Lovely dinner by my dear

My dear cook this today. Spaghetti in olive oil. This is her first attempt and I must say she did very well. The taste was just right. I enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks, dear for making this day so special to me. o(^_^)o

There were bits of capsicum and dried parsley to crank up my taste buds. The spaghetti texture was just perfect. Perfection in every bite.

Great Sunday 12.12.11

It's been quite sometime since I last blogged. Choosing to stay in Ipoh has been my wisest decision so far. I have never look back ever since.

So what makes today do special that I it triggers me to start blogging again???

I had a great encounter with God today through a sermon delivered by pastor Mike Pilavachi. He mentioned that being a Christian is not just about God's purpose for us but it is about living in a community. Supporting and learning to love one another within a community. God need us minister to our community and we are not fulfilling God's purpose for us until we learn to live in our Christian community and accept the weakness and problems of others. This message woke me up as I realise that I had been straying away from my church. Wandering away from my church community to feed my curiosity. I thank God for this message.

Short break to little jewel shaped island of the Sulu Sea, Lankayan Island

It was a memorable trip on an isolated island just 1 hr 30 mins boat ride from Sandakan, Sabah. A perfect getaway I must say. Click here for more description of Lankayan Island. The coral reefs were so rich with a huge variety of fishes roaming around it. Water is crystal blue with nice sandy beach which stretches all around the island.

I spent 5 days in Sabah with great companions (mostly my ex colleagues). We had great fun catching up with one another. Nice getaway! The great thing about this island is no mobile network coverage. Being on an isolated island without the common distraction of crazy ringtones and vibrating mobile phones seems to make me feel as if I am living out of this world. This also means there is no way my company is going to jeopardise my holiday. hahaha!! (evil laughter & grin)

We started off our journey from Ipoh to LCCT airport by bus at 1 am. Then there was this slight delay of about 20 minutes before take off. Here is our bird:

Arriving safely in Sandakan airport, we hurried to fill our tummies with the best seafood eatery (with good price too) in Sandakan. Thank God we had our local tour guides who is none other than Mr and Mrs Low who also happens to be our great friends. I must thank the 2 of them for organising such a great holiday for us.

We had huge "la la", prawns, fishes, some sea snails called "Tung Fung lo", crab and "lai liu ha" (critter prawns). Pardon me as I don't really know the English names for it.

After filling up, we went to see the Proboscis Monkeys and crocodiles. Nothing fascinating which is why I will not be posting any picture of if here. However, for the sake of some readers who just might not have seen one, here you go:

They are incredibly noisy mammals and mischievous too.

The following morning, we had breakfast at a rare "Bak Ku Teh" restaurant. When I mention rare, I really mean it. Original "Bak Ku Teh" is served with pork in aromatic herbs soup base. In Sandakan, this dish is totally different, it was served seafood in hot pepper herb soup. It taste like the original, but hotter with a hint of seafood sweetness. I enjoyed it.

After breakfast, we set off to Lankayan Island. Getting all set to go, our feelings were just hyper. Can't wait to get our feet on the crystal blue water and sandy beach. We were lucky to be offered a ride on my mate's yacht. It was old but reliable until one of it's engines broke down halfway towards the island. So, we had to send SOS by Morse code to get help. hehe..well no, I am just kidding! We were still able to use our mobile phones at this point so there is no need to crack our heads on Morse codes. Poor thing! We were stranded in the middle of no where. Seriously!, all four corners, wait a minute!..hmmm..not four corners but everywhere around us were just H2O, crystal blue water. Something we had hoped for but not here, not on this swinging yacht. Oh dear, everyone seems to feel a little sea sick. So we took the opportunity to enjoy some sabbatical activities like sunbathing and feet dipping into the warm crystal clear blue water. Then the rescue boat arrived. Yahooo!!!

Finally, we arrived to paradise island, Lankayan Diving Resort. The water is really crystal clear, we can see through the depths of the sea, literally speaking. We went for snorkelling, the corals are really huge with many colourful fishes. Astonishing view, I wish I have an underwater camera to capture some of the most exhilarating and breathtaking sceneries underwater.During one of the snorkelling outing, I was not used to the snorkelling mask on top of my powered swimming goggles so I did tried tasting salt water for the initial 10 mins. Phew!! After that, it was just non stop surprises around every corner. One fish after another finds it way around you. I even manage to see a shoal of silver looking fish (don't know what its' called) moving its' way around a huge coral reef. There were just so many of them that it looks like a dark cloud underwater.

The food is prepared by professional chefs on the island. The resort is manned by a majority of Filipinos as the island is not far from the Philippines. They were very courteous and treated us with respect in every way. One just cannot help feeling pampered by the level of service they provide us with. After every meal, they would come and ask if we wanted more food. Eventhough, the food was served in buffet style, we can order for second takings if we feel like it. Most of all, it is tasty.

Besides snorkelling, I also went for fishing in the deep sea which is an unforgettable experience. I mean it in a real bad way. I was having sea sick all the way. The little speed boat we were travelling to fishing spots was like a swing suspended by salt water. Swinging about 30 to 40 degrees side ways every time the wave gets by. Oh! It was terrible. I was forced to feed the fishes with precious "Bak Ku Teh" and other fermented buffet chymes. :P

There were 23 chalets on the island and the number of people who can visit the island is limited by the number of available beds. Unlike Pulau Redang or Pulau Pangkor, there is a headcount limit which ensures ample space and food for visitors. The island and it's 2km shore perimeter is prohibited from fishing by enforcement officers. The presence of marines was felt as we went for a stroll around the island, bunkers build with stacked sand bags were seen about every 100m. Lankayan Island is equipped with radar sensors which is powerful enough to sense little boats, ships and even huge waves from miles away. Unmarked vessels will be intercepted miles before it reaches the island. We felt save from threats of Abu Sayaf and sea pirates.

On the first night, we saw freshly hatched turtles being released into the sea. What a great experience! One of the tiny fella even crawl towards my feet, I must say it felt ticklish. As we are not allowed to touch them, I had no choice but to quickly kick it towards the sea. Hahahhahaha.....I was just kidding. Instead, I tried forming a barrier with both my feet to guide it towards the sea. It was pitch dark, so no one saw me did that. (No pictures of it as we are not allowed to use flash, so the pictures appear as it is, total darkness). After watching the release of little ones, I saw this weird looking man dancing happily, maybe he is too excited. Haha! Or is he might just be doing the turtle dance.

Next morning, I was woken up by our hostess, Madam Lee. Oh boy! Oh boy! It was only 5.30am. We slept for just 5 hours before. However tired, I forced myself up to watch the rising sun and believe me, it was all worth.

I recommend this island to fellow friends. I would rate it 4/5.

Looking back, we have marked another memorable moment in our friendship. With such miracle, we were all able to go for this vacation together. As what our host mentioned, such opportunity does not come along everyday. Take care, y'all.

To view more pictures of this trip, kindly click below links:

Facebook Lankayan Album 1

Facebook Lankayan Album 2

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all..I think it has been more than a month since I last blogged. Here are some updates from me. We did gift exchange in the office this year. I was the organiser. Haha... : ) It was a fun event which allows everyone to instil a sense of belonging in the office, at least this was what I felt. If I remember correctly, there were a total of 10 presents exchanged. I got 2 boxes of Old Town white coffee. Unfortunately, I seldom drink coffee as it makes me shiver and have wet palms. Guess I cannot tolerate caffeine in my system.

Here are some pictures of the gifts:

A couple of weeks before this, my church cell group went carolling at my house and another friend's place. We had a short practice just a day before but according to feedbacks from my parents, we did great! They liked the harmony and songs sung that night. Towards the end of our carolling, we had the rare opportunity to munch up 4 huge durians. When I say huge, I really mean it. It is the size of an average man's fist and the seed is petite. This simply means value for money. I took in around 3 pieces before surrendering. It taste good and the aroma is simply appetising. Here is what I meant.

Here is a petite size christmas tree I treated myself with. Bought this from Jusco for around 10 bucks. Value for money considering its ample decoration. I placed it on my office table to lighten up the festive feeling of Christmas.

This has certainly been a great year of Christmas back in Malaysia. My sister was baptised this year on Christmas day. It makes me feel so happy to see someone coming into the family of Christ. This feeling intensifies when it happens to someone so close to me. Will keep praying for her future as she walks along with Christ following His righteous ways. May the Lord bless and keep her.

Serene lifestyle of Ipoh

12 Sept 09 - Life in Ipoh is certainly a blessing. If you ever notice my photos, my tummy is starting to fill up. Hahaha :-) I have been enjoying great food and nice outdoor activities lately. Ipoh is not as bad as some people may have dubbed it. In fact, it is filled with excitement, if you take your time to explore the possibilities.

Just last week, I went for a dip with my family in Tambun Hot Spring which is next to The Lost World Leisure park in Tambun. Only RM 5 per entry and, yupp!!! You are free to enjoy it as long as you want. (or till your skins start peeling off like boiled potato, =) )

Then later that night, I went out to celebrate my mate's birthday (Derek Ho). We had the best chocolate cake ever from Gold Vision. It was celebrated in Kopitiam Junction at Ipoh Parade.

Ohh..some updates on my dog - Ah Bee. He has a new home now. It was a crate imported all the way from UK (United Kingdom and not Ulu Kelang). At least he has a shelter now. Keeps us peaceful when it rains cats and dogs, as he usually howls as he gets showered with rain.

A little update about my work. Someone left us last week after working for about 9 years. I must say it is a little upset to see someone go. We had a farewell dinner in Moven Peak. She was my senior before I join the company about 6 years back. So, now when I join the company again after leaving it for 3 years, she is leaving us for a greener pasture. I wish her every success in her future endeavour. This dinner is one of a kind. Never had we ever gather up so many colleagues from Dept 1 for dinner before. So unfortunate that is has to happen when someone leaves.

My scooby doo - Ah Bee

I am just about to finish reading Marley & Me. This is certainly a good read and I recommend it to avid dog lovers. I am a dog lover myself. My lovely dog is called Ah Bee as he whines a lot, making funny whistle noises when he needs food, a walk, company and etc. Even so, he is lovable and energetic. If I ever leave the house for a walk without him on leash beside me, he will be barking on top of his lungs for my attention. Everytime I come back home, there he will be sitting attentively with his tail in full swing as if he has seen a huge bone. Dogs are faithful animals which loves to have fun. I am glad to have his company.

Unfortunately, he is partially blind, meaning he can only see with one eye. Monoscopic vision. This happened a few years back when he was beaten by an old man. The man would whack his head using a stick till he bleeds. He was tortured while he was still a pup. One fine day, he came to us looking for food and shelter. This is when our relationship started.

Dogs are clever animals. They learn to adapt to domestic living and provides faithful company to humans. It gives me great relieve after a long day work when I see Ah Bee wagging his tail tirelessly as a gesture of welcoming me home. Something I can never understand. Why would he be so happy to see me? I occasional play with him, pat on his head and take him for a stroll. That is about it, nothing more but he sees me more than just a companion, in fact he sees me as his best mate. He teaches me what it is meant to be faithful. As I hold the blue leash which I use when taking him for a walk, he will be jumping like a kangaroo (sometimes as high as my shoulder) while barking as if he is trying to talk to me of how glad he was. He taught me what it meant to be enjoying moments of life no matter how simple it might appear.

On a separate note, he can be a pain sometimes, especially when he barks at the wrong moments. Occasionally, he will bark at suspicious people who walk pass our house, sometimes a cat or some unidentified moving object can also trigger him, creating the same effect. My dad will then shout to warn him, but if he persists any further, two or three strokes of rotan will be the price to pay. At times, he will also get the rotan for picking the wrong place to pee. Car tyres are his best spots, including the front bumper of our Kancil. However so, he is doing well now, we learnt that he needs to be reminded endlessly. We will talk to him with a stern voice everytime we park the car, shouting "Don't you dare to pee here, ok? If not you will makan this", while pointing the forbidden spot followed by the rotan to him. It works!!

Here are a few pictures of him: