the internet party =p

The Internet Party

party attendees: (it's a happening party! lol)

1) google
2) digg
3) paypal
4) ebay
5) amazon (competitor!!)
6) flickr
7) wikipedia (rofl)
8) myspace
9) facebook (*pokes)
10) youtube

many more....

Cameron Highlands Pt. 3

Must-do, must-visit, in Cameron Highlands, that sums it all for Pt. 3.

When time is running, I'm talking about maybe a weekend getaway where you want to maximize your trip, the key is to start early. I mean it's pretty near from my hometown to CH, it takes about 2 hours (using the Simpang Pulai highway), so if you're from KL or Penang, make sure you be there by 8 am, that's where you'll get the best out of the trip.
***


Visit the Boh Plantation, Ringlet. It's about 6km drive in, but worth it. =)

You do not need to pay RM 15 for a pot of tea here, you can make your own, but for the ambience, do try it out.

p/s: the MNS bungalow is here as well!


As you drive along the plantation, you can stop somewhere. And if you feel like it, climb up the hills. Yup, you don't get to do this everyday, so it's fun.

p/s: but mind you, they do spray pesticide every 3 months, so it's not all fresh air you're breathing.


If you really want to, go to Cameron Valley, Bharat Plantation.
(pic) top of the hill, where you can sip your tea and enjoy a panaromic view of the plantation. =)



Be sure to visit, Raaju Strawberry farm, just after Kea Farm/Flea market- it's on your left.



Mr. Raaju is a friend of my mom who used to work in Cameron for 10 over years. Even I was conceived there. =) So, if you really want good strawberries, or rather different ways to enjoy strawberries, please do make your way here.


Mrs Raaju.


Strawberries topped with whipped cream, icing sugar and honey. Sinful indulgence, it's really mouth watering. (everything in moderation!)


Strawberry Milk Shake. =)

Reminds me of Vince's fiction. haha.
Sinfully good, healthy at the same time! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


Scones. well, i don't really know how to differentiate a good scone from a bad one. All I know as long as it doesn't feel like you're stuffing something into your throat (read: Boh Plantation's scones!)
then, that's fine. Try Bala's Chalet's, Smokehouse's (you pay for the quality and ambience)


Remember to bring home a jar of strawberry jam!

p/s: it's halal certified now! =)


Remember what I mentioned earlier in Pt.1 and Pt. 2 on how to maximize your stay? Well, the secret is minimize accommodation cost, then you can enjoy spending your money on other stuff, like food or ambience.



A glass of Stella Artois at Ye Olde Smokehouse, by the fireplace. =)

***
Cheers mate! And have yourself an enjoyable trip to Cameron Highlands! :D Do drop me an email at: feliciarainyday[@] gmail.com. Here's back to Part 1 and Part 2.

Cameron Highlands Pt. 2

So you have roughly decided that Cameron's your destination, or at least finish Pt. 2 and 3, for that matter. This part is going to be on accommodation, well, at least I think it's important, because:-

1) Affordability
2) Environment

is concerned. Mind you, that these are just suggestions, keep in mind, those two main "concerns" when it comes to holiday, and of course what is your purpose of vacation, so to speak.

Like I've mentioned in the Pt. 1, I'm focusing more on budget, and how to maximize your trip here. =)
********


Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Bungalow, situated in the middle of the Boh Plantation, Ringlet.It used to be open only for members to conduct researches, but now, open for non-members as well.



Look at that beauty. "Long house" themed chalet, sort of? How much do you pay for this experience? RM 55 per room/night.

Note: You may need to bring your own sleeping bag, because the mattresses provided might not suit your taste. yeah. Other than that, you have all the basics covered; bathroom, kitchen facilities etc.


Dorms, with a view of the plantation. =) RM 10- RM 15 per pax/night.

more info, click here (or you can just drop me an email, no prob)



Lutheran Mission Bungalow,Tanah Rata.

Beautiful, breathtaking in fact, trail that leads to the premise. It's way in, but worth it.
(pic) overlooking the dining hall.

If I'm not mistaken, it's around RM 35 per pax/night, meals are charged accordingly as requested, but each meal cost no more than RM 20.


Address: 45A Jalan Kamunting, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang.
Contact number: (+605) 491 2527 (9:00 - 12:00pm or 3:00 - 5:00pm)


The garden. I adore the place. :) Yes, they have a tennis court as well.



Strawberry Park Hotel. Well, not exactly a budget hotel, but it's not too bad, compared to Smokehouse, Equatorial or Cameron Highlands Resort, it's alright during the off-peak season. RM 200 for a junior suite, the last time I stayed there.

Perks of staying at the Strawberry Park is that you'll be able to go jogging, or morning walk, and you can request for local tours (with a fee) if you don't feel like driving. So, it's quite convenient, in that sense.


You can try out Arabella Apartments, Tanah Rata, as well, just a 5 mins drive to the town. Click here for more info.

For big families, I'm speaking grandparents, aunties, uncles, with children would definitely want to consider the Arabella Holiday Home Bungalow, by Madam Shu. Click here for info, contact details etc. It will costs you roughly RM 350 for two (huge) attached rooms, one with two single beds, and the other one with a master bed, a couch, television (with Astro), bathroom (water heater). There's also a gazebo just outside for families who enjoy picnics, and with space to roam about.

p/s: I stayed there during the last trip to Cameron's.

****

There you go, budget accommodation. Most of these places (except the Arabella apartments) that I've suggested, I have been there to see it for myself, as you can see from the pictures I took, or at least past experience staying at some.

Do feel free to drop me an email, if there's anything you would like to know, and I will be happy to help! Here's to Part 3.

Cameron Highlands Pt. 1

theuptownlife brings you a special travel edition of the season to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's biggest hill resort. At the end of this travelogue (3 parts), it will give you a better judgment in whether this is your right destination, and also, if you're already planning a trip there, it will be a little guide on how to make the best out of your stay in Cameron Highlands.

Click here to learn more about Cameron Highlands.
********************************************************************

Cameron Highland: the ideal destination. or not.

Let's look at the general misconceptions:-

1) There's nothing much to do in Cameron Highlands. It's pretty much dead.

Depending on what is entertainment or holiday to you. Dead is the last word I would use to describe Cameron, in fact it's more "alive" than it is in the city. Nature, the greens, trees. Well, we look forward to de-stress ourselves when we go for holidays.

Like the words of Frank Lloyd Wright:-

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.



2) It's expensive. Over commercialized. word.

The best things in life are free, as cliché as it sounds. Inflation only knows the way up, so it's up to us to make the best of things in life, minimizing cost, and maximizing enjoyment.

It pays to get the best, but if you're smart, it might cost a lil less. ;)

3) Genting Highlands pwns Cameron Highlands.

We don't expect everyone to have only one interest. If "birds chirping in the air" is not your cup of tea, then it might not be the right destination for you. But none can stay noisy all the time.

******

Here's to Part 2

welcome back interns!

hey, i heard you missed us
but we're back
full, in action
aye, we report back
to the station

3 months of training
we learned it's draining
we learned about dealing
not gambling, but handling
people with feelings...

morning people we've become
traffic jam affects us now
meeting the same old people
on the bus
every morning, it's a must

love is patient
love is kind
but work is learning to be patient
learning to be kind (sometimes)
oh yes, and silence is golden
patience is virtue, and worth a diamond

so, we're back,
to rock the house
buckle up, sit back, relax
and enjoy the rest!
****


that sums it all.
welcome back interns!

*let's-get-it-over-and-done-with-it!*

so I'm hooked...

it's 4:54 am right now and I just finished watching Ghost, a Malaysian drama about a girl who tries to solve the mystery behind the death of a movie star (who supposedly died in an accident- and of course, he "had" to be murdered to make the story going when he seeks help from this girl in a ghostly form)

blooper video.
the funny thing is that how they did not prepare the fire extinguisher when they're about to shoot a scene where they set someone on fire. hmm.



the casts- the chemistry, the acting got me hooked.

if it was some bad acting, with an average storyline, I wouldn't have watched it. but then again, maybe sometimes you can't have everything, but a good effort for a Malaysian production, I think. They could've sit on the idea, develop it further, but I really wonder why they couldn't wait.

After all, good things come to those who wait.


p/s: the psycho fan girl is REALLY GOOD! i was so freaked out by her!
oh and the fact that there was like at least 3-4 songs of colbie caillat were featured in the show (I guess they must have been a huge fan of hers! :p)

GAP presents Marié Digby Live in KL

7.30pm and the unexpected crowd, and worst part, I couldn't get a good spot for pictures!

Desperate calls for desperate measures, I went up to the 2nd floor- climbed on the chair and took this, which is still pathetic.


12 year old, Kimberly, won the Yamaha guitar! *I didn't have the courage to join!*


A guy, who forgot his lyrics. Nervous and was actually trying-too-hard-to-impress-Marié.


She's not too bad. Just nervous.



Acoustiq 39 feat Azalea sang Say it Again. Click for their 2nd place Marié's Youtube Contest Video.


OPL. Other People's Lens. =_=;



As you can see I'm very far, and I wished I had telephoto lens. :(


the queue to get the autograph.


;)


I wasn't happy with the set up, because you can't get a good view, plus the audio was a lil faulty during her first song, Say it Again.

But it was worthwhile, because I got closeup pictures of her, as she took a mini break when it came to my turn!



:)


:) Paint me in your sunshine. Click for the video. Click to download.
credits: soundofcolor


She's lovely. ;)

there's something about the heat

and it's testing my patience.

something is definitely not right when:-

1) the floor is so sticky that it'll pass off as a fly paper

2) you come out from the bathroom and 5 mins later, wondering whether you actually bath earlier on

3) the conservatives don't think mini skirts/revealing clothings are sexy

4) if you think a dude with 6 packs is no longer hot when the weather is truly sizzling hot!

5) you know it's a slow day and you know you're not on drugs or under alcohol influence


and of course, you had to dedicate a post for it. word.

Rules: playing the game. of life.

If by Rudyard Kipling. Click for full version.


If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss;

And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you...

Speed Racer- spot on review

awesome spot on review. harsh. but hilarious.


here's my take:-

it's about:
pure sportsman in a corrupt world of fixed races, dirty drivers (whose cars come equipped with lethal weapons) and multimillion-dollar corporate sponsors. -quoted from newsweek-

(you) shouldn't worry about:
the trailer (which didn't do justice to the movie, imo)
sucky storyline (which didn't happen in Speed Racer)
CGI effects (not for the faint hearted though)
acting (superb, 90% of the characters, you can't have all hits, can you?)

(you should) worry about:
your expectations (manage it well), because whether you enjoy it or not, it's up you.
re-watching it (it could be too overwhelming the 1st time, so you might have to re watch it) but you could always go rental, or read: pirate on it.
stuck in the cinema with a bunch of Rain's fans. warning!: could get annoyed by the shrieking every time he comes on screen.


who (or what) to watch out for:
Hirsch and Ricci on screen "hubba hubba" chemistry.
Sarandon as Mom (Racer) - great acting!
Litt and Willy (Sprittle and Chim Chim, they're like commercial breaks or just annoying)
Rain as Taejo Togokhan, looking forward to Ninja Assassin!
Roger Allam as Royal-"everything is about money"-ton
Matthew Fox as Racer X (read: topless fighting scene)

my ratings:
8.5/10 based on effort, flow, message, acting.

God's too busy, so he made mothers.

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not do that.

"Why?" my daughter asked.

"Because it's been laying outside, you don't know where it's been. It's dirty and probably has germs" I replied.

At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Wow! How do you know all this stuff?"

"Uh," I was thinking quickly, "all moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy."

We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.

"OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test, you have to be the daddy."

"Exactly" I replied back with a big smile on my face and joy in me heart.

***

Seen on a hallmark card: God's too busy at times, that's why he made mothers.

**

Love you mum! xD

oh yeah, since she doesn't read my blog. *rolls eyes* here's something I bought. (read: surprise!) And I don't have pictures of the flowers I sent for her birthday. hhmph.

stop barking.

politics never end, do they?


Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK), was charged under the sedition act, after releasing a seditious article (read: Altantuya).

He refused the first bail, and went on strike, refusing visitors and meals. Only after the 2nd attempt, he agreed to a post-bail.


I even got invited on facebook, a candle light vigil event to support R.P.K.


Truth to be told, I didn't give a care about it at first until friends and colleagues ask me, "Hey, what do you think of the R.P.K's case?"

I think my colleague a.k.a. ex-lawyer made a very good point. Let's put it this way, everybody wants to save their own ass, and please don't get me started, martyr doesn't exist at this point of time, yes, not even R.P.K. so to speak.

I was quite sure that this issue would be of interest after the big win by the opposition, where individuals (starting from me, of course) start to question about "standing up, and voicing out your opinions". Yes, my question is, whether the opposition are really walking the talk?

R.P.K. today, made me think again. and it's not really convincing. If you want to be the hero of the people, make sure you have the facts, and the guts and the conscience. What these so called heroes are doing now, well, blatantly put, they're simply barking, yes, at the right tree, but maybe for the wrong reasons.

If you dare, then go all out. Tell the truth, if you have the truth. Yes, consequence, we face it with every decision we make, so like I've said, hero, huh? Show me a real hero.

Stop barking. It's not pretty.

**
t'was my 200th post. wasted betul. xD

tag.

i was tagged by vince, followed by joe - assuming he meant me lah ;)

so here is it...xD

instead of the mundane way of listing it down, it'll be visual driven.
Feast your eyes! The ones that don't belong to me, check the credits. :x


5 things in my bag:-


1) I got these cute mini vidcam necklace at fourskin. uberly cute! and it doubles up as a torchlight! awesome-ness! xD



2) Thank you cards for my colleagues, as my internship is ending, well, tomorrow. *sobs*



3) Earphones. Very important- because they're my companion on the bus. Buffer to chatty people on the bus =_=;;



4) Key to the office. I'm giving it back tomorrow! :(




5) My lil black book. Where I put down my notes, ideas, random doodlings, journal. I have another planner though for serious meetings/ where I jot down interesting quotes! (plus it looks more pro, haha)



5 things in my wallet! :-)


1) $$$!


2) Cards. ATM card, MPH Circle, and Coffee Bean card. Know my cards, know me, pretty much. xD



3) Old bus tix back to Ipoh. How I miss home!


4) My dad's picture, dated 2/3 years back? I asked my mom, but she didn't have the recent pic, so yeah.



5) Bus tickets. XD


5 favourite things in my room:


1) My lappie. My company since I started college. xD



2) the clock. it tells the time. It's set 15 mins earlier, but I simply like to wait till 7.45 (my time) because I know it's 7.30 in real time. the irony of it. :p



3) My guitar picks. I lost my thumb picks (forever losing them!) They come in assorted colors and patterns, which I simply cannot resist checking them out whenever I happened to pass by a music store.

One of my favs, is the navy blue you see in the picture. It's nothing special except for the fact that yesdavidchoigavethemtome! XD



4) My guitar. guitars. (acoustic and classical) It's simply a nice decor, a nice touch of masculinity to my originally non-girly room. I would say I get inspired easily- that also explains my sensitivity to my surrounding. I think I've mentioned, I never like guitar until mid last year when I discovered, this vid, click. :x

It's a pick up and learn to play until you can play kinda of obsession, which of course, I don't regret it even a bit. :)



5) My comic books. Other than serious psychology, thrillers, and chick lits, I grew up with detective comics. Penyiasat Remaja, Detective Conan (pic), Detective Q etc. You'll find a library of it back home, and how I miss those times where I sleep with books around me (not comfortable!), and how I would stash them underneath my blanket to hide from my dad (of course he knew! silly me) and exam days (where it's stored away in the cupboard).


5 things I always wanted to do:


1) sound nice enough to perform for a crowd.
pic credit: click



2) kiss a random stranger to see how it feels like. xD
credits: iStockphoto



3) Be like Cameron Crowe. Inspiring.




4) Get published!



5) Travel (journal) XD Go travel, make a scrapbook (like the one you see on Elizabethtown)


5 things I'm currently into:

1) dslr photography
2) marie digby and colbie caillat
3) property - it comes with the work ;)
4) blogging? *shrugs*
5) self reflection (no, it does not involve a mirror)


List of the Top 4 presents you wish for:

1) 1 million dollars. to study abroad. word.
2) macbook pro. doesn't everyone?
3) a taylor guitar.
4) new lens for my dslr