Information Update

I've been missing again. Well a lot has happened in a month. It's not a short period. I've begun work though 3 weeks from mid march was training. To be precised I have started real work for about a week plus now. Trying to get the hang of things so it's a bit difficult. I really missed training and my batchmates who are all deployed to different client locations. I myself am in Shah Alam for about 3 weeks. The place is a bit on the outskirts.

More so I missed being a student. I totally understand now why people say its better being a student. Though studying may not be all fun but at least you have control of most of your time. When you work, a big part of your day is gone and you can never have enough time for leisure. At least not in my line of work. Times are bad now so you can't be choosy. Though something positive out of this, I am slowly knowing what I want to do. Currently my work doesn't rank high. But I guess just suck it up and live with it for now. Lol.

The 1st Experience camp was a blast. It was really great to know so many people from the batch and we actually had a couple of outings, all of which my friends and I have enjoyed very much. Wish it'd last longer. Most of the people were Australian graduates, due to the intake timing. There were only 6 of us from Sunway out of around 50 plus of the same line of service.People were nice and friendly, which is what we all want when we are out there, don't we?

My graduation, the first out of a few was just over. It was by the alma mater and it was an awesome feeling to reunite with all your friends and know where they are now. Most of them are in the big 4 firms which is good to know. But I was yet to find out people taking the less common route. The ceremony was as expected with a bit of flaws here and there but eventually turned out well. Most importantly my family was there to celebrate and share my achievement. Thanks Mum and Dad and sis!

So a brief update just to let you guys know I am still alive. Catch up soon.

Information Update

I just got back from a trip to Hainan in China. Just an idea of how it went: It was a tour group of 31, me being that 1 and 30 other senior citizens aged 60 and above. I had fever on the third day and diarrhoea on the last. Basically it did not go very well for me. I made back to Malaysia in one piece so that's something to be thrilled about.

I have great news though. I've passed my ACCA exams! It's a good thing that I'm done with my exams and can now focus on work. I am so happy some of my friends were able to make it with me: Lily, Wui Li, Su-N, Kristyn, Peilin, Sher Huey, Sharee and others whom I have yet to find out. We have all made it. But I was sad for some who did not. Mostly did not for one paper but I am sure they will make it for this coming sitting effortlessly. It is normally just a phase of failure in ACCA. I had my share back then.

Full time work is starting next Monday! Irman and Kristyn both complaints that they're not ready for work. So am I! Well when your friends are not makes you ask yourself if the feeling is mutual. I think we will find our way come Monday. It's a good thing PwC is putting us through a structured training first so we won't be at a lost.

Can't believe my 3 months break have passed me by just like that. The most fruitful thing being I learnt something from the short retail experience in February. Other than that, I've practically wasted it by lazing and dreaming away. It is time to put my act together and live an orderly life (that is if audit life can even be possibly orderly, which is quite unlikely). Currently it's pretty messy. Speaking of messy, so is my room. I can only justify by saying that I have not been able to really settle and stay there for good so there was no urgency to make it tidy and homely. Now I guess there is no more excuse. Which brings me to the house. It has brought me headaches and worries for weeks since early February. I can say that move in process is about 90% done and the remaining 10 being the little things that make the puzzle complete, though little yet so important for proper living. Prayyy that it can be done soon. Fingers crossed.

I will be back in KL early tomorrow morning. I have plenty to blog about and once I have settled I will sit on my new desk and blog away if I have the time. Take care guys. ^^

French Légèreté

I have been occupied with work recently, explains why I was off the radar a couple of weeks. I got the opportunity to take up a part time position as fashion sales consultant with a local fashion retail company holding franchise to French labels i.e. Givenchy, Lanvin, Lancel and Kookai.

Being interested in fashion retail, this short stint gave me an eye-opening experience. Unlike departmental stores and fast moving goods retailers, luxury retail operates differently. I learnt things from product knowledge to how to sell the goods, talk about the brand and understanding customers' needs. It was especially satisfying when a Singaporean customer thanked me for the good service although he did not buy anything. I was attached to Lancel in Suria KLCC for the past 3 weeks during the weekdays. Today was my last day. Time really flies.

Lancel is a French leather goods and accessories company specialised in making handbags, briefcases and luggages. Its competitors are folks like Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, Furla, Coach and etc. Apparently in France, Lancel is as famous as LV, if not more, with over 50 boutiques countrywide. Here in Malaysia it is relatively new and so most people here are unaware of the brand. Those who've been to France and appreciate quality luxurious leather goods know that Lancel have one of the best bags in town. Most leather handbags are handmade and handstitched in France. Besides the KLCC boutique, its flagship store is in Starhill Gallery, Bukit Bintang.

This is one of the signature bags, the Premier Flirt. I sold two of them. Famous award-winning French actress Isabelle Adjani is the ambassador of Lancel as she best portrays Lancel's spirit of "French Légèreté". She models it for the magazine spreads. Ensuring they don't leave out Asia, Lancel also found another ambassador to speak for them. Zhou Xun, also an award winning actress from China, was the best introduction line to China tourists oblivious to the brand.

Lancel pioneered unique designs like the drawstring bag. Most bags are donned with classic patterns and designs, making it a timeless fashion piece. But they also have kept themselves in trend with bright colours like Tangerine and this Fuschia.

I've noticed that Asians are generally obsessed with brand over other more important qualities of a product. Some designer bags are made of canvas and manufactured in China but yet some are willing to pay through their noses for it. The bags in Lancel are good buys for a luxurious brand but most think twice as Lancel does not ring a bell or rather bells of people they want to impress. Brand takes precedence over everything else therefore branding is crucial in the luxury goods business. Think Louis Vuitton. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE wants to bag an LV; genuine or fake, expensive or ridiculously expensive, big or small, shoes, belts or bags. The infamous monogram is everywhere and is a sure to be spotted when you are out and about. There is bound to be at least one walking billboard of LV in every mall in the city. If you don't, you're probably unlucky. Or should I say lucky?

The stint was truly a great experience. Thank you to my colleagues and the managers for the opportunity and guidance.

The Big 21

My being 21 is finally here. Not that I want it to come so soon and not that I don't want to ever grow up but it's one phase that I've finally come to accept. In fact, I don't feel much at all. It just feels like how it shoud be, normal. I thought it was going to be overwhelming that I'm finally, officially legal but no, just feels all right. Nothing has changed. Nothing physically but maybe showed some signs of aging. :(
But the events that accompany me being 21; finishing my course, getting a job and a new place to stay befits the celebatory 21.

Anyway, my friends and family throw me parties to welcome the big 21 and I thank them profusely. I hope it's not just another excuse to party lol.

Saturday was like an early reunion dinner with Uncle Kai Seng's family and so they make my birthday thing an add-on event. They should have made mine the main agenda of the night lol. But ya they were very sweet. Thank you mum and dad, sis and cousins, uncle and aunty.

This is my cousin Ching Mun.
And then there's with a few friends at Josephine. It's this new bistro and cafe in the old Parkson Ria aka Ipoh Garden Plaza. Looks quite a nice place and my sister and I were like, finally a decent place to sit and chat in Ipoh. But turned out the food and service were pretty bad. Heard it opened for just about a week so hopefully they'll improve by then or else it's just supporting evidence that KL-like businesses fail in smaller towns like Ipoh. Here I am trying to cut the cake. Thanks Myke for the cake, it's really nice.From left: Myke, Bernard, me, Suyin and Kee Loon. Thank you for gracing my birthday with your presence. Suyin was like so restless she can't wait to step out of the place and step into a bar or club. We ended doing venue hopping like the night before and eventually spent most of the time in Houz. They were playing songs from the 70s, 80s and chinese songs I've not heard since 10 years ago. Retro!

Speaking of which being 21, I decided that I have to do things that I have not done before. The recent being to Genting Highlands and going on thrill rides I have not been on. Being alone since my parents were not interested in theme park and having a complimentary ticket for my birthday, I wandered in the park and identified the rides I'd like to get on. Thinking when will I ever come into the theme park again I was like what the heck, just do it. The next thing I know I was seated on the Space Shot ride and being transported up 185 feet into the foggy sky.It was a very intensed ride. The anticipation of free fall (or was it faster?) at the top of the thing was teeth-teetering. I think we stay on top for about 8 to 10 seconds and the next moment you're being pulled down. Feel as though I was still up there a split second ago. Of course in all thrill rides you have to scream to let your excitement out. My butt lifted from the seat and I hate this part. Butt-lifting causes me to feel insecure. Guess whether this is before or after the ride? And I rode it twice. So was the Corkscrew. It was quite an achievement for me lol. The rides I took after these two were not as exciting. These two were among the most popular.

To slow it down a little I took the monorail ride as there was still some time. You may call it the caterpillar ride. I was in the same carriage as this family with a baby boy. He is the cutest thing I have seen lately and I can't help but to take a photo of him. I did compliment the parents that they have such a cute boy. Took some photos of the theme park. It was really foggy around. Only was able to take the Oscar guy's backside. And this is the indoor roller coaster. Used to be RM2 a ride now it's RM8!

Had this spring chicken with chicken essence for dinner at Gohtong Jaya. Was delicious. And then took some macro shots of the flowers. Beautifully colourful aren't they? And this is me being joyful with my faint attempt at a jump shot. But think it didn't work, it seemed more like I was standing on the edge instead of floating on air. Genting City of Entertainment ad campaign? Think Genting might turn into a ghost town if it does.

Oxford Brookes University Academic Awards Ceremony 2008

There will be a series of past events last year that experience delayed posting on this blog. And it's gonna start with this one : The Oxford Brookes University Academic Awards Ceremony aka Graduation Day held in Hotel Istana KL back in August. It was for the students who were awarded Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Accouting, as a result of successfully passing the Research and Analysis Project, a partnership between ACCA and OBU.

I was assigned to assist at the event by ACCA Malaysia. Arrived earlier than the celebrated, there was only Rachel and I as the rest could not make it. Thank god it was not a large scale event and we were able to do all we could to help. Met with the person in charged of the ceremony, Bridget Guiste from OBU. She was very friendly. We assist mainly with registration, welcoming and ushering of guests as the logistics were mostly settled by the hotel. The banquet hall with the sea of chairs. Bridget making sure everything is in order with the other representatives from OBU.

My sister was one of the graduates and so my parents were there as well. It was kind of a bonus I get to assist and so i get to witness the ceremony as she was allowed to bring only 2 guests. So I juggled my duties with running off to see them and take the family photo. This other family was taking theirs. The photographer prompted the mum to smile more for the camera.We managed to take a couple of photos in the hall. Here's to dad for guiding and inspiring his kids to take a similar career path as his. And one for the family.She was all smiles as she is now a graduate. If it isn't obvious in the photo, I was very happy for her. Also met some of her friends like Beatrix and Sim Yee.
Rachel left about an hour before the ceremony as she has an appointment, leaving me alone to assist. The hall was slowly filling up with graduates donning mortar boards and gowns.Bridget asked me to take charge of the music coordination i.e. cueing the music and opening the doors for the VIPs i.e. the Chancellors and professors and the same thing when the ceremony ends. And so I was walking around with a walkie-talkie. I nearly screwed it for the beginning part as I was told to stop the music when they were seated. Turns out they will sit only when the music stops. Hence the beginning may have seemed odd but lucky I stopped it in time.

The ceremony took a while as there were many graduates, each waiting for their turn to walk up the podium and receive scrolls from the Vice Chancellor. The VC remained all smiles after giving out countless scrolls. There was 1 man who graduated with an MBA also a partnership between ACCA and OBU. He came from Vietnam if I was not mistaken.

The ceremony ended about 2 hours later and I cued for the music to accompany the VIPs out of the hall. And my job was done. Tea was served and I was starving by then as I did not have lunch. We had photos with the professors and the VC before they left.
Bridget and Lucy thanked me for my helped and handed me a token from OB Business School. I was grateful to be able to take part in this ceremony and be part of the experience. They look forward to seeing me the next ceremony when it is my turn to receive the scroll.

The "after party" was in Pavilion KL. Who am I kidding, there will be no "party" party when you're with family. We just went there for dinner and since mum and dad have not been there thought we dropped by. And so it was one of the good days for our family. Congrats sis! You deserve it. :)

Information Update

I have been superbusy when back in Sunway after exams. Also lonely, the fact that Monash students left for their long break and most ACCA were on theirs as well. For me, I was mainly back to settle a couple of things. I attended interviews and relied on Eu Jhin's place to avoid traffic in the morning. The interview process was gruesome. After all it is my first time attending job interviews and obviously I had to take it seriously. They went well and I was offered a position by both firms but had to say no to KPMG as it was logistically impossible.

To my delight, I got an offer from PricewaterhouseCoopers too and I accepted it as this firm is one of my choices. But I believe you can learn abundant from any Big 4 firms. Most of my friends were already recruited by Ernst & Young before the exams so there were not many left to go for PwC. Work starts in mid-March so I have quite a long break. Most friends start in February which is just nice. But I was encouraged by friends and family, mostly the working class, to take a long break before embarking on my career, a long road ahead. I know where this is coming from. Sides, I finished my course early, an extra month break is justifiable.

But I am already starting to get bored having nothing to do. I would like to try do a part-time stint. It would be an experience since you’ll never get a chance to do it when you start your full time job. It’s also nice to know whether you are capable to do jobs like this. Anyone has any interesting positions to offer me? Or any freelance jobs or events? You’re probably looking for the right person here. *wink*

Speaking of which, the financial crisis is such an untimely situation. Initially, my friends and I eyed Singapore as our employer but the economic situation there is currently bleak. Retrenchment, headcount freeze and paycuts are happening from what I heard. In fact, the whole world is going through a hard time. 2009 is going to be worse. The figures and forecasts don’t lie. 2009 is a trying time for world politicians and economist and hopefully they can get us out of this mess. The sad part is retrenchment. Families are going to suffer with no regular income. Eventually, most of us postponed the idea of working there and settled for employment here. We’ll wait till times get better. Now is actually not a very good time to graduate. But we are thankful we still get a job at times like this.

I have finally packed and moved out of my condo. I didn’t realise I have so many things in my room till I unpacked everything. Thank god my roomie left and no replacement yet. My things were all over. This is only a fraction of my wardrobe. I did my shifting out by phases so it won’t be like a disaster when trying to move everything in one day, which is not possible. With some nagging and shouting here and there, let’s just say the move out process turned out quite well.

I’m no more bound to rules, curfew time, restrictive behaviour, poolside café food (which I have been taking 2 years but realised it wasn’t so bad after all) and sharing a room. I actually miss the condo mostly for its convenience and location near my favourite mall, Sunway Pyramid. I never got tired of it since its renovation. I think it has a good mix of tenants for the right demographic. Its unique architecture makes it an attraction for foreign tourists especially from the middle-east and TVB Hong Kong’s favourite location for their Super Trio Show.

During the December holidays, I hung out with friends mostly in malls watching movies and having meals. Here we were having a tough time deciding where to eat lol.The outings were mostly after interviews which means I have been to Mid Valley Megamall for a couple of days consecutively. Personally I don’t really like it there, I don’t know why. I think it is because the ceilings are low. Call me weird but space is crucial in the retail business. Sides, the layout is bad with a centre court and four wings spanning from it, means shoppers have to come all the way back to centre to venture into another wing, which to a not regular visitor like me, is confusing. The Gardens Mall just opposite however is better, but because it is mainly high fashion, not everyone can afford to shop there. But with these two malls combined, the Mid Valley City has virtually every fashion outlet you are looking for. They have a strong combination of departmental stores i.e. Metrojaya, Jusco, Robinson’s, Isetan. The only one missing was Parkson.

So I have watched more movies than usual during December to kill time. Twilight, Bolt, The Day The Earth Stood Still, Wild Child, Ip Man, Transporter 3, Yes Man, Bedtime Stories. They all made good entertainment. Bolt is interesting and the character is painfully adorable. Animations now are no more cartoons of yesteryears. The people behind Disney and PIXAR (now under Disney) are very talented and it's good they are not only targeting the younger audience but adults alike with their intelligent script. Ip Man (as in Yip Mun and not I. P. Man like I thought initially) is also an entertaining martial arts film. Though set in the 40s during the Japanese occupation, it does not revolve solely on martial arts like Wong Fei Hong or something. It has an interesting screenplay.

House hunting was very stressful at first. Trying to find a suitable place to accommodate everyone at a reasonable price is not a walk in the park. Thank you Joshua and Tiger for doing most of the work at first. In the end they found a house in SS2 and decided that it is the way to go as condos are expensive. We saw this house we thought was the right one but there were a couple of things that was an eye sore, like the ancient and dirty toilets. My parents disapprove of it.

But thank god they found another one nearby so we don’t have to start from scratch. This looks much better and with more rooms it can accommodate all of us. It’s got a new coat of paint. The only shortcoming is it is not furnished at all, so we’ll have to buy quite a number of things when we move in. SS2 is a strategic location but very densely populated. There will be jams. So, we will have to learn to get used to the life in the Klang Valley.

So that’s what I’ve been up to during December. Having so many to do, I barely have time to blog. I will have now as I am back in Ipoh and have nothing much to do. But the internet got cut so I am now waiting for it to come back. I realised that the internet has become an indispensable part of my life. Well not yet as basic need of my life, but without it things get extremely difficult. It’s like I loose touch with the rest of the world. I am sure you all can relate to that.

I will be at the Star Education Fair at the ACCA Pavilion in one of the Exhibition Halls in KL Convention Centre this Saturday and Sunday 10th and 11th January 2009. Look for me if you guys are there aite!

Happy New Year! Have a good one ahead! Cheers!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! Amazing isn’t it, how the holiday season comes so fast, it is that time of the year again. Christmas is giving, sharing, shopping and food, at least to me. I thought my Christmas Eve would be one of those mundane nights spent alone in my condo. Counting on my super busy sis to hang out with was pretty illusional. Maybe a little over-dramatised, but I was about to be proved wrong.

Hope was bleak at first when she flooded my inbox with her blardy tired day at work etc. Don’t take me as a cold person not sympathising over her situation but I am just a little numb with that lol. Anyway she did come to pick me for dinner. Oh wait, now I remember what I did earlier of the day.

It was quite a whole day for me too. I went to KL Sentral to settle my employment stuff and medical check-up. I have not had lunch as I was in a hurry to see a friend. In fact, she was THE friend. She dropped by on her way back to Ipoh. She’s none other than Miss Ch’ng. Supposed to meet her in KLCC 3pm as told earlier so I scheduled everything else to accommodate that time.

Got a text about noon in the bus to meet an hour earlier, which was practically impossible. I hurried but KL traffic and unreliable transportation was not any help. Reached KLCC at 3, she wasn’t very happy to have waited but there was nothing I could do. We chatted a while and later grabbed a bite. Our meet up was so short as her brother came to pick her. They left about 4 to beat the jam, and left me alone in the upscale mall.

I hung out in the mall to wait for sis to finish work. Did not feel like going all the way back to Sunway and have her pick me again. So I went window shopping and bargain hunting but affordable buys are scarce in this kind of malls. If you haven’t already known, there are 3 especially upscale malls in Malaysia i.e. Suria KLCC, Pavilion KL and The Gardens Mall in Mid Valley. These are the shopping destinations of loaded and flamboyant fashionistas, celebrities and high society. Maybe Bangsar Village is in the list too, but beats me cause I’ve not been there yet.

So I hit the departmental stores instead, which recently occur to me is a good place to shop. There’s Isetan and Parkson. The Parkson here and in Pavilion offer higher end retailing. The one in Pavilion attempts to emulate Saks Fifth Avenue. Elsewhere, home-grown Parkson can be found everywhere, an industry leader of the departmental stores in Malaysia. Isetan from Japan, on the other hand has outlets in KLCC, Lot 10 and The Gardens Mid Valley. It is known to have exceptionally good discounts at random sales periods. Their supermarket also has a variety of imported food and confectionery.

I reached PJ at close to 8. Sis and I went to the Korean BBQ restaurant in SS2, far from the city where everyone was heading for the Christmas countdown. She hates crowds. Me too, but I’m more tolerant of such than my family members. We had barbecue, both pork and beef, and were served a variety of greens and soups. They all came with a hefty price tag, which we did not realise till the tab came lol.

Initially intending to call it a night, it all changed when her friend invited her to a gathering in TTDI. That’s Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, an area supposedly resided by the elite. Headed to Modesto’s at Tao in TTDI Plaza. A little nightspot decorated with bee hive-like joss stick, Buddhist style, hence the name perhaps. Music was alright, mostly mainstream, my type.

We hung out and chatted. Most were already working and seemed like I was the youngest of the crowd. Later, the people from Durex came to distribute condom samples. I found it amusing, though not totally astonished as I’ve come across that from movies and hearsay. In a way it’s good that they promote safe sex. “If it’s not ON the answer is NO” was on the coasters they were giving out, I find that pretty cool.

Yes, the countdown to Christmas was happening right there, about half an hour after we arrived. It was just like any other countdowns I’ve been, but a little weird with my sis at a place that is not really her type. But it was funny to see her ‘fun’ side. I thought that was it for the night until she asked if we want to follow her friends to another place. They were going to change spots. Solaris at Mont Kiara. I was like why not, it’s not like your sister takes you to places like this everyday, not to mention two a night lol.

There, we met a long-time-no-see friend, Cindy, from school. My sis and she jumped in delight seeing each other. They caught up with each other. The crowd was hyper like highly intoxicated. The level of sobriety was almost zero in that club. The DJ talked trash and leaves me going huh? It's alright to drink and have fun but what totally turns me off is those who get so drunk till they become violent-vomit-shooting semi-unconscious zombies. Please, know your limit and have some self-control. We did not stay for long.

Being late into the night, sis drove home and we were hunting for road signs pointing to PJ, Subang Jaya or Bandar Sunway. Driving in KL if you’re not familiar with the roads can be frustrating and scary. But again always have a full tank, then you’re quite safe. So that was my Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day was not as interesting but I was looking forward to dinner at Aunt Moh See’s in SS2. Almost the whole family was there and Uncle Loh cooked. He has good culinary skills. There were stuffed turkey (bought from Victoria Station if I’m not mistaken), pasta, oxtail soup, salad, potatoes, and fish-head curry (I know, a little out of the western dish but it was there anyway).

The food was satisfying but what was better was the chat. The Leong family has very “entertaining” chats which I enjoy a lot. But sometimes when you’re the subject being talked about, it may not be as entertaining lol. I mean we’re family, we talk about things. I guess that cannot be helped. And none family gathering is complete without family snapshots. Everyone was busy adjusting their cameras for timed auto-shoots. There’s Yue Meng trying to find a good view with his. One for the album. Smile!
I had a good Christmas this year. No presents though since it’s not really our thing and with the recession already here, everybody is finding an excuse to save haha. How did you spend your Christmas? Almost half of the world I know spent it in Singapore. Were you there? Tell me if it turned out to be a super crowded island. Cheers!

Penang

Like I said previously I was going to be in Penang for the weekend right after my exams. For a wedding dinner of my dad's friend's son. A doctor. Marrying a pharmacist. Complementary couple. The trip was not mainly focused on that. I was there to wind down a little.

Pearl of the Orient is a food heaven. Personally, I think Ipoh is better. Ok let me put it this way. Penang has nice delicacies but Ipoh offer delicious cuisines. Our lunch stop was Penang Road for Char Kway Teow (Fried Flat Rice Noodles). I ordered mixed with Mee (Noodles). And Penang Laksa. I think it is one of the best place to have laksa. Then dessert was Chendol. It was a stall outside the shop and it was super crowded. Craziness. I suspect they are outstation folks, must be from KL. No surprise as the same is in Ipoh, we locals have no chance at eating our own food as it would be infested by KLites. More so when it is the school holidays now.

Went to Queensbay Mall for retail therapy. It is one of those malls emulating malls in KL. I think it is trying to be like 1 Utama. With familiar labels like Esprit, Forever 21, Guess, G2000, GAP, MNG, Padini Concept Store and Quiksilver/Roxy, any avid shopper would immediately recognise this combo. Shopped a little myself, basically for my work wardrobe. Got quite a good deal from G2000 with my suit, similar to my sis's last year. Mum said we have some kind of fate with this particular store.

Paddington House of Pancakes, no stranger to KLites is also available here. It was my first time giving it a try and I loved it, since I have a sweet tooth. The ingredients given were generous and so my dad had to be generous too when it comes to footing the bill. Ya but it was delicious. Forgotten what are the names of these though.

The wedding dinner was in Evergreen Laurel Penang. The reception was messy. It started really late, the food was served late, with irregular intervals, the event was not well-planned, we couldn't watch the photos presentation and you guessed it, it ended late almost 11. It was still alright since we were not in a rush to anywhere. But the wait was quite dreading as we did not eat before we came.

Morning breakfast before we left was at some restaurant. The really unique preparation of steamed fish with Kway Teow. There was another one, vermicelli soup with fish, as well but no photo. It was nice too.

So spent two nights in Penang. Missed the Gurney Drive food though. Not enough time. Will be back some day. Been quite long did not go to Batu Ferringghi, a tourist attraction with resorts and hotels spanning along the long stretch of beach. The last time was in 2004, during my prefects' leadership camp if I did not remember wrongly, before the Tsunami. One of the best times of my school life.

Back in Ipoh, had to host my cousin and her 3 girl friends from Sitiawan. Here to hang out 2 nights. I was the driver but was alright. And featured dish from Ipoh is the Beef Noodle. Look at the beef balls, at only 50 cents per ball. The soup is totally tasty. Place? The row of hawker stalls behind Sam Tet, opposite Esso and Shell station. Been eating this for a long time. Owner saw me grow from kid to now. You can only imagine.

Am back in Bandar Sunway now, preparing for interviews and packing getting ready to move out. Also finding a new place to stay. More in the next post. :)