11 A Day at Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills

This is ..my fifth, sixth or was it seventh visit. I've lost count....

Call me a hopeless romantic, an old-fashioned soul, the one with her head in the air - I readily admit my weaknesses. I love quaint old buildings adorned with climbing greens and potted flowers. It makes me feel like a fairy tale princess, swooshing her long beige gown just above pebbled grounds, walking her way dreamily to swan lake.
   

Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills

Colmar Tropicale, a french-inspired village resort set atop Berjaya Hills ~ I'm delighted that it hasn't been tarnished with unsightly modern or futuristic establishments.

As usual, I take a laid-back walk to the end of the street to climb the viewing tower. That's where I took this photograph (below). This time, the lift was out of order. I huffed and puffed up three or was it four flights of stairs against the cool breeze that playfully messed my hair.

The view was breathtaking ~ lush green hills in one corner, the village square in another.

Restaurants, a wishing well, entertainment centers and daily shows

I didn't stay overnight this time around. It is something I would suggest to first time visitors. There are many things to enjoy here like visit the Rabbit Farm, check out the Botanical Garden, take part in the Japanese Tea Ceremony and so forth. All, within a free shuttle ride away.

But Colmar isn't a place you should rush through. I take it as a heavenly escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. I don't mind lazing here with just a book in hand.

To the rooms ~ I sneaked a peek inside ..

Two pairs of swans swim in swan pond below the bridge ~ one white and one black. Both welcoming. The last time I paid them a visit, they arched their necks together, making the shape of a heart. I remember being so excited because I caught it on camera.

Bella...is that you?

Love bears! There's always something romantic about this place. Many have their pre-wedding shots taken in this vicinity.

Something for lovebirds

I always have a bite before leaving the place. The ambiance entices me. I pretend I'm in France. It has this setting that says "marriage proposal" all over. Oh, don't laugh. I bet a lot of women get proposed to here.

Lasagne for lunch. Delish!

Across the road is a magnificent castle. Le Chavelier, they call it. There are no dragons here, only conference rooms.

Hear ye! This is where we meet!

Well, that's the end of my dreamy adventure. Time to go. I pass my tickets to the van driver. I was back in hectic Kuala Lumpur within the hour.

A piece of advice for day-trippers: Buy your shuttle tickets early.

Goodbye, until we meet again!

8 Living In Smog - Kuala Lumpur

Spring, summer, autumn, winter. Where I live, it's summer all year and smog in between.

The haze is nothing new. It's something that doesn't get resolved either. Mostly an annual finger-pointing affair and brisk sales for respirator mask vendors. Read: Haze from Indonesia continues to shroud Malaysia

Before the haze, I was looking at the most beautiful sky and spent my evenings appreciating glorious sunsets.

Taken early June

Then, it happened. Smoky air started to blanket our homes. I kept my doors and windows shut. I had the air con on. It seemed to help.

Weeks later

I stayed indoors. It's the only place I feel I can breathe freely. The only time I went out was to stock up on groceries. It filled my nostrils - that acrid burning smell. That's the 'in' word now, a-c-r-i-d. After an hour 'out there', my throat started to sting from dryness. Water is my best friend. I've been drinking lots of it.

Yesterday morning, the air quality dipped for the worse. My skin felt dry. Am I imagining the effects? ...

It was so smoky, I couldn't see the highlands anymore. Our great blue sky has been replaced by a shroud of grey.

Air Pollutant Index of near 200 (Unhealthy Level)

It's past midnight. Nothing's changed. I hope it rains tomorrow...

2 Sixth Sense - A Sense of Pride

Genie Wong (Singer) - A member of Sixth Sense

They made the cut....to play in the Penang Island Jazz Festival's fringe events which is happening this December!

There's always this little burst of pride whenever I hear news of people doing great things back in my hometown.

We have no real celebrities to speak of. Dreams are often put away for a steady clerical job. The unambitious old folks feel that money in the pocket for a house and a car is what living is all about . Anything else seeming to add colour to mundane life is of little importance. Calling it a "sleepy town" is apt.

Occasionally, someone breaks out of the mould. I'm talking about Sixth Sense, of course. Founded by a group of talented Labuanites who have a long-standing love for music.

I admire their determination. Despite a challenging environment, they never lost their passion in taking an active role in the local music scene.

Here they are on another milestone in their music career ~ An opportunity to showcase their talent in the Penang Island Jazz Festival, a prestigious event hosting some of the world's best musicians.

This means traveling across the South China Sea. They need some help to get them over. 
I'm just spreading the word.

Here's the link to their funding appeal. You can read all about the band and hear their music in the same link. 

Project - Fund our Band to Perform in the Fringe Event at the Penang Jazz Festival 2013 | MYSTARTR

The Penang Island Jazz Festival (PIJF) is happening this December 5th to 8th. Mark your calendars because it is one of the most amazing events of the year. I was there last year and enjoyed it tremendously -  PIJF 2012 fringe event.

Blog update: 20/06/2013 - Photos of all the other band members of Sixth Sense.

Peter Lau - Drummer

Simon Lau - Bassist

MarcVai - Guitarist

Ed - Keyboardist

Gabry - Singer

6 The Coke Monster Lurks Inside

Simple pleasures. A reflection. There's something scary in there ..... besides the sugar content, I mean!

I see it. Two beady eyes staring back at me. Do you see it?

The coke monster is peeking at you ... whoooOoooOOoo

Amusing. Slurrppp...ahhh

0 A Shadow Of Me

The sun was blazing hot. I have no idea why I was even standing out there snapping photos of my shadow. I remember squinting my eyes and going : By golly, I'm going to get sunburnt! A toasted Sharon with honey brown skin....

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Drink and be merry! SlurPppPp..there goes my chrysanthemum tea.

A box drink in hand

He went THAT way! Really, he did!

Pointing left

I'm not moving from this spot!

Steadfast

Peace! My favourite sign!

Peace..I'm holding a shopping bag

1 27 April 2013 : Sunset

I'm not a photography expert or anything but I do love looking at the sky and keeping a record of what I see. It's nice looking back at pictures from before and reminiscing about the old days.

Before this, I was pretty much obsessed with food photos and posting that up on Facebook.

It's kind of an achievement - "Yeah, take that Facebook buddies! I'm eating delicious never-seen-before food! I bet you're jealous!" That's just me with my head in the clouds.

My friends are probably going, "Oh, for God's sake!" ... click remove Sharon from the news feed.

The Lonely Cloud

Gloomy Clouds Against Setting Sun

A Closer Take

Pictures taken on 27 April between 6.27pm to 6.55pm.

0 Malaysia's 13th General Election - The Scene

Malaysia's 13th General Election passed just weeks ago.

It was a colourful time, not just language-wise ...but for our streets as well, lined with flags, posters and banners in every corner representing several political parties. Some were pretty creative.

My mailbox was was not spared. I received booklets and flyers with colourful stories that made me shake my head in perplexity. I felt like a Solar Bobble Head toy, except that I'm powered by ridiculous stories. Flabbergast me and I'll shake my head for you. 

Mmm..I wouldn't be surprised if the people most excited about elections are bosses of printing companies. As some of us would say - Fatt tatt lah! (striking it rich-lah)

Here are some photos I took during the campaign period.

Barisan Nasional (BN) and Malaysian Spring Flags

BN Flags on the trees and Malaysian Spring flags lining the road in Sri Hartamas

Malaysian Spring flags in Bangsar

So colourful

Banners - Reasons why we should vote for BN

The beautiful hearted Nurul Izzah from Pakatan Rakyat (PKR)

PKR's camp in Bangsar

The catchphrase "Ini Kalilah" (This time) was used a lot

The DAP rocket in Segambut

Flyers I received in the mail.

BN's Manifesto

The budget - Everyone dapat (got it), except me.

Errr....A pamphlet that came in a plastic bag together with several other BN flyers

0 Ooo..an award!

Abbe thinks I should "let it all out" ..so she gave me an award. Thanks, Abbe x

But first, the rules of accepting the award:

1)  Display the trophy on your post.
2)  Write a short piece that starts with:  I Didn't Kill ____ Today.  It doesn't have to be a person; it can be an appliance, a business, or anything else you choose.
3)  Nominate a few people and let them know it's their turn to vent!

Here goes.

I Didn't Kill Anyone Today. I did wonder if I should have though.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry ma'am."  The flight attendant furiously rubbed the aisle carpet dry, leaving my jeans to soak up spilt juice while I scrambled for tissue. My hurried dabbing did nothing to stop the damage.

He finally came for me with napkins and the most enchanting smile. All I saw was sparkling white teeth going "I'm really, really sorry". Mmm..I couldn't possibly kill him, could I?

I looked at my stained jeans woefully. Should I scream? Demand that he wash my laundry for a week? He did place carpet above customer. It was a Jiminy Cricket moment..always let your conscience be your guide.

"It's alright." I chirped happily.

Right. My conscience decided that anyone who approaches you with such brilliant flash of teeth should be let off the hook.

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I'm going to nominate Sharmini (shminis.wordpress.com) because she's seriously funny...and I would nominate Abbe again but she would probably kill me - I Didn't Kill Sharon Today...oooOO..

The other person I would nominate is my cooking blog partner, Eve (ee-kay.blogspot.com)

Feel free to vent..or not :)

8 Sunrise : Why I love mornings in Penang

That's because I wake up to the view of a sunrise.

Back home, it's always the sunset but in Penang island, it's always the sunrise. My room faces the East. 7am's the perfect time to catch it.

I'd be up and poised for the capture. I feel like a cougar ready to pounce on something. Hubby would be ZzZZzz-ing beside - "Honey, I'm not waking up for anything unless it's Iron Man."

I'd like to think that he doesn't know what he's missing, but he's probably thinking I'm missing a lot of sleep, one hour per morning.

These photos were taken on 1st April 2013. The ascent at 7.26am...

7.26am - Dark, cool, misty air

OhHhhh.. :O

The sun illuminates a ship. I wish I was on it! I would imitate Mr. Bean - lay sprawled on the floor with the light of heaven shining down on me. 

7.34am

Just zooming in a little..

Zooming out..7.37am

Zooming in again..stop zooming. I know.

7.42am..mmm..bliss

Almost 8am! Time to wash up and prepare for the long drive home.

8.53am on the Penang bridge - Goodbye Penang!

4 The Dolce Gusto Experience - Chococino

Slurp your coffee, sip your tea.

I never imagined owning a Dolce Gusto machine but here it was, courtesy of my lovely cousin.

Cool nights have never been the same since ..slurp. I love sitting outside the balcony with a hot cup of chococino in hand.. slurrPpp. Just me, the stars, the moon ..slurpPpPPp.

Forgive me for my overexcitement..and for losing myself in my own world.

I'm very much a fool for simple pleasures. There's nothing I like more than chillin' out in comfy shorts and old tees in the small zone of my cosy apartment. I'm that typical person with messy hair tied into a bun, looking nothing like the polished person she is on her Facebook photo.

Chococino's the "in" drink in my home right now.

I'm not a huge fan of coffee but with cocoa put together, it's like a match made in heaven. I know I'm exaggerating it a whole lot but that sums up my feelings about the Dolce Gusto chococino. No, this isn't an advertorial but it'd sure be nice if I was paid to be an ambassador for something I love.

Each box of 8-pack chococino costs RM28. That comes out to RM3.50 per cup. I guess whether it's worth it would really depend on how much you love drinking it.

I wasn't attracted to put the dollar down on the other flavours. Chocolate does that. It has such magnetism that I cannot pull away. Hah!

Anyway, although I love my machine and chococino to bits, there is one thing I really wish for - a fancy Dolce Gusto cup with measurements engraved inside so I can tell whether I'm filling it up in the right proportions.

Here are some photos to show you how easy it is to work this machine. The basics - fill it with water, place the capsules into the holder and flip the water dispensing handle on...marshmallows not included.

As easy as ABC!

Dolce Gusto Piccolo (RM400+) - makes three cups!

A registration gift upon signing up as member online - the Bubble Pod Holder

The chococino slurp is just about to happen