The beauty of streets in Malaysia part II.

Picture taken from: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arnobs66/5/1243339260/tpod.html

One of the famous street in Kuala Lumpur is “Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan”.This is located in the heart of town where the hustle and bustle happens from entertainment means to working offices. They have it all. In addition to this, my auntie’s working place is here. She brings me there on the weekend and accompany her complete on the leftover work. Usually, she takes about 3 to 4 hours and in the meanwhile, I finish my assignments for the week, mainly blogging. Before going in to the ING building, there are plenty of grocery shops along the Jalan sultan Ismail road so we buy junk food or snacks and drinks before heading upstairs. Moreover, there are also malls, hotels and cafes there, such as the Istana hotel, the WELD building and Starbucks. It’s awesome there. Apart from that, Jalan Bukit Bintang is considered one of the liveliest streets in the evening. As soon as the sun sets, the night clubs, bars and pubs open. This is when people gather for a drink or even enjoy their night after a stressful long day. This goes on till the next morning and you can see that the streets are filled with Europeans, Chinese, Indians, and Russians crowding everywhere. Moreover, there are numerous numbers of hotels and other accommodations, restaurants, shops, nearby so that it will be a convenience to everyone. In cognition with liveliest streets, Jalan Ampang is well recognized to all citizens. There, you can encounter with an array of hotspots or distinguished venues like KLCC, Ampang park, Great Eastern Mall and Pavillion. KLCC or the Petronas twin towers is one of the tallest buildings in the world. It consists of different organization offices and a shopping mall. From designer outlets to eatery, they have everything. Ampang park however a little smaller in size and outnumbered by the number of stalls there. On the contrary, the only reasons I go there is for the laksa stall and cozy corner. You want my opinion? Well, their food is divine, and is served to perfection. Great Eastern mall and pavilion are too malls by which you can discover the finest designer outlets there, mainly in pavilion and in great eastern, you can find book stores, eatery cafes, markets, pet store etc. This street primarily struggles with traffic jams. It’s self explainable I guess. Last but not least, Jalan TAR, short for Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman is one of KL’s is a memorable street as it is named after our independence father and Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. What’s special and main about this street is the night market. Along the road, there is a great abundance of many stalls selling all sorts of merchandise. Unfortunately, these are all located in narrow, scanty paths and I think you can imagine how it’s like when it gets over-crowded. Moreover, it gets pretty hectic there and sometimes isn’t always safe. Pick pockets are everywhere and theft is a common sight amongst them. Just stay alert and be aware of any unusual sight. If you notice anything suspicious, do report it to the nearest police station or security guards working in that hour. Above it all, these streets have both positive and negative views. Without streets, it would be mayhem in the world. I can’t imagine what it’s like without streets and I wouldn't know how people would navigate about.

picture taken from : http://www.molon.de/galleries/Malaysia/KL/KL_CC/img.php?pic=1

The beauty of streets in Malaysia.

Picture taken from: http://mywilayah.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/petaling-street/

Malaysia, the capital city of Kuala Lumpur is filled with the most bustling and entertaining streets on earth. Make it be day or night, the streets come to life. First and foremost, I would like to introduce Petaling Street. When you enter Petaling Street, you enter China Town. From food to souvenirs, hotels to night clubs and shopping malls to markets, you can find all sorts of varieties there. In terms of food, not one single restaurant isn’t occupied by tourists or Chinese locals around. Sometimes you wonder where these people come from. Numerous stores provide customers with a vast variety of Chinese dishes and perhaps even delicacies. Once done eating, tourists, mostly can reside in the many accommodations nearby. Certain hotels have their own gigs or maybe even night clubs, mainly for clubbing purposes and get a kick out of the night life. Apart from that, others can also head for shopping malls or night markets, in which they can shop in countless amounts of clothing stores, relax at the cafes, buy souvenirs, or even go for grocery shopping. All in all, I think Petaling Street is its own city. After a long day, my relatives and I decided to hang out at the starbucks café nearby and have some deserts and ice blended mochas. Thinking of it now makes me hungry.                                                                                                                            Secondly, this is the street I find most memorable out of all. This street is where it all began. The street where my mum and her mother including mum’s grandmother, lived by. This street is called Street no 6.It is located near Ampang Jaya, Ampang.One of the reasons why was because the one of the MOST legendary artists of all time, Sudirman, once lived here. He was renting one of the houses uphill.Everytime he used to stroll along the road, my cousins would literally yell his name out loud and Sudirman would come and stop by grandma’s house and talk to everyone. I interviewed both my grandmothers about how close Sudirman was to the family. She had never ending stories which at certain times ended up in limitless laughters.In my opinion, knowing your family history is essential in a way that you know how different life was back then and now. One of the other reasons is that it is located near restaurants and even different shops like the laundry, grocery, stationary, a mobile accessory and hardware store. So you see, everything is provided there. In the evenings, locals would put up Malay cakes shop or traditional sweets and my cousin and I would buy daily. It’s finger licking good. Some of our favourites are kuih seri muka, kuih apam, kuih karipap, fried bananas and fish crackers. They are so delicious that sometimes our expenditure exceeds beyond RM 10.Nowadays, the prices have increased rapidly that one fried sweet potato costs almost one ringgit, not that I’m complaining but I think that they should fair it out reasonably. Overall, it was very exciting taking shots of this road that day and i loved writing about it and sharing it with you all.       

                                                                                                                                                                               

Princess for the day!

‘Prom’. This was the day I long for. The day when I can actually dress like Cinderella and attend a hall for the ballroom dance. My family could tell how special it was to me. In the early stages, finding the perfect dress was not as simple as ABC or 123, especially if it’s in my size. The first two days was a disaster and nothing but a waste of time. My friends had already found theirs and were left with only accessorizing the gown. I began to lose hope and started thinking twice about going for prom. Helplessly feeling, we strolled by Mango and stopped there. Right beside it was an outlet, called Quiz. Somehow, I had the hunch of going in and only hoping that they sell my roman-goddess look gown and just by the corner of the shop stood this beautiful white satin ad silk gown with embedded gold, silver and bronze beads and diamonds. It formed a huge V-shaped necklace and shined like twinkling stars from far away. I was beyond astounded by the dress itself and knew it was the right one for me. After finding a size 14, it fit perfectly and my girl friends loved it, said I look gorgeous! With a joyful tear in my eye I happily said, “thank you guys. That just made my day.” Moreover, the price was very reasonable compared to the rest and luckily, I did not have to accessorize much. They regretted not waiting longer and envied me. Phase 1 was completed, and now it was time to buy the shoes. To find for matching heels didn’t seem like a burden to me because I knew where I was heading and were to buy it when we get to the shop. Luck was all on my side that day. Thankfully, Shoe Mart still had stock of the beige wedges with glittering diamonds along the front of the heel till the top of the cross strap I wanted. Nothing was merely troublesome since then and I loved every minute of it. At that moment, only god knew how happy and satisfied I was. After a day’s fun, we all went our separate ways and headed home. Early 9pm the next morning, it was prom day. The guys were engaged with their tuxedos and ties while we were occupied with our hair and makeup. On that day, I had my mum to doll me up. Time was going by so fast it rushed me. It was time to strut like Cinderella and work the flow. Dad drove me and my 3 close friends to the hotel in a black, pimped out Hummer H3.It was already 8 pm and we were getting late. Turns out that we were the VIP of the night and got ourselves a lot of attention when entering in the ballroom.Hey, I loved it. I wasn’t sure if my friends were.2 hours passed, the class was bloated with the buffet, and to feel the sense of belonging to Cambridge school, identity, best dressed, prom king and queen sashes were given away to each student. I was awarded with “the baker “sash because I was mostly known for the girl who loved baking. It was hilarious. Unfortunately, I won 2^nd place for the best dressed of the night. I was looking forward to that but the title was given to my classmate, Katie. I guess she deserved it. It was not long until the party was about the begin. At first each partner was accustomed to slow dance to ‘sway’ by Michael Buble.Without my notice, I was the first to be asked by one of the guys. Everyone cheered for me, and told me to go. I had butterflies in my stomach and wouldn’t stop blushing. The spotlight was on us most of the time and successfully, I didn’t trip on him and danced very well, I must say. Little by little, the rest of the clan joined and made it much merrier. Subsequently, ballroom dancing became a drag and was tiring all of us, so that’s when the real dancing began. The night went on and it was like mayhem in there. Partying non-stop like there’s no tomorrow if you know what I mean. The only thing that was running through my mind at that time was “I will have the time of my life and nothing’s going to stop me from it”.12.00 am struck and it was time for sad goodbyes. The principal broke the lively vibe and told us to go home. All in all, it was an unforgettable, the most special, enjoying day of my entire teenage life. I could have not asked for more. I lived my dream tonight and this would be the story that will live in me forever and would gladly tell my children as they would to theirs.

Fighting fear with fear.

Around September last year, my family, my grandmothers and my aunt’s family went for a short road trip around Malaysia. From Cameron highlands to Colmar tropicale, then to Terengganu and the island of Penang, we were having the time of our lives. In places like Cameron highlands and Colmar tropicale, it was lush, the environment was harmonious and very secluded from town, and it basically was a getaway to tranquility and serenity. 4 days had ended and it was time to depart. After 4 hours, we arrived at Terengganu, the city known for their extraordinary and vast variety of ‘keropok’ or fish crackers in English terms. Later in the evening, we checked in the resort near town and unpacked. It was not long until my uncle suggested to go fireflies watching. My brothers and I, including our cousin were amazed just by listening him talk about how beautiful these creatures are and it would be a wonderful experience for us all. However, he did not mention the dark side of it but I went. Funny thing was, it didn’t come to my knowledge that we had to ride in narrow, small, wooden fishermen boats along the river to reach to the site of the firefly’s habitat. Unfortunately, I have a fear of rivers and forests in the dark and supernatural events. Bare in mind, that this all happened when it’s almost midnight. My brothers, cousin and I pondered about for a minute.”Alright everyone, we have arrived.” My mind began to resuscitate my phobia. The dark, tenebrous surroundings were direful. Cold shivers were running down my spine. The payment was settled and it was time to go. I had no choice but to follow or else I would’ve sat in the car alone with nothing but quietness around me. It took me a while to get into the boat and everyone began to worry. Later, we listened to the briefing given by the fisherman and slowly began to cruise away. Immediately when I felt a few movements shaking under the boat, I started crying heavily! Mr. Dylan warned us not to touch the water because you may never know what you’re getting yourself into. That made me cry even more. I was so petrified that I clenched on Adam’s wrist so tight, it left a mark. I felt sorry for him but he laughed at me anyway. All of them did.30 minutes after, we were positioned deep in the mangrove forest along the river with nothing but the moonlight as our source of light since fireflies don’t like brightness. Tears were flowing down my face like running water when I thought that it was going to be the end of the world. Slowly by slowly, there they were, sparkling like stars by the tress and lighting up the forest like golden lights everywhere. It was the most enchanting, exquisite, fascinating, and ravishing view I had ever seen in my entire life! On the other hand, Aliff eyed on something else slithering through the waters near our boat. He quickly got everyone’s attention and had the fisherman shine his torchlight towards it. I didn’t want to see it because I thought it was a crocodile and we were doomed. “Papa there are two water snakes near us!” screamed Afeef. It was heading towards us and Mr. Dylan instantly switched on the motor to get them away. Dad quickly took shots of it and showed it to my uncle. At that moment, only god knows what went through my mind. Helplessly stricken to fear, I started praying and the snakes eventually, didn’t bother us anymore. The trip had to go on. The further we go the higher chance of getting to see plenty of fireflies. Did you know that no matter how you many photos you take, it won’t appear well? Yes it’s true and dad’s tried it. An hour later, the cruise had come to an end. We arrived safely and drove back home. I could’ve not been more relieved than I already was when we reached the resort. We made it ALIVE. As soon as my brothers reached the hotel room, news spread like wildfire. I stepped in and they all laughed but were extremely proud of my accomplishment. I’ve overcome my fear and they respected that. All in all, it was a thrilling and an UNFORGETTABLE experience. I’m glad that I went for it and I have my dad and uncle to thank on behalf.

Flying cats on a highway?

 I must’ve got you all wondering for a second there right? Well what I’m about to talk about is another example of animal abuse and its rights? This occurred about a year ago; if I’m not mistaken. It was sunny Monday afternoon when I was surfing through the net like any other teenager should and came across a video, via you-tube. It was on my mum’s facebook profile and one of her friends linked it to her. It was about how local Arab boys find chucking cats out of their cars on the highway amusing. The video went on about for 2 minutes max and coincidently, the car behind them recorded it. When she first saw it, she thought that it was a hoax recording. Turned out, mum was wrong. Her friend’s close buddy was the one recording it when he was on his way back home. The next morning, mum decided to show it to my brothers and I. We were seriously astonished by the fact that the cat was being thrown out of a white SLR Mercedes.The cat was literally running for its life there. The cat seemed so small and not enough nutrition’s in its body that it almost looked like a kitten! Can you imagine that a cat so small is suddenly being chucked outside on the highway where cars drive up to 180km/h! Imagine what’s going through the local clan’s mind when seeing the cat. Imagine how they find it so amusing its pleasure to their eyes. How could one so cruel do such a thing? When my brothers and I were in the midst of watching the video, my mum questioned us… “What is exactly going through your mind right now? Answer me honestly.”We had similar answers being spoken out. Answers like, they should be punished for such a thing, or banished to the core. Many evil and cynical like words came out of our mouths that mum and dad thought it was another vocabulary session. In the future, the whole family agreed that if any of us find one of those boys, then that will be the end of it. We will report them to the police (the regulations here are pretty strict and severe consequences shall be faced without a doubt.  ) and guess they can take over from there onwards. Animals shouldn't be treated like this. It is not fair at all. They too have feelings and are considered living things too. They eat, sleep, and grow just like humans. Okay, I should not mention anymore as you get where I’m going here. To conclude, I personally feel that the department of animal rights in Qatar should be cautious of the events that are happening around the city. In addition to this, they should organize workshops or exhibitions on animal rights and how they live in this world, to show people, to make them understand that this is a serious issue. This is to help the animal’s life healthy and safe. Unfortunately, the video is unavailable and its not evident enough but bare in mind… it happens, we just don’t know it.

Colored chicks.

What do we acknowledge of this? Well, this is not a topic you hear about in everyday life, which is why animal rights are a minor matter in the world, that’s my opinion… I don’t know about others. We should not abuse of it, instead make full use of it. Animals deserve to live a normal life as well. One of my sightings relating to this was when I was 17, and was touring around the Souq Waqif, Qatar. Souq Waqif is a cultural market filled with local traders selling various things such as beautiful white pearls, gigantic sea shells, luring and succulent Arabic food, adorable pets and its pet hotel to ideal Qatari souvenirs. Basically, it is one of the hotspots of the country. Every time I go there, it makes me realize that the culture has not vanished and citizens there respect and obey it to the fullest, which is very pleasing indeed. The food is so exotic that it is mouth watering and simply just melts in your mouth. Everything was alright except when I passed through the narrow path and found myself in another section of the market. It was a pet wonderland. Tons of tourists liven up the environment with cute cuddly rabbits in their hands. My brothers and I were very thrilled to see animals like slithering snakes, dainty chicks, plenty of birds,  charming parrots, fat chickens, Persian cats, bull dogs, cheeky monkeys, daunting iguanas, and ghastly looking lizards. It was all so amusing being with them and pets. However, I came across a few shops down the lane and ‘rainbow’ colored chicks for sale! It was so shocking and sad that my jaw dropped and for a moment, it felt like my heart skipped a beat. I took action immediately and questioned one of the shopkeepers. “Is this the right way to treat animals? Are you aware of the consequences that might just occur to these chicks? This is not the way to earn money. In a way, you’re killing those adorable baby chicks. ”Unfortunately, there was no point of saying it as whatever was heard through his right ear, came out to his left ear. His ignorant selfish face made me want to give him a piece of me, honestly. Before all that happened, I asked him how the process happens. Turns out that these chicks are tied to their tiny legs and is blind-folded when being sprayed. I’m not sure of what chemicals or ingredients are contained in those spray cans because he refused to tell us. Imagine the agony and their pain. I teared at that moment. If only I had the money to buy all of it, and send it to the veterinary services and pamper each with a clean washing. Funny thing is, they actually sell and make a good profit out of it! Isnt this disheartening?! And with all due respect, I feel that the department of animal rights and services are not doing their job well and probably just sitting there and chill their lazy self off. Thus, with nothing but ample of pity and sympathy for the chicks, we all had to leave. Overall, we had an enjoyable day but only wishing that we could do something for those colored chicks.