JAPANESE DINNER

Last night, we decided to try out a Japanese restaurant in the city. We landed at "Nagasaki" just after 20:00. There was no crowd, only a couple of tables were occupied. We did not hear the usual Japanese welcome "Irasshaimase" by the waitresses as we walked in. It's quite unusual.

This set-up of this Japanese restaurant is similar to those "Izakaya" "居酒屋" (Pub style restaurants) in Japan.

Browsing throught the menu, I selected a "NIKUJAGA" (potato stewed with pork) which was one of my favourite when I was staying in Japan.

For the main course, I ordered a dinner set of gilled salmon, "Tori no kara age" (deep fried chicken nuggets), green vegetable, rice and macoroni salad.

My wife selected a set of "Tempura"(lightly battered deep fried seafood & vehetable), "Sashimi" (raw fish), "Korokke" (Croquette) a little salad and rice.

In addition to the main course, we also tried their "Chawan Mushi" (Egg custard)

The presentation was very pleasing to our eyes. I thought we have come to the right place for a truly Japanese dinner. However, the taste was disappointing, not even close to what I had expected. It's more to our local taste.

RM625 SUBSIDY FROM THE GOVERNMENT

I was angry and the people of Malaysia were also angry when our PM announced fuel price hike. To appease the Raykat (people), the Government has decided to pay-out a subsidy in "CASH". Owners of cars of up to 2,000cc, pick-up trucks and jeeps of up to 2,500cc can claim RM625 for each vehicle. For motorcycles up to 250cc, the owners will get RM150 each.

All you have to do is :
a) Go to any post office
b) Bring along your original MyKad
c) Fill up a prescribed form (provided by the post office).
d) Queue up and present this form with your Mykad to the post office staff.

The money will change hand (to you) after your thumb print is taken.

The payout at this juncture is for vehicle owners who have renewed their vehicles' road tax between April 1 and May 31 this year. For those who have renewed on or after 01JUNE will only be able to claim the subsidy from 01JULY 2008.

This morning, I happened to drop by Likas square. Seeing that the crowd at the Post office was not too big, I decided to join in to collect my money. 30 minutes later, my wallet was a little heavier with the extra RM625.
The Post office where I picked up RM625
Later in the evening, my wife and I had KFC chicken rice for dinner. It cost me RM9.90 per plate. Inclusive of tax, the total amount was RM20.80 which was equivalent to 7.69 litres of petrol

Anyway, it was not a bad dinner after all.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

I feel very happy to day when I received 2 e-cards from my children wishing me a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY.
This is what my son said:
To a man of few words but of GREAT WISDOM.
Your actions have always spoken LOUDER THAN WORDS.
You have always been an INSPIRATION FOR ME.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
From my daughter:
Just for you DADDY
It's impossible to measure a father's love.
But if I have to compare it to something,
I'd choose a mighty Sequoia....
Sheltering Vast Unwavering
And most of all,
it feels like its always been there.
And that is always will be.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Have a wonderful day. Love you lots

Imagine how modern techology can bring so much joy and happiness with only a click of the mouse.
To celebrate the occasion, my wife and I had a Chinese seafood dinner.
CRABS IN SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE
STEAMED PRAWNS
Later in the evening, I had my favourite home made carrot cake.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE FATHERS OUT THERE!

1 BORNEO - LATEST HYPER MALL IN KOTA KINABALU

I believed most people who reside in Kota Kinabalu know where is 1 BORNEO, the latest hyper mall in the city. For those who do not know, they can take the free shuttle bus services (provided by 1 Borneo) from major shopping malls and hotels in the city. 1 Borneo developer claimed that it is the largest mall in Borneo. The total project has not been completed but the developer did a soft opening last week. According to the announcement, the whole development was expected to be completed in a couple of months from now. When completed 1 Borneo will feature 7 cinemas, bowling alley, 2 blocks of super condominiums , 3 hotels, and many big names (franchise) shops.

This morning, my wife and I decided to take a little tour to 1 Borneo after having heard so much about it. I was very disappointed as we were driving into the car park as it was not well organized. There were no clear signs for direction for parking or to shop entrances. The traffic wardens themselves seemed lost and the worst part was that the whole car park was so dirty and dusty.

It was a pleasant change when we entered the shopping area. The air-condition was cool and the floor cleaned and waxed. The whole area is really huge with some shops already doing their business. The mall is much bigger than Lot 10 or Sungei Wang Plaza of Kuala Lumpur. Being a Saturday, the whole area was crowded with people especially where the restaurants were located, like KFC, Mcdonald's, Pizza hut, Kenny Rogers and others.

I realized that this 1 Borneo is an excellent place for family outings especially for those with children. Both Parents and children can have a comfortable day enjoying the good air-conditioning and the popular franchise outlets. For now, at least there is no parking fee and usage of the toilet is free.

These are the best pictures I could produce at the moment as most of the outlets were not quite ready yet.

FUEL PRICE

I am amazed at the fuel price of all other oil producing countries. Our country, Malaysia being one and yet we are paying RM2.70 per litre for Petrol and RM2.584 a litre of diesel.

Source: Google

HARVEST FESTIVAL: SABAH - BORNEO

Harvest Festival is celebrated every May by the Kadazandusun community for thanksgiving dedicated to the rice gods . It is one of the most colorful event where you can see all the indigenous people of Sabah Borneo in their traditional attires. Agricultural shows, exhibitions, cultural programs and other traditional games are held. It is the time for merrymaking and feasting with rice wine flowing freely throughout the festivities.

I went to the "KDCA" (KADAZANDUSUN CULTURAL CENTER) on the 2nd day in the late afternoon. I thought I could take some good pictures of the activities there, especially those young ladies in their beautiful traditional dresses performing the "SUMAZAU" (Traditional dance). But I was very disappointed as the cultural performances were over. However the place was still very crowded with people.
I was too late! The performers have packed up and were waiting for their transport to go home.
It was a massive jam the KDCA

Parking was free and you could park almost anywhere you like.

I walked around and these were what I captured. There were more than 10 "Hawker stalls" all selling the same BBQ food. I just wonder when did the Kadazandusan changed their traditional eating habit.

I was hoping that I could buy some "HINAVA" (the raw fish dish of the Kadazandusun) but there was none. Hopefully next year I can be there early to participate the celebration. Perhaps, by then, I will have a new camera with 20 mega pixels

ISABELLA

This very young lady is Isabella, the daughter of my nephew. She is no Chinese speaking but learning to sing Chinese songs.