SPRING IS NEARLY THERE (JAPAN)

Miura san sent me this beautiful plum blossom picture taken near his home in Saitama prefecture, last week. This is the "Prunus mume" commonly known as Japanese Apricot. It normally blooms when Spring is near. It is also known as Ume "梅" or "うめ". Many Spring festivals often feature "ume" blossoms, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of a new season. Cherry blossom or Sakura is not too far from now.

I hope this Spring will bring cheers to the people of Japan and an early recovery after the horrible earthquake and tsunami.

RADIATION SCREENING AT KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Following the nuclear fallout in Japan,the Malaysian Atomic Energy Licensing Board has carried out radiation screening at Kota Kinabalu International Airport on incoming passengers arriving from Japan since last Sunday. According to the Malaysia Airport Authority, the screening is a precautionary measure and that the operation is strictly directly at passengers who boarded flights from Japan. If any passenger is detected with radiation symptom, he/she would be referred to the main general hospital.
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To date, all passengers arriving from the Japan - Kota Kinabalu flights were free of radiation.

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI

Last weekend, I was glued to the TV watching live telecast of the horrible views of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of northeast Japan followed by the powerful tsunami sweeping through the northern cities and countryside. I did not realised that this was the biggest earthquake ever in Japan until I switched on my TV upon arriving home on Friday. I had experienced earthquakes when I was in Japan in the 90s but they were mild. Tsunami triggered by the earthquake approaching the shore of Natori, Miyagi prefecture.It was horrifying to watch the tsunami hitting the shores along Iwanuma. Sendai airport was badly hit - the entire airport’s terminal was surrounded by water. The ramp and runway were were completely submerged.Light planes and vehicles were among the debris at Sendai airport. NHK showing cars and containers floating in a massive tsunami wave.

Thousands lost their life in this horrible disaster. I managed to get through to all my friends in Japan especially those in Tokyo and Sendai area. I am glad that all of them including their families are safe.

My condolence and deepest sympathy to those who lost their loved ones.

Note: Pictures were taken from the TV and media.

RETURN TO KLIAS WETLAND

I returned to Klias Wetland after a year on a tour with a group of Japanese students last Friday.

This is the main attraction of the jungle river cruise - the Proboscis monkey. I took the Klias river cruise package, operated by Borneo Authentic Adventure Sdn. Bhd.

It was a pleasant walk of less than a minute to their jetty and restaurant using the plank walk.This open-air restaurant built on stilts can accommodate about 150 people. Refreshment - coffee or tea with the traditional Malay cookies and cakes.Visitors can venture into the wetland jungle through another plank walk to take a closer look at the wetland and flora. This operator has a fleet of 10 long boats - A boatman was getting ready for the cruise.Cruising along the Klias river in search of the Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife, like the monitor lizards and water birds. The silver leaf monkeys and macaques are also in abundance in the area. The long boats returning just before sunset for dinner before the second outing to watch fireflies.

A varieties of Malay dishes to pick. The meal was delicious. I gave the kitchen team 9/10 points. I noticed that some the Japanese students went for second and even a third round.

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It was a pleasant trip. I had a fabulous time revisiting the wetland. The "Kampung" (local) Malay cuisine was marvellous!.