The walk to Canberra Centre (Updated)

Since the semester has not started yet, I might as well make full use of my spare time posting some pictures of Canberra (for those who might want to have a preview what the city really looks like)

A brief introduction - Canberra




Canberra is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Australia. With a population of over 323,000, it is Australia's largest inland city. (Think it as a place twice the size of the state Malacca and half the population)

The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, 280 km south-west of Sydney, and 650 km north-east of Melbourne. (3 hours bus ride to Sydney and 8 hours train + bus ride to Melbourne)

Yeap as you have guessed it, Canberra is an entirely purpose-built, planned city. Everything, from the location of the Parliament House to the suburbs. Even the lake here is man made.

Following an international contest for the city's design, a design by the Chicago architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin was selected and construction commenced in 1913.

A tour around Civic, a location near ANU and UniLodge

The front view of UniLodge - A parking space

Alinga Street City Junction (note that the town is pretty desserted during weekends)

The Parcel

A note about the Parcel

P.J's - the best lunches in town with a cheap price.

Like Malacca, Canberra has a booming tourism industry

The hallway of the buildings

A catchy CD promo.

Chick2Go a.k.a Ali Baba - A so-so place for kebabs

The view of Capital Hill. Civic (Canberra's Heart) is almost build around this hill.

Northbourne Avenue. One of the main streets of Canberra

Civic does not have a proper bus station. But it has a bus terminal like this.

They have cyber cafe here as well. AUD 2 per hour. They have DOTA!

Pancake Parlour.

It's a good place to eat once in a while if you are up for it. It's pretty good!

The entrance for Garema Place - That's what they call their main business centre where all the shops are.

Kim's Groceries. Do NOT buy Asian stuff from here except if you are desperate, for the pricesare quite expensive.

Coscut Cosmetics - Not a bad place to buy shampoo, soap and other stuff.

A small part of Garema Place.

Centrepoint - Garema Place

One of the attractions in Garema Place - A merry-go-round

The slightly pornographic sheep

Seeeee what I mean?

Canberra Centre - The old wing

The front view of the Centre

The view of the Centre's Food Junction

Hot Dollar - A really cheap place to buy kitchen utensiles.

Gelatissimo - Nicer than Malaysian branches

Their Summer Sorbet offer

Supre - A place where girls go mad about clothes, like Amanda

The back entrance of Canberra Centre

The new wing of Canberra Centre

Big W - We sell for less. Big Whoopiedo!

A mock-shot

Some deco in the mall, I think it's pretty artistic

7.10 p.m. and it's still so bright

And finally, some chopped bicycles. This guy studies in ANU by the way.

I guess that is a wrap for now. I will write more about Canberra in times to come, so stay tuned ! Good night and good day, mate!

A belated Valentine's Day Post

Ever since we got back to Canberra, we hav gotten pretty busy packing our rooms respectively and buying groceries and items needed. Thus, that explains why I do post anything regarding February the 14th.

The boring part - Facts about Valentine' Day

Valentine's Day has been on for a long, long time.

Every February all across the country and the world, candy, flowers, gifts, sweet and mushy words of love are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine

Love is all around, poor cupid dies from exhaustion

It is a pretty long and boring story but to cut the long story short, St. Valentine's Day is a combines vestiges of both Christian and Roman tradition.

The big QUESTION: Who was this St. Valentine and how did he become associated with this age old ocassion? The big ANSWER: It is the name of Saints who were martyred (Saint Valentine or sometimes known as Valentinus)

A book store in Canberra with one of their whiteboard ads.

Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudies II outlawed young men from marriage (as he requires them as soldiers more than people making love in bed), Valentine realized the injustice in this decree.

Ignoring the emperor's commands, he secretly performed marriages for young couples. When he was discovered, he was ordered to put to death. The main story happened before his death during his remaining life in the jail.

Needs more love =P

There are a few versions of how this day came about but my favourite one is about Valentine himself. Legend holds that while being held in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailor's beautiful daughter.

The jailor's daughter visited him once in the prison thus captivate him with her beauty. The letter which was sent secretly to the daughter was signed as "From your Valentine", which became today's expression.

Like cupid, the old man died from too much love

Although the truth behind this legend is hard to be proven, the stories that were handed down through generations certainly emphasize his characteristics as a sympathetic, heroic and most importantly a romantic figure.

Love is all around, with round yolks and white hearts

Have you ever wondered who this mysterious person is and why do we really celebrate this holiday? Well, I did a little research about it. (As I do not want to just talk about myself, spare me the hassle alright?)

The real stuff - How do you prepare yourself for the BIG DAY

1. Plan Ahead!

Some sweetness for this sweet day

love sick girl: Why you didn't bring me go anyway dearrr? *sulks*
love sick boy : Sorry la darlinnnggg, I didn't book any place...
love sick girl: Yerrrr... why you so not romantic one? Why you cannot.....

or

love sick girl: Aiyer? Why no flowers one? My girlfriend got 888 roses why I got ze-lo?

love sick boy: I forgot la, plus no money

So to avoid getting into these sticky situatio which may threaten your relationship, book your valentine's dinner ahead or buy early presents.

2. Guys, do not try too hard. Girls, do not expect too much.

As long as you guys are happy having each other during this special day, that's all you need - love.

Blow Him Away : The Lowdown on Going Down. Girls, get them and READ them

However, a simple card or a small teddy bear key-chain will certainly make her day, and a big hug plus a kis will make his day.

Give and take!

3. Safety first.

Always use love-doms!

If you guys are really feeling the L.O.V.E (the lurrrrveeee), make sure you guys know where you are heading to avoid any unwanted events. =P

Seen in a clinic

Another book about the big L : Love

As for Amanda and myself ...

A Chocolate Swiss Mountain Malt for two please

We went around Canberra City in search for a restaurant for a romantic dinner but it was way above our budget. So we ended up eating in Pancake Parlour. Not a bad place to hang out and to dig in, except for the price.

Some other couples in the Parlour

Mexican Chicken Crepe

the Tabriz

To me dear, you are the sweetest Valentine that ever happened in my life, not just the February the 14th but everyday,everytime, all the time. I love you.

Back to Canberra

After three months of a LooOoooOooOOnnNngG holiday here I am back in Canberra. It was a heavy hearted good-bye for me to my home in Malacca as it is the place where everything is taken care of for me but here in Canberra, I have to do everything myself (with Amanda of course).


I am certainly going to miss the food in Malacca, the cheap proper sized pool tables back home, my house, my mum's home-cooked food but most of all, my family. It is their company that I will always be thinking of and always be waiting to come home.

Ok ok, cut the mushy and emotional stuff. Back to OZ land and ANU as a student.

Question: How do yo equate the trip back to Canberra?

Answer: Going back to Canberra = 8 hours' flight + 3 hours bus ride.

Care to explain the equation? Sure, why not?

Jetstar Airlines - Cheap flights, low fares all day everyday from Australia's newest cheap fare airlines. People say low-cost airplanes aren't that good, safe, reliable, uncomfortable and lousy but here are some facts that I have discovered to prove them wrong (& right)

Jetstar Airlines

The seats are not small at all and in fact they are pretty spacious with enough leg space for you to stretch (My height is around 176 cm). They are pretty comfortable, equipped with an adjustable seat head rest to prevent nasty neckaches.

Some ad I found at the Sydney International Airport.

Like all low cost airplanes, every seat do not have an individual LCD screen in front of you, but they do have a screen in the middle every 6 seats, so it is pretty okay to watch movies. Cabin crew are friendly (like all other airlines).

Economy Class Seats

Food and drinks, those you need to purchase yourselves. However, plain water is free and that is the main reason why it is "out of stock" within the first 3 hours of the flight (I asked for water and they gave me one of the last bottles - or so they proclaim). Do pack some sandwiches or bread if you can.

The view of sunrise throught the window. Awesome

Amanda and myself were given the seat which is nearer to the toilet. At first thought, it was a good idea but on board it was an unbearable one (literally speaking). The toilet door and the walls were pretty thin and when someone farts, you can have an audible sound of *poooooot*.

The isle of the cabine. Note the LCD screens

But it gets better. Your olfactory will have a major meltdown if you were to smell what I have. There were four instances where certain passengers answered the call of nature onboard in the toilet. Imagine the stench! Other passenger beside me were either covering their nose, fanning their faces with paper or taking out deodorants. (Amanda slept through all of them except one)

The flight was pretty smooth, just some minor turbulence. I hope the minor details above will give you an impression of what to expect and experience when you are sitting a low cost carrier. It is not bad at all except for the foul stench that comes from the toilet.

Oh yeah, for movie addicts you can order a video on demand pack which they will give you a portable video player throughout the whole flight.

8 hours flight = Smelly poop stench + Loud audible fart sounds

Greyhound - Australia's only national coach express. Nothing much I can mention about the bus which is pretty much the same as Malaysia's Transnational or KKKL.

Greyhound Australia and a picture taken whilst leaving the airport

Overall, it was a tiring journey for me. I am one of those people who can never fall asleep on the airplane. Total hours of journey to Canberra ? 8 hours + 3.5 hours bus ride + 2.5 hours of waiting time = 14 hours. Almost a whole day spent on travelling alone.

If you think flying isin't safe, just think that at least you are inside the plane.

Happy Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year . Gong Xi Fatt Chai....

Our reunion dinner at friendship Restaurant, Kepong.

LOU SANG.... READY
GET SET

GO!
Guai ling kou.... nyam nyam my final desert.

Notice something ? I did not snap those main dishes as I was disappointed. All they serve was shark fin, abalone, fish, and prawns. At the end of the day my mom had to order an extra dish for me ( lemon chicken) . Yes, I am allergic to all sea food and it wasn't the 1st time that I had to go through this myself. At the end of the day, all I ate was lemon chicken, yee sang and guai ling kou. That was enough to fill my stomach (thank goodness) . Well, over all it was a satisfying meal for me.

The world is shrinking I guess? seems like I tend to bump into people around me easily. Not to mention, even Michelle and Eddie bumped into Lilian Tan. Lucky for her I wasn't there. LOL .

( I strangle you )

( you strangle me )

Sweet and adorable couple =) , bump into them at pavillion.

Last but not least, Good News ! New coming of the year. Let us welcome to our new baby Asam and Laksa. They are not food. They r not what you think they are. They are my new DOGGIES. Both siblings are called Asam and Laksa. They will be arriving soon anytime this week. Till then more pictures will be uploaded =) . I shall leave the suspense on...

Happy chinese new year.

Kuantan

Disclaimer: To fellow bloggers or visitors who are from Kuantan, please do not be offended by the details in this post. It is just a note on my experience at your lovely home-town

Introduction

The streets of Kuantan

Kuantan is the state capital of Pahang, the largest state in Malaysia. This city is founded in the 1850s. Overall, the city does not have many tall buildings nor huge shopping malls.

The state capital mosque

The place is pretty laid back and rather modest looking. The main city area only stretches not more than 6 or 7 blocks.

Surrounding the parameter of the city are housing estates; the brick-buildings closer to town and the kampung fashioned houses situated further away.

Top Three Reasons to Have a Holiday in Kuantan.

1. Very F.R.E.S.H seafood!

Pak Su Seafood Restaurant

Cheese Lobster and the crowd at the restaurant

Black Pepper Crabs and the display of fresh seafood.

Braised Tofu and Steamed Dragon Fish

Apart from tourism, the fishing industry plays a vital role in the state capital's economy. Fresh seafood fuels tourism (from the very good food that it provides).

The must go restaurant here is Pak Su Seafood Restaurant. Although a little pricy, this place is the bomb, with their stuffed crab and cheese lobster ready to blow your taste buds.

2. Relaxing hotel, away from the hustle & bustle.

My 3 days 2 nights stay here was spent at the

Me @ the lounge. There's the hotel under the gloomy monsoon skies

Swiss Garden Resort, Kuantan. This place is located approximately 15 km away from the city (a mere 15 minutes drive)

It faces the South China Sea, which makes it a nice place to watch a beautiful sunrise. The setting of the hotel itself makes you feel comfortable and relaxed the very moment you checked in.

Part of the lounge. Yellow lights sets the romantic ambience

The lounge boasts of a "floating lounge", where most of the seats are surrounded by water. The lounge itself has a grand-piano, where a pianist will play the jazz/blues songs at night.

Night time at the pool and me chilling out in the cool water

The hotel provides wireless broadband as well, but a minimum charge. Other facilities include their trademark "Samsara Spa", a mini gymnasium and a games room where you may play some arcade games, play pool or table tennis.

The entrance to Samsara Spa

By nightfall, neon-lights will bring a romantic ambience at the lounge. This place will be a superb get-away for couples or newly-weds.

The brightly litted Swiss Garden

Part of the dining lounge. Note the cubicle styled eating room on the right.

3. Sandy beaches and beautiful sun-rise.

The most famous beach here in Kuantan is the Cherating beach, but the one right in front of the Swiss Garden Resort is a splendid one as well.

The beach and the little hermit crabs.

As it is the North-East Monsoon season now, the beach looks gloomy due to the grey clouds and strong winds. But if you were to visit this beach on a non-monsoon day, it will be great.

You can catch a glimpse of small hermit crabs having some mating "orgy" (I got it down in video in case you would not believe me), baby crabs crawling everywhere and small fishes swimming about.

This little fishy swam a bit too far up the shore.

The hotel has some beach sports facilities up as well for those who are interested: beach soccer, volleyball or for the slightly lazier ones, just some long benches for you to snooze on.

I woke up at 5 a.m just to catch the sunrise.

Alas, the sun will not come up until 630 a.m here in Kuantan. But when the sun really came up, it was well worth the wait.

Sunrise at the beach. (Although concealed by the clouds)

Top Three Reasons Not to Have a Holiday in Kuantan

1. Lousy road system.

Jam-jam-jam. Everywhere also jam-LAH

It appears to me that the city has only one main road: Jalan Berserah. And along that road it has at least 10 traffic lights, within 1 km.

Thanks to that, my family and I were caught in a jam due to the long traffic light queue.

2. Monsoon season.

Better check your calender and get the season right. Kuantan will be in her wettest season from November - March, that's when the North East Wind will bring in the rain.

Otherwise, you will end up like me - facing heavy rain fall most of the time during the trip.

3. Lack of Shopping Malls

I know you may say, "You go all the way to Kuantan just to go shopping mall ArH?". But my point is, what if you just want to take a stroll in the city and have some window shopping in the mall?

The city only has two big malls; Kuantan Parade and Berjaya Megamall. Both of them are pretty run down and most of the shops in them are small private businesses which sells sub-standard goods.

I guess that's all about Kuantan. I would say it is not a bad place to go to, but not a very exciting place either. Last but not least, this one is for you, Amanda. =)

A N G

A heart just for you
And that our story will last like the oceans

Eu Gene says

That I have been lazy to upload anything from my house because of the very slow streamyx connection. (It took 15 minutes to upload 5 pictures)

That I have been pretty busy with housework. Being the only child certainly has it perks, but the down side is that you have to do dirty housework. (Especially before CNY)

That I have been busy enjoying my holiday back home in Malacca, especially during my birthday. (Many thanks to Winnie, Lyon, Eddie, Mic and especially to you dear Amanda)

Marketing lessons...

1. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: "I am very rich. Marry me!" - "That's Direct Marketing"

2. You're at a party with a bunch of friends and see a gorgeous girl. One of your friends goes up to her and pointed at you says: "He's very rich. "Marry him." -"That's Advertising"

3. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and get her phone no. .The following day, you call up and say: "Hi, I'm very rich. "Marry me - "That's Telemarketing"

4. You're at a party and see a gorgeous girl. You get up and straighten your tie, you walk up to her and pour her a drink, you open the door for her, pick up her bag after she drops it, offer her a ride and then say:"By the way, I'm rich. Will you "Marry Me?" - "That's Public Relations"

5. You're at a party and see a gorgeous girl. She walks up to you and says:"You are very rich! "Can you marry ! me?" - "That's Brand Recognition"

6. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: "I am very rich. Marry me!" She gives you a nice hard slap on your face. - "That's Customer Feedback"

7. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: "I am very rich. Marry me!" And she introduces you to her husband. - "That's demand and supply gap"

8. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and before you could say a thing, some other random guy come and tell her: "I'm rich. Will you marry me?" and she goes with him - "That's competition eating into your market share"

9. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and before you say: "I'm rich, Marry me!" your wife arrives. - "That's restriction from entering new markets"