KUALA LUMPUR - BRISBANE

Last weekend, we flew from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane on board the Malaysia Airlines brand new Airbus, A330-300. 

The Captain of our flight proudly announced that this A330-300 was only 3 weeks old. According to him the aircraft was an improved version - cost efficiency and equipped with the latest technology. It was also an environmentally friendly aircraft.

 Leaving Kuala Lumpur International in good weather.  

 It was a full flight.

Two choices of "breakfast" were served when aircraft was at cruising altitude. I opted for the Nasi Lemak, a Malaysian breakfast. The other choice was just Omelette and sausage.  

 A close-up of the "Nasi Lemak" - steamed coconut flavoured rice, hard boiled egg, peanuts, anchovies and prawns in a spicy shrimp paste.
Entering Queensland air space during sunset. We landed Brisbane International at 20:58. It was a comfortable flight despite some bouts of turbulent weather. 

Brisbane city from Brisbane river on the following morning.

THE GAME OF CAT AND MOUSE !

All roads leading to Kuala Lumpur city was shut down by the Police in the evening of 08 July.  They wanted to lock-out  a rally organized by 62 NGO(s) using the slogan of "Bersih" which means "Clean" in English. The "Bersih" initial plan was to submit a memorandum to our King on the 09 July. 

 

The "Bersih" is asking for a fair and clean election and their request are:

* Clean the electoral roll  *Reform postal ballot  *Use of indelible ink   *Minimum 21 days campaign period   *Free and fair access to media   *Strengthen public institutions   *Stop corruption   *Stop dirty politics. 

The whole Kuala lumpur city was deserted in the 09th morning. However, many streets came alive in the afternoon.

Where did the crowd come from? How did they sneak through the police barricades? What happened to our men in "blue"?  

With so much preparation, the men in "blue" could not control the crowd and protect the city. Something must be wrong somewhere! 

All calm down after 5.00 PM without serious casualties even though police used water cannons and tear gas.  I heard the police arrested some leaders from the organizers. The city was back to normal in the evening.

Note: Pictures are from the Malaysian media. 

HYDRANGEA - 紫陽花 in 本土寺 Saitama Prefecture Japan

Some said that Hydrangea is the symbolic flower for rainy season in Japan. I do not think so as they can been seen all over Japan even in the dry season. Now it is good time to appreciate them.

A close-up of the Hydrangea macrophylla.

The  本土寺 from a different angle

These pictures were taken in the grounds of  本土寺(Hondo Temple) in Saitama Prefecture where my friend, Miura san resides.

    The grounds of this temple park is well-landscaped with different colours of Hydrangea. 

A beautiful combination of blue, green and white.

It will be nice if we can have something similar in any of our parks in Kota Kinabalu.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

26th June is always a memorable and important day of the year. It is the birthday of a VVIP in the family.  You may not believe it! This beautiful yam cake was made by the birthday girl herself !!!

 

                           

 My sister in-law and her 2 children were the first guests in the house. 

 Cutting the cake.

As I have to attend an important function in Kuala Lumpur on the next day, we flew over there in the afternoon. In the evening, I decided to take her to the popular Angus House in KL Pavilion for a western dinner.

Angus House, located on the top floor of KL Pavilion is a "Charcoal Grill" Steakhouse serving Charcoal grill steak & seafood.  

Cooling off with this chilled "Tiger", one of the most enjoyed beer in Malaysia just before dinner.

 Delicious hot bun.

 The starter

 Salad

 Pumpkin soup

For my main course, I selected this Hamburger steak. 

 The tender and juicy rib eye for my wife.

The service and the food were very good. We made the right choice for the occassion.