Sunday, August 31, 2008

Merdeka

It was the last day for Hungry Ghosts and we were at Johor Jaya for supper. I discovered the biggest hawker centre in JB so far. I never knew there was such a happening place exist in this part of the world. Why the Neurodoc never recommend me this place after so long been here?
Interestingly, many people were here to enjoy the karaoke session. The ambient was so much exciting. At least, there was some night life over here, so to speak.
And it has been a long time I last eaten Wan Than Mee. This one turned out just not too bad for a RM4.
Also, first time I was seeing and eating grilled long beans, okra (lady's finger), petai (parkia speciosa) and mushroom. Unique, but rather expensive, RM1.20 per stick.
The moment had finally come. We had count down followed by firework display.
Here is the food court for the family.

And thanks to Gastrodoc for bringing me here.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Danga

Resurrection of Danga, the newly opened MJ.

A once abandoned shopping mall, now backed alive.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Young patriotics

School kids happily waving the flags.

So young already instilled the sense of patriotism.

This reminds me of long holidays these coming weekends.

Unfortunately, I am on-call.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Tebrau

Moon Cake Festival decoration at Tebrau.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Freebies

Just wonder, what shall I do with all these 'girly' freebies?

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Vacation

I was on a long vacation for the past week, the longest holidays I'd had so far this year. I wasn't going very far, but somewhere further up north.

Anyway, I was heading to the most awaiting, once-a-year event of the year. It all started with the pre-congress clinical pathology conference (CPC) in HKL. There wasn't any formal invitation, so I got to go a day earlier on my own.

No formal invitation meant, I would not be able to claim for the hotel that I stayed. I therefore chose to stay in a hostel.

Costing RM80 a night, this hostel is located right in the transportation hub of KL. The single- and double-bed rooms (with attached bathroom) were all occupied, leaving only the triple-bed room without the attached bathroom.

Nevertheless, I chose to stay here because I was only familiar with this place. Besides, I was very satisfied with the car park facility and security. It cost RM2 only per entry for guest.
My favorite hang out place is the Golden Triangle, easily accessible via Monorail. It is very crowded on weekdays and weekends. This place is so cosmopolitan and colorful.The Chinese hawker food over here wasn't the best in KL, nevertheless I really liked the atmosphere, so lively. They, however caused a bomb in the pocket. Don't eat over here if you are on budget.
Next, the real congress started in this wonderful golf resort. As a real poor government doc, I couldn't afford to stay in the five-star hotel there. Luckily, there was a cheaper alternative next to the resort.

Two months earlier, I had called to make a booking and I was quoted RM155++ a night. Even when checking in, I was also told the special rate for government servant was RM155++.

But what really irritated me was, in the evening at 7.30pm, while I was driving out for dinner, I received a call from the hotel reception informing me that, there was error earlier.

I was told the hotel rate was actually RM165++. So you see, for RM1, people were been so calculative!

So, after the ++ calculation, it totaled up to RM189.75 per night. The poor doc still have to fork out RM59.75 as the hospital only willing to pay RM130.
Attending this congress was like attending a superstar event and I was all elated when my favorite speaker, the ID man, finally appeared to give out his excellent talk. He was as funny as ever and I totally enjoyed his presentation.

In his opening remark, he expressed his disappointment because when he met his old friends there, people commented that he looked still the same, when he thought he actually looked 'better'.

It has been a very tiring full-packed four-day event. I hadn't had a very good night sleep despite staying in a four-star hotel, probably my body did not get use to the bed or probably, the pillows didn't have my usual odor.

I thought I would wanted to leave earlier but the thought of not wanting to miss the last talk made me stayed. People usually 'save the best for last', and I thought it worth staying back to have a glimpse of a person I sort of admired.

It was none other than the famous doc with the Palm and I am a serious fan of his medical blog.

Well, he had presented an excellent overview on the use of PDAs especially from the practical points for the Physicians. The only thing was, how I wished his talk could be longer and more detail. I was tempted to ask a few questions but I backed off as we had run out of time.

I am glad that I am finally back to the Rainbow City after a 4 1/2 hour drive. I feel great to be back to a place I called 'Home' now.

I hope to be able to sleep well and peacefully tonight.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Banned

Just wonder why is mangosteen banned?

Monday, August 11, 2008

Hakka Mee

The best Hakka Mee in KL...



... is at this back lane.

Friday, August 08, 2008

Fair or not fair?

PISA today.
The biggest and most creative booth.

Looked like all these PC fair things are all bullshit. I see most exhibitors were out there to cut throat. Other than the computer accessories, the price of the rest of the products, particularly notebooks were very non-competitive, in fact more expensive.

I was in fact looking for a UMPC or sub-notebook. Take a look at the prices in different places.

Recommended retail price: RM 1699.
JB PC fair: RM 1799.
PG PC fair: RM 1749.

There was only one booth selling EEEPC, so there was essentially no competition at all, and it was sold at a higher price.

BTW, more UMPCs are out in the market, like FTEC and Twinhead, also selling at RM1399.

Look like, I better wait for a while and see.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

One moment, I was at the busiest road in Rainbow City.

Next, I was at the newly open 24-H supermarket in the neighborhood.


It is still free parking over here at the moment.

The supermarket is located at the basement of the PP Plaza, in the crowded neighborhood of Tmn LipSin. Most of the shop lots are still empty, while a few shops opened not long ago had closed. Business is not so good I supposed, made worse by the recent fuel price hike or probably the 'Feng Shui' is just bad.

Monday, August 04, 2008

HG celebration

Phor Tor celebration in Rainbow City.


Sunday, August 03, 2008

Drug launch

Went for a new drug launch.

So much different from the lavish event they had last year.

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Phor Tor

Marking the beginning of the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Some burnt joss sticks in front of the apartment.
Offerings to the souls.

How I miss Pg's Phor Tor celebration.

WiZone

The first shopping centre with full Wi Fi coverage.


When would others follow suit?

Friday, August 01, 2008

Herbal Garden

Some nice pictures taken during my recent visit to the district hospital.





Judging from the grandiosity of this garden, one wouldn't be surprised how much money had been spent to develop it.