Life As It Comes ...

Creepy Crawlies

2008-06-26T23:47:00.002+12:00

Of all the times that I've visited Melbourne, I haven't actually been to the museum. I didn't even know where it was and I've read and heard that its quite a good one to go to. I'm sure its a million times better than the Sabah Museum that I've recently visited while I was in Malaysia anyway.

It turned out that the museum was actually a couple of blocks away from my lodging. I was wondering around town and the botanical gardens, searching for bats so I took the free tourist shuttle that I also did not know about to the museum.

Surprisingly I enjoyed the 'Bug Alive' section of the museum a lot more that I've expected. For those of you who knows me or have lived with me, you would've seen me run away and scream like a little girl when I see a spider.

They certainly had plenty of those here at the museum....EEEeeeeeeee....

They even have an area that is not enclosed where potentially a spider could jump out and bite you! OoooOOoooOOoo .... I did not lean too far into this enclosure of course ... But yes, you could see little and BIG spiders climbing up and down their webs here ... I wonder how many have escaped into the museum. YIKES!

Look at the size of these anacondas OoooOoOoo

... and just a few snakes over here ...

I also liked the look of our furry friends section

...and the not so furry ones as well ...

This was quite a large museum. It took me a good 2 hours to walk around the whole museum, not paying much attention or reading all the interpretation of course.

I had lunch at the food hall at David Jones Department Store. It was pretty nice. I went back there on my last day to have a nice, late lunch because I know what the Jetstar meals are like.

I also walked pass this shop today for all those rejects out there ... there is a place for you after all ... How cruel ....

Melbourne Austraaaaaalia

2008-06-19T03:25:00.005+12:00

18 days after my 3 week Malaysian holiday, I managed to scam work into giving me another 9 days off so I can go and have another holiday to get over the last one. I went to Melbourne this time and because I was there less than a year ago, I did not have the urge to go buy things and eat up large like I did last time. Most people go to Melbourne for this. At the end of the day, we all have things to get pass so why buy some more??? The credit card also had a big dent from 3 weeks in Malaysia so it was wise not to blow all my money away on this trip.

I booked myself into the Plum Carlton Serviced Apartments on Swanston Street for AU$93 per night. The serviced apartment is in a great location with a tram stop right outside. If you are looking for something that is nice, clean and cheap to stay, I totally recommend this place. I don't think you can get a 1 bedroom serviced apartment that is in the CBD for this cheap.

I've always liked Melbourne and perhaps one day in the not too distant future, I may consider moving to his arty farty city that is full of people, exciting things to do and well....arty farty stuff.

The city is also currently developing the an area that is called the Docklands ... Its not really finished yet but from what I can see, its going to be a great place.

They even have a cow in tree ...

I've also heard that there are bats that flies around the botanical gardens so I was being hopeful and wanted to see them live in action. The day that I went, all I saw as women in push chairs and screaming kids....Perhaps they've scared all the bats away??? I did pop across the road to a monumnet/building that was built to remember the ANZAC soldiers.

The view from the top of the building was pretty good.

I shall post some more about my visit to Phillip Island and the Melbourne Museum later on....

Sausage Anyone?

2008-06-14T04:48:00.003+12:00

POISONED SAUSAGES ALERT!!!

"Residents being warned to watch out for poisoned sausages at a suburban Auckland park which have caused at least one animal to get sick.

Poisoned sausages with blue powder in their centre have twice been found at Craigavon Park in Blockhouse Bay, 15km southwest of downtown Auckland.

Auckland City Council was first notified about the sausages when a dog became ill after eating one in early May.

It was told about a second poisoned sausage on Monday, from which a council environmental health officer took a sample.

The blue powder could not be seen until the cooked sausage was cut open, the council said.

Police and animal control have been notified, as has the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, which has arranged testing of the powder.

Temporary signs are in place to warn the public about the sausages and maintenance contractors are to monitor the park. A wider search has found no more of the sausages.

"The public should not touch any food items seen in the park, but report them immediately to the council so they can be removed to prevent possible harm to the public and dogs ," the council said. "

Lets all do our bit to keep an eye out for those bad sausages that are hanging out there. Note to self, don't take sausages offered by random guys at the park .....

What The?!?

2008-06-11T21:23:00.007+12:00

"Blow-up dolls and dressed-up dogs are among the "buddies" North Shore drivers have used to get around transit lane rules.

Private vehicle drivers can only use the lanes if there is a minimum of three people in the car or face a $150 fine.

The lanes, which can also be used by buses and taxis, are there to help to ease traffic congestion by encouraging carpooling.

Some drivers have put blow-up dolls and mannequins in the car, while others have dressed up dogs in children's hoodies.

Another driver quizzed about the whereabouts of a third passenger quipped "he's in the toolbox in the back seat", Mr Dannhauser said."

Let's leave your blow up dolls in your bedroom and let your dog be a dog boys and girls. Obey the rules or find some human friends! LOL .... Bloody NZ Drivers

sNOw SnOW sNoW

2008-06-10T03:38:00.002+12:00

It snowed in Christchurch on Saturday. We don't get snow in the city that often during the winter so it was pretty exciting to get a dusting. Most people knew it was coming because it was it was strangely warm the day before and I think it went from 16'c to 1'c within the matter of minutes at about 4pm.

Its quite pretty ....

I'm not looking forward to this winter. It feels like its going to be a nasty one. Its my first winter in Christchurch in 5 years as I have managed to escape them. Bring on the woolies .... brRRRRRrrrrr

Jumpa Lagi Kota Kinabalu

2008-06-09T05:38:00.005+12:00

SATURDAY 03 MAY 2008

Today was a rather sad day. It was the end of the our holiday and was time to say goodbye to everyone again. Like always, someone's got to cry and make it even sadder.

Our flight was originally at 8:30am but it got delayed for an hour so we had breakfast at this self service cafe which was not so self service after all. How can I serve myself when there is a glass bit in front of me? Stupid.

I also bought Steve the cute and furry turtle at the airport LOL

I was also quite excited to see what the new airport is like and it is 1000000 times better than the old one. Can't wait to see it when it is all completed next year....well...hopefully I will be rich enough to see it soon...I doubt it though LOL. NZ hotels don't pay a lot.

The flight was delayed again for another hour so I had plenty of chances to explore the new bit of the airport.

The funny thing was that when the plane arrive, clever Royal Brunei have flown in an A320 instead of a Boeing 767. My seat did not exist on the plane because it was not long enough. It turned out that several other confused tourists also had the same problem. We resorted to taking a seat where ever we could find one. Good job the plane was quite empty so we did not have to fight like we did on Air Asia.

As we flew into Brunei, we had a great view of the imperial palace of the Sultan of Brunei...nice....We had a 2 hour transit in Brunei and suprised suprised, the flight got delayed again. They did send us to the airport restaurant for a free lunch though which was great.

The delay in Brunei in KK and Brunei was actually quite good. It meant that our 6 hour transit in Auckland was cut to only 3 hours.

Check out this Hotel SO sign at Auckland airport! Its MASSIVE! Its almost too big to see it....it just looked like its part of the wall hehe

I arrived in Auckland at about 4am in the morning....about 5'c outside...in my t-shirt, shorts and jandles....Not wise hehe....I must remember not to do that next time.

I had a Fabulous time away. It was great to just go back and holiday, see a few people and enjoy some time off. The last few times we went back was because someone had passed away or someone was sick. I must also thank everyone who had put up with us LOL, driven us around, took us out for fantastic meals and loaned us cars over the last few weeks...You guys are great!!

So....end of one holiday and 18 more days till I start 7 day trip to Melbourne.....Great!

MmmmMMmm Island ......

2008-06-09T04:24:00.004+12:00

FRIDAY 02 MAY 2008

They day has finally come for me to visit some islands. I just knew I wanted to visit some but I actually haven't made up my mind on which ones to visit. There are about 5 that you can visit I think ....

Anyway, I strolled to Jesselton Jetty to catch the boats that takes you across the water rather than using those ponsy ones from the resort because the ponsy ones charges you 3 times more. As we walked into the office at the jetty, there was a man standing there already asking us to go visit the islands LOL ..... I couldn't be bothered selecting one of the many boats that will take you there so I used him.

It was about RM$30.00 to visit 2 islands ... We've decided to visit Pulau Manukan (the biggest and busiest island) and Pulau Mamutik, which is small but has a nice beach and good for snorkling because of the corals there.

As we walked to the boat, we met up with Hello Titty .... It look like she was dead ... or may be she is just putting on a show for the tourists to take photos

The 15 minute boat ride was quite an experience. I've never had such a bumpy ride. My ass was sore by the time I got to the first island LOL

Just as we thought, Pulau Manukan was the tourist island, jam packed with tourists trying to feed the fishies under the wharf. I was one of them of course and we all played the 'lets put food between our toes so that the slimy fishes can eat off them' ... its actually funner than it sounds.

This one did not come and eat though .... I wonder why ....

After playing with the fishes for bout half an hour .... We did the whole relax on the beach, swim and relax more on the beach thing of course.

We then later took another sore ass boat ride to the next island for a week look ...

Pulau Mamutik was a lot more quieter with less people so it was quite enjoyable....Didn't get a chance to snorkle though....Perhaps next time...

The boat ride back to the city was a bit of a laugh. It was so slow that we all got drenched from the sea spay ... The boat also ran out of gas and had to change tanks half way through LOL .... It gave me time to take more tourist photos.....

Overall, it was a great day and nice end to the holiday. Sea, Sun, Sand and Tan .... can't really complaint.

Very Nice .......

A Day of Goodbyes

2008-06-09T03:10:00.002+12:00

THURSDAY 01 MAY 2008

Today, we woke up at 5am to send Chico and Alyssa to the airport as they are going back to work HAHAHAHAH! (We still have a day extra here)....

I watched the sunrise today from the hotel balcony and the view was pretty amazing.

We also met up with my great uncle and his children for breakky today and said bye to him until next time ....

I've been wanting to go visit the islands just off the coast of KK since I've arrived but never go the chance. Seeing as I have one more day, I've decided that I will do that tomorrow. I went back to Papar to visit the grandad and said goodbye to him as well because I know I won't get time otherwise. He was happy to see me and thanked me for visiting him before I leave on Saturday.

Mum and dad stayed the night and I went back to the city to get ready for my island visit.

NICE........

Scary Museum

2008-06-08T06:08:00.003+12:00

WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2008

When will they learn that ham is a kind of meat and it should not be on the drinks menu LOL .... Its a 'Ham Kit' this time

After NOT ordering 'Ham' items for breakfast, we went for a drive up north of the city to see more exciting developments. We ended up at Nexus Karambunai Beach Resort .... You'd probably guess by now that I like visiting giant hotels and resorts everywhere I go LOL.

This is a pretty resort with a real beach, away from the city and full of foreigners. Its probably the nicest one in the city and that is why they charge about RM$800.00 for a standard room. Like all resorts, they have a fabulous huge lobby, coconut trees, coconut trees and more coconut trees.

There are also these hut things that you could lye there and get a massage by the beach.

The whole place just had a nice feel to it.

The next place that I visited did NOT have a nice feel to it. Of all the museums that I have visited, this was probably the worst and spookiest of all. I really felt embarrased for them LOL. I could not believe they actually charge someone to visit this place.

The museum looked about the same as I visited it 20 years ago. I was hoping that they have updated this in some way but they obviously haven't done anything to it after all these years.

Check out the rolly with a flat tyre LOL ...

Unfortunately, I was not able to take pictures inside the classy musuem. Think 1970's decor and very very very dated and fake displays of animals, dimmed lighting. To top it off, they have a room full of giant scary looking mannequins in traditional costumes that stares at you ..... spooky doll alert!!! ... I can see nightmares coming .... They also have an artificial cave with two ancient coffins with spooky music in the background. What are they trying to do? Give people nightmares? I did a 5 minute round inside the spooky musuem and went outside.

I went down the hill to look at the cultural villages that they have built. It was much nicer here but I still did not want to go into very dark, traditional houses with no one around, just in case I see something I don't want to see and poo my pants.

This village section of the museum was much nicer that the actual museum itself.

We didn't do a lot at night because it rained and and kermit visited us so we played with him around the house for a while.

A New Hair-do

2008-06-08T05:58:00.002+12:00

TUESDAY 29 APRIL 2008

When my grandad was alive, he had a hair salon and barber shop. This was continued on by my aunt and uncle after he retired. So while we were there, we all had to get our hair done of course. Apart from that, we didn't really do much today.

We were all looking forward to catch our Air Asia flight back to Kota Kinabalu of course (now that we know what to do lol).

This time, we actually flew in a brand new airbus so it was a gezillion times better. They probably knew that we didn't get air conditioning on our last flight so this time, they had it on so full that you could not see the front of the cabin lol (we were sitting right at the back) Its and awsome airline! ;)

Fish Looking Pork and Ham Lemon

2008-06-08T05:38:00.003+12:00

MONDAY 28 APRIL 2008

Today was quite a special day. We went up the hill today to the buddhist temple to visit the memorial plaques for my grandparent. Apart from dad and I, mom and the sisters have never seen it before. The last time they were in Sandakan was when grandad passed away 17 years ago. Seeing as we all came back together to Malaysia this time, we thought we might pay them a visit.

The temple itself is quite impressive. They even came here for the first Amazing Race.

I spent the rest of the day just wondering around the city aimlessly.

We ended up trying something different for dinner tonight. We had crocodile meat! It tasted like chewy pork that looks like fish. Have a look at this drink menu what the *#@$* is a Ham Lemon LOL .....

Monkey Rehab

2008-06-08T01:23:00.004+12:00

SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2008

Suprisingly, I woke up quite early today. I thought I would be very tired and would want to sleep in for a bit but I must've been looking forward to go to the restaurant and stuff my pie hole in the morning.

Seeing as I splashed out and paid extra to stay in the club rooms, I get to enjoy this view while I was having my first coffee.

I could've had breakky at the club lounge and avoid those noisy children and tour groups but I'm not going to miss out on what the restaurant had to offer downstairs .... the biggest breakfast buffet ever ... LOL (close to it anyway).

New Zealand hotels might want to learn from this breakfast buffet. What we have is ... um ..... I won't bother explaining.

After I stuff my pie hole with food until I could not move, we took a few pics ... suprise suprise and headed off to the airport to catch out Air Asia flight to Sandakan. We've heard interesting stories about this cheap Malaysian no frill airline so I was quite curious on how it would go. We managed to get $0.00 fares for our return trip and only had to pay the taxes so it was great.

Because these cheapy flights are so popular, they had to build another airport to cater for the demand. The airport was nice....

You even get free smells (I didn't know you have to pay for them ...)

The experience with Air Asia was .... um .... rather interesting indeed.
- They do not allocate a seat so when you board the plane, you have to fight your way through everyone to get the seat you want
- Because they do not allocate you a seat, everyone runs to the gate and jump queues so that they can board the plane first when the boarding call is made
- You can also pay RM$20.00 extra if you want to board the plane first. These people can line up with the grannies and noisy children and board the plane first

Well....seeing as I am such a smart person, I saw the shorter queue and have decided to line up there. A few other foreigners also did the same. We later realised that this was for the people who have paid the $20.00 ... whoops! .... I played dumb and pretended I didn't know what was happening. The girl had to let me board because I was holding up the queue. I wasn't the first person to do it. I was only following the other dumb tourists in front of me LOL ...

So....I got on the plane first and I've decided to pick the best seat I could find.... errr ....

This brand new aircraft also had no air conditioning to top it off. It was a plesant flight. NOT! lol

My aunt was kind enough to let us stay with them for the 2 days so after we dropped our bags, we headed off to Sepilok, Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre .... I'm hoping to see an Amy Winehouse monkey .... We were welcomed by this lovely sign

Luckily, the monkeys we saw did not look like that.

The trek into the viewing platform was rather .... um .... fun for me anyway. Because it rained the day before, parts of it was rather muddy. I had the joy of seeing a group of asian women and kids scream, run and falling all over the place because some of them got leaches stuck to them. I also had the joy of having a leach stuck on my shorts except I did not scream or run. One naughty leach did end up under my t-shirt (god knows how they got here) and I only realised it after it was trying to give me a hickey. Again, that made more women and children scream. FOR GOD'S SAKE PEOPLE, its just a little worm that sucks your blood!!! I pulled it off and threw it away on the ground. I should've aimed it at the screaming women and kids LOL

After our little excitement with the leaches, we waited at the platform in scorching heat for the feeding time. You don't really get to see them unless its feeding time because they hide in the trees and does their monkey business when they are not eating.

Check out this dude ....

....and the Orang-utans.... they are pretty cool.

After visiting the monkeys, orang-utan and the whole leach experience, we went to see the crocs. They even put on a wee show for us!!!

I asked how much these guys gets paid for their dare devil work and apparently the get RM$4.00 per show ... thats about NZD$1.60!!! I think I'll keep my job. I recognised one of the guys when I visited this place 4 years ago so I guess these crocs are relatively well trained to not to eat them.

Walking Around In The Dark

2008-06-07T18:13:00.003+12:00

SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2008

After we loaded our truck with all the flowers from the ballroom and have taken single thing that we could possibly take LOL (...just joking of course...) I took a stroll around the resort at 1am in the morning......mad, I know....(A proof to show that I am not one of those horrible drunken young people of today's society LOL)

This was really the only time that was available to do it seeing as I Looove hotels and I wanted some pretty night shots of the place....again...mad!

Isn't it pretty...

Wedding Bells

2008-06-07T17:46:00.003+12:00

SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2008

Well, not really, there was actually no bells. Tonight was just an excuse for us to eat and drink lots because we can. Alyssa and Chico got married in January, this was just a party for the family back in Malaysia. We also used it as an excuse to escape cold New Zealand for 3 weeks so I we are not really complaining.

I can't actually remember the last time I went to an 'Asian' wedding. Unlike the ones we have in New Zealand, Asians tend to invite the whole city to their wedding and the bride and groom doesn't actually know 90% of the people attending LOL .... We've decided to keep it small and only had 70 people.....not 1000 like everyone else. It was minuscule compared to the other weddings over there.

See what I mean, the jockeys also attended. We've never ever seen them before.... (My uncle race horses).....

We had about 20 million courses ... (Its actually 8 I think) and the room was quite nicely decorated. A bit cheesy in a way.

There was even a big giant recyclable cake that they use for every wedding.

I'd be wanting a real one when I get married. It'll have to be the same size of course.

The room was decorated with roses and more roses. You are actually allowed to rip all of them out and take them home with you. Shocking behaviour, I know LOL .... I guess you might as well do it if the hotel charges you a fortune and unlike the cake, they can't recycle the flowers. So, this is what we did.

Overall, it was a great night to catch up with all the family in one place and consume *sOmE* alcohol......It wasn't excessive ;)...I had to keep up my good image while I still can in some countries.

I also came across this T-Shirt. He'd made it quite clear on what he doesn't like .... May be he loves New York and is friend with Madonna.

So there you go, a taste of an Asian weddding.

Commonwealth Bank Ad, Florida or New Zealand?

2008-06-05T18:57:00.001+12:00

I saw this ad while I was travelling in Melbourne recently and thought it was quite funny. Its a total piss take of New Zealand LOL

Baaaaaaaaaaaaa.....

Becoming a Lobster

2008-05-27T02:35:00.004+12:00

SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2008

Yay wedding yay! Well...not mine. Today was the wedding reception for Alyssa and Chico. Its really just a chance for everyone to get together, have some fun and get drunk since they got married in Auckland in January already. This was just another party!

I also checked into the resort where the party was held so that I can stumble back to the room at 1am in the morning and not have to worry about catching a taxi that could take me anywhere LOL. I had to have a sea view room so I splashed out during check-in time and went 'what the heck' and upgraded to the Club Floor. It was only RM$100.00 extra so it wasn't going to put a big dent on the credit card.

I was high up on the 11th floor this time and I also had the chance to dive off my balcony into the swimming pool if I wanted to (unlike those $750 suites where you can't). The room was nice...

It also had a bathroom that have shutters that you can open up while you take a bath so you can look at the view. You can also use them to surprise your roomie and see their naughty bits while they are in there if you want to.

I had a nice big king bed but unfortunately I was not lucky enough to have someone to share it with me .. nor able to spy on them in the bath/shower and see their naughty bits ... *sigh*

After I explored my room, checked out every single corner and criticised every little imperfection of it, I took a stroll around the resort and enjoyed the sun.

The resort was pretty fabulous....

I did not bring the gold clubs though ....

Good job I brought the swimmers so I could take a dip in the other fake beach =)

I was rather put off by this sign though .....errr.... I guess I say no to swimming in the ocean LOL

The pools were nicer anyway with no jelly fishes....

Plus I could eat and drink in the pool bar.... What more could you ask for?

But it was quite nice just to lie there and become a lobster.

The afternoon went pass quite quickly but rather relaxing so I was glad that I got some time to myself to enjoy the place before having to enterain everyone that night.

A Very Big Room

2008-05-26T04:53:00.006+12:00

THURSDAY 24 APRIL 2008

Today, it was time for Alyssa and Chico to check into their resort and blow all their money away on a very nice hotel suite. Oh well, we all have to do this once in a while I guess. Its only about $750 per night ... YIKES!!

It DOES have a great view with no balcony .... partly because they want to stop those people from diving into their swimming pool from their room.

You get a fruit platter on arrival on your dining table (In the Room OoooOOooOO) but compared to the one I got last time I stayed there, it was minuscule. I supposed everything have gone up in price over the last few years and they have to charge more for things and give you less of it!

Before......

Now.........
The bed room was a bit boring I thought, they could've jazzed it up a wee bit more to make it more exciting ... the bed also had a funny feel to it. It was just OK to sleep on.

This is the lounge .... it was also OK .... They originally designed this hotel for the corporate travellers but that doesn't really apply anymore. Perhaps this is why I only think its an OK room. Its nice.....but the other hotel on the other side is more my style. The resort style rooms just seems nicer....

The bathroom on the other hand was FAB! Look at it!

Definately beats our Hotel SO bathrooms LOL ....

Today, the aunts and uncles from Sandakan and Singapore also arrived. We all went out for dinner ... It pissed down with rain so apart from sitting there, eating, talking and more talking, there wasn't really much more that we could do. We went to this seafood restaurant at Tanjung Aru Beach and it was super expensive and not very nice....we are not going there again LOL. Its interesting how the more expensive you pay for your meal, the crappier it is over here LOL .... I'll keep reminding myself to by cheap meals....can't really complaint about that!

and yes .... I got asked when am I getting married and having babies ..... errrrr .... pass ....

A Place of Hope

2008-05-21T04:17:00.004+12:00

WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2008

Today was quite a nice relaxing day. There was no one to see, nothing planned, so we just took a drive around the city and did what ever we felt like.

We started our day at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Beach Hotel, another one of those big 5 star resort by the beach....except this one was THE first and original beach resort that was actually built by the sea, next to a REAL beach. I remember visiting this resort once every so often because we have nothing to do and it looked pretty cool then ... it still is today! They must be doing a good job ....

I fought the kids and stole their pretty pink slide ...

We headed to Tanjung Aru Beach ... another one of those places where we used to visit as a child but its sad to see that irresponsible people have had it a filthy place, full of rubbish and no one seems to go there now.... funny that!

Anyone for a designer lampshade?

We felt like a Malay lunch today so we didn't go off to WOW West!

I sampled the REAL Malaysian Beef Rendang as well as an ABC (Ice shavings with apparently 18 ingredients in it and a blob of ice cream!!) All it did was gave me a brain freeze, numb tounge and made me want to pee every 5 minutes.

Now instead of going to the Amatuer Fatalist Centre as I've mentioned previously, I would rather recommend people to go and visit the 'HOPE' Church. At least we know that there is a place of hope for all of us. May be Britney should check it out.

Photos Photos More Photos

2008-05-18T00:22:00.004+12:00

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2008

Today, we had the cheesy photo session at the photo studio.

Told you it was cheesy....I also looked like a giant compared to the rest of the family. They MUST be really small.

I was hoping to get my teeth done ... again ... but much like last week when I visited them, they could not get it done for me ... They've promised me Friday so we'll see about that.

While we were on our way to the studio, we got stuck in the traffic ... all because of some stupid person have decided that they will drive into a giant drain .... Seeing as I am a nosey tourist, I had to stop (well, dad actually made me stop because he was being a nosey tourist too) ... Well....we saw nothing as the car was at the bottom of the drain and the person who drove into it....don't really know where he is.

The photo session was about 3 hours long (apparently this is the shortest one...they can go on for about 12 - 13 hours). We got the family photo done first thing so that I could run away and do other things to amuse myself rather than sitting there, watching the other get change into the millions of outfits they have to put on as well as putting cakes of make up on so that you don't look like yourself anymore.

I went out and had some REAL satays.....none of the overpriced crap that you get in NZ...

We went home and had another feast with all the family as usual...

The others drank their cheapy overly sweetened red wine in tumblers ... not wine glasses :O(good wine is super expensive here....stick to beer.....obviously wine glasses are expensive too LOL)

and unlike me, I ended up playing in the kitchen....washing the dishes, being a good boy....Have to keep up the good young man image you see....

The puss also came for a visit. This is a nice puss, owned by someone so its clean and fat....unlike those yucky stray ones that can give you 'Manginitis' LOL

I DON'T WANT STRAWBERRIES!!!

2008-05-17T05:21:00.006+12:00

MONDAY 21 APRIL 2008

After Poring Hot Spring, walked high above the trees, watching people pooing their pants, eating a crappy lunch and seeing the biggest flower in the world, we headed off to Kinabalu National Park.

We stopped at at the highlands, Kundasang, which is known for the giant vegetables that they can grow because the climate is different there. Thinking that we haven't seen a strawberry before, all the farm women at their vegetable and fruit stall all took out the tiny little strawberries, telling us how nice they are and that we should buy them. I felt like saying to them that our strawberries in New Zealand are 10 times bigger then theirs LOL ... I just ignored and pretended to be an ignorant dumb tourist.

Every stall was the same....fruits, giant vegetables, flowers, tiny strawberries ... fruits, giant vegetables, flowers, tiny strawberries ...... you get the idea...

I wanted to buy some of the strange pineapple I saw earlier on but they didn't sell any....How disappointing ... =(

Look at this woman with her baby lol!

After refusing to buy piddly tiny little strawberries at every single fruit and vegetable stalls, we headed to Kinabalu National Park...hoping for a clear skies so we can go for a wonder and see the mountain.

The moment we drove through the park entrance, our hope turned to custard. The sky poured down with rain (and bucket loads of it) so there was not even a single chance of wondering around the park...Unless you want to be eaten by leaches..... We winded up the road to the starting point of the mountain climb. The whole park was now covered by fog so there was nothing to see apart from soaking wet people, trees, rain, fog, fog and more fog.

I knew my rain jacket would come in handy at some point of the trip and I'm glad I've brought it with me today. The day kind of reminded me of New Zealand really, foggy, rain, cool wind and trees.

Look at these poor porters that you can hire to carry the gear up for you while you race up and down the mountain. They do it a few times a day apparently.

We also visited the park museum....which was not all that exciting...the guide asked whether we wanted to go for a walk in the botanical gardens.... it was raining and it didn't look like anything special so we passed on that one too.

We were also waiting for 4 very VERY slow and loud people to come back with us. We got warned by the tour guide already to not talk to them. Because of these people ... we waited for an extra hour at the park...I was busy watching the squirrels that were running around, playing in the garbage dump ... :S I didn't touch them ...

I was also tempted to go into this 'Multipurpose Room' ... I've heard that the list of things you can do in there is endless!!

The horrible people finally turned up, soaking wet from their attempt to climb the mountain (they didn't get to the top LOL!) and yes they were noisy and annoying. I pretended I was asleep and refused to sit next to them.

We put our feet up seeing as we are not allowed to put a foot up....

One of them felt a bit sicky...don't know from what (altitude sickness, dehydration etc... don't really care at that stage after all the waiting around for them) so he sat at the front. We drove .... and stopped and he went and bought a bottle of water....we drove again and stopped and he puked on the side of the road.....and then we drove again .... and what do you know... we stopped and he puked again...He must be close to puking his inside out LOL ... Anyway...we kept driving with sour faces and slight cursing from the rest of the tour bus LOL .... and the he puked out the window while he bus was moving and then it flew all over the side of the bus and some EVEN FLEW BACK INTO THE BUS, just so that everyone can have a splash of puke on them!!!!! There was very a very big @!$@$!@$#$&@!*!&@$!@ from me and there was silence... I was ready to throw him off the side of the cliff. I got my Purell and smothered it all over my arms and legs... thank Christ I brought it along with me. Its rather handy.

The day kind of got worst as we got into the city. Some bastard have decided to steal a metal to sell from a pylon in the city so the whole tower collapsed and the whole state went into pitch black for the rest of the night. We arrived home, cleanse my whole body from puke, ate dinner under some candles and sat in darkness, played with candles and hope for the power to come back on......it didn't happen till 11pm. Not impressed...... Apart from the exciting incidents towards the end of the day, it was actually quite a good day. It could be a lot worst I supposed.

DAMN THOSE PEOPLE ON THE BUS!! AND NO I STILL DON'T WANT STRAWBERRIES

High Above The Trees

2008-05-10T05:18:00.004+12:00

MONDAY 21 APRIL 2008

I had LOTS of FUN today ... well ... until someone puked on me. The day started bright and early for us as we had to be ready for the tour bus to pick us up at Tanjung Aru Shangri-La Beach Resort at 07:30am. We got there early at 07:15am-ish and we waited and waited and waited and waited more ... They eventually came at about 8:00am. I should've remembered that we are in Malaysia and people are never really on time. It didn't really matter as it was a nice resort and we weren't rushing for time anyway.

Our tour guide (can't remember her name LOL) was quite good. She spoke very good english and the mini bus took us for a tour around the city first before taking us us to Poring Hot Springs. The music they played on the other hand in the bus was um ... relatively bad (bit of a laugh really).

It was important for us to leave early in the morning as the mountain tends to get covered by clouds later on in the day. The road to the national park is pretty much a continuous uphill race for the number of mini buses carting tourists like us up to the mountain everyday. A truck with what seemed like a drunken driver also decided to join in the race this morning. It provided us with a bit of entertainment, following behind it and we were ready to see either a big head on crash or him driving off the road at some point. He eventually gave up and drove into a dirt track off the main road. Lucky bastard!

Not too long after the crazy truck driver show, we finally got to see the mountain

We took a brief photo stop and I was also brave enough to visit this high class toilet ...

It was surprisingly CLEAN believe it or not. I was more afraid of big scary spiders jumping on me rather than the cleanliness actually. I did see a massive one by a shack just right outside eeeeeeeee!

We drove past the mountain and headed off to Poring Hot Springs first (not that you need a hot tub soak in this weather). I was more interested in running through the rainforest, finding waterfalls and walking the tree-top canopy walkway. I was expecting the weather to be cooler because we are in an area that is relatively high above sea level but when we go to Poring, IT WAS STINKING HOT! We also had to climb up the track to get to the canopy walk. My shirt was soaked when I got up there (about 50 meters above ground?!?) but the experience and the view was totally worth it.

A few tourists did poo their pants while they were walking it because it is rather high off the grounds.

I also found a small but nice waterfall close to the hot springs....The big one is about 4kms away pass the BAT cave which I wanted to visit but did not have enough time.

It was nice to see nice crystal clear water after seeing all the brown muddy rivers that you see in the city.

I used my very foreign sounding Malay to buy souvenirs and then went for our expensive and crappy lunch at some crappy food stall that was included in our tour.

The driver went off wondering while we were having our crappy lunch and found out for us that the Rafflesia (largest flower in the world ... very very hard to see apparently) was indeed BLOOMING at that moment. He asked us whether we wanted to see it or not and being such a tourist that we are, we HAD to go see it. The lady at the little table outside the entrance to some random bush/forest area wanted to charge us RM$30.00 per person. That nearly killed us. After some more barganing and convincing us that we are ALL MALAYSIANS (which we are apart from the brother in law), she accepted RM$30.00 for all of us. Talk about money hungry village people!!

While I was wondering around the lady's very expensive forest/bush, I also found a very strange pineapple...

and a condom tree ...

Overall, the trip to Poring was rather interesting and somewhat educational. I studied and did an Eco-Tourism presentation about this area not so long ago so it was nice to actually be there, see the things I talked about.

The butterfly farm was closed for some strange reason which was disappointing. I did get to see this large stick insect though. Also didn't see any giant spiders, leaches and earthworms which the area is famous for.

Thats Poring for you!

A Nothing-ish Day

2008-05-10T02:38:00.005+12:00

SUNDAY 20 APRIL 2008

Today was a bit of a boring day. The others went out and delivered invitations card for the wedding reception that is in 6 days time (wee bit late don't you think?? LOL). I was smart enough not to follow them and drive around the whole city, trying to find a house that belongs to someone they haven't seen in 5 - 10 years. I took a walk around the neighbourhood hoping to find something exciting annnnnnd ..... there was nothing.

I've booked a tour up to Mt Kinabalu National Park and Poring Hot Springs tomorrow with the sister and her husband. I better not tire myself up too much today and save enough energy for the long walks that I will be taking tomorrow.

Better get those insect repellent ready :P It should be good fun.

Shopping shopping and more shopping

2008-05-08T18:44:00.006+12:00

SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2008

Today was a shopping day and that was pretty much it! I figured that if I allowed the girls to shop all day long today, they might visit the malls less later on in the trip.....yea right! LOL

We went out for breakfast as usual...nearly got lost with all the new roads that appeared since 4 years ago. Then we headed to Centre Point Shopping Mall (This one is actually centrally located in the city so I won't shoot the person who named it). Unlike the other new malls that have appreared in the last few years, this one managed to survived and stayed in business. The other newer ones around the city seems rather empty compared to the last time I visited them, 4 years ago. Perhaps they should stop building them?!?!?

The Fila store caught my eye with 70% off most things YAY! .... Shopping just seems a lot more fun when you know that everything is going to cost you 2.5 times less that what it says on the price tag.

and LOOK! I found more animals to ride on! This time there is a squirrel and a pink dog as well! I think I might take the pink dog.

We then wondered off to another mall, Warisan Square where you can buy the labelled and expensive things (I didn't buy anything there because I am a budget cheapo traveller). I could've taken this whole stall selling bikini's though (There is a girls on the left, supposedly looking after this stall with a towel over her head LOL)

Now why would I blush if I walk into this store by myself?

It was quite exhaustive doing all these shopping in one go so I thought I might so at the 'TITS BITS CORNER' for some ice cream and juice. Or should I go for melons?

I also found a wholesale and retail MAST store ...

I think I smell a trend developing here ... bikinis, blushing, mast, tits and bits...There might be a bit too much naughty bits on offer in one day.

I might be safer just to eat with the Martians

We went out for a seafood feast tongiht with my aunt and her family(It won't be the last time. Like I said previously, we have no food in NZ). There were nice not so little fishies and lobsters in fish tanks that you could go and see which one is the prettiest and tell them to KILL IT FOR YOU! Its a bit sad really, 'Hey look, this one looks very cute, KILL IT NOW!' Hmmmmmmm .... I supposed no one wants to eat an mutated ugly one ....

annnnd FEAST!

Just in case you haven't noticed, please DO NOT SPIT in the restaurant. Like I do anyway!

Also just to make it clear, WE SERVE NO PORK!

To finish off for today, while I was wondering around town today, I found this rather...um disturbing place. Please visit here if you are not experienced with killing yourself. There is a centre to help you with it ;)

(p.s. I do not encourage and is not responsible for any suicidal thoughts!)

Finding THE OTHERS!!!

2008-05-08T02:36:00.007+12:00

FRIDAY 18th APRIL 2008

Today, I was supposed to be going to my dental appointment. I have forgotten that Malaysians only work until 12pm on a Friday to allow for the muslim people to attend prayers at the mosque in the afternoon. Speaking of mosques, I also got woken up by the Mosque AGAIN! at 04:30am .... I hope its not an ongoing thing or I shall go and rip those loud speakers off LOL .... no....the ear plugs works like a charm (That's if I don't lose them while I'm sleeping)

Anyway, I turned up to the hopital at 11:00am and by then they have stopped giving out queue tickets and I was turned away ... grrrr .... never mind. With my not very cleaned teeth (Its not that dirty LOL) ... I went off to meet the others at ONE of the new malls, City Mall (which is not in the city, its located in the suburb. Who ever named it should be shot).

It seems that inside this CITY Mall, there are other cities too ... I looked in Bra City but all I could see was Bra and no one I was looking for.

I looked inside THE Giant too .... buuut I still didn't find anyone

I didn't recognise anyone that is hiding in the closette

I rang their cellphone, but there was no answer and I was starting to think that may be they have abandoned me. I decided to wait around and let Ms Starbucks give me free samples of some strange coffee slusshy drink. Anything free is good and I didn't really want to go in here just in case they've decided to pop my cherry :S

I also watch this kid ride his little elephant round and round in circle. I was tempted to take one out for a ride too.

I found THE OTHERS!!!! eventually so I am not LOST anymore.

As some of you may be aware that one of the reasons why I took this trip was to attend my sister's wedding (She is having 3 this year and yes ... its to the same person). Like all weddings, there has to be plenty of icky boring and time consuming plannig and blah blah blah ... We all went to meet the organiser person at the hotel and being the smart one, I escaped to walk around the resort and enjoy the sunshine while the others sit in and plan the wedding.

I took time to see what I could play with next week when I stay at the resort. There is a nice pool

and lovely coconut trees

and some funny looking tree

They even have a nice and small man made beach LOL

although I don't think I will swim with the prickly sea urchins though

I might just hire this boat with my millions

and sail into the sunset with no one in my arms LOL

Where is the love thesedays *sigh*

Pretty cool resort huh?

Great Show Westlife!!

2008-05-08T01:10:00.003+12:00

I must say that Westlife DID put on a great gig at the Westpac Arena tonight. I was expecting a whole lot of teenies yelling and screaming and throwing their hearts out at the boys but it seemed that there was actually more of mature crowd tonight than the young ones. There were even nannas and grand daddies :S

The concert was at 8pm but like all concerts, they starts an hour later anyway. We left the bar in town at 8pm and when we arrived at the arena, the parking warden directed us to a park, right outside the entrance GREAT!! so there you go.....DON'T arrive at a concert early ... LOL ... However, we did miss out on the daiquiri in a flashing martini glass though =( .... there were plenty of Westlife Flashing Sticks but I am cheap so I brought my own from the one we bought from Hong Kong Disneyland, 2 years ago. The $50 Westlife T-shirts were also a big hit but I would much rather buy a $50 shirt that I could wear everyday.

It turned out that the airline have lost some of the boy's suitcases coming to Christchurch, suprised suprised ... (Some mad person have probably stolen it) so they were out hunting for outfits today in Chrstchurch. Quite funny actually....I bet someone is going to be in deep doo-dah for this hehe. They did end up buying some very nice suits from Mr Sergios and some leather coats from some leather place in the city. Chrstchurch fashion is not bad at all the I supposed LOL ....

It was nice to see that everyone of all ages were up and about dacing right from the start to the end. I don't think I've been to a concert in NZ where the crowds have done that. They must be good .... There was a boring lady who sat behind us that yelled ... 'SIT DOWN, I CAN'T SEE' to everyone LOL ... biach! so we told her to bloody stand up and enjoy the show LOL .... some people .... why do they bother to go to such things.

Even though I only knew about 3 of their songs and didn't really know what they look like before I went to the concert.....

I

HAD

A

GREAT

TIME!

They even got the crowd to do a Mexican Wave!

I AM Goiiiiiiiiing to Westlife!

2008-05-07T01:37:00.004+12:00

I got premium seats for Westlife tonight....That should be interesting LOL .... I don't even think I know any of their songs....I'm sure I'll remember a couple at least from my teenie boppy years. Makes me wonder why I paid $155 to go see them hahah .... oh well I'm sure it will be fun. Its a sold out concert after all. They must be alright.

Kids AHHHHH! Kids

2008-05-06T23:55:00.006+12:00

THURSDAY 17 April 2008

Well well well .... we've finally made it. I must say that its very VERY tiring having 3 stopovers. I would much rather have a direct flight but seeing as greedy Singapore Airline was going to charge us NZ$6500.00 per person for cattle class because they are very full, I was not prepared to pay that. I would much rather pay a whole lot more less, have NO alcohol but LOTS of food on the plane, get blessed every time we take off, get thrown on the ground by British pilots every time we land, have 3 stop overs and be very very tired LOL ... no, its not that bad at all. Let's face it, I got to see more places, I wasn't in a rush and Royal Brunei was actually quite nice.

The welcome to Kota Kinabalu was actually ... um..... not that nice LOL (airport wise). The whole airport was dug up, the once very green and pretty grass is now covered in mud and dirt, some dinosaur have come and ripped out all the air bridges and most of the outside of the airport is covered by blue corrugated iron LOL .... it was quite and unplesant sight but HEY, next time I come back, there will be a fantastic brand new airport next door! I'm sure some poor tourist that doesn't know this will be thinking where on earth have they gone for a holiday LOL ....

Today, we were woken up by the mosque in the village that is down the road from where we are staying at about 4:30am. They like to blast their prayers nice and loud so the whole village and people surrond the the village can hear it. Good job I bought my earplugs!! By about 06:30am, the freckin roosters were screaming off their cock heads anyway so I gave up and went and had a shower. It was getting too bright and too hot to sleep anyway.

While I was in New Zealand, I had trouble changing NZD to Malaysian currency so I started my holiday with RM$10.80 in my pocket. Enough for breakfast may be?!? LOL .... Unlike most western countries where credit cards are accepted at most places, even in small stores, most of the shops here still deals with cash. A vist to the curreny exchange teller in the shopping malls is a must!!! I was tempted to be lazy and just put my ATM card into a machine and the it should spit out what ever flavour that country uses but then I soon learned that my bank was going to charge me $8.00 per transaction and they have crappy exchange rates anyway. I gave that a pass.....

TIP: Bring your money over here and change it because they do not charge exchange fee, service charge and all the bull shit that the bank charges you. You'll find that currency exchange at the malls provide better rates than the bank and the exchange rates doesn't change everyday like banks do.

As we drove and walked around the central city area, nothing much have really changed.

Its the developments around the city that is SKY ROCKETING at the moment. There are over-bridges, aparments and shopping malls galore that made me think where are they going to find the people to fill them....hmmm...scary thought. Every corner there is an apartment going up and every few hundred metres there is a giant mall close to finishing....

After driving around and getting amazed at the developments around the city, we paid a visit to the grand daddy in a town called Papar, about 40kms south of Kota Kinabalu (KK). Driving around KK is really not as scary as I was told. I have never driven there in my life, partly because I was too young to drive when I lived there ..... but yes, the traffic is chaotic and people do not signal, don't really follow the speed limit, park where ever they can find a space, have to fight your way through the traffic and it was actually quite exciting to be driving there.

It was nice to see grandad again. He's 90 this year and he looked a lot older than the last time we saw him 4 years ago. It was quite sad really. He was of course VERY happy to see us again and enjoyed the presents that we bought him.

We walked around the little town where most people own a shop.

I rode a cow

Then I met some poor starving cats and dogs. I got my Purell ready. Thanks Kenny for the advise LOL

We also decided to get circumcised and become a muslim while we were there...NOT!

We all drove back to KK early today in time to attend my cousin's son's 7th birthday. Before we went to the party we went to the Giver's Mart of course because we are giving a present

But on the way we had to dodge a living copier that was about to zap and eat us

I didn't think that he was actually having a party with a house full of kids....YIKES! just picture the amount of screaming and time it by 10 not fun!

We sat at the sensible, well behaved adult table surrounded by food because people still think we do not have food in New Zealand

Plus I also got to meet Cher at the party .....

So I rang all my friends to come and see her by these two fabulous new phones that should probably be in the museum by now

and why would you want to drive this car ???!?

Perhaps I might buy them a box of gloves .... or is it tissues so that they can clean up the pee in it

Overall, it was a pretty good first day. We didn't shop! OMG! and we met lots of family at the party that was happy to see us. So far, no one have asked me when I am getting married and having babies yet .... its early days... there is still 15 more days to go LOL

Oh I Love WiFi Internet

2008-05-05T00:55:00.002+12:00

Yes, I am a geek and too bad if you don't like it hehehe .... Who can live without internet thesedays??? I know I can't. I'm finally back in NZ so here I am, updating my blog again. Dial-up internet was what I had over in Malaysia and I wasn't going to spend 20 minutes just to upload one pic.

I was supposed to update my blog while was on my 3 week vacation in Malaysia but finding free broadband internet there was a challenge itself. I either had to drive (My aunt was brave enough to loan me her car and let me drive in the chaotic traffic of Malaysia LOL) to and internet cafe full of stange people staring at me (because I dress like a tourist may be??) or a cafe that overcharges you for a not very nice cup of giant coffee LOL .... I was all tied up with families, families and more families for the entire time I was there anyway so I didn't really have a lot of time to sit down, upload stories and blab about what I did over there. So many people to see, so many things to do and so little time. Perhaps I'll go away for a month or two next time.

I did however noted down what I did on each day and I shall post them on there as I go. It will help me re-live the wonderful things I did while I was there, especially when I have to go back to work on the 8th of May :( .... have to pay for the bills somehow.

Have a Blessed Flight

2008-04-19T02:18:00.001+12:00

Our Royal Brunei flights from Auckland to Brunei was rather interesting. We had a brief 1 hour stopover in Brisbane to drop off and pick up passengers. Before the plane takes off, there would be a little muslim prayer that they would show to bless the flight. I guess its better to be blessed and be safe. Quite intersting. Although I do think that they pilots (mostly expats from the UK) do need more blessing though as they like to just throw the plane on the ground when they land.

I was highly disappointed when they FORGOT!!! to bless the flight from Brisbane to Brunei LOL .... never mind, it landed and arrived safely in one piece and that's all that matters I guess.

We arrived in Brunei at about 17:30 and Jefferey, my old room mate from college in New Zealand was kind enough to chauffer us around Brunei for sightseeing and took us out for dinner. What he didn't know was that there were 7 of us including him LOL ... we DID manage to squeeze 5 butts in the back seat (not very comfortably) and WHO CARES, its Brunei! the police won't come after you anyway hehehe.

So.... we had dinner with my friend Jeffrey....

Then we visited the current Sultan's mosque that was quite impressive .... 28 golden domes made of real gold

We did a quick drive around the CBD area and walked around an area where water taxis zoom across a stretch of water that takes you to Kampong Air, a water village known as the Venice of the East ... The water taxis driver did ask if we wanted to go for a quick trip around the village but it was dark and I didn't really want to risk the chance of falling into the sea at night time in Brunei before my next flight LOL.

Our brief 4 hour transit was quite nice actually. Like always, mum and dad have always though Brunei was a boring country with nothing to see and do. I'm glad I have dragged them out of the airport this time to prove them wrong LOL ...

YAY Holiday

2008-04-16T06:19:00.002+12:00

YAY, I'm finally on holiday. This was how excited it got at work last night.

So to kick off my holiday, I've decided to finish work right on time, rushing out the door at 7am and headed off to Drexels (American Breakfast Restaurant) to have a fat unhealthy breakfast heheh, hashbrowns, fried eggs, waffles, ice cream and banana ... I'm on holiday, who cares about a healthy meal LOL .... thats what the gym is for ...after the holiday....

My day kind of got busier after that. I packed my bag at last minute as always ... went to the supermarket and got minuture bottles of things to take on the plane, toothpaste, mouthwash, PURELL to protect my genetalia (just in case I decided to go to Rarotonga and feed the cats and dogs on the beach) .... etc etc... I did also buy a TV that was too big for our TV cabinet so its currently sitting on the coffee table at home at the moment :S

I managed to squeeze in 2 hours of sleep so that I am not like a zombie by the end of the night. After a bit of rushing around, yelling, cursing and rupturing a few blood vessels, I got the family to the airport on time.

Auckland was a bit rainy, hot and humid when we got here. I had to blast the A/C in the room just so we could be in it....wait till Malaysia!!!! The airport hotel was nice and the person that checked me in didn't really believe I work in a hotel as I got industry rate with them...HOW RUDE! He was asking all these questions, pretenting to chat to me but would never let me finish what I was saying LOL .... I think he was just trying to fish some information out of me about the 'Hotel' I'm working at while he's checking out the hotel website. I of course pass 100% with all the questions he asked so he had to believe me in the end hehe....

The rooms were nice ...

The ear plugs DID help sleeping in the same room with dad LOL .... I'm just having my free breakfast now at some ungodly hour in the morning before having to check out at 7am and head to the airport.

YAY YAY YAY!

Mr Buddha's Birthday

2008-04-06T04:02:00.005+12:00

Back in the big smoke, got my hi speed wireless internet back, 2 extra flatmates and my bug free home, I'm able to update my blog again.

Apparently, its Mr Big Man Buddha's birthday today. We were wondering why Cathedral Square was jam packed with people at 9am on a Saturday morning after we returned the rental car. As always, I had to drag everyone else out of the car and go check out what the excitement was all about.

When we got there, there were people dressed in all sorts of different national costumes, praying to Buddha...

Then there were masters/monks dress in their robes...praying to Buddha....

Then there were girls dressed up in traditional costumes....dacing and singing.....I think I was more interested in the food stalls rather than all the hoohaa that was going on around me. So I checked them all out. Being a buddist event, everything was vegetarian of course. However, I did find some interesting items of food on offer.

A 'VEGETARIAN' Beijing Duck Wrap?!?! I'd like to see a non-meat duck to believe it .....

3x Little Cakes for $2.00 :S ....... hmmmm explains a lot doesn't it

Stuffed buns anyone? I'll leave that to your imagination .....

There were also some games that were on offer if you are keen enough.......Anyone like to play with a Chinese Yoyo? Personally, I'd prefer a European one.....

The Big Move

2008-04-05T08:40:00.015+13:00

The day has finally come for me to steal Salome and Charlie forever from the Portage. Last night we made a nice dinner at my old 'home' and pretty much just sat around and chatted with a few old friends that are ALSO moving to Christchurch in a month's time.

I woke up early this moring to the sunrise and decided to get a coffee from David (because he is the only one there that knows how to make a good one), then walked the around the resort, took time to take in the scenery and headed up Torea road to visit Torea Bay.

I also walked a bit of the Queen Charlotte Track. I was tempted to hire out a bike to do a bit of mountain biking but I figure that it's probably not a good idea seeing as I have LOTS of moving to do and also another 7 hour drive back because Salome will want to stop at every single photo stop.

The beach today was not much of a beach as it was high tide and the wind was had a slight chill in it anyway. It was nice just to walk around and enjoy the place rather than having to work at it.

I also filled up the car at the only petrol station in the Kenepuru Sounds ..NOT! .... Look at the prices!!! $1.95 for Unleaded 91 and $1.45 for Diesel.....

Now Kenny, seeing as you haven't found any spiders in while you are in NZ, I've managed to find LOTS for you. When I was walking over the sadle over to Torea Bay, there were all these white things in the prickly bushes....they looked like fluffy cotton wool stuck within some tree but if you take a closer look, you may find some nasty creppy 8 legged friend living inside them. I took a few snaps, ran away before they had the chance to jump on me.

When I got back from my few hours of self touring, I was thinking that everything should all be packed up and ready to go into the car when I arrived.....I thought wrong. After 5 years of knowing Salome, I should've known that 'HER' I'm ready to go is in fact (give me another day) and I only have 2 bags and 2 boxes is also not true. Good job we did not take Satish as well because we would've had to tie one of them up on the roof rack. The station wagon was packed to the max, leaving Charlie all squished up in the back. I also hid my CD's so well that I could not find them in the car so we all had to listen to the 6 CD's that I put in yesterday....again....

After a few clicks on the camera and a few goodbyes, we headed off to the metropolis PICTON.

Salome had to have her apple before leaving because I wasn't going to let her do her hurling and chucking business in my nice car again.

On the way to Picton, we were all wonderting why I did not hire this van instead of my nice station wagon. Perhaps next time.....

A sign for Mr and Mrs Moo Cow

"The Hills are (not so alive) .... perhaps Fräulein Maria haven't had time to sing on them and giving them the sound of music. There were lots of logging around the Marlborough Sounds area. Not very 'Green' for NZ??!?

The Interislander ferry that jouneys across the Cook Strait was just docking in Picton

We drove to Blenheim for a late lunch and then went off to search for a lotto shop in a small town, hoping to win $18 million on Saturday night and never have to work again. We ended up buying one in Kaikoura after stopping by the seal colony.

Parked across the road was another van that we wondered why we didn't hire. As jucy as it sounds, may be its because we didn't have a baby and we didn't really need a sink. (It reads 'This Jucy crib comes with everything and the kitchen sink')

Have A Magic Day

2008-04-03T19:07:00.012+13:00

I've finally arrived at Portage and so far, no one have chased me with a knife or a gun yet. Most people are happy to see me apart from the newbies who don't know me....they just had the 'who the f**k is this person and why is he wondering around the hotel' face on with them.

Initially I was planning to leave work early and drive up so I can have the afternoon to take a bike or a kayak out to explore the place. THAT like always .... did not happen and I ended up staying at work for 2 hours extra in the end. By the time I picked up the Subi Station Wagon rental car, had breakfast and got ready, it was 09:30am (usually I'd be asleep by that time). I have prepared myself for the 5 hour drive by popping 2 No-Doz (caffine pills) and had a couple of espresso before leaving work just to make sure I don't fall asleep on the wheel. I might've had just a wee bit too much of it thus I am still rather awake with my bloodshot eyes after 26 hours of no sleep. MAD.....

The 5 hour drive also turned out to be a 7.5 hour journey as I have decided that I should take time and enjoy the things along the way this time rather than just rushing to get to the place like in the past. I had no set time that I need to be at the resort and it was a nice sunny day anyway.

So I started off looking at a few wineries just north of Christchurch in Waipara ..... Plenty on the way

For those drivers that needs reviving......hopefully not from death!

I also took a short stroll along the water front on

Kaikoura....what a perfect day

I'd hate to think what the people staying there looks like....beach whales perhaps? eeee...

Um...because I don't want to....

Now Steve, did you get your pie from this place???

A couple of giant crayfishes (lobsters) ... what Kaikoura is famous for apart from whales

Then I drove past a salt farm on the coast.....rather interesting....the lakes had all sorts of different colours....red, blue, white.....

It was time to refill the car and I was feeling slightly peckish so I got a MEAT PIE as well! Good old travelling food.

I got my meat pie, sat by the road and enjoyed the views of Marlborough

I wonder what else this 'shed' sells with a name like that .......

They are No1. What number we are?

Time to head into the magical Marlborough Sounds..... This is at Pelorus Sounds....Pretty isn't it?

The 30km of continious 1.5 lane winding road starts

One of the many gorgeous bays at Kenepuru Sounds

FINALLY.....arrived at Portage Resort Hotel

Discovered that no one is going to kill me so.... Te Mahia was cancelled :( .... I ended up staying over at the my old house that I was living in ... Free accommodation is always good.

Watched the sunset

Had a few drinks, ate an ice cream .... and now its time for bed after being awake for 30 hours @o@zzzz Crazy!

Until tomorrow.....

Portage Here I Come

2008-04-03T04:24:00.006+13:00

Well, not really seeing as I am not staying there. We've decided to stay at Te Mahia Resort, 15 minutes down the road just for my life's sake.....I've much rather stay at a place knowing that someone will not give me the evils when I walk pass them or try to kill me for stealing two of their staff member LOL .... On the bright side, it will be good with catch up with a few old, non-murderous friends that are still there.

Work has not been overly exciting over the last 3 nights as you can see ....

The hotel is less than half full and I have not seen a soul or a fly between the hours of 12am and 4am. BOOORIIING..... I tried to draaaaag my work and not work too fast but still managed to finish up everything at 3am, leaving me 4 hours to twiddle my thumbs and try not to die of boredom.

I did get a visit by the police (AGAIN) .... tonight because someone got beaten up .... one reason why I don't go out alone at night in Christchurch .... I also had to be mean and not let a very strange man bring his cat to stay in the hotel.....WHO BRINGS A CAT TO A HOTEL!! He had to lock the cat up in his car with a container of water which I gave him in the end..... silly man! He did ask whether he could let her run loose in my office though ..... apparently she'll just go to sleep ..... errr...yea right! Knowing my luck she will poop and pee everywhere and I'll have to spend my precious time cleaning it up.

Hmm... I shall try and update this later tonight if I get internet at all. Can you believe it??? They only have dial up internet there....AND ITS NOT EVEN FULL SPEED!! One reason why I will not live in isolated places again...... I'm looking forward to driving my new rental station wagon and pretend to be a big tough macho mover man for Salome and Charlie.... They haven't realised that I will just be supervising and not touching those heavy boxes of theirs hehehe. I'm hoping to beat all the rush hour traffic after work and hopefully won't be too tired for the 5 hour drive. I'll definately be taking those nasty nasty caffine pills that apparently is equivilent to 5 Reb Bull drinks so that I don't fall asleep.... Might just have to stop at every single cafe on the way :p ... Wish me luck =)

Hello Shoes. I've Finally Found You

2008-03-31T14:30:00.002+13:00

Well, seeing as you are so important Steve, I thought I might dedicate this post to you.

I've had a bad run with these new very nice black shoes, which I've bought for work but they've started fading white on spots around the edge and tip of the shoes after wearing them only 4 or 5 times.

As usual, instead of taking them back straight away and asking for a refund or replacement, I'd use my cleaver brain and attempt to fix the problem myself....not always a good idea. I started with black polish ..... didn't work ..... black shoe dye.....didn't work as well ... black sharpie marker pen DID work for one or two days before it started going purple on the areas I fixed LOL .... told you Steve, I did try the sharpie trick. Too bad it didn't work. Purple spots on nice black shoes....not a good look.

After I ran out of idea, I've decided that I'd just have to get off my lazy ass finally and go back to the store in the MALLS! ......(my favourite...not!) ... and try to get a replacement or money back. The pushy lady at the store did not believe me at the start and she blamed me for not looking after them ..... HOW RUDE! .... so, I've told her that I've bought way cheaper shoes and they've lasted more than 5 days of wear LOL ..... I wansn't going to give up easy and she had to give me a replacement. She got the wrong Asian to argue with I supposed. She'll never win.

So, I got my replacement and I had a feeling that it would do the same thing again anyway. What do you know ..... it happened to ONE of them after 2 wears. So off I went, back to the store and and this time I've had enough of them and wanted my $$$$ back ....... She believed me this time and I got my money back YAY! She probably knew that there was no point arguing with me after the last visit.

After that, I was work-shoeless and I HAD to go find new ones. Typical me, I wanted these shoes that did not have my size and in the end I had to visit every mall and every shoe shop in the whole of Christchurch to try and find ones that actually fit me. Well, it only took me 4 days to find them, just before I was going to give up and look for other ones.

So Steve, seeing as you've asked for it. I've posted some lovely pictures of my new shoes JUST FOR YOU hehehehe. Aren't you a lucky thing!

THE new shoes .....

It even comes with shoe bags ..... who'd use them??? They act as a buffing cloth as well though ;-)

and just to top it all off....new belt as well ....thanks Kerry and Daz for those =)

NOW, I'm all hotted up again with my new shoes and belt. I wonder what's next .......

Out with the Famdamily

2008-03-29T23:13:00.000+13:00

Tonight I'm actually awake enough to be sociable and entertaining, so we all went out together for a nice meal. Being such a control freak that I am, I have banned a few the few restaurants that the family always go to and we WILL have to try something different. Not to mention that I made sure they didn't cut the cake until today otherwise we wouldn't have had one.

We ended up having Indian at Mantra (Go there if you fancy Indian while you are in Christchurch). They always have great food, its clean and nicely decorated although the Indian chantings through the speaker can drive you a bit loopy sometimes. Down a bit of alcohol and you won't notice anything.

I was hoping that we will get the doopy waiter that we've had in the past but he obviously was not working tonight. He provides half the entertainment for the night and we just had to find alternative sources of entertainment I guess.

The food came out about 15 minutes after we've ordered when we were told that the wait was 45 minutes ...... nothing to complaint about so were were able to pack our bellies quicker. As usual, the food was fantastic and we always ended up eating too much.

.....Us before we stuffed our hungry pie hole.....

Then the CAKE came out.... Didn't really eat much....I was WAY too full

So we left Mantra all curried and caked up and I've decided that I'd take them all out into the town HAHAHA.... I thought I might start by taking them back to my work, WHAT BAR and show them around the hotel. They've always wanted to go in and have a look at the change because dad used to be one of those horrible tax man working in that building hahaha. No, he was probably one of the nice ones.

And so we wondered around, sat down and I downed some more alcohol in me ... in front of the non drinkers .... although I did try my best to spike their drinks for them .... didn't wooooorrk ....

It was just nice to sit down, enjoy the chats, the bar and the DJ for a while and not WORK. I lasted till 11:30pm before I got bored hahaha.

So it was beddies bye bye before midnight on a Saturday night....sad I know and the bar tab seemed suprisingly small, partly because I had to behave in front of the family.....Don't want to ruin my nice well behaved image in front of them ;-) Well, too bad if they read this and I'm sure they won't anyway...how often do they touch a computer?!?

Birthday Girl

2008-03-28T15:47:00.000+13:00

No, I'm not the birthday girl, its my younger sister Vivienne who is 15 today. As you all know, I'm such a charming, nice and thoughtful person that I always buy presents a week in advance.....NOT!

So...I finished work as usual at some un-godly hour in the morning.....7:30am .... rushed home to bed, hoping to get some sort of sleep before having to wake up early afternoon to go out and find some sort of gift for a teenager seeing as Barbies, Toy World and fluffy toys just don't cut it anymore. I would never buy such childish gifts for people anyway being the boring old fart that I am.

In the end, I had about 3 hours of sleep before the freakin neighbour's alarm started going off and even ear plugs did not helped this time. I was ready to go out there with my axe and hack it to bits.......So, I've decided that it was no use trying to sleep and got up with my puffy eyes and headed off to the MALLS!!! *shivers* ... thank god its not school holidays but its still frightening enough in there.

As usual, I did a loop around the mall, avoiding all the mothers with their push chairs, ankle biters and screaming babies and didn't really find anything that I thought was suitable for a 15 year old ..... See.... I do put thoughts into presents! I did manage to get my money back for the pair of shoes that I've taken back to the store TWICE already and then went off looking for a new pair instead doing what I was supposed to do originally.....whoops!...

As usual, I left the mall without anything and headed off to a shop called NOOD next to my work. As some of you may be aware that I am a noodist since last year ..... I get 25 - 50% off at this store as they are having a big sale at the moment which worked out quite well because I am a thoughful cheapo present buyer. In the end, I did manage to buy a huge bag of goodies for her which suprisingly she liked very much LOL. I suppose if you go somewhere call New Objects Of Desire and buy presents, you can't go too wrong. They are desirable afterall.

We were going to go out for dinner tonight but SOMEONE .... (not mentioning names).....got too tired from their big day, fell as sleep and could not wake up for it so we've all decided that we should do dinner tomorrow.

So yea .... Happy birthday to you Vivienne and can't believe you are still so .......young LOL .... Trust me, when you see her, she DOES NOT LOOK 15!!! .... so all you boys out there, STAY AWAY FROM HER!! ..... We will still try our best to buy more ugly clothes, less make up, less pretty shoes, not teach you how to drive and scare all the boys away from you. Don't we sound like selfish bastards hahahahaha.....

Mind you time does go quick and I still remember the day when dad called from the hospital and I had to give directions to my aunt to drive us there to meet the new addition to the family. Would you listen to an 8 year old me LOL ..... What were they thinking?!?!? .... So hurry up and get older, you can get into misbehave more and no one will really notice or care .... (I'm never a bad influence on younge people)

Now for some photos!

Then ....

....awww look at the cute goaty and the clothes, especially the hat ...... errrr ....

more of those hot clothes and sexy hat .... us poor kids...

ok ok...I'll stop being mean now.....pay attention to the couple in the background in this one .....

...in some tunnel-hole thing at school

...a pretend birthday. We even got the whole restaurant singing and they brought out this strange sweet crusty pastry thing with a candle on it.....HAHAHAHAHA .... you should try faking a birthday...its hilarious

Now...

.....us SuPOr Models

...........and a photo of the cake because we are Asians

.................................and thanks for viewing

Me me and More Me

2008-03-27T03:03:00.000+13:00

Well, I thought it might be time for me to catch up with the people of today and see what this blogging business is all about seeing as I've read a few, studied about them in college and that everyone I know seems to have one. I must say its a good way to let the world know what everyone is getting up to and keep in touch.

So.. this is what I look like if you havent seen me before....although the hair will probably look different or be in a different color tomorrow.

Growing up years...boring ...yawn....boring.... so I won't go into that......After my high school years, I've decided to enrol in a Swiss Hotel Management College because the years of working part time in hotel while I was at high school gave me the idea that it might be fun as a career option....I was very wrong HAHAHAHA ..... A bit too late now but I must say that I DO enjoy meeting the nice people that I come across with whether they are guests or co-workers. Not to mentioned the wild parties that we all put on ;-)

I supposed that I am relatively good with people and is probably quite good at my job after 7 years of working in the industry and perhaps I might want a change sooner or later. One can only work in hotels for so long before they drive you Koookoo in the head. Luckily that hasn't happened to me yet, thank god. The bad money in New Zealand hospo and the occasional horrible people you get to deal with doesn't help a lot as well. Why are some people so mean when they stay in hotels??? So there, if you are looking for someone that will work their ass off for you, give me a call now!!

This is where I had my first job in a hotel.....the Centra Christchurch (now Holiday Inn City Centre) ....no extra comments about this place .....errr

and the night clubbing and alcohol that went with it ..... I don;'t usually do that anymore because I don't drink.....*wink wink*...yea right! LOL

Then I went off to PIHMS, the hotel management school ..... in NEW PLYMOUTH!....still can't believed I survied there.....wait till you hear where I've been living recently. And yes I LOVED our bright blue uniform cause I look so crash hot in them! Why would I want to wear any other clothes?

and.... more of drinking and partying.....never any work done really

then I graduated college, thank Christ

and worked at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch

Millennium Queenstown

Park Royal Queenstown (now Crowne Plaza Queenstown)

Blax Espresso Bar

Portage Resort Hotel in Marlborough Sounds .... ou the Portage... now, THAT nearly drove me insane .... anyone who likes to work work work and live in total isolation.....go there. Amazing views though...I mean, c'mon look at it. Isn't it COOL?

..............and other places not worth mentioning LOL .... sorry!

But now, I'm the night manager at the new, funky and talk of the town of Hotel SO Christchurch. Pity about the job though. Who is mad enough to work overnights...grrr....

Check out the place if you are in town or have a squizz through the website http://www.hotelso.co.nz/ its pretty cool!

So there you go, just a wee bit about me and what I've been doing up until now. Pretty much work work work and more work .... sad but true

I'm dying out for my 3 week holiday to Malaysia in 19 days!!!! Can't wait. Hope you've enjoyed this and I haven't bored you to death yet. I'll make sure that the blog gets more exciting in the next few weeks.

Bye for now =)