It's been a while ... a year if to be precise

Exactly one year ago, it was my Day 1 surviving at SG, setting up room, settling down my luggage and preparing myself to work for the following day. So fast, it's been a year and so happen I'm now taking train to SG ;)

Ya, since the train services for Tg Pagar ceased starting last Jul, I have never consider train is one of my main transportation choices. Main reason because it terminates at Woodlands, which require to take bus to nearest MRT station (Marsiling/Woodlands) then to city centre and the journey may take about another hour.

Why so hassle when taking coach can be good too? About 5 hours trip and can reach within the same day. It's just that I need to return to SG a day earlier but isn't that bad too as I can reach SG room around 11pm and still can do some preparation and housekeeping ;)

Back to my trip by train ... feel a bit anxious and strange even knowing this isn't my first time. Unlike previously, the seat numbering has changed from prefix 'L' to 'S' and from 4-5 decks to 2 now. This can be understood as other passengers like me will find terminating at Woodlands is very inconvenient and time consuming. Luckily I'm traveling on Friday night so I can still take my sweet time home tomorrow morning. Guess I might take taxi because so lazy to transit MRT back to HG as it might take another hour.

About 10pm, I finally reach KL Sentral and thr crowd still much more than before, maybe it's Friday. Wanted to hang out at McD but it's just too pack and stuffy so ended up with Burger King which not much crowd and cozy. Got to know my son cried right after I left and instantly my heart felt shattered but I've to keep myself strong. Know the purpose to work abroad and quickly return once accomplished.

When walking towards platform, heard the announcement that my train has been rescheduled to 11:25pm!!! WTF, when they will learn be punctual as they have been operating almost a century!!! Luckily it's not too late so I'm making use of the free slot to blog this. Hopefully the journey will be a smooth one ... Good night

After a month of consideration, finally bought it!

I have already seen this keyboard at Logitech Shop @ Mid Valley since last month. Have been hesitating whether to buy it or not because I can't find a solid reason (or should I say excuse) to buy it until today ;)

I've recently found a new solution to work remotely via my iPad so long my corporate laptop stay powered at office. There are few iPad  apps that enable you to remote into your laptop and work from iPad instead. I've tried few and find the best still Teamviewer (FOC for personal use) and SplashTop where I manage to buy at $2.99 and normal price is $16.99! Good deal eh?

Since this is a remote technology so the performance may be lag and poor depending on the 3G coverage. In KL, where I mostly get 0.5-0.8 MBps, the performance still consider acceptable and I wonder how is the performance in SG. Will test it out as soon as I'm going back this week ;)


With this, I can actually left my laptop at office at all time and I just need to remote in as and end or just in case I need to do some quick support during weekend. At KL, I can also leave my laptop on and went for 'snaking' around while people still assume I'm working :p

I do know there are built-in keyboard for iPad but sometimes it's not that practical and the screen will will be cropped in order to show they full scale keyboard. This is when a USB keyboard become handy. Bought this baby at RM199 but I remember being quote RM188 last month (Original Apple cost RM239 and battery is built-in). Maybe they know this product is fast moving so purposely marked up as per their RSP for higher margin. Smart fella.

Still can see the price tag :)

Unboxing the new toy

Slowly sliding out from the case (where the case become the iPad stand/holder)

There you go ... finally expose to daylight after packed in factory

See the arrow? That's where the battery compartment is

I can simply replace with 3 AA batteries (one hidden at right slot) unlike those with built-in battery

USB connectivity and battery indicator and power switch

Little instruction how to setup the iPad holder out of the keyboard case

Here it is ... the complete set. Blue plastic is where it hold the  iPad

I rather use the keyboard only as I've my fold able iPad case

Family Dinner at Souled Out Harts

Guess it's time to bribe my family as they knew I was recently quite happening and went for good stuffs in SG. Even my son also complaining that I always went dinner with friends so it seems I've no choice but to bring them to some new and decent place for dinner. First choice, Souled Out because they always hear about this place but never been there. Since it's been a while for me too (and rather to The Ship and Chillis) so let's do it.

Maybe it was still early and without any reservation, we were seated at a window seating with nice spot light above us. Unlike those convention tables with just candle light and some even sharing the same long bench. I also just got to know that they already have a branch along Jalan Ampang and that's much more nearer to me ... and new too.

The crowd getting bigger after we've just seated

While browsing the menu, the price seems not cheap and I can see they are bit concern as they seems want to try new stuff but afraid about the bill but I've comfort them that I can afford all that and just order whatever they desired. It's not everyday we do this so still consider ok.

I guess it's also quite sometime that we never go for a good dinner and this also compensate my anniversary dinner I suppose to buy on last August. To me, it's one stone kill few birds ;)

I've started off with a recommended Red Dragon Mojito (Dragon Fruit flavoured) by their waiter and I don't really like it, should have order the Green Apple Mojito which also another recommended drinks for that evening. Without happy hour, it cost RM19++ !!

The main course ordered were Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti for Shireen which was quite nice and with generous portion, Char grilled Chicken which is quite good and Violet loves it so much and finally a Fish Fillet Sandwich for Kai Meng and it's very tasty too. I like the breaded type fried fillet which reminds me of the good old days of Fish & Chip by Esquire Kitchen. I can't find anything similar and Esquire Kitchen no longer serve western food anymore :(

Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti

Char Grilled Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce

Fillet Sandwich

As for myself, I rewarded myself a Sirloin Steak where I've been always thought to order as I hardly take beef steak since years and it's not cheap. For this time, don't bother about that and just whack it! :p

Sirloin Steak with Garlic sauce

 During the dinner, we didn't just enjoying the nice food but we had some laugh and leisure chat as well. I find the dinner is very worthwhile and we should do this more often. Finally, the dinner is ended with following dessert, which is quite costly as they claim using Haa-gandazs Ice Cream.

Jumbo Banana Split - I like the idea of putting cornflakes at the borrom

Java Ice Cream - Thin layer of Choc brownies topped with Ice Cream

Late for bus ... for the first time!

My bus suppose to be 8am and I already woke up since 6:45am as I don't really like to attend my appointment at very last minute. About 7:15am, I started my journey back to KL and assume 45 mins is more than enough for me because today is Saturday. For the same reason, I miscalculate the timing because the train frequency will be slower on weekends as well. Train from HG normally 2-3 mins per train but weekend will be 6-9 mins.

Fine about that because I think still ok but I strike with another injury time at NEX as I need to wait for another 6 mins for Circular Line to Nicoll Highway and the time is already 7:40am. Heat beating fast and started to nervous ...

When train arrive, I still need to travel to 6 stations before reaching my destination and I know I'm going to be dead meat this time. Time tickling very fast at that period, 1 mins feels like 10 second to me :(

When I got out from the train, it was already 8am and I run like mad, in hope to be able to catch the bus. Once I reach GoldenMile, I saw my bus driving away and kinda disappointed as they normally wait for 5-10 mins. Anyhow, I still rush to the counter to explain to the counter. Knowing they have frequent bus to KL about every 30-45 mins, I've prepared myself that they will arrange the following bus for me, which is 8:30am. Not too bad as the gap seems relatives small and I also get to have my favourite Thai Beef Noodle as breakfast. Portion is just nice for a warm, soupy breakfast for me ;)

They have medium and large beef ball served with Thai glass noodle

Moving Cube again and TGIF @ Helipad

Since the opening of 7A floor, the office utilisation is kinda low and the HOD seems hard to leverage the expenses. I think the whole floor should be able to cater for 60+ pax but currently only occupied 50%. Since the SAP team is expanding and need more space so they have decided to move in and join the family. To the HOD, this seems a good news but not for the staffs like us because we were very used to the cool, cozy and quiet environment but it will be gone forever once the team move up as they often have open discussion and teleconference call. No matter how, $$$ comes first and all seating has to be re-shuffle and of course mine was impacted too. After series of discussion, I manage to find a cube which is far from SAP team and nearer to HOD but I have a feelings that it won't be my permanent seat due to my nature to work between KL/SG :(

So long my existing cube

and hello to my new cube

which located near to the main entrance. Got pros and cons lor

Ok, forget about the sad stuff and get ready to have a relax Friday! The long awaited Rec Club event has arrived and this round they have organised a chill out session at Helipad @ Central Mall. It located at roof top and was told they have cubes forming a letter "H" which meant landing zone for helicopter, cool rite? Another cool thing is, it's very near to my office ... say 10 mins of walking? It's good for drunken as they can retreat back to office if they can't really drive home :)

My fav drink of the night, Cranberry Vodka

The part started with welcome photo session where you get a chance to wear your favourite available prop and take a group photo with some fancy frames. You can see many cute and crazy expression which can be fun to see. Then the free flow of wines, cocktail and beer started and dinner buffer is served. Nothing great but the food consider ok for this kind of places. After rounds of food and drinks, we went up another floor to see the 'H' and the view from roof top is ... funtastic. You can actually see the whole night view of Clarke Quay and breezy winds passing by. I don't mind to go there again if someone invite ;)

The 'H' spot that I was talking about.

Night view of Clarke Quay

After the while, the games and ice breaking session started and everyone have their great evening and most of them were very sporting too. Guess about 9pm, the party was almost over and the crowd were getting lesser and lesser. I guess only GIS and Finance team were left there and also some drunken, as expected. I heard some of the maybe too pressured at work and even burst to tears while talking about themselves. Kinda pity but that's life ... take it or leave it. About 10+pm, I went back to office to get my backpack and have few words with others who did the same before heading home. Like myself, tonight really an eyes opener session for me because I get to see some true faces and colours from those classy and professional ladies during office hour ;)

Not sure if they remember I took this shot :p

Now you see some drunken ;)

Lonely Mid Autumn

This year, will be my first year celebrating this festive 350km away from home. The candles and lanterns that we kept since last year, will have to wait for another year in order to utilize it ... if possible. I miss the fun and laughters not only with the kids and relatives as well where you get to see the younger generation playing the lanterns and candles together, the mid generation helping and playing with the young ones and lastly the senior generation would gather around for some leisure chat while enjoying the mooncake and other assorted food.

So happen, I went googling around with the subject of today's blog as keyword and surprisingly to receive such quick response and high return hits. Guess you'll only realise and do such things when you're part of the lonely planet ;)

Try out the Lava Rock

This is a budget/economy western food franchais in SG and so happen there is one outlet near to my HDB. I've tried their mushroom soup couple of months ago and taste quite ok, so decided to give it a try for dinner. Had Fish & Chips and Bacon Soup and the portion is so generous and the fish only cost me S$6.90 and soup at S$2. Initially I thought that I might not be full because normally Fish & Chips portion is just so so, sometimes is rather less too.

Taste is quite good consider the price paid and it's almost on par with those so called western restaurants in town. This one price is economy and so neighbourhood. Will bring my kids there when they visit SG next time ;)

Finally decided to welcome CK2100 ;)

I've been surveying this piano since last month because I thought KL or somewhere else in SG will be cheaper but seems not the case. Since I didn't plan much activities for this weekend and feel to stay in room so I've decided to get this today at Mustafa. Selling at $S229 and now with promo giving power adapter for free which normally cost $40 from Casio.

Went for a quick and boring lunch at KFC. Wanted to take breakfast set but the time just went into lunch hour so I've tried something new this time. Ultimate Filler Box; a burger and chicken set at S$7.80

After that, have to rush to Mustafa as the sky already cloudy and a bit dark. Since I need to carry this big baby home later by walking, better do it before the rain arrive. So once I reached there, I really went straight to the counter, paid for that then leave at once. Luckily He seems listened to me and it only rain once I've in room cuddling under my sweet blanket ;)

TGIF - Korean BBQ with GIS team

Yes! Finally my weekend at SG finally arrive but this round shouldn't have much activities as those main tourist spots already conquered by me ;)

The place is Blue Garden Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant located at Tiong Bahru and just right next to Linked Hotel. The place is quite cozy but the ventilation seems rather poor as your body will smell so BBQ right after you step out from the restaurant. Price per pax only S$18 which I think should consider reasonable for cozy place right in town, also next to a hotel. With the Souyu (Korean Yellow Wine) included, everyone just cost S$25.

The food and the hot place ;)

Korean Soju - taste like Chinese white wine with ginseng

About 11pm, the party seems extended and went to Holland Village to have some 'drinks'. It's been a while since I did this and glad tomorrow I can sleep more ... late ;)

My Bohemian draft ;)

2nd dinner at Siglap

It was 7pm and work seems flowing in like river but will only handle by one pair of hand ... fantastic isn't it? Luckily my colleague ajak for dinner and said will being me for Yong Tow Foo, another SG's style which close to what Ampang YTF has to offer. As YTF is my favourite and got driver, why not? ;)

Where is it? Located at Siglap area by the name of Fu Lin Tou FuYuen. It's just few shops away from Siglap Mall and not too pack when I was there. Generally it taste nothing like Ampang YTF and just that their YTF is showered with mince meat gravy which taste good. You can also order thick meehoon or white rice as side line. Not pricey and this stall seems exist for quite a while where it was started with road side stall along East Coast.

The final 'life' went missing!

After following me to SG for about a year ... the last piece went missing right after my long stay at KL. I remembered watering it before I return to KL and still healthy. I was hanging my tower after my shower and suddenly I spotted something different with my plant holder. Guess it could have died adn thrown by my landlord or fell down during heavy/windy rain? If my landlord really threw it then they should inform me as courteous. Sigh ...

It's kinda heart sick to see their new born photo from "New Day New Life" and now all of them were gone (piece by piece). I've been trying hard to keep them but seems thing was destined and nothing much can be done. I guess, it's hinting something and it's time to let go ...

Lunch at Kg Asli before going back to SG

After 3 weeks staying in KL, it feel very odd and weird to go back SG. Guess this is the longest stay in KL ever since I move there last Sep. In fact, my son already feel sad few days before knowing me leaving soon but luckily I manage to comfort him and promised him to bring him to Lake Garden when I'm back on mid Sept.

Luckily Derrick travel to KL to attend Ken's wedding yesterday so I can get a free hitch ride back to SG without taking taxi to Times Square and traveling by coach especially today will be high traffic at Immigration Checkpoint due to school holiday/weekend.

Started journey around 10:45am and manage to reach JB around 2pm. He proposed to lunch at JB and wanted to bring me to a seafood village near JB. He could hardly remember the way in due to recent development in JB and it was 6 years ago too. After checking with friends and googling, we manage to find it arouind 3:15pm. It seems slightly off the map and gave me a feelings like Bagan Lalang in Port Klang, just that this place I can see the sea and water isn't that murky ;)

There are villages there along the coast and you can still see kids playing water right below their house naked but the water is real dirty. Not far from the playing area is the toilet of those restaurants. Kinda gross but they still enjoying that ;)

Food wise is ok and I like their deep fried baby octopus. Initially I don't plan to eat that because I don't take  baby octopus but they deep fried until like calamari so it turn out to be my new favourite. Price is reasonable where it cost 3 person for RM49 with deep fried baby octopus, kang kong belacan, garupa with HK style and drinks. Now, I've one more place to go when visiting JB next time.

The village

There were few restaurants there and was told this one is more popular

The live seafood

View from my table

My new favourite!