Flying High

Baobab Trees

2011-04-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

weird trees only found in Madagascar...

2 words about Madagascar

2011-03-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Pitifully beautiful.

Well, I pity the condition the people here are living in. But with their simple and pitiful condition, the country is beautiful.

Mud houses..

view from Queen's palace, yar no king in the history. It was rule by woman

everywhere is red, red mud use to make red house

antananarivo city

this is how women wash clothes, they wash by the river and leave it by the river to dry

another popular mode of transport

King Julian

2011-03-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

You don't know who is King Julian? Is this move-it move-it monkey from cartoon Madagascar

And this is King Julien in real world in the real country Madagascar...

and this little cute fella...

is also cute in real life...

other type of endangered species I saw in Lemurs Park today.,..

I love the concept of the park, basically the park is like a island surrounded by river. That way animals don't get away. And so they are not caged and in their natural habitat.

Hotel I am staying..

2011-03-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

Hotel Iblis. Smack right in the middle of the...slump, is this hotel. Well, the hotel looks nice and modern. Really comfortable, more so when I see the condition people are living in outside the hotel.

Toilet story..

2011-03-24T01:21:00.000-07:00

This few days have been real busy for me doing document.Or maybe because I am bit lazy or slow, thought I could finish it in hours and spend the rest of the time enjoying my trip. It has been few days here already and I am not finish yet. Aaaarggh!!. Need to move to Gear 5 already.
Anyway, just curi tulang and write a little blog. I was in customer's office. Went to the restroom or toilet or gents room or whatever people call it here. There was no sign male or female toilet. Well, I was rest assured that it was a male toilet as there were standing urinal there. So there I was in my vulnerable state, relieving myself with small whistle tune of "One Way". All of a sudden, a lady come out of the toilet cubicle and casually wash her hand, stare at her face in the mirror, turn around and smile at me. It was that type of feeling like you are being gutted real bad. My face turn lobster red and I pull the hardest humiliating smile back as reply.
Now I realise it is actually a shared toilet. Lesson learn, I will really study the toilet first and next time, I am using the cubicle.

Madagascar..Antananarivo

2011-03-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Madagascar

OK. After spending a day and a night in South Africa, jump on the plane to my next destination Madagascar. Everything was cool normal until I travel from the airport to my hotel. I was speechless. I thought is going to be kampung like Perlis or something, but man, it was worse than that.
The small houses here are made of dried mud. The narrow roads are not tarred properly and is very sandy. Kids are without shoe kicking ball in the sand. Some are playing in the longkang. Women are washing clothes in the dirty river placed them on the river bank to dry. And people are even bathing in the river.Chicken dogs are everywhere, flies are on everyone's face.

Asia is not the only place there is trishaw..

mudhouses

Interesting facts about Madagascar:

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. Its coastline is as long as 4828 km.
Madagascar has a narrow coastal plain. It is the world's largest producer and exporter of vanilla.
The majority of the people in the country have indigenous beliefs with regard to religion. This follows a relationship between the living and the dead.
It would be interesting to know that as much as 52% of the total population of Madagascar follows animist beliefs, while 41% follows Christianity. The remaining popular predominantly follows Islam.
The average life span in Madagascar is 57 year
The country is also referred to as the Red Island, due to the red color of its soil
Nearly half of the land of Madagascar is covered with forest.
Due to soil erosion and deforestation, many of the plants and animals found in the island have been categorized as endangered species.
The prehistoric breakup of the Gondwana supercontinent separated the Madagascar-Antarctica-India landmass from the Africa-South America landmass around 135 million years ago. Madagascar later split from India around 88 million years ago, allowing plants and animals on the island to evolve in complete isolation
During French Colonization, 20 French soldiers died fighting, and 6,000 died of malaria and other diseases

First stop...Johannesburg

2011-03-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

OK. Let's start.

First stop Johannesburg. Actually it was bangkok, but i was only in the airport for few hours, so no count as first stop.. Via couch surfing, I manage to find a host. Though is pretty risky as you never met your host before, only communication through mails, but it was great to have a local friendly host to introduce you to the local lifestyle,stay in his house free, bring you to places free etc. So it really save cost.

My host pick me up at the airport early in the morning. It was fairly easy as he was holding a sign with my name on it. And after that we went back to his apartment. It was really nice place. Beautiful. From the balcony, you can view golf course and park.

There are parrots, other colorful birds flying about. Yup, those are free wild african birds

It was still early in the morning and raining a little So I rested for awhile. Afternoon went to an african restaurant, had my face painted african style.

For food, I ordered the oxtail stew. Tasted like te-ka-co (pig's leg).

After that, head to lion's safari park and saw those african animals. It was those type of zoo where you are in your vehicle like a cage moving into the animal territory. Ya you are not allowed to leave your vehicle, well unless you want to be the lion's asian cuisine.
The animals here are whole lot healthier and bigger and active as compare to those in KL zoo, Melaka zoo skinny and malnutrish. And yes, the lions here are huge, maybe even bigger than my Myvi

My next trip ....Johannesburg and Madagascar

2011-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Just back from Trinidad, my company now assign me to another project. This time around, MADAGASCAR. Nope, its not the cartoon, its the real country itself, smack right at the southern east of Africa. Woohoo!, Africa, never been to that region before.

I quickly contacted my travel agency and they book me a flight transiting at Johannesburg, South Africa! You know, every destination to these far remote countries, I always have the opportunity to have a long transit at these popular cities. The first trip was Paris, the second was London, and this time round. Johannesburg, SA.The place where 2010 FIFA world cup was held. Dang! it was last year.
So here I am again, back to my little travelling blog. Ready to excite you with my interesting travel experience...which is live here from the field

Home

2011-02-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ok. this is the closure post for this trip. It has been eye-opening, life-refreshing, exciting experience, wonderful journey, what else can i say... I really enjoy it. What more if all this things are sponsored by my company (with allowance). Sweet .Anyway sleep throughout the flight from London to Singapore. Now back at home in KL. It is 1am hopefully I am able to sleep soon. 1 am is 1pm trinidad time. So, my friends, time to say goodbye for now. Hope you enjoyed my blog for this trip. Thanks for reading. Adios and Good nite. See you again in my next trip. Dunno where...

London

2011-02-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

Since it is a one day visit, so I will compile my london trip report in one blog. You know, the normal tourist spot.

London bridge is falling down. I was literally trying to push down the pill-like statue. It won;t budge.

London eye. Nope didn't went up. Dun wanna waste my pound and time. :

Westminster. House of Parliament. and Big Ben

Saw the common london bus

Policeman on horses. Seriously, I can't imagine them chasing a car on the horse.

went to Buckingham palace and saw the statue-like guard. What's the purpose they stand there on their shift like a statue? Who started this policy?

this is burkingham palace.

Nah, nothing so fancy except the guard.

But what i like is st james park. One of the most beautiful park I have been. Spend about an hour there, watching people, flowers, trees, birds, ducks, squirrel, gerbil.

Lastly Tower of London. The tourist spot that is most look forward to that I missed. Thanks to my downloaded touring guide. It was the palace cum dungeon that tortured many people. Man, I watch so many historical movies, William Wallace, Queen Anne Boleyn, Lady Aragorn. all were tortured here. The only museum I am willing to pay to visit. But it was 4pm and already closed. Was really cursing in my heart on the tour guide I downloaded from the internet lead me to those what's-the-big-deal places like london eye, modern art gallery etc....

I will definitely go for the historical tour my next round. Ya I like history. And if got time and money go and visit Stamford Bridge also. Please please company please send me to london again. Oh, I also forgot to buy I Love London tshirt. Another good reason for me to go back London

Last day in Trini

2011-02-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

My last day in trini. Hmm. it was well spend finishing up my work to send to Digicel. Then, took a quick walk to town to get lunch. It was after school hours and saw many young high school students after school, you know, playing, eating street food, waiting for bus, hanging out with friends. Ahh, how I miss my school days. How I miss my younger days. Ironically, when I was young I always wish to be a grown up asap. Ya, I should embrace my age whatever season of life. And I am enjoying this season of life where I can travel and see the world!

Sorry the taxi had to wait so long for me to pack my stuff. I did not buy any big things except for a new pair of shoe (made in China). Checking out, yes I was shocked the whole hotel bill come to RM6k plus. Rm450 per night and lots of room dining. Well, thank you <MY COMPANY NAME>
The ride to airport was pretty hard feeling. Had a great time talking to my taxi driver (since is a long ride in the after hours traffic jam). We talk about family to politics to religion this that etc. It was great to connect with someone who has completely different background , culture and country.
Reaching the airport I saw a beautiful full rainbow. It reminds me of Noah. And it was also like a farewell to me. Such wonderful feeling. Next stop.... London.

Breakfast at Carlton Savannah

2011-02-15T14:24:00.000-08:00

sweet valentine.

2011-02-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

I am back to Trinidad. Took the morning ferry from Tobago, the evening one was fully booked. Well, so glad I made it through the scary night. I did not make any taxi arrangement once reaching the ferry terminal in Trinidad. I kinda used up my Trinidian money. So I decided to walk home from the ferry terminal. Well not home exactly, my hotel in trinidad, i mean. After 45 minutes walk under the scorching sun, really relieve to reach back to the hotel. So good to feel safe again in my 5 star hotel. After a warm bath, lunch, terus tidur until 7pm. That;s how I spend valentine day. Sweet.

Scary motel in Tobago

2011-02-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

Now, back to the place I was staying in Bacolet Bay. Well for RM75, cheapest accomodation in Tobago i think, I was really thinking twice whether I should find a hotel to stay. The place was a run down scary motel like the one you watch on all those thriller horror movies. The way there is through a small, winding dark road and worst still you have to pass through a cemety to get there, and it was raining very heavily when I drove all alone back there (after going to the beach). The room was actually an apartment with a bedroom, small dining area, toilet and kitchen (I was praying let there be no lipas). Well the apartment was clean, but with the dim orange lights, old looking bed and closet (which can;t close properly) is the type of place that send shivers down your spine. . There was a small tv in the room but the signal was no good. Blurry images to make matters worst. There were many empty units especially on my floor. Corridors were dark and the stairs spooky looking. It was really scary alright and having my imagination running wild it wasn't a pleasant night. I have to sleep (barely) with lights on and keep on singing praises in my head.

Trip to Tobago

2011-02-14T18:44:00.000-08:00

Sunday. My trip to Tobago. Well, this is one interesting and scary trip. Scary because I am going there alone. Had a little arrangement thanks to my taxi driver yesterday who introduce me a friend of his managing a small accommodation for travelers in Tobago for a cheap price.

My ferry ride was from Port of Spain to Scarborough. If you see the map, Venezuela is even much nearer but is a remote jungle area, so no point going there.

So my journey started out early in the morning, queuing to get ferry tickets. Yup, the most economical way to get to Tobago from Trinidad is by ferry only cost RM 25 one way. The ferry was huge and even carry vehicles (I should have gotten one).

But the journey was awful. The waves were choppy and I almost vomit out my breakfast. And to make natter worst, they were showing Whitney Houston music videos in the 80's.

After 2.5 hours, I arrived at Tobago. Reaching there I was a bit lost. Not sure if this friend of my taxi driver is coming to pick me up. So I borrowed a phone from a security officer and I call him. Dane (his name) was in church and he told me to wait there and he will come and pick me up.Finally Dane arrive and brought me to his place, at Barcolet Bay. I will tell more about the place in my next post.

I got a rented car after that and immediately head to Pigeon Point beach (the best beach in Tobago so I was told). It was nice, many angmoh hanging out there playing kite surfing.

I took a glass-boat tour to Nylon Pool and Buccoo Reef. Well it was a cool boat where you can see all the beautiful corals and colorful fishes through the glass floor of the boat.

Nylon Pool is unique. There is this sand spot in the middle of the ocean. You can stand there and all around you is crystal clear water, .They say if you swim in Nylon pool you will feel 10 years younger and if you kiss underwater you are destined for life, yeah right!

I finished the day sitting at the end of the jetty watching the beautiful Caribbean sunset. Really peaceful with seagulls flying above and fishes swimming in patterns below the jetty. It was really a bliss.

Shark meat

2011-02-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

To all animal lovers out there, my apology, I had shark meat for lunch today.

Haha, it is another trinidian local delicacies called Bake and Shark. It is famous food here so I have to try.

My verdict? No big deal just another fish burger, a very huge fish burger. And here is the famous restaurant right across the beach.

Beach Time

2011-02-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

not going to the beach is like not been to Trinidad. It's Saturday!. Workshop is finish. So today we head to Maracas beach, the most famous beach in Trinidad:

on the way to Maracas beach

view before reaching the beach. Lot's of eagles flying around

selling all types of reggae hats

The waves here are nice enough to have back massage (letting the waves hit your back) anbd also for surfing. Behind the beach, is a scenery of majestic mountains as backdrop.

And the coolest thing I have seen that morning was a sight of an army helicopter flying very closely to the beach and the mountain. It reminds me about those Vietnam war movies.

Doubles Doubles

2011-02-11T01:37:00.000-08:00

This is a local delicacies. Is called "doubles". Don't ask why is it called doubles? Nobody knows. So I order and tried one. Only cost 4TTD(RM2) considered cheap food. And these yucky looking thing is really really yummy. What is it made of? Is some sweet crispy flour and add in the vege, kacang, dhal thingy, pepper etc etc.

End up I had double of doubles, 4 in total. Yar, lausai after that but I don;t mind eating doubles again.

Magnificent Seven

2011-02-09T01:43:00.000-08:00

These huge English mansion built in 1900 century located around the park across my hotel.

Mahi Mahi

2011-02-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Being in a foreign land you wanna try to eat things you have never tried before. So in a restaurant, I chose from the menu the grilled mahi-mahi. Well, i know is a kind of fish. The meat is a bit hard and taste different.

Being curious I asked mr google what mahi-mahi is, and this is what I found:

Music from the cooking pot

2011-02-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

Today was a hard day to get by. Slept from 5pm-10pm last night, then 4-6am this morning. Guess the jetlag and timezone is still messing me up. So the whole afternoon workshop today was super sleepy and i have to count on coffee.
Anyway, I saw something cool today. A local trinidian culture. There is this bulky steel pots, from far i thought is a big cooking festival. Then I realize they're playing music on those big cooking pots. Percussion that;s the word. Really nice Jamaican-style music. Yar, the culture is quite similar with Jamaica, from what I heard.

Carnival

2011-02-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

One word to describe T&T. PARTY. They call it.."the Carnival". yes is a national event for the whole month of March i think. Ya, i am here a month too early (kns). But still cool, they even have pre-carnival feast all around town.
First day reaching in Carlton Savannah (my 5-star hotel ;p) there is alreadyt a hugh party going on at the hotel car park. Wanted to take a look but fell kinda tired and wanna rest. (real truth, no guts to go as i will be the only jakun chinese guy there, with the cheapo camera..
So i rested in my hotel, the correct word should be pampering myself.enjoying everything the room has to offer. Even order room dining.Why not if i can claim 20euro per meal?

Trinidan chick-pea soup.nice

Trinidan curry rice with cucumber raita (no idea)

So back to the carnival. The whole country is talking about it. The little boy on the street is talking about it. Heck, even the president is talking about it. TV channels are showing interviews, preparation, pre-carnival party here and there. Advertisements, posters, billboards are everywhere. Man I think this is one of the biggest party in the world!

ok, will let you know when i join a pre-carnival event.

Carlton Savannah

2011-02-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

7 Feb, This is my hotel room at Carlton Savannah, i think is a 5 star hotel.Let me show you some proof:

view from my room

Caribbean sunset

2011-02-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

Anyway to give you a preview of the first sight seeing point in Trinidad. The airport taxi driver was cool enough to bring me here before reaching hotel. Sorry this is a cheapo camera borrowed from my sister. don't want to bring my high end bulky dslr camera.Yes, across the city is the Caribbean ocean. I think Jack Sparrow was born here...

6pm sunset scenery of Trinidad

Journey begin

2011-02-07T19:55:00.001-08:00

5 Feb may journey to Port of Spain Trinidad begin. In case you are wondering why am I travelling to this bizzare part of the world, even the country itself many Malaysians have not heard of, well, it's because I have a job workshop I need to conduct to one my company's favourite customer, Digicel.
It started out not-perfect cause thee last 2 days celebrating chinese new year, I ate too much, too carelessly, I felt sick suffering from severe indigestion.Yes, my tummy bloated like i am pregnant, feeling nausea, vomitting but nothing comes out and trying to constipate but nothing comes out either. I am sure you know the feeling.
So travelling to airport with a bloated tummy, my heart was also bloated filled with excitement for the unknown experience.