Pulau Ketam, Selangor (Part 2) - A Trip With Nava K

Back to Pulau Ketam, land on stilts or land seated or standing on water (Pulau Ketam Part 1). Literally blistered and roasted. No doubt, our boat ride venture to the fish farm and floating village was really a major exciting eye opener, nevertheless, sightseeing in our mad crazy hot Malaysian weather, I tell you. I especially, massively sweat dripped. As if I had wrestled and fought in a rain battle. As it is I sweat like a dog or cow for no apparent reason, can you imagine how it would have been withstanding the burning sun at the fish farm and also the back and forth boat ride? Phew! Crazy. Therefore, the moment we walked into Pulau Ketam, we immediately dashed for thirst quenching and  this woman, yes, me Nava K, once I am out of the house, all I can think of is food. Well, you can blame me. I am so tired of eating my own cooking. Wish, I sincerely wish my Indian love other half-half will cook as well, I suppose its easier said than done. Husband cooking for wife definitely is not the way to our marriage life. Come to think of it, I have my doubts if it will ever take place. Yet, I have not given up because never say die is my strong lifelong policy. Keeping my fingers crossed. If he still insist he doesn't want even after he retires, I think I have no other choice but spank his butt real hard. Bwah-hah-hah! Just kidding. 

Kyoto, Japan ( Day 2) - Nava K Did It

Winter in Japan or even Korea is a big major do-do. You must believe me. I know what I am talking about. Though I am yet to conquer the whole of Japan or Korea, I have had my fair share of winter share. Primarily in Hokkaido (Hilton Niseko Village, Noribetsu & Sapporo/Hokkaido) whereas in Korea (Seoul Day 8 &  Korea Incheon) I was told about winter luring tourism by the “half-past-six” tour guide who literally bragged how busy he gets during winter and by the second day in Kyoto, I saw it for myself. Honest to goodness, I really don’t know what’s with winter and the Chinese, but they are mind you the majority of the tourists. In fact, I hardly bumped into another Indian, may be not even Caucasians too in Hokkaido neither in Korea, albeit there are Indian restaurants in these part of the world. Unbelievable true! Chinese just so love snow and coming with it cold wind which literally can blow me apart like winter huge cannons. I have told you before right? Aha! I can also still clearly remember telling you I am not at all a winter user friendly person. It’s really crazy for me. Nonetheless, in all fairness, I admit that experiencing winter is part and parcel of real time globetrotting (Ankara & Bolu, Turkey &  Istanbul). No two ways about it. We must, if we want to know whats weather like in other parts of the world, we must do at least one winter holiday. Remember something. Travelling during different climate zones is definitely our first hand, leg, boobies or even “vjj” exposure. Potentially for adding value to our travelling profoundness.

Pulau Ketam (Selangor) - A Trip With Nava K

I think, actually, I am not even sure. Maybe, I like to believe that my other half-half is beginning to see our marriage florescence light tunnel. Believe me, for years, I have been battling with this man on our partnership love bird travelling. I may have failed, maybe, since I am yet to master the art of being a commanding, demanding, control freak and tyrant wife after all these years? Albeit, mind you, I have, from time to time been drilling in his head on us travelling together. Nothing really materialised, sadly no, though I admit we have embarked on our tour travel, every two years once (Noboribetsu Hokkaido & Bergen Norway). Other than that, what else is there to say? Some of you ladies may, I'm assuming, understand what I trying to say. What else? Men and their workholism madness obsession? Thrown in their co-curricular self proclaimed activities. Business entertaining, football craze, sleeping and, enlighten me, what else? I'm lost for words actually on the despicable, over they years, marriage revolution.  

Kyoto, Japan (Part 2) - Nava K Did It

Where did I pulled the brake previously? Oh-yes, I took all of you all the way to Arashiyama right? Of course I did (Kyoto Arashiyama). Arashiyama, till this day, let me tell you, is still lingering on my mind. An absolute memory capsule, truly, I have pinned Arashiyama as a major travelling badge achievement on my fleshy chest. Arashiyama on the whole is utterly stunning, nevertheless, the one spot which captured conquered me the most is Sagano Bamboo Groove. Grooving colourful bamboo and Nava K grooving along with it. Literally. Lemme now continue with what we did after our first ever meal in Osaka. We headed to Gion District. What’s there in Gion, are you asking me? Well, for those of you who have already visited Gion, I speak no further. Yet for the benefit of the rest who will be visiting it in the near future, I bet you will because Gion has already made its mark on Kyoto's map, moreover, its where you don't want to miss out on being seen for social media purposes. Don't forget to carry your selfie stick. Nevermind if you accidentally or purposely poke others. Who cares right? Let's be labelled as the selfish travellers, why not, all for the sake of social media fame and popularity? 

Langkawi (Kedah) - 2 Nights 2 Days (Part 2)

Honestly, if I am to speak my mind on breakfast next morning in the cramped dining area, I must brand it as such a corny thing (Langkawi Part 1). Basically, food to keep your tummy warm. That's it. Forget about taste and what not, maybe because I have tucked into really sumptuous buffet breakfast in 4 or 5 stars hotels (Casa Del Rio Melaka) before, this breakfast came on as an irritating thingy. Dishes disappearing as quickly as they were refilled because people were akin scrounging scavenging for free food. Not at all a pleasant sight. Mannerism ditched aside, food spilled all over the place, disgusting more than anything else. I really hate such an ugly scenario, albeit I won't complain about the ordinaries like bread, jam, scrambled eggs and the rest of the items anyone can prepare (Port Dickson Part 2 & Sungkai Perak). But if you are asking me about the rest of the dishes, goodness gracious, I rather not even waste my time telling you. I did however tuck into a tiny bit of food (Alor Setar Kedah), of course coffee is a must (Penang Thaipusam) for me first thing in the morning. 

Kyoto (Japan) - Arashiyama

After two winters trip-travelling, I thought I had enough. No more winter holiday for me. Honestly, I can’t stand-sit-walk winter at all. Definitely not for someone like me who winter shiver and shake till my bones, until almost every part of my body is frozen numbed. Literally till down “there” degree cold. Down where? Down there. That my akin KGB classified part I will never reveal to the virtual world. As it is, believe me, when it rains, I switch off all the fans, can you imagine me-my winter time? Layers upon layers with or without stitches, yet I tremble. Therefore, when another all paid winter holiday was thrown at my feet (Hilton Niseko Village, Hokkaido), to tell you the truth, I was unsure. To go or not to go? Dilemma. Should I? A yes would mean I must brave winter shivering, on the other hand, if I reject, it will be such a waste for not capping another feather on my world globe-trotting gram (Seoul Korea). Eventually, what the hell I told myself. Hack aside winter, I will deal with it there and then, moreover, since my travelling legs were massively itching (Kerala India), I tagged alongside my other half-half and some known, others unknown 25 people for this back again to Japan wanderlust (Sapporo/Hokkaido). Kyoto and Osaka (6 Days 5 Nights).   

Langkawi (Kedah) - 2 nights 2 days (Part 1)

The road less traveled. Indeed. By far, this short and sassy Langkawi holiday I think was my first ever road less traveled eye opener. All the while, I either pilot flew (Penang Thaipusam & South Africa) or I car traveled during off peak season (Casa del Rio Melaka, Portuguese Settlement & Sungkai Perak) This, my other half-half’s company trip (Port Dickson), a long winded bus journey, also, a non-inclusive of all paid for budgeted two days holiday, alongside almost 50 different characters in two coaches, was totally akin a rocket scientist madness. Departing late Friday night from Nilai during this public holiday weekend, unspeakable crawling snarling traffic and long queues at “R & R” for loo stops and one hunger stop. Massively tested my patience, so little of it I have by the way as I grow older. Thankfully, we made before time at Kuala Kedah (Alor Setar Kedah), more madness thrown in for securing a table at the coffee shop across the jetty for breakfast. Breakfast tummy filled, within the next hour, we were already among the many, some of course must push jolt you aside, what can you expect, if not all, some unruly Malaysians, prior to carefully hopping into the ferry. 

Casa del Rio Melaka

Been on my mind. Undeniably. Casa del Rio has already been sashed on my in-country-bound travel pail list. Maybe, let's say for the last 5 years or so, most probably because I have read, simultaneously picture awed Casa del Rio in the virtual world. Great reviews, spectacular pictures, utterly, I simply wanted to experience at least, one night will do in Casa del Rio. Nevertheless, due to distance, two hours drive to Melaka, and believe me, money does matter for Casa Del Rio, quite exclusively priced, I ditch it aside. Then again, you never know. Like they say, patience does pay, potentially, Casa del Rio still, stood still in my bold, profound thoughts.   

Seoul - (Korea Day 7 & 8)

I made sure I fueled energized my tummy with lotsa food next morning. I had to. Remember, I skipped dinner the previous night, moreover, my last meal was at 2.00pm (Pyeongchang/Yongjin)?Right. Actually, I could have, if I wanted to, call for room service, then again, what for? Korean food is already up my throat. Enough. Thankfully, instead of the usual hotel buffet, we had breakfast in one of the unknown restaurants. Self service, comparatively an appetizing meal, pumpkin porridge and spinach porridge, eaten alongside Kimchi soup and condiments. But, eating in the messy dining area, after the big groups of tourists have left, simultaneously, while the staff were massively sulking, as if earthquake is gonna strike soon, didn't go down well with us. Did we have a choice? I guess not. I of course was  irritated. I still ate because my hunger throne was my only concern.   

Melaka - Jonker Walk (Part 3)

Inconclusive. Our walking mission from one corner of Jonker Walk to the other for another overnight stay (Melaka Jonker Walk Part 2) didn't get us anywhere. Unfortunately. We did in fact, viewed quite a number of home stays, some of it highly recommended in online travelling platforms (Melaka Jonker Walk Part 1 & Portuguese Settlement). However, despite almost two hours of walking, at the same time popping in and our of the home stays, we concluded that its such a waste to our time. All we ended up with was not only sweat dripping, our legs too almost ripped, fell apart. Still, mission was not halted, who knows we may discover a home stay we will be pleased with, at this juncture, to wind down our momentum and for a cool burst down our dry throat and tongue, we unanimously we agreed for Melaka Cendol and Melaka Ice Kacang in Jonker 88. Absolutely. Melaka dessert game on.  

Pyeongchang/Yongjin - (Korea Day 6)

Breathtaking overnight in Alpensia Resort. Spacious clean room, packaged alongside quite a spacious balcony. Compared to some of the previous rooms where I felt as though I was locked up in a North Korean hell hole. Tiny window and cramped rooms with hardly space to move around, thank god I could find no fault on cleanliness and equipped well with literally the things I generally look forward to (Pyeonchang Korea Day 5). In Alpensia Resort, I appreciated the fact that it was worth paying for this rather pricey tour. Mind you, for me especially, because I am a single room occupant, I have, as usual, coughed out extra Malaysian Ringgit (Korea Day 1 & Jeju Island Day 2). Therefore, my room with a balcony utterly happily shattered my night away. Albeit I can't exactly tell you how long I was at the balcony, either standing or seated on the chair, I exceptionally loved it. Imagine? Imagine breathing mountainous fresh air (Nami Island & Jeju Island), at the same time loving the chilly breeze gently blowing all over you? Oh-wow, serendipitous. 

Melaka - Jonker Walk (Part 2)

Malaysians I think are a peculiar lot. Don't get me wrong. Please don't get all worked and throw slippers at me. I know how emotional we Malaysians can get even on the most tiniest things. I am in no way generalising, neither am I pointing fingers at anyone in particular. Then again, if the cap fits, please wear it instead of being in denial. Consequentially, I must speak about the rich and famous or Malaysians who like to be known as rich, I shouldn't even care less about Malaysians who have migrated. Like they say, don't bite the hand that fed you, well and good for those who have migrated. I can understand. The grass always look greener on the other side or because Malaysia is a chicken feet. Hopefully, I sincerely hope I won't see my friends returning back to Malaysia as asylum seekers, sooner or later. Especially those who not only can't stop bragging about how life is far better in US or Australia, apart from that, keep condemning and criticizing Malaysia, so sad for these small minded people who fail to accept the fact that life sucks throughout the world.  

Pyeonchang - (Mount Sorak/Jeongdongjin/Daegwallyeong) - Korea Day 5

Tour guides can make or break your holiday. They sure can. They can either make your travel-gram memorable or ruin it all. But, for those of you who opt for traveling by your own back bone, you don’t have to give a damn on towering guides. Really, you don’t have to. Women like me on the other hand, I know I have a choice, whether I like it all in a tour or not, that’s beside the point. I still prefer tour travelling. Call me an orthodox traveler if you want, I am least bothered, a safe bet for me is an all planned and all paid for tour. Basically, everything is cared for, and mind you, I am a solo tour traveler. The only thing, that too not a major thing, is "sleeping alone" (ahem!). Actually, come to think of it, I can sleep with someone else, let's name it same-sex or different sex "tour travel", that by the way is not why I travel alone. My fear of sleeping alone is mainly because I am not a spooky friendly person, albeit I am on my own for days when my other half-half travels for work. 

Melaka - Portuguese Settlement (Restaurant De Costa's 8)

Lemme speak a tiny bit on Portuguese Settlement. Those I think I am familiar with instead of taking the easy way out by cutting and pasting, obviously in academic terms we call it “plagiarism”. Plagiarism indeed is a rampant madness attitude even among the self-proclaimed top-notch bloggers, all in the name of fanning for popularity, fame, likes and followers. The best part of it all is that people actually fall for copied crab stuffs instead of believing those who share their sincere, genuine and honest real-time experiences. Wish I can shame those copycats who evidently have not the mastered the art of copying, sadly though. Sad isn't? I should mill them through "Plagiarism" software.

Ming Kee Bak Kut Teh - PJ Old Town

This day will go down as another unforgettable day in my life. It will forever be one of the days I can’t forget for the rest of my life. As it is, I am still coming to terms with dad slipping off within minutes to heaven almost two years ago (more at Nasi Minyak), on this day, when I received a call from my bestie’s family, I felt as though my worst fear is gonna come true. Remember, my 30 over years different race and religion friendship I already told you at Kepong Heng Bak Kut Teh & Restoran Meng Kee Klang Road? Tragic! Utterly shattering day. My heart pumped so fast upon hearing that my bestie had earlier collapsed at the medical center and is now in critical care unit. Still, instead of breaking down and crying, honestly everyone, I put up a brave front. I told her sista I will there soonest possible.