Yogyakarta Day 2 - From Nava K To You

Eventually and finally. My lifelong, for the years I have been stalling mission, my many years put on hold mission eventually became reality. Borobudur (Borobudur & Yogyakarta Travel Guide) finally, yippee-yeh, listed as an achievement on my travelling wonder lust. What’s the big deal, are you asking me? Excuse me? Of course, it is definitely a big deal for an average ordinary Malaysian like me. Malaysians like me, we not only juggle between our high daily financial commitment and monthly cost of living, we mind you, have to provide for our aged parents and siblings who are money dependent on us as well. Only thereafter, anything extra we struggle to save bit by bit is kept aside as our money revenue for exploring the world.Trust me, unlike our current generation who are money pampered and money handed out in a silver platter by parents, or dolls who hassle money from sugar daddies, for us, in our fifties, its our hard earned precious money. Money by right we should be keeping aside for our old age instead of travel spending because, as I have already said before (Attractions In Penang), expect no much from children who won't hesitate dumping you when you can't fan for yourself, Sadly, this is the reality bullet from our supposedly educated, professional and earning well Generation Y.     

Attractions In Penang - Nava K Spotted

Penang! Absolutely Penang indeed. No, no, not another of my Penang trip-tripping rolled out from my sleeves. It is in fact, the continuity, can you still remember my previous Penang pitching? Remember, I also included my the bitchy me the bitchy side of me? I told you about my long winded family ties and my love getting harder and tougher as the years are heading further in our fifties (Penang Sightseeing Guide, Penang Food Guide & The Wembley Hotel)? Family ties? I think is a never ending hard to shallow reality. Whether from your side of the family or in-laws? Once I start talking, there will be no end to family ties? Even marriage, I reckon over the years can be quite a thing. Travelling together by far is not the same anymore once the years catches up on us. I know. I anyway have been someone who have been travelling on my own. Of course, thrown in our every now and then marriage love rekindling travelling. But the years to marriage can take a toll, trust me, marriage in our fifties is a different kinda phase. Bones lacking in strength, energy already eaten up, in return our lacking in stamina, our patience dwelling down and the years to adjusting to each other for the better or for the worst. I really can't speak on your behalf, I personally find that either we accommodate and respect our spouses decision to staying put in the room or we literally force them, or we do sightseeing on our own. 

Borobudur - Yogyakarta (From Nava K To You)

12am to 3am. 3 hours of Nava K’s cat nap. Fairly fair I suppose. As it is, sleeping is hell for me on most days, sometimes, every now and then, its no doubt an appreciated my bed at home heaven, but no matter what, no matter how many times I sleep alone while travelling, this madness of scary shit sleeping alone is still bitchy. Nevertheless, the few hours of to and fro from Malioboro Street (Yogyakarta Indonesia), forget not I was up from bed so early for catching my flight and trust me, in and out of airports can get tiring as well, I think did justice for sleep knocking me. Jumping out of bed at the ring of my phone almost instantly, worried if I will keep the rest waiting, I showered, I sipped into the coffee at my own service in my room and I came down to the lobby where I collected the packed breakfast. Sandwiches and some cut fruits in a plastic container. No buffet breakfast on this day because we had to depart by 4.00am for Borobudur Sunrise Watching. And so we did. Sharp on the dot, maybe give in and gave, our 45 minutes journey, approximately, to Central Java landed us in Borobudur.  

Penang Sightseeing Guide - (Rainbow SkyWalk & Armenian Street)

Oh-My-Penang! Penang, as far as I know, has never been a boring place even from those days. Penang in tandem with its water forefront I sincerely reckon is one of the captivating factors for not only Westerners, I bet you will bump into them, primarily in Batu Ferringhi, even I as a Malaysian can't stop awing at Penang as my sea paradise.

Ferry crossing from mainland or driving through Penang Bridge by itself is an opener to Penang ushering me in a splendid manner. That’s why maybe, each and every time I return to Penang, I keep falling high over heels in love with "The Pearl Of The Orient" (Penang Thaipusam & Penang Part 3). Worst come to worst, forget about everything else, staying put in a room facing Penang Sea is already a stress reliever for me, but, do bear in mind traffic madness and parking may drive you up the wall. Especially during public holidays, weekends, school holidays or even daily office hours. Unless of course, you won't mind walking many miles, or as I have already said, get yourself into a water front room and do nothing except laze by the beach.  

Yogyakarta - Indonesia ( Nava K's Travel Guide)

God save me please! Yes, only god potentially can. Are you wondering why? Lemme tell you. Each and every time I travel, forget about me carrying home bundles of travelling experiences, what is a shocker on the other hand is the envy and jealousy of people. Seriously everyone, I can't get it. Nevermind if they travel, nevermind if they are travelling all the time and nevermind if they are constantly social media sharing where their fun-fantastic, globe trotting wonder lust is, of course all beautifully displayed. But when its my turn, damn, you should hear the comments. In fact, even my part time cleaners have indirectly sounded I am a lady of leisure until I don't dare show them I am on the verge of packing my travelling bags (Osaka Japan). Additionally, I have stopped with telling anyone I will be away, including my family, because, trust me, it does get ugly behind my back. Everyone obviously is under the impression I am a rich lady. So much so, people are not shy in messaging me for borrowing money. Come of it people. Give me a break please. 

Penang Food Guide - My Food Story

Endless debate. Constant debate. We can go on and go and debate on which state within Malaysia is the best food paradise. Ask the Penangites and they won’t stop swearing till the end that Penang definitely must be recognized. In fact, many claim nothing like food from the land of Penang. Of course, even Nava K won’t deny. Penang is undoubtedly a food paradise and where you can not only eat none stop, but literally till your stomach most probably can be busted. Basically, its eat till you drop. Anywhere for the matter. From the high end posh restaurants to the street stalls. Choices are massively aplenty mind you. All you gotto to do is drive around or walk the streets for trying out whichever lures you, whether you live to eat or eat to live. Food overall I must say is definitely our Malaysian profoundness. Trust me, we can eat and we can eat anytime of the day. Nothing is more important for us from the start and till the end of the day except food. 

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

Day 2 in Osaka (Osaka Part 1) was a curious case of Nava K and her other half-half. First thing first in the morning, after showering and getting ready for breakfast, we couldn’t find our room key. Hell hack! I clearly, if I am not mistaken, I remember leaving it on the table, but somehow we really didn't have any clue what was going on. Maybe, could it be the visit of the Japanese ghost while we were sound asleep? Sounds eerie right? I know. I swear I really thought because how can the key go missing just like that. Despite spending almost half an hour, searching high and low, until to the of extent looking under the bed, inside the toilet bowl and digging the waste paper basket, full of food rubbish, cigarette buds and what not, key still ended up as a mystery. Mind you, this is the heavy metal key and not the card. By then, time was already running short for breakfast, thus, we had no choice but give up and face the consequences. 

Osaka, Japan - Nava K Did It (Part 1)

Osaka Day 1. Gonna be a whole day of walking we were already prior told. Henceforth, logically, I must pack my walking legs with lotsa food. I surely did. Walla! What else could have been a wonder morning start up for this lady except the massively tempting loads of the crispy fried crispy bacon. Super-duper my forever desire. Honestly, for once, after a long time, I pigged out. Buffet breakfast on this particular day (Kobe Japan) lemme tell you was a sheer Japanese pleasure. Crispy fried bacon, Japanese steamed cakes, half boiled egg with a dash of Japanese soy sauce and  I couldn’t possibly resist the coconut oil coffee. 

The Wembley - A St Giles Hotel in Penang (George Town)

Family. Generally, they are bundle of happiness. Maybe yes? Maybe no? I better not say anything more. Otherwise, as it is, I have already been branded as the negative person because I speak and write the truth, anything said any further, may trigger blogging sphere anger or social media anger. Then again, knowing myself well and wanting to remain as the person I am, I must still go ahead and say that you can fool the fools, the biggest fools, undoubtedly are your social media friends, Nava K definitely is not a fool. She, having been enlightened to her fifties age zone, she carries suitcases of family experiences. So please, can you please stop with trying to impress her by throwing flowery words on your family? Look, I am not questioning any of you. I agree, I must, I admit family is colourful, family is fun and family is ultra-sound-ultra-important. Yet you must, for a second or two, right now, I said now, ponder over how far further or close at arm distance family will be if you are penniless. Scary right? I know. Mum and dad most probably, even they are a question mark, still, I believe they won’t disown you. As long as you close your ears to their nagging, you can be assured of a roof and some food. But siblings? Keep dreaming. Dream on. Lucky you if your siblings won’t mind helping when money is a matter of crisis.     

Thaipusam Batu Caves 2018 - Fulfilling My Vows

I, I sincerely, maybe not always, sometimes, I can't put two and two, or even ten to ten together on why we Hindus are still blindly following or holding on to our religious beliefs, bench-marked and set by our forefathers, our foremothers too were no better (more at Mozer's Subang Parade). As much as I have tried, I for once can’t understand neither comprehend why we are not applying logic and reasoning to those beliefs. Look, in no way am I questioning Hinduism. Better for me to make myself clear before I am attacked by Gang 45 or whichever latest reigning gang. Lets take the recent Sun Eclipse as an example. Many of us can, I reckon, scientifically or technically pin the reasons, but when it comes to reasoning on our staunch Sun Eclipse Hinduism beliefs, all we are good at is forwarding videos by our religious maha gurus. Aplenty of gurus these days mind you. The known, the upcoming and the ones trying to make a name, who keep reminding us why we shouldn’t pray, why we shouldn’t eat and what else we shouldn’t do during the hours of eclipse. 

Kobe, Japan - Nava K Did It!

Kobe! Yes Kobe! Akin a mini heaven popped up, right in front of me during this winter travelling-porn (Kyoto Arashiyama). Believe me! For the longest time, for as long as I can remember, I have been harbouring the thought of exploring Kobe deep in my day dreams and night dreams. The word Kobe by itself is a magical tune to my ears. Don't ask me why. I just feel it. Or maybe, come to think of it, each time I read or Kobe beef, a variety of Japanese “Wagju”, regarded as one of the highest quality meats world around, is featured on tv, I sincerely can’t curb my enthusiasm for Kobe. Imagine? Imagine wagju/Japanese cows drinking beer, additionally, being rice wine massaged and listening to classical music. Ohlalala! Intriguing fantastica luxurious cows world, isn’t it? I know. 

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?