Flying High

Sunday 17 January 2010

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the cockpit every time you fly in an aeroplane? What is it that they do to take you safely from one place to another? I’ve always wondered how it is like to fly a plane and was delighted to know that you can be a ‘pilot’ for a day with introductory flight programmes.

Aerovantage, the company who runs the programmes, introduced it in November last year. The pilot and booking services are arranged by the company whereas the aeroplanes are provided by FAS UDARA Flying Club (03-7846 4186 / 03-7805 2895).

The programme begins with a pilot explaining the workings and controls of the aircraft. My pilot was Capt Dylan Morvryn Bhaskaran, 35, who has 17 years of flying experience under his belt.

Capt Dylan

The aircraft was a Cessna 152, a small two-seater single engine general aviation plane used primarily for flight training and personal use. The Cessna 152 is the plane most people learn to fly in.

The Cessna 152

Capt Dylan said that the best time for flying is early in the morning from 7.30am to 9am or in the evening after 4pm before sundown. This is because the weather is nicer, winds are calmer and visibility is better.

Only one person is allowed to fly with the pilot at any given time but the briefing can be done individually or as a group, depending on the participants.

Capt Dylan started with a pre-flight walk-around check of the aircraft, pointing out the various mechanisms that work the plane. He explained what happens when the plane takes-off, when it climbs, how it turns and when it lands. He also taught me how to do an engine oil check and an external light check for safety reasons.

After the walk-around, I sat in the cockpit to learn about the control panel of the aircraft. I learnt how to read the altimeter, determine how fast we are flying, how quickly we are climbing or descending, how to direct the plane in the right direction, determine our artificial horizon and check the fuel gauge.

Me in the co-pilot seat of the Cessna 152!

Control panels in the cockpit

The Cessna 152 taking off!

It was extremely exhilarating as the small cockpit allows you to see everything that’s happening around you. I could see the flaps moving as the plane climbed, and hear the mechanisms work as it turned or gathered speed. The ground was getting smaller and smaller as we gained altitude.

After reaching a stable height at 1500 feet, Capt Dylan handed the controls over to me. My heart was beating excitedly as I took over the controls. I checked the altimeter, airspeed and directional indicator to make sure the aircraft was flying at the right speed at the right height and in the right direction. It was easier than I thought!

We flew from Subang over Shah Alam to Port Klang. Capt Dylan gave me a little treat and flew towards Pulau Ketam to see the kelongs. Pulau Ketam is usually not included in the flight route.

View of Shah Alam

View of Port Klang

Capt Dylan showed me a few tricks he learned such as making a 360º turn and doing surprise dips in the air. Although it left my stomach queasy, I was thrilled nonetheless as I have never experienced such G force before.

We headed back after a while for the taxi down. It was a smooth landing with not a single bump felt at all. An hour in the air went by in a blink of an eye! I was a little sad that the experience was over so fast but Capt Dylan cheered me up by saying that they offer longer flying programmes with other aircrafts. Hmm..tempting.

This particular programme cost RM590. To experience the introductory flight programme, call Shirley at 012-3800 370 or email shirley.selvaraj@gmail.com. Astuteexperirence card members, a loyalty card programme that allows members access to a host of hotels and lifestyle experiences, are entitled to a special rate. Call 03-21165851 or visit www.astutexperirence.com.

New year, new phone

Sunday 3 January 2010

Happy new year everyone!! I know, I know.. haven't been updating much lately as I had been lazy.. been receiving a few international guests in my home, feeling a bit like united nations now hahah.

Anyway... my trusty Nokia, the one Paulie exchanged with me a couple years back (it's so obsolete now I don't even know the model number), decided to konk out on me on new year's eve. Great timing right?

Kaputed...

Been reading this book - Bonfire of the Brands by Neil Boorman, I know I'm diverting here but it's a good book! It talks about how advertising and branding dominate our life and how Neil, who has been addicted all his life to the false sense of security brands provide, decided to burn every branded thing he owns and live a brand free life in a consumer-crazed world corrupted by marketeers.

Made me aware of how brands affect our lives. Took a look in my toilet and realised that I'm a sucker too. M&S shampoo & conditioner, Clinique facial foam, Dove body shampoo, L'occitane moisturiser, Crabtree & Evelyn salts, etc.. you get the picture. Why the hell did I buy M&S anyway? Quality sucks. Doesn't do jack shit to my hair. It just smells great and it's a brand. That's advertising for ya.

The book

Anyway, back to the phone - everyone around me, especially if you live in technology-crazy Asia, owns the latest gadgets - iPhone, Blackberry, HTC, pda phones- you name it. Even my dad owns the latest Nokia what-have-you! It's peer pressure damn it!

You gotta look cool, you gotta fit in. Heaven forbid you place an old Ericsson on the table during a high-powered business meeting. It's gotta be the latest, updated, most expensive - else, you're just not connected, cool or up-to- date enough. That's what branding does to you. Makes you feel inadequate, lowers your confidence, so you have to buy the latest damn thing.

Sadly, I am a victim of branding too as my phone needs to fit in with all the shiny new toys my friends proudly display on the table - taunting, looking down, pitying me...

What did I do then? Like a mindless sheep following the herd, I went in search of a new shiny toy too. Forget Sg Wang. You have everything at Digital Mall in PJ, plus no hassles of traffic jams, smelly crowds & expensive parking.

I decided on this - LG Arena KM900. Hey, Life's good with LG - isn't that what they promise you? It's not the top-of-the-line (RM1,300 cash) but it has touch screen, wifi, and most importantly, looks good.

My brand new shiny toy

My social status has been restored. I am confident once again. I am finally now accepted.

Hiking the Alps

Friday 4 – Sunday 6 December 2009

Martha’s younger sister, Magdalena, invited us over to her place in Antwort (a funny village cause the word means answer in German) near the Alps. She’s the real sporty kind, mountain climbing, biking, hiking, etc. She stays there with her boyfriend Hans.

Maggie & Hans' pad in Antwort

Germans are such hospitable people. Was raining the first day we arrived so we decided to do some swimming at the thermal pools. They had both indoor and outdoor pools where the water comes from the hot springs nearby. You can swim right in the open even though its snowing outside. There’s this icy cold pool you can enter before you jump back into the hot pool. My knee got a good bruising trying to get away from Jerry holding me in there long.

Went hiking in the snowy alps the next day! Weather was gorgeously beautiful. We’ve been lucky with the weather so far as each time we wanted to do some outdoor activity, the sun comes out. Scenery is amazingly beautiful covered in a blanket of snow. Hiked quite a fair bit to a guesthouse way on top of the hill. We crossed over into Austria without even knowing it! Had Jagertee there, some sort of stronger Gluhwein. Tiring but rewarding day.

Hiked to Austria!

Gorgeous scenery

Postcard picture

Taking a breather overlooking a spectacular view

Maggie and Hans wanted to bake some Xmas cookies the next day so they sent us out walking around the village with Hans’ handheld GPS. According to it, we did 6.3km in 1 ½ hours walking 5kmph. Nice stroll taking pictures of the German neighbourhood.

Walking around the neighbourhood

It was time to head back to the farm and Heidi was so kind to pick us from the train station. Had dinner there before going back to Raklern.

City of Munich

Wednesday 2 – Friday 5 December 2009

Decided to head into the big city of Munich as Heidi had the day off on Wednesday. Stayed at her house that night so we could leave early by train in the morn.

Munich is quite a vibrant city. Didn’t get to see much of it the last time we were there as it was straight to the Oktoberfest grounds to it was nice to explore more of the city. Stayed to watch the infamous clock tower where the Bavarian statues dance around. It was a waste of 5 minutes but you just got to do it cause it’s the touristy thing to do :)

City of Munich

Went to the festival grounds again but this time they had another festival called Tollwood. It’s where other countries get to display, sell and promote their food and products. There were international performances, theatre, photography exhibitions, film screenings and loads of food. Ate quite a bit there think I put on a few kg just at Tollwood.

Tollwood grounds

Tollwood activities

Met up with Heidi’s friend Christian who has been in Malaysia many times. I don’t know y but I found it was so hilarious when I asked him what he did in Malaysia and he replied, well, just lepaking around. Imagine hearing that from a German guy in Munich. It tickled me pink.

He brought us to a Medieval Christmas Market where the shops and people where decorated and dressed as in the medieval period. Felt like we were transported back in time with the Robin Hood clothes. They even had the clothes and weapons on sale.

Medieval Christmas market

Heidi went back the same day so we stayed on for another night at Maria’s apartment. Day was good so we walked into town. Wasn’t that far really when you’re looking around. Planned so many things like going to the museum and this monastery where the monks brew their own beer but we ended up having a lazy stroll around the city and to the English Garten where we just sat on a bench in the sun. Was really nice.

There’s this small part of the river in the garden where people surf ‘stationary’ like. Funny to see people in their full dry suit and a surf board in the middle of the city. Oh, had the most awesome pork knuckles at Augustiner Bierhall too.

Met up with Jerry’s friend Allie and we did the markets and Tollwood again.

Strolling the English Garten

Farm life in Raklern

Sunday 29 Nov – Friday 11 Dec 2009

There’s too much to write about the farm so this won’t be in chronological order. The organic farm is owned by Martha Gierl, whose husband Manfred passed away a few months ago in a bike accident. Jerry’s helping her out with the operations for roughly 2 months as she needs the help, especially during the winter time.

Raklern farm

Farm interior

The farm is in Raklern, and the farm is the only house in Raklern. Funny eh? There are a few areas around the farm with different names and some has a few more houses within the area. Nearest biggest town is Deggendorf, the first town I visited the day I arrived. Jerry took me to my first Christmas market where I drank my first Gϋlhwein. I fell in love then. It’s red wine cooked in spices -cinnamons & cloves (I got the recipe from Martha already!) – and served warm or hot. Perfect drink to warm your hands in the cold German weather. Totally love it!

My first Gluhwein in Deggendorf

Martha has bout 30 cows and 3 calves when I was there. They milk and feed the cows every morning (Jerry wakes up at 5.30am when the milk truck comes every other day and 7am when it doesn’t) and there’s tons of other stuff to do at the farm.

Mooooo

Jerry’s been showing me the ropes, and I’ve been helping with the feeding of silage, grass that has been sitting for a while. The cows love it but the smell really sticks to your clothes! Didn’t manage to milk the cow by hand. Nothing came out even though I tried many times! Played around with the little digger and tractor and hoed the garden with fertilizer too. Felt good to be doing physical work at the farm. I’m building those muscles! But I’m eating more too and it’s mostly meat and bread. Not much vegetables here during the winter.

Working around the farm

They have a few other animals here like chickens, a goose, ducks, pigeons, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, a donkey (Bella), a horse (Sissy) and 2 lovely dogs (Tinka & Goldie). It’s really good to have fresh eggs laid by free range chickens in the morning and fresh organic milk straight from the cow. Can’t get any fresher than that!

Other animals at the farm

I quite like the life here. It’s quiet, peaceful and so different from the hustle and bustle of the city. People are hardworking and honest, their concerns a world away from ours. Martha’s boys, Simon (10) & Basti (6), are good kids too. Very family orientated life where grandma comes to make cookies and the family sits down together for meals.

Family life at the farm

There are miles and miles of fresh air and lovely walks that you can do with the dogs, although they mostly take us for walks than the other way around. They are really strong. Took them out twice. Once to Maria’s (Martha’s elder sis) house and once to Kneippanlage, a really cold stream where you have to walk a few rounds in your bare feet. Freaking cold especially during the winter. It’s supposed to be good for your immune system.

The first week had been really hectic doing all sorts of activities but the second week was more relaxed as Jerry had to attend to the farm. Our nights were spent watching dvds by the fireplace and having dinners at the local pubs/restaurants. Went to an English do one night where everyone made a point to speak English. An elderly lady founded it and it’s the 3rd gathering when I attended. There were 4 asylum seekers from Nigeria there too. On another night, we went rock climbing with Heidi, her husband Robert and daughter Emma at an indoor gym.

My last day was spent in Therme Erding, Europe’s largest hot water spa world. It’s a huge theme & spa park divided into 3 sections – thermal pools, water slides and adult spa. You got to be 16 years an older to get into the adult spa as no bathing suits are allowed. It’s unisex too. Europeans are really not conservative ;)

We bought tix for the thermal & water slides parks. Slides are cool but seem ‘safer’ than Sunway’s slides. There are 16 slides there but only a few that are worth going more than once. Had loads of fun though and ended the day with a weissbeir at the spa’s pool bar. Jerry sent me off to the airport after that. Sad to leave Germany but it’s good to be heading back home too. Had a great time here. Everyone had been really hospitable and lovely. Was a good 2 weeks. I’m very grateful for everything.

Flight was cancelled!

Saturday 28 Nov 09

Our flight to Frankfurt from Bilbao was cancelled!! We were happily sitting in the business class lounge sipping on cava and thinking what a nice life this is and we were told 1/2 hour before boarding that the flight was cancelled. Not delayed - CANCELLED. This is Lufthansa, a German company for god's sake.

Rushed to the ticket counter and there was this bitch who gave double standards to asians. Made us go to the end of the line coz it was so messy and we were in the 'wrong' queue, even though we got there first and are on bloody business class.

Waited a good hour in line. Damn inefficient bitch. Finally a nicer lady helped us out. We were the last to get served. The rest were panicking coz they had connecting flights and business meetings back in KL & Singapore. But it turned to be much better for me. I managed to change my flight direct to Munich (although I burned my train ticket but who cares for the 7 1/2 hour ride anyways) and get to fly back to KL from Munich too!! Double hip hooray!!

Lufthansa was nice enough to put us up in this lovely 5 star Hotel Indautxu in Bilbao. Dinner was even provided for and since we are business class passengers, we get our own individual rooms. Saw the passenger list and some had double & even triple sharing.

Dinner at Hotel Indautxu

But before the airport fiasco, we walked the streets of Logrono for the last time to visit some markets to buy meat. Spain is filled with pork. Think the are obsessed with it. Check out what they had at the markets. I couldn't buy much meat as I didn't want to lug it around Germany for 2 weeks but I bought a few flat packs back. Iberico ham is Euro 69 a kg! Thank god we bought it at the factory for a wholesale price of E25 a kg.

Pigs, pigs and more pigs

Visited a nice cathedral to thank whoever is up there for what i've been given. Saw capoeira in the streets by little kids too. They were good!

Cathedral in Logrono

Had to visit the tapas bars again before we left and I just love the mushrooms. Heaven.

Ham & wine – the life

Friday 27 Nov 2009

I woke up late today at 9am! Got ready in 10 mins to go to Monte Nevado, a jamon (pronounced hamon) factory an hour away from Logrono. The company produces 75% for their local market and the rest is exported to the rest of the world. Malaysia’s difficult to get in coz loads of forms need to be filled. A pity really.

They produce 3 types of breed – 70% Serano (white pig), 20% Iberico (black pig) & 10% Mangalica (almost extinct Hungarian pig that looks like a sheep coz of its curly white wool). They are the only company in the world to produce Mangalica. The director of quality control, Alejandro (damn young & good looking!) took us around and explained the whole process of curing the jamon.

The raw meat is first thawed, added with curing agents, put in the salting chamber, washed, shaped, placed in a drying chamber, coated in fat to protect from dehydration, hung in the aging room and finally packed. Whole process takes an average of about 18 months for the Serano and 30 months for the Iberico and Mangalica. Obviously, the last 2 are more expensive.

I tried my hands at cutting it too! It’s much harder than it looks. 3 of them bought a whole leg (market price E400 but they got it at bout E100+). I bought a small cut from one of them for E20.

At the jamone factory

We spent a bit too long at the jamone factory so was late to Bodegas Lopez Heredia, a small winery that still makes their wine the traditional way, exactly the same 132 years ago. They are the oldest winery in their neighbourhood and the 3rd oldest in Rioja. 80% is for local market, rest for export. Amazing place where everything is done painstakingly by hand.

Their underground cellar is simply out of this world. I was in awe the entire trip coz everything is the same more than 100 years ago. It was like stepping back in time. Almost everything there was built by Maria Jose Lopez’s (the lady who showed around) great grandfather. They still use their 1910 pressing machine. She admitted that others think they are crazy to produce the old-fashion way but she says it works and that’s what gives character to their wine. They had bottles covered in cobwebs from 1920!

Their modern futuristic shop

Bodegas Lopez Heredia, where everything is done the traditional way.

Maria treated us to a late lunch (after 3pm!) at La Vieja Bodega and we sampled 9 different types of wines! One of them was a white 1987 vintage. Phew. She gave us a bottle each to take home but I got an extra rose. Will bring it to Jerry in Germany.

Lunch at La Vieja Bodega

Went to Museo Vivanco after that, an amazing museum dedicated to the culture of wine. We were given a tour of the place after opening hours by this lovely old man. No pictures allowed unfortunately.

Museum of Wine Culture

Loli gave us ½ hour to put our stuff in the room and we went for a walk around Longrono. Only me, Lorella & Maya went. The rest were too tired but it’s their lost coz they missed out on the nicer part of the old town and the night life there. Funny, no rowdy drunk people. Night life here is a family affair at the tapas bars eating & drinking. An old guy who couldn’t speak a word of English tried to pick us up and offered us wine & mushrooms. Apparently that’s normal coz a few tapas bars specialise in mushrooms only. Went back before midnight to pack.

Night life in Spain - Tapas & wine