Kuala Lumpur - I am on the KLIA express typing this blog on my iPhone and the Internet access is good and best of all is free. Left the Sentral station at 4pm and should reach the airport in 28 minutes.
Train ride is great and it is fuss free. In the news are plans to build a high speed rail from Nanning, China passing through Hanoi in Vietnam, Vientiane in Laos, Cambodia’s Phnom Penh, Thailand’s Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on its way to Singapore
Read more: China announces high-speed rail link to Singapore via Vietnam
http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/life/china-announces-high-speed-rail-link-singapore-vietnam-978932
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Lo Hei - 12 Steps to enjoy Yu Sheng
Kuala Lumpur - It is this time of the year, where shouts of congratulations, success are mentioned to one another...as we dug into our delicious Yu Sheng. This is a dish invented in Singapore and Malaysia and enjoyed but many chinese families around the world.
The rituals
Yusheng in chinese with yu means "fish" but sounds to another chinese word that means "abundance", while sheng literally means "raw" but sounds appropriately, it means "life". Thus Yusheng implies "abundance of wealth and long life". In Cantonese, it is known as lo sheng with lo also meaning "tossing up good fortune". The tossing action is called lo hei, which means to "rise" (hei), again a reference to a thriving business and thus its popularity with businessmen during the New Year.
Step 1: All at the table offer New Year greetings.
Words mentioned: Gong xi fa cai meaning "congratulations for your wealth" or wan shi ru yi meaning "may all your wishes be fulfilled".
Step 2: Fish, symbolising abundance or excess through the year, is added.
Words mentioned: Nian nian you yu and you yu you sheng.
Step 3: The pomelo is added over the fish, adding both luck and auspicious value.
Words mentioned: Da ji da li.
Step 4: Pepper is then dashed over the ingredients in the hope of attracting more money and valuables.
Words mentioned: Zhao cai jin bao.
Step 5: Then oil is poured, circling the ingredients to increase all profits 10,000 times and to encourage money to flow in from all directions.
Words mentioned: Yi ben wan li and cai yuan guang jin.
Step 6: Carrots are added to the fish, indicating blessings of good luck.
Words mentioned: Hong yun dang tou.
Step 7: Shredded green radish is placed on the fish, symbolising eternal youth.
Words mentioned: Qing chun chang zhu.
Step 8: Shredded white radish is added for prosperity in business and promotion at work.
Words mentioned: Feng sheng shui qi and bu bu gao sheng.
Step 9: The condiments are finally added. First, peanut crumbs are dusted on the dish, symbolising a household filled with gold and silver. As an icon of longevity, peanuts also symbolise eternal youth.
Words mentioned: Jin yin man wu.
Step 10: Sesame seeds quickly follow symbolising a flourishing business.
Words mentioned: Sheng yi xing long.
Step 11: Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows are then added with wishes that literally translate to mean the whole floor would be filled with gold.
Words: Pian di huang jin.
Step 12: All toss the salad an auspicious seven times with loud shouts of lo hei and other auspicious New Year wishes.
Words: Lo hei which is Cantonese for "tossing luck".
The ingredients are mixed by pushing them toward the centre, an encouragement to push on the good luck of all at the table.
The rituals
Yusheng in chinese with yu means "fish" but sounds to another chinese word that means "abundance", while sheng literally means "raw" but sounds appropriately, it means "life". Thus Yusheng implies "abundance of wealth and long life". In Cantonese, it is known as lo sheng with lo also meaning "tossing up good fortune". The tossing action is called lo hei, which means to "rise" (hei), again a reference to a thriving business and thus its popularity with businessmen during the New Year.
Step 1: All at the table offer New Year greetings.
Words mentioned: Gong xi fa cai meaning "congratulations for your wealth" or wan shi ru yi meaning "may all your wishes be fulfilled".
Step 2: Fish, symbolising abundance or excess through the year, is added.
Words mentioned: Nian nian you yu and you yu you sheng.
Step 3: The pomelo is added over the fish, adding both luck and auspicious value.
Words mentioned: Da ji da li.
Step 4: Pepper is then dashed over the ingredients in the hope of attracting more money and valuables.
Words mentioned: Zhao cai jin bao.
Step 5: Then oil is poured, circling the ingredients to increase all profits 10,000 times and to encourage money to flow in from all directions.
Words mentioned: Yi ben wan li and cai yuan guang jin.
Step 6: Carrots are added to the fish, indicating blessings of good luck.
Words mentioned: Hong yun dang tou.
Step 7: Shredded green radish is placed on the fish, symbolising eternal youth.
Words mentioned: Qing chun chang zhu.
Step 8: Shredded white radish is added for prosperity in business and promotion at work.
Words mentioned: Feng sheng shui qi and bu bu gao sheng.
Step 9: The condiments are finally added. First, peanut crumbs are dusted on the dish, symbolising a household filled with gold and silver. As an icon of longevity, peanuts also symbolise eternal youth.
Words mentioned: Jin yin man wu.
Step 10: Sesame seeds quickly follow symbolising a flourishing business.
Words mentioned: Sheng yi xing long.
Step 11: Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows are then added with wishes that literally translate to mean the whole floor would be filled with gold.
Words: Pian di huang jin.
Step 12: All toss the salad an auspicious seven times with loud shouts of lo hei and other auspicious New Year wishes.
Words: Lo hei which is Cantonese for "tossing luck".
The ingredients are mixed by pushing them toward the centre, an encouragement to push on the good luck of all at the table.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Late, Late, Late
Kuala Lumpur - I slept soundly on the plane coming over to Kuala Lumpur. Last week was a long week for me - organizing the Tokyo conference. The flight is short just shy of 45 minutes and was only woken up by the announcement of the pilot that we are landing soon.
I had to walk 15 minutes to the shuttle bus bound for the arrival terminal because the Aerotrain is temporarily closed for upgrading.
From the KLIA website I gather that the KLIA Aerotrain is temporarily unavailable from 1 November 2010 to 15 March 2011 for upgrading works. To ensure smooth transfer of passengers between the Satellite Building and the Contact Pier, continuous shuttle busses are scheduled around the clock.
Nasi Lemak is widely eaten in Malaysia as breakfast, noon or evening, making it possible for the dish to be eaten all day.
In Singapore, we also eat it for Breakfast, lunch or dinner but it is definitely not our national dish but it's an economical dish and eaten sparringly as it has lots of 'cholesterol' enhancing properties.
I had to walk 15 minutes to the shuttle bus bound for the arrival terminal because the Aerotrain is temporarily closed for upgrading.
From the KLIA website I gather that the KLIA Aerotrain is temporarily unavailable from 1 November 2010 to 15 March 2011 for upgrading works. To ensure smooth transfer of passengers between the Satellite Building and the Contact Pier, continuous shuttle busses are scheduled around the clock.
When I reached the arrival terminal, it was crowded and the queue was snaking an endless bend. There was this man with middle eastern features standing behind me trying to sneak in front of me. I am really puzzzle as I was just in front of him. He tried many times but finally gave up when just stood right in front of him and cut him off. Murmur some foreign words and quietly took his place behind me. I have never encountered Middle Eastern people but it seems to meet the profile hearing from my family members and friends.
As the immigation lady open new lanes, I rushed over to 2 new lanes and managed to clear immigration in a breeze. Got my bags onto the limo taxi at 10:45am and off to Hilton PJ Hotel. It was a quick ride and reached at about 11:30am - I was upgraded this time to a suite. The bathroom is as big as my room + bathroom in Tokyo.
Lesley was waiting for me in front and off we rush to our appointment - we were late due to unforeseeen circumstances.
For lunch at Pan cafe, near my customer office @ Bukit Jalil - I had Nasi Lemak. In Kuala Lumpur, it is called a National dish, also a national heritage of Malaysia.
Nasi Lemak is a Malay word and steep in Malay culture. The name is derived from the cooking process whereby rice is soaked in coconut cream and then the mixture steamed. We add pandan leaves whilst it is steaming to give it a fragrant aroma. Some restaurants add ginger and lemon grass to give an additional fragrance.
Traditionally, this comes as a platter of food wrapped in banana leaf, with cucumber slices, small dried ikan bilis, roasted peanuts, hard boiled egg, and hot spicy sauce (sambal) at its core. But now adays, the food platter is serve on a plate.
Nasi Lemak is widely eaten in Malaysia as breakfast, noon or evening, making it possible for the dish to be eaten all day.
In Singapore, we also eat it for Breakfast, lunch or dinner but it is definitely not our national dish but it's an economical dish and eaten sparringly as it has lots of 'cholesterol' enhancing properties.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Ten things that I have seen and done in Tokyo
Tokyo - 10 things that I have see and done....
(1) The Imperial Palace and the Imperial Palace East Garden. This is the home to Japan's imperial family. Unfortunately, The Palace is closed all but 2 days of the year, but the East Garden has open all year and it's free. I have been there twice since I started travelling to Tokyo.
(2) Mount Fuji + (3) Hakone - I did a full-day trip with Phill many years ago. This full day tour can be easily arrange by the Hotel front desk.
(4) Tokyo DisneyLand + (5) Tokyo DisneySea- visited there 10 years ago. Time for another visit but this time with my family.
(6) Ginza - This is one of the most expensive streets in Tokyo and it is worth a visit.
(7) Roppongi - Spend an evening exploring this location as they have interesting night life. Visited this place again with my Korean friends.
(8) Akihabara - This place is known as the 'Electric town'. This is the area of Tokyo to ship for anything and everything electronic and IT related. I haven't been to this place for a long time but used to visit this place on a regular basis with Phill as he is an electronic 'geek'. This is like our Funan Centre but 1000 times bigger.
(9) Shinjuku - I used to stay at Hilton Tokyo and Century Hyatt Tokyo which are located in Shinjuku. I liked the location very much because there are lots of buzz and things to see.
(10) Tsukiji Market - I have been there twice on September & November 2007. Both times have to wake up early in the morning to catch the 'auction' at the markets. I understand from newspaper reports that Tsukiji market has closed the 'fresh' tuna auction area because many tourist touch the expensive tuna.
(1) The Imperial Palace and the Imperial Palace East Garden. This is the home to Japan's imperial family. Unfortunately, The Palace is closed all but 2 days of the year, but the East Garden has open all year and it's free. I have been there twice since I started travelling to Tokyo.
(2) Mount Fuji + (3) Hakone - I did a full-day trip with Phill many years ago. This full day tour can be easily arrange by the Hotel front desk.
(4) Tokyo DisneyLand + (5) Tokyo DisneySea- visited there 10 years ago. Time for another visit but this time with my family.
(6) Ginza - This is one of the most expensive streets in Tokyo and it is worth a visit.
(7) Roppongi - Spend an evening exploring this location as they have interesting night life. Visited this place again with my Korean friends.
(8) Akihabara - This place is known as the 'Electric town'. This is the area of Tokyo to ship for anything and everything electronic and IT related. I haven't been to this place for a long time but used to visit this place on a regular basis with Phill as he is an electronic 'geek'. This is like our Funan Centre but 1000 times bigger.
(9) Shinjuku - I used to stay at Hilton Tokyo and Century Hyatt Tokyo which are located in Shinjuku. I liked the location very much because there are lots of buzz and things to see.
(10) Tsukiji Market - I have been there twice on September & November 2007. Both times have to wake up early in the morning to catch the 'auction' at the markets. I understand from newspaper reports that Tsukiji market has closed the 'fresh' tuna auction area because many tourist touch the expensive tuna.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Palette Town - MEGA WEB
Odaiba - from Miraikan we took the monorail to Palette town MEGA WEB. It's an entertainment center that also houses Toyota Universal Design Showcase, Toyota City Showcase and Toyota History Garage.
I only went to the Toyota History Garage.
It was interesting to see people bringing their dogs on a leash to this shopping mall. This is the first time I have seen anyone bring dogs to shopping mall - dog's are not allowed in any shopping mall in Singapore.
I only went to the Toyota History Garage.
Old toyota car
Nostalgic Nine's Bar
Texaco petrol station
It was interesting to see people bringing their dogs on a leash to this shopping mall. This is the first time I have seen anyone bring dogs to shopping mall - dog's are not allowed in any shopping mall in Singapore.
While we go bar for drink - so do dogs
Odaiba - Tokyo man-made Island
Odaiba - We took the monorail to Odaiba - the monorail fare was expensive. From a distance you will be able to see the Ferris Wheel, Fuji TV building
To know more about Odaiba - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3008.html
We visited the National Museum of Emgering Science also known as Miraikan. Admission price is 600 Yen for adults but we paid each 480 Yen as we had more than 8 people. This is a science museum open to all to share the new wisdom of the 21st century. There are the Permanent Exhibition in 4 separate fields, theaters, library plus special exhibitions. You have to pay extra for the special exhibitions. They also have a Dome Theater where you can enjoy panoramic films and a planetarium located on the 7th floor. Unfortunately, you have to book prior and it was fully sold out.
To know more about Odaiba - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3008.html
We visited the National Museum of Emgering Science also known as Miraikan. Admission price is 600 Yen for adults but we paid each 480 Yen as we had more than 8 people. This is a science museum open to all to share the new wisdom of the 21st century. There are the Permanent Exhibition in 4 separate fields, theaters, library plus special exhibitions. You have to pay extra for the special exhibitions. They also have a Dome Theater where you can enjoy panoramic films and a planetarium located on the 7th floor. Unfortunately, you have to book prior and it was fully sold out.
Park and Lim
Futuristic interiror
Lunch - Okonomiyaki
Tokyo - Lunch was Okonomiyaki and it was fun seeing friends cooking their meals over a hot plate. Some had tried this dish before many were first timers - nevertheless the food was good.
An article I wrote before: http://countrytravel.blogspot.com/2007/09/okonomiyaki.html
An article I wrote before: http://countrytravel.blogspot.com/2007/09/okonomiyaki.html
Oshio Restuarnt entrance
Oshio menu
Korean friends cooking their lunch..lol
Kevin (half asleep waiting for his meal) with Armen
Park, Lim and Daiseke
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo - Yukiko and Daiseke brought the channel partners from Korea, Australia, Taiwan and myself (Singapore) around Tokyo. She was the tour guide for the day.
Yukiko
First stop, Tokyo Tower...
The Tokyo Tower has been the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower since its completion in 1958. The 333-metre tower is modelled after Paris Eiffel Tower, ony it's 13m taller. Today, it efficiently serves as a TV and radio broadcast antenna.
We just paid the tickets to bring us to the main observatory at 150m - it was breathtaking at such a height. From a far, I could see Mt. Fuji in the distance and also visibily recognize some of the landmarks that I had visited before. From the main observatory, you will get a 360-degree bird's eye view of Tokyo.
Taken from across the street
I took this photo at the base of Tokyo Tower
Group photo taken by me
that's me in the centre
Here is a useful website on Tokyo Tower http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/english/
Friday, January 21, 2011
Asakusa
Asakusa - Together with Korean, Malaysian and Taiwanese friends we hop onto the Metro bound for Asakusa. This area is known for it old-town atmosphere and historic Buddhist temples. Asakusa is one of Tokyo's most traditional neighbourhoods. The finest part of Asakusa is centered upon several blocks around the centuries old Asakusa Kannon Temple also known as Sensoji, which itself is the main attraction of the area.
It would be good to stop by the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information centre which is located very near to the Kaminarimon Gate. The polite staff manning this Cultural office speaks good English and very helpful. They were interested in where we come from.
Once you cross the road from the Cultural Office you will notice many foreigners gathering around this area.
Kaminarimon, the main gate of the Sensoji, had been burned down many times, and the previous gate was destroyed by a massive fire in 1865. Since then no gate had existed here for nearly 100 years. The present one was reconstructed in 1960 by a donation from the founder of Panasonic, Konosuke Matsushita, whose name is engraved on the bottom plate of the lattern.
Once you pass the Big Gate with latern, you will be in an ancient shopping street.
It would be good to stop by the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information centre which is located very near to the Kaminarimon Gate. The polite staff manning this Cultural office speaks good English and very helpful. They were interested in where we come from.
Once you cross the road from the Cultural Office you will notice many foreigners gathering around this area.
Kaminarimon
Kaminarimon, the main gate of the Sensoji, had been burned down many times, and the previous gate was destroyed by a massive fire in 1865. Since then no gate had existed here for nearly 100 years. The present one was reconstructed in 1960 by a donation from the founder of Panasonic, Konosuke Matsushita, whose name is engraved on the bottom plate of the lattern.
Once you pass the Big Gate with latern, you will be in an ancient shopping street.
Nakamise Shopping Street
The Nakamise shopping street dates to the early Edo Period, making it one of the oldest shopping centers in Japan. Neighbours of Sensoji, who received and served visitors to the temple, were granted special permission to put up stalls along the approach in exchange for a promise to keep the grounds clean.
That's me with an ancient water pump
My korean friend making his wish
After this we hop on the Metro to Roppongi and went to Roppongi hills for dinner. We went to a Soba restaurant and the Soba is so fresh and delicious.
Restaurant name: Shian
Website: http://www.roppongihills.com/shops_restaurants/restaurants/en/japanese/201220005.html
Add: Metro Hat/Hollywood Plaza B2
It was a beautiful night after a hearty dinner...
Restaurant name: Shian
Website: http://www.roppongihills.com/shops_restaurants/restaurants/en/japanese/201220005.html
Add: Metro Hat/Hollywood Plaza B2
It was a beautiful night after a hearty dinner...
Trees lighted up along Roppongi hills
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Dinner cruise along Tokyo Bay
Tokyo - At around 5:30pm, after the conference proper, the channel partners met @ Premier Toyocho Building to catch the Bus tranfer which brought us to the Boat Pier to board the boat. The Tokyo bay tour is a daily tour by Yakatabune Harumiya.
Some background on this company - The origin of HARUMIYA.
Previous generations fished and cultivated lave seaweed at Haneda, then three generations ago the fishermen relocated to Tsukishima. Currently, a member of the Tsukudashima Fishermen's Guild, Harumiya, which is a yakatabune company has a long and distinguished history stretching back to the Edo period that includes supplying white fish to the family of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The company started its fishing boat business in the 1920s and was always a trend setter with the latest boats among those in Tokyo Bay. Harumiya switched tot he yakatabune (Japanese roofed pleasure boats) business in the 1980s. The fourth-generation owner continues to preserve the Edo 'chic' while remaining a pioneer in modern boat entertainment with fresh designs and ideas.
The weather outside on the upper deck was very cold and so I stood outside for only a short while to gaze at the beautiful Tokyo skyline.
Some background on this company - The origin of HARUMIYA.
Previous generations fished and cultivated lave seaweed at Haneda, then three generations ago the fishermen relocated to Tsukishima. Currently, a member of the Tsukudashima Fishermen's Guild, Harumiya, which is a yakatabune company has a long and distinguished history stretching back to the Edo period that includes supplying white fish to the family of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The company started its fishing boat business in the 1920s and was always a trend setter with the latest boats among those in Tokyo Bay. Harumiya switched tot he yakatabune (Japanese roofed pleasure boats) business in the 1980s. The fourth-generation owner continues to preserve the Edo 'chic' while remaining a pioneer in modern boat entertainment with fresh designs and ideas.
Partners at the dinning area
Our dinner platter plus much more...
The dinner was delicious and we had Assorted sashimi, Tempura (the prawn was fresh and delicious), steamed rice, miso soup, seafood in individual hot pot and free flow of drinks.
Tony, Joe (singing) and Joe's wife
Daiseke and Yukiko (Japan), Lim and Park (Korea)
Joe (Taiwan), Hisyam and Ali (both from Malaysia)
Beautiful scenary from the upper deck
Me and Young Jin behind the Tokyo backdrop
Japanese friends enjoying Karaoke
That's me have a go at Karaoke
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Dinner @ Italian Restaurant
Tokyo - It was a nice and cold stroll down our dinner location @ Trattoria Liana (just opposite Hotel East 21). Our gathering took half the space of the restaurant. The Italian food was really delicious especially the Pizza. But I think for some, the food was all good after many rounds of the free flow of booze and sake. Combined it is a lethal cocktail of intoxication.
It was also a day for a special lady - Terry Takenaka - her Birthday. It was celebrated amongst channel partner, friends and colleaques. I hope she was surprised...
Panettone is a type of sweet bread loaf originally from Milan (in Milanese it is called panaton),[1] usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and New Year in Italy. It is like a big fruit cake.
It was also a day for a special lady - Terry Takenaka - her Birthday. It was celebrated amongst channel partner, friends and colleaques. I hope she was surprised...
Daiseke, Hiroyuki and Ushiyama toasting
James (Taiwan), Lim and Park (Korea) and Lesley
Ron and Harry
Young Jin gulping down his Sake
Panettone
Panettone is a type of sweet bread loaf originally from Milan (in Milanese it is called panaton),[1] usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and New Year in Italy. It is like a big fruit cake.
Me trying to take a big bite out of the Panettone
Joe, Yukiko and Jay and Ushiyama (behind)
Ushiyama and Me
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Today is my 28th Trip to Tokyo
Tokyo - Arrived on SQ 634 at Haneda Airport and it was a smooth flight. Upon arriving met up with Lesley, his wife, Hisyam and Ali (from Malaysia) and off we go to our Hotel for the duration of the conference. Getting around Tokyo is easy because of their superb train networks. From Haneda airport to our Hotel at Tokyocho was a bit tricky as the station @ Nihonbashi had many train service running on that single train track and even one line going to Yokohama. We need to get the right train to reach Tokyocho. Asking the friendly Japanese never failed me - they are always polite and will render help readily.
Hotel rates: USD 89 includes continental breakfast and free internet access
R&B Hotel - is unique in many ways. I have never stayed at such a hotel before. BUT it was very clean.
Pyjamas - At the Lobby, there are rows of pyjamas which are meant for Japanese workers who missed the last train back home so had to stay over night. The 'jammies' are stripped in vertical green.
Pillow - I took a number of this jammies to wrapped my pillow. There was only one small pillow meant for the head but it was really uncomfortable for me as it was filled with platic beads. Upon close investigation, these plastic beads were hollow. Wrapping it around my pillow gave me some comfort.
Size of the room - Extremely small.
Hotel rates: USD 89 includes continental breakfast and free internet access
R&B Hotel - is unique in many ways. I have never stayed at such a hotel before. BUT it was very clean.
Pyjamas - At the Lobby, there are rows of pyjamas which are meant for Japanese workers who missed the last train back home so had to stay over night. The 'jammies' are stripped in vertical green.
Pillow - I took a number of this jammies to wrapped my pillow. There was only one small pillow meant for the head but it was really uncomfortable for me as it was filled with platic beads. Upon close investigation, these plastic beads were hollow. Wrapping it around my pillow gave me some comfort.
Size of the room - Extremely small.
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