Driving to Singapore/Memandu ke Singapura

I always drive along Jln Tun Razak which stretch facing Woodlands and I always wonder how driving in Singapore would be. I heard people were saying the hefty fine for over speeding and etc. etc. that associates Singapore with fines and summon.

After doing some researches into various blogs and LTA website, I think driving into Singapore is not that frightening tough. What I need are just information (correct one) and some directions on how to pass the immigration and make further way down to their roads. The following are summaries of my researches:

1) Enough Singapore dollars - $100 would be more than enough (no shopping whatsoever).
2) More than enough fuel
3) For 1st timer - get an autopass
4) Make sure insurance and roadtax is current
5) If possible, get the white card in advance to avoid delay at the CIQ
6) Passport MUST be at least 6 months from expiring
7) GPS - Garmin should be enough
8) Check causeways traffic condition at onemotoring.com.sg, it helps

Enough information, on 25th Dec. 2011, I make my way to the Causeways along with my kids and wife. We pass the BSI at around 10.30am and proceed to the Malaysian Immigration counter. Just pass to the officer the passport and the officer will do some verification. Gantry up and proceed to the causeway. I asked the officer whether there is requirements to pay for toll at the booth, he replied no as at the moment, but starting January or February 2012, each car which passes the BSI need to pay toll using TnG (some RM 2 or so..) currently only cars coming in to Malaysia from Singapore need to pay for the toll. Its going to be both ways sometime next year so make sure there is enough balance in your TnG card.

I was 10.45am and the infamous crawl has started to build along the causeways. The causeways tarmac is my concern. Potholes are there somewhere in the middle of the causeways and due to rains, water has started to pond. It took us around 30 minutes to reach CIQ and we were greeted by a nice Singapore officer who looks very much helpful with the entry requirements. He passed me the white form and even help to fill in my son's details. The process took around 10 minutes and we were clear to pass at around 11.15am. Next the autopass, after the immigration booth, there'll be 2 lanes, green and red. Get into the red lane to get the autopass, there is a parking (and loo!) and an officer will approach to your car, get all your car detail through the roadtax slip and handed over a small paper complete with your car particular. The officer will show you the way to the autopass counter and there, There is another booth for you to fill in a form, fill in the form and pass it to the counter located inside a building together with $10. No question will be asked and shortly after that, you will receive the autopass. This card is important as driving without one, will cause you $300 dollars! upon exit. The card is preloaded with $4 and you may top up near Woodlands. Each of subsequent entry to Singapore, this card need to be inserted to a machine at the immigration booth, this act as a register of your entry into Singapore. and before i proceed, there is one lady at the autopass booth who explain to me how the card works, so helpful and immediately i fall in love with Singapore (hehe kidding.. that's how people in the frontline should be, congrats!). After the autopass booth, set gps to destinations - esso near woodlands for autopass top up but before that, pass a fierce looking guy, stop, open car boot for inspection and go. Immediately upon exit of the CIQ, note two junctions, one leads to Woodlands and Kranji and the other lead straight to BKE.

Driving in Singapore was a pleasure, the highways are good (5 lanes at some places) and directions are adequately given. Speed limit for highways are 80 to 90 at some places (no 110km/h) and trunk roads are below 60. I top up my autopass with $20 considering ERP non operating hours and free VEP on christmas day. That make up a total of $24 including the preloaded $4. Upon exit at Tuas I have another balance of $19.30 and used only $4.70 ($3.20 for exiting at Tuas, Woodlands only charge $1.20 and parking at the Esplanade $1.50 for less than an hour). I also bought parking coupon at esso for $10 (in 50cents denomination) for paking with coupon.

I think driving in Singapore is possible its easy and should you require assistance those officers are there and they proved to be very helpful.

Notes: Exiting at tuas is a breeze, but on Malaysian side toll is at RM 7.60 (exit) and Singapore side $3.20 (entry and exiting), no wonder people squeeze through Woodlands.

I need a break!! (i said seriously)

It's raining now and it seems the rain and air conditioning had failed to cool down my brain temperature!

I need a break but I too afraid to take it or too worried that even a minute break will waste my precious seconds. I have 2 major tasks this and the following week. No. 1 - extract all information from those articles and scan all contemporary issues concerning my study, and No. 2 - more RU paper in the pipeline. I suggest a very low level topic for the RU paper and I really hope to submit for publication. Seems ambitous though, but I believe it is now or never. The paper will be a fast track approach by the university to increase publication and if it published, I should be able to cite my own work or increase the credibility of the research that will be undertaken. It should be.

Task No. 1 is a new task suggested by my supervisor last week and looking at the timing she gave me, I know, time now is an essence. My strategy is two cover the two tasks within this week and I think task no. 2 is almost ready. The hurdle now is to write and give the paper a focus. The problem i'm having now is in term of reference, most are outdated and originated overseas. I need more local paper to support the proposal but it was nowhere to be found.

This morning I rushed to the library once it opened trying to look for books that the database mentioned as available. It wasn't there. Dissapointed though.

I need a break, I need a break....

The tale of paracetamol and gold digging

This week is rather melancholic. I started Monday with headache, end up the day with 4 hours sleep and wake up with more headache. A bad day indeed. This week suppose to be my 4th week in the whole study and I still reading and downloading more and more articles from the online database. The whole process is a lot of frustration cause it slow. The internet is slow, the loading is slow and the reading is well slow of course. Digging the database is like mining gold or diamond. The unearthing takes 'years' while the result can somewhat good or none at all. It depends on the key words used, and I feel like I used them all. Sometimes i found key words try it, and the result is good. Most of the time, from 100 results, only 10 match or have something related. The next problem is the publication dates. I know it is important to have an up to date reference in the list of reference. It means, the topic is contemporary and research is sought. To date, to be frank, in my 'end note' i only have 18 registered related articles and few others pending review. I think to date i'm good at the basic of end note and i do hope to explore more.

I started this morning with 2 tablets of paracetamol and i'm good. Don't know should this be what i'll be doing for the next 3 years!

I was at the Civil Eng (CE) Faculty this morning and noticed that Martin Skitmore is in town. He's a renown scholar in construction management and the faculty will be conducting colloquium tomorrow at 10am. I'm interested to attend hoping to broaden the horizon and perhaps listen to others talking. I think the CE faculty is more structured when it comes to PG since the numbers of PG students are large compared to the faculty in which i currently attached. They have a dedicated office to cater PG matters and all forms are available for students in a dedicated place, a sight not available in my faculty.

Euljiro Coop Residence, Seoul

We stayed in Coop Euljiro for 6 nights and i must say that this hotel exceed my expectation. We paid USD495 for 6 nights and for me, this place is indeed very awesome. The airport coach stop right in front the hotel (take 6001 for KWN14K) and the journey takes around an hour from ICN airport. The hotel lobby is small and PC with internet is available for free, just in case you need to update the facebook status. Just remember to change the PC language to EN otherwise all you see is Korean. The room is small enough for two people but interestingly, complete with stove and microwave. Kitchen utensils are also available for use. Bathroom is small but all are functioning well. The floor is heated and if the room become too stuffy with the heat, there an aircond to soothe the interior. We bring few clothes and we do our laundry on our own using the washing machine available at the basement 1. Each wash cost KWN4k that complete with a pack of detergent and softener for extra good smell. Subway is nearby, GS25/family mart are also nearby. If you are staying on low level, things might get noisy a bit. We stayed at 14th floor and still the noise is unbearable. There's a park nearby the hospital and it mostly filled with foreign nationals playing cricket or something. My favorite, doota is nearby and just a short walk to dangdaemun fashion market. if you wish to start the scenic river walk, this is suppose to be a good starting point. Overall i will definitely stay here again.

3rd Meeting and discussion

I think i just started meeting my supervisor on 28/9/2011 (before the official registration) and i am so happy to accomplish the 3rd meeting which was held 'impromptu' thanks to the myriad information i received from the university. It started on the 2nd Nov. 2011 when i received call from the Deputy Dean (PGR) requesting all staff to submit proposal for grant not less than 20k for the purpose of RU application. The university will be in its 3rd attempt applying for RU after all unsuccessful two applications. Before the call, i reply her email stating that i am now on my study leave and whether i am suppose to submit formal proposal which due on 9th Nov. 2011. I thought being away on study leave will give me a relief for their believe that staff on study leave should concentrate on their study and should not be 'disturbed' with issues at the university. On 2nd Nov. 2011, i received call using the university number and the DD-PGR mentioned that everybody non-PI should submit for the grant. I was stunned since the deadline was very near and having incomplete proposal (or near silly one!) would mean that the proposal will be another proposal dump to a drain. I experience once, and learning from mistake, proposal need to be clear and focus before submission or energy wasted. On the other hand, i sense an opportunity for additional fund for data collection and this will mean better cashflow for the whole research work. I know nothing as at the moment but at least that grant may fund my 1st objective (which suppose to be the most straight forward one).

I rang my supervisor on the same day (she was on medical leave - sorry) and told her about the university request. My supervisor concerned about the direction and i request to meet her just to discuss about the proposal. I got nothing else in mind that time, just thinking that money will greatly save the other allocations for data collection. She was unavailable on the 3rd Nov. 2011, and i was asked to come on Friday the 4th. Before our meeting, i received another call on the 3rd (from RMC) asking whether i will submit a proposal as they will be having a meeting with the Deputy Rector to discuss on the issue. I told them that i am currently on study leave and whether i can submit a proposal or not. According to RMC, staff on study leave can't become PI and should concentrate on their study only. I was quite disappointed to hear that as it means no grant for the data collection. I met my supervisor on the 4th and she agreed that having grant will disturb my study and she prefer me to concentrate on my study rather than chasing for the grant. I know this will be a great opportunity later in my academic career as i may apply for grant and having a master student on my own to do the research.

The meeting

I was moving without any concrete direction for the past week but i collected many articles talking everything in the industry just to keep myself informed about what's happening in the industry worldwide. I admit this is new to me and searching, knowing something new is actually fun. Well of course, i got itchy and watery eyes because of the reading but it was fun. The joy lies when i finished reading an article and understand what the author/s is/are trying to convey. I still having trouble understanding methods especially those with heavy statistic but i slowly learn and trying to appreciate everything that are written. During the meeting, my supervisor suggest something that is brilliant, why don't conduct a 'background study' and from there 'probe' the issue/s that is/are currently happening. That's good and given the lack of literature available in Malaysia, that suppose to be an efficient way to identify a gap in the existing body of knowledge. Her suggestion is simple, get to know the basic deeper and go to the field to probe the gap. I agreed, this is suppose to be the way. When there is lack of literature, probe the actual and establish the gap.

Starting from today, this is what i will do - get to know the subject better and deeper and brainstorm what lies beneath.

Till the next post...

A 'lone-some' journey indeed...

I officially started my journey for PhD on 24th October 2011 with official registration today. I received my new and latest matric card with confusion as I know this will be the starting point of glory or doom. I spend the whole day for the last week, venturing into the unknown of scholarly journals and articles hoping to find something that enable me to progress. Yes, the keyword here is progress. I found numerous articles talking about so many things, from construction technology, bidding and my fondly searched items, the BoQ. Its like searching a mountain just to find so little that really match the hopes. Spent half day today in a library, with the new matric card, downloading so many articles which I really do not know is it the things that i'm looking or something else. Lone-some is a disease which I start to feel with wife and family hook imbalance over a small strip of string. I'm raising 2 kids, infant to be true, and it is not an easy task. The last thing in my mind is fight between me and my wife over dozens of issues which I really hate to admit that it is sometimes happening. Here in this place, I really do not have much friend to share the loneliness and sometimes the bored I endure in most days. The only day that I really enjoy is the day when I suppose to meet my supervisor. She do not help much at this stage but meeting her would at least clear something and give me some directions. I know it still too early to decide on something but I know I have to explore on daily basis. For this, I created a small system which I recorded all information I collected through my readings. I put in proper reference, excerpt and also comment hoping that this piece of work will help me finding my direction. I do not know whether the system will help me or not, but I guess that would probably shed some directions and record all information that I collected throughout this period.

My biggest concern now is to strike a balance between my family and the study that just started. I really do not know, if I were in my wife position, whether I'll be behaving good and understand the next 3 years will be difficult or adamant that responsibility is a responsibility, no break or study lining between it. I just hope that my wife will be more open to an issue, put aside personal interest and help me with this journey. I felt the pressure every night when I tried to put myself to bed and wonder what am I doing on bed rather on my desk, reviewing the mountainous articles and continue pondering my fate for the next 3 years. I do hope that this period of boredom will soon be over and replaced with directions, seminar paper maybe or even part time work. I'll continue reading for the next 2 or three months and see whether luck will be on my side. I always pray to Allah that he will show me the direction and help me out from this blurring situation.

InsyaAllah...

SEOUL - tips for couple travelling with infant

Yehaa!!

We managed to visit Seoul from 6th to 14th October 2011 and we went there with our daughter who is just 16 months old. Yup, no pre-arrange ground trips, no guide and we were there just 3 of us armed with the latest subway map and maps found and collected from numerous information desk available throughout Seoul. Our study on the routes took us back a year ago and we collected information mostly from blogs on the internet.

Korea for Muslim - without travel guides and pre-arrange ground tours will be somehow challenging, the only place in Seoul where halal food are easily available is in Itaewon which pressing intensively to the deepest pocket. We tried once - 2 sets of Korean authentic Bulgogi and such and it cost us 27k (approx. MYR 70) for each meal. That cost will be so decent looking at the set that we had. As Itaewon is somehow far from our lodging, we resorted to eggs - 3k for 10 (almost MYR 10 or MYR1 for each egg) and pre-packed instant rice easily available at GS25 or 7-11 for about KWN 1k each. We have prepared our self with canned food (brought from Malaysia) ie. Sardine (Adabi brand preferred - taste good and without that fishy smell), instant curry Yeos, we got 3 canned, raw rice - for our daughter's porridge and 10 packets of instant noodles. While in Korea if you always converted how much you spent if its in MYR, you wont be able to buy anything as the standard of living is so high and a bottle of coke - 1.5L cost MYR 7 as compared to MYR 2.5 we have here. We stay in a apartel type lodging comes with its own kitchenette and hot plate. We cook most of our meal, and eat just bread when we were out for tour.

Food is one thing, the other will be the mode of transportation. Thank goodness, Seoul has 1 of the most efficient public transport and compared to bus we do most of our tour using their great subways. Seoul subways are mostly operated by Seoul Metro and is a mix of old and new lines. Other train services are operated by Korail and those rails network runs mostly outside Seoul. All subways/trains services use T-money as a mode of payment and it was very convenient. There was never been an incidence where problem occur and I couldn't enter. I experience once in KL when I tried to use the Touch n Go and it failed. I spent 23KWN for the subway and that was an extensive travelling for a week plus rail service to Gapyeong for Nami Island, their subways are really cheap. One thing that I think is less efficient is their transfer line, most lines will intersect with one another at numerous points but the walking to the transfer line is so exhausting. With stroller that we were carrying, there were so many instances which we have to carry the stroller up and down the stairways just because elevators are not available. The following are my general tips for those planning to visit the vibrant Seoul with their little one.

Stroller on AAX KUL to ICN

My advised is bring your stroller. Preferably the easy to carry and stroll around. I'm using Maclaren triumph and it weight just 4 kilos. So far it really heavy duty, we move around Seoul using this and it pass all the road conditions Seoul has to offer. Stroller bound for ICN will be tagged during check-in at the baggage drop counter and collected at the baggage carousel. I think the general rule is that, stroller that is tagged will join the baggage at the carousel and stroller given a pass at the entrance of the departure hall will have to be collected somewhere upon arrival at the destination (most Indonesian destination).

When I was in Seoul temperature went as low as 15 degrees during day time. Using stroller like mine will mean that your baby is facing the cold wind first hand. My child experience dry lips and its good to prepare a hood like apparatus just to keep your child away from the cold wind. I experience dry lips also and my lips just turn to normal 2 weeks after coming back. it's very painful.

Pre-book your seat

Not many people welcome child on board. They are considered menace and disturbed the peaceful conditions inside the airplane. I think bringing an infant on board is a bliss. 1st - nobody would like to sit beside you - they'll move to other seat if available, sparing the 3 seats just for you, 2nd - if you travel with premium airlines chances are - front seat with extra leg room, but not in AAX the most you can do is to book seat just behind the hot seat (empty during our flight) and consider having a close distance with the loos.

Travellers with infant may check in online

This is new. When i bring my d/ter to Indonesia last April, infant cannot be checked in online, but when i tried ICN, things change. Perhaps since check in at counter will involve extra fee.

Muslim - try Coop Residence

My d/ter only eats porridge with carrot and soup. I found it expensive to buy rice in Seoul so i meticulously bring an exact quantity of uncooked rice and chicken cube stocks. Minus the carrot she ate the porridge and went well. As halal food could be an issue in Seoul we brought ourselves instant mee (fried mee - can last long), few cans of chicken curry, sardines, instant congee and some fried anchovies. The hotel that we stayed has microwave oven and stove. We also bring a cooking pot (small size). We save a lot from cooking our own meal. We normally eat before we went out and eat just bread on tour. On our trip to nami, we even packed some spagetti and enjoy picnicking ala backpack.

Korean elderly are child friendly

Same in vietnam, Korean elderly love child very much. They wont speak English to you but sometime it's quite fascinating to see how caring they are with your child as they try to ask you to do something in Korean. Sign language is the language in Korea! just do what they ask you to do, perhaps they think the way you carry the child is not right to them, DO IT. There are so many elderly in Korea.

'Wrap' your child

I enjoy Korean weather. Cold but bearable. Wrap your child extra as the cold weather may affect the health.

28-Sep-2011 - 1st meeting with supervisor

Today will be my first meeting with the supervisor. I have not officially registered but taking her good advise, "steal the time now as you need even a day extra later". I just prepare my first proposal plus new note book for the meeting. Do not know what to expect but I hope things will be less tough.

The meeting will be at 9am and I will update the outcome soon I came back from the discussion. To be frank, I need to know what I am suppose to do as soon as possible. I know this journey will be a lonely one and I have started to feel it. Hope I will get to know someone from the same department, at least we are people sharing the same problem and issue.

Will update soon.

The truth and the myths (happy father's day to me)

Being a dad is not easy ---> myth

The truth ----> kid do have pattern (baby also). They have exact time when they need to be fed, sleep and sometime poo. The most difficult (for me at least) is putting them to sleep - on time.

Being a husband is easy ---> so so myth

The truth ---> A husband need to be fit even with less sleep at night. A husband cannot fall sick as others are dependent on him. A husband need to be smart (clever in this sense) answering wife's questions. When the going get tough, a husband need to find ways, to ease the situation. When wife's need a break, its the husband who is going to pay for the holiday. When wife's is emotionally unstable, its the husband who is to be blame.

A husband do all this, without single complaint, because he loves his wife, kids and his family.

Happy father's day to me.

Bandung (lagi - this one actual)

ok folks, we finally made our second trip to Bandung last April. The ticket that we held, have been with us for almost 10 months and finally, this is the trip. Our plane was scheduled at 940am, we entered the boarding hall at around 915am just to hear an announcement that there will be a slight delay from the scheduled departure time. Thankfully, the delay is just 5 mins and our plane takes off at 10am sharp. As usual, flight to Bandung is not an easy one, a lot of bumpy ride probably due to the thick cloud all the way to BDO. Our baby slept all the way to BDO, and woke up a moment before the plane landed. Landing was a rough (truly!!) one, they should do something towards the runway. The tarmac is ruined is guess, they should do something.

The terminal is just the same as when we arrived few years back. They open two immigration counters and there are like 120 people squashing just to pass through. It took a while before our turn finally arrived. After the screening and smiling at the immigration counter, we took our luggage and yet another security screening. Know what, they done everything there, in that small space, the thing that separate the arrival hall and the immigration spaces is just a small screen right before the exit.

Well, minus the airport, everything goes well with us. We just love the hectic of BDO and of course, the weather. Do not expect chilling weather as in Genting or Cameroon H., it's just nice. The first place we went on the day was Resto Karamba. We purposely asked the driver to bring us here as we really craved their Gurame with sweet and sour sauce.

BDO is about shopping and feel the trills of finding the best bargain. We went to the must-go place ie pasar baru (few floors only - as we have planned what we wanted to find). On this trip, we were actually looking for places with good bargain for baby apparels and stuffs. We went to Levie near Jl. Imam Bonjol and wife said this place is truly the place. I'm not sure whether they sold cheaper baby bottle or what, but my wife took a few of it. The only thing I asked wife to bought, was a baby sling to carry our daughter, rather than to stroll her inside the stroller. Wife spent quite a lot here, probably because they have many items in one place, and all seems a bargain. Our next stop was toko anak kecil which specialize more in toddler and teens. This place sold great apparel and of course a bit pricey. Something here in BDO, there are so many shops and somehow, they sell almost the same thing. Surely, when we first came in 2009, we just scour every shops, but now, we went only those we felt gave the best in terms of selection and price.

The Warong, Mid Valley Megamall

Got no pics for this place, but truly the food was awesome!! We actually didn't plan to have a breakfast here, but since my wife wants to be 'the first' customer at the FOS kids and teens (just in front of it), we gave this place a try. Not that cheap though, but it worth every penny. I tried their mee rebus that morning and that is truly awaking. Wife tried their roti canai (great kuah she said), and we also had 3 pieces of karipap which cost a ringgit each.

Asmila Boutique Hotel, Jl Setiabudhi, BDO

We were stunned! We should stay here for the whole 3 nights of our trip. This is truly a bargain, well rate per night is somehow expensive, IDR 720k or close to RM260 per night, but, the location is just too awesome. Yup, the famous Rumah Mode is just in front of our very own eyes. We were told by our hired driver that Rumah Mode is just in front of this hotel. We were a bit skeptical, it can't be that close we guess, but it is truly there! right, smack in front of this hotel. It just a matter of time waiting the door of rumah mode to be open before we begin our scouring for clothing. My wife even spare and used up all our IDR balance here (me got few t-shirts also hehe).

The hotel is just perfect. The provide airport shuttle plus hearty breakfast the following morning. I remember their tasty sausages and many food selection available at the coffee house. Our room is a perfect one and a retreat. They provide a standard king size bed and a big couch that double as extra bed. I slept here that night, giving way to my daughter and wife to enjoy the space hehe. Our room during our stay is a deluxe (they don't have standard) that comes with complimentary fruit platter (waited for this, unfortunately it failed to arrive :( ), mini bar (2 drinks, oreo and a packet of lays) and another thing, they give us free hi-tea that afternoon. What else we should asked for hehe. We don't notice much their facilities since we are busy enjoying the room and rumah mode. However, we did notice that they have a small swimming pool somewhere near the washroom. Nobody swim there is guess. Their staff is very friendly while attending to guest, they are prompt and plus, they provide free room service when I asked for porridge for my daughter. We end up paying RM 340 for that night and that comes with a good laundry service. My conclusion: Great place, a bit pricey but worth every penny. Chances to stay again: Absolutely!, Plus point: Rumah Mode, FOs, McD nearby.

Our room. That window is facing directly to rumah mode.

Amaris Hotel (by Santika), Cimanuk

Stayed here on 23rd April 2011 and booked a room through Agoda. First I thought Agoda works as Booking.com (pay when check out), however they actually remit the payment once booking was made. I then received a voucher which need to be shown upon check in. Experience wise, this hotel adopt minimalist concept in their deco. We were given a room at the ground floor which is located near to the check in counter, water dispenser and 1 public wash room. The room is very simple, small LCD though, but our room comes with a huge bathroom. No bath tub, the bathroom is just as big beyond the normal attached bathroom. They have a 'tiny' swimming pool in front of the check in counter and directly facing the common eating area (no restaurant). I doubt who is gonna swim there as it just 2 feet deep. However, I saw a child took a dip while we were busy having out breakfast the following morning. As we do not own a transport to go for dinner nor they offer a room service, we resorted of calling Pizza delivery for dinner. Service is so minimal here even they don't provide direct dial for us to order our pizza. As far I can remember, we check out so early the following morning since it is a bit difficult for us staying there. I remember paying RM 170 for the room and I am sure, i can get better deal elsewhere. One plus point of this hotel is the breakfast. They provide quite a hearty meal the following morning. Some photos in Amaris:

Conclusion: Very quiet near to Gedung Satay, food - good, Service minimal - no room service, Swimming pool - very small and shallow (convert to fish pond, it will be better), chances to stay again - will consider other option. Plus factor - food ok, near to Jalan Riau - Heritage, Cascade few other FOs, Toko Coklat, 5 a Sec (Laundry) and Gedung Satay.

Photo 1 - The breakfast, hearty yumm..
Photo 2 - Bathroom - very 'roomy' can double as extra place to sleep.
Photo 3 - Our room - love the feature wall paint colour.

Taman Sutera (progress as at 8/5/2011)

Hari Sabtu lepas kami ke Kajang nak tengok apa dah jadi dengan projek taman Sutera tu. Dah 2 bulan tak tengok, kalau balik ke Johor pun dah malam, gelap, bila otw ke KL pun dah malam, so sabtu lepas, lepas bersesak kat Midvalley pegi 'Mom's and baby fair', kami pun bertolak ke Kajang dari Midvalley ikut Plus. Tol dari Sg Besi ke Kajang RM 1.80, kalau lalu Besraya cuma RM1.30 ikut exit mines, tapi selalunya ramp naik ke mines jam, org nak ke Seri Kembangan, jadi ikut je la PLUS. Kalau ikut PLUS kena tambah tol RM1 lagi kat tol Sg Balak, boleh skip tol ikut bukit angkat, jade hills, tapi jalan nya sangat la berliku, banyak lori kuar masuk ikut kilang2 kat Bukit Angkat tu, jadi labur je la RM1 tu kat SILK, cepat pun cepat.

Kami terkejut juga dari jauh progress dah lebih dari expectation. Tong penghadang jalan pun dah dibuka, jadi tak perlu ikut Nusantara yang ada guard tu (guard ok, cuma nak pusing2 dalam tu jauh sikit). Hoarding kat few areas pun dah buka, mungkin sekarang dah nak buat jalan luar dan landscape. Row kami nampaknya, dah nampak siapnya. Rata2 unit tinggal buat tiling, cat (finishing coats) dan pasang pintu tingkap, sanitary fittings. Kami tak boleh masuk ke depan unit kami tu, jadi cuma pusing tengok unit depan Nusantara/Zen 1, bajet sama la design-nya. Ni gambar unit yang kitorang riki. (minta izin empunya unit, ambil gambar):

Ni counter top kat belakang, ada column keluar pulak, sempit sikit
Ni dapur dari wet kitchen/counter top


View bilik yang kat bawah - cadang nak buat guest room untuk mak/ayah/abah kami kalau ke rumah kami. Tak perlu panjat ke atas


Ni master bedroom

Alamak, empunya unit ni sila ambil perhatian, ada air leaking ke living hall. Box up tu kena ganti. Atas tu sebenarnya toilet master bedroom, so nak tutup soil/waste pipe, dorg guna box up. Mesti air leaking dari lantai atas masa dorg buat ponding test.

Setakat ni je dulu, bulan depan kalau melawat lagi, aku taruk gambar lagi.

Marvella Hotel, Jl. Sinargalih, BDO

We stayed here for 1 night on our recent trip to bandung. The hotel was booked by our hired driver. Originally we plan to stay in Guntur for our day 1, however, due to their long weekend which started on 22-24 April 2011, no room was available as per our request. We arrived at the hotel late and room price was paid during check in. Our deluxe room rate was IDR 310k and that I consider a bargain. They have standard which cost less than IDR 300 per night. Breakfast is serve/deliver to our room and the standard fried rice and tea is quite satisfying. Room service is available 24 hrs. The hotel is located close to Jl. Setiabudi which the famous FO is located, however, public cab (during my stay) was not spotted during my stay (perhaps the hotel may arrange).

At first I thought the hotel name is 'Marsela' so I google around and found no hit for it. The actual name is actually "marvella'. It is a new hotel, they have 2 separate sections, most of the standard are in the new block while deluxe rooms are located facing the yards. There is an open area fronting our deluxe room and cars are allowed to park at the area. This hotel is a champion in term of its pricing and perhaps location, but those who look for more service, space and amenities, this may not be the place. Overall, chances to stay again = moderate, food = fried rice and tea - satisfying, others = ok.

Sleepy

Huarrrghhh!!!

Dah beberapa hari sejak ambil keputusan untuk divert ke proposal lain. Alhamdulillah, dapat kontek dengan supervisor yang lain dari fakulti berkaitan dan beliau dah respond through email. Tapi camanapun, proses jumpa untuk discuss tu mesti ada, cuma tak tau bila, rough idea ada dalam kepala cuma belum ditulis on paper. Cuba2 search dalam online journal, journal2 berkaitan, tapi hit sikit je, tak tau la, tak ramai org tulis atau dah obsolete.

Sentiasa berharap yang jalan ini akan dipermudahkan. Buat 1st proposal memang susah. Nak buat kena tunggu anak tido, bila anak dah tido, internet pulak buat hal. Rasa cam sia2 je bayar Celcom ni rm98 sebulan dengan kualiti perkhidmatan yang sangat la siput. Klik sekali, loadingnya boleh sampai 2 minit, lagi2 kalau donlod artikel besar sikit, camna nak buat, komplen sudah, tapi jawabnya, kami sedang meningkatkan perkhidmatan atau memang ada aduan talian congested di area encik, boleh cuba 30 minit lagi. hessh.

Hiccup

I was so busy preparing and completing enormous forms and paperwork for the last 2 weeks for the purpose of continuing my study. Being a public sector staff, any opportunity given to further my study will definitely give an impact to my promotion and salary grade. The process has hooked me for so long. I officially started the quest sometime in 2010 and looking back it's been a year since I first consider that I need to continue further.

Study at this stage requires so many planning. I have wife and (will soon) two kids under my belt and enormous others responsibilities that I need to fulfill. First, my wife (thank you 5x) consider of moving with me to the south and recently has moved from her site office to the HQ just to make sure our planning goes well. On my side I assure her that my form will complete in due time for submission to the department.

And those were the planning....

My boss has asked for a discussion this morning regarding my application form, and I knew it, his boss has rejected my application on the ground that my supervisor (to him) is not that capable and experienced enough to supervise the area stated in my proposal. I am so frustrated and I bare all my dissatisfaction to my boss with regard to his boss. That proposal was a result of blood and tears! I spent sleepless nights and many trips down south just to get that 5 pages done and what 'his boss' said just change a supervisor or you won't be allowed to further. The problem is not the proposal, it's the supervisor he said. He don't know her and her capabilities and simply make a random conclusion. So narrow.

While discussing with my boss this morning, my boss assure me that I still can continue with the same proposal but perhaps with other supervisor from a faculty that is relevant with my area. So where's the **** is multidisciplinary as 'his boss' previously mentioned? Am I going to bring this proposal which the result of my discussion with my supervisor to other supervisor? No. I won't do that since that proposal concern something that is his (his boss) area. I am not going to belong to that group anymore. Plus, his boss always come out with an issue of plagiarism, I am not going to be labelled that way. My decision is clear I will divert into something that is considered core but not 'his boss' area. Well, every area is his area anyway.

Now, start the same process again, identify a supervisor, discuss, identify a research problem, discuss, make a proposal, my boss to verify and the 'his boss' to approve. Waste of time and waste of effort. My boss suggest me to see 'his boss' regularly to discuss on the proposal that I'll be working on. I said no!, if 'his boss' put in his idea into mine and I just ignore, then there will be possibility for my next application to be rejected, if I were to put his views into the proposal, then if I were not to acknowledged his contribution, then there will be issue on plagiarism. What to do lol!!. This guy (his boss) wants to always claim his stake even it just a view.

God. There'll be a long way for me to complete this task and as environment is not that supportive (only my boss, wife and supervisor supportive thank you 5x) the challenge will be more mounting as I ever expected. Do hope things will get better after this.

Good makan place

Been searching for great (reasonable) hi-tea throughout the internet. So far, the problem I face while evaluating the place is the menu they offer and whether it being reasonably priced. Of course, can't expect much on hi-tea as the most that they will serve are those menus consider light (cheaper than lunch buffet of course). Been to KL tower brunch buffet sometime ago, very pricey but good food selection. KL tower will be more on the experience side as the buffet is held at its rotating restaurant (dizzy first time lol). Food selection are western and also local + free admission to the viewing deck. Priced at rm 80++ per pax on saturday.

Other buffet we've been to is the Ancasa (pudu raya) breakfast buffet, priced at rm 30++ per pax. Food selection is good (for big appetite) but the noodles selection was quite bland. Others.... ooo, pan pacific buffet breakfast. pricey, so crowded with too many people, buffet spread (breakfast) consider so so. The best is still the road side foodstall, makcik selling local favorite at very cheap price. Always hunt them, even it's cheap but taste wise cannot beat leh.. wahahohoho

Update on 30 March 2011

Made a call yesterday to the developer just feed my own curiosity on the project's progress. Alhamdulillah, was told yesterday that the project will be completed sometime in November this year. I doubt will it be handing over vacant possession or defect visit. Really hope that it will be handing over vacant possession for the unit.

Besides asking about the progress, I also asked about the refund of our deposit (RM2000.00) paid sometime April 2010 in order to secure our unit. The lady said yesterday that it will be refunded once key is handed over to us and likely it will take a month (the most) for them to issue the cheque. I anxiously will wait for it, since it was my wife money which we used to put it as deposit. To make it more sentimental, it was actually the balance of her mas kahwin given by me (or it was my father hehe) during our kahwin day.

No photos available as it was just a phone call hehe. Till my next entry..

The pinch of the glitch

When we start planning to own our very own place, little we knew of what will happen to us in the following year. I still remember April 2010 when we first visit a developer's showroom and start to dream of having our own. The process took us smooth when we were requested to pay a deposit of RM 2000.00 for the unit we were interested in. Starting from that point, we knew that situation will be difficult for us but we were very much optimistic that eventually we are going to make it through no matter what.

At time, I still remember when we were asked to pay the 10% down payment for the unit. We knew, we would never afford to have RM 32,000.00 from our own saving and if even we have it, I think, we would never use it to pay the down payment. That was last year before the government announce the 1st home ownership programme which waive the requirement for the 10% down payment. What we did were something known to the property market and of course I won't disclose it here of how we deal with the issue of the down payment.

Starting from April last year, things still work pretty good for us. We still able to enjoy our holiday (once in a while), eat in a fancy places and think less on the hassle of having to ration our spending. The first glitch was a few months after that when the panel lawyer request us to pay upfront for some authority payment. At first, I refuse to pay since they will get the payment anyway from the bank. According to them, the amount was so big and they need the upfront to be paid by the purchaser. I forthwith follow even after some grueling and deep thinking of where to fork out close to RM 2000.00. Luckily, the bank release a payment to the lawyer and we get our money back without much hassle. Case close.

Sometime in August 2010, after much of the paperwork have been settled, I was summoned to the bank to sign some papers. The papers includes an agreement that mentioned that I agree that my salary to be deducted for the house installment. I don't see any problem with that as I think it will help me to pay the installment without having to visit the bank on monthly basis. I offered myself to cross check with the HR on the status of my application but was told by the bank that they will do the cross check and follow up on the progress. I agree and I let the bank do what they offered. I was wrong..

Sometime in November 2010, I received a call, telling me that I have failed to pay the house installment for 3 consecutive months. We were stunned. At that time, I was so angry with that lady who has offered to follow up with the HR and I was so suprised why we were only told after 3 months has passed. In the months following singing the papers, we were so anxious as my salary has yet to be deducted for 3 months after the first disbursement was made. We just concluded that perhaps the process took a while to complete and sooner or later, my salary will eventually be deducted. Thinking critical on our source of income, we mandate that the budget that suppose to pay for the house installment, at time when deduction has yet to be made, to be saved in one of our dedicated account and we planned to use it as a back up should budget prove to be constrained in year ahead.

Since we were told that our installment has lapsed for 3 months, I forthwith used up all saving from our dedicated account to pay for the arrears. We were left without saving and that prove to be difficult to me. It was difficult and it still difficult to date. I still remember my visit to the bank a day after I was told about the arrears, I can't stop myself from being rude as I believe the situation was just seem unfair. I am a difficult situation and this is something that beyond imagination. The lady showed me every evidence that she has pertaining her application for my salary deduction to my company's HR. I know she has done her part but I believed she has forgot that once she promised to cross check with my HR on the application. I know that I can't do nothing with the HR since we are in the same boat. I did called the HR one day just to be told that the document has been received by someone that they not even recognized. The document just gone missing and nobody care anything about it.

The sad part or the part that I am so mad about the glitch is the record that will be kept by the central bank. Perhaps i need to apply for some loan in the future and this record maybe will affect my future application. I demanded the bank to issue me a letter stating that this is their fault and I won't be held liable in any way. I never received the letter until to day...

I know 2011 will be difficult. I remember comforting my wife as we talk about our hardship that we are facing. I believe we should remain positive and know what, those who sees hardship in their way are those who have better chance to succeed. Why? because they simply have calculated the risk and weighted every options that they have. In short, they are more prepared, likely more motivated and have clear plan for their limited resources that they are going to spare. On the other round, those who never sees hardship in their way, tend to be more relaxed and have little plan for their future. At the end, they normally miscalculated, spend more than they should be and often left with regret. That is how i see it. Hardship should never be used as a deterrent of progress, but it is actually an impetus for change and victory. Recently, my fear of not getting my part time pay on time came into reality. To date, the company has delay payment for almost two months and that adds to the pinch that I am having. I live terrified for not able to pay the house installment. Last week I received a printed letter mentioning that I have delayed payment for 1 month, later that evening, I was told by my wife that the bank that I made my loan with is suck. They will remind customer like **** and I have experienced that.

So far, it just March and we still remain strong. The world is just a vacuum cleaner which suck all money that we made. I just wonder why some people is needing money more than they require, and why they are keeping it for their own. If something can be sold at 10 ringgit, why there are some who sell it at 20 ringgit. Is it how business is run, or simply making profit or cheating.

Life is a never ending pinch...

Taman Sutera as at 23 March 2011

Lama dah tak masuk entry projek rumah taman sutera. Sibuk sikit tahun ni dengan segala projek2 peribadi yang harap2 berjalan lancar. Alhamdullillah, progress rumah so far so good, i mean really good. Harap2 speed di maintain sampai la siap. The last check we made were 2 weeks ago. Sekarang dah start internal plaster, first row yang awal2 start dah start 1st coat internal paint. Roof trusses untuk window hood pun dah masuk. The last row (least progress) pun dah hampir siap ikat bata. Now I think architecture/finishing stage untuk semua unit. Our unit facing the main road, so setiap kali visit memang tak nampak actual progress. Normally, bila external works dah start, contractor akan bukak hoarding, time tu boleh la check out our own unit. Hopefully, the workers are doing perfect job for the unit. Sekarang habuk memang banyak kat area tu, Normal la untuk kawasan yang dekat dengan job site. Sabar banyak hehe. InsyaAllah akan masukkan gambar terlatest, cuma kena carik dalam phone gambar yang mana. Alright!

All Seasons Sathorn Bangkok Thailand

Was here in late 2008 and booked the room through (then) goholiday.com/air asia. Room is spacious and they embarked on sort of minimalist/modern deco. Room is brightly coloured complete with LCD tv and sofa. Kettle is not available in the room and I have to ask for hot water. Language can be a barrier as I have to explain in length just to have hot water for my coffee. Breakfast was great but non-halal :( and I resorted only with toast and coffee. Thais hospitality is great and I enjoy it from the airport to the hotel. The hotel is located right beside the Malaysian embassy along the busy Sathorn road. There is a coffee house that serve great coffee at the lobby and I enjoy it very much. Overall deco is great, food = non halal, service = great, amenities = minimal. Chances to stay again = moderate. Public transport = BTS not so walking distance.

Azio Hotel Langkawi

In many places we stay, we like this hotel very much because there is a duty free shop just down our hotel room. Yes, just climb down the stairs and chocolates are there in the duty free shop. We book online and we get rm95 for 1 night. The hotel location is great as it sits right in the middle of pandak mayah town centre. However, looking for the hotel is not that easy task as it located at the end row of pandak mayah. We went all the way to the jetty kuah just to locate the hotel. When we checked in, there was only 1 lady manning the front desk. There is no kettle available but they provide water heater somewhere on the hotel floor. Bathroom is rather funny in term of design, they have glass wall which obviously not tinted or obscured. Your partner will be able to see you inside the bathroom and that I consider funny. The bathroom however, comes with simple PVC curtain so you can peek-a-boo with your partner who is doing her business. Overall, chances to stay again = must when visiting langkawi, food = not provided (find seafood in Langkawi), Parking = free, lock properly, Great because = duty free + night market weekend.

Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu

One of the smallest room we have ever stayed besides tune hotel. Even the front desk guy remind us before we enter into our room "Please do not be surprised, our room is small", and he means it, it really small. Inside the room, there is a bed, cupboard couple as divider to bathroom, small alleyway beside our bed, and one side of the bed is actually sits right at the window. We have to squeeze in and take turn to move inside the room. Rate was good, we booked early and we got less than rm100 for 1 night. Location wise is great, right in the middle of KK and walking distance to major attraction. Parking spaces are available in front of the hotel with fee. Breakfast is included in the room rate but expect descent nasi lemak and some noodles only. Overall, likely to stay again = will weight other option, food = descent, activity = drooling, Location = centre, great for sightseeing. Rating = 8/10. Like the rate.

Mount Kinabalu Heritage and Spa Kundasang

Picturesque and the most beautiful place I ever been. Google this place for quite sometime before deciding to stay in one of its chalet. We were given a unit which face directly the mount Kinabalu. Kundasang is midway to Ranau, and temperature may plummeted at night. This hotel is located on top of a hill and there is a serious climbing should you wish to go there. Rate was around RM 200 for the chalet and its worth the view. However, please do not expect a sturdy chalet as units are constructed with lightweight materials. The wall is so thin and we can even feel the coldness from the weather. That night, we were hoping that night will pass quick since it was so cold in there. There were a family and a couple staying in a unit near us and we believe they are hoping the same too ehhe. View at dusk is so great. The peak of mount kinabalu is visible should the weather is fine. Overall = chances to stay again = Low, food = descent breakfast, activity = no idea. Perfect for = honeymooner + poets +photographers.

Equatorial Cameron Highland

Definitely a great place! We stayed here sometime in 2009 and room rate was not cheap. It costs us around RM400 per night and that includes a yummy breakfast and buffet dinner spread for two. yes, buffet dinner for two. Up there, nothing much you can do at night (especially during weekend + rain) as Brinchang town will be jammed packed with tourists flocking to the night market. This hotel sits near to a local market where endless vegies/flowers are sold. Vegies look fresh, but price-wise is comparable to that in KL (perhaps we don't eat vegetables that much). Hotel seems old but well maintained. Food is extremely delicious and nothing remind me better than the best breakfast and dinner. We had a Deepavali themed dinner that night and that taste so good. There is a fireplace somewhere in the lobby, and there are people who sits so close as it seems that they will fall asleep there and not in their room. Parking is free and there is a covered parking at the basement. We had a few round of billiards that night and that's it. Overall = pricing, hefty, Food = goodilicious. Chances to stay again = definitely. Rating = 9/10.

Thistle PD

We stayed in this hotel sometime in 2010 and we book our room through booking.com, I must say sometime, it worth trying because who knows what you may get through website like that. The rate that was offered to us was less than RM 200 for weekend, and that includes breakfast. Ok, PD beach is not that good after all, but this hotel comes with huge swimming pool. I was told by someone that this hotel was previously belong to other brand, but recently rebrand as Thistle. Room is spacious with all basic stuff you can expect from a hotel and all rooms come with private balcony. Ours were actually country view, but somehow we manage to get upgrade to sea view. Though room rate was not that cheap, occupancy rate was consider high during our stay, mainly local I think. Breakfast was descent and nothing special. Quite hard to find an empty seat and I think they should improve the food replenishing pace. Overall, price-wise = not friendly, condition = great swimming pool, food = need improvement. Overall rating = 7/10. Likely to stay again = Yes.

Bandung (lagi yeah)

Khamis, 17 March 2011:

Bulan depan, InsyaAllah, kami sekeluarga bakal ke Bandung untuk kali kedua. Trip pertama dulu masa baru2 kahwin (2009 sekitar bulan 8) dan selepas hampir 2 tahun, yeah, Bandung here we come again. Sangat la teruja pasal elemen shopping untuk trip Bandung hehe. Cuma tahun ni, mrs wife mestilah dah aim baju budak2 since skg dah ada anak kecik hehe. Teratas dalam senarai adalah Pasar Baru (tak minat - pening kat sini, banyak sangat kaler) dan ditengah2 ada rumah mode, grande, summit dan beberapa tempat lagi yang consider wajib-bul untuk singgah. Last time, flight QZ AA delay, flight patut pukul 940am delay sampai pukul 11am. Harap2 kali ni dengan bawak baby comel cononet tu, tak lah delay2 lagi, boring dok kat departure hall LCCT, tapi nasib baik masa tu honey moooney moon, lambat pun tak kisah hehe.
okeh, gambar sekadar hiasan sahaja. Untuk perjalanan kali ni, kami pergi dengan AA total flight pergi RM 419.00, dua orang + infant (baru je beli sabtu lepas) cukup dengan seat assignment + beg 20kg. Balik kami booking MAS dengan harga lebih kurang sama. Saja ambil MAS untuk balik beli masa mula2 mereka launching route KUL - BDO. Last time, 2009, flight balik pun delay dekat 3 jam, harap2 kali ni jangan la delay2.

Pergi Bandung kami mesti ambil khidmat pemandu, kontrak dah di award kepada Pak Zul mcm dulu2. Something good, rata2 pemandu2 hired kat Bandung baik hati, Pak Zul ni siap boleh mintak tolong book kan hotel lagi ataupun suggest hotel yang macam2. Rata2 blog lain cerita pengalaman yang baik kat pemandu mereka kami pun ada pengalaman yang baik dengan pemandu kami dulu. Teksi, walaupun org cakap kalau berdua elok naik cab je, tapi aku ada skeptik skit kat taxi driver, bukan kat indo je, kat Malaysia pun sama, takut la dorg caj yang bukan2. Selalunya, kat mana2 pun, kami try carik hotel yang ada free airport shuttle, jimat dan free dan kompem tak kena tipu, tapi kali ni kami nak gamble naik cab dari bandara ke hotel. Kali ni nak jimat terpaksalah amik hotel bajet2 je hehe.

Hotel kali nih, setelah menghabiskan 2 3 hari study option, kami decide untuk duduk 3 hotel berasingan, day arrival cadangnya guntur, 2nd day Amaris Cimanuk dan last night Asmila. Semua hotel di pilih berdasarkan lokasi dan tentulah ratenya hehe. Kami pilih guntur pasal walking distance to Pasar Baru (telah di-stresskan oleh mrs wife aka mamy bahawa tempat nih wajib pergi - ok la), murah dan dekat dengan kartika sari kebon jukut (meleleh air liur - nak makan pisang molenn!!!) tapi brownies edisi baru sampai ni cuma untuk melepas geram je hehe. edisi tapau balik kl 3rd day nanti baru beli. Masa 1st time kami ke Bandug dulu, kami stay kat Arion - sebeleh je dengan guntur, tapi Arion sangat lah mahal dalam 900 ribu semalam (kami tak mampu hehe - baik buat beli kain). Dulu pergi 3 hari 2 malam je, jadik kami rasa tak puas walaupun puas berabis duit hehe. kali ni kami pergi 4 hari 3 malam, baru puas hehe. Hari ke dua, kami dah book Amaris kat Cimanuk dekat dengan heritage, summit, toko coklat yam yam. semalam dapat la RM 170 pakai Agoda. Minggu yang kami pergi nih, cuti panjang Indo kerana kena dengan Easter dan Good Friday. Jadik hotel mmg la panas harganya. Kami pun tak tau la kena long weekend pulak. ok, hari last kami ambik Asmila depan rumah mode, rate agak pricey IDR 720k semalam dekat RM 250 semalam. Saja nak bagi treat kat mamy dengan baby cinonet.

Asmila ni ada provide free shuttle to airport, jadik senang la kami ke airport pada hari last nanti hehe. Oh, pemandu yang kami hire untuk dua hari tu caj 400k sehari, untuk ke tangkuban dia maintak extra 50k, gasak la, janji settle. Kali ni kami pilih siap2 nak kemana, berbekalkan ingatan masa lampau, dapat la agak2 tempat2 yang berbaloi, toko tiga mungkin tak pergi pasal skg suka pakai track suit je, haritu balik langkawi pun naik flight pakai track suit dengan sandal jamban je hehe. wife jalan jauh2, dia cakap selekeh hehe. yelah, nak dokong baby cinonet lagi, tak sempat la nak sarung2 jeans hehe.

Apa lagi, hotel dah clear, pemandu pun dah, oh yea, tukar duit belum mamy bawak duit shopping, aku bawak baby je - follow mamy hehe. Masa nak decide hotel mana, banyak jugak la hotel2 berbintang kecil hingga besar aku tengok. D'batoe (suka), Rumah tawa (suka gak, tapi area sekitar tak tau), yang kelas skit, serela, seriti, novo, arion. Sekitar RM 200/semalam dah ok sangat dah, nak carik bawah 300k kena hati2 skit dan buat banyak perbandingan. Ke atas skit, ada banyak hotel lain, tapi kalau bajet nak shopping, duduk je la dekat area town lebeh berbaloi.

ok. sambung nanti, setakat ni tu lah perancangan nya, harap semuanya berjalan lancar amin......

Ho Chi Minh City

My wife company's trip last October. HCM sgt best, nak pegi lagi la. Ben Than Market la especially, pegi pagi2 boleh dpt brg harga murah. Makan halal ada, tp sgt kurang, jadik yg mana ada sgt mahal.

surfing for ideas

Come across this blog entry while surfing the web recently, thanks, i finally able to comprehend what literature review is all about. Citing the author's entry as follow (from http://hidupkitaindah.blogspot.com/search/label/way for Phd):

What is a review of the literature?

A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. Occasionally you will be asked to write one as a separate assignment (sometimes in the form of an annotated bibliography—see the bottom of the next page), but more often it is part of the introduction to an essay, research report, or thesis. In writing the literature review, your purpose is to convey to your reader what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. As a piece of writing, the literature review must be defined by a guiding concept (e.g., your research objective, the problem or issue you are discussing, or your argumentative thesis). It is not just a descriptive list of the material available, or a set of summaries

Besides enlarging your knowledge about the topic, writing a literature review lets you gain and demonstrate skills in two areas

1. information seeking: the ability to scan the literature efficiently, using manual or computerized methods, to identify a set of useful articles and books
2. critical appraisal: the ability to apply principles of analysis to identify unbiased and valid studies.

A literature review must do these things

1. be organized around and related directly to the thesis or research question you are developing
2. synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known
3. identify areas of controversy in the literature
4. formulate questions that need further research

Ask yourself questions like these:

1. What is the specific thesis, problem, or research question that my literature review helps to define?
2. What type of literature review am I conducting? Am I looking at issues of theory? methodology? policy? quantitative research (e.g. on the effectiveness of a new procedure)? qualitative research (e.g., studies )?
3. What is the scope of my literature review? What types of publications am I using (e.g., journals, books, government documents, popular media)? What discipline am I working in (e.g., nursing psychology, sociology, medicine)?
4. How good was my information seeking? Has my search been wide enough to ensure I've found all the relevant material? Has it been narrow enough to exclude irrelevant material? Is the number of sources I've used appropriate for the length of my paper?
5. Have I critically analysed the literature I use? Do I follow through a set of concepts and questions, comparing items to each other in the ways they deal with them? Instead of just listing and summarizing items, do I assess them, discussing strengths and weaknesses?
6. Have I cited and discussed studies contrary to my perspective?
7. Will the reader find my literature review relevant, appropriate, and useful?

Ask yourself questions like these about each book or article you include:

1. Has the author formulated a problem/issue?
2. Is it clearly defined? Is its significance (scope, severity, relevance) clearly established?
3. Could the problem have been approached more effectively from another perspective?
4. What is the author's research orientation (e.g., interpretive, critical science, combination)?
5. What is the author's theoretical framework (e.g., psychological, developmental, feminist)?
6. What is the relationship between the theoretical and research perspectives?
7. Has the author evaluated the literature relevant to the problem/issue? Does the author include literature taking positions she or he does not agree with?
8. In a research study, how good are the basic components of the study design (e.g., population, intervention, outcome)? How accurate and valid are the measurements? Is the analysis of the data accurate and relevant to the research question? Are the conclusions validly based upon the data and analysis?
9. In material written for a popular readership, does the author use appeals to emotion, one-sided examples, or rhetorically-charged language and tone? Is there an objective basis to the reasoning, or is the author merely "proving" what he or she already believes?
10. How does the author structure the argument? Can you "deconstruct" the flow of the argument to see whether or where it breaks down logically (e.g., in establishing cause-effect relationships)?
11. In what ways does this book or article contribute to our understanding of the problem under study, and in what ways is it useful for practice? What are the strengths and limitations?
12. How does this book or article relate to the specific thesis or question I am developing?

Final Notes:

A literature review is a piece of discursive prose, not a list describing or summarizing one piece of literature after another. It's usually a bad sign to see every paragraph beginning with the name of a researcher. Instead, organize the literature review into sections that present themes or identify trends, including relevant theory. You are not trying to list all the material published, but to synthesize and evaluate it according to the guiding concept of your thesis or research question

Langkawi

Alhamdulillah, tiket murah air-asia yang diperam selama 9 bulan akhirnya terpakai jugak. Kami sekeluarga bertolak ke Pulau Langkawi pada 3 jan 2011 pada pukul 10 pagi. Sehari sebelum tu, puas print semua booking yang dah dibuat, manalah tau kut2 nak di pakai kat langkawi nanti. Flight ke Langkawi dari LCCT cuma mengambil masa selama 1 jam walaupun kami delay tunggu que di runway LCCT.

Cuaca sepanjang penerbangan sangat berawan. Bumpy sikit sikit lagi2 masa kapal langgar awan. Alyaa tido all the way to langkawi and wake up when we landed safely on ground. Cuaca masa descend hujan renyai dan masih hujan masa kapal parking kat airport. Untuk trip ni we spent RM 246 untuk belanja penerbangan (2 pax + 1 infant) termasuk excess luggage 20kg to langkawi dan 25kg from langkawi to kl dan pre-assigned seat (rm 5/pax @ 2 pax @ 2 ways). Harga tiket pergi RM 0/pax balik RM 3/pax all one way. Kami calculate kalau drive sendiri + parkir ni kuala perlis + feri, RM 400 pun tak cukup, penat lagi belum kira hehe.

Arrival

Sampai je airport LGK terus ke kaunter sewa kereta Teluk Yu Holidays untuk ambik keta. Staff dia mintak kami call Tauke dia sendiri untuk ambik kereta. Ada banyak lagi kaunter yang offer kereta sewa, mcm2 model ada ikut bajet. Kami pre-book viva je off season rate RM 70/24 hours, jmat minyak skit hehe. Alih2 ada sikit misunderstanding dengan keta yang kami book, dan sykt tu offer kami sentra sport kaler hitam untuk ganti pada harga yang sama. Kalau ikut value for money, suppose kami dapat kereta besar untuk RM 70/hari tapi minyak dia pulak yang kitorang tak sure. Anyhow, tq very much to cik ita, kami drive off pagi tu dengan sentra.

1st thing nak buat lepas ambik keta - isi minyak, kami follow map yang kami dapat kat airport untuk carik stesen minyak terdekat, we end up sesat terus follow signboard ke kuah. Jalan dari airport ke kuah area padang mat sirat tu, berselirat skit tambah dengan pening turun dari kapal yang belum hilang.

1st stop

Lepas dari kuah, pusing2 map tu, jumpa jugak la kitorang dengan jalan langkawi yang berselirat tu. Janji dengan wife nak naik keta kabel dulu takut esok2 tak dapat naik sebab hujan dsb. Kami follow jalan pantai kok passing sheraton, telaga harbour and hotel danna terus sampai ke junction hotel mutiara - kiri dan keta kabel kanan. Tak banyak visitor hari tu, cuaca panas kitorang terus pergi ke kaunter tiket keta kabel. Mak datok! que dia sangat panjang mostly mat saleh dorg pun que ke belakang padahal kt tepi tu ada roof untuk cover dari panas. kitorang dpt tau yang keta kabel baru bukak- 2.30pm, pagi dorg tutup pasal angin kuat, masa tu pun nampak keta2 kabel tu tgh bergantung tak bergerak, agaknya angin kuat lagi dorg stop sekejap. Que jap for 15 minutes bawah panas kul 3ptg tu, tak bergerak punya pasal, aku decide untuk retreat. Wife kecewa gak tapi tgkkkan que dengan cuaca panas tu kitorang decide dtg kemudian la. Lepas dari kabel car tu, teringat the loaf kat telaga harbour, kitorang singgah sat nak try roti2 dia. Mahal jugak la, tapi memang sedap, pusing2 gak la nak carik bakery tu, rupanya bukan kat telaga harbour yang ada petronas tu, tapi kat shop row baru dekat dengan the danna hotel. kedai tu fronting marina ada nama kat depan tu, prime quay or something tak ingat. Ingat lagi blueberry cheese bun, mmg tak sama dengan tempat lain punya, soft bun filled dengan cream cheese mmg terangkat la, wife ambik pastry dengan melting choco pun sedap. Abis kt the loaf, ikut jalan teluk yu detour ke datai (jauh sgt!) patah balik plan nak ke pantai tg rhu. Midway sebelum sampai ke bulatan tg rhu, try call teluk yu holidays, mana tau dorg ada standby tiket ke kabel car, rupanya ada voucer tinggal redeem kt ticket counter. Concern masa tu kut2 kena que jugak nak dptkan tiket. So cancel ke tg rhu, patah balik ke kuah nak ambik voucer tu. Dekat agent tu ambik sekali tiket ke underwater world dua2 tiket RM 44/pax. So sepetang 1st day tu abis pusing2 dlm keta je la, dipendekkan citer, abis dah sebenarnya pulau tu kitorang pusing.

Lodging - 1st day - D Coconut Hill Resort, Gunung Raya

Our pick this time is D coconut hill gunung raya. Rasanya ni je lah yang ada atas tu, dari kuah kitorang pusing balik ikut signboard masuk jalan ulu melaka sampai ke kaki gunung tu. Hotel ni (ikut ckp staff tu) asalnya tempat meeting dr M satu masa dulu tapi dah diubahsuai jadi hotel few years back. Something interesting is the viewing tower, guest boleh naik FOC tapi for public rm10 per entry. My comment for this hotel - majestic view + free upgrade to deluxe (depend on availability) + friendly staff + fast check in, downside - very quiet (great for honeymoon yeah!) + road to top is good but better drive in bright daylight.

Kami check out the next morning after b/fast. Smooth drive downhill.

2nd day:

kami spend the rest of the day kat makam mahsuri, underwater world dan cable car.

Lodging 2nd day:

Azio hotel - hotel bajet mcm style tune. tapi better since complete dgn air cond, tv, cuma air panas kena ambil sendiri kt mesin. the best thing is, duty free shop just storey below. tapi 2 hari tu, kami banyak beli coklat kt haji ismail, banyak sikit choice. kami tak bli pinggan mangkuk pun pasal pinggan kami semua dapat free dari ubat gigi fresh and white hehe.

upon departure:

flight balik ke kl jam 12.40, so pagi tu kami b/fast around kuah, then, 1 last round kt kuah, bli ikan bilis skit, coklat lagi then off to airport. kami sampai di airport around 11, just in time to check in. our check in luggage weighted almost 23 kg!! huh, nasib baik ada bli extra luggage siap2 haritu, kalau tak, kami diberitahu for every kg is rm15!!, naik a/asia ni, everything must be calculated, bagusnya, you pay what you only need, tapi estimate pun kdg2 tak accurate hehe.

oklah, tu je la kt langkawi hehe