ELECTION FEVER - GE 13 MALAYSIA

Look like Malaysia is set for a huge carnival. The city of Kota kinabalu has been decorated with colourful flags since 10 days ago.

Colourful flags and banners line up all the major roads in Malaysia.

It's the 13th Malaysia General election! All political parties or individual have a campaign period of 15 days. Eligible Malaysian citizens will elect members to the House of Representative (MP) and the State Legislative Assembles this coming Sunday 05MAY.

The Barisan National is a coalition of UMNO, MCA,  MIC and many smaller political parties in Malaysia has ruled the country for 56 years. This time, they are facing an uphill task to win. Many people are opting for a change of Government. Can the coalition Barisan National continues to rule after 05MAY? We have to wait and see.   

CHERRY BLOSSOMS - "WALK -THE PARKS"

We visited 2 of the most popular parks in the city of Fukuoka with the amazing colours of Cherry blossoms.   

"Nishi Koen ( the West Park) with about 2,500 Cherry trees.

The pink and white Cherry blossoms cascading down were just beautiful. 

Close-up of the "Kikuzakura", one of the Cherry species with about 100 petals.

Our next stop was this "Maizuru" Park located about 20 minutes walk from Nishi Koen.

We had a good walk in the parks followed by a delicious "Zaru soba" + tempura set lunch.

The "zaru soba" or noodles are served chilled with a dipping sauce was superb.

 

For dinner, we went over to our favourite Chinese restaurant " 餃子李 " serving the best  dumpling, ( 餃子) and Xiao long bao (小籠包) in Fukuoka. 

 Starter

 (小籠包) Xiao long bao. 

 ( 餃子) kyoza

  ( 担担面)Tantanmen was good!

There was nothing better than coffee and some donuts at "Mister Donut" after a good dinner.  

HANAMI IN TENJIN CHUO PARK - FUKUOKA

Tenjin Chuo Park (天神中央公園) is situated right in the Fukuoka City center. The Cherry blossoms were in full bloom. It's was a relaxing walk through this park.

The tulips lining up part of the walkway. 

 Relaxing atmosphere.

  A photo to remember this wonderful day.

 

 From here, we went over to Nakasu and ended up with a delicious lunch at a traditional  Japanese restaurant.

 The Yoshizuka "Unagi" restaurant.

 

 A cold beer to start with.   

 Followed by the the starter - rolled egg omelette with eel. 

 

The best Unagi lunch in the city - the superior eel and rice in lacquered box with clear soup of eel liver (特うな重(きも吸付).

SPRING BREAK JAPAN - FUKUOKA.

From Osaka, we continued our tour to Fukuoka. The check-in area was crowded when we arrived at the Itami (Osaka) airport.  

Checking in for boarding passes was not a problem since ANA counter staff was prompt and courteous. However, for dropping of baggage, there was a long queue and it took us almost 30 minutes to have our check-in baggage cleared by the airport security. They were conducting stringent inspections on all baggage as if there was a security threat..

 

 Our flight to Fukuoka was operated by this B737-500.

While waiting at the departure lounge, I took pictures the aircraft movements in the apron and in the air.

 ANA's 60th anniversary special c/s "Yume Jet" you and me B767.

 A JAL B777-200?

 A JAL Bombardier CRJ200 taking-off.

It was almost a full flight and light refreshment, like Japanese tea, soup, and coffee was served during the one hour flight.

 Leaving Itami (Osaka) airport behind as our aircraft was making a left turn.

 Descending to Fukuoka.

 Landing from the sea.

Final approach.

  Landed Fukuoka airport in the rain.

After picking up our baggage, we took the lift to the 3F for this Ramen shop.

 

We could not wait to take this popular and delicious "Hakata ramen" - my favorite,  the "karashi takana ramen".