Flying Vios

Never know a Vios can fly...

Expiring Coffee

I was drinking this coffee everyday, it doesn't have strong coffee aroma, I thought may be is because it is a 'soft type' coffee, then just last week I notice the coffee is going to expire soon, I told myself I got to drink it everyday before it expires...

But wait..... it already expired!!! And it is close to 1 year... I missed out the year, which stated "2011"!

New Ericsson Vietnam office at Hanoi

The new office a Landmark 72.

Business trip to Hanoi, Vietnam.

The last time I came to Vietnam was back in 2010.

For this business trip, I am staying in Fortuna Hotel, as the rates are cheaper, about 85USD++. They don't have any king size bed so I can only get a twin bed room, so does it apply to my colleages, who also got a twin bed room, and a smoker's room too. A room that comes with a king size bed will cost like 20 USD more which we find it ununcessary.

Perhaps I am too impressed with last month's stay in Mulia's Hotel, till now, I am still thinking about it. The room in Fortuna is not very big, as it is a normal Deluxe room. Perhaps it is more like a 'standard  room'.

Fortuna hotel, being a four-stars hotel (my guess it is a 4 stars). What I think that the mattress could be better, it is firm at the sense that the 'topping' of the mattress had reached its' end of lifespan, where you can feel that you are just an inch on top of the pocket springs. Perhaps the hotel already started to aged and it doesn't gives me a good feel compare to when I came here 2 years ago. Again, may be the Mulia's hotel had over-pampered me, where a colleague highlighted to me they are using King Koil mattress when she saw the housekeeper changing bed sheets. I have to clarify that I am NOT trying to do any advertisement here, I believe each brand got their high end and low end products.

During dinner, my colleague told me there is a fruit plate in his room, however, I can't find any in my room, I wonder why? Anyhow I don't bother with the fruits that much, but it is a good-to -have thing, when u want to have something sweet after the dinner.

Just like most 4 stars hotel, the hotel provides 2 bottles of water per day as compliment drinks. It comes with a 330ml bottles, which you might want to get something outside or inside the hotel for more water, as the water given by the hotel is not sufficient.

The internet service is ok, even in a simple restaurant that doesn't have aircon, the wifi speed is much faster than some of the MCD chains or Starbucks cafe in Malaysia.

I noticed that the hotel elevator keypad had equipped with something fancy, if you refer to the photo below. It looks cool with the shiny lighting effect. But sometimes you won't be able to press it, you need to try it for 1-2 times. I wondered does the key pad have to read half of your thumb print then only it is effective? This might be for the purpose of preventing the kids playing with the elevator keypads.

Down at Fortuna hotel that was a big KTV with live band too. Me and my colleagues had a drink overthere that cost us USD10 per person. The band will only start at 930pm. We were tired for today's meeting and early flight, we couldn't wait that long so we decided to leave the place before 930pm.

I am yet to check out the breakfast which Fortuna hotel offered. But if you ask me if I will come back for Fortuna hotel? I think may be not, the key reason is due to the bed comfort level. Perhaps I will check out the new certified "Intercontinental Hotel' next time for 20USD more, if I got a business trip here again.

Hanoi hotel is not cheap, I think 8x USD can only get you a low 4 stars. Or may be I am wrong... Damn... what the hell I am doing now? I feel like I have been reviewing hotels now... Wahahaha

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Two nights of staying, I would like to conclude that the twin bed in Fortuna Hotel is not comfortable, the sleep quality was bad to the 2 nights stay. If I need to stay for another night or two, I would hv to move out. One of my colleagues also commented the same, so it is only me.

One thing I would like to comment is the breakfast of Fortuna Hotel is quite good for the price level standard. You get what you want in a 4 stars hotel, fruits varieties, western and eastern breakfast choices, quality juice, etc. I quite enjoy their cheese varieties + crackers. The only thing that they need to do is really replace all the single beds, I am not sure if the king size bed is better, but the twin size bed definitely need some upgrade or replacements.

Old Friend Reunion

Met my old friend, Antony Ho, from Utah State U, he used to be my room mate before. He found me through facebook, as I never get to find him due to I am searching for "Anthony Ho" on facebook with the extra 'h'. I guess this is one of the good thing about facebook, where you get to find your long lost friend.

Antony came to Malaysia for his honeymoon with his wife, Fanny. He was in KL on 4th May. So I invited him out for a reunion. It has been a while since we last met! :)

Hotel Mulia in Jakarta

Spent one night in Hotel Mulia, Jakarta. I have to say I really like this hotel. The bed is super comfy, soft but doesn't sink, fluffy pillows, high thread count bed sheets...

There are more than 2 complimentary mineral water for your usage, which is good for business traveller like me.

If you look at one of the photos, the room also comes with two oranges from China and 2 apples that taste like Washington's. If you wonder why I can tell the oranges are from China, this is because there is a layer of coloring on the orange. As far as I know, quite a number of oranges that imported from China had this kind of 'fake' orange color that makes the orange looks more 'orange'. Nevertheless, the oranges are sweet enough and the apples are crunchy, which means they give you the true fresh stuff and change their fruits regularly.

The room that you are seing was actually a upgraded suite. All things are in order, with good surrounding view.

The shower room is also great as they have fancy sprayers at the front and from the top, ensuring you are clean enough from every angles. Internet  connection speed comes with decent speed and you don't experience annoying prompt just to make sure you are not doing your BT (BitTorrent) stuff in hotel.

The hotel also comes with nice swimming pool, pretty good gym room, spa, sauna, steam room facilities which comes in standard as a 5 stars hotel. A company business partner once told me that this hotel was one of the best rated in terms of security level. Which is good too!

Also I would like to point out a good thing about it as there were no hotel boy that deligently offer to help you carry your luggages to your room, 'educate' you where are the switches and expect some tips in return. To be honest, I don't see this as a desired services and I am sure I will ask for help if I need one. I believe there are people out there who felt annoyed too which they don't really mind to check in their room by themselves without any hotel boy helping us to carry our luggages as most luggages already comes with wheels.

Downstairs, my colleague told me there is a nice CJ bar which comes with great live band, but too bad I am not into drinking and I was too tired and have to prepare for meeting on tomorrow morning, so I don't have the luxury to enjoy the music at the bar. However, I did dine in at the hotel, with my lunch and dinner that cost me almost Rm100 for 2 meals.

There are all kinds of food located in hotel, from western taste to asian cuisines, you are reminded not to wear slippers or sandals as some are "fine dining" restaurants with well-to-do  customers talking about Mercedes Benz and VW engine while dining in suit. Sorry I couldn't help but overheard the conversation from the table next to me.

Hotel breakfast was great, with juice that taste not far away from freshly squeezed juice. There are even sushi bar that served fresh sashimi in the morning. Both western and eastern breakfasts were served. Again, I can't get to fully enjoy my breakfast as I had to rush to the meeting early in the morning. In short, the food are great!

In case you wonder how much it cost to stay in such hotel? The price is RM660 for one night.

4.28 Anti Lynas 3.0 + Bersih 3.0

Look forward to the coming weekend 4.28 where Anti Lynas 3.0 + Bersih 3.0 is going to put up a show at Independence Square, Kuala Lumpur. This is the time where green and yellow merged into one., and you get a - Caterpillar. :)

Unfortunately I can't attend this time due to will be flying to Perhentian for a short getaway. Hope this time will bring out 100k crowd as police and DBKL are going to use all their means to reduce the turn out numbers again. Another day of history will be chartered!

Can you find the human face in the picture?

李白与杜甫

Tears of the Politician

When Putin won his presidency, this photo can be seen in almost everywhere, you see tear(s) coming out from his eye. On the other hand, the Russian opposition cry foul that Putin is buying votes. Hmmm... that reminds me of what's happening in other places of the world. Anyhow, if you ask me, I think the tears is a bit fake, I don't buy it even though if I am a Russian.

Me and my colleagues were having a chat on how politician skillfully make use of their tears. We came out with some conclusions -

1. Try to squeeze out only ONE single drop, NOT too much and NOT too less.

2. Make sure the tear drop is big enough for the media to capture it, if media can't capture your tears, sorry, your tear is wasted.

3. DON'T CRY, shed tear(s) ONLY!

Let's check out a few samples of "Tear Tactic" usage:


Sample 1: "FLOM" (self declared First Lady of Malaysia), when being 'accused' for buying a damn expensive ring, going for shopping spree with tax payer's money... Just show your faces that you are being 'framed' and twisted by political opponents. Before you do that, make sure you put away your Patek Phillipe wrist watch and your Birkin handbag, anyway, normal people probably have no idea what the hell is that.


Sample 2: Well, this is a bit too much, you break rule #3... (playing don't cry for me Argentina...) I still remember such photos are everywhere on newspaper many years ago. You see, people get very emotional in politics when you know you are not elected; or you are being elected; or you get or don't get any projects; or you get awarded with a interest free loan of 5 billion, whether you like it or not, etc..Sample 3: Wipe tears for someone, do it slowly so the press can snap your photo from multiple angles. This is a good one, it shows that you are strong, while holding your tears, you wipe off others' tear to show you have a compassion heart. Make sure you do it slowly and gently. Another reminder for you, don't talk when you are wiping off the tears, so your saliva won't fell onto other people's forehead.

This will be the true winner in "tear tactics!"

Horror Movie

It happened years ago, after watching a horror movie with some friends...

M: Next time you shouldn't invite me to any horror movies, now I am alone, a bit scared and I don't think you will understand...

Me: Ok la. As long as you treat it as a movie, you will not feel so scared.

M: If you dare, you rent some horror movies like 'The Ring' and watch it alone la!

Me: What? At home? Alone?

M: Why not you go to the condo I had in Genting, you spend a night there and watch it alone.

Me: Crazy meh! No thank you!

P: Well, this is not scary enough, I dare you guys, bring a camcorder to the Genting condo. Before you go to bed and sleep, you record your sleep for 8 hrs or till you wake up, whichever come first, then, you replay the whole video and watch it yourself. I guess that is the real horror movie!

Me and M: ...... (sweating)

I have to say that I salute his imagination and creativity.

Stop Lynas, Save Malaysia

Support Himpunan Hijau 2.0. I hereby present you one of my favorite childhood Marvel Hero - The Incredible Hulk.
And let's not forget, "Mr. Vendetta".

24 years ago and 24 years later.

"Those years..."（那些年）

Audi Q3 launching

Went to check out the new Q3 at Audi showroom. But hey, don't get me wrong, I am not buying a brand new Audi ok? Just that I want to check it out and see how does it different from my friend's Audi Q5.

If you ask me, I would say I prefer the slightly smaller Q3. the size is just right for Malaysian's road. The whole car looks sleeker. The interior was really great and the finishing was fine. If the dealer can sell me at half of the selling price, I think I won't give another minute of thought and immediately sign in for a 9 yrs loan.. hehehe, will just give myself an excuse and ask myself how many 10 years of life do I have? :)

I have to admit that I am a greater fan of Audi compare to BMW and Mercedes. To me is because I really admire the detail and finishing of an Audi. The first Audi that really attracts me a lot is the old A6, wow, can't believe I already fancy of "uncle car" when I was young. The A6 always makes my head turn when I was in high school, of course at that time, the E36 BMW gave me the same effect too, I once think that it is the most beautiful car at that time.

Penang highend property

Took some photos while I was Penang earlier. Some highend 3 storey property near Batu Ferringi.

KFC Flexible Working Package

Saw this advertisement at Summit USJ KFC, they are hiring...
Seriously, such pay package in Malaysia is really tough to survive especially if you are having a family. I really see that we need a minimum wages scheme for the people in labor industry. The pay scale really doesn't match up with today's high living standard at all!
Such pay package should be inclusive of meal and accommodation. And please, you can't make your workers eating KFC everyday as part of your meal plan right? Sigh...

Port Dickson Avillion Water Chalet

Went to Port Dickson (PD) during my Chinese New Year break, I think it has been more than 10 yrs since the last time I went to PD. I still remember vaguely that the PD beach is not that impressive, it was quiet dirty and polluted back then. Guess they have done some clean up lately as I heard.

Well, the 2D1N trip changed my perception about PD. Or may be is because I am staying in this 5 stars resort and I ain't seeing the real world. :) Anyhow, I would say the Avillion is really not bad for a short getaway, comes with very clean swimming pool although I don't swim well. Food and environment is not bad either. You get to take a shower under open air too. At night you see water flowing in under the chalet.

RM350+/- per night during MATTA fair discount for weekdays inclusive of breakfast. Weekend will cost more.

Ericsson office in Bangladesh

Random Mobile Uploads

The view is taken in my friend's condo at Mont Kiara Bayou.
Lou sang!
Last Sunday had a very interesting "lou sang" party at my friend's place. It was done in her hardware warehouse, check out all the piping at the rear end...
Bumped into the DJ "Lam Tuck Weng" before the cinema start the Ah Beng movie.
Funny, the guy on the packaging looks like Ah Jib Gor - our fellow Prime Minister.