Narathiwat : Safe?

Finally Auntie Por wedding "luncheon" has been confirm on Aug 2nd, 2009 which will be held at currently Thailand's most dangerous town, Narathiwat (เมืองนราธิวาส). Since daddy would not want to drive into Narathiwat considering the amount of bombing happening in the past few months, we have decided to take the public transport there. At the beginning mommy thought of driving to Hat Yai and taking another bus or van to Narathiwat but that would take a longer time so daddy suggested to fly to Kota Bahru and take a taxi into Narathiwat from Rantau Panjang/Su-ngai Kolok border. Anyway Auntie Por told mommy that she can pick us up from the Tak Bai border which is located about 40km from Narathiwat town. Since I have not gone on a proper train trip other than my first train ride in Peru, this would be a great experience for me, 13 hours from Kajang to Tumpat (last KTM station on the east coast).

If everything are smooth, the trip would start on June 30th, 2009 from Kajang KTM station and arriving the next day at 1000hrs (13 hours train ride) in Tumpat KTM Station on a private 2 bunk cabin, RM98.00 (top) and RM107.00 (lower) bunk. From the train station, it is an 8km taxi ride to the border, Pengkalan Kubur before taking a ferry across the river into Thailand, Tak Bai town which Auntie Por suppose to pick us up.

For the return trip, daddy decided to fly instead since the airfare from Kota Bahru back to Kuala Lumpur isn't very expensive as well. Initially we were daddy wanted to fly on Air Asia but the airfare increased after they initiated the zero admin fee which turned out to be only RM9 difference when we include the food and 15kg luggage check-in.

Mommy also discovered a new pasta sauce which is easily prepare for me, Prego's in can by Campbell but I would need to have it for both lunch and dinner.

Lunch : Fried French Beans with Pumpkin and Mushrooms
Dinner : Fried French Beans with Pumpkin and Mushrooms

No photo were taken today

Today's Movie - Bolt

The "King Of Pop - Michael Jackson" died today, at 50 years of age with a cardiac arrest.

Cigarette Bud In Food

I refuse to eat my dinner today after daddy called to speak to mommy on Cosway. I only ate another 2 spoons of rice after mommy spoke to daddy. It was another boring day as I stayed at home the whole day.

Anyway today daddy took granny and grandpa out for dinner in Kajang Prima since daddy had to withdraw from money from HSBC. Initially daddy suggested to have dinner at Fortune Palace but grandpa suggested to just eat in a normal restaurant, which granny then suggested Seafood Restaurant which is located at the end of the road near the slope. Just as we were about to finish out dinner, granny felt something strange and only to realise that it was actually a cigarette butt that she had bitten. Grandpa then called someone over and a lady came and took a look at it and did not feel sorry and when granny told her that it is a cigarette bud, she said she needed to check with the kitchen, and she wanted to take it away. So granny told her to smell it as you do not need to bring it to the back, which she refuse and say that she do not know the smell of the cigarette, and say that she doesn't smoke! Grandpa took the cigarette bud back and left it near him and told her to check and come back with an explanation but instead another lady came over and strictly apologise! Now why the second lady which have not even seen it and immediately apologize on what happen and even apologize for the first lady. This mean, the first lady wanted to cover up and just take the cigarette bud away and make it as nothing ever happen. Daddy is not contemplating to make a complain to first the Public Health Ministry, second Consumer Affairs and the Municipal Council! Below is the photo of the cigarette bud as well as the restaurant frontage.

  

The owner of the restaurant surname should be Mr. Yip or Mr. Yap (also known as Wah Chai). Daddy will also consult a lawyer on this matter.

I Am In Hat Yai

Its been a while since I last blog. I arrived in Hat Yai 4 days ago. Grandpa came to pick me and mommy back with the bus. Anyway today I manage to pick up mommy mobile phone by myself and speak to the caller.

Mommy and Daddy is planning to open a Family Mart in Carrefour Hat Yai so mommy called Carrefour Hat Yai to enquire if they have any space for rental, unfortunately Carrefour Thailand seems to be very unorganised as mommy was being trainsfered to different department, even it was transfered to the Security Department. By the time it was transfered to the correct department, mommy only got to know what no one could make a decision since the manager in-charge has just resigned! Anyway, mommy will to call Carrefour Headquarters in Bangkok to enquire if she has any luck.

The new house is currently still in the process but daddy isn't very happy with Standard Chartered bank service as he is not getting any update on the progress of the mortgage. Daddy is very impress with the withdrawal time from EPF (KWSP) as it took only 7 working days to credit the amount into daddy's bank account, since daddy was told they would need a minimum of 3 weeks to get the amount transfered.

Uncle David will be coming back to Malaysia for holiday in July. I hope we would be able to meet up since Uncle David will only be in Penang for a full day before leaving.

Daddy will be driving to meet me next week but Kitt will most probably arrive in Hat Yai next Thursday.

Where Have I Been?

It has been a long time since I wrote anything on my blog, guess it has almost been a month since the last posting. Lots of thing has changed over the past month,

Toon is now taking care of great granny since Kus left for Indonesia and did not come back after that. So far nothing has been arranged to have Toon back yet and since we will be moving to the new house, daddy might not want to engage any maid until then. For the time being, I guess daddy will be getting part time hourly maid to clean up the house instead.

Over the past few week, daddy has been busy getting bank loan offer since every bank are offering different packages from;

1) HSBC - BLR -1.85%

2) Maybank - BLR -2.20% (1st year fixed at 2.35%)

3) OCBC - BLR - 2.30%

4) Standared Chartered - 2.35% (verbally)

Currently, the SnP agreement has been sent to the vendor (seller) lawyer and waiting for them to revert back so daddy could proceed for EPF withdrawal, which will take a couple more week. Anyway daddy would have 3 months to settle all necessary documentation before the house would be finally release.

Over the past few weekends since I got back from Hat Yai with daddy and mommy, we have been shopping for electrical appliances such as washing machines, fridge, dryer, dish washer, tv and air-con. Daddy and mommy are quite comfortable with Electrolux washing machines and dryer (if we ever get one), while choosing a Panasonic Fridge, as for the dish washer, daddy would like to have one but mommy disagree so guess washing plate will also going to be mommy's job! Do you know if the brand Fagor any good since they have a decent dishwasher? Daddy is also so tempted in getting the Panasonic 50" Plasma which they are currently promoting as well, at RM5699 plus a Lumix FS4 and 2GB SD card.

As for me, I could recognise and pronounce more words correctly but still not able to count from one to ten though. Now I am able to have a simple conversation but still having difficulties in saying certain words. The funniest word now is "I Love You" which I say it like "Le Lerd U" from Barney "I Love You" song.

Daddy also bought me a Blimp G from Clarks since my Nike is getting too small and my other new pair of shoe are a little to big for my feet. The Blimp G is light weight but daddy is not very sure of the velcro since there are article suggesting that Velcro might not be good in terms of support as it might get loosen.

When I got back from Hat Yai, daddy also took me to visit Dr. Khoo and now I weight almost 12kg. Guess daddy will not want to carry me too long now anymore. Hope I won't wait for another month before I blog again :)

Some photos taken today
(daddy's computer has been running low on storage space so no picture for the time being until the C drive is "overhaul")

Click here for more photos in slideshow.

Today's Movie - Lost Season 5

Daddy Left But I Am Still Here For Songkhran

Daddy left very early this morning, around 0500hrs (Thai Time) for the border, and arrive at the office 1130hrs,w hich daddy only took 5.30hrs, from door to door, but daddy got a ticket for speeding though somewhere around Tapah.

Anyway today Grandy Aunty Putih called mommy to ask we were free for lunch or dinner but because the whole city is splash with water, it would not be easy for me to go out and I will be splash with water as well. There were complains that the malaysian tourist were rough with other while splashing water.

In the evening, mommy took me to play with chickens and collect eggs!

Lunch :
Dinner :

Some photos taken over the past few days in Hat Yai
(coming soon)

Click here for more photos in slideshow.

Today's Movie -

I Am 2 Already

Happy Birthday to Me,
Happy Birthday to Me,
Happy Birthday to Me,
Happy Birthday to Me!

I am 2 today, no longer a baby and I can no longer fly for free anymore.

Daddy drove to Hat Yai on Friday and everyone was surprise since no one knew daddy was coming to Hat Yai. Daddy arrived just before me and mommy was going for Auntie Kwan's wedding at 1800hrs. It was a grand wedding dinner with approx more than 90 tables at Diamond Hotel @ Hat Yai.

Yesterday, daddy drove me to Songkhla beach, had a wonderful time building sand castles. Initially I was afraid of even walking on the sand until I ran to daddy waiting for me a distance away. I got fascinated with the watering can and started walking myself into the water to refill the can. Daddy even tried to bury my legs under the sand but I started crying so loud that mommy came to rescue me.

We also tried a new restaurant, a blend between MK and BBQ Plaza which daddy thinks it will work in Malaysia targeted at teens and young adults as long the price of the food is reasonable.

Since today is my birthday, I am not sure what has been planned for me but mommy has been telling me of my birthday cake! I would need to blow the candles this time.

Lunch : Roast Pork Rice
Dinner : Spinach Noodles with fish balls

Some photos taken today
(coming soon)

Click here for more photos in slideshow.

Today's Movie -

special update - "Situation in Hat Yai is calm and everyone are in party mood despite the situation in both Pattaya and Bangkok. Currently there are no signs of violence nor anti-government movement in Hat Yai."

Going To Be 2

I am going to be 2 soon! to be exact in 2 days.

Currently still in Hat Yai and daddy will not be coming this weekend to pick me and mommy up since mommy wants to continue staying here for another week or so. So daddy will missed my 2nd birthday this year :(.

Anyway, tomorrow will be Auntie Kwan's wedding and I am still not sure if I am going to attend the wedding dinner.

Wonder if I am going to receive any birthday present this year since daddy already got me an electronic organ from Toys'R'Us before I left for Hat Yai.

Currently there is a promo (from April 1st - 15th, 2009) to Japan on JAL and daddy hasn't bought the house, I am sure I would be heading to Tokyo Disneyland! Guess I would not be going anywhere this year for holiday.

Lunch : Spaghetti Bolognese
Dinner : Spaghetti Bolognese

No photo were taken today.

Today's Movie -

New House And I Am In Hat Yai

Daddy and mommy has been busy for the past few days looking and researching for a new house. Daddy always like Sri Petaling or Taman Desa, unfortunately, landed property in Sri Petaling are lease-hold and we could not afford houses in Taman Desa either. Finally yesterday night while I was on my way in a bus to Hat Yai with mommy and granny, daddy got a call from the agent that the owner agreed to sell the house to us.



(will try to take a photo of the actual house soon)

This house was completed in year 1996 but was only occupied for the past 7 years and located at SL4 in Bandar Sungai Long (click here for location) with a build up area of 2770 sq.ft. / 257.34 m2 (24'x75'). Since the house is already partly renovated, it is almost move in condition except for some minor touch up like a new coat of pain, flooring on the first floor from wood flooring to tiles, stairs railing and maybe a slight extension of the master bedroom bathroom!

Mommy already suggested to paint my room yellow! hmmmm or was it orange! anyway I will be getting my little own room. I am trying to get a download the floorplan of this house but unfortunately so far without any luck but I would be more than happy for any suggestions to do up my little colourful room!

There is a kindergarten on the same road as the house so it will be quite easy for mommy to take me to my class. I am trying to get more information on this kindergarten, Kinder Kid's Pre School, if they are any good.

After this daddy will be busy with the sales and purchase agreement, bank loan, MLTA/MRTA and mommy will be busy starting thinking what to do with the house.

Today mommy also started to feed me Som Tum! but I do not think I will start eating it until I get older! But mommy has still not decided to stay on after Auntie Kwan's wedding or go back to Malaysia. If mommy is not coming back then I will not be able to spend my 2nd birthday with daddy since it would be too tiring for daddy to drive here and back alone.

Lunch : Roast Pork Rice
Dinner : Steam Fish with Steam Brown Rice

No photos taken today.

Today's Movie -

Rash!

Since I got back from Thailand, I have been getting some rash all over my body and mommy suspects that I might be allergic to the iron supplement which I got from Hat Yai Bangkok Hospital. Mommy has stopped giving me the supplement and so far the rash has subside and no more new rashes. Mommy will try to feed me with the iron supplement again to double confirm on the rash if it is cause by the iron supplement. Guess this has cause me to poo only once every 2 days.

The following information is taken from wikipedia,
"Side effects of therapy with iron are most often diarrhea or constipation and epigastric abdominal discomfort. Taken after a meal, side effects decrease but there is an increased risk of interaction with other substances. Side effects are dose-dependent, and the dose may be adjusted.

The patient may notice that his/her stools become black. This is completely harmless, but patients must be warned about this to avoid unnecessary concern. When iron supplements are given in a liquid form, teeth may reversibly discolor (this can be avoided through the use of a straw). Intramuscular injection can be painful, and brown discoloration may be noticed.

When haematopoiesis resumes, other essentials for this process (such as folic acid or vitamin B12) may be depleted, and care must be taken to avoid deficiencies of these elements.
Treatments with iron(II) sulfate have higher incidence of adverse events than iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex (IPC) or iron bis-glycinate chelate."

Now I started to say my own name and also how old am I.

No photo was taken lately

Today's Movie -

Coming Back Home

After almost 10 days in Thailand, I am finally flying home today. It was a day in the hotel, had breakfast and mommy and daddy started packing since everyone was busy playing Wii last night. Since the hotel only allow us to use the room will 1400hrs we checked out just before 1400hrs for lunch at a nearby Korean Restaurant as mommy wanted since the day daddy bought the airticket. No one was actually in the restaurant when we entered and no customer when we left either. Anyway we were quite late since by the time we finished lunch it was already 1530hrs and our flight was scheduled to depart at 1510hrs. We manage to catch a cab and arrived in the airport just before 1630hrs.

Check-In was smooth except that the lady in the counter wasn't really friendly and did not give mommy the immigration card for her departure, anyway I was lucky since I was able to follow mommy to the Thai citizen lane, no waiting time!

By the time we pass the immigration, it was final call but luckily the gate was just around the corner and all the passenger has boarded the flight. Anyway the flight was delay due to some problem with the tarmac, the plane had to be towed further out into the taxing way before the plane could move on its one. We only took off from Suvarnabhumi around 1545hrs. I slept the throughout the flight until the plane was about to land when daddy started to buckle me, if not I would definitely would still be sleeping until the plane bump onto the ground.

Since granny and grandpa has gone for a dinner, daddy thought of taking a taxi home but grandpa said he could pick us up from the KLIA Transit Station at Putrajaya, but instead, grandpa got lost and we had to wait for grandpa for about an hour before he got to the station. By the time I got home it was already 2300hrs.

Lunch : Toufu, Pork and Beef BBQ @ Korean Restaurant Soi 11 Sukhumwit
Dinner : Biscuits and Milk

Some photos were taken today.




Click here for more photos in slideshow.

Today's Movie -

Wii..... Wii.... Wiiiiiiiiiiiiii

When I woke up this morning mommy was still not back yet from Chatuchak with Aunty Aey. Mommy and Aunty left the hotel at 0600hrs by underground train to Chatuchak and only return to the hotel around 1030hrs. Then daddy call Uncle Chang if he wants to meet up since daddy had to go to Saphen Lek to buy the Wii console as it as very much cheaper in Bangkok compare to Kuala Lumpur. We waited for Uncle Chang to arrive in the hotel around noon and daddy drove to Bobae Tower since mommy wanted to see what other cloths Grand Aunty Muay had in her store. We arrived in Bobae Tower just before 1230hrs which was quite good in a bad traffic.

Daddy went out with Uncle Chang to Saphan Lek to get his console only to return just before 1630hrs as daddy needed to return the car before 1800hrs. I was in Baboe with mommy and Aunty Aey helping out Grand Aunty Muay as well as walking around to see anything interesting to buy. Mommy got me a Doreamon pyjamas for only THB150 and I fit in nicely. Mommy thinks Bobae isn't as good as Platinum as most of the design were quite normal and nothing special compare to Platinum, Pratunam or even Chatuchak. I had so much fun playing with my other Aunty Bua, Ping and Tong plus 2 other girls from the next shop.

Daddy got back from Saphan Lek with the Wii console and left again to return the car. I left with mommy and Aunty Aey around 1830hrs to meet up with daddy in the hotel before dinner in Sizzler at Siam Discovery with Aunty Muay and husband with Uncle Peh.

Daddy wanted to take me to visit the Aquarium in Paragon but we were already late for dinner and after dinner everyone came to our hotel instead. By the time I was asleep, everyone was still outside in the hall playing wii and having beers.

Lunch : Kuey Chap @ Bobae Tower
Dinner : Salad and Pork Chop @ Sizzler Restaurant

Some photos taken today





Click here for more photos in slideshow.

Today's Movie -

Dreaaammmmmm World!

Finally after months of mommy talking about this place, Dream World, me and daddy was able to see how does this theme park looks like! Daddy drove to picked up Aunty Aey and Aunty Meng near their University in Rangsit which was on the way to Pathum Thani. We arrived at Dream World just before 1200hrs. Mommy got our tickets and we were off into the dream land. Walking to the food court, mommy dropped one of the ticket and no replacement for it, so we could not play at the same time but only 3 at a time, anyway this was what we planned to do.

Daddy wanted to check out the 4D movie but unfortunately it was not open for public yet, so we went for lunch instead while Aunty Aey and Meng went for the Giant House. After lunch it was ride time, Hanging Roller Coaster, Super Splash, Grand Canyon, Super Splash and Haunted House. Since I was too short, I was unable to play any rides on my own. Maybe the next trip when I am there I would be able to go on the ride by myself.

By 1700hrs we had to leave Dream World since it they were closing, which daddy thinks it is too early for a theme park. Even mommy was ask to leave from a retail outlet, Naraya, inside the theme park, which was quite rude. Anyway, since daddy is all wet, we left and drove to Grand Aunty Muay house at Lad Ya, which wasn't too difficult to get there. We arrived a couple of minutes before Grand Auntie Muay arrived so the timing was perfect. We went for dinner in a seafood restaurant in Yaowarat, since mommy and Aunty Aey was craving for crabs. I had a great time with Uncle James whose is only 2 years older than I am actually!

We back to Grand Aunty Muay house after dinner before going back to the hotel. Tomorrow mommy will be going to Chatuchak in the morning and to Bobae Tower to meet Grand Aunty Muay again.

Lunch : Roast Pork Rice
Dinner : Fried Egg, Steam Fish and Fried Vegetable at Yaowarat

Some photos taken today

Click here for more photos in slideshow.

Today's Movie -

Back To Bangkok!

We left Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) in the morning for Outlet Village in Khao Yai before going to Chok Chai Farm. Since daddy has some problem getting his GPS signal, daddy had to relay on a simple city map before satellite signal could be establish. Daddy think the GPS does not work well inside a tinted car. Anyway daddy managed to established the signal after driving for a few minutes.

Along the way, daddy stopped at Wat Luang Phor Toh at Sikhiu. In the previous trip, daddy wanted to stopped over to visit but because daddy thought of visiting Ayutthaya so we skipped it but this time, daddy was determine to visit this highly revered Wat housing a famous monk in the Rattanakosin era, Luang Phor Tor. Unfortunately I slept in the car while daddy was driving there so I stayed in the car with Uncle Chang while daddy and mommy visited the complex.

(Luang Phor Toh Temple)

The next stop, Outlet Village, since daddy got some good bargain the last time he was there but this trip, nothing much seems interesting as the price wasn't very attractive. Mommy manage to get me a pillow from one of the shops for THB140. Some of the shops with retail outlet are, Lacoste, Nike, Adidas, Clarks, Quiksilver and Levi's. After spending about 45mins, we continued our journey to Chok Chai Farm since mommy made a reservation to visit the farm.

This time we had lunch at Chokchai Steakhut, since daddy had a bad experience the last time at Chokchai Steakhouse. But again, we are all disappointed with the serving for a specialty outlet. The steak which daddy ordered was dry and tasteless, the oxtail soup was quite unique and pork ball noodles for me was alright but cost 3 times the normal price outside. Overall I would not suggest anyone to dine at the restaurant here, but mommy likes the milk.

After lunch, we started the farm tour, which cost THB240 per adult which was quite interesting since I was able to "milked" the cow, yes physically! with mommy and I also manage to ride a pony on my own! Other attractions in this farm is horse riding, petting zoo and an animal show.

On the way back, we arrive at the outskirt of Bangkok around 1800hrs and mommy thought it would be easier to have dinner before we check into the hotel. We went to daddy's favourite seafood restaurant, Kungten, which is located at Talingchan, Bangkok. Maybe the next time if we had more people, we could book a private karaoke room instead!

After dinner, mommy met up with Aunty Tar and Uncle Kay with baby Caotang at the hotel, Citadines Soi 11. Don't she look adorable!.

Hope tomorrow I will be able to visit Dream World!

Lunch : Pork Ball Noodle @ Chokchai Steakhut
Dinner : Toufu with Pork Ball @ Kungten, Talingchan

Some photos taken today,

Click here for more photos in slideshow.


View Larger Map

Today's Movie -

Vat Phou Champasak

(Champasak Province paddy fields)

This road trip is turning into a Khmer ruins road trip, starting with Prasat Phanom Rung in Buriram, then accidentally daddy drove passed another ruin, supposedly the oldest in Thailand, Prasat Phompun, and today we are heading to Vat Phou in Champasak province, an UNESCO World Heritage site.

It was a crazy morning when daddy started asking around to rent a van since the tuk-tuk driver yesterday told us it was THB1200 for a return trip includes petrol, toll and ferry but this morning when we called him, the price has shot up to THB1800 which is ridiculous not including the transfer to Chong Mek border. Daddy manage to get a van from the hotel for THB1500 per day use excluding petrol (petrol - THB300).

The journey to the entrance of the temple took about an hour with about 30mins getting across the Mekong river, and driving pass a few villages along the way with unique guesthouses and colonial bungalows as well. This would have been a nice place to relax for a couple of nights.

(main temple of Vat Phou)

We arrived at the complex just before 1100hrs after sorting out the tickets and parking area. This original temple was built as early as 5th century but the current temple was build between the 11th and 13th centuries. The walkway to the temple are still very much intact, with some restoration work being done at the south palace. The temple is about 100m from the ground and part of the stairways are not in good condition so daddy decided to go up on his own since it would be dangerous to carry me on the back. Click here for more information about this temple.

We had lunch at a nameless restaurant, across from the Champasak Governor Office, just before we head back to the Thai border taking the new road. The food wasn't very good and the price was expensive as well. There are some guesthouse with restaurant overlooking the Mekong River as well, which might be better.

(tl : duck larb, tr : Tam Mak Hoong, bl : fried egg, br : mixed vegetable)

Since our driver suggested us to take the new road back to the Thai border and it look good when we passed it yesterday, it turn out to be a off-road ride, with temporary bridges, large holes and fill with dust. It was an interesting ride since it passes some villages and also a temple up in a hill. I was already sleeping by then. It was like sleeping in a bouncing bed. Anyway we got to the Laos Immigration just before 1600hrs, so we don't have to pay for the overtime charges. The border crossing was easy and smooth. We were in Laos for exactly 24hours.

After collecting the car, it was getting dark and daddy wanted to put up a night in Nakhon Ratchasima since it is only a couple of hours drive back to Bangkok. We took a detour to visit the bi-colour river at Khong Chiam but it was dissapointing since it was nothing much but an interesting place to relax as well, with nice guesthouses and some restaurant overlooking the Mekong River.

Daddy drove to Nakhon Ratchasima to sleep since daddy thought of visiting another Khmer temple 60km north of the city. It was a long drive, we arrived in Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) at 2200hrs, it took almost 6 hours with a dinner break at PTT.

Lunch : Pork Ball Soup @ Champasak
Dinner : EzyGo Teriyaki Chicken @ PTT Buriram

Some photos taken today

Click here for more photos in slideshow.

Today's Movie -