Ipoh maliiii.....

With no more movies to watch at the cinema, and nothing else much to do over the weekend, we decided to go for a quick getaway last weekend.

It was kinda of an impromptu decision, and only decided on it late on Saturday evening - after we have done a few errands here and there.

Since dah lambat, not much options are there. I wanted to go to Bukit Larut aka Maxwell Hill, but there are no shuttle service going up to the hills after 6pm, so this one is out. That leaves us with just Ipoh, or Melaka.

Having seen and visited Melaka quite a number of times, I opted for Ipoh instead. I have always wanted to explore this sleepy town, especially after passing through it everytime we are going and coming back from Penang. I have read a number of good pleasing reviews about hidden gems of Ipoh too and thought it would be a good chance to explore it.

So, we left KL around 9, after dinner. Before leaving I made a few calls to book our accomodation. Initially we thought of staying at Railway station hotel (so that I could snap photos of this ol building) but after looking at the actual room photos on the web, we were both like... errr... takpe la kot. I then googled other hotels and started making the calls. And guess what, I was so so surprised to find that ALL of the hotels I called were fully booked! I mean WHAT is there in Ipoh???? Out of options, I called Railway hotel - which is actually called and run by Majestic Hotel and as fate would have it, they have one last room available. Since dah takde choice, we just took it.

We took one slow leisurely drive and reached Ipoh (S) toll around 11.30PM. Not knowing where exactly is this Majestic hotel, we just followed signs and luckily, they do have signs of 'Stesyen Keretapi' along the way. To get there from the highway, we had to pass through Ipoh town, seriously memang dead city - except for the petaling street like road somewhere in the middle of the town.
Though we managed to find the hotel quite easily, getting to it was another story. Ipoh ni full of one way street... so pusingla satu Ipoh again before we could actually get to the train station entrance - which in actual fact a blessing in disguise, cos we got a peek of all those heritage buildings of Ipoh. Kinda keep me excited :)

Majestic hotel as expected was nothing much. After all it is only RM88 per night. But I have to say it was quite good for whats offered. Of course it is just basic, but it is extremely clean, and the room and toilet are of ample size. If only they put a more classy curtains and bedsheets, I think it would have done wonders.

I didnt waste any time but started snapping here and there that night itself. Sadly though, not much turned out nice. Nevertheless enjoy..







The next morning, more photos taken...











After check out, we went around Ipoh town again to snap more photos..

The St Michael's Institution - one of the premier school in Ipoh - built in 1912.

from wiki: St Michael


After seeing a bit of Ipoh, we made a move towards Gopeng, where the Tempurug Cave is. We passed through several suburbs like Tg Rambutan... Sg Kinding (where they are selling land 45000sqft + bungalow house for RM3++k - amazing huh?), IGB industrial area, some place called Klebang... etc... After going on about an hour or so... You know what?? we ended up back in Ipoh town. It turned out we took wrong turning somwhere and actually have been just going around Ipoh town.... so... last last.. masuk highway balik nak pergi Batu Gajah... hehehe

We exited at Simpang Pulai, and took route 1. By this time, I already acquired the Petak map, so ada la guidance sikit.


About 10 minutes from the Simpang Pulai exit, we passed through this Cave temple. I don't what is the name of this temple, but apparently it has been for a long time, even when Rizal was still small, cos he remembers it as one of the landmark he'd see on his trips to KL (dulukan takde highway). Sadly the bottom of this at the entrance they built shoplots but it was deserted, and became an eyesore instead. Rizal said it wasnt like this last time , I feel that they should have just destroy it since no one is actually occupying. There are also no more pomelo gerais like it used to be before.. so sad..


Anyway, on the map, there was also indicators of Tourist attractions. One of which is Kellie's Castle. Having read about it in travel columns some time back, I have always wanted to see it and so asked Rizal to make a quick detour to see it for myself.

I was happy we did cos Kellie's Castle is a really nice place. See some of the photos I took...










you should read the history of this place at wiki - more about Kellie's_Castle


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

I wanted to complete this post in one go, but my head is refusing to co-operate. So I guess I will just have to continue the rest of my journey in PART II

Till then... ta

Killers

I was laughing through out the movie, and I have to say this is one of the best Ive seen this year.

Its about a young CIA Spencer who fell in love with the next door girl Jen. Spencer quit his fast-paced life to lead a normal life with Jen. They live happily after
until the past catches up with Spencer. His old boss came seeking for him, and apparently he has a bounty of 20M on his head.



Needless to say all that came as a shock to Jen and all the people around them whom they thought are their friends are actually secret agents or hitman of sorts.

I love the unexpected jokes and the combination of Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl (who are my fav actor n actress) just added to my joy.

All in all, if you are in for a good light humourous movie, this one is a winner.

note:
:) :) still cant stop smiling till now ...

100+ years old book!!

Yep you read it right. A 100+ year old book. In fact to be precise 120 years old.

In the midst of looking for some documents at his parents place, Rizal showed me this signature on a book



It was signed in 1893!!! Took a second look and yep my brain read it right - it was indeed signed like a century ago. I was astonished! Still couldnt believe it, I looked at the year it was printed. And guess what???



It was printed in the year 1890! How amazing is that.

And the book is still in good condition, I was so so surprised that Rizal just left it there on the bookshelf together with his other books. So good it is (for a century year old book) I bet I could sell it in ebay for good bucks.

I mean arent this book like a history material now..? And arent we supposed to like not touch it and keep it in a temperature controlled display glass ur sumthin like they did in Da Vinci Code??? For a second, I thought that I might torn the pages while reading it.

And you know how did Rizal own this book? He bought it for merely £2 at the NewCastle Sunday Market. Talk about finding treasures huh?

Anyhoot, after realising how OLD the book is, it dawned upon me - What DID people write about those days??? I mean surely at that time life is probably something like a scene out of Sense and Sensibilities, no?

here is a peek..

Out of curiosity, I must read this book or at least read partially since Rizal said it wasnt really easy to read with the old english style of literature.

But honestly what made me really really want to take it home is because I need to capture it... I just have to.. (its just simply too precious to ignore :))) )

the already jagged pages...

seasoned look...

Prince of Persia: The sand of time

I have seen the trailers for this movie for the longest time. I think they started promoting it like a good 3-4 months before the movie officially comes up. Which is nothing weird really. But, the fact that the trailer was just sooo unappealing made me just kind of sick of it already, even without before watching it.

Anyway, so thursday comes, and again, we ran out of movies to watch, except this week's release - Prince of Persia.


As usual, here is the summary as taken from IMDB:
Adopted from the streets of Nasaf by King Sharaman of Persia, young Dastan grows up amongst royalty and quickly earns his place as a mighty warrior and prince. As his brothers Garsiv and Tus plan battle strategies, a spy sends word that the Holy City of Alamut has been supplying weapons to enemies of Persia. Taking matters into his own hands, Tus orders an attack on the sacred city and upon its fall Dastan encounters the beautiful Princess Tamina. When King Sharaman dies under mysterious circumstances shortly after, and Dastan is accused of his murder, he flees with the princess on a harrowing mission to clear his name. Learning from Tamina the true motives behind Alamut's invasion, Dastan must embark on a perilous quest to stop an evil mastermind's plot for ultimate power with a mystical weapon that can control the very fabric of time.

As you can see, it is actually quite an interesting one. However maybe because of the lousy trailer, I really didnt have high expectation of this movie. I was surprised though when I watched it, it was not too bad actually.

I thought the princess could have been prettier (since she was like dubbed as the prettiest thing on earth in the movie) , and I thought the movie could have used less english (I mean it is set for Persia, obviously they dont speak english there... )

Anyhoot all in all, I think it is oklah... a 'can-go' category...

Decided!

I think I have been without a car for far too long. I have lost count on how many times have i felt crippled and desperate to be mobile again.

I think I have had enough and it is high time for me to finally decide on my new ride.

Since I let go Princess, we have in fact gone to several showrooms to test drive and check out cars. Here are the few cars I had considered (the number there was just the order of car tested, not preference btw)

1st consideration - Suzuki Swift

What I like about it was that it was a nice compact car, similar to what I am used to, and it has quite nice design. It is also within intended budget. The interior was alright, acceptable. I have mixed feeling about the keyless concept, but I guess that shouldnt be a deciding factor. Another plus sign is also that they have ready stock, so I dont have to wait long to get the car.
My reservations on the other hand was on the fact that its resale value is not as good as other Japs. I was not so happy with the slow pickup, feels quite draggy.
On the road price: 73k++
Specs: 1.5cc CKD

2nd consideration - Perodua Myvi

Again I liked the fact that it is an attractive cute compact car. Price wise is cheaper than others that I was looking at, but to me was quite pricey for what is offered. I also like the car's responsiveness, despite it being a 1.3cc only. Waitlist is not so bad, just one monyth +.
I hated the interior, I thought it was boring and looking plain and the seats was just so so. It has USB but unable to support my Ipod.
On the road price (SE version): 51k
Specs: 1.3

3rd consideration - Honda City

Among all I was inclined towards this one the most. Pricewise it is a lil bit more than what I was expecting but I guess it is fair for the things I am getting such as 5 gears, ipod support, etc etc. I didnt quite like the interior (never have liked honda's rrecent interiors anyways) especially those silvery bits. Driving experience - feels a bit heavy (even compared to Rizals HA), responsiveness is quite okay. I thought it would be convinient if both of us drives Honda (since boleh la suruh Rizal yg pergi hantarkan service hehe).
I would have gotten a City had it not for the ridiculously long waiting period - 3 months!!!!
Price on the road (E specs): 91k+
Specs: 1.5 CKD

4th consideration - Toyota Vios

Overall Vios is okay. Didnt like design, i tot it looked funny. Interior is more to my liking compared to City or Myvi. I actually liked the interior for the TRD Sportivo Specs, sporty giler ok.
Again, no support for ipod. Test driven the car, and feels a bit light compared to City. Going uphill wasnt so pleasing, though it was smooth but i felt the engine was revving. Good thing is the wait list is acceptable - around one month.
Price on the road (E specs): 81k+

5th Consideration - Nissan Latio

Of all the cars I test diven, I liked this one the most. I thought it was one of the most comfortable car. The seats was just perfect, and I absolutely loved the adjustable of back seats! I could just imagine myself dozing off on long distance travels hehehe...
Of course its design (the hatchback) is quite attractive too, especially after you add on those bodykits. The car despite being a hatchback is actually very spacious. I think inside cabinwise it is probably one of the biggest ive seen.
Driving wise, I thought it was not as responsive as the Myvi, city or the vios. But being a 1.6cc i think it'll be a good ride on the highways and stuff.
The price unfortunately is a bit above my budget otherwise this one is a winner.
Price on the road (Sports hatchback): 98k+


So which one shall be my next ride????

Tungguuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu............................

Robin Hood

Last night we watched Robin Hood.

As the title suggests, this movie was about the legendary Robin Hood and how he came about to save England from the fall to the French, set out in the 12th century.

Summary as taken from IMDB:
Following King Richard's death in France archer Robin Longstride,along with Will Scarlett, Alan-a-Dale and Little John,decides to return to England. They encounter the dying Robert of Locksley,whose party was ambushed by treacherous Godfrey,who hopes to facilitate a French invasion of England, and Robin promises the dying knight he will return his sword to his father Walter in Nottingham. Here Walter encourages him to impersonate the dead man to prevent his land being confiscated by the crown,and he finds himself with Marian, a ready-made wife.Hoping to stir baronial opposition to weak King John and allow an easy French take-over, Godfrey worms his way into the king's service as Earl Marshal of England and brutally invades towns under the pretext of collecting Royal taxes. Walter tells Robin he knew his father,a freedom-fighter who hoped to unite the barons for a better society but Walter is killed by Godfrey after a raid on Nottingham. Robin rallies the barons and the king and thwarts the invasion,avenging Walter by slaying Godfrey. Sensing that Robin's popularity makes him a threat,John declares him an outlaw. Thus along with his friends,including his wife and her priest Friar Tuck, Robin joins other orphans and outcasts in the greenwoods where the legend begins.
~~~~~~~end of summary from IMDB~~~~~~~~

To be really honest, I dont know much about Robin Hood at all except that he is usually depicted wearing a red hood and helped others by stealing from the rich to help the poor. So I guess this movie was like a prelude , to show how Robinhood became an outlaw and you can be sure that there'll be sequels coming out soon.

Overall I thought the movie was quite good, I would rate it a 3 over 5 star.

Bounty Hunter

As Rizal has been down with fever and cough, there was not much activity done this weekend, tapi sempat lah jugak catch one movie.

I wanted to see Robin Hood but Rizal dont seem to be excited about it. He was more interested in seeing Bounty Hunter as apparently this one was top of the movie chart list for 2 weeks before Iron Man 2.

The storyline is very simple - it is about a bounty hunter whose current hunt is none other than his ex wife. Just as its storyline, there was nothing spectacular about this movie. Despite its famous line ups such as Jennifer Aniston and Gerald Butler, the movie to me was a flop. It was boring, and both me and Rizal came out of the movie feeling cheated.

So how many stars you say? Hmm.. maybe just 4 out of 10

Daughters Of Arabia

When I looked back through this blog, I was surprised to find that I had never once mentioned of my other passion - which is reading.

Being an avid reader, I obviously frequents bookstores and online books/blogs. When I was younger I used to love going to libraries, I could sometimes be there for hours and hours reading one after another book.

In my family, Ayah is the other person who likes to read besides me. So I guess my reading habit was inherited from him. I remember when I was younger we had like a whole wall full of story books, mags, reader's digest and whole lot of other reading materials.

So, upon realising the fact that I hadnt written anything about my books I decided to start with the current book I am reading.

Daughters of Arabia by Jean Sasson

I picked this book when we were in Borders last weekend. Havent really finished reading it - and have been enjoying it so far.

Its a true story about the lives of a Princess from the Royal family of Saudi. She is one of the Al-Saud, and she (narrated by the writer) is telling the story about being a princess and the challenges of raising her children. This book is actually a continuation to an international best seller titled Princess. I am yet to read it, but will surely hunt for it in the bookstore soon.

This interesting book unveiled the dilemma and challenges of being a woman and a mother within Saudi royals. They live in luxury, with tonnes of money but confined and controlled in the men-ruled country. In her eyes, she told us the story of how more often than not, in Saudi the teachings of Islam were being misinterpreted and concluded to suit men's need and convenience rather than interpreted according way of Islam.

Reading this book made me realise, we the Malaysian are probably having the best of every side of the world. I mean the Arabs are rich, but they are not able to do as they please. In the west on the other hand, we are able to do whatever we want but the freedom can easily make us forget and drift us away - or in some cases, could land us unnecessary trouble with racist issues. Here is Malaysia, we have a balance, a real balance. And it is just really up to us to decide how devoted or devious we want to be. It is really up to us to make the difference in our life. And for that I thank Allah for have given us this opportunity and I prayed that me and my family will always be on the right path.

Amen...

Pasar Malam

Last night, we went to pasar malam. While we were there we took the opportunity to buy the week's stock.

More often than not, what we bought usually stayed in the fridge for a long time left uncooked, and finally forgotten.

So today I am going to list down what we bought and have an advanced plan of what I am going to cook.

1. Ketam
2. Tenggiri 2 pieces
3. Prawns (half kilo / kept in quarters)
4. Siakap 1 piece

Au revoir Princesse, merci..

The time has come for me to say good bye to my dear Princesse. Officially signed off and handed over the car to its new boss on Monday afternoon 3rd May 2010 - exactly 7 years 5 months after I owned it.

Words cannot describe how I feel. As I was driving the car for the last time, I was sobbing, and for a moment, had this crazy thought of cancelling the whole thing. But I knew it wouldnt be a wise move. As much as I loved princess, it has becoming a liability of late.

I still remember the joy when I first drove it home. It was a car that I have been eyeing for quite a while, and just like the way I sold it, it wasnt planned. I didnt plan to buy a car, but just decided to check it out. After seeing it, it didnt take me long to decide - in fact it was like love at first sight. (I still have some photos of me checking out the car , see kat bawah ni.. :) )











So much has happened since then, Princess has taken me to all over the place over time. To the beaches and mountains, to the city and kampungs, princess has been a loyal ride, never complaining, never failing.

As a final good bye I just would like to dedicate this post to princess.

Princesse,
Thank you so much for serving me well all these years, and please be good to your new owner. You are always in my heart ..

IP Man 2

Yep, we watched another movie this week. This time its Ip Man 2. I didnt watch the first Ip Man so cant comment much if one is better than the other.

For those who doesnt know who Ip Man is - he is Bruce Lee's sifu. So this movie is actually based on real story - real people.

Ip Man 2 starts with snippets of ending scene of Ip Man, where he was shot by the Japanese. He then fled to Hong Kong and tried to make a living there by setting up a Kung Fu School.

The movie is really about his struggle in Hong Kong, and how he came up as hero in the end. It wasnt really a smooth sailing journey for him to set up the school - Lack of interest , not having enough money, having to earn his status of Sifu by fighting with all other Sifus in Hong Kong before being recognised as one, the list goes on.

Being without money and with dignity, he refused to budge in to the demands of Master Hung Chun-nam who is the richest and most influential Martial Arts Master in HK. The hostile treatment didnt last long though, especially after Master Hung realises what a good man Ip Man is. Their fragile friendship did not last long though when Master Hung was killed tragically defending the dignity of Chinese Martial arts against Twister (who thinks Boxing is better than Chinese Martial Arts). Btw, in this movie - they really potrayed the English as such a bitch, sampaikan dengan me sekali bengang giler with those Englishman okay hehe.

Anyway, Ip Man brought back dignity in the Chinese, when he fought back against the cocky English boxer in a subsequent Boxing match intended to pacify the controversy created with the cruel death of Master Hung. He won triumphly - beating Twister on his face just like how Twister killed Master Hung.

IP Man 2 had all good casts - Sammo Hung and Donnie Yep , who in real life is known for their Chinese Martial arts skills.

Overall I would rate it an 8/10.

Iron Man 2

Its movie night again!!

It feels like this blog has fast becoming a movie blog.. tee hee hee... thats becos I dun really have any other interesting stories to tell + I am so lazy to write... hehe

Anyway, Iron man 2 was released this week. Being a movie fan of course we didnt waste anytime to catch it. As usual we purchased tix online, and can you imagine, it was 90% sold already - whats left was just front 3 rows, boleh? (btw we purchased on Thursday for Friday show).

We watched midnight show which starts at 12:10AM. Dont know recently my eyes just shuts off at around 10 or 11-ish. So during the course of the show, of course I was battling to be awake - at least for the 1st half of the show.

The movie plot is quite simple, its about Iron Man highly inflated ego- and one disgruntled ex-partner of his father trying to revenge by creating other ironman clones to destroy IronMan.. For me, the movie was just okay-ish. I thought the first one was better.

The losers

This is one more comic made to the big screen. You can check out the synopsis from GSC here:
A highly skilled CIA team is attacked by their own agency and left for dead. They set out to learn why they were betrayed, and to avenge the wrong, as well as other injustices they encounter.



For me, it was entertaining. The storyline is quite straightforward, but what made it good is that they have just enough actions and surprises and tricks. So folks if you havent seen it, this one wont disappoint

When In Rome

Okay this is what we watched last saturday...



How was it? It was enjoyable, nothing to shout about though. The main character is darn cute... so nevermind the cliche sometimes ridiculous storyline, at least I get to ogle at the hero's cute face.. teee hee hee...


Uh and guess who I met...:::


MR 3300!! and with new paint... new seats... new tail lights... wow... new owner certainly takes good car of this baby :)

Endless Love

I was watching Glee.. and they were making a rendition of Endless Love..

hmm... nuttin much to say. Beautiful.

Today is wednesday

which means its Pasar Malam day!

You know I havent been to pasar malam for ages before this. Agaknya last time I went was like I'm 12 or so. Anyhoot, Taman Maluri have one every wednesday, so after we moved here about a year ago, we came across the Pasar Malam and decided to check it out. And ever since then, I am like hooked to it..

Okay so what is so great about Pasar Malam? One thing, you can get good bargain. Second, convinience - you get like all things jumbled in one place. Three, takyah pikir nak makan or masak apa today sebab ada banyak choice kat Pasar malam.. hehe

Nevertheless, strange as it may seem - given the fact that there is just so much variety of things sold there, I always ended up with about the same things every week. Nak tahu tak apa..

1. Jagung bakar (yep its on of my fav food)
2. Bihun Soup (this one kadang2 bihun soup, kadang2 laksa but both at same stall)
3. Fresh veggie

Kadang2, I would get apam balik. This one also have always been my favorite.. and kat mana lagi nak dapat apam balik kan kalau tak kat Pasar Malam/Pasar Tani.. hehe

Anyway. That is not what I wanted to blab about, today I bought ingredient for tomorrows dinner. Tak tahu lagik nak cook apa, but most likely meatballs + mushroom pasta

So the things I bought today:
1. meatballs
2. button mushroom
3. coriander leaves

dan lain2..

So peeps, we'll see what turns out tomorrow. Ta!


Lemons and lime pun beli jugak.... (missed my nikkie, havent been taking any good pix lately..)

Sotong Grill Portugese

Tonight we have nothing else in the freezer except Sotong, burgers and sausage. I dont really feel like eating heavy but at the same also tarak idea what to make.

Anyway as usual I turn to internet to find interesting recipe. And... suddenly teringat that delicious Ikan Pari Portugese I frequented at Pavillion. So I decided to make it.

Searched somemore for recipe, this time with specific one in mind. Jumpa la this one resipi:


1 ekor ikan siakap (jun guna ikan pari)
3 sudu besar cili kering kisar
2 buah keras-kisar
6 biji bawang merahkisar
2 ulas bawang putih-kisar
1 serai-kisar
sedikit lengkuas-kisar
3 daun limau purut-hiris
3 sudu makan minyak bawang putih(cara2 kat bawah)
1 sudu penuh garam
1 sudu penuh gula
foil (jun letak daun pisang sket)

untuk minyak bawang putih-ambil 6 ulas bawang putih, tumbuk ngan kulit2nya (jun, buang kulit dia..heheh). panaskan 1/2 cawan minyak, tumis bawang putih tadi hingga garing. sejukkan.
ikan dibersihkan, kelar2 sket. campurkan semua bahan kisar bersama garam n gula. letak ikan atas foil, gaul ngan campuran bahan kisar tadi. tuang minyak bawang putih n tabur daun limau. tutup foil n bakar hingga masak.

Original recipi taken from here

Anyway, so I try la... tapi with a lil modification. I dun have daun limau purut and sengkuas so I skipped those. I also added a bit of udang kering since the one at Pavi ada taruk.

So here's my ingredients:

The sotong

Ingredients

These you blend (I usually slice first so it'll blend well)

Dun forget the Udg Kering. Kalau yg macam Pavi tu, they just put in just like that, but I decide to blend it together.

I dont have a Griller, so pakai Grill Pan je la

STEP ONE: Slice the Sotong

STEP TWO: Add in the blended stuff, oil (3 sudu), pinch of salt and sugar

STEP THREE: Gaul2 together

STEP FOUR: Wrap it with Foil

STEP FIVE: After a while, bukak sikit to let it cook

And my final verdict..?

1. Sangat pedas. So I must reduce the chilli
2. Tak cukup masam. So I must add a bit more asam (but maybe sebab Lime dah abis pakai yellow lemon)
3. Maybe should add a bit of belacan, cos its quite bland
4. Udang kering tu I think next time takyah blend but just put in kot.

So overall... can eat la.. but definitely a lot to improve.

Clash Of the Titans

This is a remake I suppose of the longtime movie. Its not really my cup of tea but then there is nothing else showing on the cinema, so tengok je la

Since I didnt watch the first one, I cant exactly compare. In terms of cast , I think they are all okay. This movie is all about action, takde emotion-emotion nor does it have humour stuff (which would have been my preferences)

I am sure we are all familiar with the storyline, Its about the Perseus the half mortal. He was raised by a fishermen and his wife and never knew his true origins. Until the day after his family was killed by the underworld God - Hades, who were actually creating chaos for humans for their blatant disrespect of the Olympians.

In his pursue to revenge the death of his family, he discovered that he is in fact the son of Zeus the King of Gods, and was asked by the people of Argos to save Andromeda and kill the Kraken. There he goes saving the world by killing Medusa and finally claimed Andromeda.

These greek god mythology never really interests me, so pardon the mistakes or errors in this review. For those who would want to know more about this Greek mythological figures, you could check it out here.
And not forgetting click here if you want a proper review of Clash of the Titans.