse because the route was the same except we went in the opposite direction. Plus another 5km.

Didn't really run but jogged and walked. Didn't want to overwork myself, so I was kinda the slow slow slow one. Plus it's my first 15km, with only 3 hours of sleep. Powernap now CVS later.

I can't imagine I signed up for half marathon in June. I must be crazy.

....zzzzZZZZZ

Total paid: MYR 46.00

2009-05-16T11:58:00.006+08:00

I got a plane ticket from Miri to KL just for the amount above!

And it's on Malaysia Airlines. Woot!

*********************

Had dimsum this morning:)

Chillimaniac

2009-05-15T00:38:00.004+08:00

Happy 21st!

Hope you were happy we ransacked your room. Lol~

Herbal Pan mee later:)

Apple cake

2009-05-12T11:52:00.003+08:00

Today, is one day after my dental practice exam. And I now know I'm very bad in it. Especially OBA. The answers are all (almost all) right but you have to think which one is THE BEST.

Make the right choice.

Should do better next time.. 11/20 for OBA. *sigh* Really disappointing when I thought I would do good. Really disappointed and upset during the feedback session.

*********************

Now I'm having apple cake:)

Low sugar vanilla cake batter with lightly caramelized granny smith apples. Baked in the oven and now enjoying it warm:) If only I had vanilla icecream, it would be yummy!

Later I'm going to school again. Bilirubin or something.

Penyakit babi

2009-05-10T14:03:00.004+08:00

The ~~swine flu~~ Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak is getting worse, with more confirmed cases and deaths worldwide. As of now, the death toll is 53 and 4150 confirmed cases are reported. And it's from 29 countries. (**Just had an update from WHO. The number of confirmed cases is now up to 4379. More than 200 increase from the previous figure and it is not even 12 hours. WHO put this outbreak as a 5 of 6: Imminent pandemic. Get the global coverage on H1N1)

The outbreak has reached Asian shores:Japan. And also to where I maybe in 2 years time: Australia. Beware!!! Read more at The Star

And if the problem is not getting better. I will pull out from my Cambodia trip. I will write a letter to the Dean or something.

It's not a good thing to catch the virus from somewhere, especially from airplanes or Airports or a third world country with tourists from all over the world and then spread it on a plane or at your school or your friends or family.

Yea. Let's hope that H1N1 can just go away.

On another note

An outbreak! Meningitis. Many died and many are quarantined. It's in Melaka, where 434 people have already been quarantined. How did it happen? They said that one trainee from Kelantan carried the virus and went back to his training centre where he spread it to all his fellow trainers and trainees.

That boy died by the way. Read here here and here. (the latest news just came in, so 434 plus six is 440. What a sui number)

I don't want my brain to be destroyed:(

***************************************

Exam's tomorrow.

Reality check

2009-05-04T13:19:00.006+08:00

What's the first thing you would think of when you see this?

My brother was in it.

Drive safely.

Chocolate covered strawberries

2009-05-03T11:49:00.004+08:00

Bought some Korean strawberries again. And a bar of chocolate. Melted the choc and dipped the strawberries in them. Yum.

Homemade fondue:)

*************************

Felt blessed because when I was engrossed with grocery shopping (last night) at the chocolate and biscuit aisle, I did not even realize my phone was gone!!!

I was at the payment counter when a little girl came up to me and said:

"ni de tong shi tiao le" (you dropped something)

And she held up my phone. And I was like... "What?? When did it even leave me?" I was so thankful to the little girl. I wouldn't know what I would do if I lost my phone.

This is not the first time my phone left me without realization. Another time was when I was at the student lounge last year on 17th Aug to watch Lin Dan vs Lee Choong Wei.

It was at the end of the match and everyone left. When I was walking away from my spot, 3 steps later I heard my phone's sms tone. I searched my pcokets, not there. Then I saw that it was at the spot I was watching. Can't thank enough to the person who smsed me. Thank you... (you know who you are la)

Yeap... lesson is... There are still good people out there. And do the same for it might happen to you:) Karma~

Another thing is to stay alert!!! Don't be like me... Blur..

Labour day.

2009-05-01T11:08:00.005+08:00

Yesterday... I had this hunger for icecream and wolverine... After drilling at the lab, I changed my skirt for jeans and took cab to Midvalley.

Reached at 5 something (movie starts at 5pm) I watched X-men Origins: Wolverine. Not bad except at some parts the graphics a bit weird.

Also, I had 5 scoops of New Zealand Natural icecream. Hahaha~ All for RM 8. Told ya I'm a cheapo... They had a promotion for people with certain birth years. Rum and raisins, macadamia, chocolate esctasy and fruits of the forest... These are the flavours that I'm comfortable with... yet to try other flavours...

Icecreammmmmm<3 (but too much can be fattening... eat in consideration ok?)

After that got back to attend cell group. Then after that, we went to the funfair... And I'll say.. not going to funfairs anymore... I don't like the flashing lights and earblasting 'music'. Makes me feel nauseous, luckily I don't have epilepsy... Funfair is not fun. The entire cell group were sickish.. especially Amos...

******************

I'm done with my report!!! Yay! I don't know if I fulfiled all the learning objectives or not.. Will select pictures to print...

**************************

My 38 is erupting. (lower left wisdom tooth)

It bled the whole day yesterday and is very painful and inflammed. I think it caused my mild fever for the week. Yea.. fever and arm wrestling... lol~

My upper wisdom teeth all erupted without much pain. But this 38 bleeds while I was in the lab drilling, more when I brush.. I can even feel the gum covering the teeth moving. I think the tooth is growing at angle...

Please... don't let it be impacted.... I don't want surgery:(

Oh - diarrhoea

2009-04-29T21:09:00.002+08:00

What's behind the constant "I can't hold it back!" moments when you keep going in and out of the toilet, with the twisting pain around the tummy area and cold sweats trickling down you face.

Tummy pain.... And diarrhoea (diarrhea US).

These are important terms when dealing with Lao Sai (stool flowing out)

Gastroenteritis: inflammation of the stomach and intestines
Diarrhoea: Passing loose stool more than 3 times in 24 hours
Dysentery: Passing loose stool accompanied by blood and mucous and extreme pain due to the invasion of the gut wall (ulcerated)
Enterocolitis: inflammation of the small intestines and colon.

Usually caused by bacteria like E coli, Salmonella, Shigella (causes dysentery), Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Yersinia enterolitica.. etc... (directly copied from notes)

Becareful of what you eat... It's all about food:)

I wonder why dental students need this...

Maybe... we'll learn to make sure that our chairs won't get dirty?

It must be the bananas

2009-04-28T21:35:00.002+08:00

Been eating a lot of bananas lately. And made some banana fritters yesterday due to sudden craving. I used pisang emas and dipped it in batter and fried it. Not bad considering it was my first attempt in making it!

*Info: This type of banana cannot be used to make banana milkshake. You must use cavendish bananas (or the big ang moh-ish bananas) to make it. Don't ask me why. It is what it is. You can experiment to make pisang emas milkshake tho...

And lol... I was announced winner of the arm wrestling competition for my category. Didn't expect that. Joined in just for fun, to raise funds for Gym Club... Ended up discovering weird talent. Maybe I can extract teeth effortlessly...? *snickers*

CSU tomorrow...

Exam in 13 days.

Been doing nothing lately

2009-04-26T20:52:00.002+08:00

Woke up at 4pm today. This is BAD!

Did nothing these past few days. Except accompanying Chia Sin to go to Sunway yesterday and going to church...

On Friday, I went to find my dad for dinner. Alone again...asked Chia Sin but she went out with her other friends... Luckily I didn't have to go back alone... Phew... I'd be soooo scared!! Had crabs... But I think the crab wasn't cooked properly... Got allergic reaction:(

And on Thurs, I got elected as House Design/PR personnel. Did some designing of the logo just now.. I think it'll be the ugliest logo in IMU history... Sure lose to the pro ppl.. e.g. Jade.

I think I need to start studying... Because everyone are already hitting the books.. And while I am kinda anticipating Wolverine on Thurs...

How do you guys study???

The Spread all day dining

2009-04-23T22:19:00.007+08:00

I dislike buffets because you will always try to pig it out. And then suffer from bloatedness. Which can be killing.

However, last night, I went to this place in The Gardens Hotel. This is a discovery. Really.

This place is called The Spread all day dining. And it serves an international spread. The environment is bright and spacey. And I don't think it is well known to the public. I asked the hostess and she said that the restaurant is opened a year ago!

Price for lunch is RM85nett, dinner RM95nett. But, I went there thanks to Chia Sin's dad. His treat:)

Yea. The spread was nice. Wanted to try ALL the food but didn't manage to.

Had loads of food.
The spread...

First off.. canapé

I had seven different types of these. They made sure portion was small so that you can try more and more stuff. Excellent!

The best thing is the sashimi. Very very very fresh. I took some salmon, tuna, butterfish. I didn't have to really chew. It just melted in my mouth. I could actually taste the butter taste of the butterfish. And I never knew salmon could ever ever taste so wonderful. Tuna is just *drooools*

I had the sashimi twice. I had the octopus too. The sashimi had no hint of foulness, which is very rare to find. Nice!

Then I had a plate of assorted cooked seafood. Unlike some places, sometimes grilled stuff end up rock solid but this was just nice:) and portion was just right. Tender grilled salmon... should have taken more...

Then I had a lotus root with chicken soup.. I liked it because the chicken meat is boneless and I drank every last drop of it.

Then I had roasted Lamb Leg with rosemary sauce.. Yum yum.

The local delicacies... I shouldn't have filled my stomach with these. Should have taken more satays.. Which was delicous...

Then there was this tau fu fah... it was so smooth that it flowed through my teeth. No chewing needed! Reminiscence.... wahhhh....

I had 3 gui ling gaos... with pure honey.

I had jellies, puddings, chocolate mousse and pralines...

I had this wonderful black sesame ice cream...

There were so many other things that I did not manage to eat. There are waffles, cotton candies, chicken rice, nasi briyani, scallops, lobsters, abalone, oysters, curry mee, stews, salads, pastas, cheeses, and so much more...

I don't mind going there again...(not soon though.. and if i go there at a cheaper price..I'm a cheapo) The price is up to its standards. Because of the quality, the food value is higher, which makes eating there worth it.

The thing about this buffet is you won't mind eating the same things again.. Because it's that nice! (some other places, you bite once and you'll abandon that food forever)

Plus, service is great! They fold your napkins everytime you leave your table to get food. And they keep refilling your drinks. Free flow of Ice lemon tea/sprite/coke. Coffee is chargable.

I give:

Service:8/10
Food:8/10
Variety:7/10
Price:7/10
Ambience7.5/10
Average:7.5/10

Location? Level 6 of The Gardens Hotel. Take the lift.

This is a review worth writing. And if suddenly it becomes famous, it can be partly due to this post.

But let's hope that this kind of experience will be to every visitor there.

************************

By the way, if you are want to eat it at a cheaper price, you can. I managed to ask the waiter if there are any and there is!

It's called early bird special. However, you can only dine an allocated time only.

Lunch is 11.30am to 1pm. Dinner is 6pm to 8pm.

Promotion goes like this.

You get:

20% off if you go in a group of 4
30% off if you go in a group of 6
40% off if you go in a group of 8
50% off if you go in a group of 10 (max 20)

Please... no more buffet

2009-04-23T17:35:00.004+08:00

*pukes*

I really really really cannot stand buffets!

I'd rather have ala carte. Seriously. I don't think I'll go one anytime soon. This is 2 buffets in less than 24 hours. Can die.

Yesterday, I ate from 6 to 10 pm, 4 hours of food nonstop. Today, ate again... Really getting sick already. Felt like food is trying to escape my stomach.

I won't go Jogoya anytime soon. Bluek!

And coincedentally, the PBL I had this morning discussed about good dietary habits. And one of them is to not OVEREAT.

Why?

This will cause work overload to your digestive system. This stress can eventually lead to ORGAN FAILURE. So.. next time, eat just the right amount of food.

Will write a review on the buffet last night.

Toodles.. *bloated*

Stupid moodswings

2009-04-23T00:45:00.004+08:00

Won't be sleeping tonight. Need to do my PBL and refind my sources for report. Computer stopped again..

Just had buffet dinner with Chia Sin. Will elaborate on that another day. Now, time to do work. Stomach is too full to sleep.

Yea, I had a bad day today. Mixed feelings. And I blame... PMS!

This is the second time PMS affected my mood. I have never had PMSes before this, and I prayed to God that I wanted to experience the unexplainable PMS.

Finally, I got my prayers answered and I think I can explain PMS now.

PMS: it is an event that may occur during, before or after your menstruation period where your emotional threshold is lowered by a significant amount. However, if the stimulus does not exceed the threshold, there will be no PMSes. It can be aggravated by stress and lack of sleep. PMS is also something that can cause you to be irrational for a bit, and you don't want to listen to other people because you can't and just don't want to. After the PMS period, you will return to the normal state, and think that your actions during the PMS period is just plain rubbish. However, in some cases, some may experience PMSes for a long duration, some more frequent than others and some very rarely. Fortunately, PMSes can be reversed by doing somethings that keeps the mind off, or when the person is treated like a princess.

Now, I have to pray to God again to remove PMS from my life. Thankfully it only affected half of my day...

Sigh.. let's not talk about the stimulus. I'll get upset... Just keeping my mind off~

U.P.S.E.T.

2009-04-22T16:48:00.001+08:00

What do I say when I'm down & disappointed?

"Shut up and go away..."

Hope that I'll brighten up... tomorrow:(