My final day in Doha, rushing around in the left hand drive Proton Waja!
Boarded Qatar Airways to AUH (the airport code for Abu Dhabi).
Flight was quite punctual and arrived in a cool evening of 15C!
Immigration was the easiest by far, as the airport is miniscule compared to Dubai!
Went through immigration in 5 minutes, asI was in the front of the queue! Unbelievable!
Stayed at the company villa in Khalifah City. Humungous in size!
After the heavy lunch at Ponderosa, Doha, I managed to skip dinner and went straight to bed after a nice warm "CEDOK" style shower / bath to catch up on all the much needed missed rest!
Photos soon!
2008-02-22
2008-02-20
20080219: Off to Doha again
Middle East. Is this in my blood?
Anyway, back here for a couple of days in a much calmer weather!
Cool breeze of 18C with sunny skies.
Had a few sandstorms too!
Managed to use the MAS Business lounge for the penultimate time before my Qatar Airways Silver Card expires by the end of this month! In fact, the Qatari buggers have downgraded me to Burgundy!
I need another 5 return flights before they can reinstate my Silver Status.
Well, all good things must come to an end, as they say!
Anyway, back here for a couple of days in a much calmer weather!
Cool breeze of 18C with sunny skies.
Had a few sandstorms too!
Managed to use the MAS Business lounge for the penultimate time before my Qatar Airways Silver Card expires by the end of this month! In fact, the Qatari buggers have downgraded me to Burgundy!
I need another 5 return flights before they can reinstate my Silver Status.
Well, all good things must come to an end, as they say!
2008-02-12
20080211: Last day of CNY
Today is the last day of my week long holidays!
Back to work tomorrow!
Managed to clean up some filing though!
Back to work tomorrow!
Managed to clean up some filing though!
2008-02-11
20080210: Fo Guang Shan Temple visit
Finally visited this colourful spot in Kuala Langat, Selangor, after meandering through all the trunk roads in Kelang!
Website here in Mandarin.
Loads of beautiful photos taken. Had a vegetarian dinner there.
Photos soon!
Website here in Mandarin.
Loads of beautiful photos taken. Had a vegetarian dinner there.
Photos soon!
2008-02-09
20080208: CNY Day 2 - I AM ON TV
The moment of truth has arrived.
I am appearing on National TV (together with my wife)!
As usual, there was a mix-up! Supposed to appear at 830pm on RTM2, but was changed to 9pm slot on RTM 1 for an hour.
The 4 segment documentary kicked off with the Reunion dinner part.
My interview lasted under 30 seconds!
The FULL Episode is below: (11 minutes 26 seconds)
I am appearing on National TV (together with my wife)!
As usual, there was a mix-up! Supposed to appear at 830pm on RTM2, but was changed to 9pm slot on RTM 1 for an hour.
The 4 segment documentary kicked off with the Reunion dinner part.
My interview lasted under 30 seconds!
The FULL Episode is below: (11 minutes 26 seconds)
2008-02-08
20080207: CNY Day 1
YEAR OF THE RAT
Happy Chinese New Year to all my friends and family celebrating this Lunar new year of the Rodent, marking the first animal to mark the dozen Chinese Zodiac variations.
Had the annual photo ritual at home, this time using FOR THE FIRST TIME, my DIGITAL SLR!
Had lunch in Putra Heights at a good friend's new home before visiting the in-laws in the late afternoon.
Photos soon.
Happy Chinese New Year to all my friends and family celebrating this Lunar new year of the Rodent, marking the first animal to mark the dozen Chinese Zodiac variations.
Had the annual photo ritual at home, this time using FOR THE FIRST TIME, my DIGITAL SLR!
Had lunch in Putra Heights at a good friend's new home before visiting the in-laws in the late afternoon.
Photos soon.
2008-02-07
20080206: CNY Eve
Had the day off. Company compulsory leave.
Managed to meet my realtor at the property unit to finalise sale of my aging apartment amongst the "slums" of Francis YEOH's enclave!
How a property such as Andalucia can command RM 400k in such a terrible area, is beyond anybody's understanding!
Had a scrumptious Chinese lunch at Overseas, Seri Petaling before meeting up with an old friend to pass over a gift from Dubai!
Dinner was at home (obviously) as it is Reunion Dinner night!
Photos to follow.
Managed to meet my realtor at the property unit to finalise sale of my aging apartment amongst the "slums" of Francis YEOH's enclave!
How a property such as Andalucia can command RM 400k in such a terrible area, is beyond anybody's understanding!
Had a scrumptious Chinese lunch at Overseas, Seri Petaling before meeting up with an old friend to pass over a gift from Dubai!
Dinner was at home (obviously) as it is Reunion Dinner night!
Photos to follow.
2008-02-05
20080204: The Body aches!
Back to work. The whole body is responding to all the acidic release throughout the blood system, after the Saturday intensive massage, wrecking every sensitive nerve in its path! This led to major aches, as usual a I had to head over to the OUG Doctor for the spinal ache. Some Chinese medication was prescribed, and I had to stick to the regime to remedy the ailment! Ouch!
2008-02-04
20080203: Dad's birthday dinner
An afternoon to Midvalley Shopping centre was meant to obtain presents for Dad.
A wireless Door Bell was picked off the rack in Jusco.
Upon returning home and testing, it was deemed faulty, and had to visit Jusco again!
Everyone was looking forward to Dad Birthday dinner, held at Overseas, Jalan Imbi.
Small gathering of one table. Food was the usual top notch Chinese fare.
Dad got another surprise present though. Something that our Malaysian shores don't carry. One that I had to gather all the way from Doha, Qatar. And even that, I had to search through over 20 shops to get it!
A wireless Door Bell was picked off the rack in Jusco.
Upon returning home and testing, it was deemed faulty, and had to visit Jusco again!
Everyone was looking forward to Dad Birthday dinner, held at Overseas, Jalan Imbi.
Small gathering of one table. Food was the usual top notch Chinese fare.
Dad got another surprise present though. Something that our Malaysian shores don't carry. One that I had to gather all the way from Doha, Qatar. And even that, I had to search through over 20 shops to get it!
2008-02-03
20080202 : Toast 8, Office 2008 and Leopard day
Life is usual today, with another half day in the office. It's back to work to the Glenmarie HQ.
Lots to be done in the afternoon. Managed to check on my Sime property, whilst visiting a good old Macuser friend who stays a few doors away. Had a quick lunch in the nearby coffee shop. Great Kway Teow Kung Fu style, something heavily missed whilst in the Middle East. This is much better than the High Tea I missed at the Crowne Plaza hotel (hosted by a notable Land Banking entity in town)
Sime UEP, are never short of property launches and showcases, befitting their title of the being under the world's largest property owner, Sime Darby. A quick hour visit to 7 different homes under the banner of Putra Avenue. I still prefer my original purchase, which is ABOVE the highway!
After a pitstop to my secret friend's home, within the vicinity, to pass him a long delayed gift from the Middle East (Dubai, to be exact), the long journey across the Subang Jaya enclave to reach Damansara Perdana on the other side of the state ensued. The Tropicana pitstop for more eclectic magazine pickups had to take a raincheck due to time constraints.
A brief and strenous visit up the condominium to collect my new Apple collection resulted in a errorneous online transaction via Maybank2u.
This collection added another 6 nitsto my tally of over 40 now. The new members are a few G3 Clamshell iBooks, a rare Colour Classic and a NeXT subwoofer set.
After this investment, it was time to calm the mind, rushing to the RSGC for the 180 hour massage session. A quick sprint through the tolled Kiara Tunnel allowed a punctual arrival at the waiting hands of the masseur at Jalan Tun Razak.
The aching muscles was further soothed out by lounging in the barber's chair, to receive a much needed hair cut. Not that there was much to be clipped, but neat and tidiness had to be taken into consideration, with the Chinese New Year around the corner!
Lots to be done in the afternoon. Managed to check on my Sime property, whilst visiting a good old Macuser friend who stays a few doors away. Had a quick lunch in the nearby coffee shop. Great Kway Teow Kung Fu style, something heavily missed whilst in the Middle East. This is much better than the High Tea I missed at the Crowne Plaza hotel (hosted by a notable Land Banking entity in town)
Sime UEP, are never short of property launches and showcases, befitting their title of the being under the world's largest property owner, Sime Darby. A quick hour visit to 7 different homes under the banner of Putra Avenue. I still prefer my original purchase, which is ABOVE the highway!
After a pitstop to my secret friend's home, within the vicinity, to pass him a long delayed gift from the Middle East (Dubai, to be exact), the long journey across the Subang Jaya enclave to reach Damansara Perdana on the other side of the state ensued. The Tropicana pitstop for more eclectic magazine pickups had to take a raincheck due to time constraints.
A brief and strenous visit up the condominium to collect my new Apple collection resulted in a errorneous online transaction via Maybank2u.
This collection added another 6 nitsto my tally of over 40 now. The new members are a few G3 Clamshell iBooks, a rare Colour Classic and a NeXT subwoofer set.
After this investment, it was time to calm the mind, rushing to the RSGC for the 180 hour massage session. A quick sprint through the tolled Kiara Tunnel allowed a punctual arrival at the waiting hands of the masseur at Jalan Tun Razak.
The aching muscles was further soothed out by lounging in the barber's chair, to receive a much needed hair cut. Not that there was much to be clipped, but neat and tidiness had to be taken into consideration, with the Chinese New Year around the corner!
2008-02-01
20080201: Back from Doha
February is here, marking heralding another month of the famous LEAP YEAR.
Yup, for those on a payroll, you will have to endure another 24 hours prior to your paycheck receipt. Alas, this happens only once in 4 years.
Statistically,
As for me, I'm not too concerned, as I was not born on that RARE date.
What matters most is that I'm back in Kuala Lumpur. Home sweet home!
Was met by Dad after a long delayed luggage arrival at the airport and a 28 minute train journey to KL Sentral. Note the new Mercedes taxi in town
A short trip to the RSC for Malaysian Chicken Rice was next on the menu. Major white smoke emanated from the Straits Settlement Building, which housed one of my major legal benefactors. It turned out that mosquito fogging was underway. What a wierd time to conduct this exercise, at about 3pm! (Thats a NO-NO for those who wish to have fogging done!)
Reached home after the sumptious meal.
Retirement on the bed was the next agenda.
Yup, for those on a payroll, you will have to endure another 24 hours prior to your paycheck receipt. Alas, this happens only once in 4 years.
Statistically,
As for me, I'm not too concerned, as I was not born on that RARE date.
What matters most is that I'm back in Kuala Lumpur. Home sweet home!
Was met by Dad after a long delayed luggage arrival at the airport and a 28 minute train journey to KL Sentral. Note the new Mercedes taxi in town
A short trip to the RSC for Malaysian Chicken Rice was next on the menu. Major white smoke emanated from the Straits Settlement Building, which housed one of my major legal benefactors. It turned out that mosquito fogging was underway. What a wierd time to conduct this exercise, at about 3pm! (Thats a NO-NO for those who wish to have fogging done!)
Reached home after the sumptious meal.
Retirement on the bed was the next agenda.
20080131: Final Day in Doha
Leaving Doha again, after a 4 day stint to submit the final tender.
However, this has been postponed to 21st February again!
Checked in at the Business class lane with 25kg only!
Managed to use the Silver Lounge for the final time!
Took a nice long shower in the mens!
Had some lousy soup before boarding the plane!
More photos soon!
However, this has been postponed to 21st February again!
Checked in at the Business class lane with 25kg only!
Managed to use the Silver Lounge for the final time!
Took a nice long shower in the mens!
Had some lousy soup before boarding the plane!
More photos soon!
2008-01-16
20080115: Return to KL from Doha
Yahoo,
Time to escape the freezing weather of Doha, which recently dipped to 9 C!
Left the apartment after a quick bite (leftover spinach pasta) and hailed a cab to the aiport. As we alighted the taxi, rain began to fall. Fortunately, had the Charles Jourdan jacket on me which provided adequate cranial cover, beofre my flu got any worse
Managed to go through customs and check-in without a hitch. No luck with plug points and Wifi connectivity in the Doha departure lounge.
Plane departure was delayed 40 mins due to traffic and thick fog.
Arrived in Manama in the afternoon. The stuffy nose was getting worse! Found the departure gate (31) for our connecting flight back to KL, as we transitted for the next 4 hours.
Feeling hungry, we proceeded to Chilli's restaurant, which fortunately took credit card payment. Price were typically higher than KL (but hey, it's the Mid east!) and there's a 12% service charge (not as bad as the KL (10 + 5!) or UK's terrible 17.5% VAT!
Managed a nice Well Done Old Timer burger complete with the chip substitute of fine mashed potatoes. Downed it with unlimited refills of Lipton tea whilst enjoying a DVD of a concert.
Then, the departure gate changed to 12A at the last minute!
Rushed over the other side of the terminal to find loads of people waiting in the over capacity lounge, which had people standing room only.
Fortunately, after 10 minutes of patience, the bus arrived to whisk us off to our Airbus A340 in waiting!
Seats were cramped in a 2-4-2 configuration, in which I took a window seat.
Food was only served 100 minutes later! I am happy I had my fair dosage of food at Chilli's 5 hours earlier!
Watched 3 movies, Rush Hour 3 with the ever hilarious Jackie CHAN showing his antics in Gay Paree and then the last bits of Nanny.
Finally, watched Death Sentence with Kevin Bacon in one of his most action packed films to date. Kelly Preston who played his wife, has really matured since her "hey" days 15 years back!
After a gruelling quarter day (yes, 6 hours of aching joints), we settled down in KLIA! Home sweet home!
Best news is that it is MACWORLD SAN FRANCISCO day today!
Time to escape the freezing weather of Doha, which recently dipped to 9 C!
Left the apartment after a quick bite (leftover spinach pasta) and hailed a cab to the aiport. As we alighted the taxi, rain began to fall. Fortunately, had the Charles Jourdan jacket on me which provided adequate cranial cover, beofre my flu got any worse
Managed to go through customs and check-in without a hitch. No luck with plug points and Wifi connectivity in the Doha departure lounge.
Plane departure was delayed 40 mins due to traffic and thick fog.
Arrived in Manama in the afternoon. The stuffy nose was getting worse! Found the departure gate (31) for our connecting flight back to KL, as we transitted for the next 4 hours.
Feeling hungry, we proceeded to Chilli's restaurant, which fortunately took credit card payment. Price were typically higher than KL (but hey, it's the Mid east!) and there's a 12% service charge (not as bad as the KL (10 + 5!) or UK's terrible 17.5% VAT!
Managed a nice Well Done Old Timer burger complete with the chip substitute of fine mashed potatoes. Downed it with unlimited refills of Lipton tea whilst enjoying a DVD of a concert.
Then, the departure gate changed to 12A at the last minute!
Rushed over the other side of the terminal to find loads of people waiting in the over capacity lounge, which had people standing room only.
Fortunately, after 10 minutes of patience, the bus arrived to whisk us off to our Airbus A340 in waiting!
Seats were cramped in a 2-4-2 configuration, in which I took a window seat.
Food was only served 100 minutes later! I am happy I had my fair dosage of food at Chilli's 5 hours earlier!
Watched 3 movies, Rush Hour 3 with the ever hilarious Jackie CHAN showing his antics in Gay Paree and then the last bits of Nanny.
Finally, watched Death Sentence with Kevin Bacon in one of his most action packed films to date. Kelly Preston who played his wife, has really matured since her "hey" days 15 years back!
After a gruelling quarter day (yes, 6 hours of aching joints), we settled down in KLIA! Home sweet home!
Best news is that it is MACWORLD SAN FRANCISCO day today!
2008-01-05
20080104: Qatar Exxon Mobil Open - TENNIS
That's the great thing about a first world Islamic country!
Cheap petrol (RM 0.72/litre), cheap cars (Nissan Xterra Made in USA, 4WD at RM 90k!)
and also CHARITY Tennis tickets! Unbelievable!
Just queued up earlier (actually NO queue at all) at 10am to collect FREE tickets for the Semi-Finals in the afternoon.
The match kicked off punctually at 4pm and lasted until 930pm after 2 Semi-final Single matches and 1 Doubles final!
Loads of photos here!
BubbleShare: Share photos - Safe Toys
Match 2 & 3 pending upload
Cheap petrol (RM 0.72/litre), cheap cars (Nissan Xterra Made in USA, 4WD at RM 90k!)
and also CHARITY Tennis tickets! Unbelievable!
Just queued up earlier (actually NO queue at all) at 10am to collect FREE tickets for the Semi-Finals in the afternoon.
The match kicked off punctually at 4pm and lasted until 930pm after 2 Semi-final Single matches and 1 Doubles final!
Loads of photos here!
BubbleShare: Share photos - Safe Toys
Match 2 & 3 pending upload
2008-01-04
20080103: Malaysian Embassy, Doha - OPEN HOUSE
Yes, that famous, Rumah terbuka!
All the Malaysians will be there because of FREE MAKAN!
I did my fair share of providing charity by donating RM10 to the FLOOD VICTIMS in Malaysia. Let's hope the funds reach them!
Met up with old friends and made new ones too!
Loads of delicious photos here!
BubbleShare: Share photos - Safe Toys
All the Malaysians will be there because of FREE MAKAN!
I did my fair share of providing charity by donating RM10 to the FLOOD VICTIMS in Malaysia. Let's hope the funds reach them!
Met up with old friends and made new ones too!
Loads of delicious photos here!
BubbleShare: Share photos - Safe Toys
2008-01-02
20080101: Happy New Year from Doha - VILLAGGIO MALL
Nothing much happened over here. No fireworks, nada, zilch!
Boring as ever.
Managed to visit the Villaggio Mall, for a lousy Hardee's Mushroom burger lunch, next to the Khalifa Stadium though!
Photos here:
BubbleShare: Share photos - Safe Toys
Boring as ever.
Managed to visit the Villaggio Mall, for a lousy Hardee's Mushroom burger lunch, next to the Khalifa Stadium though!
Photos here:
BubbleShare: Share photos - Safe Toys
2008-01-01
20080101 Villaggio Mall Doha
What a way to spend the new year day lunch. Burger set meal at about RM20!
This newly completed shopping mall with heavy Italian themes, is in Doha, Qatar.
For those who experienced the Asian Games in Doha, back in 2006, who know that it's right next to the stadium.
BubbleShare: Share photos - Find great Clip Art Images.
2007-12-29
20071228: Doha sights & Corniche
Finally, you get to see some sights of Doha, and the beautiful Corniche.
BubbleShare: Share photos - Find great Clip Art Images.
BubbleShare: Share photos - Find great Clip Art Images.
2007-12-25
20071225: Doha Apartment and views
So, it's Xmas and we get to capture some shots of the Adam apartment in Doha.
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BubbleShare: Share photos - Lead Free Toys
2007-12-23
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