My new favourite past time

Yes, you are right. I have been polishing my culinary skills. You can follow my progress in this blog. I can guarantee that all food posted are certified to be of good quality and were tested by "professionals". The products for today are:

Fettucini with Garlic and Anchovies

Butter Cake

Oh! I forgot to mentioned that I prepared the filling for Vietnamese Spring Roll last Sunday and invited some friends over. It was so hillarious as everyone was trying to get his spring roll right. Ha hah!

Hainanese Chicken Rice in Brizzie

It never occured to me that I will have the opportunity to savour this dish here in Brisbane. No, it is not that I found a restaurant that sells this. My room mate, Leon, actually cooked it tonight! Ha ha, don't be jealous. I know that it is extremely rare anyone can enjoy a home cook Hainanese chicken rice.

I really have to take my hat off to him. It was good! The chicken was good, the rice was good, the soup was good and even the chilli sauce was spot on! The meal even came with Chinese tea. Hah! And good companies - Leon, Daryl and Kit Haw.

This house is slowly turning into an eating joint. We had cakes for the last two weekends, popiah on last Wednesday and Hainanese chicken tonight. We will be attempting Vietnamese spring roll tomorrow. And possible fried kueyteow in the future!

Geez, no time for books! Except cook books! Ha hah!

Flourless Hazelnut Chocolate Cake + Agar-Agar

Apricot Chocolate Chip Cake

http://www.mamak.com.au/

This "mamak stall" is opened by a Malaysian, an Ipohan, a Michaelian near Sydney's chinatown. The food is pretty good and the price is "good" as well. Try guessing what I ordered.

Nasi lemak with kari kambing

Nasi lemak with kari ayam

Maggi goreng

Roti pisang

Pasembur

Sandboard racing at Anna's Bay

The contenders posed for a group photo. The representaive of USA is with finger problem. The other three contenders (from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide) are with eye complications. Only the participant from Brisbane is normal!


On your mark, get set, GO!


The race was won by the participant from Brisbane!

Sydney Invasion! Who did I meet?

Kenny - An aspiring Electronics Engineer, currently studying in the University of New South Wales (UNSW). I last saw him about two years ago, when he was undertaking internship in Agilent. He still looks and behaves the same.

Sean and Kenny, overlooking Opera House

Ryan - An old friend. We have know each other for 21 years since primary one and in the same class all the way to SPM. Has always been a strong competitor in academic, topping the class numerous time but I got the last laugh in SPM. Moved to Sydney 1.5 years ago and now working hard to sell Sydney to the rest of us. I guess he needs more 'kakis' there. Hosted me for the entire week.

MJ - Another old friend, also known each other for 21 years. We studied similar course in undergraduate but in different universities and worked for the same company but in different departments. We accidentally met each other in Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco, attending similar event in Tokyo and now holidaying together in Sydney. I guess we will probably bump into each other in Europe the next time.

Yoon, MJ, Adrian, Sean, Jasmine, Alexis and Ryan, at Port Stephens

Adrian - I call him Moo. Probably know him only in form 2, when he got promoted from "M" to "S". A prefect but always get into trouble with the teachers, ha hah. A fun friend, helped me to booked the flights to/from Sydney. I tried to get to him to sponsor my tickets, but I got a few Baroccas instead. Thanks anyway. Now, working hard to build his already fit body. Girls, beware!

Yoon - Our dearest and de facto class monitor for 5 years. He always won hands down, no voting required. Loves cars. Loves to draw. I still remember a comic strip he produced for the school magazine regarding some of our teachers. It was hilarious. Currently an architect base in Adelaide, promised to design a house for me when I have a plot of land. Might be moving away from Adelaide in the next year.

Jasmine - A not so old friend, heard about the name back in secondary school, as Ryan's girl. Only met her few years back. She was from the HOT school girl in Ipoh. Apparently she knew me by name too (well, I was famous!). Now married to the high school sweetheart and a mother to Alexis. Certainly a wonderful friend, introduced me to pretty girls.

Sharon - Jasmine's ex-colleague in Price Water House. Joined us for a day to Port Stephens.

Sharon and Sean, sand dune at Anna Bay

Hwei Meen - Old friend of Yoon and Adrian. Joined us for a day around the city.

Sean and Hwei Meen, outside Mamak in the city

Brain drain - from Dr Hsu

The most important asset of a country is not its natural resources, but rather human resources. This is especially true in a knowledge based economy, which of course will be the trend in future if not already the trend in most of the western countries.

To read on: http://hsudarren.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/racial-politics-and-brain-drain/

Fix You

When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home,
And ignite your bones,
And I will try to fix you,

High up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down on your face
And I

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down on your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

-Coldplay-

It is different!

I had been resisting this temptation since I am here, but finally, I conceeded tonight - first taste of Maggi Mee instant noodle (curry flavor). I was expecting that it is the same as back home, but OMG!, it is so different. The flavor was tremendously diluted! Ah ... I miss the Maggi Mee back home!

At this moment, I feel disappointed, betrayed and unsatisfied. And I made a pledge to myself not to indulge into Maggi Mee noodles here, which cost 6x more. Geram!!!

Banda is hot!

I had so much fun dancing banda today. Awesome!

"Tan Hong Ming"

The TV commercial entitled Tan Hong Ming, conceptualised and directed by local advertising creative director and filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad, has won three awards (two gold and one bronze) at the 2008 International ANDY awards in New York.

Blood drained in a caravan

I think I am a "blood-donation" addict. It was such a joy yesterday, that 470ml of blood was finally drained from my veins. I know, I know. You must be thinking that I am a FREAK.

Here is where the blood donation took place, in a mobile center that is stationed in the university every month for 4 days:

And this is how how arm was bandaged. I feel it's a bit exagerated. See how happy I am!

Art of joyful management

This is an article I found very meaningful, that I forwarded this to some (well, many actually) of my ex-colleagues on my last day two months ago.

Note: You might need to download this to read the contents.

What to do if your curry chicken gets too hot?

My first attempt to cook curry chicken is a total failure. It is too hot, almost not consumable. What should I do (except getting rid of it)? Any idea?

Chicken Tonight

Experimented new recipes, which turns out pretty good. At least my room mate says so.

• Indian butter chicken with chickpeas
• Fried broccoli and carrot with tofu and dried shrimp
• Honey lemon

Upcoming blood donation drive

Received an email today from HYS, on the upcoming blood donation drive. I might sound crazy to you, but I will miss this quarterly event dearly.

Dear Members,

The Hui Yin Seh Metta Blood Donation Group's 142th Blood Donation Campaign :

Date : 23/MAR/2008 (Sunday)
Time : 9:00am ~ 1:00pm
Venue : Hui Yin Seh
700H Jalan Lintang, Air Itam, 11500 Pg.

Donation Date : 20/4, 25/5, 29/6, 27/7, 24/8, 21/9, 19/10, 16/11, 14/12

note : a souvenir will be presented to the 30,000th pints donor.

All are welcome.

Hui Yin SehMetta Blood Donation Group

NB: Volunteers from Island Hosp is pretty GOOD.

Fun, fun, fun in Dreamworld

Dreamworld is located about an hour south of Brisbane. It is a themepark, pretty similar to a combination of Six Flags and Disneyland in US (not in term of size, but the activities). URL: http://www.dreamworld.com.au/.
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Had a fun day with 7 cool mates - KC, Melissa, Joseph, Jackie, Jan-Erik, Calvin and Joshua. All from Singapore, except Jan-Erik (Norway). We started at 8.30am and bid goodbyes only at 9.00pm.

I risked my life on most of those trilling rides offered, except for The Claw. It is not that I am afraid, but extreme spinning and me just does not work. See this video:

My favourites are Tower of Terror and Wipeout.

We ended the day by having the famous pancake in Brizzy, Pancakes at the Manor. What a sweat end to an exciting day!

It was nice hanging out with you guys. Thanks!

Famous 24-hr pancake house in Brizzy

Had dinner at Pancakes at the Manor along Charlotte Street. This place is recommended by many. URL: http://www.pancakemanor.com.au/.

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I had "Brandied Appricot" - Two buttermilk pancakes served with apricots marinated in brandy with cream and ice cream. Yum yum! The apricots taste so goooood!

From the eyes of Citycat

Some pictures I took on the Citycat this morning. Boarded from Guyatt Park at 7.51am and alighted from North Quay at 8.02am.

And here is a short video on my way back just 30 minutes ago. Party is being held on a chartered-boat along Brisbane River.

Yesterday's dinner

So you think you can dance?

Love this routine, and this song - Fix You by Coldplay.

http://dance.ten.com.au/video.htm?vxSiteId=9b17c1fc-fc27-4dec-a670-aef4cdbd0e81&vxChannel=Wk04SundayPerf&vxClipId=2305_D138TT090308&vxBitrate=300&CMP=LEC-DANCEgetVideoLink

Quote from Neil Khor of Malaysia Kini

"Koh Tsu Koon could not even decide on who was going to lead Penang. The electorate responded and wiped out Gerakan!"
From: http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/79573

I find the above statement so amusing, yet so true. If you remember, a little while before election, there was a debate on who from Gerakan should become the next CM. Probably too much of guessing game, is not good. The people got fed up, BN lost the state government, AND, good news for Koh - You don't have to decide!

Food, food, food ....it's all about food today

Early this morning ... went to West End Market with KC and Raymond. Quite an effort, as I need to walk, take citycat, take bus and walk again. But it's worth the effort as I get to save a bit for fresh vegetables, fruits and meat. West End Market is only open on Saturdays. This morning, I think I bought 2-3 weeks of supply with $30. Here are some pictures of West End Market.



In the afternoon, I went to Sunnybanks' 小台北 with Jessica and 丁丁. I have to take 3 buses to get there. Argh. And I spent close to $70 here on Chinese sundries, e.g. red dates, herbal soups, mug beans, red beans and ingredient for "tong sui". Sounds expensive? But that's for probably 2-3 months. So, I guess it's alright. Here is a "group photo".

After all the hardwork, I cooked myself a nice, decent meal. Really happy ... and I bought some Oolong tea. Just told Yee Ping that I am enjoying the tea from my beloved tea pot that I bought from Japan. It completes me ... sounds familiar?

Malaysia Decides 2008

Although I am not physically located on Malaysian soil, I do follow closely on news and happenings en-route to the big day tomorrow. And I would like to share this piece of opinion: http://www.malaysiakini.com/opinions/78994, from Malaysia Kini website. This is just part 1 of 3.

Yesterday, I attended Macroeconomics lecture, focusing on GDP and productivity. As the lecturer was going through examples on South East Asia nations, Malaysia was not one of them. We looked at Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. And I have this question in my mind:

Back home, Malaysian economy growth for the past few decades was lauded as the best in the region, but it seems that, it is not even worth being mentioned as an example. What does that say?

Well, I know, this is lame as those are just examples. But this question just stick to my mind, until now!

Please...vote wise-rocket-ly.

Chinatown in Brissy, a disappointment

Had a trip to Chinatown with some Singaporean friends yesterday.

I had a lot of expectation, as I am a fan of Chinese herbs and hoped I can get loads of them there. However, it was such a disappointment.

There were only a few Chinese herb shops and the products seem to be overpriced. And that place does not give me the "Chinatown" feel. Crap! The one in Frisco is sooooo MUCH better. Well, here's a picture of that place.

Crappy Chinatown! I hope I can get what I want in 小台北- Sunnybanks.

Short tour of my new place

My bedroom (picture taken from the door). Bed and matress are supplied. I bought the pillow from Kmart at AUD7.50 (ouch!). Bedsheet and pillow case from Penang days. My parents bought that duvet from China, really warm me up during the cold nights (and days).

Still my bedroom (picture taken from my bed). Study/computer table provided. And the rest are my stuffs. Outside the door are the stairs to the bathroom (up) and to the dining area (down).
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The bathroom. I am sharing this with an Australian housemate.

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Stairs to the dining area. Refrigerator at the end, dining area on the left and kitchen & laundry room on the right.

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Dining area. Well, we only use two chairs, so the rest of the table is for "stuffs".

Living room. Big 52-inch HDTV from LG. Well, there is no cable TV, just 5 local channels. My favourite program to date is "You think you can dance", Australia version. Every Sunday 7.30-9.30 pm.

Kitchen (top right). It is equiped with possibly most gadjets needed to cook.

Garlic rice with ABC soup for dinner

I am impressed with myself. The food not only looks nice, it tastes great! Only those who happened to travel with me to US might know. Ha ha!
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What? Want to try some? Do book the next flight out to Brizzy. I have some white peaches waiting for you as dessert! Cheers, mate!

Three "first" in Brisbane

First shopping spree. Went to DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) at 1 Airport Road. A 2-hour journey, one way . It was not planned, I just suddenly decide to go after lunch because of my need for some sport apparels. After a 3-hour shopping spree, I spent AUD130 on a pair of Fila running shoes, 2 shirts, 2 shorts for sports and another 2 for classes (yes, we can wear short pants to lectures here). How I wish I was earning AUD for the past few years ... sigh.
URL: http://www.dfo.com.au/

First citycat ride at night. What's a citycat? It is a "ferry taxi" and it operates along Brisbane river near the city. I have taken citycat numerous times, but this is the first after dark. It was nice, especially when the cold wind blows over my face while the boat sped through the river. The scenery was beautiful, and it was a bit romantic, except that I was not with anyone. Well, I guess I could imagine.
URL: http://www.translink.com.au/qt/TransLin.nsf/index/ferry_main

First time eating Nando's outside Malaysia. Well, nothing much to say, as it is the same. But there is another "first" - I met my other housemate, Scott, for the first time. He just came back from holiday in Europe. While having dinner, Leon (my other housemate), invited me to a cricket game between Australia and India next Tuesday, but I can't make it. Have classes. Perhaps next time.

Cricket, I have no idea what it is. Took a crash course using Wikipedia just moments ago, but I guess I need to watch the game to understand. Well, it is one of the most popular sports in Australia. So, I better learn up.
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket

Boarding Air Asia at Penang Airport

Such a sweet, loving couple - Teena & Ranald

My first day at school

Hmm, how does it feel like going back to school after 6 years? One word:

SLEEPY

Anyway, it didn't really get off a good start at the very beginning. Firstly, I have to walk to school in the raining. It's not heavy rain though, just drizzle. Then, I got lost, trying to figure out where the lecture room is. The school is a bit like a maze, probably that is what makes it amazing.

Alright, found the lecture room. However, the air-con is not working. So, it was stuffy and hot thoughout the 3 hour session. I really pity the lecturer, he was sweating so heavily. But he got my respect too, he kept lecture going.

Today is a Finance class. We were lectured about present value (PV), future value (FV) and annuity. Does it ring a bell to you?

Anyway, soon after class, I head to the library and borrow the first book, on Statistics. That's for tomorrow's lecture. And as I walked back just now, the rain hasn't stop. Haih. However, I love this temperature, a bit cooling, but minus the rain.

And I am cooking spaghetti for tonight. Yummy, I hope. Want some?

Happy Birthday Sean!

Good day, mate!

Wow, it's been a month since I wrote anything. Well, I have been busy handing over stuffs at work, preparing for CNY and also getting ready for my departure. Limitation to internet connection also crippled my efforts.

I am now sitting on the floor near the Social Sciences and Humanities Library in St Lucia campus, University of Queensland. Not that I want to, but I got chased out due to a fire alarm. I am now waiting for the green light to enter the library. I am running out of battery!

I have been staying at a backpackers for 7 days now. This place is a bit dodgy but still considered clean. I usually goes out at about 9am and come back only at night, for shower and sleep. Now, a bit of update on events for the past week.

Day 1 - 16th Feb 08

Touched down at 9.30am. Reached backpackers in the city at 11.30am. No, the journey from airport to the city does not take 3 hours. You see, I booked this UQ reception service, which includes airport pick-up and transportation to accommodation. But not only me, there were other students too. Therefore, it takes time to drop everyone off. Along the way, I made my first 3 friends in Brisbane - Mark (Singapore), Karina (KL) and Geraldine (Johor).

Day 2 - 17th Feb 08

In the morning, I was walking towards the city. And on the way, I made my next four friends - KC (Ipoh), Raymond (China) and Terence & Wilson (HK).They were on their way to the city too. So, I tagged along and had my first lunch with them - Hungry Jacks (Burger King in the rest of the world).

I bought a prepaid SIM card. After conducted survey with 3 networks, I chosed 3. The others are Optus and Vodaphone. If you want my number, email me!

Later that evening, we helped Terence & Wilson to move to their new place in Sunnybanks. It is is Zone 3, a bit far for me. And it smells Indian in that house. And there are 2 pet dogs.

Day 3 to day 6 - 18th Feb 08 to 21st Feb 08

Orientation week, so has been busy attending all sort of briefings. Although some of them are boring, but I have to give credit to the university that everything was conducted very professionally. It makes me so welcomed here.

Also, during these days, I have been hunting for a place to stay for the semester. It is hardwork and exhausting because:

• Rooms availability is limited. The university has a website where students post any vacant rooms for rent. That is my main reference. And it is like watching share market. Have to be quick to view the place as it can be taken up anytime.
• Many other students are without accommodation. This leads to demand is higher than supply (for rooms near to university). This caused price increase. Some lessors even take advantage of this situation and accept bidding.
• Dodgy queenslander house or modern townhouse. Most houses around is of the queesnlander type. Huge house, made of wood and you might hear possums running on the roof at night.
• Room mates.

However, this is a great experience as I get to know the suburns and roads around St Lucia. Also good exercise, as I believe I walked more than 3 km everyday. And yes, I am slimmer now. Ha ha!

Day 7 - today

It's my 28th birthday. And I found a place to stay!

Four more days to go

Hmm. How do I feel now that the count is down to 4 now? I was asked at least 5 times this morning.

Of all the feelings I am having now, being excited is the top of the list. Honestly, having a chance to start a new life in a place far, far away from home excites me. Thinking of all the new life experiences I will gain at the new place is pulling me away from where I am sitting. The fact that I need to be 101% in control of my life is something I am very much looking forward to. I just can't wait!

I am also starting to miss my dear family and all my friends. I will miss all the travellings, celebrations, hangouts, makan sessions, card/board game sessions, hiking sessions, drinking sessions and other. But I'm sure, with technology, we can be constantly in touch. Lucky for me, I can still spend Chinese New Year with my family this year.

Am I worried, about being alone at a foreign place? Not at all!

Hunt for text books

Now is 1.56pm on Thaipusam Day. In Coffee Bean again, G Hotel this time. Lately, I have been contributing a lot to its business, perhaps I should own it one day. Or I should say, I will.

To get there, I inched through Scotland Road and Jalan Utama. Kind of forgot that there are possessions today, with people carrying kavadi. A bit pissed and was thinking, why can't this be done somewhere else. But come to think of it, I am the stupid one. This happens every year and I should have taken different route. Haih.

Something interesting happened here, in Coffee Bean. I ordered a chocolate chip muffin and ESPriT passion fruit drink. As I am not feeling too good, I asked for a non-chilled bottle of drink. But there was none. Guess what the waitress did?

She ran through the chilled bottle of drink over tap water! I was like "OMG". That was the last think I can imagine will happen. It's crazy, but it's funny. Ha ha. I ended up with a chilled bottle, not having a choice. I guess, I just need to take the risk.

And the muffin is GREAT! The best I had so far.

My intention to come here is to hunt for text books in MPH. I tried Borders, but no luck. And again, wish me luck.

Happy Thaipusam Day!

Pissed on a Tuesday night

Went to Bar Celona in Sunway Pyramid with Jerome and friend, KC. Well, the intention is really to just have a drink and catch up on what-is-going-on-in-your-life. The crowd was light when we reach at 9.30 pm, but got heavier when approaching midnight. We left at 1am after consuming quite an amount of whisky with coke (the carbonated drink, not cocaine) FOC.

My first firefly experience

At 7.00 am today, I boarded flight# FY3401 from Penang to Subang Airport. As I walked toward the Focker 50, I suddenly realized that the plane is so small. However, this may sound hard to believe, but I actually enjoy this flight more than MAS. Why?

#1. Check-in was quick. I just waited for 5 minutes
#2. Seats was assigned (mine is 4D - aisle seat)
#3. Internal condition was clean and fresh
#4. Friendly stewardess (one actually helped me with my hand-carry ... he he)
#5. Smooth take off and landing
#6. On time!

Now, some tips on public transport from Subang Airport. You may, if you are rich, take the taxi. If not, you can easily take a bus to the nearest Putra LRT station, which only cost RM1. Here are some instructions:

#1. As you come out from Terminal 3, cross the road (I think this is Jalan Lapangan Terbang)
#2. Walk towards your left (you are now facing the airport) until you come to a bus stop
#3. You can take Metrobus#9 or Rapid KL U81, ask to be dropped off at the nearest LRT station (I took Metrobus #9 and got down near Asia Jaya LRT station)

Btw, I am now in Starbucks Sunway Pyramid. Waiting to meet up with Jerome. He he.

Where have I been?

Well, I guess some of you missed me ...

I haven't been updating my blog for some time as I am currently staying somewhere with no internet access. And I can't possibly update my blog at work. Haih.

Anyway, I am at Coffee Bean in Queensbay Mall now, utilizing my RM11.80 glass of "The Ultimate" by using their free hot spot service. Have you tried "The Ultimate"? Try it! I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I just love this.

Now, what have I been up to lately? Well, nothing much really, except that I had a lot of good food. Lets re-cap some of the calories I consumed for the past two weeks:

• Pasta & Pizza and German sausage at Northam Beach Cafe
• Kocha Taiwanese Food (x2) and Char Kuey Kak at Burma Road
• Mario's Italian Food at Batu Ferringhi
• 9-course dinner at Mag's Wedding Reception (Bayview Hotel)
• Noodle Station at e-Gate
• Sakae Sushi at Queensbay
• Buffet Lunch at Equatorial Hotel
• Audees at Pulau Tikus
• Shinjutei at Pulau Tikus

Am I crazy? Hmm .... perhaps.

Next week, I will be out of office from Tuesday, for 4 days. I am on a very important mission, so WISH ME LUCK! I need lots of them.

Recipe of the first cake I made

Guys, keep this recipe. A simple cake to melt a girls heart.

Ingredients
250 gm butter
600 gm marie biscuit
2 eggs
3/4 bowl cocoa powder
1 bowl milo powder
1/2 small can condensed milk
1 cup warm water

Steps

1. Melt butter (recommended to use wok)
2. Add cocoa powder & milo powder, while stirring
3. Add warm water
4. Add beaten eggs
5. Add condensed milk
6. Add in some biscuits and stir. Keep on adding biscuits until the "kuah" stick to the biscuits. It should look like the fruit "rojak". Make sure it is not too "wet".
7. Put the biscuits into a container bit by bit. Press a bit so the biscuits stick together.
8. Once done, put them in the fridge.
9. Once chilled, ready to serve.