Luck is made when opportunity meet preparation.

I was given an advice that I made into the title this time, "Luck is made when opportunity meet preparation."

How true.

The fella who gives this advice, this "friend" of mine, he has everything, practically. He is in his early 30s, extremely handsome (model like), runs successful businesses and even owned some mines!, filthy rich parents, very rich on his own too and have good business acumen. What else could one wish for? The grass is looking definitely greener on his side....Some people are just born with platinum or diamond spoon, right? How often do one gets brain with looks and rich parents to boot?

Anyway, despite being superlatively everything, he still works very hard and put in long hours, always on the look out for best deals and an opportunity to make a "killing". He just thrives on making even more money. Admirable or just plain strange?

I can admire only from far because I do not have such instinct and all this wheeling and dealing is really just not me. So, in a way, you reap what you sow. I am not green with envy, I am just humbled by the magnitude of it, of how some people can go all out to break all the possible glass ceiling and then some more. I feel so small at times....

Anyway, to each his own, right? Not everyone can become multi-millionaire and if everyone is multi-millionaire, there is no novelty and value in it, right? I hope I don't sound to sour grapish, hahaha.

Bad eating habit

I must remind myself not to fall for buffet lines. I went to a steamboat buffet earlier tonight, just a spur of the moment thingy, buying some of my staffs dinner.

The price is cheap, at RM 19.90 per head (like USD 5.00) and the spread was quite good. Many types of seafood were made available, the proprietor do not stinge on that count. But their most popular variety had to be the marmite fried chicken wings. I took two pieces and yummy couldn't do it justice. To get the chicken wings, the patrons would practically wait for it to be served and jostle for it, in fact, fight for it would be more apt, no civilization at all, like cavemen fighting for food. Yukk!!!

End of it, I ate a LOT!! And that's why I said, bad habit coming back, I should be restraining myself but I guess, a reward in binging every now and then should be alright. But, I do feel very bloated, like 6 months pregnant!! hu hu hu...

Bangkok Day 6

Finally, last day in Bangkok. I have not missed my roti canai and nasi lemak and teh susu and nasi daun pisang and chee cheong fun yet.

Again, despite it being a free and easy day, I woke up quite early and after breakfast, was undecided. Part of my wanted to go and see another business associate but at the same time, the timing seemed to be a bit off, as Bangkok was not known for it's smooth traffic. Taking into consideration all possibilities, I decided not to visit the business associate as we needed to leave for airport around 2.00 p.m to catch a 5.00 p.m flight, silly, right?

So, after having a late breakfast, which finished like around 10.00 a.m., we went around our hotel which is actually located in the wholesale area, ie, the Pratunam area. Walking around the City Complex, I saw one very nice and rugged jeans, love at first sight, hahaha.

It was not a branded jeans, in fact, it's made in China, obviously but I just liked the cut and the "patches", yup, some leather patch on the knee and lap area. Cool. Well, I decided to buy it since I don't have "enough" jeans (I have like 8-9 pairs presently) but I just have to buy this one. After agreeing to the price, only then I realised that I was out of Thai Baht!! Such a spendthrift when I am in Bangkok. So, no choice, had to change some money for taxi fare later...

We left about 2.00 p.m and true to Bangkok style, traffic jam. But the ever resourceful Thai taxi driver took some back lanes and went one big round to enter the  expressway and we got to airport at about 2.50 p.m. Long queue at the AirAsia counter. Took me about half an hour to check in. After that, we had about 1 1/2 hours to kill.

Walked about the airport, read my book again and by 4.30 p.m., we went to the Gate for boarding. The security refused to let my colleague bring in the soya bean milk, in cartons that we have bought, hoping to drink in the aircraft. For SECURITY purposes!! WTF?? Soya bean milk? I can use soya bean milk to hijack an aeroplane? Sheesh!!! Between the two of us, we had to finish 6 packs of soya bean milk, each about 250 ml, meaning about 750 ml within 10 minutes. Fortunately, it was tasty (I wouldn't have bought them otherwise).

Then, when scanning my hand-carried luggage, my backpack was examined, apparently for dangerous weapons! Turned out, I had a mini pen knife, which was about 1 1/2 inch long (a keychain sort, actually, those you get as gift from buying battery and such), which, I hooked to my house keys and totally forgotten about it. Incidentally, the same bag passed through our Malaysia Airports Security. Either the Thai side are paranoia or the Malaysian side is lackadaisical. Either way, I feel at least the airport or the airlines could provide some sort of box, or centre of collection for those genuine cases, for people to claim back their belonging upon touch down at destination. What if it was something of sentimental value to me? (which, incidentally is not, as I said, it was a gift from buying something and I have not even opened it before)

After that, we had to go downstairs, something like ground floor and took a shuttle bus to the aircraft, at the other end, and climbed up an AEROBRIDGE!! Morons!!! Flight was delayed somewhat, air-cond was not working, it was stuffy like mad and I was so agitated that I couldn't even bear to open my eyes. I drifted off to restless sleep and only after we were airborne that I care to open my eye. Even then, the air-cond was not working fully. Luckily, I had my book to keep my cool!!

Upon touch down in KLIA, the aircraft taxi-ed to the LCCT and disembarking from the aircraft, via the stair/ladder, we had to walk like 10 - 20 minutes to the terminal. Again, stupid and silly. Open spaces in high security area and a lot of people didn't realise how dangerous that can be. What is to stop someone from doing something to the aircraft there? In most airports, no one is allowed to walk on it's tarmac except employees with special pass.  I guess it is just a terrorist opportunity waiting to be taken. I remembered that when I was working in Singapore Changi Airport, the security were pretty tight and if your pass do not allow you access, even you as an employee could not get into the aircraft area. Even then, whenever you could attend the aircraft, at times, the security personnel would be on hand to supervise and we are talking about people who works there, with entry passes!!

The immigration officer was nice though and sympathised with the passengers who had to walk quite a distance. He even informed us that a few passengers in front of us was having trouble walking the distance. Tell me about it!!! The "ordeal" was finally over and I was back to home an hour later.

Low cost or not, I sincerely believed that certain amenities should be considered as basic amenities, not luxuries. I honestly believe aerobridge is an amenity worth paying for, for security as much as for comfort. I don't believe that, such amenity would add hundreds of ringgit into per passenger fare. Just because we are paying lower fare doesn't mean that we must be treated like dirt. The tag line should be changed to, "Now everyone can fly - with DIGNITY"......

Bangkok Day 5

Day 5 was the rest day, supposingly. I told my staff to book extra one day just so we can rest before going back to Malaysia and start working. Alas, some things just don't go according to initial plan. In this case, a business associate called up to meet up with him, in Centara as he just arrived from China. We have no choice but to go over and look him up.

After breakfast etc, we went over to the Centara and met him at his room, which was pretty small, for the price that the organiser was asking! Hmmph!! So, we proceeded to the lobby lounge and had, two coffees and one orange juice, for a total of RM 45.00 (USD 15.00 approx), which, for the same orange juice I had at the roadside, exactly the same, it costs me RM 2.00 (USD 0.60). Such a waste of money!!

Anyway, we held some discussion and as time approaches lunch, he asked us to eat lunch together and not having any particular place to go, we roam around and found a decent restaurant within walking distance. Most of us were sick of hotel food, that's why we ventured out. The food in restaurant was so so, after tasting what I tasted the night before, hahaha. It's flavour were adjusted more to suit tourists, after all, it is a restaurant.

We finished everything by around 4.00 p.m and there was nothing much we can do anymore, so, after sending him back, my staff and I just went off to have another round of massage and then to hang out at some place for a drink. Later that night, we went back to the same road side stall to take our dinner. Per yesterday entry, here is some of the other pictures.

Veges that's supposed to be put inside the steamboat / suki claypot.

Thai rice, very fragrant, very delicious

This is the super yummy, super hot, super lative chilli sauce. I sweat more from eating this than when I was in the sauna!!

The fish that everyone ordered. Very very delicious and it goes very well with the chilli sauce. I didn't want to know what kind of fish is that but the way they grilled it, perfect!!

The fish.

Bangkok Day 4

Again, whole day of meeting. Met some really nice chaps though.

After we we were done for the day, my staff and I went to a road side stall to have our dinner. We have been passing by the place for 3 days and it is always jam packed!! As it was early when we finished, which was about 4.30 p.m, both of us went to the sauna in the hotel and after sweating it out for about 1 1/2 hours, took shower, rest for a while and then walk over to the road side stall.

The most interesting dish seemed to be a fish barbequed over charcoal fire. We ordered that, plus papaya salads and tom yam kung. My goodness!! I have never tasted such delicious authentic Thai food before. The chilly sauce was awesome, deliciously hot and spicy and irresistible. I was practically smoking while eating those foods and yet, I couldn't stop myself from continuing.

I sms'd to my wife and said I was having my dinner by the road side and praying hard that my stomach will be able to take it. Thankfully, no untoward incident happen. But, the food was really awesome and we went back to eat there the following day (Day 5). We ordered about the same food, with the exception of tom yang kung, we changed to seafood suki, sort of like claypot steamboat. For this meal, I remembered to snap some pictures.

The seafood suki - squids, shrimps, egg, mussels etc.

The suki (claypot steamboat) with the papaya salad at the side.

Seafood suki, captured with flash.

How the inside looked like after I put in everything.

Again, with flash, I think flash makes it worst.

Bangkok Day 3

Whole day of meeting today. Boring, repeating the same thing, hearing the same thing, again and again. We all know what we all are doing, might as well just get acquainted and put a face to a voice, wouldn't that be enough?

My meeting ended earlier than my staff's, so, I went back to hotel on my own, get changed to something casual and went over to my favourite massage shop. Had a 2 hours relaxing aromatherapy and it costs only THB 650.00, approximately RM 65.00 / USD 18.50. For the same luxury in Malaysia, I guess, I would have to pay no less than RM 120.00. Even so, the service would be less polite. The thing about Thais, they are ever so polite and gentle, that you feel pampered. Even their language is musical. Hmm....

After finishing the whole session, I proceeded to MBK (again) to collect my shirts and pants. When I got there, the shop was swarming with clients. The shop assistant did not have time to entertain me, after all, I am a done deal whereas the customers there were prospect...So, being the kind, considerate person that I am, I didn't insist to be served, though I was only collecting my order. He asked me to shop around the mall and come back in 1/2 hour time. I obliged, walked around and saw the shop assistant / tailor who did my shirt last year! But his shop was also buzzing with prospects, I wonder why? Probably it was airborne that day, the urge to order some tailorings.

I was supposed to have a dinner with my business associates in Bangkok at 7.00 p.m. and by 6.50 p.m, the shop assistant was busy still. I went up to him and told him that I really need to collect my goods and leaves. He had no choice but to accede to my request and looked for my order. Before I could leave, my associate called me and asked me where was I? Pretty embarrassed because I was late, I told him I got hold up by the shop and he agreed to pick me up from the mall instead of my hotel.

Everything settled, I met him and we proceeded to a hotel, which, by car seemed to be very far, what with the jam packed road and turnings, it took about 45 minutes to reach the restaurant. And I noticed that actually, the restaurant would be about 15 minutes walking distance from where I was!! I would have walked instead of suffering through the traffic like that.

We had quite good dinner, simple fare but at least, we get to chit chat and renew old ties. In business, relationship is really paramount. The trust and the chemistry must be there. I am glad I made this trip, despite having to spend quite a fortune as I believe nothing beats a face to face talk.

Well, we got back to hotel quite early as the dinner ends at about 10.00 p.m. The guys still need to work tomorrow, right? So do I. So, we called it a day. Upon reaching the hotel room, the first thing I did was to test fit my garments. I am very pleased with the overall outcome but my colleague told me, I seemed to be short of one shirt. I was confused because I thought I only ordered 5 shirts but he told me that I actually ordered 6!! Luckily he remembered, otherwise, I would have take it as 5 only, hahaha. That means another trip to MBK (again) and it seemed to be a daily affair to me already!!

Bangkok Day 2

The strange thing about travelling is that, despite the late nights, I would not be able to sleep past 8.00 p.m. I would assume that it is the unfamiliarity of the bed as one of the main cause but I am not the type who need to be in familiar surrounding all the time. Unlike some people who still take their pillows, teddies, blankets everywhere they go, I don't get attached to those comforters to get myself into sleep. So, it is pretty strange that I would not be able to sleep in late whenever I travel, sort of like defeating the purpose of holiday in the first place, right?

Anyway, the second day in Bangkok was the meeting proper. I could see that the attendance was much lesser than last year's. I presume that the looming economic downturn discouraged people from spending unnecessarily. Overall, the day's meeting was a ok. Met quite a number of people, made some acquaintance, renew some old ones and we will see how that will turn into a business opportunity.

I went over to MBK in the afternoon to check on shirts I ordered. I did some fittings and overall, am quite satisfied with the outcome, though I asked the tailor to make it slightly loose, as body hugging makes me looked too thin, after all, I am thinking of adding some muscle (which has been eluding me for eons), I wouldn't want to waste the shirts I am ordering now should I gain some muscle mass, right? hahaha.

The night itself was the gala dinner. The stage performance was boring. Last year's was much much better. I think quite a number of delegates left early, yours truly included. I started on a book I brought over in the room and slept about 2.00 p.m.

Could your boss be worse than this?

I read Hurley's blog about his boss. Though I feel for him, at the same time, I would also understand his boss' attitude. Being in both shoes before, I know how it felt like and trust me, the other side always have a reason for whatever that they are doing at that particular time, or decision they made that you might not agree.

As for Hurley, my advise, as posted in his comment box :- ever seen the sticker on cars that states : I might be slower, but I am still ahead of you.

His boss might be all that he says she is but unfortunately, she still commands and like it or not, as subordinate, one have to listen, despite the displeasure or disgruntle etc...

The world is structured in such a way that those at the top of the pyramid will ALWAYS step on the bottom ones, some gleefully, many others reluctantly. That is a fact of life and that it happens in every aspect of life. The other word for it is the rat race. If you decided to join the race, then you will have to abide and play by their rules. Otherwise, join other races.

I like the penguins at the end of madagascar 1, I remembered that it goes something like this :- "just smile and wave boys, smile and wave" - as my advice to Hurley, it will be fine to take a leaf from this simple word of wisdom and you will find that to be very effective. One doesn't have to be assertive and win all the time. Besides, winning is not everything, it is the accomplishments that will give you the satisfaction. Also, at times, it is good to take one step back just to gain two step forward. Not everyone is meant to be at the pinnacle of the pyramid, just make sure you are not at the bottom will serve you well, if you can climb to the top, do so, at the very least, try to. Take comfort in that you have tried your best and that summit is just a few steps away, look down and take care not to trample others instead, at least, not purposely, our life will be richer for it.

Bangkok Day 1

I was in Bangkok from last Sunday until Friday, ie, 15 Feb 2009 till 20 Feb 2009. I stayed near the Pratunam Area, Grand Diamond Hotel. Pretty decent hotel.

The flight I took was AirAsia and fortunately, it was the Airbus and despite the flight duration being announced as 2 hours 5 minutes, we reached Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in a little more than 1.5 hours. I guessed that the pilot must have sped through some traffic lights. Urgent nature calls probably. Anyway, I am thankful that I didn't turn stiff for the lack of space for breathing even!!

Anyway, we got there about 9.30 a.m local time and after meeting the organiser of the conference that I was attending, a cab / limousine was assigned to us and off we went to the conference hall for registration etc. I got there about 10.30 a.m and after going through the registration, payment and collection of some documents, both my staff and I went to our hotel. We did not register to stay in the hotel arranged by the organiser, which is annexed to the conference hall due to the extremely high costs. They were asking USD 180.00/night for the hotel whereas we got another hotel about 5 minutes walk away for USD 60.00/night. I would rather use the money for food and massage, after all, we won't be spending that much time in the rooms except to sleep only.

After freshen up, we went to Maboonkrong (MBK in short) which is like the biggest mall in Bangkok in terms of number of shops. I ordered tailored made clothes there, costing me about THB 10,000.00 for six shirts and 3 pants. A bit more expensive than my last trip to that shop but what the heck, I was in the mood to spend some money and contribute to their economy anyway, hahaha.

After that done, we went hunting for food and had some local fare at their 6th floor, nothing great, just something to fill our stomach. I also had Swensen's, something I always try to take if I am in Bangkok as apparently, theirs would be slightly cheaper than Malaysia's.

Right after ice cream, I went for my favourite thing to do in Bangkok, massage. I went to the same shop I went last year. Had a two hour aroma therapy and it is blissful. I really enjoyed the session, all the stress being kneaded away.

Got back to hotel after the session and after a quick shower and change of clothes, went back to the conference hall for some cocktail party. Boring as ever because everyone seemed to be cliquish and being newer members, there was no clique except for a few acquaintance made last year. Food was better than last year though.

After some small talks with a few people, I made a move and went back to hotel to rest. It had been a long day and it would be a longer day the next.

I Am Back

I have been missing in blog sphere for quite sometime, err, a week or more. Seemed like eons in terms of Internet speed time. Felt like an eternity even!!

I will blog may be in details about the trip, depending on the mood. But generally, Bangkok is still as exciting as ever, bustling, dusty, smokey and yet, interesting, a potpourri of experiences to be had, not readily available elsewhere.

I think I spent quite a lot of moolahs in Bangkok, helping to churn their economic wheels, hahaha. I bought jeans, I made clothes, lots of them, I ate a lot and I went to massage a few time. Simply put, money well spent. Now, time to earn them back and then some more.

Oh, before I forget, if possible, don't take Air Asia. I know it is oxymoronic, who would if they can afford luxuries instead. For a hundred or two difference, I would rather fly normal airlines instead of low cost's. Some buses are more luxurious than the flight I took from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur. Flight is like 2.5 hours, felt like it though I am not too sure if it is. Aircond not working properly. Stuffy and things like that. I told my staff no more Air Asia to Bangkok, unless absolutely necessary and unavoidable.

Imagine, checking in in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, was assigned a gate at one far end, walked almost endlessly, I am guessing that far end's gate is cheaper. Then, transferred to a bus from that gate and were driven across the tarmac to almost the other end AND going up staircase which is the external of an aerobridge!!! How silly can it get? Why not just assigned the gate where the aerobridge was connected to the aircraft? Silly! Silly! Silly!! I hated it when facilities are not being utilised properly. It is sheer wastage, white elephants are supposed to be sort of extinct!!

It got worse when we touched down in KLIA. We had to walk very very long distance to reach the terminal, going up, pass through immigration and come down again, walk and walk and walk. Silly!!! Why can't the government just instruct Air Asia to use the main terminal. I pity the older people, it must be a strain to walk such a distance. I even heard a few comments from passengers who made the same remark, that they fear to think how it would be for people with arthritis etc. I guess it is not now that everyone can fly, it is everyone who can walk only will fly...

Awana Escape!!

You know, reading blogs and posting in blogs sometimes does have its advantages. For example, I get to read about contests specially organised for bloggers. The latest I read from my regular "joint" is about Awana's contest.

Now, after reading other's posts, holidays tugged at my heart. It has been quite sometime since I really rewarded myself with a proper holiday where I can enjoy some tranquility and relaxation. I used to frequent Awana Genting Highlands for up at the highlands, the air is refreshing, the weather cool and most importantly, they cater well to group event. I have even organised Treasure Hunt for my association with final destination at Awana Genting Highlands and everyone enjoyed the place so much!! One thing that I must mention about Awana Hotels and Resorts is that they are top-notch.

The second Awana Resorts that I been quite a number of time is the Awana Kijal in Trengganu. The first impression I got when I first stepped foot there? Luxuries!!! The beach is beautiful, as sandy white beaches should looked like. Just lazing around on the beach is sheer bliss. But for those who can't stand still, there is plenty to do, main one being the beautiful golf course, calling out to even non-golfer!!

I have yet to discover Awana Porto Malai Resort in Langkawi, one of the ultimate island resort, if my two experiences with the other Awana resorts is anything to judge by. I should probably reward myself with a trip there just to see if their standard is as good as their brethren's, hahaha. But I can imagine, Awana Porto Malai Resort, Langkawi Island, should be a place of tranquility too, with relaxation as the ultimate goal, what with sea breeze gently billowing in your face, like Malays sayings, angin sepoi-sepoi bahasa, that must be very invigorating.

Well, if you are looking forward to a holiday, sponsored by Awana Resorts, join their contest and spread the news, that's the least we can do in return, right? hahaha. And I do look forward to a holiday in Awana Porto Malai Resort.. (hint! hint! nudge! nudge!). In the meantime, do check out the links I have made to all of these resorts and who knows, you might end up there and enjoy either the tranquility of beach, refreshing air in the highlands or relaxation on an island, all under Awana Hotels and Resorts' magic's touch.

Old Age Wisdom - Not Original

Something which is worth pondering in time of uncertainties.

* Hard work: All hard work bring a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

* Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.

* Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income. [At least make your Investments get you second earning]

* Spending: If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell things you need.

* Savings: Don't save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.

* Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender's slave.

* Accounting: It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.

* Auditing: Beware of little expenses; A small leak can sink a large ship.

* Risk-taking: Never test the depth of the river with both feet. [Have an alternate plan ready]

* Investment: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Contest Queen II

Someone stumbled to my post about Contest Queen, which brings me to the same post and re-read what I have written. I have so totally forgotten about this post and incidentally, the two contests that I joined as per posted, I won some consolation prizes. I am as surprised by the winning as anything else.

I have yet to collect the prizes as announced in AMBP but I am looking forward to it, yeah!!

Assimilation Of Culture

I was reading Hurley's frustration with certain people, who thought they are the greatest, just because they so happened to be the decision maker. Oh, I have come across such arrogant a$$es and biatch but it is really part and parcel of the real world. Even I myself gives certain people the cold shoulder at times but not until the extent like what Hurley was subjected to.

I also noticed the observation that Hurley made, that generally, the Chinese are more stuck up compared to the Malays. One observation I made is that, this applies especially to Chinese who works in the government department, as though they are the greatest and smartest. Many times, I would just ignore them.

Comparatively, most Malays, may be due to the fact that quite a number of them are government servants, meaning they are not "unique" like the rare breed of Chinese government servants, tend to be more approachable and friendly. As a general rule of thumb, I find Malays more friendly and amicable and I am always comfortable in their midst, more so than in a group of Chinese people. This is probably due to the fact that I was schooled in a Malays school and the fact that I was the only Chinese in the whole classroom of 30 odd people.

Not one instance, during my primary school, was I ignored nor was my ethnicity an issue with my fellow classmates. They accepted me just as I am, part of them. I grew up practically in the midst of Malays culture and I have very high assimilation of their subtle cultures, like putting hand to your chest after shake hand, to show sincerety (the hand to chest/heart more or less means it goes to heart, I think) and bowing down with one hand pointing to the floor if passing by an older person and things like that, things that I do without consciously doing it. I find that to be extremely polite and I wished, they teach that in schools.

Of course, in every community, there are black sheeps as well and in the more "brash" Chinese community, there are some fine and cultured specimens too. But overall, I think, in Malaysia, most of us are more Malaysians that we care to admit. We have assimilated each others habit more than we realise and if that don't make us Malaysians, I don't know what else do.

Self Weirdness

Ok, to be fair, I don't like being tagged. My motto is also that, don't do unto others what you don't like others to do unto you. For this case, I am going to "forgive" RKM for asking me to do a tag but not "officially", so, she is off the hook for the time being. Anyway, the tag is about 6 weird things about yourself. I have to give that a thought....

Thinking hard.

Thinking hard. (mak uih, berkerut-kerut dahi den pikiaq mende-mende macam ni, cam oghang meneran pulo)

I am an absolutely normal person. I am not a weirdo. (kan, dah cakap dah)

Hmm, okay, I do have some weird habit, which was observed by my other half.

1) Whenever I signed something, the tip of my tongue would come between my teeth, a gentle bite, something like that. Like deep in concentration.

2) I have a habit of wearing sunglass, that is normal. But whenever the sunglass droop over the bridge of the nose, I don't use finger to push it back up, I just sort of like wrinkle the nose to push it up again. Come to think of it, it is not weird, it is a skill!!

I say, I can only think of this two peculiarities of myself. I am pretty much an average Joe, boy next door kind of person, with no skeleton to hide (except my own, kakaka), so, I don't think I have that many peculiar or weird habit. If OCD can be considered a weirdo, I guess, it will qualify as No. 3, where if I wanted to do something, if I don't do it, it will tugged at me until I manage to somehow do it, or at least attempt it. That is why I don't dream of buying a sports car or a big bungalow etc because then, I will committing myself to rat race, which I am trying my best to get away from. The is no finishing line in rat race, so, I decided to give priority to everything beside keeping up with the jonesses.

Tagger, does above suffice?

Greed And Pumpkin

The low cost airport tentatively is being shelved. It is a no brainer. I don't even understand the need for a low cost airport in the first place. I have flown off from LCCT in KLIA and it is not an excuse for a terminal, in fact, it was a disgrace.

We have a spanking new (still quite new to me anyway), spacious and beautiful airport, which never ceased to impress visitors, local and foreign alike and on the other hand, we have LCCT which looked and operates worst than some of the third world country's airport! In this sense, I totally agree with the objection of building another airport when present one is under utilised even, as commented by our former Prime Minister, in his post here.

I don't see what is the big issue in using even the existing KLIA terminal. Whatever charges imposed by our airport authority, it will have to come with the services and there shouldn't be any reason why passengers will not be willing to pay for some convenience. I don't think that when our famous low cost carrier flew to Hong Kong or Bangkok, they will land in low cost terminal, let alone a low cost airport?

The most basic amenities for the passengers like aerobridges might cost extra but at the same time, doesn't it facilitate a faster turnaround? Isn't that what the low cost operator is most concern of? Faster turnaround means higher utilisation? Granted, there might be some fees but as it is, our low cost carrier is not really charging extremely low cost, at times the difference is what some workers spend for their dinners. I believe if they have bothered to compare prices, they will realise that they have been brainwashed into thinking low cost carrier = low prices. Any flight that is more than 3 hours, I won't take low cost carrier, it's just not worth it. If you are going to fly, you might as well fly in fresh and get down to whatever you plan to do and not subject yourself to stress and whatnots.

Sometimes, I really don't understand our government and their policies. Do they really have to make it so blatant that they do not have any vision or will? If government insist that the low cost carrier uses present airport as it is (not the poor excuse of the low cost terminal we are subjected to), do they really think the low cost carrier will close shop? They are a business entity and they will work around it. Worst case scenario, they could operate from smaller airports around the country, like Melaka and Ipoh? It is pretty much their choice, isn't it? Not giving everything away in a silver plater, we have enough of that with our highway concessionaires, independent power producers. I think the government has bent enough and be screwed. Probably it should start growing some sense and save some money for the future generation.

My Best Friends

I called up one of my best friend. He didn't call me for the duration of the Chinese New Year holidays. And to think that we meet like only once a year, during this holidays season.

I have not call another one of my best friend. He is the one who was admitted to ICU and I was not informed about it. Probably I should call him soon.