Only in Penang

Where else in the world will you see an expatriate mother fetching her child home 

from futsal, strutting confidently down the road, while a family of Malaysians looking 

helplessly lost in the middle of Penang?

Amusing sight don't you think?

Granted that the lost family was definitely from outstation, but still...

Now imagine Mrs Expatriate offering directions to these poor Malaysians.

*grins*

Don't you just love Penang? 

I know I do.

*hearts*

The Before, The It and The After

One week later, Hiyashi reminisces the happenings over the few weeks of the event.

Pre-election
Election is coming! Well it was coming at that time! *grumbles on confusing tenses when blogging late* First time voter ME! I admit I was a tad too excited about it. I try my best to hold back my excitement but you can easily see that little sparkle in my eyes that so easily gave me away.

One night, around this pre-election period. At home, in front of my notebook... the following conversation took place.

Hiyashi : *click click type type*
Dad : Try coming home earlier these two weeks.
Hiyashi : *looks up* Eh?
Dad : Election period.
Hiyashi : Oh.

Ah. See how short and punchy my dad is. My mom probably would have gone on and on about how dangerous it is and if possible get someone to drop me off at the jetty instead. But my dad, well my dad likes to keep it short and simple. And it works way better that way I tell you. Because when a man with few words speaks, it means it’s important. It matters! And us young ones listen. *grins* But a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do and I don't blame her.

Anyway, I never managed to leave office early for those two weeks after all. *sigh*

Election Day
Half-working-day day. Meaning I got to leave office before 2.30pm to give myself enough time allowance to vote. At 2.00pm, my cell phone beeped. Message reads: “Be back by 3.30pm or we’ll go first.”

There you have it. My dad. So I quicken my pace and left the office around 2.30pm with a complimentary ride from the Easter Bunny. Zoooom! As I sat at the waiting area, a storm headed our way. It rained and the wind was strong, even under the shades, us anxious passengers were getting wet by the minute. Finally the ferry arrived. I thought it was pouring over at Butterworth side, too but it was not. Instead I brought the rain over, trailing behind me right from behind. The newspaper the next day reads that many have said that the rain was an omen of the political tsunami set to hit Penang. *shrugs* I must say it’s a nice metaphor though.

The voting process itself was surprisingly easy. *blink blink* and I was done. I thought I might have missed something because it was just too fast. All that excitement for the last two weeks for something that lasted two minutes. -.-;;

Post-election
As the results were slowly finalised on Sunday, the oh so familiar conversation took place again.

Hiyashi: *click click type type*
Dad: Come home earlier tomorrow and Tuesday.
Hiyashi: *this time without looking up* Alright.

And this time, I did manage to leave office slightly earlier than usual. It was not that bad on Monday or Tuesday. Instead, it was Friday that turned out a wee bit frightening. Rumours of riot taking place, bus service on halt, people from the mainland side urging to return home. Wooot?? Should I leave like now??!!

Apparently my dad was dubious about it being such a biggy deal but to be on a safe side. *cough cough* Remember the old saying of "better be safe than sorry"? Well, I was urged to come home early today and no play play. Early means early, and so I left at 6.00pm.

For the first time I felt a tinge of fear and wariness as I walked alone amidst the crowd, up to the ferry terminal. This isn’t good I say, I hope things will eventually settle down and come to a close for this political crisis because I don’t want to go to work feeling that little thud at the heart now and then. Because this sure wasn’t what I was voting for. >__<

Note: Gah. Finally I got this done. Now I can blog all my randomness again. *phew*

Democracy is the word of the day

8 March 2008

Malaysia Votes! I vote!

The results are out. Results that thus prove Malaysia as a democratic country.

And as corny and old as the saying goes,
"it's a government of the people, by the people, for the people."

*******

update found in new post

Editing Nostalgia

This is bad. I have no idea what to blog about today. I finally have some extra time under my fingers to sit down and slowly type an entry but here I am without a slightest idea what to babble about.

What to do? What to do?

I go into my list of posts and dig out a draft post. That's what I can do. HAHAHA...

Therefore today's post is going to be...

'My' Old Bus

Yup. I use the claim "my" very loosely. Buses that take me to work every day are called "My Bus". As most of you probably know, RapidPenang is currently on its quest in improving the public transport of Penang.

Gone are the days where I sat stinky old buses to work. And that is if I'm lucky enough, then I actually get to sit. Worst case, usually on the way home, I practically can wave Hi to the vehicle beside as I squeezed dangerously close to the stairway up the bus. >__<

That does not mean I don't value the old bus. Afterall, that old bus gets me to work and back everyday for slightly over a year.

Slight Gratitude and Appreciation is definitely called for.

But...

Now I have OPTIONs!

Once in awhile, as I wait for the bus to take me home. I silently hope its the new bus that comes. But whenever it's the old bus greets me, I'm more than happy to get on.

Hey, at the end of the day I just want to go home, okay?

But just the other day as I sat there on the old bus... I feel nostalgic. Ya.. sappy I know. Feeling mushy over an old stinky bus. But I did, and that's when I took the photo above.

Old and worn but rest assured KGN-HIN Bus, you'll always have a place inside my heart. The memories we share will always remain dear to my heart.

And so this post is a tribute to the old stinky bus
I hate to love so much.

Note: Original draft was saved on 19 Nov 2007 at 10.07pm.

If you think you can, you can

Today Hiyashi shall take you down memory lane. If you're as old as me *cough* You'll know the song playing at the background right now. My sister on the other hand, is totally clueless about the song.

It all started...

En Skim B : Can do anot? Can give me on Monday ah?
Cik Datang: If you think you can, you can.
En Skim B : *sings as he walks away* Jika kau fikirkan boleh...
Hiyashi : *perks up* This song!

And thus, this post!

Fikirkan Boleh
by Metropolitan

Jika kau fikirkan kau boleh
Kau hampir boleh melakukan
Jika kau fikirkan ragu-ragu
Usahamu tidak menentu

Jika kau fikirkan kekalahan
Kau hampiri kegagalan
Jika kau fikirkan kemenangan
Kau hampiri kejayaan

Engkaulah apa kau fikirkan
Terkandung dalam pemikiran
Kau fikir boleh melakukan
Fikirkan boleh

Percaya apa kau lakukan
Tabah apa kau usahakan
Bertindak atas kemampuan
Engkau boleh

****************

You are who you think you are. You can do it.

Cheers!

Buka Puasa!

Once again, I'm at Pizza Hut for dinner. *grins*

Once again, I only start to take pictures after the meal. *sigh*

Luckily there's a significant attribute that obviously state the location as Pizza Hut. *points to creamy cheeeeese dip dip*

^_____^

Now... see the line!

Lining up?

At Pizza Hut?

For???

Mushroom Soup of course!

Yup. I know they serve you the soups now but not today! You got to line up and take it yourself if you're that hungry.

Lastly...

Kepada semua muslimin dan muslimat...
Selamat Berbuka Puasa!

Let's do Math!

Below is the actual chart that shows the various fare of a KLIA Transit ride. Answer question 1 and 2 accordingly:


Question 1:
Hanako-chan is going to KLIA to meet a friend. If she boards the train from Bandar Tasik Selatan, how much did she pay?


Okay. Got your answer?


Was it RM26.50?


Well, rest assured you would have passed any test paper in school. However, this is the real world we are talking about. Not school. If things are that simple we would have all stayed as kids and never grow up. Money my fellow friends are essential for all working adults.


Answer:
Hanako-chan paid RM11.50 to get to KLIA.


Solution:
Hanako boarded the train at Bandar Tasik Selatan, but only to Putrajaya/Cyberjaya for the price of RM5.30. She then exited and bought another ticket to Salak Tinggi which cost her RM3.00, waited for the next train, exited Salak Tinggi bought another ticket to KLIA which cost her RM3.20, went back in, waited all over again for the next train.

RM5.30 + RM3.00 + RM3.20 = RM11.50

Forget about the weird stares you'll get from the counter dude, watching you walk in and out. You my dear friends have save approximately RM15.00.



Question 2:
After a nice wonderful meet-up and a delicious dinner later, Hanako took the train home. How much did Hanako-chan spend that day on transportation?


Okay. I think this time you should probably get it right?


Answer:
RM38.00


Did you get it right this time?


Solution:
Now remember this is real life we're talking about here. I have even stated in the question that it's after dinner. Hanako-chan is a decent young lady who is as conscious of her safety as much as her money. Knowing that its late, going in and out as well as waiting for the next train one after another will take up the night, Hanako-chan took the direct train home from KLIA to Bandar Tasik Selatan which cost her RM26.50.

RM11.50 + RM26.50 = RM38.00

Now, my dear friends. I am not entirely sure if what we learnt in school actually applies in real life but Maths and logical thinking are ever the important to help you weigh not only money but the pros and cons of things.

End of lesson. =)

Referance: Price chart taken from kliaekspres.com Please visit website for more information on promotional fares and other travel card/packages. Yes, I must at least do a free promotion for pinjaming their carta. Ribuan Terima Kasih.

Credits: Hanako-chan for her actual experiences which I still bows in respect of her action. ほんとにすごい ！

The day I met "The King" pt03

Uwah. I'm too lazy to update but I figure I might as well get it done. *sigh* Three weeks to update a 3-day event. Imagine that!

So... I woke up early on Monday morning, so early it's almost like I'm waking up for work. -.-;;
Godmom gave me a ride to the LRT station on her way to work. Reached the station at 8.15am and got caught with the morning crowd. That's when I actually woke up, woke up!

The sight was just amazing.

*bows to the civilised people of Kuala Lumpur*

I might have been away for way too long for I don't remember seeing such a sight during my wonderful four years of university life there. Or maybe I have been at the other side of town. *shrugs* But it's time like this I feel so damn proud. *tears of joy*

And so I sat there for the whole 30 minutes staring at this amazing sight. One by one they boarded. If the train's full they just wait for the next one. NO CHAOS! Eventually they all boarded and the station was left empty. A new crowd shuffles in and they knew perfectly where the line is. すごい! I swear there's no indicator to tell them where to line-up or maybe I'm just not a regular. ^^;;

Now you might think I'm not exactly normal, sitting there for half an hour staring like that but hey! I'm nice and considerate too just like this people here. My laggage takes up a person's standing space.

One Hiyashi with Laggage = Two ai ki zo kang eh KL lang

So I just sat there and deserving people get their rides before me. 8.45am and the train that came was considerably emptier. Thus, I boarded and continue my journey home. Arrived at Puduraya at 9.15am and bought my bus ticket home.

3 Days 3 Nights. Kuala Lumpur. Wonderful.

Then again, there was the pile of work that awaited me the next day. I guess it's true when they say there's a price for everything. *smiles sheepishly*

The End
"The day I met "The King" Trilogy

.

The day I met "The King" pt02

And then it was Sunday 22 July 2007!

I bid farewell to Cubbie's lair and a grumpy brother cub that I never get to meet after all. Reach IOI Mall way before any shops were opened. ^^;; Wanted to have a Hong Kong-ish breakfast at Wong Kok but alas it was not open yet and so we waited... and waited. Finally there were signs of movement in the restaurant. Off we go if we can get to be the super early birds and enjoy our food.

"Sorry. We're not open yet."

Well, I'm sorry too cause you just lost a customer, two customers to be exact! Because by then the mall was opened and so we head in and enjoy yummy spaghetti instead. LOL. There goes our hong kong-ish breakfast.

Loveable godparents arrived around noon and I thanked Cubbie for being such a kind host. The trip down and the sleepovers let me see another side of Cubbie which I never thought she was.

Kind and caring!

HAHAHA... *runs away*

But she was. When we were all sleeping soundly after a late movie night, she woke up silently by herself at 7.30am in the morning, went out and bought delicious nasi lemak for us ignorant guests who make fun of a sleeping cub when we woke up an hour later. So touching! T__T

But then she did tell me not to come again so soon cause being a host is tiring and she won't be so eagered if she sees me that often.

Dot dot dot.

I guess its very true when they say distance makes the heart grows fonder. *snickers* so... point taken!

--------------------

Afternoon was catching up time with my godmom. A beautiful lady that everyone praises.

Cubbie whispered "Your aunt is hot!"

By the way, she thanked you for the compliment! XD

She was the one who taught me to dress up and be pretty because I'm a girl... a woman now. ^^;; Not that my mom doesn't do that. *grins* But mom is a more conservative loveable housewife who doesn't go for worn-out jeans with patches and paints as designs but she is loved by the way she is.

--------------------

And the time came when I need to get ready for the night with the King. I got dress pretty and would really like to share a picture but as much as I'm tempted to, I can't because it's still a no-no for me to put pictures of me on the net. LOL. Now, up to this point you probably think I'm too full of myself with the over-use of the word "pretty" in one entry but I call it confidence.

HAHAHA...

Sometimes I beh tahan with myself also. Sorry!

Sooooo.... thought wanna take lots of photos to share but the whole atmosphere is so prim and proper, it's awkward to take out a camera and start shooting. I'm actually wary if it's allowed as well.

So.... all I managed was this.

See! See! I wonder who sits up there. Royalty perhaps or very rich people! Hahaha... but the truth is I don't think those umm... what do you call those. argh... gotta google for that *after awhile of googling* Balconies? well anyway, I don't think the view from there is all that great. You just amuse yourself with your own privacy and being above the rest. *rolls eyes*

Was it good? It was good but it was a bit slow too. Among all the plays I've watched *okay not exactly many* but this probably the least exciting one. But that does not mean it's not good, it was! It's different from all the recent musicals where the stories are supported by lots of action and dancing, etc. To quote Mr Cool *yup, he made an appearance even in an entry that goes down to KL*

"Why you watch a play that is not your era? It's an old old story already."

HAHAHA... wise man's words should not go unheard.

But I really grab at every chance I get to enjoy such rare entertainment. The King was funny and I love him more than Anna, naturally. LOL. I'll end this entry with two more pictures.

My ticket to meet "The King" is kinda blur. @_@

And to end the show...

End of part two but not the end of the trip.

Stay tune for part three!

La la li la tak tam pong

.
It happened weeks ago.

Yup, I'm constantly late when it comes to blogging but hey, better late than never right? Right!

This is officially the very first entry that involves everybody. Well, almost.

It all started when Ms Anai softly mumbled to herself a little children's folk rhyme. If you're from Penang or “lu si Hokkien lang”, you've probably chant this while you were young as well.



Ms Anai: La la li la tak tam pong, ah pek bei apong. Apong lit lok hai, ah pek chiak gao sai. ^^;;

Me: Eh? That’s different!

Cik Datang: Itu version saya jugak. You version apa?

Me: La la li la tak tam pong, ah pek bei apong. Apong bei beh liao, ah pek chiak ga liao.

Ms Anai & Cik Datang: Hahahaha…

Me: Well, having ah pek eating dog shit is so inappropriate. Since he can't sell them all, he have to eat them all. Make sense right? As far as I know, my dad’s version is way longer.


That evening…


Me: Pa, remember La la li la tak tam pong?

Pa: Ya. What about it?

Me: What comes after that? I remember it’s quite long, no?

Pa: La la li la tak tam pong, ah pek bei apong. Apong boh laku, ah pek bei huan zhu.

Me: Eh?????? Apong tak laku jadi ah pek jual ubi????


The next day…


Me: I asked my dad yesterday….

Ms Anai & Cik Datang: Ah. So? Jadi?

Me: Well… it’s totally different from yours and mine. ^^;; *and so I went on and told them my dad’s version*

Ms Anai & Cik Datang: Ehh???

Me: Maybe it’s the age thing. Different era different version. Maybe we should asked Mr Cool. His might be the same as my dad's!


So went Mr Cool stepped in much later…


Me: Mr Cool! What’s the continuation for the La la li tak tam pong rhyme?


Everyone waits in anticipation.


Mr Cool all too coolly replied: Tapung jit! Tapung nor! Tapung sar!

Everyone: Ehhhhh?? Jit nor sar??


And at that moment Yen-san came in.


Me: Hey hey! What’s your version. Theirs *points to Ms Anai & Cik Datang* is ……. Mine is …… and Mr Cool.. well, let’s not mention his.

Yen-san: I heard yours before though.

Me: Yatta! It’s indeed the age thingy!


And in came Encik Chi.


Me: You’re from our era. What’s your version?

Encik Chi all confused and replied: La la li la tak tam pong, ah pek bei apong. Apong lit lok hai, ah pek chiak gao sai.

Cik Datang: You bukan dari era mereka ke? *points to me and Ms Swallow*

Everyone: Hahaha.. must be an old man trapped in a young man’s body.


And so the debate went to the other side.


Me: What’s your version?

Cik Lebah: Aku punya macam Cik Datang. Tapi comel sikit. Dulu kita nyanyi begini. La ta la li tam pong…

Everyone: Ooooo…..


But the award finally goes to Ms Ipoh.


Ms Ipoh: I don’t know what your continuation means. At Ipoh we only say “La la li la tak tam pong….”


Everyone waits….

Few seconds gone by…..


Silence…


Everyone: What???!!! That’s all??

Ms Ipoh with her innocent looking face: Well.. ya.

I guess the rhyme doesn't work in Cantonese anyway. ^^;;

So...

La la li la tak tam pong…

So what’s your version?

=)

Patriotism strikes

50 years of independence! Visit Malaysia 2007! If it's any time to be patriotic, it's definately this year. Thus, Hiyashibeeps is doing its little part by adding *cough cough* an All Malaysian Blogger Project button at the sidebar. As far as statistic goes, there are some foreigners visiting this slacking blog from time to time.

Of course, I have to choose a button I can relate to the most. FOOD! Come on, as long as you eat, a part of Malaysia is always in you. And don't go telling me off about the trip to the toilet. *rolls eyes*

And how can you promote this beloved country to foreigners without instilling the love for your own country and its yummy food among the locals? So fellow Malaysians, I bring you the Nasi Lemak Shop.

And just in case the photo is not clear enough.
That's 04-2279864. I repeat 04-2279864!

*shrugs* I wonder if this works. But the place is nice, especially the atmosphere. Not as hectic as kopitiams. And to quote a frequent customer...

"I can really enjoy a plate of tasty nasi lemak without smelling like char kui teow at the end of the meal."

Well said indeed. *applause*

And if you're a food lover like me, I suggest you order an extra small bowl of rice to go with the loads of side dishes that comes with it.

Now all that's missing is the photo of the delicious nasi lemak to tempt you further. Dang! Should have taken a pic before I eat. I always remember after I finished my meal. -.-;;

Going Home

It's always nice to know you're on your way home =)

Yup. End of post. =P

Little King of all fruits

Not exactly very "majestic"

But hey it's royalty in the making

LOL. Not bigger than a CD cover and already eagerly emerge to show his greatness.

Phew... the smell.

There's a bomb! Boo!

This was not what I intended to blog about initially but come on, a bomb threat in Malaysia? in Penang? That's a BIG DEAL that overwrites the insignificant me. *shrinks*

I got a sms from dad around 6pm that reads...

"try come back earlier. Penang Bridge is closed."

*blinks*

Why close? Come back early? I would love to do that, but there's always this lingering feeling of the work that awaits me tomorrow everyday I step out of the office. -.-;; Thus, I replied...

"I try. :("

Awww... I left around 6.30pm, already in a "not happy" mood. Mind you, I'm not sad, just not very happy. Obviously it won't get any better when you're all squeezed up in a bus full of people, man, foreigners, sweat! Argh... who on the right mind stands back facing the direction the bus is moving! Every time the bus makes a sudden stop, breaaaaak.... the man looses his balance and falls backwards. Duh! *rolls eyes* It's hard enough to maintain your balance with that little space left standing and not having reachable reels to hold on to, so stop make matters worst. *grumbles* Luckily, Mr Metro Security Guard was a kind man, "pegang... hati-hati, nanti jatuh." and offered me a little more space of the reel to hold on to.

It became frustrating again when we reached one of the main stops where most passengers get down. The bus is not gonna buzz away immediately, I'll give way to let you go down, relax will ya? The bus haven't even come to a total stop, Mr Rush was already attempting to push his way out. I use the word "attempting" because he didn't get anywhere with the pushing okay? There was no place to move, unless he plans to push someone out of the bus by force. *swts*

After Mr Rush and all others got down, I went back up the bus and enjoy a comfortable seat. Okay, here's where we get back to the part of the bomb threat. It was now 7.05pm and we're moving again, towards the ferry terminal. The bus never got there though. At 7.10pm we were in front of Convent Light Street's school field. Almost 20 minutes later, we're at the front gate of the school! That's it! At this rate, I'll reach the terminal at 9.00pm! -.-;;

This calls for a plan! Mdm Take Charge well like what I call her, took charge. Hahaha... she said to the bus driver "Dik, gunalah jalan lain. Ikut lorong kecil." and she guided the bus driver. Woo-hoo! All hail Mdm Take Charge. We didn't exactly got to the terminal but we made it nearer, reasonable walking distance. And from there, it was Ekspidisi Jalan Kaki. Hah, all the cars were practically glued to the road. We were literally walking in the middle of the big wide road with a big wide grin.

Got on the ferry. Reach the other side. Here comes another chaos. It was almost just as bad. Dad can't even come in to fetch me and so I walked out to him. Miscommunicated in the process and both me and dad got frustrated. I was once again, in the middle of a big wide road, this time without the big wide grin on my face. I reached home?

Almost 9.00pm!

Two and a Half hours? I could have gone to Ipoh and have a bowl of "kai xi hor fan" already!

Ate dinner, spend 15 minutes of family time watching travelogue on tv, took a bath, online, type this long whiny rant and guess what?

It's time for bed! Urgh.

Good night!

A Modern Tradition

Chinese Porridge, a traditional chinese bowl but alas a modern western spoon.

Happy Chinese New Year 2007!

One more week before the celebration comes to an end.

The various faces of bus conductors

There are bus conductors who
couldn't care less...
of how pack the bus is
if you have no place to stand in the bus
whether each passanger paid for the ride

Then there is this old bus conductor
who don't let passangers board the bus
when he thinks it's already to full
He goes "tak boleh, sudah penuh"
and poor young lady might be late for work
people asked "why you don't let her up"
he said "it's dangerous and she's a lady"
"if he's a man, than it's okay"

There's also one bus conductor who...
I assumed likes pink
for he has a pink polo-t
and even a pink shirt
Sometimes, he don't even bother to button his shirt
showing off his chest hair
and you think urgh..
but it rained that day
and the bus seats were wet
pink shirt left unbutton he might be
but he came over and wipe away the water from the seat
and thus creating extra seats for the passangers
so what if he wears pink and shows off his chest hair?
it doesn't really matter

Hiyashi

Melaungkan Kemerdekaan!

"Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!"

49 years! I bet next year will be a grand celebration, half a century man! This year is kinda quiet though, hahaha... already all busy with next year? Am I getting to excited? I might not be the most patriotic person but I love my country. Hiyashi is proud to be Malaysian! *okay, I just contradict myself with that Japanese nickname* So... Today, I'm going to break down my "barrier" a little and reveil myself as Wong, proud to be Malaysian! Hahaha... I know.. SWTS!

Hey, I may be obsess with everything related to Japan, dreams to go to Italy and eat my favourite spaghetti till I wanna puke but it'll still be a Malaysian in Italy who happens to adore Japan way too much. ^__^

I better stop before it starts to sound way too corny.

Hiyashi - made in Malaysia not Japan *winks*