My First UK Blog Post - A View from My Window

This year was crazy - 2014. The workload was okay but the uncertainties were definitely high. So, after years of dreaming to study in overseas and all, I finally had my wish came true as a Ph.D student. Hahahaha, kinda old to keep on studying, but gonna keep going on!

It is of course a great opportunity, since I am running off to United Kingdom (UK) for a year. So far, everything treats me okay, except for the weather - reasons >>>the temperature difference between morning and evening can be > 10 DegC. Yes, for this reason, I have suddenly suffer from minor migraine - which in my entire life, this is not an issue. I can't stay up late in UK, can't boil midnight oil>>> maximum drop-sleep time is 1145pm. @@

Anyhow, the groceries here and food here (I mean from supermarket) are quite affordable in the sense that it won't kill off your wallet at the end of the month. No car for me, good for diet! Hahahaha, people here are quite polite until it is frightening at one point. And, at Nottingham here, I feel quite cosy. It is a city with nice buildings and architectures and great food. 

As for the utility bill, it is still quite a weird arrangement. For water bill, we prepaid an estimated water usage for 6 months @@. As for electricity bill, we need to submit our own tariff reading, else they will calculate based on past record. This is a whole culture shock to me (^^).

This sums up my current life. I have been so busy with research etc. At one point, I was so phobia of writing even a single word. It actually took me a lot of determination to write this post and select the fine pictures above. 

Never thought that this post is actually 9 months apart. Great that my posts productivity declined greatly, because I am living a real life or Am I? By the way, my bloglink also changes over here to xjion89.blogspot.co.uk . Guess because I am in UK. Hahahahaha. Keep in touch and keep supporting my blogs. 

Cheeeeers, 

xjion a.k.a Jay  

A Happy 2014 - Smile like Mickey Mouse (^^)

Oh my, 2014 is here in a blink of an eye! Regardless of how positive I was/ am, I can't stop myself wonder and worry how my this year will be! If you have read my previous post on the ever-increasing conditions in Malaysia, I guess it will never be an easy year. 

Anyhow, I think perhaps because of aging, I feel that I can easily emo/ depressed. Mid-life crisis comes earlier this year?! This year, my resolution is simple - be happy! (^^) Smile like Mickey Mouse (^^)!!!!! I finally dug up some photos years ago! I remembered it was taken in Midvalley, when they had an art gallery on Mickey Mouse (^^)! It was even FOC to view the art pieces ! Yup, it was that simple, be happy!

When I was a little younger, I really wanted a lot. As I grew older, perspective starts to "evolve", I feel that less is more. Spending days with your love ones, be more appreciative of what I have, accomplish self-set goals, etc.... are more like my direction of lives. 

Then, there are some people who I thought I know, just change completely opposite. They used to enjoy life, love life, appreciate life.... But, after working, I can see that some of them became cocky/ arrogant and blindly chasing things that they thought they want  - money, fame, promotion, etc.. Well, I ain't Saint, I do have desire to chase those stuffs, but not neglecting my lives!

Keep your virtue! Smile like Mickey Mouse (^^) 

PappaRich, Averagely Rich @ Kajang

"We must accept finite disappointment but we must never lose infinite hope", by Martin Luther King, Nobel Peace Prize Winner 1964.

My buddies from Uni. It was such a long time since we gathered for dinner. This was already more than a year ago, I guess. The longer people stay together, they do develop similar behaviour. LOL, even the same camera-shy pose!

PappaRich is not a unfamiliar name and located at Kajang KTM area! As a "last" dinner as Uni-friends, we went to this restaurant for closure (sound overly-serious). On the way to Kajang KTM, you will see definitely see this place. I like it for the ambient and spacious parking area.

We ordered some nasi lemak, nasi ayam, etc. To our slight disappointment, they looked almost the same except for the side dishes (fast food?!). The taste was ok only, yet, the price was above average. Anyway, it was more like we are enjoying the company/ environment rather than the food. 

The drink was quite nice with jelly (^^) And, the bak guo dessert was slightly sweet. Overall, everything was just average, but, definitely a good place to gather!

Lost World, Another Adventure!

 After the Kellie Castle trip, we headed straight to Lost World Tambun. As local Perakian, it was the first time for all of us to visit this hidden location. The entrance wasn't that cheap and you also require to prepare extra cash for the renting the "pelampung". We were so not prepared financially at all, have to "korek" from our pockets.

The interior was well-design despite it was still considered to be quite small compared to other theme parks. From street food to greenery mountain to mini-zoo, the concept was quite astonishing to fully utilise the nature in this area. Another interesting part of the theme park was hotspring integration. But, let me reassure that not every day is suitable for hot spring bath in Perak. The weather was blazing hot to an extend that we were boiled in the hotspring - double jeopardy@@ Recommendation: Check weather to ensure it is not too hot.

You can even spot some swans there ! Both black and white!!!!!!

How do you don't love the nature in Perak. However, recently on my way back to Ipoh, I can see a lot of hills being exploded and exploited for the granite/ lime stone. My guess was due to the virtual high demand of housing properties in Malaysia, more concrete materials are required.....Hopefully, government can properly control and ensure over-exploitation is preventable. 

Oh Kellie, A Castle For You

"The Key to finding a happy balance in modern lives is simplicity" by Sogyal Rinpoche.

This is definitely another overdue post. Kellie Castle, a magnificent heritage in Batu Gajah, long existed in 1915. However, the completion was hindered after the death of Kellie. Until today, it still stands on the ground of Perak.

From the architecture viewpoint, the design of the mansion/ castle is more to European/ Western style since Kellie was a Scottish. There are numerous of spacious rooms being constructed in the castle. The structure and arc built is definitely not an easy task, with cumbersome design and implementation.

  The yellow building is said to be the dinner/ feast hall if it was ever completed. The structure found in the Castle is often designed as round arc and onion-like shape; perhaps, an integration of local style into castle was applied.

Here are some of the little details in Kellie Castle. Door and Key. Entrance Arc. Square building. Onion-like windows. Clover-leaf-like air ways.....

The entrance fee was about RM4 per person. When my gang was there, the castle was undergoing some renovation. Still, it was worth our time! And, we spotted wedding photoshoot here too!!!! It is interesting to see and read some of the descriptions given in the mansion. It is assumed what was supposed to be though. Give yourself some imaginations when you are there (^^)

Denso Youth for Earth Action 2011 Memory Edition 1

Up to date, 2011 was my favourite year of all time as it was the year of freedom and chasing dream. Hahaha, perhaps, it was the year when I was still a dreamer youngster (^^). Anyway, it was summer 2011 when we received an email from our lecturer about the Denso Youth for Earth Action (DYEA). It is a programme  that truly embeds environmental awareness into the youths of today! You can find more information and even participate if you are interested at (here)!  However, I think this year is already closed. So, for those who are interested, you can prepare for next year (^^) For the winners, you can even join a foreign programme too, in JAPAN  !!!!! Despite I wasn't a winner that year, I really gained a lot of precious experience and enthusiasm in environmental conservation!

In day one, it was all about ice-breaking with the other 19 participants. They were all unique and special individual who were truly "green-minded". The 1st session was at the Denso Company, Bangi to introduce and educate us on environment preservation and conservation. After that, we moved into the Equatorial Hotel, Bangi!!!!! Yes, it was quite a nice hotel (^^).!!!!

In day 2, we were arranged to visit Denso plants itself. The operation and management was simply impressive with the detail of work involved. Below shows the microphone devices used while touring the plant (^^). Of course, the adventure didn't stop there. In the later part of the day, we went on another meeting/ visit to Department of Environmental (DOE), Putrajaya!

Two years ago, I was still not that familiar with Putrajaya. But, that time visit, it was an eye-opener tour because the architecture was simply astonishingly-designed. The meeting with DOE's director and personnel was quite fruitful too. The debate and discussion on environmental issues were quite a lesson to everybody involved!

I am so proud to be a part of DYEA 2011

A Nice Day To Have Present !

They are super duper cute to be my Graduation presents 2012! Yes, I have graduated for almost 1 year!!!! Now, I only find time and energy to post this ! Oh well, late better than never!!!!

Thanks (^^) Girls (Ex-Housemates and Coursemate) You know I am talking about you!

Yes, thanks my secondary school friends (Lucas and Paul, postcards from US and Canada respectively)!!! Thanks Paul for the cup and key chain too (^^). Yup, know them for almost 10 years!!! How many 10 years do we have!!!!!!

Soya Lee, Icy Princess (2001 - 2012)

More than 1 year, she left us. Soya Lee, the Icy Princess who used to be around us all the time with her soft fur and cunning movement. Yup, she was always cute and always will be in our memories! I still remembered clearly how she ventured in our lives.

My sister and I went to buy something and as we passed by a vet clinic,there she was,looking skinny and happily playing with her siblings. Regardless of my mom's protest, my sis insisted to take her in. Just like that, she became Soya Lee.

While many people said that cats are not as loyal as dogs, I believe it is not entirely true. When I was preparing my SPM, she was there supporting silently (until she became so annoying). When I was down, she would just sleep on floor so cute that I forgot my problem instantly! YES, Her cuteness was simply irresistible.

 She had been always classy and babei all the time! Hahaha, but, that's why I love her so much as she was keeping her integrity! Yup, she didn't like people to cuddle her; over-cuddle would irritate her until she bite.

In 2009, she fell ill as she urinated blood.It was such a horrible moment to me. Medication was useless; therefore,she undergone a surgery to clear off the crystals in her bladder. I took care of her day and night that time until she fully recovered.

Times would never stop. In 2012 January, she breathed her last when her injury from a dog's bite became deadly. I wasn't managed to see her last and my parents didn't tell me her condition until she left me for 3 days. She was really waiting for me to see her; guess that I miss the chance to say goodbye as she passed away after 1 day I returned home. 

Reading back the childish posts I wrote for her, it was truly a good memory! Thank you Soya Lee for a great 10 years of companionship! Without you, life would be so dull and less interesting. You truly lit up my light. 

http://xjion89.blogspot.com/2009/08/blood-crystals.html

http://xjion89.blogspot.com/2008/06/my-lovely-soya.html

Recently, my coursemate of 5 years passed away due to cancer. It is still unbelievable as life is so unexpected. I still can't accept the fact like this. For someone you talk to for 5 years, just in a instance, everything changes. How sad to remember the days we spent for tripping and everything. I took his photo during the tripping, after presentation, etc......In this instance, I realised one point - We are all grown up, finally! 

Birth! Life ! Sickness! Death! >>> We are in life stage (growing up/ aging). Let's us appreciate our friendship, relationship,family.......because when it is gone, it is forever.

5 Meals 1 Day Edition (5)

At last!!!!!!!!!!!!! The end meal of the 5 Meals 1 Day Edition!!!!! Also known as 5 Meals 1 Day Edition (5).   For the final dinner, we went to Yulek Garden @ Cheras to try some Thai delicacies, Awet Thai Cafe!

For people who really know me, I am totally not a spicy person! Means, I don't stand spicy food! Anyway, for the purpose of the purpose, I opened my mind (literally) to accept the challenge. To my surprise, it was not too spicy and enjoyable too!!!

The Fried Kang Kung truly stole my heart!!! The Thai-Style Salad was quite nice too (^^) Yup, but, beware of the chili padi! The Coconut Soup was quite ok, a little bit spicy!!! Lastly,the Roast Pork (Chu Jing) was superb,hahahahah~~~!

Of course, there were the typical Red and Green Curry! I was quite surprise they tasted quite okay! But, I took a bit due to the spiciness.  Of course the meal wasn't completed with nice Thai-Style Fish! The Pandan  Leaf Tea was quite enjoyable too as it was totally good for cooling down the hotness of the food! Overall rating is 9/10. Totally worth the time and stomach regardless of the traffic jam there (^^)

There you have it !!!!! The full series of the 5 Meals 1 Day Edition (^^). Below is the complete list of the links for the whole journey! Enjoy the posts and embark on your own journey in venturing into foodie world.

The Serial Links of 5 Meals 1 Day Edition are here:
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (1) - Jin Xuan @ Kuchai Lama
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (2) - Remember To Eat @ Kepong
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (3) - Dreamz Bakery @ Kota Damansara
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4) - Levain Boulangerie-Patisserie @ Jalan Delima
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4.5) - Dun Egg @ Jalan Sayur 

5 Meals 1 Day Edition (5) - Awet Thai Cafe @ Cheras

5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4.5)

It had been more than a month since my last post on the AWESOME 5 Meals 1 Day Edition. Yup, working life is busy as always; similar as study life as always. Hahahaha, anyway, this time around, I will be introducing the 5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4.5) (^^) Why 4.5? The reason is that this is not really a meal but a snack on the way to meal 5!!!!

Can you see my girlfriends running towards the stall despite it was raining!!! ???? Yes, the magical attraction, I would say! The location of this stall was quite awkward! Because it was located behind quite a busy road!!!! All sort of weird stuffs in KL (^^)

The price wasn't that expensive too! Yup,totally worth a try (^^). We packed to have the hot "Dan Dan" (so-called by my friend) on the car! Because it was really rich with the good smell and taste of eggs, that's why it was referred as "Dan Dan". 

The Serial Links of 5 Meals 1 Day Edition are here:
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (1) - Jin Xuan @ Kuchai Lama
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (2) - Remember To Eat @ Kepong
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (3) - Dreamz Bakery @ Kota Damansara
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4) - Levain Boulangerie-Patisserie @ Jalan Delima
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4.5) - Dun Egg @ Jalan Sayur 

5 Meals 1 Day Edition (5) - Awet Thai Cafe @ Cheras

5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4)

Continuing the foodie track, the next stop was Levain!!! I believe that this bakery is really famous and well-known to all! Yup, another nice place for dessert and lunch! Location of this amazing bakery is at a secluded   Jalan Delima! Totally have no idea where is it, I was only the passenger....hahahahaha~

Obviously, I think the decor in that place really plays an important role in attracting customers! With nice setting at the exterior, the interior design completes the total package with interesting paintings, display items,etc.

When you enter the bakery, it is practically filled with breads~~~ Yup, all sort of breads, you name it, you will get it (mostly). I really lost track of the name of the breads!

Of course, apart from breads, Levain also offers other type of food! Their spaghetti was exceptionally tasty! Totally in love with the seafood spaghetti on the right!

The breads were not only well-baked, they were so nice to look it until you would feel "What a waste to just   eat it"! Hahahahaa!!! 

Every month, they would introduce some new cakes/ breads. Yup,continual improvement, to be creative....

Maybe,that's is why this bakery is so successful!!!! Overall rating: 9/10.

The Serial Links of 5 Meals 1 Day Edition are here:
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (1) - Jin Xuan @ Kuchai Lama
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (2) - Remember To Eat @ Kepong
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (3) - Dreamz Bakery @ Kota Damansara
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4) - Levain Boulangerie-Patisserie @ Jalan Delima
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4.5) - Dun Egg @ Jalan Sayur 

5 Meals 1 Day Edition (5) - Awet Thai Cafe @ Cheras

5 Meals 1 Day Edition (3)

Super busy these days! Yes, working life is not easy. Food is really the sweet escape perhaps causing my body to go out of shape (><) Anyway, this time around, after the Dessert @ Remember To Eat, the sweetness of the dessert did not satisfy our "sweet" buds! 

Located at Kota Damansara, Dreamz Bakery was not easy to find at all because it is located at the 2nd floor of a building!  Yes, the signboard was quite small too! But, this didn't hinder us or anyone else to find it because its dessert is really good!!!!!!

A little story from my gossip gf: It was said that the owner and his girlfriend went to learn baking in Taiwan prior returning to Malaysia to set their DREAMZ come true. Not sure about the story, I am pretty sure their cakes are nice! Despite being a bit cramped up there, a lot of people still visit this nice shop! Totally love the decor there!!!!

Looking at the variety of cakes, we basically tasted most of the dessert there! My fav was the upper left! It was some sort of cream brulee (^^) Overall rating: 9/10

The Serial Links of 5 Meals 1 Day Edition are here:
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (1) - Jin Xuan @ Kuchai Lama
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (2) - Remember To Eat @ Kepong
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (3) - Dreamz Bakery @ Kota Damansara
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4) - Levain Boulangerie-Patisserie @ Jalan Delima
5 Meals 1 Day Edition (4.5) - Dun Egg @ Jalan Sayur 

5 Meals 1 Day Edition (5) - Awet Thai Cafe @ Cheras