unexpected adventure

I didn't explore New Orleans inside out, choosing to miss the Katrina hit areas tour, The Bayou (Wetlands) tour as well as the WWII museum. Because of the exams and it just isn't safe or interesting enough to be doing these activities alone. Nevertheless, I was expecting this, with a mission to help pack the luggage (Which i am surprisingly extremely efficient now), help to hang around and just "tie up the loose ends". so here I am, blogging away while the boys are scrubbing the kitchen and bathrooms clean.

Never expected my trip to be an adventurous one. First, the extremely turbulent flight, and I mean EXTREMELY, to New Orleans from New York. People were screaming at some point and then we got quiet.. really quiet like we're praying. A mother said "I'm right here, I'm right here for you ok" to her children. I just blanked out I guess until the cup flew from my grasp, and the drink and ice spilled all over me and the floor. What was I to do? No idea, but to pray. We were probably flying through some snow storm area, as with the news but I am just glad to be on ground now.


And today, we were trapped in school because of the downpour and flood. Yes, for all the money Tulane has, it's weird that the terrain does not prevent floods. So the waters were up to our knees and the only part of me I managed to keep dry was like my head. Then we decided to just brave the storm and hitched a hike from a really nice and friendly lawyer from Chicago who gave us a lift home, even if it was a different direction from where he was heading. Kindness and graciousness go a very loooong way, we were stuck for a total of 2 hours in the university, in the cold and against the cold winds, and it could have easily lasted twice as long. It's 8:17pm now (we got back at 6pm) and it is still pouring with the winds howling. Imagine that.

I'm a really happy girl on this trip though, as reflected from my photos. It's a slow and relaxing time in New Orleans but we're ready for the REAL tour from tomorrow, first to Miami, Orlando and finally New York! Now off to dinner and to finish up the last touches of packing four months worth of stuff to a single luggage. We should do fine.

Stay tuned.

always ixus

The new Love and beauty of my life. I will never settle for anything less than Canon.
I have not seen other cameras that take better night shots.

Matching the perceived to realism

I've been searching for her. And she didn't disappoint.

Is it murphy's law? That each time we go out seeking, we can never find. Today, I googled very simply and found what I was looking for upon the first click.

It was a hiatus from the blog sphere. At times, it was very simply, a lack of time. Work was the main culprit at times and other times, it was simply not wanting to put the mundaneness of my life into words.

But tonight, I read a beautifully written blog that got me typing away again. It is a very genuine one, unpretentious. And I realised why I was hooked. Because she probably is at the very same stage of Life I am experiencing. Comfortable in my own skin, contented with my Life elements and most importantly, negativity doesn't get to me as easily anymore.

This is K Lynn. Only my life experiences and people who enjoy a capital "P" in my life matter.

So it was a very fulfilling long weekend and the official countdown has begun.

The magic no. is 5.

Off to Tanjong Jara Resort this Sat

(Photo courtesy of YTL Hotels)

Heading to one of our client's hotels, Tanjong Jara resort in Malaysia for a media familiarisation trip on 5 September.

The Firefly experience of its increased accessibility to smaller cities is going to be a first and refreshing one.

Really looking forward to it. :)

http://www.tanjongjararesort.com

Customer service, Not.

LOUSY customer service hotlines are driving me up the wall. We need better customer service in Singapore, seriously. UOB is the latest to fall short of this.

UOB claims to have a "24 hour" assistance line but for the last five calls I made after working hours, they have not been able to help me at all. And so they asked me what was a convenient time to call and I said 845am, only to be questioned by the customer service officer on the specific timings of my meetings, why i had no other breaks in between and why they could not call me at other times. I honestly felt like I was interrogated and came to a stark realisation that I did NOT have to answer the questions. I thought THEY asked me for a time of MY convenience to call me back? Well, it's either before 9am or after 6pm and it turned out it had to be UOB's time of convenience.

I detest it MOST when call operators use "I understand" to brush me off. A solution will be given if he / she understands. They do NOT understand when it's not their bank statements that went wrong and not the ones who are clueless about ther bank statements and do not know what to do.

My most terrifying experience was when i had to connect an OCBC call opertor with her colleague at one of the branches and witnessed them argue over a term of my school loan on MY handphone. It ws the last resort because neither believed their other colleague told me a different thing altogether. We're talking an exeutive starup two years ago who had no idea what i was getting myself into with my school fees loan. Not when it was the start of repayment and any piece of inaccurate information meant having to accrue interests and having no evidence against the banks.

And there was Starhub, where the call operator insisted she understood what it felt like to have no landline connection because of Starhub's technical problem. I questioned what she would have done if she had an elderly or young child at home and nobody could call in. Speechless. Obviously, there is no understanding there.

I have ZERO trust in customer service officers, especially in banks now. Not when they are staff who do not have adequate knowledge of my products to service me.

Someone, pls start a service campaign. We need to educate.

I've come to accept the way of life in Singapore and not to hold any romantic notions about it. That buying a home has to come first before a couple discusses the wedding. It's not quite the way of life in many countries and I used to think this somehow shortchanges the quality of life.

My perspective has changed now as I see the advantage of having a couple think very seriously about their future and make a commitment, though sooner than expected. If things don't pull through, at least all they have to do is to retract the house application and not head for a divorce.

heaven

I believe in Heaven, do you?

Sometimes I look up into the sky and still feel the love from our family in Heaven. Like Popo & Ah Dou. That they will always be watching over us and keeping us safe and blessed.

So i was telling LZ Jie and Hui Zhi the other day that I will be closest to Ah Dou than I ever will be when I travel back from NYC to Singapore. my touch down time is 0005Hrs on Xmas Day, the day Ah Dou passed away, so I will be meeting her in the skies. It's quite magical even though I said it half jokingly.

I meant it and I know the thought will cross my mind when I'm on the plane.

I think about them, every so often. And wondering if they are happy with how our families are dealing with issues and if enough love is going around. That is why I know the extra effort to keep us all together is never in vain.

It's kind of surreal we have our tickets all booked. It was supposed to be the initial stage of research so I would be all geared up to secure the best promotional prices when the airlines start to go on sale. Apparently not, the prices are actually rising now, by USD. Yes, my jetblue flight rose by USD10 overnight so it really got us anxious and convinced that anything related to NYC was going FAST.

At least I have something very exciting to look forward to now. When you are sucked into the doldrums of work, your life is pretty much revolved around the next big event. Now I totally understand why there is a need for working class to be willing to invest in at least one leisure trip every year.

It's been more than ten years since I lasted visited USA and this is my first time in the East Coast. I have been looking forward to NYC and I think I will like the city but it's never for sure. I actually didn't enjoy Hong Kong as most of my friends and I didn't expect to enjoy KL as much as I did. Yet again, it's also a combination of the stage of our lives and the city's development. Somewhat like a timing conincidence.

Give bloggers a break

If thoughts are random, there is no flow or structure, and casual writing leads to grammatical mistakes, it is because blogs are not examination halls. Entries are not waiting to be marked and scored, blogs exist because the world is now accepting and thriving to make freedom of speech real. This is an escape channel from the rigid and institutional systems of school or work.

I treat my blog as "conversation" over dinner, being in a place like a pub or club with friends so I am in free reign to say what I want, sometimes without even giving second thoughts.

If even those who are awkward with their positions in society can detach themselves from the negative feedback they hear all the time, I must not sweat the small stuff and should stay committed to focus on the long term and on the bigger picture. Know which areas ask for my loyalties and those that i need to let go of. If you pay attention to traits of successful personalities, they share alot in common and one of them is being "cool" about issues and not allowing it to internalise and snowball to become more serious than it actually is.

I remember why I decided not to have a public blog. When a whole lot of of self-censorship happens when I write an entry, it becomes really frustrating to me. If given a choice not bounded by occupational limitations, people who matter will know I speak my mind, without qualms. I can't help but feel sincerity may be lacking with some of those who are politically correct all the time. And I admit to not being able to achieve it, it's simply too tiring.

All these mixed emotions, thinking about what I am "allowed" to say and the sensitivities that surround certain issues, it makes me feel that blogging is not always a free for all space. Some bloggers practise absolutely no censorship, which is something I respect, if only they are also willing to take the flak that may potentially come along with it.

Some complaints I have heard are defensive and condescending so from being an exchange place for ideas and thoughts, it becomes a battle ground with different parties using nasty words or methods to save their own agendas. When I see instances like this, I tell myself that every entry that is to be lodged is a strong point of view I want to convey but also open to listening to the other side of the story.

I am unaffected by naysayers because I have come a long way in differentiating those who truly care and matter and those who don't. But I detest the speculation that comes after, like how silence is a sign of defence or agreement when in fact, it is just a window period for the truth to prevail.

Perhaps, if you have a strong point of view that does not have the space for alternative viewpoints to strengthen your bigger view of the world's happenings, then publish a book, have a private blog, write a press release and disable your comments function.

Read again

I'm writing to let you know I updated the post below so you should give it a read again. :) Silly huh.

The Answer Is Stefanie Sun

Thanks G. What can I say, I'm totally spoilt with my concert experiences since I've known you. :) It was futile attempt to capture G's masterpiece photos on stage though because I didn't manage to click in time.

Just back from Stefanie Sun's really awesome concert. She sang very well LIVE and the costumes were different from her usual style. I liked most of them and I have yet to decide which is my favourite. I like her image and liberated status as a "freelancer" more than the time when she was limited by the "package" her previous record companies wanted her to be.


The stage was brilliant - visually exciting and full of surprises.

But the best part was... The star looked like she was totally enjoying herself as much as we were. It's like a great party.






Met Chen Bi De (I can't be sure he's Peter Chen by direct translation) and he seemed a humble person and a perfectionist. he wasn't happy with his performance and said he sang better at rehearsal even though I thought he was impressive already. I always knew he could sing but the duet was lovely and beyond my expectations.


Nathan Hartono, a young jazz singer with alot of potential. He was great and we do wish him good luck with his endeavour as a singer.


Playing the piano and singing in the air, literally.




This was REALLY cool, it was like a virtual Stefanie Sun. Almost 3D and even more spectacular than a laser show. It's like seeing a surreal standin on stage. Kinda. You have to experience it LIVE to know what i mean.












The flowers filled with lots of well wishes backstage. :)

Looking forward to the exciting weekend ahead. :)

Because Michael Jackson will live on

Today, G, L and i were talking about the legacy of Michael Jackson after dinner. I was finally able to share my thoughts and mixed emotions, something I have been trying to come to terms with since MJ's passing, with my girlfriends who understood.

I was actually called a "pseudo MJ fan" earlier today and I surprised myself that I was actually offended. There is a difference between being someone fairly new to this MJ influential sphere and simply making false claims. I did only become truly intrigued and appreciative of MJ in recent weeks but I believe I have managed to catch up with lost time to experience the magic of his life.

Michael Jackson's memorial is playing again on TV right now. I was a little tired at work having slept at 430am last night but it was totally worth it. It was a memorial that was also a celebration of MJ's life. It was a very heartening show that was put together by AEG, especially by having the spotlight on the stage with the micstand just after the casket exited.

Every tribute was touching and memorable but what I appreciated most was how there were people from all walks of life who shared with us the greatness of MJ.

The influence of MJ has been almost God-like if I dare say so myself. Regardless of religion. He knew the reason for his existence very early in his life and lived it to the fullest to reach out to those in need. There must be a reason why he was gone too soon, and it is because his work on earth has been completed. Perhaps, if his stay had been prolonged, more people would have allowed the darker memories to overshadow his accomplishments. The memorial would have been different and his sufferings gone in vain.

To me, Michael Jackson had control on his life, as reflected in his intelligent, firm and strong messages from his interviews. If you seek the missing pieces of his media interviews as well as the lyrics of the many songs he wrote to touch lives, you will agree that the words can only come from someone whose heart was purest of gold. Whose heart was the closest an adult could ever be to the songs of innocence.

He never swayed, he never denied, he never found excuses for his actions. If he was guilty, he wouldn't have stood by what he believed in. He showed the world just how much he loved children and how much he wanted to protect and not hurt them.

The media seems to be in a dire situation the fact that they actually drove this Man who accomplished awesomeness with his very special gift, to the extreme stage of suffering he had to deal with. The impact of sensational headlines and false contents must be having double the impact on other public figures who are nowhere close to being global icons.

I think the saturation of the media industry may be the very cause of this. Before tabloids came along, people knew only to read true or objective articles, good or bad. L pointed out that it is not true we are only interested in sensational news. They have forgotten that we cheer to the end of wars, the celebration of love at weddings and holidays. The paparazzi disregard feelings, privacy and have proven with MJ's case, the amazing people in our lives.

On hindsight, I was sucked into it too. In recent years, I was exposed to consecutive stories that ridiculed Michael Jackson. I never bothered to find the truth or the other side of the story until now. I regret having allowed the media to control my mind. I was never told of how he revolutionised MTV, his charity work and how he broke down racial, cultural and religious barriers with his songs.

But like Smokey Robinson, I'm glad I was part of the MJ era when he was alive. What we lost, we can make up for by looking into the mirror and taking a baby step at a time towards change. The MJ language was Love and Indiscrimination. There is no need to regret not having learnt to treasure what we had until it's lost, because maybe, we're not meant to. This is the lesson that can only be learnt from death.

To those who do not understand the outpouring of grief or have lingering suspicions, I believe either the truth will prevail or that Michael Jackson's life was meant to be a mystery that will never be solved. Chances are, the media and those driven by greed will not stop as yet.

That heartbreaking testimonial from Paris Jackson that she had the "best father you can ever imagine" erased all remaining questions and doubts that I had.

RIP MJ.

Lesson on Judgment by Michael Jackson

I'm a bigger fan of Michael Jackson now than I was when he was alive. His music doesn't even sound like it was produced more than a decade ago, which is another formidable record with the creation of timeless music. It's a pity because I wish I had gotten to know his "art" better back then. As I watch his performances, MTVs and interviews each night, I begin to realise he was not only a musical genius with extreme talents, he was also larger than life.

Honestly, when I used to watch his interviews separately and some of them out of their full context, it was easy to think there's no smoke without fire. The thoughts were all negative, especially with the child molestation allegations. The only redemption rooted from the remarkable milestones of his music.

But if you would take the time to watch the interviews consecutively now, you will see that he's not a rash and crazy man who had lost all self control in his actions. He was never keen to intentionally place himself in a precarious position that would also put his reputation at risk and for success to go down the drain. He wanted to continue to influence the world from his capacity as King of Pop and a phenomenal celebrity positively.

His beliefs and messages were very consistent and from a PR perspective, I personally think it was no mean feat if he had been acting. One of the only ways to accomplish this had to be that it came sincerely from what he believed in. It was no wonder he started to decline interviews as more journalists approached or ended interviews with their preconceived agendas/themes that were controversial.

I think it is fair to say I come from an objective standpoint, considering I was never an obsessed fan of his. Another case in point - I remember how I made many reminders to watch the British documentary "Living with Michael Jackson" when I was only a teenager. Like many others, I was intrigued with the elusive yet influential superstar. Back then, like the interviewer, I was left disturbed by the part on children, the craziness of having dangled his baby over a balcony of a Berlin hotel and how he found it perfectly normal to be in bed with children.

Yet if you open your heart and your mind to just watch, listen and not judge MJ's interviews, you actually see beyond the tinted glasses you once had, to realise he could possibly have been a man who was indeed larger than Life. He could differentiate between being childish and child-like; he didn't want to be Jesus, he wanted to simply follow through on the teachings of Jesus; we thought sexual whenever "in bed" was mentioned when he didn't. He was able to see and accomplish things with an unassuming heart in a way that the rest of us can't. So we made him a scapegoat when we couldn't face our flaws and imperfections.

One good example was how we turned our backs on the laws we made. When he was pronounced innocent on all charges, he was called meaner names, the media pressed on even more aggressively in their pursuits, his reputation spiralled downwards from then on. We never forgave and we never forgot, we could never bring ourselves to believe wholeheartedly that he was truly innocent.

The truth is what we choose to believe in. I just think MJ should have been given more space for being different and "one of a kind". And even if he's gone down in HIStory, it is worth giving him and yourself one more opportunity to hear his side of the story.

It's undoubtedly his death that has created soft spots in many, to fall blind to the later years of his life and concentrate on his legendary music career. But instead of falling blind, I urge you to re-watch, re-listen and rethink the process of MJ's desperate attempts to persuade the rest of the world to step out of its comfort zone and believe in the truth. He never stopped trying even if the world stopped listening. The questions are lingering now only because you are afraid to think there might actually be some, if not all truth in the story he told.

Even my choice of words tonight is not affirmative because it never can be, now that I have allowed myself to be receptive to both sides of the story.

Whatever it is, MJ should not be faulted for the courage and persistence to align his actions with his beliefs.

Unless evidence shows otherwise, don't judge.

With that, I leave you a quote from his "Living with Michael Jackson" interview. If he did die of a drug overdosage, I find it hard to believe it could have been intentional. It would have been an escape to find a cure for some form of suffering.

And also, my favourite interview clip of him.

"I want to live forever."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBE0igKrnI4

Childhood campaign

It is a pleasant surprise that Singapore has revived Singa Lion. It's not typical of the Government to do so and I believe it's a first. I second it, especially if it is because my generation is most susceptible to H1N1 and Singa connects back most closely to us.

There are many masked life-size Singas around the island too, which is cute, but a stark contrast to HPB's disturbing "Stop the horror with soap and water" ads (that I hate and have no intentions of publishing it on my blog). The sight of both campaigns side by side at Dhoby Ghaut MRT was just wrong.

Now, how about Sharity Elephant?

Leo

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of my favourite actors. His image has been pigeon-holed since his role in Titanic but he hasn't allowed that to affect his choice of films. I'm glad because his performance has been stunning in showcasing his versatility and talent.

The absolute deal for me? "Catch me if you can".

I never saw him in the same light since.

MJ living on

It's a pity that a star like Michael Jackson is possibly worth more dead and live. His albums are topping charts around the world and as the media says, "Michael Mania is catching on all around the globe once again". I image his last interview as per the magazine image above, is quite literally flying off the shelves as well.

MJ had the $ and the stardom but he was a tormented man. Yes he spent his money dry towards the later years but the least he did right was to enjoy while it lasted. At least he's free now, no longer chained by the physical and mental pressures he had.

With life so short and unpredictable, sometimes we really ought to give ourselves greater space for enjoyment. You never know if you will ever be able to find contentment in your lifetime.

So this whole sadness in the world on MJ's passing. Personally, it is not because I grew up with his music every step of the way - I knew who he was, his later songs, his moves but I wasn't obsessed with owning every album of his.

But he blew me away with his showmanship and for being the genius performer and musician that he was. I think the fans who are more emotionally affected with this tragic end than others have personal regrets of not having the opportunity to watch him perform one more time.

This is my answer after almost a week now - the sense of regret.

I'm realistic, I never expected him to come to Singapore again. But I wanted to watch yet another LIVE performance, even if it's on TV (what an oxymoron) now that I'm old enough to appreciate, remember and keep the memory alive in me.

At least I was ever part of the era he reigned the King of Pop and having witnessed his legacy.

Earned media - PR

There is still a general lack of understanding what PR is about. I find myself not only explaining about what PR is, the impact of PR and very often, differentiating it from advertising (i.e. Earned vs. Paid media).

Ever since the economic collapse that rooted from Lehman's bankruptcy, I feel the scope of work for me has changed somewhat. Previously, it was focused on media outreach, constantly identifying opportunities to raise brand visibility and awareness through influential channels that people trust.

It then evolved "inwards", where clients request for counselling on internal messgaing like content management of what to say in their documents to stakeholders and staff. More media trainings and more selective of the media opportunities we decide to pursue.

Now that the global economy is picking up again... Slowly but surely, clients are ready to be interviewed again. We urge clients not to cut or stop spending on marketing (including PR) not only because we're in this business. But history has shown that some of the greatest brands in the world (Including Apple) emerged during a recession. More details on http://www.ogilvyonrecession.com/.

Journalists are on hot pursuits for stories these days and I believe the exciting changes in today's world can equate to at least 5 more pages of editorial per day. If only advertising in the media can help support their editorial works.

Anyhow, it's Monday and as per my usual practice, I spend at least 1.5 hours to catch up on print news over the weekend. So thoughts flowed and I just had to blog them down.

RIP MJ

A genius like Michael Jackson... It wasn't just about his music and dance. It goes beyond, with what he symbolised. The new era of pop he created and revolutinising the music of Black & White.

Xciting times

Despite the challenges, this is really a very exciting time to be in PR.

iPhone3GS

Come October, I will finally be able to get my hands on the new iphone. It's going to be launched in July but my phone contract only ends then. This must be the best deal ever offered by Singtel, which is the sole service provider selling the iphone in Singapore.

Critics have been harsh on this product. But thus far, I have heard all but one owner of the iphone exclaim how great it is and how it has changed their lives despite its flaws. You know what they say about true love, it's about being attraction to the strengths but also accepting the weaknesses.

It will definitely end up in the history books as one of technological evolution's milestones.

Very Xciting times.

On MAS

I'm on Malaysia Airlines blog / website. :)

http://tinyurl.com/kqr2lq

Now I know, the extra bandwidth was so necessary to cope with emotional pressures from external sources. I'm glad I devoted that extra amount of effort, energy and time into it in recent months so we can all reinforce the message that we are proud of what we have achieved and will stand by our results.

So glad that this is a team consensus.

To place more time and effort into

Learning how to elevate business issues and perspectives.

Thursday is lovely

Thank goodness it's Thursday.

1st day of PC Show @ Suntec, so tempted to pop by but the thought of having to squeeze with the crowd scares me.

Pioneer launch

Here are the photos from my most recent event - the launch of Pioneer's new home entertainment systems. It was also my first stab at a technology press release and I was super glad that minimal changes were made by the client. My colleague even says I should just frame it up.

With only two dropouts and additional pax turning up, I must say it was a very successful event. Together with the dealers invited by client, it was great to share the fun with everyone.

The venue of Grand Shanghai was also spacious and served yummy food. It has enough 'character' and is definitely worth the consideration for the next client event.

Work aside, the media gift jacket that i received was the highlight. It's really effective in keeping me warm on weekends even though I look like I work in a AV company, a super professional one.












There were too many spotlights around so I couldn't stop them from disrupting my photos.






Turning the venue around for sumptuous 10 course dinner.



The band getting ready for the night.

Even rationality says it's enough

I never take for granted that I have a job that allows me to pursue what I enjoy doing. People relations, strategic message and media strategy development. So I hardly drag my feet into the office in the mornings and dread what is to come. To see obstacles as challenges and set self targets to overcome them adds spark to the career journey.

The salary will never be comparable to other industries such as banking and finance but I do believe we have more intangible perks than they do. Nothing is free in this world, every cent we earn needs to be invested in the form of time. The hours that lawyers, investment bankers and the likes, clock in are reflective of the amount they earn.

More companies are beginning to catch on to the value of PR or earned media and are slowly but surely shifting their budgets in this direction. Local companies are more skeptical but that is the Asia culture for you, something that is arbitrary and cannot be converted into dollars and cents immediately is going to be harder to get buy-in for.

On my way to work this morning and thinking about our staff meeting discussion yesterday, one of our "fun but intangible" moments of a priceless experience is to witness CEOs at their most vulnerable in front of cameras, voice recorders and journalists. They want to look their best on TV and find the reassurance not only from their loved ones but also their PR partners like ourselves on how successful they are as storytellers in front of the media. Deep down inside, I guess there is a tiny part in every one of us that doesn't mind the few secs or mins of celebrity fame.

Which is a pity, that the emotional strain will take its toll one day. Taking pride in our work is a given and at times like these, the line between right and wrong is written very clearly. The comforting thing is today, the team connection is clear. When one member is down, it affects the other too. And then there's also the spirit where we are all contributing to one key goal for the company and we all feel accountable and responsible for bridging any gap.

Neither side is perfect

I have been lucky in meeting some great clients who treat me like their very own colleague in sharing information and sometimes, even offering guidance because I am so fresh in the industry.

There has unfortunately been more bad PR about media agencies and the other side of the story remains untold. There are clients who are unfair and unprofessional about the working relationship. The condescending tone doesn't foster stronger partnerships because we then feel simply like a tool that they are paying and making use of.

Every business collaboration puts both parties on equal grounds. On the other end of the line is simply another person who is working hard to meet his/her KPI and managing expectations like you are.

It takes two hands to clap but I must say we are especially fortunate when there is also the company history and good track record to help boost our credibility, especially for new blood who are learning the ropes.

KL in KL, final episode.

Like most tourists in Singapore, one of the highlights of my KL trip was the food.


On day 1, the taxi driver did not know how to get to Ancase Hotel (just beside Chinatown) from KLIA so I was circling the area for a good one hour before I could check in. by that time, I was actually starving and would settle for anything edible for dinner and settled very casually for a zichar stall just 2 streets away. It offered this unqiue dish of horfun with fried crispy beehoon.


View of KL Tower outside Ancasa Hotel, where I stayed for the weekend before the move to The Saujana.


Taken at Jalan P. Ramlee where all the clubs were situated. Didn't go dance but I did eat at beach club and enjoyed being a voyeur watching expats pick up filippino ladies. There were also Thai and Chinese clubs and Zouk was located right at the end of the stretch.


Roadside stall selling snack sticks that I would boil and eat on the spot. I didn't want to observe the hygiene level so I gave the sauces a miss. Thankfully, my tummy didn't act up so the choice to be "adventurous" that night was worthwhile.


I miss watching the prataman perform in Singapore and having my prata served fresh from the "oven". These days, the prataman hides in the back kitchen from all preying eyes and they serve from a stack of pratas that are "ready-made".



View from my Ancasa Hotel room on Day 2. The hotel is located in the bustling area of KL, just beside Chinatown.


Pavilion shopping centre from the inside.



"The Loaf" breadshop in Pavilion, opened by Dr Mahathir. Yes THAT Dr. Mahathir, previous Prime Minister of Malaysia. i didn't have the honour to dine beside him like my colleague did though.



Starhill Gallery, where the ultra-luxurious brands are. Obviously, I didn't walk out of the shopping centre with any purchases but I previously dined in a buffet restaurant named Jogoya there. It is a very popular chain in Taiwan and has a wide variety of food and desserts. The sole indulgence of Haagen Daz ice cream is worth the value.
The floors of the mall also breaks convention by being non-numerical.