Tyng weds.. Finally!

Saturday 30 January 2010

One of my bestie friends Tyng Tyng is getting married today!! (My wife & I always joke that we only have 3 friends - Farshie, Tyng & me or my wifey. Pathetic huh? But they are the ones you know you can count on for life.)

She's been going out with Redwan for YEARS and always say they are getting married this year this year but always tak jadi. FINALLY it jadi for real! Tyng2 had 7 pengapits to carry her basket of hantaran for her so we were chosen as the privileged few. Farshie was supposed to be one too but she went & patah her kaki just before the wedding. Can't have a cacat person rolling down the stairs can we?

Farah picked us all up and as usual, we were late. (Shall not mention names on who we were waiting for ;P) Noriko had to call each one of us! Paiseh only cheh. Finally got there and Tyng2 was doing her makeup touches she look so prweeettyyyy!!!!

In Tyng's room before the ceremony

Bride looks stunningly gorgeous!

They had 7 hantaran each. Red gave Tyng a ring, LV bag, SKII set, mas kahwin, a MASSIVE hantaran cheque in a pelita, a MAC book, Godiva chocs and err can't remember la. Tyng gave him a ring, an Iphone, a man bag, an audio converter or sumthing, a wallet and urm.. lupa already. But was nice la..

The hantaran

The akad nikah ceremony was quite entertaining actually. I've been to a few and they were oh so BORING. Very uptight & proper. But this young kadi was so funny!! He was joking around and made such a serious religious ceremony into a light hearted one that got everyone relaxed and laughing. Tyng2 kaki kebas from sitting so long & she was trying to cover line when she had to get up after the ceremony was over heheh. Tyng Tyng you very funnyy...

They are husband and wife now!

You know when in western weddings they say you may now kiss the bride? hehe here cannot kiss so Tyng had to salam Red and Red kiss her forehead. Cho cweeet! Cincin so besar somemore. Oh, Tyng Tyng's handsome daddy cried in joy when he hugged her after the ceremony. So touching made us all wanna cry too...

Exchanging of rings

Photo sessions with the family

Red's mum made these damn nice wedding favours of a wood with encouraging phrases that you can hang on the wall. We were not supposed to choose when the lady handed it out to us. Mine was "He conquers who endures". Quite fitting. Most of us got something that was quite suited to our personalities. Nice!

All her friends turned up. Even the cacat one.

Congratulations Tyng & Red! May you live a full married life of happiness & joy always!! We love you!!

Thaipusam pilgrimage

Saturday 30 January 2010

Let me clear one thing first. I was born a Catholic and am Catholic by name. I currently don't believe in any structured religion but I do believe in the energy of the universe or a higher power.

It's a funny thing how I came to go for my annual Thaipusam pilgrimage. It all started four years ago - sheesh that's in 2007! - when I misplaced my favourite precious Tag Heuer. Well, I turned my entire house upside down (& Ivan's too) for the watch but I couldn't find it for 2 weeks! Was quite the devastated as I saved up a lot to get this lil baby!

My fav Tag

Thaipusam was around the corner and being a typical non-Hindu Malaysian, I have shunned Batu Caves like the plague every Thaipusam as you guys know the horrendous jam along MRR2 then. Since I've never been to Thaipusam in my life, I decided to make my inaugural trip in 2007.

Thaipusam is a celebration of Lord Muragan's birthday and the triumph of good over evil. Lord Murugan is supposed to be the God that grants wishes such as passing in exams, asking for a child, praying for your loved ones to get better, etc.

As I was swept into the crowd which was surprisingly orderly in its chaoticness, I asked Lord Murugan to grant me a favour. "Dear Lord Murugan" I said. "Please let me wake up tomorrow to find my Tag beside my bed".

Tomorrow came and for some reason, I decided to reach for my bag (which was on my bedside table) to open an inside zip which I hardly ever touch. Lo and behold, there was my Tag, gleaming in all its glory! Call it coincidence, call it fate or call it a miracle. Whatever it is, Lord Murugan answered my prayers. I had to go to Batu Caves the next day with Su to offfer coconuts in thanks.

From that year on, I've been going to Thaipusam without fail, each year, asking Lord Murugan for small favours which he has always granted. Of course, you can't ask for stuff such as I want an RX8 (which Su did & still hasn't gotten) but ask for goof stuff that will improve your life. He has always been good to me and I'm thankful to him.

2010 was no different. Ivan's 2 Australian cousins Sasha & Zoey were down so we decided to go on the eve instead. We usually go on Thaipusam night as it's less crowded. The crowds were massive that night! Check out the jam to Batu Caves. We had to park bout 800m away & walk.

The jam

The atmosphere was electric as usual. You can feel the vibrations of the drums as the devotees urge their kavadi-bearing friends along. There were carriers in trance, pierced ladies carrying milk vases and devotees with laden weights hooked on their bodies.

Milk carriers are dress in yellow

Weighted hooks on his body

Feeling no pain

Lord Murugan's huge statue. Check out the number of people on the stairs.

Colourful kavadi carriers

The crowd - amazing

Kavadi carriers

Scene before the stairs

It took us about an hour just to reach the main gate because we were inching along with the crowd and 4 hours to complete the round of going up the stairs, get my blessings and come down again. There's no such thing as turning back as there's no where to turn! You gotta move on. Never have I been squashed against so many people! Lucky I'm not claustrophobic. I ended up reaching home at 5am and I had to get up at 7.45am the next day for Tyng's wedding!

But it's awlays worth the journey and I recommend you experience it at least once in your life.

Sasha, Zoey, Me & Ivan. Black took the pic.

It's recommended that you release the coconut & flower offerings the next day in flowing water and I found just the place to do that in Sg Penchala.

Thank you Lord Murugan in advance for granting my wish this year once again. Till next year then.

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.