Leong Cafe

Uncharted 3

2011-11-20T00:25:00.003+08:00

Bought this first instead of MW3, because of the Steel Box Edition.
MW3, I will come back to you..

Got it on 17-Nov-2011

Getting Samsung Galaxy S II

2011-09-13T23:52:00.030+08:00

Finally got my first touch screen phone. iPhone is cool, my dear has one. Besides, I have iPad 2, felt like trying the Android platform smartphone. My Nokia E71 has served me well for 2.5 years.

Galaxy SII, with matte screen protector

I was kinda tempted to the first version of Galaxy S at first, But the cost and it's without flash was keeping me away for it. Nexus S was stealing my attention a bit, it came out in wrong timing. It officially selling in Bolehland on Mar 11, but since Feb, the limelight was point to other "S", the brand new Galaxy S II was announced in Mobile World Congress at Barcelona.

After 4 months since the announcement, it was officially launching in here on June. It was selling like hot cakes. At last I decided to get it on Sept.

Super slim 8.49mm

Some spec that worth mentioning:
- Code name: GT-I9100
- Super thin 8.49mm thickness
- 1.2 GHz dual core ARM Cortex-A9
- 4.3" Super AMOLED Plus screen cover with Gorilla Glass
- 1GB RAM
- 16GB internal storage, and external micro SD slot support up to 32GB
- 8 megapixel rear camera with LED flash, 2 megapixel front camera
- Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
- micro USB port for charging and connectivity, can support HDMI
- Loaded with Android OS 2.3.3 (Gingerbread)

Plastic Back, but feeling not bad

After a month of using, I had some reviews. No doubt it's a superb phone, it has some drawback too.
What I Likes:
- Big, vivid, clear screen. Can read under the sun (with the brightest setting)
- Slim and light weight. Fit in the pocket well.
- Support widget
- 4.3" screen is very nice for reading feed anytime esp while waiting
- Cool user interface

all in the box

Dislikes:
- Based on the speed and power. I wouldn't expect it will be lagging when swiping the home screen from 1 pane to another, especially the page has big widget. Not so lag, but noticeable.
- Super battery drainer. If i turn on 3G, or on wifi for apps updates, notification, reader, etc. It will last less than a day. I have to charge it twice a day, while working and before going to bed. I don't make or receive many call
- Kinda warm, when turning on the 3G connection or wifi
- "Pinkish" tint color or pink spot in the middle of the photo taken
- Price dropped so quickly. It dropped for 1st time after I purchased 3 weeks. Dam..
- Sometime the 3G/Wifi connection couldn't get back itself after lost connection. Need to disable and enable manually to get it back.
- Android OS is not invincible, it will crash too. It hit me once after a few weeks of using. Happened after hanging a call.

Apps I would recommend:
- 3G Watch Dog
- Google Reader
- Google pinyin for Chinese character input
- Facebook
- WhatsApp
- Viber
- Skype
- Yahoo Messenger
- Jota Text Enditor
- Angry Birds series
- TuneIn Radio
- Battery Widget
- Dropbox
- Easy Reminder

Pretty good fit with SGP case Neo Hybrid series

I like the phone very much. It's the best android phone ever, err... until the Galaxy Nexus come out.

LX3's Successor

2010-09-14T23:28:00.008+08:00

I always wanna have a compact camera. Sometime just don't want to carry the whole big fat camera bag along. Besides, my dear also looking for a compact one too. Been considering LX3 for quite sometime.. later looking forward to mirror-less (Sony Nex series) or micro forth third (Olympus Pen, Panasonic "Girl Friend 1"). But my dear saying the latter are slightly too big with standard zoom lens. I agreed, so stick back to compact. But LX3 was kinda starting to get old. Luckily it's successor LX5 is coming. So we waited for it and finally got it by 13/9.

The package include the 8gb SD card and the camera case with Lumix label. Both of them seem like "not for sale" item, guess they are promotion items from local distributor.

I chosen this mainly are because of the F2.0 and the 24mm wide angle. The rest of are:
- Almost DSLR control
- Light (271g)
- Solid build
- MIJ (Made in Jap) quality
- HD Video recording
- Price lower than micro 4/3 or mirror-less type

Felt a bit regretted to buy the lens filter (protector), as it's blocking the label after sticking to the lens.

New stuff in the house

2010-09-13T23:38:00.004+08:00

Guess what.. it's still hot..

Sennheiser PX100-II Surprising Good

2010-06-02T20:32:00.004+08:00

Since using Ipod Nano about 2 years ago, been stick to the original ipod headphone. It's in-ear headphone was small and comfortable, but kinda fragile. It's wire was torn after sometime. Then I used the original headphone that come along with the ipod nano unit until lately.
I were not really bother about the quality of the sound or the headphone, as long as it's average. But it's all changed after I trying my colleague's headphone (Sennheiser PX100). I was shocked and started to learn the about the premium headphone. I realized that I had miss plenty of sound previously for the same song played. The bass is really powerful, the mid is sweet and the treble is sharp. (高音准，中音甜，低音劲 lol..)

Decided to buy PX100-II (PX100 was obsolete), what I like are the sound quality, the design, stylish look, compactness (flip and fold), convenient (for carrying along, to office, to travel), and only single side cord instead of two. It come with a soft case for storage. Bought from neighbor country as it's cheaper over there. It also come with white color.

Downside are the cushion and the pad may wear and torn after sometime (refer to my colleague PX100). The ear-cup may cause discomfort after long duration of wearing. It's not suitable for outdoor, as the sound proof not that good. Somehow I felt that the sound quality is better for PX100 (in term of mid and treble). After getting used to the PX100-II, I'm reluctant to use back the original ear piece headphone. :P

So happened another colleague bought PX200-II, I felt that sound is sharper for treble/mid. While bass wise PX100-II is still stronger. We guess it's because of the speaker is closer to ear. Anyway, it's highly recommended.

Fantasy Finally

2010-06-01T20:16:00.003+08:00

Final Fantasy XIII. The game I thought pre-order from overseas the price would be cheaper, actually it's about the same compared with locally supply. Some more received the parcel 9 days after the release date on 9th of March as posted from HK. It's stupid when thinking about it. When other people was started playing the game and started commenting in the forum, I were still waiting for the parcel to be arrived on the doorstep.

It's kinda late to post about it now. Well, the fact I'm still playing, I'm at the last chapter. Ya, kinda slow progress due to limited spare time.

The game is enjoyable and addictive too. Graphics is superb. Storyline is attractive. Love the main characters and their looks. Music is grand. Like the game play (Paradigm Shift), it's much simple than the previous game. It's able to pre-customize 6 paradigms for the battle, it can be selected in real time during the battle. Once selected, the other team members will auto use the ability based on the paradigm. There is no Magic Point (MP) to worry about like previous game, which is good. Health Point (HP) also will be restored once battle is finished.

Every character have own 3 strength roles out of 6 available roles (i.e. Commando, Ravager, Sentinel, Healer, Saboteur, Synergist), just need to focus on and develop the strength and magic level plus the roles ability using the "Crystarium" Point. The secondary ability level up should be done after the main roles upgrading finished.

The downside, sometime it is time consuming to farm the CP in order to maximize the level and learn new ability, or to collect the rare component and enough gil (money) to buy the component for weapon and accessory upgrading. Especially when come to decide which to upgrade and what component to use. I would have to read the Game Guide and tips to get the most effective upgrade. Anyway, they are part of the game play.

To me, this is the game that can't be missed. Overall rating, personally I would give 9.5/10.

Nanjing Road (南京路)

2010-01-11T20:05:00.000+08:00

One of the busiest commercial street in China, packed with shopping stores. The special things is, most of the building outlook maintain the classical western building.

永安百货 at the People's Square.

新世界(New world), the name still remains as old time.

Wuzhen Water Village (乌镇水乡)

2010-01-09T20:02:00.003+08:00

An ancient town, featuring old building, stone bridges, stone pathways, canals, sampans, museums, shops and restaurant, welly preserved for tourism purpose. The experience like travel back to 200 years before. Of course, many beautiful scenery really worth paying the ticket for scenic viewing and photo shooting.

Highly recommended tourist spot for Shanghai visitors like us. It's about 2 hrs drive from Shanghai city.

PuXi and PuDong

2010-01-08T21:01:00.001+08:00

It's enjoyable to see the night view of Shanghai, classical type of buildings at PuXi (浦西) and modern skyscrapers at PuDong (浦东) with lighting effects.
This PuXi night scene below was taken from the floating restaurant at PuDong.

For the coming Expo in May 2010, the city council re-constructing the Bund (外滩) area, separate the road for the vehicle and pedestrian. The road for vehicle will be changed to tunnel under the ground, so original area for pedestrian and it will be expanded and less noise pollution also. So currently the Bund area was blocked for visitors.

It was kinda disappointed when we were there, I couldn't take a great night shot of from Pu Xi to Pu Dong.

Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)

2010-01-05T23:26:00.000+08:00

It's like a giant bottle opener and 493m height, it's the tallest building in China at this point of time.

Cloud covering the top of the building, couldn't see the iconic square hole at the top of the building at all.

We paid 150 yuan to get up to the observation deck at 100F, 97F and 94F.

Crowd at 100F Sky walk (474m) Observatory. Not only can see horizontally, but bottom too as some of the floor was made of glass. Too bad the weather is so cloudy that time, we hardly can see the skyscrapers and the city view. What a waste..

May be buying the SWFC figure for souvenir at the Sky Arena (323m), nah.. it can't open the bottle.

Shanghai 小籠包

2010-01-03T15:58:00.006+08:00

Been to Shanghai at the mid of Dec, 2009 with family. This is one of the must try Shanghai local snacks 小籠包. A steamed juicy meat bun, taste with vinegar and sliced ginger, a perfect snacks in cold weather.

Snoopy going new home

2009-09-09T20:08:00.004+08:00

Last Saturday, the "manja" king Snoopy left our home to his new owner. He also left us lot of "gold" to clean up in the morning.. (-.-") like he never go to toilet before.

We were happy that Snoopy got a dog lover owner. Darren, a friend of my dear. He is absolutely a doggie lover, even more enthusiastic than us. Can be seem from the way he treats Snoopy. Snoopy seem to be very happy at his new home. This fella needs plenty of attention and playtime, I think Darren has no problem with it.

We're not that sad this time. Since they are staying in Penang only. We shall visit them when we are free. While visiting Feipoh would be much inconvenient. I want to see how they look like when they are bigger.

Goodbye Feipoh

2009-09-02T00:01:00.004+08:00

Time flies, the Schnoodle puppies are 8 weeks old already, which meant it's time to go to new home. Last weekend so happened to be a long weekend, I arranged with my friend Sunny to meet up in Ipoh and send Feipoh to him.

Feipoh is the female puppy of Coffee. Since we are not sure what will be her name later, we just called her "feipoh", as she always bigger and heavier than Snoopy, the male pup. Besides, she likes to eat more than Snoopy too.

She is such a naughty pup, likes to bite anything, but kinda clever in the sense of looking for newspaper for loo. And quite patience as she is pretty quiet when dealing with human. Unlike Snoopy, the male pup, who is rather "manja", panic and likes to get attention.. Obviously her characteristic is kinda like Coffee. While Snoopy is kinda like Komo.

Though we have to clean up their mess many times a day, it was frustrated sometime. When come to the time to give away, it was so sad. I missed her and worried about her too. Hope she is happy with her new owner.

I wonder how am I gonna be a breeder when I retire..

Toilet Training for Puppies

2009-08-03T21:30:00.000+08:00

Week 4, it's time to start toilet training and feeding puppy food.
Toilet training is an idea to let the puppies to understand the different between sleeping place and toilet area. So they don't mess up with the place to sleep. At the end, it will be easier for the future owner to train and wanna keep the dog indoor.

We put the newspaper for them to do their business. We splitting their whole are into half. Half for the toilet area, half for sleeping and eating. Surprisingly they doing pretty good job without our guidance. Only a few times they had missed it so far. Probably Coffee did taught them secretly..

Apparently that Coffee's milk supply seem like insufficient, as the duration she did the nursing is getting less and lesser. It was time to to give them the puppy food. As they don't have teeth now, so we blend the food first before feeding them. At first, they only take a little, now they are like going for crazy sales..

Puppies Learn to walk

2009-07-27T00:16:00.007+08:00

When the puppies was about 2 weeks old, I felt delight that the puppies had opened their eyes.
Now they are 3 weeks old, I felt delight again to see the puppies was trying to walk. Not so easy for them, because our floor is ceramic tiles, pretty slippery for them. Most of the time, they were just doing "moon walk" (reverse move). We put the a for them to learn to walk. Still they like to sleep on the tiles instead of rug.

Coffee still nursing them and stimulate the puppies contractions and cleaning the mess. However, pretty soon they gonna eat puppy food. That's the time we have to start the paper toilet training.

Glad that there are 2 generous friends willing to adopt the puppies. =)

Schnoodle

2009-07-08T23:59:00.006+08:00

Take a break from Bali trip posts..

What a accident happened to my Coffee and Komo, they just promoted to parent. Can't believe the "sampat" Coffee also can be a gentle mother. She just gave birth to 2 puppies (1 male and 1 female) on July 6.

I was surprised when I saw a black small creature crawling in Coffee's crate in the early morning before work. Later I took half day off to make sure Coffee deliver the rest of the puppies in her womb and help her up too. It was a unforgettable experience to witness the birth of puppies. How she brake and consume the membrane and placenta. How she bite off the umbilical cord of the puppies.

I wonder how the mixed bread of Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle when they grow up. We can't really see it now, because it just like other new born puppies. One thing I am sure is we are gonna be busy in next few weeks..

Bali Safari and Marine Park

2009-07-07T21:30:00.000+08:00

Not even one of my friends who have been to Bali went to Bali Safari and Marine Park. Probably it's new or it didn't attracting them. However, we decide to give a try during our trip there.

The place is kinda new and clean. Some areas still not opened for visitors yet. Well the animals.. I would said not that many as expected. When we finished the tour, we overheard a boy said "binatang tak lengkap". I wonder what Safari he compared to..
For me, been to 3 Safari Park so far, the best I think is the Night Safari from S'pore.

Safari tour always come with the transport, not a jeep of course for this one, it's a tram.

Parrot closed up

Had a chance to take a "friend-friend" photo with a real lion

A yawning white tiger

Lazy tiger which reminds me of Komo

Don't mess with me

Safari Hotel, stay close with wild animal like in Safari

Elephant show

"Wet" kiss from elephant

A special flying species found in Bali Safari Park

Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud Bali

2009-06-11T20:49:00.007+08:00

Ubud is a special place to visit, highly recommended. A small town that has no beach, but surround by paddy field with lots of handicraft shops. We just dropped by there for a short while, after the Kintamani trip. If you looking for those Balinese handicraft stuff, certainly you do not want to miss that town.

Before going for dining, we walked around the market and the shops over there. Noticed that it's not easy to bargain with the seller in the market, unlike Bangkok.

Dirty duck diner (Bebek Bengil) is one of the nicest restaurants that we visited in Bali, in term of decoration and food wise. So pleasant until I wanna lay down and sleep there for a while.

The restaurant interior design is very Balinese style. From the seat to ceiling, even the background.

The famous food in the menu is the Crispy Duck. Of course, we ordered one to try out. It's crispy and tasty but somehow a little bit dry.

The other dish we ordered was pork ribs, we thought it taste better than the crispy duck. So juicy and the meat so tender. Definitely worth trying.

Bali Coffee

2009-06-06T21:36:00.005+08:00

Dried Cocoa Fruit

Taken in Bali Coffee Farm, dropped by on the way to Ubud after the Kintamani trip.

various drink for tasting

It's a typical shop/factory/outlet to "earn" tourist money, after showing the processing step, real farm, let you taste the real coffee, at the end lead you the souvenir counter to buy some products back, of cos, the price is totally "tourist" pricing.

Luwak Coffee

Anyway, I managed to taste the most expensive coffee in the world, Luwak Coffee. This is not free, of course. Gotta pay even you are tasting. Ya, I know how it made... As a coffee drinker, must try... Well, the taste is strong, but don't really think it's worth the price.

Lunch with Volcano Mountain View

2009-06-04T21:01:00.000+08:00

Mt Batur the volcano

How nice when you have a great view while dining, normal food also become delicious. We got it in Kintamani. There are plenty of restaurants there, our driver picked one for us. Well, the food is so so, but the view is superb.

Mt Agung and the lake

Balinese buffet

Motion Blur

2009-06-02T22:42:00.004+08:00

Taken while on the way to Kintamani, during our trip in Bali. Tried the motion blur shot for fun, kinda surprised with the effect..

Tegallalang Terrace Rice Field

2009-05-31T22:29:00.004+08:00

beautiful scene of rice terrace field

What a fantastic view of terrace paddy field. I couldn't get enough of taking the shot there. I wished I have more time to take some great shot. Frankly, I wasn't satisfied with my shots there.

water system for the paddy

We dropped by this place for a while, to take some photos, during our way to Kintamani.

terrace

some Balinese decor

staircase of the terrace

Nice, they even have some cafe seat for guest who want to chill and have some drink while watching the beautiful scene.

Sunrise HDR

2009-05-18T20:02:00.003+08:00

Took this shot with 3 types of different exposure and then merged together. Taken on the roof top restaurant of the hotel we stayed in Bali. I like the smoke effect in the picture.

Aroma Bumbu Bali

2009-05-17T22:31:00.002+08:00

Jimbaran, a seaside town with many seafood restaurant around. We went there twice during our trip to Bali.

The restaurant we visited is called Aroma Bumbu Bali, we can choose to have our dinner on the beach instead of indoor. Of course, nothing is nicer than the sea breeze and sound of waves.

Well, I can't comment much about the decoration, as the floor is nice softy sand, the ceiling is the sky. But the food is delicious. They are good in BBQ stuff for almost all the seafood, take the food together with the their chili sauce seem like perfect match. They have some Balinese traditional dance performance too, but actually we didn't really bother to watch.

Personally, i like the BBQ fish, so fresh and tasty. The pricing wise, I would say it slightly higher than our typical seafood restaurant which found in Bolehland. But hey, dining on the beach and BBQ is not we can have everyday here.

Famous Tanah Lot Temple

2009-05-14T20:58:00.001+08:00

a HDR shot of Tanah Lot Temple

One of the tourist can't missed spot at Bali, the Tanah Lot temple. Famous of it's built on the rock at the sea side, accessible on low tide and not accessible during high tide.

Silhouette shot at Tanah Lot

Lots of tourists waiting for tide changes and sunset too.

Alas Kedaton Village Monkey Forest

2009-05-10T20:36:00.001+08:00

"where is the bloody flea?"

Nothing much to see except tonnes of monkey wandering around, some waiting for tourist for treat. There are plenty of "volunteer" guide, which not asking for fee but requesting you to visit their souvenir store near the entrance.

wah, monkey has foot reflexology massage too, but that fella doesn't seem like enjoying it

Little Prayers

2009-05-08T20:19:00.001+08:00

Prayers Time in Bali

2009-05-07T19:57:00.003+08:00

Balinese ritual ceremony

We witnessed a ritual ceremony while we visited the Taman Ayun Temple. Seem like most of prayers wearing in white while only a few female wearing different colour, paying their respect to their god.

most of them comes in family

Balinese Temple Pagoda, Bali

2009-05-06T19:32:00.000+08:00

Balinese Pagoda is kinda different from the one from China. The roof seem like using some kinda of dried leaves (probably from coconut) on top of the solid roof, and it looks like fur (probably the function is to reduce the sound of water droplet hitting the roof while raining). According to the article, it contains odd number of roofs, up to maximum eleven.

Another shot with sun flare effect

Sculpture @ Taman Ayun Temple, Bali

2009-05-05T20:48:00.000+08:00

One of the sculpture taken in Taman Ayun Temple, Bali. Cropped to have closed-up effect

Taman Ayun Temple, Bali

2009-05-04T19:57:00.000+08:00

Taman Ayun Temple is one of the temples we visited during our trip in Bali. It is one of the beautiful tmeples in Bali. So happened there is some special day for prayer that time, we saw lots of prayers, from 3 years to 80 years, female and male marching to the temple.

There is a lake beside the temple

Split Gate @ Bali

2009-05-03T20:46:00.000+08:00

Split gate at Taman Ayun Temple

Split gate are really an iconic architecture in Bali, seem that almost every corner on the island. Since touched down until we depart. From big to small. It's called Candi Bentar in local language. The gate is carved nicely, mirror-reflected of left and right structure which like a structure that cut into half and splitted in certain distance away.

Split gate at Tanah Lot Temple

Split gate at Kuta Beach

Swiss-Belhotel Bay View, Bali

2009-04-21T00:52:00.009+08:00

The place we stayed during our Bali trip, located at Nusa Dua, but not the private beach there. It's at the hilltop instead. We reckoned this hotel from the Air Asia go holiday link. While we check out their hotel web site, we found out there was some hot deal where one of them is a suite with 2 rooms. Definitely was a nice and steal price, and suitable for family.

pretty spacious room

View from our room balcony

Not a very tall building, it only has 6 floors tall. We have a huge balcony. And the bay view was well, ok. It would be nicer if closer to the sea view.

the main swimming pool

The hotel was kinda vacant at that time, that explain they offering good deal at this point of time.
Noticed that almost everyday has couple check in for pre-wedding photograph.

the infinite pool at the roof top

hotel entrance

Villa Entrance

The hotel also has Villa that costs 300USD for 1 room type, 500USD for 2 rooms type. It has a private pool. Ideal for couple like honeymooners. It's awesome comfortable, wish we could try next time.

Made's Warung Bali

2009-04-20T23:52:00.007+08:00

A highly recommended dining place by tourists in Bali. This was our first stop after arrival. They are serving local cuisine and western food as well. Apparently the major target group are tourist like us. Couldn't see local dining there, might have one or two..

The place is very comfortable, full of Balinese feel atmosphere, and the service and food are pretty good too. While the pricing is about the same with price back to KL. So we are fine with that.

We had some of the local food, of course, stay here and eat like here too. Well, we ordered Gado-gado (Salads-liked dish), Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice), Fried Rice and Pork Satay. Ya, I had tasted Gado-gado, Nasi Campur, Satay in Bolehland too, but freaking Pork Satay.. it's first time in my entire life. How come it's not available back home? I had to blame the dam politician who were behind this..

Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice)

Satay (Pork)

The satay is a bit dry compared to one in Bolehland, and it doesn't come with chili ground peanut sauce, different taste but delicious too.

It's good, I'll go again if I would go Bali again.

Puppy Rescued

2009-04-06T21:01:00.000+08:00

Someday in Feb, my dear rescued this cute Labrador-liked puppy from the road side. It's so cute, I wonder how could people dumped it at the street.

My dear cleaned and feed it after the rescuing. She informed me and we decided to sent it to the nearest SPCA which is located at the BM during the lunch break.

When we were in SPCA of Prai, we realized that they are really running out of budget. There are too many dogs and the place sucks. Even though we have to pay the "Surrender" fee (rescued), we are happy to do so.

The person in charge explained to us how they rescue the dog, how people try to abandon the dog, putting the dog to sleep is the last thing to do even they are injured or sicks. Besides, most of the dogs are female, spaying fee is not cheap. She did asked us why not adopt the puppy, we rejected as we already have two doggies in a small house. Well, lucky there is a female adult dog seem like willing to take care of the puppy.

Hopefully, it has been adopted by now.

Lazy chairs, park, flowers and cool weather

2009-04-04T22:00:00.000+08:00

How nice if Boleh-land got this kinda place. Where I can bring along my doggies, enjoy the winds and sun and the temperature is not warm at all. Ya, dream on..

Curious Squirrel

2009-04-03T20:55:00.000+08:00

Squirrel thought got free food..

Taken in Regent's Park of UK last year. It's very cozy park to walk or jogging, with tonnes of beautiful flowers and plant around.

Flowers & Plants

2009-04-02T20:59:00.001+08:00

There is a rose garden in the Regent's Park of London. Tonnes of roses can be found there. This is one of the shots during the London trip last year. Took that shot with my zoom lens (55-250mm). The downside is sometime it's not sharp enough.

It's spring time

2009-04-01T20:15:00.001+08:00

nice sunflower

Didn't manage to post the flowers picture that I took from UK last year. Guess I shall do it before it's become old again..

Honey, I got an Eseries.. Phone

2009-03-31T20:59:00.001+08:00

Nokia Eseries

My old phone SE K700i has been serving me well in the past a few years. It's really a tough phone, even survived of falling from upper floor. I liked it for it's file sharing features and interface too. But recently it started to give losing reception, incorrect battery state and joy pad not functioning problems (i know, it's kinda lame excuses).

E for Email?

After long considerations, tonnes of research and being "poisoned" by some of the co-workers, I decided to acquire the Nokia E71 smartphone. Ya, it's not the latest phone. But it's the best I can get for the best features and best value in balance. I got it with slightly above 1.3k, the price has dropped from 1.8k since it's launched last year. It has 4 colours (Grey, White, Red and Black) now, I got the black which also one the latest colour.

10mm, slimmest smartphone ever..

Friends suggested iPhone instead. It's a hot cake now.. Of cos, who doesn't like it. It's so sexy, bigger screen, have tonnes of features and apps. Well, price is a major factor. I just don't feel like paying additional monthly charge and top up 2k for it.

E71 Unboxed

The package included 2GB micro SD memory, wrist strap, nice pouch, 1500mAh battery, charger, stereo headset (2.5mm) and USB connector cable. Plus a 90 days of license for Nokia maps apps. While the OS is Symbian 9.2 Series 60v3.1 UI.

Great Email function

What I like:
1. Slim (only 10mm), solid build (steel casing), elegant design
2. Many connectivity features, 3G, HSDPA, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth (A2DP), USB, Infra Red, FM Radio
3. GPS with A-GPS (Assisted-GPS), one of my favorite
4. Good messaging functions, Email, SMS, MMS, IM
5. Loudspeaker phone, which I'm looking forward
6. Qwerty keypad for faster input
~~7. Long hour talktime (10 hrs) or 17 days standby.~~
8. Can install downloadable applications
9. Document viewer (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, PDF)
10. Organizer
11. Not bad for browsing online, esp. mobile web page
12. Can do Sync (Contacts and Calendar) with my Macbook via iSync and plugin(from Nokia) . I managed to transfer my contacts from K700i to this phone which save lot of time if key in one by one through phone keypad

i always wanted to have a GPS navigation device.. but the display is kinda small

Dislike:
1. The system hang once on my 3rd day of usage. I was browsing online and trying to answer a call at the same time. I thought it only happen in Windows Mobile phone (other users comments one..)
2. Interface is kinda simple, even my old K700i has the animated menu. I thought it could be better nowadays
3. Display is rather small (2.36") especially when opening the map for GPS
4. Not really responsive 3.2MP AF camera with LED flash
5. Always wrongly press "q" button when answering the call
6. If browsing the net like 3-4 hours, playing the GPS for 1 hours, the battery state will hit the bottom in a day

Let's turn off our light.. together

2009-03-09T21:06:00.010+08:00

Please participate and help to spread the words, to play a part to fight global warming. One person one hour is nothing, but billion of people is billion hour. That will be something huge.

Switch off your house light for 1 hour from 8.30 by 28th of March.
You may sign up the Earth Hour to show your support.

iPod nano 4 review

2009-02-06T20:25:00.001+08:00

Supposed to post this last year, but dragged until now.
About 1 month after I bought the 3rd gen. iPod, the 4th gen released. Heck.. and it's 200 bucks cheaper.
Somehow in the last Christmas time, one of my cols wanna buy it, and I were keen of upgrading it too. So the deal were on. I got the same color, same capacity (8GB). Because of promotion period, I got the screen protector and silicon case for free.

Here is some of my comments about the new iPod:
Pro
1. Slimmer and lighter
2. Sexier, curved shaped
3. New feature like accelerometer, which make the iPod nicer when viewing photos, browsing the album and playing game
4. New shake to shuffle song feature
5. The album artwork displayed is bigger than 3rd gen
6. Feature of displaying the lyrics, provided the lyrics it is saved in the lyrics page in the iTunes

Con:
1. The oval shaped makes the picture unreadable sometime when there is a glare
2. No improvement in sound quality
3. Battery drained faster than it's predecessor (for my listening usage, I recharge once a 2 days.. previously it's like 4 days once)
4. No bigger in screen size

Honey the Terrier

2009-02-02T20:01:00.002+08:00

Honey very excited to meet with Komo

Honey, the new pet of my cousin William. The breeder who sold the dog to him claimed that it's Miniature Schnauzer, but she has brownish color which made her looks a bit like mixed with Silky/Yorkshire terrier. Anyway, as long as the owner loves it and treat it right, that is more important than the breed type.

Coffee also can't stand with Honey friendliness

Honey is very photogenic, energetic, playful and dominant. Funny, she doesn't seem like to interact with human, but really likes to play with other doggies. When she let her tongue out, her looks just like smiling.

Honey looks like smiling

Honey try to dominate Komo

She is only about half the size of Komo, but still trying to dominate him. Really fearless.

Children and Doggies having a good time

Seem like they all having good fun during CNY.

Happy Chinese "Niu" Year 2009

2009-01-29T21:31:00.006+08:00

The rat is gone, here come the ox. It's year of ox.. I wish you all who celebrating Chinese "Niu" (牛）Year, have a joyous and prosperous year ahead. Let's hope for world economy back to normal very soon.

Like last year, we traveled to Taiping, Alor Setar, Penang and Ipoh. We had a good time with family members around. It's nice to meet up with them in CNY. Besides, my cousin William has a new doggie pet, which is also Miniature Schnauzer. She is very photogenic and playful. However, it's color is abit brownish made me think of it could be mix with silky/yorkshire terrier. Anyway, our Coffee and Komo also having a good time exploring uncle Yong house and meeting up with new friend Honey.

delicious homemade "mee shua" soup

Other than tasting the good homemade food from hometown, we had a chance to try some good food in some restaurants in Penang and Ipoh too. Cool..

Happy 2009

2009-01-01T00:21:00.005+08:00

It's time again to review I've done for last year.. Seeing my previous wish list, it's not really satisfying (only 5 out of 11), Some items has been checked. Some has to be carried forward to 2009, some has to be there again even I got it done last year.

So... what next?
1. Stay fit and healthy
2. Better income, additional pipe of income
3. To have first kid
4. Spend more time with family
5. Get a new HDTV
6. Change a better car
7. Take lots of photos that make me "howlian" (proud)
8. Meet more new friends, and getting better relationship with existing friends
9. Get 50D with 18-200mm, ultimately 5D mark 2 with 24-105mm
10. Get L lens
11. Overseas trip (at least out of S.E. Asia)
12. Do at least 1 home improvement

What about yours, mate? Whatever it is, may your wishes come true in 2009. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-24T20:01:00.002+08:00

It's been long time since last time when we were in KL. I have to admit I kinda miss KL life sometime, especially our friends and relatives there, the food and the malls...

We went to KL during the Raya Haji long weekend (5-8 Dec), I took a day off on Friday, so we have four days holiday in a row. We went with my parent-in-law, eventually, my dad-in-law sent his car for repairing a week ago, so he collected his car this round.

Our first stop was Ikea when we reached KL. Couldn't help to spend some money for house furnishing. Other than visiting relatives, the rest were just eating and shopping.

My parent-in-law left KL on Sunday, while we went home on Monday. Took sometime to meet up with friends in KL. There was Christmas decoration in the shopping mall everywhere. Seem like kinda cost cutting. Wasn't really impressed as compared with last year.. Personally I think the most Christmas feel is the decoration from The Gardens, b'cos the decor covered almost every corner in the mall. At least I can feel some X'mas atmosphere.

So fast it's X'mas again.. Here I wish everyone have a Merry Christmas!!

Kuan Ming and Michelle Wedding

2008-12-16T20:08:00.002+08:00

Congratulation to my cousin Michelle and her hubby Kuan Ming for their wedding on 22nd of Nov.

Glad to meet up with so many relatives again, it's like big family gathering, the number even more than CNY. Besides, it's good to see my uncle's new banglo house. They managed to move in at the right time, because they had a biggest house warming at the same time.

This round, I think we were more busier than others wedding that we attended, b'cos we were helping my uncle to do the table arrangement and table number tag.

I wasn't their official photographer as they engaged with another guy from Taiping, I just snap casually. It's good too, 'cos I got more time to hang around with my family members.

BM Mountain Cross 2008

2008-11-12T00:00:00.003+08:00

Informed by Boon, there was a mountain bike event carried on Sunday, 9/Nov. He was one of the participant and he was asking if I am interest to take some photo at Mengkuang dam about 10-11 in the morning where the cyclists will be passing by there.

While I about finishing the MGS4 and some housework on hand, I decided to go to there too, thinking that I never taking this kinda picture before. Why not..

Reached there about 10.10am, had seen number of bikes passing by. Many of them waving at me while I was shooting, I wonder they know I am just shooting for fun. I tried many panning shots.. looks cool.. Luckily, the sky was cloudy that time, wasn't that hot. I shoot until 11, where the cyclist getting lesser.

I didn't manage to see Boon that day. Later I find out that he reached there earlier. For more photo, please browse my flickr album.

Kooi Meng & Erika Wedding

2008-11-11T20:07:00.004+08:00

Kooi Meng & Erika

Congratulation to Kooi Meng and Erika.

A few month ago (28/6), I bumped into Kooi Meng and his wife Erika on their registration of marriage when I was taking Chao Seng ROM photos. I took their photos as well, Kooi Meng later agreed to asked me to take photos for his wedding day. What a delightful coincident..

His wedding day was held on 2/11, Sunday and the dinner venue was same with Chao Seng as well, ie. Safira Club, Seberang Jaya. As usual, I start to work from morning session to evening dinner session. As requested, I made the morning session slideshow for them to play it during the evening dinner session. The slideshow turned up pretty underexposed when playing on the projector. It was really upsetting. I guess it the projector setting, as it was ok when it was played on TV over the DJ there. Lesson learnt, yet felt "paiseh" to Kooi Meng.

I was thinking of upgrading my gears, already have something in mind. I wonder lens or camera body first, of cos the best can upgrade both together, but budget come in the first place. Hopefully can get more deals soon.

Strangely, I felt the job that day was pretty tough, because I had muscle ache in the next day.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots unboxed

2008-11-10T19:28:00.000+08:00

This is one of best game of PS3, no doubt about it. Couldn't resist the game, after reviewing it for thousand of times even before I own the console. It also one of the reason I bought PS3. I traded in with my unopened Soul Calibur 4 on 27/Nov.

Since I played the 1st episod, I got addicted to it. I continued to the 2nd episod: Sons of Liberty, but I missed the episod 3: The Snake Eater. Because I didn't buy PS2. Those I played was PC version. Frankly, I couldn't remember much about the story and the game characters. But the game play is simply awesome, after been playing so many shoot'em all games, the sneaking mission game is like totaly new world.

I just finished the game yesterday, after 28+ hours playing. It has 5 acts. It took me sometime to get familiar with the controller, even I had played the first and second episod. Can't denied it's one of the best game ever, in term of everything, game play, fun, storyline, CG video, etc. The replay value also great. Definately I will play it all over again. I realized there were many stuffs, screts and weapons that I missed after I checked out the walkthrough guide online. Will try to get it next round. :)

The ending CG video was about 1 hour. Seem likes it is the final chapter for Snake.

Kuching 2008

2008-11-03T22:00:00.004+08:00

Vince and Sain Dee's Figures

This post took too long to finish. Best wish for Vince and Sain Dee who got married on 13 of Sept.

Vince and Sain Dee

On 12 of Sept, we flew to Kuching, her husband Vince's hometown to attend her wedding. Of course, it's not every year we will go East Bolehland, so we took this chance to roam around Kuching for good food and visited national park, and have a good time with friends that haven't meet for some time

We reached there at night, had a "reunion" dinner with our friends. Then gathered at the hotel where SainDee was staying.

"kolo mee" is a must taste food in Kuching

teh c special is a specialty of Kuching

The next day was busy day, taking photo from her make up in the morning until tea ceremony at Vince's house in the afternoon. I hanged out with friends in the afternoon, went to market, shop near by and tasting some local food.

Then I continued taking their photo in the evening for the wedding function which held in Holiday Inn in the town. The function was great plus gathered with some good friends. Sweet...

fishing trap structure along the way to Bako National Park

Boat cruise to Bako National Park

Bako National Park welcome and good bye board

We started our local trip at the 3rd day to the Bako National Park included the sampan cruise, beware, the entrance is cheap, but the sampan cruise is kinda costly. Basically, traveling to Bako National Park is mainly jungle trekking. We tried the 1st trail, later we decided to take the sampan to see the rest of the tourist spot. :)

T. Paku, our first trek stop

A big nose monkey, Proboscis Monkey at T. Paku Trail

silver leaf monkey, at Bako Park near the HQ

Cobra-liked Seastack

We stayed at Damai Beach Resort, while some of friends stayed at Singgahsana Lodge. We were surprised that Singgahsana Lodge is such a nice budget lodge, if we know that place earlier, we would have book that place for our accomodation.

Very nice Damai Beach Hilltop Chalet, no we didn't stay there

Damai Beach Resort

Basically, Damai Beach at night is kinda bored, we went to Kuching town again, for our dinner and walkabout around the China town street where there was mid-autumn festival stuff going on.

William at Singgahsana Lodge lobby

mid-autumn festival lantern

The 4th day in Kuching, also the last day of our trip in Kuching. We went to the Cultural Village which is next to the Damai Beach Resort. Kinda interesting spot to visit. Surprisingly many things to see in there, the local tribe house.. I used to thought their house must be long house, but I was wrong.. in fact they are many type of houses, long house is just one of them. I was surprise the old China house also found in there. After seeing the life museum, we watched the culturual performance as well. I guess the drawback is the weather is too hot...

That's end our trip of Kuching. Finally finished posting, do visit my flickr for others photos.

Rumah Melanau, Cultural Village

Something new in Taiping

2008-10-26T22:41:00.006+08:00

For those who came from Taiping and haven't go back Taiping for quite some time... there is some new spot to hang out... 7 cinemas GSC, Old Town Kopitiam, Starbucks Cafe and etc.. yes.. actually, I saw them on my last trip there about last month, but haven't got chance to go there yet until yesterday. Kindly surprised. They are located at a mall called Sentral, which is just next to Tesco building.

Great, can't help but feeling a bit "how lian".. haa..

My Birthday 2008

2008-10-12T12:38:00.007+08:00

Surprised to see balloons at home

all food prepared by dear except KFC

My dear arranged a surprise party for me for my birthday. She tried to hide the plan while have to make some food at the same time. She told that it was made for auntie. I suspected at first, but later I believed her, as so happened that auntie calling her. And we planned to go Penang Island for dinner..

my great friends gathered at my home

It was really surprising and I felt really wonderful. Firstly, really glad that my friends (Peggy and Daryl, Sharene and Yipsoon, Boon and Hanne) made themselves available to visit my place and make my house warmer :), Sharene even brought her doggie Cody to friend with my two doggies. Secondly, it was my first surprise party ever. Specially thanks to my dear for her greatest effort..

PS3 unboxing in Raya

2008-10-01T18:11:00.020+08:00

PS3 in box

A few months after "poisoning" from colleagues, I still immune to PS3, but when it officially launched in Bolehland on 20-Sept, I got "poisoned". As it has 80GB, 1 year warranty, dualshock 3 controller and bundled with 2 games (1 Soul Caliber IV and 1 selected game, I chosen Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction). The model that I bought is CECHK06.

MIC (Made in China), what do you expect? we aren't gonna eat it..

Sony "Malaysia Official Product" sticker

This model has 80GB storage as compared to 40GB previously

When the day of launching, the supply wasn't enough. Perhaps is in northern region, the supply here lesser than central region. I really expected can get it, felt disappointed, this shortage of supply shouldn't be happened for electrical giant like Sony. Felt upset, still I paid deposit to booked a unit from the Sony authorized store in Sunway Carnival at Seberang Jaya. As the salesperson told, the stock will be arrived in 1 week time. After 1 week, I bother the salesperson 2-3 times a day to check the status. Until yesterday, he told me to collect on today morning, finally. Luckily, I got my new toy for Raya holiday. :)

Reminder to register the product for warranty purpose

Handling instruction seem while un-boxing

un-boxing

"tata.."

unwrapped, sweet

very cool shape and elegant design

game console super brand logo ~ PS

PS3 in vertical look

soft touch power button

PlayStation 3 font

This is my 2nd game console so far, my 1st was Super Nintendo. The design is cool and sleek, the game play is awesome. Able to play Blu-Ray disc movie is a bonus. Furthermore, it can play DivX movie from the USB drive. Same for photo and music, even not really utilized for me. The extra is can purchase game, by downloading it from the Playstation Store (online).

some signal output port at the rear side, only the composite cable is provided

Some supported format and feature, Blu-Ray, HDMI, DTS, Bluetooth...

another angle of PS logo

Latest Number 3

2 game titles that bundled with, SoulCalibur IV and Ratchet and Clank: TOD

Dual Shock 3 wireless controller

1799 Package

plus some titles borrowed from cols, awesome

only got 2 USB ports..

Dualshock3 controller while charging

Just to share some basic thing to do after purchasing the PS3:
1. Plug in all the necessary cables, wire to TV, controller and power socket
2. Power on, setup the date, time and time zone
3. Pair the controller
4. Create an user name (using to controller to input might be frustrated)
5. Setup network to connect to interest, for me, I connect to my router wireless. If no internet connection, then can play straight away
6. Must perform System Update before connecting to the Playstation Store, which might takes about 30 minutes. It will shut off after finished updating
7. Create the Playstation Network user, it takes email as username
8. Start to play game or browsing the new trial game for download
9. Register the console serial number at the Playstation web site for warranty purpose

I don't have the HDTV, might have to setup the signal out stuff.

Another shot while it playing disc, noticed it "magnet" many dust already

Likes:
1. HD compatible
2. Excellent game play picture
3. Can play Blu-Ray movie
4. Can play DivX movie
5. Pretty cool design
6. Awesome game titles like MGS, Final Fantasy, etc..
7. Free playing game online with others friends
8. Download new game online for trial or purchase

Dislikes:
1. Still not cheap, in terms of console, controller, games titles
2. Need to spend more money in getting a HDTV to enjoy the full 16:9 wide screen viewing pleasure
3. Extra 200 bucks for the bundled games (not many choices), else can get it with 1.6k
4. Not that I can think of

I'm happy with it.

Work of Gaudí - Park Güell

2008-09-21T13:12:00.017+08:00

Park Güell logo at the main entrance

Park Güell map at the back entrance

That was the final Gaudí's work (world heritage) we visited during our Barcelona trip in July (paiseh, it's kinda outdated). This Park Güell originally was a housing project, somehow it was failed, only two houses was built, at the end, the park has been converted to a place for visitor and became a tourist attraction.

The park is located at suburb, we went there by subway, still we have to walk quite a distance and up the hill to the park. Good thing there is many escalators lead to the park.

Looking back while on the way to Park Güell

The main terrace firstly caught my attention, it surround with a long bench which has unique mosaic design which doesn't seem like 100 years old. And of course, hardly can find a straight line there. Everything looks so natural and artistic. The top hill of city panorama view over there is fantastic.

Park Güell terrace

The curly shaped of bench with mosaic

Tourists and locals hanging out at the terrace

There are some tree liked rock pillar build at the side of the terrace. I learned that later the hole on the pillar is actually the bird nest. The shape is pretty natural as well.

This rock pillars has bird nest

The ceiling under the terrace has the same concept of design other of Gaudi's works, the upside down linked-chain model seem in Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila. The different is there are some unique pattern tiles installed at the center.

Park Güell also have a iconic sculpture build at the entrance, which is the dragon, where we thought is the lizard before. The picture of this dragon always appear in common Barcelona guide book.

the dragon fountain at the entrance of Park Güell

The park is free of entrance fee. There are only 2 houses found at the park. One converted to sorvenir shops and the other 1 was converted to meseum where need entrance fee.

this is one converted to souvenir shop

This one was closed when we were there, learned that it is the meseum

If look closely to the details, the tiles, the grills, even the gate are so uniquely designed.

part of the floor at Park Güell

Unique pattern of grille at one of the house

Park Güell detail mosaic on the wall near the entrance

Unique shaped of gate at Park Güell main entrance

At the end of the visit, we noticed we entered the park through the back, not the main entrance.

Work of Gaudí - Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

2008-09-17T23:00:00.002+08:00

Casa Milà from across the street

Our next Work of Gaudí visit was Casa Milà. Before that, I was thinking what so special about this building.. it's just an apartment after all. Well, it's not an usual apartment.. in fact, it's one of the world heritage.

Casa Milà exhibition at the top floor

Casa Milà also known as La Pedrera, it currently owned by a private company. As usual, we have to pay to go in. The fee come with the audio guide as well, just need to press the code accordingly to the spot, it will play the audio file just like tour guide.

Model of Casa Milà

First we visit the Espai Gaudí (Gaudí exhibition), which displaying some of the history on him and how he started the work of Casa Milà project by showing the building model, plan, design, photograph and video. It was located at the top floor which is just under the roof, with many arches instead of typical pillar under the ceiling. As you can see, it's hardly to find a typical straight line in his design.

the arch structure of Casa Milà top floor

The attraction is the Terrace, a unique roof top with artistic designed ventilation tower, staircase and the sculptures. It is really amazing, couldn't believe that the design was about a century old.

the alien like sculpture of ventilation tower at the terrace

another alien like sculptures of ventilation tower at the terrace

panorama of Casa Milà terrace (click to view the large version)

Casa Milà center atrium

One of the apartment unit also open for visitors, we are able to see the unique of the Gaudí interior design of resident house, from floor to ceiling.

Casa Milà resident apartment for visitor

Casa Milà center atrium not open for visitor

Looking at the ceiling, it really made me feel like we are in some kinda forest. It also reminds me of the Japanese anime master Hayao Miyazaki's work.

the ceiling of Casa Milà entrance hall

Gaudí, no doubt he is a master architect, I wonder he was a rich man or not.. at least he must be a very stubborn person. Otherwise, how the typical contractor would listen to his unique request like that.. I guess the contractor would complain first "Beh cho la"..

Fyi, tripod for camera is not allowed to carry inside, they have a storage room to keep it anyway.

Chao Seng & Swee Hun Wedding

2008-09-16T23:44:00.006+08:00

This is one of my favorite shot for Chao Seng's Wedding Day

I took for Chao Seng's ROM photos a few months ago, finally I finished their wedding photos on 7 of Sept. He has many "bro"s that accompany him to fetch the bride during the morning session. However, the "sister" barrier challenge was simple enough and everybody was happy.

Nice welcoming effect for the bride and groom

He invited many of colleagues too for his wedding dinner at night at Safira Club. Surprisingly, most of them turned up. I guess there were simply 5-6 tables reserved for them...

It was a fun and happy wedding event. Congratulation man..

Work of Gaudí - Sagrada Família

2008-08-28T21:47:00.014+08:00

Sagrada Família shoot from across the street

That day, we visited 3 of the Antoni Gaudí works. Which are Sagrada Familia, Casa Milla and Park Guell. I were impressed by his works, he definitely is one of the master architect ever, he is artistic and with sense of natural because he likes to incorporate natural element into his design. Now, he is a national treasure of Spain as tonnes of people visiting Barcelona for his works.

Sagrada Família, another side near the the visitor entrance

We visited Sagrada Família at first as it is the most popular spot where can't be missed by the tourist.

Sagrada Família passion facade

The construction started since 1882, Gaudí worked for the project over 40 years. He died in a road accident while the project still in the progress. The work was continued and off due to interruption until today.

Jesus is one of the words appear at the passion facade

This is the second time I visited grant church so far, I were really impressed with the exterior architecture. The admission fee is €10.

Jesus sculpture at the Passion Facade

Inside we saw many very high pillars and unique pattern of ceiling, which seem like designed from Gaudí, the shape is like out of this world. Pretty artistic and modern.
Nothing like 100 years old designs.

Interior of Sagrada Família

I noticed that previously the material used for the construction were very expensive, e.g. like marble, special stone from all over the world. But now they just going for the more lower cost material.

Visitors queuing to take lift to go to the higher part the building

The amazing details of Nativity Facade

Sagrada Família Nativity Facade

There is a museum about Sagrada Família, Gaudí and the chronological event in the basement of the temple. We've seen the completed model of Sagrada Família, model for the pillar, ceiling, sculptures, facade and etc..

Some models of partial of the building

The complete model of Sagrada Família

Sagrada Família is scheduled to be completed by 2026, I may be an old man that time, wondering if I have a chance to see the grand masterpiece of Gaudí again when it complete in the future.

Port Vell of Barcelona

2008-08-26T22:12:00.007+08:00

Steakhouse burger from Burger King

After having lunch at Burger King in La Ramba, we continued our walks to Port Vell and took a train to Olympic village.

walkway along Port Vell

Maritime at Port Vell

Beach at Olympic Village

After that, we went back to apartment for some rest.. noticed that the local have a habit of rest after lunch, even for those shops who are doing business.

Columbus Monument

We went back to Port Vell, paid a ticket to go up to the top of Columbus monument, noticed that Barcelona doesn't have many skyscraper like typical city.

Bird view from the top of Columbus Monument

Then we went to Maremagnum mall via Rambla de Mar mobile bridge. Saw many people hanging around at the area. Felt that life is relaxing here.

Evening at Port Vell

Beautiful Rambla de Mar the mobile bridge

People hanging around on the bridge

Noticed some floating men sculptures on the sea, the seagull eventually stop on it and shitting on it's face. Is it done on purposely or it's just unforeseen?

Interesting floating sculpture

Maremagnum Mall

Famous Paellas Fried Rice

We tried the popular Spain rice dish called Paellas at a restaurant in Maremagnum mall. To me, It's not really fantastic but ok la, good to give a try.

Strange thing in Bolehland

2008-08-25T23:42:00.008+08:00

There were many strange things happened recently in Bolehland, one of them was possibility invasion of a Canadian singer Avril Lavigne to Bolehland, and some Bolehland's youth and 'heroes' were trying to defend Bolehland from the attack of her "too-sexy", "culture-influence", "wrong-values", "unsuitable", "too-near-independent-day", "jumping", "screaming", bla bla bla... Frankly, you can never get bored with the 'reasons' in Bolehland, it's so creative and innovative.

Well, at the end, you know who won. Avril, you are the Best Damn Thing. Avril rocks..

First visit of Gaudí work ~ Palau Güell

2008-08-24T18:10:00.007+08:00

Palau Güell basement

This was my first visit of Work of Gaudí in Barcelona, but too bad, the most interesting part was closed for maintenance work. We only allowed to see the basement.. it was pretty disappointment. We couldn't see many things as expected.

Palau Güell basement

Palau Güell exterior

Cathedral in HDR

2008-08-20T23:28:00.007+08:00

Cathedral main hall ceiling
This is my very first HDR (High Dynamic Range) works, seriously. Actually, I should have done better, because I realized later that I set the aperture too low, I should set it higher so it could be sharper. What a shame. And the post-processing, I think the tone is kinda out also..

After shooting, I then only noticed using tripod for photography is not allowed. So, have to think of some other solution.

Seeing their church, I knew that why tourist likes to visit the church when traveling in Europe countries. Because, they are huge, beautiful, artistic.. The people willing to spend huge amount of money, time and effort to build it. The details is so amazing too.

Cathedral ceiling at the other side

Cathedral main stage

Walking at Barri Gòtic

2008-08-13T22:01:00.006+08:00

a street at Barri Gòtic

While La Rambla has a huge big pedestrian street, Barri Gòtic contains small but many pedestrian lanes. Both has shops, hotel, restaurants in the apparently old but interior pretty newly.. etc. It's a great place to shop around or windows shopping.

a street at Barri Gòtic

classic old building at Barri Gòtic

a street at Barri Gòtic

a snacks store displaying the sandwiches at Barri Gòtic

Hola Barcelona

2008-08-12T00:37:00.012+08:00

view from the apartment balcony

When I woke up in the apartment, I still felt like dreaming, because I'm in Barcelona, starting my very first holiday in Europe. This service apartment called MH Apartment, located at Tetuan area, very near to the Metro station too. The scene from our unit balcony (rear of the building) seem like kinda suburban area, but actually it's kinda close to city center, just a few stop by taking subway train.

As expected, the apartment is fully furnished including washing machine, it has 2+1 rooms, a living room with sofa bed and kitchen with all the necessary stuff. Not so new, only one small room is newly renovated. Anyway, it's clean enough.

subway train in Barcelona
Transportation in Barcelona is pretty good, most of the tourist spots are easily accessible. In this trip, we only took subway train to reach our destination. The subway station are pretty well maintained too.

busy La Rambla street

Barcelona tourist guide selling at La Rambla

La Rambla sign

Typical classic commercialized building La Rambla

We dropped off at Plaça Catalunya, walking along the famous La Rambla street and Barri Gòtic, to the Catedral of Barcelona. La Rambla is a popular tourist and local spot to hang around. There are many stalls, especially souvenir, florist and pet, there are street performers, drawing artists as well. The thing drawing my attention is the beautiful old building surrounding the street, of course, most of them become commercialized shops, hotels, cafes and restaurants.

London Stansted to Barcelona Girona

2008-08-10T18:48:00.011+08:00

London Stansted Airport with Ryanair counter

Actually I didn't know much about Barcelona before, just know it's one of the city organizing the Olympic event in 90'. I only learn about Antoni Gaudí about 1 month before our trip. I bought a guide book about Barcelona for this purpose. Though most of things (accommodation, trip plan, flight) has been pre-arranged by Andrew and my Dear, I just wanna get some information like where and what to take photos so that I won't regret missing out on any great shots.

Stansted Airport's trolley

We flew from London Stansted Airport (STN), by taking one of the budget airline Ryanair to Barcelona Girona Airport. I didn't take many photos that day, because we were kinda rushing to the boarding gate. Stansted airport is a low cost carrier terminal, but it's huge. We kinda underestimated it, we took our sweet time to hang around after passing the security checkpoint. Luckily we managed to get onto the plane at the very last minute.

Barcelona Girona Airport taxi waiting stand

While Barcelona Girona airport is kinda like the LCCT in KL, when we touched down, I only saw our plane on the field. It's late (about 9pm) even the sun still shine, we just wanna go to the apartment quickly, we took a super expensive 7-seater MPV to Barcelona which took about 1.5 hrs traveling. The fare costs €155, i dunno if it is reasonable there or not, but to me it's darn expensive as it converted to RM.

Cheese and Ham for appetizer

Finally we reached the apartment (MH Apartment, Tetuan) outside, the sky was dark and the apartment was closed. While Andrew calling the apartment officer to come by and pass us the key. We found a Italian restaurant nearby to have our supper.

Pork with syrah sauce, pretty tasty and filling

After supper, we straight ahead to the apartment, wash up and rest.. almost whole day was just traveling.

Our short trip in London (2)

2008-07-28T23:16:00.023+08:00

famous roasted duck from Four Seasons Restaurant, Bayswater. 好正
After the "morning" walk to Buckingham, Westminster, London Eye, Thames River view. We went back to Bayswater for dim sum lunch at one of the Chinese restaurant.

In fact, almost all meals we took except breakfast during our stay in London are Chinese food. Firstly, my parent-in-laws like them, secondly, they are good, some even better than we had in "boleh-lah-land". Seriously... I guess because those cooks are imported from HK. I have to admit their dim sum, roasted duck are super delicious.

London Bridge
This is London Bridge, kinda typical right?
After lunch, while dad, mum and Chris resting at apartment, Andrew, Joanne and I continue our sightseeing walks. We took Underground train to London Bridge Station, and we started our walking. I learn that London Bridge is not the bridge that I thought. The one which in my mind is actually Tower Bridge.

2 dogs, 1 man and Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge in action

We later went to Leicester Square to meet up with parent-in-laws and Chris, continue our sight-seeing and dinner in China town. Ohya, we also been to the Trafalgar Square which is just opened after some renovation. It used to be pigeon gathering center, but now hardly see one there.

Trafalgar Square with Nelson's Column in the center

The people there really like theater, I simply noticed about 10 theaters while we walking.

Her Majestic Theater showing Phantom of Opera

The other thing that I enjoyed is looking at the nice architecture building, from very old/classic type until very modern/futuristic type.

Tower Place, well glasses design

Llyods Building, metal type with exposed lift, water pipe and staircase, impressive

Royal Exchange

Oval shaped City Hall

Our short trip in London (1)

2008-07-25T22:24:00.031+08:00

Horsing Riding at Hyde Park Corner
1st impression of London, sky is cloudy. I thought it should be warm in summer, but i was wrong. The temperature was about 19-22 (day), plus the windy condition, it actually pretty cold too. And sudden changes are unexpected. It could be raining in the morning, but sunshine in the afternoon.

Walking in Hyde Park
We walked a lot during our London trip. Anyway, walking in the park like Hyde Park and Regents Park is very blissful. The park is so nice, people jogging, cycling, walking to work, walking the dogs unleashed, horse riding.. that really makes me envy..

Very cloudy day, the Victoria Memorial, Buckingham Palace
Trying to take group photo while raining at Buckingham Palace entrance
After our light breakfast in the apartment. We walked through Hyde Park to the Buckingham Palace, too bad it was raining when we reached there. Besides, only the Queens Gallery is accessible to the public. We couldn't take many photos. We headed to Big Ben in Westminster area later, luckily sky is getting clearer.

Tourist-can't-missed Westminster Palace and Big Ben
Panorama of London Eye and Westminster Bridge (Click to see the larger size)
London Eye
Finally I know how big is Big Ben, We'd seen Westminster Palace, London Eye.. taken tonnes of photos.. Paiseh, I'd not even been to the Eye of KL, have no idea how his big is it.. this is hell gigantic ferries wheel..

St. Paul's Cathedral
The Gherkin, an landmark skyscraper of London
It's amazing, river view, park, city and building are beautiful, even most of the cars are new, almost all of the working men are wearing suits.. the great thing is even it's summer now, it is not warm at all, sometime i need to put on my jacket also..

to be cont'd..

First trip to UK/Europe

2008-07-20T16:12:00.010+08:00

so contrast the sky and cloud, another plane in the sight
Other than my previous Australia trip, this was my 1st time that spend 11 hours in the flight non stop to destination from BKK to LHR. We chosen Thai Airways because it's among the best price. The total flight from PEN to LHR and return costs about RM3.3K, but now is RM4.Xk after the surcharge increased, luckily we bought earlier.

roaming in the air of London
As we flying from GMT 8 to GMT 0, with daylight saving, we saved 7 hours of time adjustment when we reached there. London Heathrow airport is darn busy, although we reach there on time, the plane have to roam in the air for about 1 hr until get to touch down.
welcome with rainbow
Though we were "welcome" with rainbow, the inbound immigration process is still quite strict, as expected. We waited another hour in the queue. We witnessed a few groups of people having trouble of getting the passport stamped. Seem like UK is a favorite spot of "plane jumper".

As my bro-in-law's graduation ceremony, we followed my parents-in-laws to attend the convocation and going for family trip together. Thankfully, because we could saved much money in food & accommodation. Without them, I don't think we can make it alone this time, as our currency exchange rate is pretty sucks when deal with Pound Sterling and Euro.. I felt like 6 times poorer when I was there. That a bottle of coke for example, it costs £1 in UK, while it costs RM1.7 in "bolehland", which meant RM6.40 for a bottle of coke there. Actually their cost of living is not high if living there.

CS ROM

2008-06-29T15:39:00.009+08:00

Congratulate to Chao Seng, a colleague of mine who was register his marriage on last Saturday. I was asked to be his photographer for his important event. The registration was held at Che Wee Khor Uplifting Moral Society (北海紫威阁德教會) at Raja Uda, Prai area. To view the rest of shots in my flickr

So happened that I bump with Kooi Meng(TAR college friend) who was registering his marriage on that day too.

My New Telephoto Lens 55-250mm

2008-06-15T00:11:00.001+08:00

Last Monday (9 of Jun) was a replacement holiday, so I took a chance and to go to Penang to buy a new lens which is Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. The main purpose is for my coming vacation.
Initially, I was thinking of "little white 小小白" (70-200mm f4 L IS USM). But I decided to go for the former mainly because of:
1. Cheap pricing, "little white 小小白" is 4x more expensive..
2. Cool IS (Image Stabilizer)
3. Easy to carry while traveling, it's light weight and not that big in size (lens filter size is 58mm)
4. Greater focal length 55-250, equivalent to 88-400mm in 135 format

Not:
1. No USM - Actually, wasn't as slow as expected. It's ok for not moving object.
2. Plastic mount - Can be broken easily than steel type
3. Plastic feeling, not solid
4. Not super sharp
5. Not really suitable for indoor shot cos aperture not large enough
6. EF-S only, which means only for APC-S sensor size format camera (like 40D, 450D, etc)
7. Lens hood not included
8. Focus hunting in low light condition

In box

Box opening

Lens outlook

All items out from the box, lens hood is optional.. :(

Bought a lens filter (Hoya UV HMC 58mm) for protection

Plastic mount, surprisingly is MIM (Made in M'sia)!!

Height comparison with 50mm f1.8

Height comparison with 17-40mm f4 L

Height comparison with 17-40 when fully zoom to 250mm

Indoor shot at 55mm

Indoor shot as 250mm at 0.4sec, 250mm, IS On, hand held

Indoor shot at 0.4sec, 250mm, IS off, hand held

Low light shot at 0.8sec, 250mm, IS on, hand held

Low light shot at 0.8sec, 250mm, IS off, hand held of cos

Outdoor shot with 55mm

Outdoor shot with 250mm

Sample floral shot

Cropped to view the sharpness

Macro 1.1m minimum distance

Overall, if you are looking for quality telephoto lens and don't bother about money, go for f2.8 or f4 with IS. But if you just need a lightweight telephoto lens and tight in budget. This is a good choice.

For the sake of green planet

2008-06-11T22:53:00.000+08:00

I don't know when is the last time I used for steel food container for take away food, i guess it's like during my primary school time. Overhere in bolehland, especially buying cooked food from food stall or hawker, almost all of them are using plastic bag to pack the fresh hot cooked food. I guess we all already use to it. Until recently, I find it is not only unhealthy to human (wonder how much plastic element has food absorb before we eat it), it also unfriendly to environment as it's non-biodegradable material.
That's the reason I bought the food container last weekend and started using it for take away food. It's old fashioned, not really cool, it may not saves the planet, but at least can give her a break, I feel good. :)

TJH's House Warming

2008-06-10T19:06:00.004+08:00

Jeng How is one of my colleague in IT department, he was generous to invite us to his new condo for house warming on last Sunday. His 1258-sqft-condo located at somewhere in Sg Ara area, Penang, named Regency Heights. Most of us brought along spouse/girlfriend to the party too, so do I. We pickup Chao Seng and his wife to be along the way. We took sometime to get there due to un-familiarity, so we were bit late when we reach there.

I like the condo, the outlook is pretty, the surrounding looks good, the air is cooling and windy, the built-up is large enough, the car park is pretty bright. Well, the price is not cheap, of cos.. His renovation was pretty well done too. Petty comfy.

The fest was started when we were there. Pizza, chips and fried chicken were served. Yummy.. And thanks to the courtesy of Jacky, he brought Nintendo Wii console along, most of us have the chance to play for the very first time. It was really fun, especially when playing together with friends and families. If alone, I think PS3 is better. Pros and Cons.. I hope I can get one soon.

Tulan

2008-06-08T00:37:00.003+08:00

Tulan, is a hokkien word, commonly used to express the emotion when really piss off.
Recently I noticed many tulan-ess around, some people tulan about pak lah, some people tulan about tun, some people tulan about opposition, some people tulan about video clip, some people tulan about politic bloggers, some people tulan about school uniform too sexy, some people tulan about big foot and monkey, some people tulan about space traveling, some people tulan about road blocking, some people tulan about losing some rocks on the sea to the neighbor... But this week, many people tulan about fuel price increased by 40% suddenly, even gahmen announcing will provide cash rebate about 625 bucks for those car owner with car below 2000cc.

For me, I won't be tulan about the price increasing, if our income per capita is not low (our neighbor is 4 times higher than us), if we no need to pay for super expensive price for car (with about 80% duty), if the public transportation system not sucks, if no need to pay toll everywhere, if we are not oil production country...

dam tulan...

Bakuteh at Raja Uda

2008-06-01T00:15:00.005+08:00

Friday after work, we went for the "Bakuteh" (Claypot pork soup) with 3 of my colleagues at famous Raja Uda road, the place was highly recommended by Chao Seng's friend. In fact, we all never come across any good "bakuteh" near that area. Since we all like to try new stuff, so we decided to give a try. The shop was called "Lao Shan Dong" (老山東）. It is located just opposite the Caltex station along the Raja Uda road.

Well, it was good, can compete with the famous one (食王) in Bukit Mertajam. And the waiter even top up the soup without our requesting.. so far I never know got any shop do that, this is really "value added". While the price was normal. Place was so so, at least not dirty. Not crowd as I expected. The bad is I drank 2 glasses of water after the dinner, but still feeling very thirsty. Was it the effect of the soup? or you know what...

Coffee Visits Vet Again

2008-05-25T20:54:00.011+08:00

Coffee always has the inner earache (infections) problem, tried a few vets around Penang but couldn't help. We decide to give a try to Peng-Aun at the island, located at Sg. Dua. Been heard some good recommendations about the vet.

The doctor did pretty good job, he has a equipment to check Coffee's inner ear. He also pluck Coffee inner ear's hair. He's saying the groomer should did that. After confirmed her ear has infection, he shown us how to clean her ear and applied a ear creme (called Oribiotic from Vetoquinol) which seem like pretty effective, because Coffee no longer shake her head after that.. it makes the previous ear drop perception seem like fake medicine.. I would recommend this vet, if not mention was he was late for an hour after the clinic opened.

Saw a cocker spaniel there too when waiting for doc, very cute, cool and behaved... unlike Coffee, like crazy bitch, always barking to others dogs, so embarrassing...

Mother Day.. Wesak Day

2008-05-20T21:16:00.008+08:00

We went to Alor Setar on Mother's day weekend to gather with in-law, so we went back to Taiping last weekend (Wesak day). Just to hang around with my parent, aunt.. taking homemade meal.

And so happened it was public holiday on Monday, we put a night there too. Wesak, the Buddha birthday. It always very crowded in Buddhist temple during the big day. I don't really like the crowd, but I felt like going this year.

In fact, It wasn't sweet recently, firstly the cyclone in Myanmar taking 78k people life about 2 weeks ago. Then the China's earthquake about a week ago which the death toll still counting, it was 34k count until 14 of May.

It is scary, 2 disasters could happened so close to each others... that the reason I went to temple to do some praying, and donate some money to the relief fund.
So please help them, if you can..

1. Those who has maybank2u account, can pay direct in the Payment - section, else
2. Tzu Chi
3. For International, try Red Cross
And there are many of channel to donate..

Basic Stuff

2008-05-10T12:37:00.005+08:00

Remember a few years ago, when buying new computer stuff/accessories, I always looks for those pretty advance stuff. But now, just basic or middle range will do...
I bought these 3 stuff from last PC fair in Penang. 2.5" External harddisk 160GB instead of 250GB, wired laser mouse instead of bluetooth one and a USB wifi adapter g type instead of n-type (actually I don't have n type router though). But heck, I realized later the pc-fair price ain't better than normal street price..

Team Building 2008

2008-04-26T01:21:00.009+08:00

I went to company Team Building last weekend.

I guess this is my first official participation in Team Building activity, though I went for paint ball game in company trip, playing with partner company in my previous job, it wasn't really officially like this time.

Company is generous enough to allow each of us an budget to go for trip and do some team building activities/game. 30 something of IT staff plus CIM staff went to Swiss Garden Golf and Spa Resort at Damai Laut near Lumut.

At first I don't feel like going, but later I found it's the best time to get to know my colleagues and vice-versa. Of course, showing my photography enthusiasm.

The resort is pretty isolated, the room and facilities was good enough, the food was ok. But the beach was lousy. For me I will rate 4 stars.

All the games were in the hotel package, prepared by the hotel organizer. I noticed others company also going for similar team building game at the same time.

Little Blue Box

2008-04-22T20:32:00.008+08:00

Like the little blue pill which make men happy, this little blue box makes women happily too..
Happy Birthday My Dear!

It's kinda branded and luxury stuff, but compared to items in my wish list, still ok la. Instead of complete my wish list, I try to complete her list, why not.

Btw, this co. always make me of think of breakfast...

Update

2008-04-09T20:43:00.006+08:00

Been long time since last update..
So fast the 2nd quarter has begun, everything seems like the same..

Firstly, congratulate Sharene for her wedding on 9-Mar
They having a grand dinner in E&O hotel before the wedding day. It was beautiful. I were great to see most of our friends too.. so happened the dinner was the election day too.. got so many surprised news on that night...

So dying to get a telephoto lens.. couldn't take candid shot was really such a waste..

Happy CNY - Year of Rat

2008-02-05T23:58:00.001+08:00

It's the CNY's eve now, time running super fast, the past CNY is just like yesterday... I'm taking a day off to get back to hometown in the afternoon. Unlike last time when I was working in KL, need to be prepared to get stuck in the jam along the north south highway. We will be going in different direction to hometown. Other than that, this gonna be Joanne first time being with me in my hometown during CNY period. And also we are gonna give angpow officially. After so many years of collecting angpow until "paiseh", it's time to give now :) Kinda excited now, can't wait to meet my relatives again, tasting the home cooked dishes and going for short trip to Penang with my in-laws too..

Bought this mugs from Starbucks, it seem like limited edition. Pretty cute and suitable for this year huh...

Wishing the year of Rat bring us prosperity, healthy and happily.. Happy Chinese New Year!!

Wedding Lunch

2008-01-28T23:40:00.000+08:00

We have been to KL again, attending plus being a photographer on Jo's friend wedding lunch. It was a pretty rush trip, hardly have time to relax and visiting relatives and friends. It was the same couple where I took their wedding ceremony pictures on last month. Overall was ok, just realized later that some shots were out of focus which shouldn't be happening, reviewing the picture not thoroughly enough, and I thought it short of candid shot also..

I have been lazy to take a shot since last shooting assignment, I wasn't give up.. I think I need to join a group of friends who like photography, so can motivate each others..

On the other hand, the dishes served was so so, may be we expect higher for that restaurant.

Happy 2008

2008-01-01T22:44:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year!!
Hope you achieve your goals last year... I did manage to close some of my wish list item last year like getting married, personal notebook :) Ya ya, many still outstanding.

Anyway, it's time to set a new resolution for new year
1. Stay healthy
2. Earn big money
3. Start a family
4. Get a new car
5. Go for family overseas trip
6. Home improvement, renovation
7. Snap better photos
8. Meet more new friends
9. Get new lens & new camera body
10. Get a new TV for my room (LCD) hehe...
11. Get a new Nintendo Wii

This shot was taken during our last trip to KL. This super cute gal is my cousin's daughter.

Wedding + Wedding

2007-12-26T10:52:00.000+08:00

We went to KL again on last weekend, spent 4 days of our holiday. First, we had lunch with my parents at Taiping, had dinner with Jo's ex-col, attending and photo shooting for a weddings ceremony, attending a wedding dinner(different couple), shopping and visiting my uncle family.
It was tiring and expensive esp shopping... We went to Pavilion again, i thought to buy some accessories for my macbook, but ended up buying a pair of jean for myself. We also bought some household stuff and pet stuff from Ikea and pet shop. Luckily, I made some bucks during the photo shooting. hehe..

This is taken during the bride's make up session at One World Hotel, Bandar Utama. I like the composition and expression of the bride.

Phang and Lim Wedding

2007-12-25T23:13:00.000+08:00

We were in KL to attend Phang's wedding 2 month ago, he's one of my hometown friend. I'm glad he finally made it after a few years dating. Many congratulation to him and his wife, may they have a good married life. :) I wasn't the official photographer this time, his wife hired a team to do the job, their camera body weren't top level (Canon 5D and 30D) but their lens were definitely pro (L series).
Somehow I just tag along and took some shots during their wedding day. This is one of the my favorite shots...

iSwitch

2007-12-11T00:06:00.000+08:00

Yes i switched :) from pc to mac, i bought my first Mac, my first notebook in my life. It MacBook, the 2.2 white. I had been considering for very long time, been watching the "Get a Mac Adv" for many time..
I don't know if it's right time to purchase, but:
1. the Intel Core 2 Duo processor spec has been upgraded to 2.2Ghz (Santa Rosa base)
2. price reduced a couple hundred
3. RAM supports up to 4GB (previously was 2GB)
4. storage of 120GB,
5. new graphics processor of GMA X3100 with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory (it was 64MB previously),
6. PC fair promotion with 0% interest installment plan (selected bank credit card) and RM299 cash voucher for from the reseller, other words, free some accessories for my mac, i bought a sleeve, headset and keyboard cover
7. new super cool OS Leopard (300 more reasons to buy mac), hehe..
8. it's darn sexy... :)

During the PC fair, i grabbed 2 x 1GB 667 DDR2 memory for upgrading the RAM and Linksys (G) wireless router, been dreaming of surfing the net at every corner in my house for long long time.

However, there are some drawback like:
1. not easy to get "ahem" software & games from the shelves. Almost all are windows based.
2. shared video memory with main memory. Well, my main purpose of the notebook is for photo editing, surfing, blogging, actually no need extra graphics card for the application like game.
3. Macbook might come out with new version soon.. aikss, can't be forever waiting..

Until now I'm still exploring the mac software online, it is fun... i luv Macbook and Mac OS X
For the rest of the photos at my flickr...

Battle of shopping malls

2007-12-02T21:15:00.000+08:00

Kinda outdated post, suppose to post this 1 month ago...

As usual in KL, we visited to our favorite destination when we were there, shopping mall. hehe... Surprisingly, there were 3 new malls rise recently. Pavilion at KL Bukit Bintang area, The Gardens, new extension of the Midvalley mega mall and the new Sunway Pyramid extension. We've been to the 2 of them which were Pavilion and the Gardens. These two are targeting the high end market. I have to say I kinda like the interior design and pretty cozy.

The ceiling looks like inside an space ship

I like the ground floor rest area lounge of the Gardens and it's premier toilet, which cost RM5 per entry or you shop above 100 buck. Other than normal interior stuff, the ceiling is pretty well design too.

I like the Apple store located at Pavilion, though I didn't own any apple product, I spend quite a some time there, I even joined the briefing of Mac new OS Leopard launching. There were so many mac and ipod product accessories on the shelves that grabbed my attention.

We had our dinner in a japanese restaurant at Pavilion which specialty in ramen, food and design was pretty good.

Blessed

2007-12-01T23:11:00.000+08:00

Seriously, I have removed this item from my wish list a few years back, or put it in least priority list. To me, owning this is a kinda luxury, I decided not to buy until I make some bucks from investment or got a huge bonus from my pay.. but got it as a wedding gift, then is okay... ^_^ It's a bless to me.

Anyway, taking picture of watch was a new experience to me. I discovered something new. First, need to avoid the reflection of the surface glass, else the glass with be covered with white. Second, the position of the time pin, it won't be look nice if it block the badge, or un-balance feeling. Realized why so many watch adv like to adjust to time 10:10.

Some Bangkok Recommedation

2007-11-18T13:43:00.002+08:00

We had a wonderful dining and shopping experience in Bangkok.

We didn't have chance to go Chatuchak (Weekend Market) due to overlooking the "weekend" when I was booking the flight, how silly...

However, we had been some place which are pretty good which shouldn't miss.

1. MBK Center, there are many Chatuchak-like store at the 2nd top floor (can't remember the number) it's good choice especially for the souvenir shopping. Besides, I even got my lens filter (Hoya Pro1 Digital 77mm) with very good price (much better than M'sia) in one camera shop at 2nd/3rd floor. I saw so many iPhone (unlocked) selling there. :) I have to admit I was tempted..

2. Siam Paragon
Impressed with the design, there is a "stream" (long artificial pool) in the mall. And I love the Gourmet Market, I have to say no supermarket in m'sia can compared with it. The product variety are awesome which full of local and imported food, I found so many foreign food products which can't be found in m'sia not even in Cold Storage. Besides, the service is superb, a staff noticed my small sized trolley couldn't fit all my stuff and he took a standard size trolley for me without my requesting. For the first time in my life, I felt that I am a customer in supermarket...

3. Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Unlike Chatuchak, it opens every night. Well, at least not so warm while doing the bargain shopping and it's quite clean. It has many souvenir shops, shirts, clothes, craft stuff, etc.. We didn't finish exploring the whole market though.

4. Central World Plaza
We didn't much time to explore every floors of it, it's hugh. The design is pretty advance. Impressed with the cinema (SFW), offers many type of seats from normal to reclining seat, family sofa to opera box..

Restaurant

1. Ban Khun Mae
Introduced by my friend. The restaurant located near the Siam Square area. It serves very good authentic Thai food with reasonable price, the place is cozy with nice decor too. We went there twice during the trip and tried different dishes. I must say it's really good place for foreigner like us as the menu come with English.

2. Food court at MBK Center. The budget food court (local and asian) at top floor and classy food court (international) at 5th floor should not be missed. We enjoyed the food there.

3. Cafe Chilli
Unlike typical Thai food. This restaurant serves northern east Thai food. We saw it when we walking in the Siam Paragon, just thought of trying it, turn up it was pretty satisfying. The pork meat ball with spicy soup (steamboat) and the herbs chicken are the must try. The soup getting more tastier and hotter after a while.

4. Black Canyon Coffee
This franchise coffee shop serves surprisingly good coffee. I had a cappuccino there when we take a coffee break during shopping. Starbucks can stand aside...

Ancient City - Ayutthaya

2007-11-17T18:33:00.002+08:00

We picked this place as our day trip during the Bangkok vacation, Ayutthaya is not only a great sightseeing destination and it's also an awesome place to snap ton of photos especially the historical park where the ruins of the old city after the Burmese invasion. The trip started from bus.

Before visiting the historical park, we were toured to the Bang Pa-In Palace, also known as the summer palace. It has many types of building like European, Chinese, Lighthouse, of course Thai... However, 1 hour for seeing and walk around was definitely not enough.

The guide also brought us to a Wat (temple) and a very large outdoor reclining Buddha.

The journey ended with the cruise back to Bangkok via Chao Phraya river, it inclusive the buffet lunch as well.

See the remaining photo in my flickr album

Grand Sukhumvit in Bangkok

2007-11-04T21:57:00.003+08:00

Sukhumvit is one of the Main Street in Bangkok city. The hotel we picked was also contain the name, i.e. Grand Sukhumvit by Sofitel. But why "by Sofitel"? because there is another Grand Sukhumvit by Sheraton located nearby. I wonder is there too many hotel in Bangkok or the majority taxi driver can't understand English, I realized there isn't easy to tell the driver what hotel we want to go. Well, the hotel did provide a small booklet which has the direction of the hotel in Thai language.

Anyway, the moment that we stepped into the hotel lobby, we knew we made a right choice. It looks pretty new or it might be just renovated, the bellboy and the reception officer are very helpful.

The room is even cool, pretty suit our preference, which is modern. Other than basic stuff, it equipped with LCD screen, nice sofa, laminated flooring, some more come with weight scale.

The buffet breakfast was up to standard, just nice.

But something really touched me, when we back from a day trip one day, we saw a birthday cake on the coffee table (It was my birthday on 11-Oct). We realize that the cake's a courtesy from the hotel, how sweet..
Can't help recommend this hotel to our family members and friends after the trip...

Bangkok Change and Un-change

2007-11-02T22:26:00.002+08:00

After our wedding, we flew to Bangkok of the "Land of Smile" Thailand by the "go holiday" package from Air Asia. 5 days 4 night, it's a free and easy which inclusive of air ticket and hotel with breakfast.

Really amazed with their transportation system, from 4 lanes highway, "high"way, sky train, MRT, comfortable taxi (altis, vios).. I felt very "paiseh" (ashamed) with our country transportation system.

It's been 2 years since my last visit, there is a new airport now, so called Suvarnabhumi, it has a pretty solid and modern look. Something still remain, Thai people greeting "Sawasdee Karp" with their warmly smile..

1006, I am married

2007-10-21T23:26:00.000+08:00

Legally i did it last year, but this was my traditional ceremony, at last..
Planning, spending and preparation was killing, i tried to be simple as possible, but still need to consider many things. Anyhow, when come to the actual day. It was really fun, happy and felt so release after the party.
I am so lucky and thankful to have those who contributing, supporting, helping and accompanying in my wedding. Really so happy to see my relatives and friends are enjoying the party.
Reviewing the photos from 2k over image files wasn't an easy task after receiving the photos from the photographers.

Pro Tripod

2007-09-23T18:29:00.000+08:00

Hard to believe that my wedding ceremony is coming so soon, it's just 2 weeks away.
The status of preparation is about 7788-la.. (70-80%). Guest list management is most headache so far. Other stuff like florist arrangement, entertainment.. are burning a big hole in my pocket. Good is my aunt is arranging the dining stuff and my relative guest list. Talking about wedding photographer, I had engaged two of my friends to be my photographers, thankfully. He scratch my back, I scratch his back..

Talking of traveling plan after the wedding, I'll be short a photographer as need to take more couple shot-mah. So I decided to get a new tripod. Well, I do have a light tripod, but it's just enough for a compact camera, when i put my 400D with my speedlite on top of it.. I become worry because it become unstable, especially doing portrait shot. I need something steady & solid.

I don't have many choices in Penang, Don't have a chance to check out Giottos, Velbon, Silk over here, Gitzo is totally out of budget... I seeing Manfrotto and Digipod in my favorite camera shop. After long consideration, I decide to buy Manfrotto tripod model 190XPROB from Italy, it's kinda heavy (1.9kg) but it's solid (Max load 5kg). It's kinda expensive but I won't be regret cos I think I can use it for at least more than 10 years, I bet it will be longer life than my camera. Besides, it won a TIPA 2007 under best accessory category. Digipod is the Gitzo wannabe from China, cheap and light. I almost wanted to buy it, but I can't accept a flaw which after locking the platform still be able to rotate a bit. The drawback of 190XPROB is it doesn't come with head and bag. I bought Digipod BH-22Q ball head , it has good features and cheaper, can't complaint out of it..

Trapped

2007-09-09T21:52:00.000+08:00

"I'm trapped"

My PC OS crashed today. Seem like 1 of the important files failed to loaded. My wedding ceremony is coming soon (less than a month), all my critical files like guests contact, location map, photo slide show are in my PC. Felt sux. Almost want to go to Penang to buy a new PC/notebook.. During recovery, I chosen the new installation because 1st attempted to recover like waiting way too long, later I found out is the same for installing new... sux again..
Now I am re-installing all my urgently need software back 1st. Wasting my 1/2 day..
I guess this incident may be hinting me that my PC is getting old, should start to get a replacement unit... :P

Took the picture by last week.. they seem like pretty enjoy being trapped. What a cute face.

Speedlite 580EX Mark II

2007-07-28T23:19:00.000+08:00

I got the Speedlite 580EX II on 8th July. Kinda regret after buying, because not really using it as my last out shooting was past and I don’t have any schedule near future. And have to owe the bank even much now…

The 580 EX Mark II nothing much different with it’s bro 580EX, apparently the only different are the weather seal (rubber) and the hot shoe lock. The weather seal which close the gap between the camera hot shoe. While the hot shoe lock, the old one need more work (dial) to lock and unlock, while the new one is easier to lock and has the safety button for unlocking.

I never use Canon Speedlite before, but I found that it is not so user-friendly. The information shown on the LCD is kinda confusing. Because I didn’t have this feeling when I start using SB800. Besides, it didn’t come with soften diffuser (What…). With the price, I really expect that to be included.

Somehow, I completed my equipment list for this moment. I even bought the LightSphere dome (Gary Fong) by last week to make my lighting system even better. Can't wait for an event wedding to shoot now.

Wedding Photograph

2007-07-08T16:22:00.000+08:00

I wasn’t very satisfied with my latest photo shooting work, especially indoor shots without external flash is pretty sucks. Turned up many pictures are too dark, not enough light to fill up the shadow. His wedding was kinda simple and fast though, I thought there always be some obstacles when picking up the bride.

Jo and I had my pre-wedding photograph shooting session on last week (28/6) and we selected the picture yesterday. It was pretty nice, the bridal house (shalom @ penang) photographer did a great job. However, something really out of expectation, the package inclusive of 20 photos, actually it only has 10 type of shots. As the 2 pages next to each other must be in paired, which means same type of shots (same outfit, same background, but different posh). If we are choosing a shot for a page, they will fill up the 2 pages somehow. End up we top up 14 shots, which costs 1.2k add-on. This is how they make money. I don't mind paying extra if I get to know earlier, but paying on the spot is darn hurt.

4/2.8

2007-07-01T10:29:00.000+08:00

Finally I went for 17-40mm f4L instead of 17-55mm f2.8. Bought it on 21-Jun, 2 days before my friend Louis’s wedding. Really need a wide angle lens which can take group photo and narrow place.
However, I couldn’t manage to buy the Flash, EX580 II. It was out of stock due to new model, what a reason. I thought new model should have more stock count to meet the demand. “Boh pian”, I have no choice to use my internal flash or my “manual” Image Stabilizer (IS).

The 17-40mm f4L is pretty solid feels, as it has dust/weather proof feature where the edge has some rubber thingy to seal the gap, that’s the “L” lens for. More importantly, The AF is very fast and accurate. However, without IS, it wasn’t easy to take picture without flash especially indoor shots.

Hope this investment can have a good ROI. Hehe..

Next purchase is definitely the 580 EX II.

Latest equipment

2007-06-24T16:37:00.001+08:00

If you noticed the shot I took on previous post, it was from my new DSLR Canon 400D. I bought it on 13-Jun, the same day we were going to bridal shop to select the wedding gown. Together I bought the 50mm f1.8, because I was indecisive which lens to buy (17-40mm F4L, 17-55mm F2.8 IS). Anyway 50mm f1.8 is a must for me.

With the good price tag, can’t really ask for more features like Nikon D80 or Canon 30D, but the auto dust cleaning and 10Mp are really selling point with this kinda price. Besides, I can save some buck for good lens.

Other than that, as compared with my previous DSLR, the most different are:
i) AWB result is amazing; Canon has the better accuracy of AWB in overall light temperature. Which mean no need to adjust the level again in CS
ii) I used to touch up the image esp. auto contrast in CS after shooting for my previous camera. But I noticed I no need to do so for my current one
iii) I personally thought the USM is faster over SWM, as comparing EF17-40mm f/4L over AFS 17-70mm f/3.5-4.5 (I wonder if it’s a fair competition, but that the lens I’d been using)
iv) Canon lens is not more expensive. E.g. 50mm f1.8, can get below 300 buck
v) More autofocus point 11 9 over 5
vi) However, the size of 400D is smaller and not easy to adjust the setting. Anyway, the battery grip can cover the weakness
vii) switching power on until I start shooting isn’t as fast as expected (0.2sec as advertised), my previous camera is faster in this sense
viii) Plastic feel
ix) Lesser ISO selection
x) Lesser view finder info
xi) Shooting mode different naming - TV, AV
xii) Power draining faster, guess is due to bigger LCD, need to buy a spare battery

Overall, it is worth upgrading.

My new pet

2007-06-18T10:28:00.000+08:00

We brought him home on 3-Jun, after going through many consideration. Since then we have changed his name for more than 3 times - pepper, kafinn, sparky, komo. Named Komo because the way he walk is like komodo dragon when he was just came here.
He is 7 months old now, a pedigree that came with cert, pepper & salt in color, but I found it more like black & silver when in house.
Why 7 months old puppy? 'Cos we thought he can hold his bowel longer before going pee-poo, easier to train, already social enough with other dogs, we saw his size and temper which can't really foresee when it's puppy. In fact, his pee is a lot, too fat as lack of exercise, bad habit that will pee-poo in his pen. Not easy to trained that as thought. We are working hard to fix his problem now..

Guess what is his breed..