Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik or pulled tea is a greatly enjoyed Malaysian beverage involving a milk and tea mix which is then alternately mixed using two large mugs held at a distance to give a frothy feel and appearance to the drink. It's is even ironic that our astronaut programme decided that our man in space would try is hand at making one and if he manages to do that it would be a breakthrough in the science of defying the laws of gravity. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 2006.

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Circular View of KLCC

An occular window allows for an interesting eye view of the towering Kuala Lumpur City Center Tower or better known as Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2004.

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Tolls are Going up Woe is Woe

It seems like my timing to shift to KL and start work is being hit with an extremely hard handicap, with our illustrious Samy 'Toll is Gold' Vellu anouncing that 5 highways would most likely see a toll increase (and when has it never not rise once he said that) and affecting me since most of those announced will be used by me especially the East Coast Expressway and Kerinchi Link. Man its not even my first pay check that recently Syabas increase water rates to the Klang Valley and now toll rates is going up, I'm just waiting for the fuel price to notch up a mark again (it is always the case that any increase is quickly implemented and a decrease never results in a reverse in price since we are constantly reminded that we are still being subsidized). Well thats the cost of living, somehow hopefully I'll manage to balance the first month's budget and at least have some savings left over.

The new place is nice, a bit far off from the mainstream since its in Putra Indah Serdang near the Palace of the Golden Horses but somehow I like it, its not as dense as some of the new development in Damansara with cars jostling to book parking spaces on the roadside but the downside is that the jam here is a bit long at times with only a single entrance and exit out to the Seremban Highway and with a lack of eating places at night. The bank is near though so that is a nice addition. Well adjusting to life here, after days of ferrying my sis from her campus in Shah Alam to here as well as countless return trips to fetch my aunts from Bandar Utama I'm getting phobic of driving, I can't believe I only managed to rake up 400 km of mileage in Kuantan in a month but the count jumped to its current 1.2K mark in under 3 days. After dropping my dad off at Puduraya I'm going to cloister myself and not drive out for a while, man never knew petrol prices were such killer shudder.

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Moving and Moving and Moving.......

Dang its been a busy week, it seems like an endless haul of packing and unpacking, cleaning and arranging. Seriously thought I had a week at least in Kuantan with nothing to do but eat and sleep but with my sister having a last minute briefing for her American degree programme at UiTM today means I had to high tail it here to KL pronto, a few days before my previous schedule. Hardly have I settled arranging all my excess stuff in my Kuantan room, I found myself repacking essentials to my new apartment in KL and upon reaching here today was in for a long cleaning spree and several major rework since a few of the ammenities were not working and a giant hole in the master bathroom was spewing water for like the past six months of my uncle's absence from the place. Oh yeah to all those i know,

I'M IN SERI KEMBANGAN, KUALA LUMPUR NOW!

I've only been here for the past few days and I've gotten sick of the long drives and jams but heck it's part and parcel of life here in the city, who'd thought driving through and fro from Damansara to Serdang can make you this tired. New car, new apartment, lots of debts to pay off, new job, well seems like I'm on my way to join the rat race. Looking forward to the challenge and new experience but also prepared for the stress, long hours and headaches accompanying a paycheck. My hands are twitching from the lack of an internet access, and it'll be a while before I can get a Streamyx line up and running. Well to my acquaintences if you're free do come over and visit. PS heck no way I'm posting my address here online, if you know me you know how to get in touch.

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Second Childhood

A big yellow dinosaur proves too irresistable for Chen Fong in the Philippines, 2004.

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Malay Wedding Dais

Malay bride sitting on wedding dais, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 2005.

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Blue Pedestrian Crossing

Blue plastic awnings drape a pedestrian crossing in Kuantan, 2004.

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Goodbye Sabah, Hello Long Night at KLIA

Finally the day has come, its been a long haul in Sabah and somehow its does feel a little sad to leave life there behind after nearly 5 years. After cleaning up, the room looked kind of bare and gicing Lady a big hug before handing her to the neighbour was hard to do, I so sorely wanted to have her to myself and she was one pretty dog. I spent the last few days with Laura, taking her out to Little Italy yesterday to have a nice dinner as a early birthday bash since I won't be there next week. The lasagna was heavenly and the cheese coated pasta to die for though we got in a little late and had to wait a while to get seated, truly the place is doing smashing business.

Tosay after church we went to take in a movie, saw Happy Feet which to me must be one of the cutest movie made yet, though at the end the story got a bit nutty and unbelievable but overall the impression is good especially the music scores that each penguin called their heartsong and visually it stunning and it makes you want to squeeze those cute little fuzzy baby furballs. Watch out for crazy antics by the Ramos band of penguins and other eccentric characters like Lovelace. Nice family movie and worth the ticket stub though nothing really groundbreaking. Parents please be ready to explain what mating season is to your kids if they ask.

An hour ago I finally landed in KL, seeing the sights at night from a plane must be one of the best aspects I like about air travel and flying over KL all lighted up is a sight not to be missed especially when landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers stand out among the sea of lights. It is a good thing that I decided to go buy a D-Link WiFi before I came back, was deciding if i could wait to get a cheaper one at Low Yat but since I am going to spend a whole night here to catch my connecting flight to Kuantan early next morning this was a really good investment. Armed with countless free refills from Burger King, two series of animes to catch up with (Jigoku Shoujo and Twelve Kingdoms), a long book (War and Peace), a new game (DEFCON) and endless internet access, I think I'm ready to weather a long night of waiting at Burger King. I believe after this I'm going to collapse at home and ask not to be woken up until nightfall the following day. Thank God I have a week before I need to start packing again and start work in December in KL. Well signing off from KLIA, watch out for updates if I'm bored during the night.

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Menacing Visage

This stone sculpture is one face you don't want chancing about in the middle of the night in some alleyway, Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 2006.

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Paid per Advertisment: Blogging for Cash

Money paid advertising on blogs have come a long way. It's been ages since Google introduced such marketing ploys such as AdLinks and AdSense, bringing rise to all those inseemingly blatant advertising space that seems to perpetuate blogs nowadays. It's even more anoying when you stumble onto blogs purposely made with hundreds of links that redirect you to marketing advertisements. Besides that there are the usual advertisement links like Amazon and their ilks. Yet with the advent of Ad blockers there's now a sad fact that the ads you put up on your site often say sayonara the moment they are inserted into your blog code as I've discovered when using Firefox with Ad Buster filters loaded. Suddenly my entire site is crisp clean without an ounce of advertising banner. Oh well no loss there, even after nearly a year with such programmes I haven't really generated a cent from such ad placing, its more like a put there and forget things, though you do tend to envy the bloggers that actively put ads all over their entire web and write specifically to cater to ads and generating oodles of cash in the process.

Well since hearing about the new advertising ReviewMe being presented on the market it seems a whole lot more targeted and not as intrusive as other advertising methods, not to metion the pay off seems high compared to the pennies and cents offered for thousands of clicks like other programmes. Writing an ad by advertisers could net one anywhere from USD 20 or more depending on the type of advertisers asking for their products to be reviewed and whats more you get to chose what content to review and not be forced to write on anything you don't think suits your site. Well I'm giving it a try and see how things pans out, if the money is good then I'm happy, even a little would help a part time blogger like me if nothing else but to pay the bills. But still my blog is mainly a place to write my thoughts and first and foremost a personal blog but hey, business models change from time and one has to get with the programme and earn some MONEY!. Hopefully some advertisers will offer me a job or two soon. For other aspiring bloggers just give it a look and if the payoff is interesting enough give it a go as well.

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Essential Travel in Sabah Part 2

Second part on travels in Sabah.

This is a kid of my housemates relatives going to have a swim, in this case jumping off the back of their water village direct into the ocean in his backyard.

Semporna - Coraline Islands

Semporna is not as well promoted as much of the other attractions in Sabah which is a pity as the potential is there but also promises the ardent traveller unspoilt natural beauty and rustic kampung life of the Bajau people who make their home on the various coral islets, the largest of which is Pulau Bum Bum. The main attraction here is the annual Pesta Lepa-lepa in which the Bajau Laut, or sea gypsies who live most of their lives out in the ocean without touching land at all for some, display their fine crafted wooden crafts adorned with intricately made sails. The Tun Sakaran Marine Park is also currently in the works and will add another interesting dive and beach destination to Sabah's natural attractions. Other than that off the beaten track the best would be a homestay programme with one of the locals in their kampungs, experiencing their lifestyle which is tied intricately with the ocean. The various islets around here are mostly made of limestone and corals, their base is often erroded leaving intricate shapes and the land is filled with green stunted vegetation and forests. Many islands are also considered pusaka or 'heirlooms and sacred' passed down through generations and venerated. Seaweed is a huge industry here and huge acres can be seen outstretched just off the coast. Other than that not much is can really be said of the place, there are only two luxury hotels and the town is small and without much charm.

Pine trees line the long stretch of white sanded beach leading the way to Simpang Mengayau.

Stand at the Tip of Borneo

Sabah can lay claim to two of the most extremeties of the Borneo isles, Simpang Mengayau is one of those, often touted as the tip of Borneo at its most northern point. Getting there is a bit tricky but rewarding nonetheless, Kudat is the nearest entry point and from then on a drive through several long stretches of non tarred road into remote villages would find you at the northern terminus of Sabah. There is much enchanting sights here, the environment is pristine with long stretches of crystaline water and whitish sand coast minus the crowds in more famous places. Villages placed amidst lush greenery and coconut palms of which Kudat is famed for and at the end is a geological marvel. The end of the coast is mostly dark rocks and sand stones and stretches out into the sea. Standing at the edge and enjoying the sea breeze while taking in the view is a great moment. Take time to pose with the memorial in the shape of a cut off circular boulder with the map of sabah and a large 'you are here' sign to boast that you were really here. Enjoy a nice cold young coconut drink while you're here as well.

Rolling hills, deep cut valleys, jigsaw plots of farms, fields and dwellings are characteristics of the various mountain ranges between the Kinabalu and Crocker range.

Trek to the Highlands

Several national parks are situated within the confines of the heartland of Sabah which is most strikingly defined by its highlands and mountain ranges especially that of the Kinabalu Park and Crocker Range National Park. These are easily accesable and most tours include packages for tourists wishin to visit. Other sights for adventurers wanting to go off the beaten track could include a visit to some of the remote small towns and villages situated amidst them, most of which farm the rich fertile valley plains of rice. Kundasang is famed for its flowers, vegetable and dairy produce and is a short stop from the Kinabalu Park headquarters. Here can be found the Kundasang War Memorial which houses several beautiful gardens and vistas all themed for the various countries whose brave soldiers fought and died during World War II in Borneo. As mentioned before visitors should spend some time at the national parks, while Kinabalu Park is more famous, the Crocker Range Park is larger and stretches across a wide range offering different experiences. To this there is not one park headquarters but split between several located in different districts such as Inobong in Penampang, Mahua in Tambunan and the main park headquarters in Keningau. Attractions include a heavy duty trek along the historical salt trails where remote villagers traverse deep jungles to the nearest town to trade, a stop at the Rafflesia Center to view Asia's largest and smelliest bloom, a cool dip at the Mahua falls or even take in a breath taking vista of most of Sabah's western coast atop several high viewing platforms available.

Diners enjoying tasty seafood while enjoying cultural performances at Kampung Nelayan

Taste Mouth Watering Seafood

Sabah has a wide swath of coast line and with it is stocked with numerous seafood items which are caught fresh and sold cheaply. Visit any of the local town markets and you'd be spoilt for choice at the selection available from mud crabs, rays, fresh fish, lobsters, tiger prawns and more. Also available are many seafood derived produce such as salted fishes, dried prawns, keropok and other such items. Visit the local restaurants and many meals are prepared to entice your taste buds, famous seafood places include Shuang Tian in the city center which is a collection of seafood restaurants, Port View offering more grand settings for diners and even Kampung Nelayan which is a floating platform and offers cultural dances for the diner's entertainment while they eat. For those wanting to bring back some fresh seafood for relatives as gifts or for their own kitchen, services are available to freeze fresh catch which is easily transportable and guranteed freshness.

Bajau horsemen in formation on the parade grounds in Kota Belud

Bajau Horsemen Skills at the Tamu Besar Kota Belud

Sabah has several major cultural festivals in its annual calendar. One not to be missed is the Tamu Besar Kota Belud held on the month of November each year. Several main features are of interest, one is the parade by Bajau horsemen of all ages as well as their steeds which are famed as race horses. Often both rider and horse are dressed up for the day and perform various deeds such as formation riding, traditional games, horsemanship tricks etc. Other than that the tamu besar is a large gathering of locals offering all manner of items for sale from the local crafts such as finely crafted parangs (machettes) with very keen edges, pandanus weave, traditional food and kuih and much more. Although tamu is held here every Sunday during the Tamu Besar its size is greatly increased and offer more variety of trade items.

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Our Local Astronauts do us Proud - by Playing Batu Seremban in Space

It never fails to entertain me to read the news lately and some of them are more precious than any tabloid article out there currently. Take for example that we Malaysians are so proud (at least the politicians who wish to send a patriotic message to us citizens) that we are sending people into space ahead of other countries like our neighbour Singapore which is grounded on Earth. Not counting the fact that such is hardly an acomplishment seeing several billionares and celebreties and even normal average citizens have been space visitors. Secondly the childishness they project in this endeavour is mostly hillarious like when suggestions were mooted to have a cultural exchange by brining versions of satay, nasi lemak and other local foodstuff to share with the international crew, why not just bring durian, cincaluk and petai aboard, that would be more fun? Thirdly on a more serious note, what accomplishment are we really talking about? What is so ground breaking that we are really achieving that we are not doing on borrowed technology and infrastructure? What are our engineers learning that would have helped us develop our own space industry besides a leisure tour of the nether regions and a few snaphots of a Malaysian on his space sojourn? Frankly it is a national spectacle all in all, something nice to oooo and ahhhh for a few moments, maybe a Datukship for the achiever like all our national heroes and maybe some media time showing our achievements which will be rehashed time and time again especially during Merdeka or election time as achievements of the nation.

Yesterday might be far the most laughable newsbit we have heard so far about our space programme. Suggestions of playing batu seremban, which frankly i don't see how when items do not correspond to the laws of gravity in space and also other traditional games like gasing and such. Is there nothing better for them to do there? I can imagine our local traveller in such a conversation;

Mat: Boris let me show you some of our local cuisine, here is our pull tea (teh tarik).

Mat goes through the motion of lifting two cup and starts to pour.

Boris: Look out, your stream of tea is hitting the control panels. No, mission control we have a problem.

or

Mat: Danya this lovely piece of Batik goes well with your space suit, see how it ecentuates your eerrr figure? Oh well at least it puts some nice colour to that drab and bulky space suit of yours.

or

Mat: Here is a traditional game we have back home. You take these five bean filled bags and then you toss one up in the air and quickly catch it when it comes down.

Boris: Mat your bag is still floating, what now?

or

Boris: Mission control we have a problem.

Mission control: What is it? a leak in the oxygen recycling system? Computer failure? Flight control lost?

Boris: Pinching nose. No our Malaysian friend felt homesick so he brought along some items from home, calls it petai masak belacan and also desert of durian. Everyone is passing out from the odour and I'm left, oh no I'm falling unconcious as well, mayday........

Should they not be more immersed in learning how an actual space flight is conducted or even carry out more scientific experimentations that will actually benefit the nation? This is really becoming a farce, and please us Malaysians are really getting tired of being showed down the throat with the reminder that the space programme is costing us nothing since we spent billions on arms acquisition from Russia and this was a 'free' package thrown in kind of like how Cadbury gives you an extra milk bar when you buy a whole chocolate piece. If they really want to make an achievement that is truly meaningful I suggest they invest more in science grants and research so that we are able to produce a true Nobel laureate, that we can truly appreciate not playing kampung games a few thousand kilometers above ground.

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Valentine's Hearts

Little red haired dolls for sale during Valentines Day at Living Culture, Centerpoint, Sabah, Malaysia, 2006.

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Allusions to a By-gone Era

While exploring Penang by foot one day, I'm always creeping into those little corners and dead ends that tourists don't usually venture to. Off the beaten track you'd be surprised to see what you would find. I saw this abandoned hot dog stall resting by the side of the road and in its display are several icons one wouldn't think common to find here including an American Indian Chief, Che Guevera's photo, tortilla chips and burrito boxes among other items, more like a Mexican-American sidewalk eatery than a local hot dog vendor. Penang, Malaysia, 2004.

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Worker in Little India

The area around Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman can be called Little India for its profusion of Muslim Indians plying their business here from fabric merchants, sweet meats, snacks, foodstuff and spices. Here one is peddling his supplies to his shop early in the morning, Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2004.

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Leftovers

All that was left after a hearty meal at Shuang Tien in Kampung Air, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 2005.

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Purple Sunset

Coconut Palms silhouette during sunset, Tamparuli, Sabah, Malaysia, 2006.

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Essential Travels in Sabah Part 1

After being in Sabah for 5 years, I must admit there is really some wonderful and marvelous places that everyone should not miss seeing if heading here. Here is a short list of some destinations to visit during your sojourn with my own personal experience as a guide.

Aerial view of Pulau Gaya with the other islands in the TAR Marine Park cluster in the background.

Island Hopping

Sabah is a state with numerous islands, with accesability like no other destination. Right on the doorstep of the city is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TAR). 10 minutes boat ride from the city jetty (now rebranded as Jesselton Point) and only cost about RM40 odd per person for a full day's trip including park fees and return boat pickup. These five clusters of island (Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sulug and Sapi) offers various activities such as camping facilities, cabin rentals, snorkelling, watersports, picnic areas, banana boat rides, diving lessons, restaurant cuisine and boating. For the more luxurious traveller, try the Gayana Resort with its stilt cabins over the shallows and natural open ocean pool. The more adventurous will find camping out an option as well as the various nature trails along the islands. Underwater adventures are options for divers and non divers, for the former there are various natural coral beds with excellent natural formations and abundant sea life all over and the latter, even those suffering from hydrophobia can opt for the seawalking, diving with the aid of a breathable helmet without the fear of oxygen starvation. Rentals are also available for a boat charter to take you from island to island.

Aerial view of Mt Kinabalu shrouded in a sea of clouds.

Climb Mount Kinabalu

No trip to Sabah is complete without an attempt to scale the highest mountain in South East Asia. For its level, it offers both challenging terrain but also is one of the easier and acceable climbs around with anyone of a normal fitness level able to reach Low's Peak. Chartered tours often offer a package deal for a night stay and tour around Kinabalu Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its biodiversity and a guided climb to the top of Mt. Kinabalu, added in one can also visit the nearby mountain town of Kundasang famed for its cheap vegetables and flowers and later relax the fatigue of the climb by immersing in a natural mineral hot spring at Poring. There is a lot to see along the trails up Mt Kinabalu, Mesilau is the tougher trail but offer unlimited vistas and sights such as lush green forests, natural cascading waterfalls, breathtaking scenery and countless animals along its path.

Fabric merchant plying his trade at one of the multitude of open air stalls during the weekend at Gaya Street.

A Weekend Foray along Gaya Street

Gaya street is a weekly Sunday market is an amalgamation of our more familiar pasar tani (farmer's market), pasar malam (night market) and flea markets. Tamu meaning a weekly gathering of people to sell goods, is stock full of various items; from fresh home grown vegetables, to various animals stalls, artist corner with watercolour prints, antiques and curios, tourist t-shirts, food stuff, local fruits and produce and much more. Almost anything can be found here and there is no better place to get a souvenier to bring back home with its vast stock of local handicrafts with cheap bargains for those willing to look about. Sometimes you may be in luck when performances, promotions or cultural shows are held during occasions at the Dataran Desoka and the atmosphere turns even more festive. Celebrations such as the annual Christmas festivals are also held intermitently and the whole street are full of stalls and activities throughout the week.

Various skulls hang from the rafters in the House of Skulls at the Monsopiad Cultural Center.

Cultural Experience at the Best

Sabah is home to various ethnic tribes of which the largest must be the Kadazan Dusun followed by various others such as the Bajau laut, Rungus, Bajau Darat, Bonggi and more. Each have their own distinct cultural traits and traditions, accounting for the various cultural festivals celebrated throughout the year such as the annual Harvest Festival or Pesta Kaamatan by the Kadazan Dusuns, the Pesta Lepa-Lepa by the Bajaus in Semporna, Pesta Kalimaran by the Murut in Tenom and many more. Their daily lives are also available for tourists to experience with programmes such as the Runggus longhouse homestay where visitors can spend the night in a traditional longhouse or the Monsopiad Cultural Village which showcase the various aspects of the Kadazan's heritage with its main attraction as the House of Skulls, a sacred monument of warrior's skulls taken by the current owner's ancestors in battle when head hunting was still prevalent here. Take lessons in using a blowpipe, join in a traditional Sumuzau dance or bamboo pole dance, try your hand at harvesting sago and most of all take a sip of the strong alcoholic beverage called Tuak.

Mantis Shrimp peeking out of coral outcrop.

Learn to Dive Cheap

There are countless advantages to learn diving in Sabah. For a three day course you can get a basic open water dive certification for under RM500 which include lessons, fees and 5 dives at the TAR marine park all inclusive. Various dive shops near the city offer attractive packages which do not unlike their counterparts in Peninsular lessons taking place in a swimming pool in a shopping center nor the extended trip to one of the remote islands for a single practice dive. Here lessons are hands on and immedietly in the water, offering unparallel practice and experience. The islands here are also more beautiful than those found back in Peninsular with various marine life found nowhere else. After accreditation what do you do? Go dive some more! Sabah is endowned with a rich marine biodiversity and countless islands to explore. Sipadan, mabul and Langkayan offer rich dives, explore Layang-layang or the Turtle Islands. Wreck diving, just head on to Labuan. There is so much to see and not a chance to be missed.

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Muddy Fun

Having a ball and messy time after being dunked into the mud volcano (its not me in the pic), Pulau Tiga, Sabah, Malaysia, 2003.

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Tree at the Edge of Borneo

I believe this tree has been the photo subject for many avid Sabah photographers. It must be because it stands out, the lone tree growing from the rocky outcrop that represents the tip of Borneo and thus striking with its green folliage amidst a sea of stone, Simpang Mengayau, Sabah, Malaysia, 2006.

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Rumour Mongering and Mob Action Should Be Dealt With

It saddens me to hear of the recent SMS mongering allerging that Muslims will be baptised at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Silibin recently. Even more so it brings about questions of how a mob would resort to storm a church after hearing of such without any evidence in backing it up or even rationally think of why would the Christian community want to antagonize anyone by such an act. To this there are two issues that must be examined.

The first is the rumour mongering itself. It is a serious act of crime to use religious intolerence and use it as a pretext to incite different communities against each other. If there is any justification for the existance of the ISA, I think this is as best a case where it should be deployed to deal with the offender for it is clear that the intent is malicious, to cause disharmony between the races and religion and to incite others to cause harm and damage. If the culprit is found and caught, the full force of the law must be used to show that Malaysians will not tolerate such a blatant act of hatred and if possible a harse jail term be imposed to discourage any future small minded bigots to try the same act. If not for religious or political reasons, I think that the fact that the children present on that day undergoing their first Holy communion were involved and the sanctity of the occasion ruined and tainted by an angry mob and armed policemen should be pretext enough to allow such a sentence.

The second issue is that of mob justice. It is disturbing that the re are some in the Islamic community that are so insecure of their religion and quick to resort to fanatical action that would allow the incident to take place in the first place. This is a direct disregard of the law, in which if they feel that the incident justified looking into could at least inform the religious authority to investigate and not take matter into their own hands. I can't imagine what havoc would have been caused if the FRU were not there to restore order and control the mob. No matter of persuasion by a priest or parishener would have cooled an angry crowd highly inflamed with religious passion and self rightiousness. The knee jerk reaction to gather and spread and resort to violence is not in line with Islam, which espouse tolerence and resolution of problems through peaceful and lawful means of which I'm sure the majority of its adherence are in line with. From denouncement and marches during the Pope's speech and now this it would feel to any Christian in the country that our religion is the one under attack. Malaysians all condemned actions when mobs swamped mosques and racially attack muslims in wake of September 11, it is a miracle and a show of how Malaysia is tolerent that nothing as such has happened in the country.
I fear to tell any of my future children that they should live in an atmosphere of fear an intolerence. I would not blame those kids there in the church that day if they are forever tainted to feel that they should live in fear of being caught in such a similar situation ever again or to have their view that this minority of fanatics actually represent the entire faith. To the government, I hope that investigation will root out the offender as soon as possible and let their punishment be fitting to the potential danger of their callous action. Also the ringleader of the mob should also be held accountable, even if they were not the one spreading the rumour, it must be made known that mob action and vigilantism is never the right method of resolving and problem and would lead to only violence and destruction. For the benefit of all Malaysians such must never be let to happen ever again.

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Sleeping Child

Comfortably sleeping on his mattress oblivious to the world and oh so peaceful with nary a worry in his mind.

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Five years and it came down to 7 boxes

I can't hardly believe it has been five years here in Sabah. On one hand I'm excited to get back to Kl and start anew with new challenges and experiences, on the other I'll miss life here in Kota Kinabalu even with its ups and downs. The countdown timer is already ticking and under three weeks I'll be saying sayonara to here. It's a little pressing to have to get used to a new place all over again, learning every nook and cranny here in KK, familiarizing with where the good places are and where to get things done, good food and great bargains, even the driving on the road itself, God sometimes its hard to think I'll have to relearn everything again when I'm down in Kl especially since I'm staying somewhere new that is unfamiliar to me.

Well I've just finished packing away all my accumulated stuff a few days ago and after much stuffing and curses they all were neatly (or not so neatly at that) packaged and sent via sea mail back to Kuantan. My room now seems much more emptier and bare, with the odd cluster of journal papers and thesis lying around to complete my draft master thesis and a few other necessities. Hopefully the packages will reach home before I have to leave to start work in Kl next month but the clerk did say it may take up to a month for the shipment. Good news at least, the countless worries I had the past month are working their way to completion and easing my burden a little. Today someone finally took the room and paid the deposit (after so many empty promises and false alarms) and a neighbour who is friendly to Lady said he would be glad to care for Lady. Sorry Adrian I know we wanted to bring her back but subjecting her to hours of caged in flight schedule and quarantine isn't the best for her and with the amount of logistics to settle before the month's end is just a bit hard. Not to mention now that my Kl house was sold off, she would have an uncertain future of where to live and I don't want to chance Selangor's sketchy policy concerning dog rearing. So I guess she'll remain a Sabah dog through and through. I'm going to miss her lots.

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Kuan Yin - Guiding Light

Kuan Yin was someone who managed to obtained Nirvana thus releasing the soul from eternal suffering of rebirth yet she decided to stay on as a Bodhisitva, a diety that guide others towards Nirvana. Her presence is now worshipped by many Buddhists around the world and has found many adherents here in Malaysia. This statue stands stall at the entrance to the Pu Toh Si Temple in Likas, Kota Kinabalu, 2006.

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The good, bad and totally hillarious episodes of room renters

As some will know I am currently in the process of disposing of my room in preperations of moving back to KL after my Masters is done by the end of this month. I always thought it was a straight forward process; person comes over, checks room, ask about details and then proceed to either agree or disagree with the offer. It was indeed a surprise at the antics that crept up while seeing these prospective renters from the truly absurd to the truly frustrating, indeed they come in all shades and colours, of which it is a surprise that I didn't bludgen some of the more frustrating ones right here in the room in case the blood stains lower the value of the property, blood can be hard to get off the walls. Here's a low down of some of the more interesting cases that I've had recently;

1) Miss A came over saying she needs a room desperately. She took a look and before she left agreed to take the room and said she will be over the next day to pay the deposit. All was fine. Next day I reconfirmed that the miss will be here in the evening to hand over the deposit. Without warning in the middle of the afternoon Miss A's roomate, lets call her Miss Silent and Nod for that was all she did as her friend asked and replied to all the queries. They left without much thought and from my perception nothing untoward. Come a few hours before the dateline to pay deposit, Miss A call. "I think you just met my roomie a few hours ago right?" she said. Okay I thought so....? "Well she didn't want to shift out, so I can't pay you the deposit," replied Miss A. That's that. Lesson make sure the person renting had actually made arrangements and consented with tacit approval from roomie before she promises anything. So I wished I'd replied. "Fine, go back to your room that always flood and leaks from the roof, have a nice life!".

2) Guy A walked past house and saw the 'For Rent' sign. Comes in and asked a ton of questions everything from whether the area is safe from thieves to queries of how the water condition was. Fine. Went away saying he'll call if anything. Next day around midnight he smsed me to ask more questions, nothing came about it. The following day Guy A comes again while I was entertaining another prospective house renter. Proceed to ask more question. Found out he was renting out and the reason he was looking for another house was that the family he was staying with was renovating their house without informing him prior when he agreed to rent a few months ago, right smack during the final exams. Halleluyah and Amen to quiet studying. Again he asked a ton of questions especially how I get along with my current housemates, whether they are okay to live with and if there are any conflicts. Next day again he called and said he was still half half in whether to shift out or stay at his current place. Exit stage right Guy A, in life and for future advise please be more assertive and take decissive decisions else opportunities will pass you by. Goodbye.

3) Spoilt Girl A came over with boyfriend, made lots of negative comments about the place as to why so many people are staying so the place is packed, how the porch already has two cars and where was she to park hers and why there is no water heater in our place. Dear Miss Spoilt Girl A, you as a first year student must truly have been a Mama's girl who has never experienced life away from home if you wish for such ammenities and being a cheap skate for not wanting to pay for it and complaining that RM185 a month is a burden if you can ask for a heated bath and drive around with a new Wira with a boyfriend that just nod and agrees with all that you commented. Hope you have a miserable life in the dorms.

4) Decisive Miss A. I like this one even if she didn't take the room. Unlike most people who can't make up their mind or just smiled and say we'll think about it and get back to you, which most often will never happen until Doomsday, she came in, took a look and within 5 seconds decided it was not for her and thank me for my time. You'll go far in life I'm sure.

5) Couple A. Couple A wanted to know if we take in couples, I see no problem and wasn't surprise since many house owners here does not want cohabition (what century are you all living in!). Came over even when it was raining cats and dogs, asked a bunch of questions and said they wanted to take a look at another room down the street before making a decision and said they'll give an answer within the hour. Okay so thought it was a lost cause. Miraculously they came back and said they wanted the room and was willing to pay the two months deposit on the spot (the first one that didn't need time to think or trying to skirt the issue of paying deposit in case a better prospect comes by in the meantime). I was touched and in that instant loved these to people with all my heart. Okay the snag as she was about to pay, I introduced them to my main renter, things suddenly fell out when it came to the Streamyx issue, seems my housemate declined to allow them use, saying that already 8 people were using it. Okay, so finally even after much convincing and soul searching they left dejected. I only blame my roomies for this since they didn't even compromise on such a small issue to get a housemate. At this point I didn't care anymore if they find a housemate or not and have to share the full burden of paying extra for the monthly rent, it's not like I didn't find them someone, hey I'd be ad if was told that the other housemates enjoyed Streamyx and just because I'm the new tenant I'm excluded. Sad sad.

6) Person A smsed asking if there was a house for rent in Kingfisher Phase 2 (which is where my place is. Replied yes it was at Lorong 2B. Next message came with the said unknown person asking whether I have room for rent at lorong 5a, incidentatly is not in Kingfisher Phase 2 nor do I find have any sort of relevance in my case since I am not a housing agent with multiple houses to showcase nor even makes sense to his first question. Sayonara dud, either brush up on your English grammer or ask more intelligent and sensible questions.

7) Girl B asks for room, said she was desperate and wanted to rent. Okay I told her it was conditional to only hold the room exclusively for her once I receive the deposit. She balks and asks if she can reserve the room and only pay at the end of the month. Miss first of all trust is always an issue ever since my stupid junior skipped out on me at the last moment after I agreed four months prior to book the room for him without charging for deposit, so no dice. Secondly, yoir attempts are so blatantly transparent that you want to book the room only in case you can't find anything better but do not want to risk forfeiting your deposit in that event. Girl B you are selfish and not entirely shrewd.

8) Girl C came over and scrutinized every nook and carnny of the room as if it was a life and death matter. Come on even people at a slave auction does not scrutinize their merchandize this well. Would you like me to knock down my partition for you to check the integrity of the structure as well? Off with your head!

9) Person B sent a incomprehensible message in Mandarin. Sorry me no speaky no Gou Yi so don't expect my reply.

10) Girl C stopped me as I was walking out. Instead of asking for room for rent she was wondering if her friend from Labuan who was making an extended trip here could rent the room for a few weeks. Dear, what does this look like, a motel for rent? If you're desperate I have several telephone number and addresses for motel and travel budget room in the city that your pal can take a look and they're only RM20 per night, WOW.

11) GuyB comes over to look at the room. Wanted to negotiate the room price and asking if I can lower the price for him. My son, I am not a pasar malam seller that you can haggle with, this is a fixed property with the rent determined by the house owner, there is no space to haggle so how can you be naive enough to even ask such a proposition. Baka.

12) Girl D called and spoke exclusively in Mandarin. Asked if she can converse in English she said she can't (If there are still such university students here with no inkling at all of English I would like to meet them and ask how you're going to pass your course when most refference books are in that language and lectures as well). So after a much jumbling of incoherent exchanges with language switches from BM, smidgen of English and confusing mix of Mandarin and Cantonse we gave up.

13) Malay dude A called and spoke in BM asking if room for rent. First question is your house all Chinese? Yes to that. Second question, is the kitchen halal? No brainer question and was wondering if I should answer that. One perk of escaping the college is that we have a place to cook and fridge. It also means we have the freedom of not adhering to your stupid rules that forbid having pork and alcohol and even cohabiting. So to question two, ever wonder why so many advertisers of room have to state 'All Chinese living in house' or 'preferably Chinese renter'. It's no offense or deem to step on any one's sensitivity but the truth is most of those renting outside are non-Muslims and you'd be hard pressed to find a single room without fear of breaking any halal regulations unless you find like minded Muslims and rent an entire house.

14) Person C. Even with my intricatly written advert stating everything from rental price, room size, ammenities and address, I have countless people constantly asking how much is the room, are there other rooms for rent in the house, what is included, where is the place and address and what is included. People learn to read please, I didn't go to all the trouble to make sure my notice is fully legible and as informative as possible unlike other which simply states 'Room for rent call XXXXXX' or 'Please look at me, Room for rent XXXXX) or even 'Looking for roomate, no Gays please'.

More will be added as the candidate process continues.

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