The and more

The past two days has been quite interesting,
The drive under the pour,
The unexpected passerby,
The chat that resume ended up in comfort

The dinner entertains
The eavesdrop we had on the couple next table
The stare and smile
The proximity going down the escalator

The wet staircase
The laugh on a breezy night
The invitation
The changing stares

The warmth sheets
The indoor rain
The sixth sense touch
The curtains we draw

The rock and roll
The perfect checkout photo
The departure and longing
The re invitation

The wishes hopes and missing link
The chatters
The night cold breeze
The anticipation

The coffee cafe
The bubble tea store
The formal boutique
The bubble tea store again

The free parking lot
The fitting room
The water space
The room that fits two

The chocolate bar, milk and bottle tea
The request to town
The walk back
The goodbye

Then ...

The nightly wish
The mysterious pisces
The laundry leo
The approval finally

To end the night

Merry Xmas 2011

A friend told me that it feels like I have three homes. One in KL, the one in JB and the other in SG. Since I was back in KL for the past 2 weekends for work and Betty's birthday, I've decided to spend my Christmas in SG. Honestly, it is not as if I have that many friends in SG and definitely I literally had not alot of plans or party to attend to here.

One of the few reason is to company my friend Markus, who at the end also went out to celebrate the festive greeting eve and the other is because my best buddy is here. It was awesome to have him for last year's new year eve and this year's XMas eve. We just sat at TCC and had drinks, watched couples kiss when the clock strike twelve and try our best not to puke eating this royal pumpkin cheese cake which is not really that royal afterall. Either than that, I spent most of my time watching TV, looking sleepy and sleeping ... lol

I want to thank all my friends who had took the opportunity to give me pressies, regardless it is wishes, videos you sent via whatsapp, chocolate, t-shirts, candies or attempt to help me reduce my wishlist (yay! one slashed!!!). It meant a lot to me because it shows that you guys cared even though I am that far away. Really! HUGS ...

MERRY XMAS ...

10 MUST have for festive

Read some interesting find on R29. So wanted to share with you guys. Important 10 THINGS that guys must buy in this holiday season. Or rather how I would like to put it, shopping list for this coming sale season

1. Fitted Suit

Have that slashed out. Nine to go!

Best place to get : Tailor them - Bangkok. Off the shelves - Korea and Japan!

2. Nice Plaid Shirt

Have that too, slashed out no2. Eight to go!

Best place to get : Brand Outlet stores ... VARIETY + COST EFFECTIVE

3. Overcoat

Don't think I need that in Malaysia. But, will consider since I am planning trips to Japan/HK for winter. Maybe Boston? LOL

Best place to get : Burberry ... or Jaspal ... or Uniqlo (in descending order of affordability)

4. Leather Shoes / Boots

Have em. But never enough. So this stays in my list ... hehehe

Best place to get : Pedro

5. Tie alternative

Bow tie a ? Hmm ... this is a tricky one. Regret not getting one the last time

Best place to get : Suggestions?

6. Hoody!

Definitely got. Quite a few actually. Slashed no3, Seven to go !

7. Jeans

I have 13 of them. Some friends told me I overstock my jeans because you can actually wear them over and over again. Yea, like DUH! I do that ok ... !!! Slashed no.4

Best place to get : True Religion, Dolce&Gabbana, 7 for Mankind ... else, CK Jeans, Levis

8. Crew Neck Sweater

I love pullovers! Haha ... Bought one w Mr Watch. Considered slashed la ... 50% through the list

Best place to get : Banana Republic ... Again, Brand outlets : DAMN ALOT!

9. Scarf

Essential lo ... But I have not bought one in years.

Best Place to get : Everywhere! Just find the right material ...

10. Colored Socks

Shit! I need to get these later when I go out shopping with mum

Best Place to get : Uniqlo ... cannot remember where else I saw tons of it!!! Hmm

So today's shopping list :

Scarf

Socks

;-)

Drown

An attempt I promise someone. My first draft ...

I ran under the rain,
Since you left me broken
I push through the tears
Letting it go

The bitterness of sweet memories
Haunting, crushing my skull
The loneliness after years
Left me settled in despair

I drown my heart
Pushing it deeper
Anguish cries, and I cry
I held my soul and let it fade

While it screams, begging
I shut my eyes
Stinging bitterness, and I cry
I held it softly and it stops

It stops, now cold as December
as still as silence and regrets

I broke myself when you fell apart
Since you walked out that door
I lied to myself
Still do, Do you?

Lost and often in fear
I am forced to rip it apart
Seeing you again
Stab the second time, again over and again

Now I cry and drown my heart
Pushing it deeper
Anguish cries, and I cry
I held my soul and let it fade

While it screams, begging
I shut my eyes
Stinging bitterness, and I cry
I held it softly and it stops

It stops, now cold as December
as still as silence and regrets

I can't never will let you leave
I long the embrace from behind, the smile and laughs
We were an item, never thought it will end
There forever in vow, never gone
But you did, without turning back

Shooting yourself at the feet

I find human amusing and very interesting. Not bragging or trying to defend a point but has generally Malaysians become so skeptical, negative and prone to complains? I mean if Singaporeans are at the level, I understand because they have reached a developed country stage... But Malaysians ... please, stop complaining and start doing something about your life. This goes with align with the next political election process. Don't complain life is hard if you are going to shoot yourself in the feet.

START LIVING LIFE

I don't know, maybe because ever since young ... I am exposed to many facts in life. Growing up in a family where cash wasn't always enough was sucky. Having friends being mean to you and having no proper vocabulary to spit back sucks. Seeing families going for vacation elsewhere while you are stuck home wondering why is life so dull is even suckier. And when the envies, loneliness sinks in, the complain in life begins.

I know friends who find their limitations, restrictions and lifestyle being controlled hard to live. Growing up in an urban state of mind is definitely not a walk in the park. Having corruption springing out, splatting shit on your face made life even harder. Fortunately I was lucky. Always brag about people who came into my life, inspirationally driving me for the better. Having my family to support and ever so encouraging, having my two best buddies to remind me on how life should always be on the move, having a sifu who inspires me to be mindful and balance in life, having an angel to remind me of contentment and peace and having someone far to always believe and be strong helped in every sense.

On the contrary, I find people who make their life different, bringing themselves to be more competitive and driven by positivity and yet down to earth really amuses me. I salute them ...

That drives me. To stay sane and always compare myself to the better, and then try to be better but yet subtly proud of my own achievements. It is so important for people to now look at how things have change and will change dramatically. Within short periods of time, huge companies had died. Institution such as families and education has changed. Values and social orders had been restructured. Often not, we find ourselves also entangled in the capitalist world... but that has become a fact

An economic guru which I have crossed path with told me and a bunch of friends that if Malaysian continues to stay unmoved, trapped in the middle income (RM3000 below), there will be domino effect where one will never bring themselves out of poverty. YES! because while other countries like China are skipping their way to luxury stores, here we are digging in to outlet stores.

I am not bashing what seem to be a mere ramble. But have you look yourself in the mirror and wonder why are we always complaining about life but when it comes to action, we are just sitting down often lying to ourselves that it is ok? I guess at the end of the day, the winner will still be the people (even if they are unethical) who uses themselves to the best advantage to fit into the demand of life

I find people incompetent in understanding the need to improvise and march forward. On many occasions, people receive what they are fed and never seen the bigger picture. Are we that blind and just replicate what is thrown at us? Or are we just voicing our concern because viral marketing has encouraged us to be voice but actually noise? Obviously facebook empowerment is nothing but just status.

This post has no intention to berate anyone. Just I find that while I have coffee with my friends, it is so weird that people are all just complaining about things without rethinking where they are. If you are not happy with life, don't live with it. Make that damn change. If you are not content with life, then you are obviously not happy. If you are content, then you will feel no effect reading this post.

Stop whining and crying ...

Most played song - DEC 2011

Most played song on my playlist at the moment.

Katy Perry - The one that got away

Fav line from the song : in another life, i would make you stay

Daydream everytime : the video ends with that heartbreaking lullaby ...

What I like most about the song : the arrangement, the drums and dramatic tone

Total play count today : 12

Current billboard position : 9

Fav line from the song : if you ever leave me, leave some morphine at the door

Daydream everytime : when the haunting melodic instrument starts when the chorus ends

What I like most about the song : I can relate to the song whenever I see that someone

Total play count today : 8

Current billboard position : 3

Day 4 work - PR media launch

So today we had our officially media launch and to be honest, it went quite well. I just hope the same excitement that the attendee gets in the event transcend to the actual press itself.

We of course unveil the technic coaster which is one of the main attractions at the park. This is just the first stage and to be frank, really is our first media approach. There will be more coming soon so beware of the press and media talking bout us

The highlight of the day of course was not only concentrated at the coaster, and the CEO behind the project but also on the Lego brand itself. The people who represented the brick, the mascot and the magical toy bricks lead equally a show stealer!!!

The event was a success and after my manager left the office, here I am doing my small effort to tell you guys that the park is worth visiting! Really it doesn't at least to take pic with the hundreds of different type of Lego brick man rite???

Johor update - Day 5

Ok so i promised a detail post. I am so sorry for the delayed reply and from the look of my schedule for work in the next few weeks, I doubt the time I have to actually post and write something here. Honestly speaking, I do not plan to install any wifi or internet back home too. Refering to JB home of course.

To dedicate this post to the people had made my move possibly the most fun and stress free ever!

MUM, DAD & LIL MERMAID

So let me quickly update my last 4 days in JB. For the first time in my life, I felt proud to be my mum and dad's son. This is because I literally had them helping me to clean the whole entire place before really staying in. I appreciate every single bit of detail they had put into furnishing and equipping the house for my basic survival from electronics, stocking up the fridge to even ensuring hygiene standards are on par with living comfortably. Even my lil sister did a fantastic job helping around. Seriously, without them - I would not have gotten the best of my move. They're like angels from the sky I tell you!

MR JOE WONG

For bringing my parents around for food, introducing me to the eateries and most importantly helping me to network with very important people in JB, like the electronic shop owners ... modern contemporary furniture manufacturer and of course teaching me two important words that I will forever carry in my life "感恩" which means appreciation. I honestly can't wait to meet him for drinks again once he is back from his business trip to catch up and discover life in JB!

MR YEO & Agent J

For ensuring the house was cleaned before we moved in. Left every bit of the house intact and live-able instantly (move in condition) after so many years. I indirectly owe the agent a huge favor too for introducing such a great and wonderful seller (currently landlord).

MR WATCH, MK & James

MWatch for every single bit of mentoring and reminder that he has showered me through out. Looking forward to showing you around this weekend. MK and James for calling me on alternate days. You guys are the best and I know very well that our friendship will last. I miss you guys lots and thank you so much for keeping me company through phone :-) ... Also would like to thank all my other friends who had keep in touch, it really meant a lot to me that you guys remember my first day at work, my move and concern about my whereabouts. I still feel like a small boy with you guys

Sappy thank you aside, my first day at Legoland was thrillingly fun. There are huge expectations and pressure but everyone here practices working with a smile. Something ironically hardly happened in such fast-paced, high demanding organization. Apparently, Merlin (who own darn a lot of theme parks and still acquiring others) is one of the best place to work. Lucky me I must say. So with my early reporting to work, briefing and introductory to the team, I fit in nicely at a corner with my immediate manager overseeing my computer screen. Apparently I am the first boy in the marketing and sales team and some how, I felt great because I kinda click off with the current senior and founding team. Better not count my eggs before it hatches

So what i did either than playing lego and just asking for work (cos my PC isn't quite functioning right yet) ... is attending meeting and after that had my entire month caught up in work! For now, I had to help oversee as much marketing and sales activities as possible. Time for pics!

Me on first day of job ... with my lego name tag! haha

close up of my cute name tag! love it

got my blackberry too ... company phone

spent my morning playing with lego, instruction from my manager

day5 - reporting to work ...

my block apartment ... where i am living now

apartment pic - kitchen

living room

living room

bedroom ...

attempt to cook after so long ...

salute the guy who installed my aircond, if he slips ... thats death

day 2 - cam whoring after i seen the doctor

super delicious vinegar pork noodle

local delicacies, not for the faint hearted or non-pork lover ....

Thats about it. For now, I am going to have dinner at home. Bread w peanut butter and milk. Cos I bought them and they may not last that long thanks to expiry date.

Caoz ...

PS - Do I look cute in my name tag? LOL

JB update

I shall promise a detail update w proper pictures later. Since my arrival yesterday I have been so busy, running up and around to get furniture and electronics. To be honest, I am getting some basics for now and it has cost nearly 8K... Oh my

I have my family to thank for it. Mum and dad has been so supportive in moral, financial and actually enjoy the process of moving me out from my home in Subang to Johor! It sorta helped me feel fit in...

There are also a few great souls I would like to extend my thanks too, including baby sister ariel, uncle boon hwa, uncle and aunt boon keong, brother joe wong, and mr yeo!

Will update more later. For now, tweet reads

"Home shower heater installed, fridge, washing machine, oven, rice cooker running, air-cond installing... Vono bed on their way :-)"

Sweetness in Photography

That's the title dedicated to my friends who had spent Friday dinner w me today!

Testing the new blogger application and wow ness this is so fun! Now I can blog wherever whenever... Even in jam. I love iPhone and love apple for making this possible, also google la for launching this app.

So here I am sitting in Mont Kiara, Pizza Brava w my bunch of love muffins. A bunch of girl friends that were connected to my life randomly and unexpectedly turned companion for eternity. That's how we view of friendship, although so different each of us are in terms of lifestyle and expectations, we can always sit at the same table and love each other unexpectedly and unconditionally

I really am so sappy with this farewell or moving south. Love you all girls really ... Please don't forget me ya! Muax

Road less taken

The same idea happened in different intervals in life brings different meaning. Just like when you string the guitars at different time of life, the music and tone that you creates reflect different moods and growth.

There were rejection, there were abduction. There were ups, high, lows, and hidden tears. There were anger, disappointment, resentment and then there were joys, laughs, smiles and contentment. Scaring and then bandaging. Support, advise and brushing off the best and worst. Imagination, intuition, experiences and sharing. Exploration, learning, education and teaching. Then there were quiet moments, awkward moments, intriguing moments, painful moments.

When you had it all, and still took the road less taken. You build a wonderful non-committable yet securing relationship, whether it is in the form of soul mates or friends ... it is unconditional love you bestowed on to the other.

As the days come nearer for me to advance south, there were plunges so deep, so depth and so wide some will not understand. By distancing myself, I was able to focus better. Prioritize better. Worry less. Stress less. The usual ignorance had me craving for food to feed to hungry and tired soul. I needed some company, someone strong and someone that can magically appear without me asking, someone who had no reservations, someone who will take in the pain and still shower me with great attention (what!? i am leo ok ... and i need it!) ... someone who can just accomodate to my shit and still not judge, affect my decision or so. SO COMPLEX RITE?

A common name rang. I was reluctant to pick up, but I choose the road less taken. Pick up. It was a call I never regret. The same call I gotten at the time of need when I was in Singapore last year while I was bed ridden ill in April 2010 (or was it May 2010?) that he miraculously lifted me up when I thought I was dying. I had that same call today. Right time, right place

I am proud to have this friend of mine, who had appeared by accident and by being "muka tebal". A friend that logically wouldn't be friends due to many incidental requirements. A friend by faith, had turned into something sour and sweet. He was around when I had to crunch theories for economic classes, he helped added points and marks for my accounting review on financial report, he taught me to be realistic, optimistic and always pushing me for better growth. He made life look so simple, so daring and yet so complicated in certain sense. Company me to travel and learn, and to many importance ...

I had my blood donation habit thanks to him and was a better buddhist thanks to his books. Impressed me with his determination and persistency. Awed me with his love commitment and how swiftly he ended it to exit pain and hurt. Turn me on with his smart ethical strategy in business dealings. Bored me with his routine. Made me rolled eyes with his traditional (or he would say old-fashioned thoughts). We are different, so different but never really apart. We never judge or expect

One things for sure, I am still me and he never doubted to be a great mentor, friend, brother-uncle-dad (he probably gonna kill me but ya, just a joke) and a shoulder-cum-ear-cum-mouth supporting me through without qualms, expectations in any return or so. Mr Watch, I will remember the days you helped me through so much, stand by me and still deal with my immature childish tantrums.

Specially dedicate this post to you, since you become such a good boy for treating me to pork bacon and lamb slice steamboat :-) even though you don't eat after 8pm! Must taken a lot of courage to down the food at 10pm ... Road less taken huh?

Tin Tin the movie

This is quite a belated post but in my mind, after two days of watching the movie with my bunch of buddies ... the animation depth and quality, story line, character build up and action-comedy-packed 2 hours of cinematic experience were none other than extremely exhilirating!!!

You know you will not be let down if the entire production team (especially the producers!) who encompases Steven Spielberg's extraordinary talent for making banging bucks movies. It is none other than :



It was by chance, or rather accidental that we decided to watch this movie. Our main choice was the heavily publisized Puss in Boots but the timing was quite off. So, the entire gang settled in for a belgian based comic character turned into animated movie.

Seriously, this is a must watch movie. Although not as "touchy" or "raw wildly-connected" as Avatar, I actually think the details of the animation is highly acclaimable. Standing ovation to the details put into the entire creation of surreality. Every rain drop, flowing hair, textile details on the clothes, sunlight effect is carefully created. To top it all, the investigative and thrill starts 5minutes into the movie and never really ended until the credit roll.

But one thing I notice different in this movie is that the anticipation, expectation as well as audience gauge meter boundaries is pushed. You find yourself, especially your eye ... following a particular plot or story only to quickly disctracted by another one intruding but related to the previous plot. I know ... one word ... Question mark! Just to make it simple, it seem that there is two situations happening on the same time that demands the same attention on one screen ... In some sense, two story working its' way. Very interesting indeed

I guess I will leave you to watch it yourself. Honestly, I really like the movie. And the dog. snowy too ... but I don't think I will be trying to copy TinTin's hairstyle which looks a bit like the hairstyle that grown-up baby jack jack from Pixar's Mr Incredible will have.

Impressive animation. Go watch!

Bruno Mars - It will rain

Most played song at the moment ... in my itunes of course;

Love the song

Small world afterall

It is a small small world

Have you wonder how small the world is sometimes? I recently discover that one of my friend is actually attached to another friend of mine for 9 years! Goodness lord, and what a friend I am for not noticing. That said, it is not entirely my fault because they are so discreet about their relationship.

Lately, KT has been close to me, sharing many thoughts and sacrifices he made. Being all ears, I was also very fearful because I do clearly remember that the last time I was in touched with a mutual friend, he ended his 10+ years relationship. I don't think I jinx them but sometimes it feels like I am a devil's advocate, not that I encourage any seperation but usually it ends up like that. So indirectly, I feel bad.

Beside, thats not the point. What I am trying to say is that ... it is a small world and how the world connect to each other sometime is scary. Looking back,

1. It is like how I met betbetna, my dad's same village friend's daughter in my first job and now we are like best friends.

2. One of my Bentong friends is actually the boyfriend to my ex-international finance manager

3. My friend has actually been working for 10 years in my family dentist clinic, without me knowing. One of his colleague, another dentist who treated me during my last visit is the fiancee of my MBA colleague!!!

4. My very good buddy Dave from Singapore is actually Mr Watch's long time friend.

5. Met with a great inspirational soulful friend accidentally again after so many years

6. Currently am chatting with a friend from Thai who happened to be best friend with one of my best friend's date! haha

Talk about coincidence! I am just thankful that I am not directly connected to anyone that may pose any conflict or so. Phew *wipe sweat* but better to be more aware since I have so much friends. Ok, I think I am boasting about my circle of friends already. Haha. Time to get back to work and hopefully I will have better luck networking in JB!

Least expected

So the past few weeks have been quite interesting. I mean, since when my life hasn't been interesting right? Except for the occasional spending time alone in the room or just lazing in the bed for hours after I awake ... I must say that the last 2 weeks particularly had been quite a ride. This post had all the least expected things happening ...

I am not sure I want to tell the details of every bit but I still want to break it out to few of my loyal readers. Especially those overseas.

IN THE LOVE DEPARTMENT

To be honest, I have been trying to go out on dates and putting myself out in the market. It is not like I am desperate to find a partner but it seems like if I do not try, I will never find? That kinda thinge. So, I let my walls down (pants too occasionally :P) and I am stuck somewhere between not my type, attached or not interested. Knocking on all the wrong doors, I was even more determined. Leo trait they say. As I plunge deeper and deeper into the "marketing campaign" titled date me please. I suddenly just gave up. No more I say. The mind was conditioning the fact that with my quality and looks, I will never find anyone. I am not dating or boyfriend material. So I literally gave up dating or meeting people in the love department after months of trying to move on and going out spontaneously.

While I sack the entire attachment to this department, out of no where three great, awesome, fantastic loveable people had confess their intention of an early potential relationship. Both the honor and thrill, I am sorry but I shun love at the moment. So, the approaches came at the wrong time. Least expected. Dont ask me why...

IN THE CAREER DEPARTMENT

I got offered a job where the company has a huge portfolio and progression growth. Although I was very sure at the start it was just going to be an interview practice ... it has gone a long way, vertically and horizontally ending at my footstep an offer letter

I never got offered by an MNC. I never doubted my ability and education background but my work experience and apparently job specialization has never attracted any interviews from MNCs. Imagine that I literally had 98% rejection from all the positions I have applied. It is either I am writing my resume the wrong way, or I have misspelled my public marketing to pubic marketing.

It was the same resume, and I did my best in the interviews. When they called to tell me that the position went to someone more experience, a part of me was not surprised and I was literally expecting it due to precedent. Then when the director told me that they still want me on board as an assistant manager instead with the same benefit and package ... it was definitely a least expected offered.

IN THE LIFESTYLE DEPARTMENT

With the yes going to the MNC, I then find myself a crossroad. So I have agreed onto a job that requires me to relocate into a ground of lifestyle more different than KL. Before I signed the offer letter, which I politely held for more than a month ... I literally did all the research, online onground on-the-move whatever you call them on the lifestyle and city itself. I am definitely going to downgrade my lifestyle and live more modestly ... because the city itself, the locals called it town.

Yeap, I am officially announcing this on my blog ... I am relocating, moving away from the city. Least expected coming from a boy who love the city life. That said, I want to thank all my friends who had been supportive, coming out on the tight time line of my leftover time in the city. You guys and girls had been by food and soul for my toughest dark times and i hope you will do too

IN THE FRIEDSHIP DEPARTMENT

My city friends are actually making time to visit me in that boring town! Some of them actually marked my calender and acknowledge permission to visit. Now that's a shock! Least expected. I am expecting two friends next month already and one pending whether she will drop by or not???? Hmm I may just take back what I said about the testing friendship ... But shocking thou!! To me at least ...

That aside, I think I made more friends this month than ever. I didnt know why, but staying low profile and quiet has it perks. After my HCM trip, a lot of friends had been buzzing me. Asked for drinks, for business advises, for love consultation, for a shoulder to cry on, for plain fun and even for cooking advise! So that's good I guess, but when I got a friend who resurrected from death ... thats freaking least expected (or maybe I was just dramatic)

OTHER DEPARTMENT

I don't know where this is suppose to go but I also bought a house ... erm ... within 15minutes of viewing the place. VERY least expected. Pa Ma (papa mama) bank was with me, so I had their consent and approval before putting my leg into the mouse trap called commitment. With my recent green light from the lawyer and bank loan, I certainly hope there is not problem to own this place. I actually kinda like the adrenaline ... lol

Now just have to shop for furniture and electronics. But when dad has a close friend who covers dealership for electronics and mum for furniture ... I didn't know mum and dad is so cool, so I am getting stuffs for a good (hopefully great) discounts too ... HAHA ... least expected ...

I wonder whats next ... marriage? Now that would be ... LOL ... nevermind

Broken Wings

The piano plays,

Voiceless

The clock ticks, alarmed

Tearless

Sheltering from misery,

Blow by blow

Company by stars, darkness too

Awake with aches

Still breathing,

But beautifully suffocating

Reminisce in shadows, missing

Lingering

Abandonment, shattered

Weakness

I stand by the river side, comforting breeze

Cold and crucifying

Deafening nights

Running

Lost in the rain, storm noises

Countless avoidance

Hurdles, test and questions

Doubts

Constant ramp, punch right at the gut

Impairing respiration

Exhausted

Drained

And yet I still stand

Because I am only human

HoChiMinh Vietnam 2011

I am sure I've started with this line before. Amazing how time flies! Just about the same time a week ago, I was packing at this hour ... ready to meet my quota for traveling and also achieve my resolution of visiting different country in my travel plan. The destination marked was HoChiMinh, Vietnam ... with my two best buddies. So, let the pictures do the talking then ...


Starting the journey. Not our first pic, but first together in the plane


Picked up by our driver. Cannot believe my buddies wore red (mickey brand somemore!) and didnt inform me ... psstt!


One of the sights I remember seeing, is that lots of chinese temple visible on the street


Arriving at our first two night accommodation ... I called it the Beverly Loft of HoChiMinh, Fideco compound @ district 2


Then we went for lunch at this very nice restaurant. Viet food all the way


James looking at macaroons. Also attempted to order, first language barrier ... communication breakdown


And then come the food. Salads


Attempting macro shot from my camera ... not bad for indoor shot eh?


Then came more food. rolls, greens, all healthy stuff





After lunch, we went cam whoring around the city center


Love the Opera house which showcase two woman lifting the ever grand balcony with the tits showering artistry flare. Sisters I think.


Love this picture, the shadow and all ... doesn't feel like we are in HCM


The cathedral ... yeap, we are still in Saigon


The post office, where MK attempt a motion jump shot


Attempt of artistry montage. I think fail because the photographer is different at each shot


The reunification palace, did not enter since we were told it was very boring


So we ended up cam whoring at a nearby local coffee joint - Highland Coffee till dinner time


Dinner we had more roll, MK trying to use the rice paper as a mask instead of roll


I prefer to roll, pose and down the rice paper. Had more shots of food, but figure it will bore you guys. So we skip all of those ya


Second day was outdoor trip day. We skipped Mekong delta since it was raining and opt for a day tour around tourist spots


Our first stop was to visit a handicapped center where victims of war were handicrafting souvenirs.


Look at this lady slowly piecing egg shells onto a huge plate that resemble a Picasso painting!


Our main stop for the day was actually the headquarter of Vietnamese during the war ... ChuChi Tunnel (pronounced as Gucci Tunnel!) ... rest assured, dont have any luxury boutique underground. MK and James hearing the briefing and propaganda video - COMMUNISM!


MK at a bomb site, huge crater ... resemble a pond


Underground hiding spot for the Viet when they were attacked. Notice how small is the hole!!!


MK really going deep down inside.


Even james can fit!!!


One of the tunnel into the underground headquarters. It looks like some python snake nest. But apparently the tunnel goes down to a few level (4 levels) and at the third and fourth level, even a huge bomb landing on the surface will not hurt them. Scary


One of the booby traps, spikes underneath ... the land practically opens up and drop soldiers to their death. There are many types of these designed to crippled the Americans. Apparently worked very well. You need to be there to see it, SCARY TWO!


One of the tanks, original spot where it was disarmed by a landmine.


Then I spent about RM50 firing a real AK47 ... It was damn nice, but if I were a soldier there. I would be deaf, then shot dead because my aim was bad. But how come my scores in Playstation was good????


MK with our gun instructor. James busy playing with his Iphone at the background, macam la ada signal


Then we explored the underground tunnel. Took many pictures, but it was all the same ... small, enclosed and pretty much solid. It was so difficult to move in the enclosed area, but our guide literally sprint in this tunnel. I salute him


Now you know why he sprint so quickly, short legs. But you gotta give it to him man! He can move so swiftly in the tunnels.


Our tour guide Anna who did an awesome job! If you ever tour HCM, please contact her ... she gives good rates for tour and all. Buzz me if you need her service


We had a light lunch-aka-war time style. Just pandan jasmine tea with tapioca potato dipped in crushed peanut and salt. Local delicacy that is superbly delicious. or maybe we were just hungry


Then we had a group portrait with the guerrilla team who happened to think we were the most likeable tourist ever


On our way out, we saw bomb shells displayed like pots. It is crazy how huge they look back in those days! Scary 3


Cam whoring to say bye bye to the tunnels


Paddy fields, nice sight


Back in the city, we went for the famous lunch ... first Pho (pronounced as FUR) in HCM


Very delicious!


Then it was to the war museum for a real feel and touch on the war vehicles and all


I love how my Brietling cap fits into the whole ambience and feel.


Those who played command and conquer will enjoy this place. Most of the artifacts here were on the game play! LOOK TURRET?! haha


Bomb displays. There are also very graphical photos in the museum which I did not took picture of. Even if I did, I wouldn't show it here. You gotta experience yourself. It was very depressing and sad. Just be prepared to see human slaughtered, butchered, remaining of body parts, tears, post war individuals and chemical war victims ... deformed bodies, babies and lots of death. Yeap. Depressing


Then it was to the market for some good ol shopping. Ben Thanh market ... which is nothing compared to Bangkok


Road cam whoring. Must take pic on the street because their street sight is amazing!


Why? Because it is filled with bikes most of the time. Try counting the helmets


Night arrived, we had coffee again near Diamond Plaza. Em, I think the place is called Trung Nguyen ... do try their drip coffee!


Our last day, we checked into a hotel ... time for real sit back and relax


For lunch, we actually went and try their local fast food which wasn't that local (because it is originally from Korea) but we don;t have it in malaysia ... so its all good. Lotteria! Haha


Back to cam whoring. IN THE ELEVATOR even


In the early evening, the skies were dark ... a brewing storm is near. Heavy pour came


So the boys sit back and had tea ... like alice in wonderland


While I put on my rain coat and explored the city with my local viet friend, Hao on his BIKE!


The adorable Hao. Thank you for the tour around city under rain and on the bike. AWESOME EXPERIENCE!


Then we all went for dinner with Ray (msian friend) and another viet friend ... Hoang who had one of the most consistent sunshine smile ever recorded





Ray with the amount of food ordered


James and Mk


Wish I had his smile ... After dinner we went clubbing. No pics taken because the club didn't allow it but it was another experience. You can get a long island tea about RM10 and in the club, they serve fruits ... yeap, they gave us a fruit platter!


Last day, we left the city early in the morning


And after only a few hours of sleep ... we departed from the city ... still looking good... :P

I had such an awesome time. I really love south east asia. They never failed to impress me with the graphics and monuments. I am a sucker for cultural or historical stuff. Vietnam is truly a must see place. You really get the best of both worlds in this developing country. Wouldn't advise you to go if you think you can get by with just english ... get a tour guide

Yawn. Oh my ... time to go bed