Monday, March 31, 2008

1st April, 2008

Today's weather;

A blue sky with shades of clouds is about and about this 1st April morning with a current temp of 25.5C at 7 am.

Yesterday started out very nice but to my big surprise their were a couple of serious heavy showers before noon. From noon onwards it was business as usual, hot and sunny with a max temp of 31.2C.

Camille

Being Tagged! Where the game started.......

I started blogging since 2006. But never take seriouly until September 2007. Iniatially it was just my digital diary, but now....turn to one of my hobby! From blogging I learned a lot skill and even HTML, the best part is.....make friends around the cyber world.

Few days ago, I try my very best to understand about being Tagged. Really confuse me in the beginning, but I cathed a little after an explanation from Quachee.
Yes, you are right! I'm just a newbie in blogging! :)

Tagged! Random Questions

Instruction: Remove ONE from below and add in your own personal question, make it a total of 20 questions. Then, tag 8 people in your list and list them out in the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged. Whoever does the tag will have blessings from all.

The person who tagged you is: Quachee

1. What's your favorite book at the present time?
Don't have it at the moment.

2. Given the chance, what special ability/power would you like to have?
A power that can protect the wild animal in the jungle, and at the same time....feed all the hungry children in the world.

3. What's your favorite color? Why?
Blue. Born to love it, without reason.

4. Where is the place you want to go the most?
Maldives. As long as island or mountain.

5. If you have one dream to come true, what would it be?
A Peaceful World!

6. Do you believe in seeing a rainbow after the rain?
Yes. It's the new beginning.

7. Do you think friends are important?
Yes. Every corners in the world.

8. If you win $1 million, what would you do?
Charity and bring happiness to me and my family.

9. If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?
Yes. The nature way.

10. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you.
Malaysian, creative and passion.

11. Which type of person do you hate the most?
Arrogant.

12. What is your ambition?
To have a successful in my career and travel to everywhere in Malaysia even around the world! Hmm.....maybe to much?!

13. If you have fault, would you rather the people around you point out to you or would you rather they keep quiet?
Point it out and advice.....

14. What do you think is the most important thing in your life?
Happiness. I think that is the one thing everyone is searching for. And it doesn't matter what background (poor, rich), race, religion we are.

15. Are you a shopaholic or not?
Not really......

16. What is the one thing you like about your country?
Multi culture, freedom, a lot of places to visit, too many good foods to swallow! :)


17. If you have a chance, which part of your character you would like to change?
Maybe be less hot tempered. I realise that if we know something not too good about ourselves, we can always learn to adapt, and be a better person after, though not change completely.

18. Is there anything that you have done which you regret?
Not spending enough time to with my father when he is around......

19. What makes you different?
The passion and attitude.

20. Do you feel good to be friend with the person who tagged you? Why?
Yes. The more the merrier.


Ok, Im to tag other bloggers. They are:
ColaLim
Mr. Taikor
Busut Jin
Juvy C
CK
JennyR
Travel and Tours
ZuiYanHong

It's that complete? Hope so.......




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Sunday, March 30, 2008

31st March, 2008

Today's weather;

A near blue sky with a current temp of 25.7C at 7 am looks like it's going to be another steaming hot day and the quicksilver will only creep up during April!

Yesterday was sunny and hot with a max temp in the lower thirties.

Camille

Goodbye to March 2008

Goodbye to March 2008

A day early, but nonetheless time to say goodbye to the March 2008 edition.

This March didn't start out nicely. It was merely continuing the bad weather patch we had during February and for March that was a very unusual weather pattern. Although the rainy season 'officially' isn't over until March, it was rather very unusual having such a bad weather patch during that time of the year.

There was a lot of rain and not so much sunshine. Half way through March things turned around for the better though and from than onwards it's been the good old sun turning up the heat and every day has seen lots of sunshine and temperature in the lower 30C zone.

Things look god for April coming up, usually the hottest month of the year on Samui!

Camille

Hotel Recommendation: The Chedi

Update 2011 - The Chedi is now called "The Surin" - when this review was originally written, the name was still Chedi. Now it's Surin.

The Surin Hotel is just the right place for a bit of quiet seclusion. Not a cheap hotel, but the last minute prices can be much better. But, it has to be said, you get your money's worth. The Surin has it's own private beach in between Surin and Bang Tao beaches. The scenery is beautiful along the coast here and you're off the main tourist beaches. Having said that, The Surin is not too far from anywhere. About 20 minutes to the airport, about 25 to Patong if you want a bit of nightlife.

The Surin provides one-bedroom and two-bedroom thatched cottages with private verandahs and sun decks. It's a very nice looking place. The New York Times review says "From the exotic lobby (with columns and lily pond) to sleek and handsome private bungalows, it is one of the most handsome properties on the island. It's quality with a big price tag, but this romantic getaway has it down to the details."

Actually, compared to it's nearest neighbour (Amanpuri Resort) The Surin is quite reasonably priced! You can just about walk down to Surin beach from the hotel, where you can find more dining options, or eat at one of the 3 restaurants at the resort - they also apparently do beach BBQ's on Pansea Beach. Looks like paradise to me!

The Surin - Booking & Reviews

The Surin Rates and Reservations at Agoda.com
The Surin Reviews at Agoda.com


The Surin - Photos

Hillside bungalow at The Surin

Room Interior Pool at The Surin

Sunset Bar on Pansea Beach at the Surin Beachside Restaurant at The Surin

Phuket Hotels - More Information - Online Booking

Phuket Hotel Info and Booking at Agoda.com
More of Jamie's Phuket Hotel Reviews
Jamie's Top 10 Phuket Hotels
Thailand Hotels at Agoda.com

Saturday, March 29, 2008

30th March, 2008

Today's weather;

An almost perfect blue sky is out and about with a current temp at 7 am of 26C.

Yesterday was sunny and hot again with a max temp of 30.6C.

Today I'm starting an IDC Staff Instructor course, to be followed by the actual IDC, starting on Monday. Updates can be followed on my dive blog.

Camille

Friday, March 28, 2008

Swiss pharmacy in Lamai?

Located this sign in Lamai.



First impression may seem to be that everything is right with the sign, but have a good second look!
Sometimes I wonder if Thais can get anything right, this sure looks like a Swiss pharmacy to me.
Located yesterday on the ringroad in Lamai.
Camille

29th March, 2008

Today's weather;

A near blue sky is reigning this morning with an astonishing 29.5C at 7 am.

Yesterday was warm, once more with a max temp of 30.5C.

Camille

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

27th March, 2008

Today's weather;

Fairly cloudy but with plenty of blue spots and sunshine this morning. At 7 am it's 28.3C.

Yesterday was more of the same, sunny and hot. Max temp was 30.3C.

Camille

GPS is your Best Traveling Companion

Simple explanation for GPS (Global Positioning System)

Question : "What is the numbers on your blog?" example : N5°08.286' E102°48.663'
Answer : This is GPS Coordinates.

They are many types of GPS devices in our local market. The common 2 types are : Road navigation and outdoor activities. Range from MYR350.00 to MYR2,500.00. The popular brand in Malaysia and even international is Garmin. And the popular models available locally are : Nuvi200 series, NUvi300 series, NUvi600 series, GPS60 CSX, eTrex Vista HCX and eTrex series. All models are suitable to different application.

All the above mention devices are built-in the "Auto-routing" function that navigate you from one place to another. The devices will prompt or alert you in voice for the next turn and even some proximity alert, if you miss the 'turn' prompt from the device, please don't get panic....because it will recalculate another alternative route immediately.

Question : "What is the monthly charges?"
Answer : There is no monthly charges for it. Only the equipment cost.

Question : "Where can we get Malaysia and Singapore GPS map?"
Answer : MalSingMaps (It's FREE!!! The map also built-in with many and many useful POI)

Question : "What is POI?"
Answer : Places Of Interest

Once you get you GPS device, you can log-in to Malsingmaps and start to learn the step-by-step uploading map to the device. 2 versions available : Locked & Unlocked.
Locked : You need to contribute to the community to receive you unlocked code for the latest update map.
Unlocked : You can load to any device with this detail map, updated June 2007.

Another alternative is using PDA (Personal Digital Asistant) for GPS Road Navigation. (It's not suitable for outdoor activity because of it's not weatherproof)
Solution :
If you already a PDA owner, you can just buy another GPS Receiver (Bluetooth or CF type) to make it become your navigation guide.
Step-by-step configuration is available at Malsingmaps.

A little bit of me.......
I am using the second alternative.
I bought my GPS during 2003 because of I need to travel to Kuala Lumpur (from JB) twice a week. I wasted too much time on the road for searching my clients office therefore I decided to get myself a Navigation Angel!

During that time, I paid MYR650.00 for my Haicom 302 Compact Flash GPS Receiver and attach with my Dell Axim X5 PDA. I'm still suffering from map data because Malsingmaps hasn't born yet! So I paid another MYR450.00 for Agis MY & SG map. It's does not built-in the Auto-routing function in the map! But better than nothing.
Started from that day, I am a HAPPY GPS owner. It's really comfort while you drive to certain area that you never been before!
Until 2005, I found Malsingmaps! (previously was MySubaruclub) My nightmare on the road became history! And thanks to the Hardcore members from this forum make it become the most comprehensive Malaysia & Singapore GPS map today. (I call it Perfect!)

Recently, I just upgrade my PDA to Dell Axim X51V and pair with Wintec Bluetooth GPS (model : WBT-201/G-Rays II).

So I always advice my friends those who are traveler frequently , please get yourself the best traveling companion with the affordable price!

You will amazing with the navigation system! You won't travel without it!
* For more information about GPS, please visit Wiki : GPS.

I will update some pictures later.......




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Meteorologist warns hot season is approaching

Meteorologist warns hot season is approaching

From today's Bangkok Post

The weather bureau has warned that temperatures could rise as high as 41 degrees Celsius, and cited global warming as a possible cause.

Weather expert Torsak Wanitkajorn said the changing weather pattern could see some parts of Thailand experiencing a heat wave in April as usual.

He further explained that tropical storms currently experienced in some provinces are the result of a cold front over parts of the country which could last until May. The northern, central and northeastern regions are at risk for season storms, and locals should be prepared.

Meanwhile, the problem of haze over Chiang Mai improved on Tuesday. Authorities said the situation is now close to normal. Dust level near Phu Ping Palace was recorded at 119 microgrammes per cubic metre, considered normal for this time of year.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

26th March, 2008

Today's weather;

A fair amount of clouds are about but plenty of blue spots with lots of sunshine are gonna make this day again. Current temp at 7 am is 28.3C.

Yesterday was another sunny and warm day with a max temp of 30.2C.

Camille

Aux Amis, Bophud

Aux Amis restaurant has moved down to Bophud.

Unfortunately Aux Amis has closed it's doors and there's a new French restaurant at the same location in Fisherman's Village.

Their old location in Bang Rak has been abandoned and they're rockin' alright in Bophud.



They're located in the thickst of it in Bophud and they updated their menu a bit as well, but still, each Tuesday it's Mussels with French Fries and each Friday they still cook a big pan of Paella.

If you come from the Bophud traffic lights, keep going straight under the Fisherman's Village sign and take a left once you reach the beach road, after about 100 meters on the right hand side is their new location.

They have two floors now and the view over the bay and onto Koh Phangan is a killer! The upper floor is very nice, with dinner tables and is also supporting a lovely seating area to kick back and just have some drinks.

Still highly recommended and definitely worthwhile for just seeing Bophud at night!

Camille

Monday, March 24, 2008

25th March, 2008

Today's weather;

More of the same, some clouds with lots of blue and sunshine! Current temp at 7 am is 28.3C.

Yesterday was another hot day. Max temp reached 30.5C. Around midnight there was a shower though and things cooled off a bit.

Camille

Sunday, March 23, 2008

24th March, 2008

Today's weather;

It's partly cloudy but with plenty of blue patches with a current temp at 7 am of 28.4C.

Yesterday started out fairly cloudy but by noon it was a clear blue sky. Max temp reached 31.3C.

Camille

Phuket Food Festival

The Phuket Food Festival 2008 started on 19th March and runs until the 28th. It's an annual event organised by the Phuket Food Vendors Club and Phuket City Municipality. I managed to convince my family that it would be worthwhile having a look on Saturday evening, and I think we might go back again one evening this week for some cheap tasty food! The event is being held at Sapan Hin, in the south of Phuket City. Many local events are held there during the year. Sapan Hin is by the sea, has lots of open spaces, and also features sports facilities (we've been to see my wife's dad playing Takraw there!).

 



We arrived at the food festival in the late afternoon so I could snap some photos of the food stalls before dark. There's around 50 or 60 stalls selling everything from Phad Thai to BBQ Fresh Water Prawns, fried fish, Sai Ua (spicy northern sausages), Satay sticks and much more. We even found a stall selling coffee from Chumphon (my wife's home town).

This festival is well worth a look. The food is good and cheap, a great chance to sample many different dishes and get a bit of local life. I did see a handful of foreign faces on Saturday, but this is very much a local Phuket event, organised and run by locals for locals. It'll be on my calendar for next year for sure.

Big prawns Chinese sausage

Juice galore

Sweets! Rice with coconut roasted while wrapped in banana leaf

Need to wash down that food, never worry! There are several beer stalls selling draft Singha or Leo Beer, as well as stalls selling ice coffee, fresh juices and there was a Chinese tea stall also. I think you could come and eat here every night of the week!

Cup of tea? Omellette with mussels

Special varieties of rice Sai Ua - spicy Chiang Mai sausage

And good old satay

The festival runs from late afternoon until about 11pm. After dark, the entertainment starts. There are bands playing, local schools doing song and dance acts. A big stage has been set up. There were some young girls doing dancing and singing which our 6 year old daughter wanted to watch and she thought was very beautiful. Some guys were warming up with guitars too, ready to rock the night away.

Stage soundcheck

Dancing girls

Young singer

Another young singer with dancers

Hungry? Maybe see you there this week!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

23rd March, 2008

Today's weather;

There's a fair bit of overcast this morning but still plenty of blue spots with the sun peeking through which gives for a max temp at 7 am of

Yesterday was a nice and sunny day with a max temp of 30.3C.

Camille

Friday, March 21, 2008

22nd March, 2008

Today's weather;

Some big white clouds hang around in a further blue sky with a current temp at 7 am of 26C.

Yesterday was warm and overcast till about noon and after that warmer with more blue in the sky. Max temp reached 30.1C.

Camille

Thursday, March 20, 2008

21st March, 2008

Today's weather;

There are a few big white clouds but plenty of sunshine as well with a current temp at 7 am of 27C.

Yesterday saw a lot of overcast but also lots of sunshine and it was dry and hot with a max temp of 30.2C.

Camille

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

20th March, 2008

Today's weather;

Am on Koh Tao this morning and it's similar to Samui, a blue sky and warm with a current temp at 7 am of 28C.
In Koh Tao I was completing Dive Instructor Specialty training with some of my students.

Yesterday was another hot day with a max temp of 30.5C.

Camille

Kenyir Lake, Terengganu.

The Explorers's journey continue.....
Approx. 527KM away from Johor Bahru to Kenyir Lake. They (3 families) check in to Kenyir Lake View Resort (N5°08.286' E102°48.663') around noon time. 3 days 2 nights for MYR468.00 person as package rates (inclusive of meals).




After settle with their lunch in the resort, they took their free time to walk around the resort for the first day.





Day 2
Everyone was excited and wake up early in the morning to enjoy their breakfast and start the boat cruise whitin the lake.

The modified Kancil as free transport from resort to Jetty.....


Jetty

The lake is too beautiful to be true! But...luck was not on their side because of cloudy day.

Beauty Scenic during boat ride




First stop - The Saok Waterfall of Kenyir Lake (N5°04.985' E102°46.734')



Look at the beautiful waterfall!



Children are TOO happy to see this waterfall.....

After the waterfall cold water, they continue the Second stop.......

Look at the fish!




Everyone was exhausted after the boat ride but with lovely smile on their faces.....
They went back to the resort for their dinner and take good rest to the third day long journey back to Johor Bahru.
Along the journey back, they meet the Flood of the year (December 2007) at Pekan. The water level was to high to pass through and also force them to de-route from Pekan back to Kuantan, and drive through KL to Johor Bahru. Additional 249KM!
But they are enjoy their slow drive and stop by Seremban for the Famous Authentic Baked Crab dinner!



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