Ho Howe Tian Blog

Myanmar （Yangon） Trip

2008-11-19T22:59:00.006+08:00

Long time did not update my blog, several "fans" complained to me already...paisei ya!

I went to Myanmar for a project pursue presentation on 23rd Oct 08. Myanmar, being a military governed country, has NO roaming services, my mobile phone become 'cacat'! Hence, lose touch with people who wants to call/sms me. Besides, its has very poor internet connection too, line is slow and chat messenger like MSN,Yahoo are mostly not usable (however, Mr HT tried the web-based and they worked!hehe). Luckily got internet...still can get connected to love ones and friends...not totally handicapped!

On 24th Oct 08, after my work...I took evening flight back to Singapore and spend the day time to visit the ever famous Swedegon Pagoda which has >2500 years of history. The golden pagado is simply superb...the top portion of it are all made of gold! real gold...no joke! At its tip, there are precious stones and diamonds! Unbelieveable! (Dont ever think of korek ya, 会遭天谴的！ - what I am told）

Prosperity buddha

Myanmar buddhist believe in praying for the birthday buddha. Ever wondering on which day in the week you are born? "Ｗｈａｔ？You dont know which day you're born!!?? " Neither do I....so at there I quickly checked my PDA and apparently I'm born on Wednesday, so...here is the Wednesday Buddha.

福娃的名字

2008-09-27T22:01:00.006+08:00

北京奥运以来，一直不记得全部福娃的名字。只记得有只叫晶晶，还有一只叫欢欢什么的。。。

直到前几天夜晚零睡前在房间里无意中留意一下我去北京出差时北京同事送我的“晶晶”福娃盒子的背面。。。

仔细一看才发现原来福娃的名字就是：

“ 北京欢迎你 ”

好个后知后觉。。。哈哈！

自拍了一张made in Beijing的晶晶福娃盒子! 得来非常有价值，因为是当我身在北京时候正当北京奥运期间道地北京人送给我的北京奥运官方纪念品！（晕吗？哈哈！）

看了我的博客才知道福娃名字由来的人请在COMMENT一环留下姓名吧。。。方便我日后组织一个“后知后觉”团！哇哈哈!

Singapore Driving Law Test: PASS

2008-08-17T19:27:00.002+08:00

On 16 July 08 morning... I took a deep breath and attend the Singapore Driving Law exam!

I was a bit nervous as I did not prepare well. I was busy working and travelling...have taken the test for granted!

The exam was a fully computer automated where one just needs to click on the multiple choice answers on the screen and the system will calculate whether one pass or fail.

The first 3-5 questions were very tough!! I did not recognized I ever seen them from the Law Book , that time, I was thinking "wah lao eh... Singapore standard so high, this time fail sure lose face!!"

But luckily my common sense still works well and when I click on the final screen to evaluate my exam, I PASSSSSSSSSS!!! Yahoo!

Below are some photo I "curi curi" took....hehe

Beijing Trip (24-26 May 08)

2008-06-21T22:57:00.011+08:00

BEIJING, capital of China, a city that I always wanted to visit. Somehow it is in my blood...that being a Chinese native, 1 day I must visit where my native blossom! (hehe, old fashion man ya!)

Again, thanks to Emerson, though it is for business, I manage to step on the soil of this ancient and yet modern city; and explore it for 3 days!

Day1

After landed on Beijing, I went to meet my customer for dinner. First place that I visited is Xiu Shui Street (秀水街). It is a street famous for shopping, especially the main 秀水 mall, are full of China made immitated goods! A bargain paradise that attracts lots of visitors, especially foreigners!

Here are some pictures along the street and the outlook of 秀水 mall!

I was attracted by the big restaurant plate and went in with my customer to try the beef noode...guess what "Taste read bad!!!! :P ... dont ever try!!"

This the outlook of 秀水 mall. Inside are full of immitated goods! Foreginer (especially ang moh) might feel great about it, but to all Malaysian and Singaporean, it's nothing more than Petaling Street, KL and China Town, Singapore. So....come and see see look look okla! Nothing much to buy!

This is the twin tower of Beijing, just opposite 秀水 mall.

The 2nd place I went in Beijing is Wang Fu Jing Street (王俯井街). It is similar to Nanjing Street of Shanghai. 2 rows of nice and high-class shops/malls at the left right of the street.

Then, at the beanch of the street, there is a food town...but the food there are a little bit "unique" to me. So I just see but dont have guts to try...haha.

My customer, Ngieng and me!

"Mr or Miss Gut...plese try me"

At the end of the street, there is a row of food stall. This is much normal food like Lok Lok and Yong Tau Fu, but still...I dont feel like eating by the street.

Night scene at 长安街, it is just at the other end of 王俯井街.

Day2

Day 2 is a more exciting day as I visited some landmarks of Beijing, namely Olympics Stadium, The Nest (鸟巢), Tian An Men (天安门) and Gu Gong (故宫)!!

First I went the The Nest. As the stadium is still in construction and renocation, no public visitor entry is allowed. Hence I got no choice but to take the scene from roadside. Nothing much, just take picture...then I took MRT to the historical landmark of Beijing city: Tian An Men Square!

Well, out of my expectation, Beijing's MRT fare, irregardless of distance, is RMB2 or SGD0.40!! Super cheap! Then I heard bus fare is only RMB0.40 or SGD0.08...can you imagine? My friend told me that this is how the China government encourage its people to use public transport by heavily subsidizing the public transport fare.

Tian An Men square is actually the outer part of Gu Gong. Hence by just walking through it, one will reach Gu Gong.

Gu Gong, the palace of many Emperor of China, was a huge palace! Many segments and branch. Someone says, by visiting it, one can really tell how luxurious was the live of an China Emperor!

Day 3

I went to Beijing office on Day 3, was working for the wholeday. Hence no chance to go any other places of interest except, new Biejing Airport (Terminal 3), haha!

As I only have a short time here in Beijing, still, there are lots of places I miss. My next agenda will definitely be the Great Wall if I can come again! Tata~~

Taipei, Taiwan Tour (28Mac - 1 April 08)

2008-05-14T09:16:00.011+08:00

Taipei 4 days 'free-&-easy' trip

Taiwan, especially Taipei city, has always been a place my darLING wanted to visit since we were together. Well...result of watching too much of Taiwanese entertainment TV show which successfully promoted Taipei as a heaven for food and shopping lover! So...here comes my darLING and there goes my money...wahaha!!

Day 1, we went to mount Yang Ming (阳明山). Just nice that it is 海芋 season so mountain are full of 海芋 ! Very nice!

Then we went to DanShui Street (淡水老街) for food and walkaround...very crowded but we gonna taste what Taipei social life is about.

Then, out of sudden, we were attracted by the 'fast-draw' artist. We saw the sample painting and they really look real. The best part is...the painter promised to deliver the drawing in 15minutes! So, we give it a try and spent SGD30 for 1 painting...worth? I dont know, but certainly memorable as this is the 1st oversea trip after our marriage and the painting symbolized that :)

Near evening time we visited Fisherman Harbour (渔人码头). This is 1 attraction of 淡水area. Behind us is the famous Lovers Bridge (情人桥).

Beautiful sunset...and this picture is taken on the Lovers Bridge.

Night time we went back 西门町 (Xi Men Ding) where our hotel is located.

Day 2, we went to City Hall area. Not to miss...is of course the grand Taipei 101 building. We walked around that area, which is actualy a shopping area. Then shopped around. Well...things are nice but its price is 'throat-cutting', imagine, 1 dress cost SGD500...

the shopping area around City Hall is called 新光三月. Lots of branded goods and fine restaurant, one can spent 1 day there if he/she is an active shopper!

Evening time we went ShiLin (士林夜市) night market for food...this is a well-known night market not to be missed! 1 of the tourist spot famous for variety of nice food. Ling is a food lover and here she found her heaven :P

Again...after 1 whole day of tour, we went back to Xin Men Ding.

Day3, even worse, right from the morning, Taipei was raining heavily. But no choice, we still need to visit places and not wasting time.

The 1st station we went was Long Shan Temple(龙山寺). The architecture of temple is great and we see lots worshipping here you cant see in the picture as they all stay behind the camera man, haha.

Next we visited 忠正纪念堂, where it is built to give memory to developer or discoverer of Taiwan, the great Chiang Kai Shek (蒋介士). At the time we visit this place, the sky was raining damn heavily...wind was blowing strong, believe it or not, we cant even hold our umbrella straigh at 1 point of time.

We took the outer and inner view of the place, together with the statue of the great Chiang Kai Shek .

Next, we took long MRT and shuttle bus to visit the famous 故宫博物院 (Muzium).

Night time we visited 师大夜市. Tasted 2 great food there as show in the pictures.

Day4, the last place we visited in Taipei before we end our memorable trip is 国父纪念馆. It is built to give credict and memory to the great Sun Yat Sen (孙中山).

Taiwan Work (22-28 March 08)

2008-04-05T15:13:00.007+08:00

Long time did not update my blog...kind of busy, hehe.

On 22-28 March 08, I was involved in my company's product (Wireless Solutions) lauching in Taiwan. It's a tough schedule as we have to launch the product in a huge seminar style in 3 locations: Taipei, TaiChung and KaoSiung in 5 days. So the day in between was a traveling and setup day for us...very rush, no time for rest...hsuhhh...like 巡回演唱会...台湾走透透!! :)

Let me share some of my working situation here:

Posing with the Wireless Backdrobe

In launching seminar (Taichung)

In launching seminar (Kaosiung)

During the seminar time, what I do is to standby behind for questions. Then, during tea break or lunch or specific demo time, I'll be meeting with customers to explain about our solutions offering and address thier queries!

HT in action!

"Are you American?" VS "Are you Malaysian?"

2008-03-07T20:35:00.007+08:00

I was hosting my American colleague back at my hometown yesterday for customer visit. After meeting with customer I took him for afternoon tea. We were having friendly chat while he was tasting Kuching's local "Ang Dao Peng" , "Rojak" and "Belacan Beehoon".

Out of curiosity, I ask him "Are you American?" . He replied " Ya...why do you ask that?" I said "Just curious, because your last name, Schodowski, doesnt sound like original American". He laughed "Oh ya, my ancestor were from Poland, they migrated to the States couple of hundred years ago, I am the 3rd generation American." "I see..." I replied.

"Are you not Malaysian, I thought you are just working in Singapore?" He then asked interestingly. I replied "Ya, I'm Malaysian, just working over Singapore. Well...to be more exact, I am a Chinese Malaysian. My grandfather migrated from China but I'm born here, 2nd generation Malaysian."

"Ok, so it is a multicutural society here, no wonder I see there are different races like the Malay and Indian....so....you're just like me!" He smiled. I thought for a while and sighed "Ya...just like you but not really like you. Even though I'm Malaysian, but not really a fully rightful Malaysian."

His eyes start to open wide and ask "What do you mean by fully rightful? I thought being born here you enjoy the right as the nation's citizen?" This time round, I sighed even deeper "Well, in this country, though we are all citizen of the nation, we have citizen "classification". The 1st class citizen, namely the "bumiputera", i.e. the Malay, is the native here. They have various benefits if compared to the "2nd class" or migrant citizien like the Chinese or Indian. It's much easier for their businessman to get a government project tender, their children is easier to get scholarhsip / text book subsidy / entry to university, their worker is easier to get promoted in government companies....etc etc. Where as for Chinese or other non-bumiputera races, we do not have such benefits"

He replied " Oh...that's bad! We dont have that in the States, every citizen is treated the same, we have the same right over every aspects in live, irregardless of where do we come from....hmm....so life must be tough for you guys then?" I said " Ya...tougher....but we survived! So for those who don' survive well locally, we gone exile to find opportunity in other country, just like me...haha!!" We both burst into laughter ~~!

As the discussion goes by, I told him more about the situation in the country...how Sarawak itself as a state of natural resources wealth production place is 10 years behind West M'sia, how Malaysia, with so much natural resources as a country, lag far behind Singapore....how we survive as fresh graduate, earning RM2000 where Honda Camry is RM120,000 where US fresh grad earns US$2000 but Toyota Camry is only US$18,000....bla bla....

At last, Mr Schodowski said.... "Well...... come to America!"

Vietnam Trip (21 - 24 Jan 08)

2008-02-26T08:59:00.002+08:00

Been to Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam from 21 - 24 January for work.

A unique city where there are thousands of motorbikes on the road, very messy way of driving and congested, and yet no accident!! Amazing!! You got to really see it!

I understand from colleagues that Vietnamese is unique in such a way that they were ruled by the Chinese for 1000years in the olden days, hence people's lifestyle and culture resembles the Chinese (most obvious are the food and religion); where later ruled by the Western civilizations. Hence one will see such a cultural diversification over here.

Easten Building

Western Building

On the 3rd day of visit, I went to Vung Tau to meet customer, a small industrial city by the sea that is just a 1.5hours ferry ride from Ho Chi Minh. It's a peaceful city that is surprisingly clean. Enjoy it!

Vung Tau harbour

Vung Tau harbour station

Beautiful sunset @Vung Tau

True Colour of Japan Trip (7th - 13th Nov 07)

2007-12-18T21:31:00.000+08:00

1 of my friend asked me "How come your Japan trip writeup only have you alone? I thought you are going with your girl friend (he meant fiancee)?".

"Ya...I did!!" - Actually the true colour of this Japan trip is "pre-honeymoon trip" for me and my fiancee. I was working till 9th and my darling came over to join me on the 7th. For the first 2 days, we only went out during night time after my work. Then I extended my stay after my work, from 10-13th, we were having full 4 days to explore Tokyo! (updating...stay tune!)

Asakusa

1 of Tokyo's 'must-go' destination is Asakusa! It is actually a temple for Japanese traditional worshipping. But due to moden development, its surrounding has became a market where the vendors are selling all sorts of stuff ranging from food to accesories to souvenirs. So, if one comes here, he/she not only can visit a unique tourist locations, but also..he/she can get all the sourvenir for him/herself as well as for friends/family. So...1 stone 2 birds!

Entrance

Walkway into the temple, surrounded by shops

A Japanese child,dressed in traditional costume, who is about to undergo worshipping ceremony, 'borrowed' by us for a photo!

Temple

Lucky water - drink it and get lucky? I'm not sure, but 1 thing for sure -- its free! :P

Lucky smoke....breathe it and get lucky? I'm not sure...but once again, for sure it's free! :D

Tokyo Disney Land

Tokyo Disney Land - 1 of the spot one can never miss if he/she visit Tokyo. The Disney theme park actually seperated into Disney Sea and Land. Due to limitation of time, we decided to only visit Disney land

The theme park is huge! We purposely chose to visit on Monday, thinking maybe on weekday there wont be so crowded...but ot of our expectation, the crowd was huge, very huge! The entrance fee is about S$80 per adult. A bit expensive but all the entrance fee individual park and ride is all included, additional ticket is not needed.

I went to Korean largest theme park, Everland in January 07. Both of them are comparable in size but Disneyland is somewhat bigger. Took us non-stop from 10am (only break 40min for lunch) to run here and there to explore the site.

Couple with a great wheather of 10-15 deg C and clear blue sky, it was a fun day!

Disney night got its charm...as one can enjoy the magnificient lighting of the cartoon character!

Both of us did not have dinner in order to save time for more visiting & photo shooting in Disneyland, so...for our dinner back at hotel, it was only - cup noodle! haha

明治神宫 (Temple)

Entrance

Wishing Plate - We wrote some wishes on the plate, and the wishes are... secret

Jemima Exhibition, Japan (4-9th)

2007-12-11T08:59:00.001+08:00

Long time did not update my blog...hmm...for all the fan of hohowetian.blogspot.com , "so sorry!"

I was terribly busy for the month of November as I have been traveling to various places starting 29 OCt...first to Penang, then Shanghai, then Tokyo, then KL (twice)...finally Goa/Delhi and back to Spore on 2th Dec 07. In the month of November, I think only 1/4 of time I am in Spore, the rest, distributed to all the places above.

Japan...a country that I never imagine I'll go before I am 30yrs old. Thanks to Emerson, I was there to support an International Control / Instrumentation exhibition, JEMIMA from 7-9th Nov, and I flew there on 3rd Nov to do preparation.

After reaching Narita Airport for a 6 hours flight from Singapore, I then sit on the train, heading to Chiba, whnere Emerson Solution Centre, Japan is, to do setup for my exhibition equipment.

After reach Narita airport, I rush into the train to head for Chiba, where Emerson Solution Centre is located

Train full of traveller's luggage - 90% of Japanese people travel by train

Reach Chiba...on the road, searching for my hotel

After settle down in hotel, I then meet my coleague for dinner

Well...Japanese culture...eat - must 'drink'! So, only 1 small cup, my face was so red, I'm such a lousy drinker!

Finish eating & drinking, before leave the restaurant, took a picture with my Japanese colleague, Fukuda & Spore colleage, Glen.

This is my hotel room, smallest ever I've stayed with Emerson business trip. In Japan they call it business hotel where people who work late and lazy to go home, so stay overnight. Guess what, though small, it is about SGD140 / night!

My bed....

The hotel provides Japanese sleeping gown, so I just try..."O Ya Su Mi Na Sai"!

2nd day...equipment setup work begins! Waiting for train to office...

Chiba Solution Centre, Emerson Japan. Wonder why no one by the road? Well...it is SUNDAY! See...I am so pity, need to burn my Saturday travel to Japan and spent Sunday in office!!

In the office...

Batam Trip (29, 30 September 07)

2007-10-08T09:01:00.001+08:00

This time round I 夫凭妇贵, Ling's company organized an annual company trip to Batam Island on 29, 30 September 07. Hence I ride on the tide and sailed over to island with my lovely fiancee.

Batam (Indonesia) is a small island due South from Singapore, approximately 50minutes ferry ride.

Harbour Front, Singapore

KTM Resorts, Batam

KTM Resorts

Balerang Bridge

Eat Coconut (special skill by locals)

Largest Buddhist Temple in South Asia

Bus which took us round

Our tour guide, Nelle

Brunei Trip (14-16 Aug 07)

2007-09-03T13:13:00.000+08:00

I was on a trip to Brunei for SHELL Roadshow (14-16 Aug 07).

Brunei is just less than an hour flight from Kuching (my hometown) and I never been there before until then.

On the way to my destination, SHELL at Kuala Belait (1 town of Brunei), along the journey was mostly jungle / forest. I heard from the driver that 70% Brunei is still covered by rainforest, not developed yet.

reaching to Kuala Belait (KB), which is a small town, I settled down in a 5 Floor Hotel, Swiss Hotel Apartment. My colleague told me KB is a small town and this hotel is the tallest building in this area, hahaha! I took a picture from my room and here is the view of KB.

KB area

This is Shell building, 20min drive from my hotel

Taken inside Shell Building

Outside Shell Building

Machines used to 'dig' oil onshore

Closer look on the machine

After work my colleague treat us dinner at Thai restaurant, food very nice! And somemore very high tech - the waitress use PDA to order food, haha!

Brunei Airport

Outside Departure Hall

Inside Departure Hall

2nd Bridal Shooting (Chinese Garden, 19 Aug 07)

2007-08-24T23:10:00.000+08:00

The day before shooting, we checked the weather forecast online. The whole week
is raining. Weather not good. We called Bridal shop to inform them but they say
try luck first. Who knows.....our luck is.......

Just arrive the garden, unfortunately rain also start to pour....sky not
blessing us....however, we are lucky that when we reach there, we found out
today is the last day this garden open to public due they will close for
lantern festive renovation....God still blessing us!!!

Before the day of shooting, we surveyed the garden and found one of the good spot- lake view.........

As its a cloudy day with tiny rain drops.....the color of the lake become.....

Thanks to the assistant who help to adjust our hair as a result of strong wind!! Hmmm...must look "sui sui" in the photo ya!!

Another nice nice spot we chose - bamboo background! We were shooting under strong
wind and rain drops. We were worrying that the rain drops mihgt damage our make-up...luckily they didnt : )

Handsome groom??...

During our survey, we found a small jungle here....should be nice view...

The guide map for Chinese Garden....it's a big garden....it's a secret
garden my little bride found for our shooting...

In the picture one cant really tell, but the actual condition is muddy!!

Wow....this pose is really hard & killing my little bride's waist!

i like this bridge with its shadow in the lake....but u never know that we
were actually shooting under the rain

The rain still keep pouring....never stop....so we were forced to stop... No way!! There still left 1 important spot....so my pretty bride have to wait at the
shelter....

the rain is heavy and never stop, so i took the umbrella to 7-11 nearby
to buy drinks and snack for everyone while waiting....must give KOPI-O to
photographer so he will take nice photo for us....hehe

aih, it's almost 5.30pm, the rain still haven't stop, however we still have to
maintain our smile for the shooting later....
Hurray...rain finally stop...got to prepare to start shooting...must make
sure my make up still ok....got to ask my bride to help me make "sui sui"...

SEE...there still rain drops on the flower
We waited long for this beautiful flower scene, it is worthy, right? OOPs....before we finish shooting...the rain come again...even heavier...we are forced to end our shooting here......Thus we can't go to Raffles place to shoot.....we are forced to postpone the shooting to next week....really tired.......

Thanks to my pretty bride who spot this beautiful garden for our
shooting....and also many thanks to our nanny who help us to take these
beautiful photo whole day in the rain and muddy field.....

1st Bridal Photo Shooting (Desaru, JB 12 Aug 07)

2007-08-14T09:43:00.000+08:00

On last Sunday, I started our 1st bridal photo shooting . Our package include 3 shootings:
1) Outdoor at JB - we chosen Desaru beachside as it has fascinating
2) Outdoor at Singapore (shoot coming Sunday) - Chinese Garden & Raffles Place, etc
3) Indoor at Bridal studio.

The route to Desaru is pretty long - 2 hours from JB city. Wearing in thick blazers, I was sweating throughout the whole process. Luckily the beachside was very windy and it ease of some heat. I was a little bit clumsy in posing but my pretty bride was very professional in her act, really talented to be partime model. The whole 3 hour process was somewhat heaty and exhausting for me...but when I saw the excitement in my beautiful bride's eyes, every effort spent was worhty! (including the $ I paid, hehe)

Thanks to our nanny, Loon Yee and Siew Ping, who followed the whole process and captured some great shots for us using my Lumix FX-01!! Here are some previews for sharing:

Trip to Delhi, India

2007-07-24T01:40:00.000+08:00

My recent trip was to Delhi, India for seminars. I arrived at 1:40am (24th July 07, Tuesday) but in Delhi, it was only 11:10pm. (2 hours earlier than Singapore/Malaysia).

My seminar is a 1 day seminar on 25th and my flight back to Singapore was 11pm on 26th (only 1 flight per day from Delhi to Singapore). So on 26th I decided to go for a day tour in Delhi. I have asked my India's colleague help to hired a dedicated card to bring me around for sight seeing. On 26th itself, when I get into the car, I was surprise because not only I have a driver to drive me around but another tour guide to company me and explain the details about the places of interest to me...wow...feel pampered!

This is the Toyota car that brought me around

You always see the famous 'Overload' pictures mail forwarded from your friend right? Well, it really happens and I saw it with my own eyes! Here is the prove! Unbelieveable, the whole bus is full and passengers 'overflow'...

This is the condition on the Old Delhi road...miserable! Well, Delhi road is very packed and busy...

This is the so called TAXI in Delhi, in Thailand, people called it Tuk-Tuk...in India, they called it Autoshaw (if I remember correctly)

Autoshaw internal view (its a motorbike actually with 2 wheel modified behind)

In M'sia or S'pore, if you dirve and horn...you'll end up in a road fight! But in Delhi, India, you are 'encouraged' to horn and on the road...this picture is actually the back of a public bus, it even printed "Please horn" ! Thus, the horn sound is everywhere! Very 'pek chek' ! Culture difference, haha!

My 1st spot -- to see 200meters Monkey God statue

Lotus Temple (by Bahai religion)

Hamayun's Tomb. This is the Tomb of India emperor, King Hamayun! They said this is the Taj Mahal of Delhi! Very nice architecture! You know what...the whole Delhi is full of such 'tombs' of King's and the famous history people of India. Haih...very wastelful, spent so much money and effort to build a grave yard...while on the road there are so many poor people!

The famous India Gate - on it got carved 7000 names who all of these hero sacrificed for India in World War I.

Opposite India Gate was the famous goverment street where its centre is President House.

An astronomy architecture (forget the name :P)

Red Fort - where the India Prime Minister will address the soldiers and public during India National Day.

Heading towards Jama Masjid - 1 of the world's largest mosque. It can accomodates 20,000-30,000 Muslim during prayers time, its capacity equivalent to a lot of English Premier League football club stadium.

I was now sitting on the trishaw...wow...very scary because not only it is not stable but beside me a lot of other vehicle pass by...huh...what an experience!

Jama Masjid

This is the full face of the trishaw - the driver and my tour guide, Mr Sharma.

Swaminaraya Arshadam. This temple or architecture is built by the followers of god Swiminarayan! They spent India Rupee $5 billion on it! We are only allowed to take pictures from outside. We are forbidden to bring handphone and camera into the temple!

Too bad I cant bring camera, else you'll see the finest architecture in the world. Wow...I myself cant believe it, the carving are superb! On every wall, every ceiling, every pillars! Not carve on woods but on solid bricks, marbels and even GOLD! I got a catalogue, can borrow from me... : )

My driver - Mr Narender and my tour guide, Mr Sharma

Kutub Minar. Orginally got 7th floor and the upper 2 floor was distroyed by a flying plane in 19xx year (cant remember).

END of my day tour

Showing you my hotel room at The Grand (Hyatt) of Delhi, India. Room 384, very big and nice - S$380 a night:

Korea trip (26-30th June 07)

2007-06-29T07:54:00.000+08:00

After UI's wedding, I flew back to Singapore to reunite with my beloved fiancee for a day on 25th June. Then immediately on 26th, I am on my way to Korea. It is a business trip to Ulsan and Gunsan, for seminar.

I had my engagement + proposal (hehe) tour to Korea this January with my darLING. This time round, I travel alone, its a long journey and how I wish she could be along with me. Well, no choice, gonna work...

9am on the plane, felt like didnt 'YAMSENG' enough with my newly-wed best friend, Ung Ing, so...Mr Lau...'YAMSENG'!

Reach Incheon International Airport, Korea

From Incheon, I took a plane to Ulsan and settled down at Lotte Hotel

View inside Lotte Hotel (lobby)

View inside Lotte Hotel (front desk)

Marvellous Ulsan worldcup stadium (2002). Wonderring what I am doing here? Well...my seminar was held here...at the convention hall located at the stadium's ground floor. The Korean goverment is smart, they dont build the stadium just for 1 time soccer event, but instead, the halls at its ground floor are used for multiple functions: seminar, convention, talks, wedding, dinner, banquet...etc. So, rental are collected : )

Taking opportunity to take photo at worldcup stadium's exhibition hall. Nice photo? Well...I took it myself by setting timer...

World Cup...

Inside Ulsan WorldCup Stadium

Seminar Speaker from Austin, US - Mr Aaron Shaw (seminar finished)

Dinner time...the restaurant is just around Lotte Hotel

We chosen Begogi...thin slices of beef...fantastic soup...yummy!

Touring around the Ulsan city...by walk

A pub near my hotel, statue of Thai's...wonder why?

Night Scene

Before leaving Ulsan for Kunsan by car, I took a picture with the bell girl of Lottle Hotel, pretty right? hehe

On the highway...stop by the rest area, something like Yong Peng, they called it the Service Area, to get some drinks and of course...go toilet

Normal foodcourt at the Service Area...how nice...compared to the Malaysia highway's one...you judge!

Reached Kunsan...Ritz Plaze Hotel

Dinner with Korea colleauges, this is Mr Danny Jeong, Director of PSS Sales

Pork BBQ - superb!

Korean wine...'SOJU'

After Kunsan seminar finish, we moved to Seoul to take plane back to Spore the next day. So night time, I took opportunity to visit Dong Dae Mon, a famous night street in Seoul.

Dong Dae Mon - this is the ' East Gate' that the whole street is named after

Dong Dae Mon

Seoul River - its length covers 5-6 MRT stations

My flight was 7pm back to Spore, so in the morning, I took the opportunity to visit 1 more place...which I chose Seoul Tower (also know as Namsan Tower).

It's a landmark of the metropolitan city of Seoul.

On the hill top, there are some ancient Korean soldiers? How come? Well, in actual fact, Namsan Tower was a tower where ancient soldier of Korea use to guard and oversea the condition of the city, and if they discover any intruder, they will burn the exhaust so the smoke will rise to notify the other troops from the far! I took a picture with the general...hehe!

Ung Ing Wedding (24 June 07)

2007-06-27T23:11:00.000+08:00

1 of my best friend, Mr Lau Ung Ing, has got married with his love one, Miss Tan Pai Chee on 24 June 07.

I feel happy for them...its a little bit hard to believe that they had come so far to be together and finally get on the red carpet well, I believe it is the god's will and they are 'destined' to be together (detail pls ask Ung Ing).

Upon confirmation of Ung Ing, 4 of us from Singapore: Loon Yee, Chow Yin, Vui Chung and I flew back to help him on his wedding day! Woouushh.....the 'help' is much tiring then I expected. First, UI requested myself and Yin to give a speech for him in his wedding dinner, so we scratched our head 2 weeks before his wedding, meetup 2 times in Spore by MRT to draft the script. Finally get it done on 21 June 07 but not yet rehearse as we are busy.

1 day before the wedding,in the afternoon, I meetup with UI and VC so we can discuss about the wedding day itenary. On the night itself, Yin and I gathered at UI house to rehearse and at the same time listen to his last few commands for the 'help'. Yee was there with us too but Mr JVC late for 2 hours! So...originally we were thinking to give Mr nice guy UILAU a bachelor party...but end up only....only....only...aih...detail pls ask UI.

All the 4 brothers gathered at UI's house 515am as requested. Chow Yin was the bridal car driver and Vui chung was the 'brother's car' driver. At 530am, we then drove to Pai Chee (PC) house at 9th mile to fetch her and the reaching timing must be around 6am. So once reach PC's house, all her 'sisters' has already stand-by! They requested RM999 to open the door the UI to fetch PC. Actually uI knew about it and had asked we, the 4 'brothers' to negotiate. So I took the lead and negotiate...and we I say 'charge' ....my other 3 brothers were standing behind...watching me kena slaughter...#$%$^&@!

brotherhood!I was forced to submit my Citibank Platinjum Visa card to pay for the bill...but they still not satisfied and didnt wanna open the door. Luckily Linda (PC's elder sister) helped us by asking UI and the 'brothers'to perfoirm 3 tasks: 1) Ask UI sing a song for PC (borthers help)2) ASK UI say 'I Love You' to PC loudly in 3 different languages3) Ask UI to guess the favourite colour of PC As these are sap sap sui requests, we pass easily and hence UI got his bride :) Then we drove to UI's old house for the newly wed couple to 拜祖先 & 敬茶 to his elderly. Right after that we drove to UI's new house, where the newly wed still stay together alone happily, to unload all PC's 嫁妆. I was lucky to carry the 马桶 and entitle to take the ang pow in it. At his house, the next session of 敬茶 took place and this time the newly wed receive 敬茶 from younger family members too.

We then eat the Thian Court catered food at UI's house and drove to PC's house for the 回娘家 ceremony. There, another round of 敬茶 ceremony took place. While the newly wed was busy with their ceremony, we, the 4 brothers just chat and sustain the heat generated inside our coat!gegege...

After that, we again took the newly-wed back to UI's new house for a rest and we ourself also go back home to rest too, gather energy for night time wedding dinner.

Night time, we were at the Thian Court, Crown Square to help up since 530pm. Our job was to help UI direct his beloved guest to their respective table / seat. Got 1 funny thing...Siong Wee is suppose to join us at our table, but after the 1st dish was out, he hasnt come. Yee then used my phone to call him and he answered " You are back from Spore? Dont fool me la...their wedding is on 27th!" I then took over the phone and still he dont trust me. Luckily we were smart, we pass the phone to Mr Thrustworthy Lai and finnaly he believed us and rush to join us. When he reached, luckily still 2nd dishes, he didnt miss much. Then, after 3rd dishes, Yin and I went on stage to talk about how we knew the couple and what is our impression about them. It was a short 10min speech that is followed by a surprise for the newly wed -- a pre-recorded video clips from Mr CyongT (Germany)m which is very funny!

Then, Erin (UI's 1st younger sister) delivered a speech using English for the newly wed for 15min. Wow...so touching, the content was touching and sincere...how I wish I got such sister to speak for me on 12 Feb 08. Though sincere, I find the content's integrity a bit 'suspicious' when Erin mentioned "When I study university, I used to wake up late and my brother cater lunch and tapao for me..." ... hmm...who tapao? Hello? Hello? I cant hear you!! Later when every activities end...we took a group photo.

0530am: "All for 1 & 1 for call, for you brother"

0630am: UI" Yes! Finally they open the door & I got my wife!"

At Ung Ing's old house (KK Corner)

Ang Pao for me who carry the 'tam pui'

Group Photo for friends who come wedding dinner

Yin & I on the stage talking about "Bride and Groom"

Erin 'spiak' English to priase his brother for 15min, how I wish I got such a sister

Me and UI's cousin, Jonathan, 186cm, 25 yrs old, an architect (single + available)

Chen Tai Visit (17 June 07)

2007-06-27T06:35:00.000+08:00

Outside Sim Lim Square

Outside Kuan Yin Temple

Fruit Juice For Everyone after 1/2 day shopping

In Front of Bugis ChinaTown street

Outside Bugis Junction Air-Cond Hall

Recently was really busy for blogging...there are a few events to be blogged now, let me start with this...

1 of my best friend, Mr CyongT visited us in Singapore on 17th (Sunday). He came to Spore transit to his flight back to Germany. He actually came a few times before this but all on weekdays, as we were too busy working on weekdays, we dont have the chance to show him around.

So, since it was a Sunday when he came and he got 1/2 day free time, we took him to BUGIS.

The reason why we chose BUGIS is because this is a unique Singaporean tourist spot where it has a modern mall, a chinatown type of street, most famous KuanYin temple in Spore and the famous IT mall - Sim Lim Square in Singapore. (Actually 1 of the reason was I wanna go Sim Lim to buy back my lost camera - Lumix, hehe)

Mr Wong Chiau Yew was suppose to join us but too bad he was forced to OT...it was a fun and trip to BUGIS as we have bought what we wanted:

1) Tai = card reader

2) Yee = computer to TV cable

3) Yin = ethernet cable

4) Tian = Lumix digicam

Hope to see you again soon...and take care...Mr CyongT

Ling Birthday (16 June 07)

2007-06-17T02:20:00.000+08:00

"Happy Birthday" to my lovely fiancee, glad you like the flower and the bear!

Shanghai Trip

2007-06-07T09:46:00.000+08:00

I went to Shanghai, China for seminar from 5th - 9th June 07. It was a great trip that enabled me to witness the most developed / modernized city of China and the people's culture over there.

It's an artificial city, something like Singapore, full of tall buildings and sky crappers. The building there are very nice and unique. Much better than what we have at Singapore.

Of course, I 1st reach Shanghai International Airport. Basically Shanghai city is divided into 2 parts: East(浦东) and West (浦西). The international is located at the east, so its named after the location, Pudong = 浦东

Shanghai Pudong 浦东Airport

I reach my hotel, Nanxinya Ramada hotel at 430pm on 5th June 07. I met my China colleagues, talk a bit and then check in. It's a 5 star hotel with great facilities. Here are some pictures:

Hotel Lobby Hotel Lobby

Hotel Lobby

Hotel Buffet Restaurant

Nanxinya Ramada hotel, 九江路,上海

My hotel is situated at a very strategic location: centre of Shangai city. By walking out of the hotel, one could access the famous Nanjing Street of Shanghai. This street is just comparable to Orchard road in Singapore. Full of shops and shopping malls at both sides of the street. At each end of the street are MRT stations, similar to Orchard MRT and Somerset MRT station.

Night Scene

New Nanjing Street

My official work ended on Thursday. I stay back 1 day in Shanghai to tour around. So on Friday morning, I started my journey. As I mentioned, my hotel location is very strategic, within 10min walk, I can get access to another part of the city which is where the Shanghai musuem, art theathre and city council located.

人民路

Fountain at musuem park

Shanghai Musuem

In the evening, we took MRT to a station called 陆家嘴 to view the famous Oriental Pearl. This building is the symbol of Shanghai, similar to KLCC of KL, and 陆家嘴 MRT station is just like KLCC LRT station.

Oriental Pearl (东方明珠)

After visitng the oriental Pearl, night time, we took an MRT back and visited The Bund. This is a world famous river view for its superb lighting.

Wonder why superb view on got 2 lousy pictures? It is because my camera got pick-pocketed!! And this are the pictures I asked my colleague to quickly take for me. At that time, I was about to follow the police 公安, to report the case in the police station. Damn...the theif is really good!! So mad that I lose all my Yu Yuan, Oriental Pearl and The Bund photos. So whatever you see after the musuem, is from my colleague camera. Sob..sob...

The Bund (外滩)

My Engagement

2007-05-29T22:58:00.000+08:00

When I started my blog, it has been quite sometime since my engagement. So I didnt upload my photo, well, I guess its time to add them on...

I had a traditional Chinese Engagement on 07 Oct 06, and the picture of the lucky women are as shwon below, haha. In actual fact, I am the lucky guy. Having to be able to have a lovely and kind hearted lady as the partner of my life.

It's a simple ceremony with a ring exchange session in the morning and families dinner at Lok Thian restaurant in the night.

We are the champion!

2007-05-14T08:51:00.001+08:00

Glory glory Man Utd!!! Finally, after fighting for 3 seasons, which Arsena & Chelsea has dominated the English Premier League, the EPL cup has finally returned to Old Trafford, Manchester!!

Early season saw ManUtd & Chelsea are fighting very tightlyfor the 1st position! But it was us who lead the way and manage to get back the title becasue of our consistency in performance.

Ronaldo and Rooney are the key to our success. Thier 1 time brilliance in a particular match was always the key to our victory in a match!! Not forgeting our strong defense by new chap Vidic & Evra, as well as Ferdinand and Neville. Also, our mighty goal keep Van der Sar has made several brilliant save especailly the penalty against ManCity last week to make us crown Champion 2 match earlier!

The likes of Paul Schole and Giggs also provided good experiemce control at the midfield level. Michael Carrick is improving and hopefully next season he can be more stable. My ultimate hope is that we will be able to bring Owen Heagreaves to Old Trafford to strenghten our midfield.

Congratulations to Man Utd and myself and all the ManUtd fans around the world!! Lets look forward to FA cup final!

Last day in Chartered

2007-05-13T13:18:00.000+08:00

10 May 05 is my last day of service in Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Singapore. Joining since 28 Nov 07, it has been a great 18-months for me to work in such a 'unique' and dynamic environment, especially to be able to know some of my good friends in Facilities Department...to share the joy and depress moments. I'll be missing all my usual 'breakfast, lunch and tea break' kaki....

Chartered was once my dream company, a company where each time my ex-CEO mentioned about their name in the communication, I look upon to...joining it was a split second decision and leaving is was another split second decision...

Well, live moves on...I am joining another dynamic company where I am really excvited because it is my dream come true - finally I'm able to live my dream and working as Marekting Engineer!! New chapter of life...

Singapore Aviva Badminton Open (7 May 07)

2007-05-07T00:06:00.000+08:00

I was watching Singapore Aviva Badminton Open semi-final and final games this weekend with my friends at Singapore Indoor Stadium at Kallang.

This event was held yearly. For more information, please visit: http://singaporebadmintonopen.com/en/home/

The atmosphere was exciting! Especially during Malaysia player's game, the Malaysia cheer team was at their best! Leading by the 'Super Ever Loyal Fan', they almost bring down the roof of the stadium! I was sitting near the cheer team with Chow Yin during the semi-final game and manage to take a picture with the ever loyal cheer leader!

Chinese Garden

2007-03-27T23:37:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday (25th Mac 07), went to Chinese Garden to survey the spot. Wow...what a massive discovery, I never know Singapore got such a nice place!! Like the name implies, it is a Garden that is decorated with Chinese architecture, superb view and design! It is just 5min walk from Chinese Garden MRT.

Honda Civic 8th Generation

2007-03-14T00:37:00.000+08:00

I am not a car fan as many of my friends know. I have been driving my Honda Accord since 1997 and are satisfied with it.

However, nowadays, I am falling in love with Honda Civic 8th Generation! Civic is well-known for its modern / sylish look but this 8th Generation model is a combination between the Civic's stylish and Accord's elegant! What a match from heaven!

Well, it is not a 'brand new' model and there are a lot of such car on Singapore street now...unfortunately,none belong to me :P Though, its a really nice car and I wish to get 1 in future!

MU beat Liverpool 1-0 (Away)

2007-03-05T08:22:00.000+08:00

MU beat Liverpool at Anfield (away) at the 91th minute!! Thanks to Ronaldo, Saha and the 'never really matters' John O'Shea!!

MU was never on the top form in the whole game and Liverpool has dominated 60% of the game! However, football is cruel, MU only need 1 chance (somemore on the 91th minute) to turn the thing around! Well, we have a bit of luck here but that's the quality of the champion!

Chiau Yew and Chow Yin were watching together with me at my home. Yew and I, the die hard MU fan were cheering as if the Premiership throphy is in our hand (Though not far away)!! Chow Yin was a bit disappointed as he supported Liverpool (last minute supporter, never like watching fotball, just to oppose Yew & I)!!

So, I would like to tell Mr Morinhno & all Chelsea supporters "Pls dont make your players exhausted so much to chase for the premiership title where we already got one hand on it, focus on your Champions League or FA Cup, you may still stay a chance!"

CNY 2007

2007-03-03T18:18:00.000+08:00

This year, I was taking leave and back to Kuching from 14 - 25 Feb 07. During CNY, 3 things that I never miss - Visiting, gambling and going to Green Hill Temple.

1. Visiting

Nen Huang House (Cheng Ho Road)

Ung Ing House (Samarahan)

Vui Chung House (Samarahan)

This year, quite a few of our friends move to new house. So during our CNY 1st day group visiting, which has become a yearly tradition, we went to several new houses - Nen huang, Ung Ing and Vui Chung. These houses are all an upgraded version of their previous houses, bigger and nicer!! Huang's house is semi-D, UI's is double storey terrace and VC's is semi-D. Of all this 3, the most amazing one is UI's! Although the furniture not as great as the other 2, but the design and decoration are very artistic! Just like his character! Furthermore, he build it all by his own (of course with his wife's help!). I am really pleased to see my friend is now building his family -getting a new house and new wife, and undergoing the transformation to become a real man!

2. Gambling

Like usual, I gambled during CNY. This year luck was good, won some $, unlike last year, losing $. But of the gamling event, there is a special event!! There is 1 night we play black jack at UI's house and I 做庄. In 1 round, when everyone is done with their bet, I open the host's card and he only 13th Point!! He said "its enough right?" Oh my god...everybody fainted!!

He is suppose to pay $ to everyone by law, but I am very kind, I let him to draw again and guess what.....he drew a 8 and making it 21 points! Damn I paid him 2x in the end!

3. Green Hill Temple

As usual, I would drive to Green Hill temple with my fiancee, Siew Ling and some friends for some worshipping. This year, UI is going with us. Wow...never in my life it was as crowded as this time. That day, the wheather was hot and wuhh...we were sweating madly! We quickly finished all the worshiping process, 求签, packed 苻水 and leave!

2007-02-28T12:28:00.000+08:00

When I open my eyes last night at 515am and switch on STARSPORT Channel, surprisingly, ManU is leading 3-1 although playing away at Reading's ground!! I thought it will be a tough match as we only send 50% bench player to play!

At that time it was around 47th minute and I watched on...on 84th reading scored 1...making it 3-2! on 90th Reading shooted....and kena tiang...luckily ManU survived the scare and won at 93th minute extra!! So...next game in FA Cup we will face Middlesbrough!! Boro...watch out!

So...the rested players like Giggs, Scoles, Ronaldo, Rooney...release your energy at Anfield! We are anticipating a 2-0 victory there!! Marching on EPL champion!

1st ever oversea trip - KOREA (1-7 January 07)

2007-02-11T12:29:00.000+08:00

Day 1 - Jeju Island

After reaching ncheon International Airport,Korea on 1st Jan 07, we took our early lunch and flew to Jeju Island from mainland Korea. Geographically, it's something like flying from KL to Singapore.

The 1st tourist spot we visited was TAMLA MOK SOK WON. It's a artistic garden that accomodate unique stones carvings. Jeju Island is a 'dead' volcano island that has lots of black stone left behind after volcano erruption. These stone were carved into various artistic shapes and are displayed here.

The most symbolic carving is the God Statue - 土地公. For all the subsequent journey in Jeju Island, we see this statue all over the Island, it is just like the symbol of Jeju, comparable to Merlion of Singapore.

That day was a wet day and it was raining while we were exploring the garden. As a couple who is not so artistic, honestly, besides taking photo, Ling and I dont really enjoy much...haha.

My company - Chartered Semiconductor

2006-12-29T13:41:00.000+08:00

28th November 2006 marked the date I have joined Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Singapore for 1 year.

Amazingly, it seems like onl yesterday that I stepped into this company. Time passed really fast. Looking forward to gain more experience working here...and of course, more money also, haha!