0 When Coca-Cola is not C-O-K-E

The humour of it all and I believe I would have fallen off my chair very ungracefully if I had not restrained myself from letting that whoop of laughter out.

This is what happens when you hire foreign help with little understanding of the language we speak hereabouts. I cannot blame the poor fellow. He struggled to understand what I wanted to order.

"Kok? Waddat?", came the reply.

"Coca-cola, coOoolaaa?", I tried explaining.

The drinks came and I got my coke. I was pleased....half an hour later, I got the bill.

Egads!

Gotta be kidding me

Where? At the branch in Bukit Jalil.
(Not at the address printed on the receipt)

0 Oohing And Aahing Over My New Door Guard

It had to happen I guess. People have been saying that the crime rate has increased noticeably over the years.

I have never taken it very seriously. I rebel at the thought of being told that I cannot walk the land I was born and bred in safely and freely. Where are my rights in the middle of all this unjustified calls that I be more fearful than the devil who robs. Who is their protector that they conquer over us without an ounce of doubt that any repercussions would be light on their conscience. 

While there has been a steady flow of friends and family coming up to me with horrifying accounts of being held at knife point and having their bags snatched, I still felt safe behind the comforting closed doors of home...until recent. This is the year I took extra precautions.

Three of my neighbours had their homes broken into. It was the work of those in-the-know. They knew exactly which units would be completely empty during work days. They also knew how to avoid the many cameras that were installed in every lift and exit/entry point of our apartment building.

If security was poor, the fault did not 100% lie with the guards the building management has hired to keep these unsavoury characters out. The residents themselves had a hand in allowing strangers, without pass cards, to come in. Who can fault them for acting out of compassion.

Some strength is required to pull the latch up

So, Hubs bought some extra locks for the home. One, which enthralled me, was this door guard. It's no ordinary latch.

Not as flimsy as the ones I'm used to seeing from back home when I was child - you know, that squarish steel contraption with holes on its sides for screws, holding a small bar that is slid across to lock it into the other side of the door.

This fancy-looking door guard costs more than the average lock at over a hundred ringgit. After a couple of heave-hos trying to push the door open with my new door guard on, I'm pleased with how solid it felt. ..not to mention that it's aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Verdict: Worth the investment.


How does it work? You have to pull the latch (with some strength) to the right to lift it open and to lock.................dreadfully complicated to put into words.....

So, here's a video to show you how it works instead..hehe

Pretty

0 Holding ..or Hoarding Power

Aaaah..dramatic use of words when trying to push a sale through.

Holding Power, nothing but a showy announcement of wealth. Property agents love spouting these words to intimidate potential buyers into resigning to the fact that prices ARE going to be this expensive.

I don't allow pride to overcome sense.  So these words, to me, are a crude way of getting the message across. If you have holding power, then by all means keep the property and walk away. The last thing I want to know is if anyone has "hoarding power".

What does it mean to me really, the ordinary layperson outside the realm of property business. It is only a seller who can pay for maintenance, loan interest and utility bills for years until he gets a buyer to sign at a price he wants. They risk lower gains after putting in so much to upkeep the place, but optimistic greed tells them there will be that jackpot buyer coming along soon. It doesn't look like a good move investment-wise but I could be wrong.

So, are sellers with holding power really just people hoard what they can't sell. They hoard out of pride.

But then again, perhaps the property isn't on loan and the seller is earning good rental money...I'll keep an open mind.

Otherwise, it only tells me that the seller can ill afford to sell it lower because he wouldn't be able to settle the debt he has with the bank, but who is big enough to admit that...

I was keen on purchasing a unit in Villa Damansara once. It was a two-storey corner unit with an unkempt garden and windows dressed in old curtains which tore at the slightest pull. The upstairs was dingy and it was obvious that it had seen better days when it was in the company of fresh air. The ceiling was stained with brown spots evident that water had sipped through.

The asking price was an eye-rolling RM750k. For that amount, we could consider buying a new property elsewhere. But since the seller had "hoarding power", we did not initiate negotiations. He had been hoarding this property for almost a year. 

We went home satisfied with letting it go.

Two days later, the agent called offering a discount of RM100k. I was hardly excited but she rattled on like it was the best deal anyone could get.

My feelings bordered on irritation by the end of the conversation because I could have ended up paying RM100k more if I was the fool who believed that the worth of the home is in the location and the design.

No, the worth of a home, to me, has always been about the people we live with and the beautiful memories we build together. It can be a cheap apartment somewhere but it would be priceless for the wonderful moments that colour its history. I'm looking for a place to make a home, not for a house to shelter my ego.

0 My Melaka Moments - Day 2 (The Melaka River Cruise)

The Melaka River Cruise - a charming idea that flourished under a brilliant tourism plan. Just RM10 for a 45-minute ride along the majestic dark greenish water that is Melaka River.

"I'm waking up at 7am..."  The look of  horror on my husband's face was just humorous.

This is me. I like seizing the cool morning air. The afternoon sun to me is "bleh"  time for anything. Humidity saps enthusiasm and makes walking a strenuous affair. Truth be told, I find it hard to even sit under such conditions. I question my Malaysian-ness at times. I should be used to the weather since I've only lived here all my life. I am outraged by my own outrageousness! 

I've been on the Melaka River Cruise twice, both times in the morning. I have heard that it's beautiful at night with many lights adorning the sidewalk of the river. This makes me really excited about the prospect of another trip down.

Life jackets above

The cruise begins with little or no introduction from the boatman. I was lulled into belief that this was just a ride up and down for us to see the surroundings. Not so. A pre-recorded commentary is played during the ride back. It gives a brief explanation of the the history of each place we pass along the river.

All was quiet and attentive until we saw some monitor lizards resting on a ledge, clearly, having made the river their home.

Curious onlookers - that's what we were. The boatman was kind enough to slow and reverse the boat a little so we could get a better look. Some of us were off our seats with ooohs and aahs of wonderment. I was busy snapping photos. Funny how these creature captured our interest easily. I wonder what the boatman thinks..maybe - "sigh..these lizards should have been included in the pre-recorded commentary"

Monitor lizards

As we got off the boat at the end of the cruise, we were quickly surrounded by opportunistic photographers who wanted us to purchase nicely framed snapshots which they took of us, without our permission mind you, at the start of the cruise.

It's all a very nice idea, tourism-wise, but too expensive to be worth a buy. I would bring my own camera. There are no extra charges for bringing one on board anyway.

A cruise for the romantic couple

Lovely riverside graffiti - A Melaka Arts project

 Lots of beautiful bridges

Pirate Park...arRRrr

Patriotic village house at Kampung Morten
(A roof painted with the Malaysian flag)

0 My Melaka Moments - Day 1

Melaka, Malacca, the historical city enamours my heart with a yearning to explore. It didn't matter that I had been there more than once, twice, thrice. Each with different experiences colouring my life's journey.

I was in Melaka again just a couple of weeks ago. This time, with my in-laws but still feel that there is so much to see and experience.

There are a few things I really love doing in Melaka. One is to take a ride up Menara Taming Sari, the revolving gyro tower that lifts us 80 metres above ground for a panoramic view of Melaka's heritage zone. The scenery is breathtaking.

I am both serene and excited sitting way up in the sky..sometimes it just gets to me that I find it hard to sit still. I would get up, unashamedly start snapping photos on my little neon pink digital camera. Mom-in-law's (mom) used to this quirky side of mine having been the subject of my focus for hundreds of photos. She's such a natural in front of the camera.

Menara Taming Sari (Tickets are RM5 for a Malaysian adult)

Majestic Melaka 80metres above

After the amazing experience on the Taming Sari, we were brought down to earth ..literally.

We took a ride on the beca (trishaw) - it's something I look forward to and enjoy. There's nothing like observing people and buildings from the chair of a slow moving bicycle, al fresco fashion with some wind on our hair. There is also no harm supporting people who make an honest living.

The other noble reason - I just didn't want mom to have to walk so far. It is a holiday, after all.

Colourful becas

My ride costs RM15

The Samudera Maritime Museum (Flor de la Mar) is another great place to visit. I find the structure unique, designed in the replica of a Portuguese ship. Erkkk! I am easily impressed.

I would go early in the morning when it's less humid. The afternoon sun can be punishing. Bus loads of tourists did not help - it was very "stuffy" inside the ship that day. Not peachy!

Samudera Maritime Museum (RM3 per entry, Malaysian adult)

Inside the ship

Next, we took a short walk along the scenic path of the Melaka River - Ten thousand steps, on average, to complete the whole stretch..but my journey begins from the Samudera Museum and ends at Jonker Walk, to which I'm sheepish to admit, is way off the 10k target! That's as far as I trudge because then my thoughts meander towards shopping and glorious local food. It's always easy for me to stray from the planned path - Jonker Walk is a so alive with activity and tourists...

The sights and scenes one encounters along the Melaka River is a gem of a visual experience. The water wheel, the beautiful riverside Casa del Rio Hotel, colourful boats cruising along, the monitor lizards that have made the river their home, rows of old buildings painted with culture-themed graffiti..

Water wheel (Kincir Air Kesultanan Melayu Melaka)

 

Christ Church at Melaka Dutch Square

Melaka River - view from bridge crossing to Jonker Walk

Jonker Walk is, of course, well known for it's street shops. We made our way there in the evening because that's when the roadside stalls set up shop. This only happens on weekends.

I can buy a bag in Jonker Walk for a much cheaper price than the stalls I find in Kuala Lumpur's large shopping malls ~ I speak from experience of a bag with the same design!

Antiques, souvenirs and street food are aplenty. It's no surprise I can spend an entire day here!

Jonker Walk is guarded by a Water Dragon

The strong man of Jonker Walk

The two-day trip to Melaka inspires the spirit of travel in me.

They say traveling opens minds - but this is only true if one travels with an open heart, not an open wallet.

0 Nasi Lalap in Sabah .. sadap-bah! (delicious-bah!)

New Recipe?

Eat local! I get both excited and intimidated at the same time when I decide to try food I've never eaten before.

Along the way to Kinabalu Park, we stopped by a shoplot eatery for lunch.

There was a big framed "C" rating on the wall. Mmm..not too clean but no swarming flies is a good sign surely.

The other thing that caught my attention was the "Nasi Lalap" sign stuck on the food display cabinet.

Bzzzt! "Should I? Should I? Should I?" - A tape recorder in my brain gone haywire from replaying the same question over and over again.

Aaah..the heart wins over. I ordered a plate of nasi lalap, a silly grin plastered on my face. Am I gonna get diarrhea for this..*thoughts*

What is nasi lalap anyway? I think it means "rice salad" but I cannot confirm this. Mock not this local for her lack of knowledge - She only has so much space in her tummy to accommodate the vast variety of gastronomical splendour that is out there.

Tempe, Steamed Brinjal, Chicken and Sambal

Nasi lalap came served on a neat wooden plate. A heartwarming take.

A small bowl of soto soup was also included. It complimented the dish perfectly. Tempe, brinjal and fried chicken with sambal on the side - Mixed together in rice, it was booming with flavour. I loved every bite!

If the opportunity arises, this is something I would eat again.

I'm glad I did not judge the food by its restaurant. It would have only served to limit my makan (eating) adventure to city-like standard restaurants.

Other photos :

Journey to Nasi Lalap. We crossed a one-lane bridge before getting there.

Heading towards Nasi Lalap

The employees in the eatery were busy peeling these tiny red chilis when we arrived. I'm not comfortable eating these because it's very spicy!

Cili Padi (Bird's Eye Chilli) - common here

Next cooking project: Nasi Lalap.

0 Banana Fritters Dipped in a Spicy Soy Sauce?

Banana Fritters (Pisang Tanduk Fritters)

I was in Melaka for a short holiday during the Merdeka weekend - a trip I thoroughly enjoyed. The streets were packed with smiling people. I felt their joy. Aaahh..holidays! Always good medicine for the tired soul.

The one thing that caught my eye during my walkabout around the touristy areas of town was these huge bananas hanging from several food stalls.

Long and horn-shaped, these bananas are locally known as Pisang Tanduk ("tanduk" means horn in Malay).

I had this petty notion that banana fritters are a common thing and "I wouldn't want to try something so common on a holiday"...??

Roadside stall

BUT curious me fueled the need to "check things out". So I finally pestered my other half to visit one such stall in Ayer Keroh Height, where we had stopped for lunch.

It was probably one of the best decisions I had made on the trip. The makcik and pakcik flashed a heartwarming smile as they welcomed us to their stall.

A young man enthusiastically packed the banana fritters we ordered into a transparent plastic bag while the pakcik enthused over the bananas.

"Thudd!" , the sound of tearing cloth followed. A coconut had fallen. It was a near-miss from the small pakcik. We all sighed relief.

The makcik continued with conversation, showing us some of the freshly peeled bananas. Before we left, they shared with us the "best way" to savour these banana fritters, which is, to dip it in a blend of chilli and soy sauce. A small packet was popped into our plastic bag.

We left with banana fritters, cendol and another great moment in memory.

Stop and smell the roses - stop, because it is the little things that colour your trip.

Banana fritters in chilli soy sauce? I must say, it tastes wonderful - the perfect zing that zapped our taste buds alive - sweet and salty all together, absolutely yummy!

Pisang Tanduk - ready to be dipped in batter

Pisang Tanduk on display, to attract passerbys

The yummiest Cendol from the same stall

 

A unique banana dip

I tore a piece to get more sauce inside

2 The Fluffy Pandan Cake

It's fluffy! The fluffiest cake I have ever eaten and now, I can't get it out of my mind. It's probably a blessing that I don't live near the area, otherwise.....

It's non-sugared cream

I'm beginning to realise that the best tasting cakes are not always found in high end bakeries. It's the little obscure stalls that seem to surprise me.

I stumbled across this kueh (cake) stall when I was scouring for food at the Neighbourhood Cafe Food Court in Kota Damansara. The kueh owner had a table of tea goodies on display.

Everything looked so delicious but the pandan cakes attracted me most because of its vibrant colour and interesting take.

I purchased two varieties, one folded with cream and the other, Swiss roll style. Both were extremely light and soft very much like the chiffon cake. It wasn't "dry". Everything went into my mouth so quickly and easily. I had thought that the cream would be sweet, but it was bland on its own. Just the perfect touch on a cake that's already rich in flavour.

Sigh..there goes my waistline. And now, I share this with you with fat hopes that you too will join me in the "No WaistLine Club". Of course not! ^.^

With green custard stripes

We had it for tea

2 Snooping the Neighbourhood in Torrential Rain

21 August 2012, 2.30PM - 4.00PM. The rain has been punishing these past days. Hubs and I were having lunch in Kota Damansara when it poured, swift and hard with gusts of wind that serves only to remind me of Mary Poppins floating in with her umbrella.

Raindrops keep falling on my head ♪♫

"Wanna check out Desa Parkcity's roundabout in this weather? " , I ask from a past experience and a curiosity if things were the same.

Minutes later, we were in our car, drenched but still adamant about going to check out our dream neighbourhood in stormy conditions. We also explored the roads surrounding the area. This includes Bandar Manjalara and some of Kepong.

The main roads were generally flood-ridden, even those leading us out of Kota Damansara. I felt as though we were driving through an obstacle course. Every corner was filled with pools of water, some deeper than comfortable.

The more dangerous ones were the sloped roads with rushing water and traffic lights. No one broke the traffic light rules even though the road was flooded. If anyone thought Malaysians were rogue drivers, they would have changed their minds after seeing this phenomena.

Stranded at the roundabout outside Desa Parkcity

Smaller cars owners chose to wait by the roadside against angry honks by those who owned larger vehicles. I root for the sensible. Some drivers braved the waters, only to be stranded.

We are a long way from a proper drainage system and a clear head for the little people.

I just wonder if we should start planning for an underwater city instead.
My statement isn't meant to be taken seriously of course, but it would certainly put an end to flooding woes.

More photos:

The roundabout at the main entrance, Jalan Residen Utama, Desa Parkcity

The second entrance into Desa Parkcity from Persiaran Residen 3, facing Bandar Manjalara 62B

More roads flooded along the way

Jalan 3/36, near SRJK (C) Kepong 3

4 My new oven.. (★.★) and the beehive cake

Note from a fan

The first thing I did when I got my new oven was to look for a recipe to try. No I didn't, of course.

Honestly, I updated my Facebook status and tweeted about my new kitchen toy because I could not contain my excitement.

It was something I wanted to shout to the world although it meant nothing to them. That's how thrilled I am about it.

It was only after that, that I started to think about what to bake. I settled on the beehive cake after pouring through a ton of recipes.

Not because it looked attractive on Google Images.

I just recalled that it was my late aunt's signature cake. She was considered the "sifu" (guru) in our family because she could always get the honeycomb-like texture to form beautifully. It was a talent everyone admired.

The recipe I chose is called the "Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake". It's pandan based and should have been green but I used real leaves without any colouring.

As I gathered the ingredients, feelings of trepidation started to overwhelm me. Bah! I soldiered on. Off my two baking trays went into the oven with fingers crossed.

30 minutes later, I took a peek just to check. Liar! My eyes were glued on the oven the entire time. My hand was armed with a torchlight, to shine through the glass for a better look. Every few minutes, my face was warmed as I leaned closer to check on its progress. The cake never had a chance to burn!

I finally took out the perfectly browned baked mounds after what seemed like eternity. I imagine my home smelt as good as the witch's in Hansel and Gretal. The aroma was just heavenly.

A carve and a bite later, I was craving for more. It was so scrumptious that I could not stop eating it, nor could the family. Further woe to waistline. 

I was happy that it turned out well at my first attempt. And happier than happy if there were such a thing, because it was my way of reconnecting to my late aunt.

Into the new, shiny oven you go

The Dark Knight rises..I mean, the beehive cake rises

Tadaa..oh my, it formed!

Side view, cake popped out nicely and easily

0 A Birthday candle for my Aunt

A candle for my Aunt so dear,
Who now walks with the Lord.

It's her Birthday. I've lit a candle in memory.

The night is still. I relive the happy moments we've shared in my mind.

May she rest in peace..