Cameron Highland Impression

 

1) Love the cooler weather up on the hills. I think it is about 1300 to 1500 metres in height. Temperature is about 20 to 22 degree.

2) Single carriageway winding roads. One up and one down. There are a few sections that have wider dual carriageways. It is more challenging than Genting due to the single lane road especially when there is heavy vehicle in front, making overtaking difficult if not dangerous. During my return journey, there was rain causing the road to be slippery. I saw a small hatchback that spined 180 degree on the road, hitting the guard rail. Fortunately, it didn't go down the hill. Really have to focus on driving the winding road and get a car with good handling characteristics. Please ensure that there is plenty of rest in between the destination.

3)  There was a motorcyclist who probably knew the road well enough to guide motorists as he was in front of a heavy vehicle. He signaled to us that it was alright to overtake the heavy vehicle. In essence, he looked out for incoming traffic from the other direction. Due to the winding road, there are plenty of blind spots to be careful. 

4) Roadworks blocking in any direction will mean that there will be traffic marshaller and the traffic will be halted for a period of time. Be ready stop and keep a safe distance with the car in front of you.

5) Love the strawberry ice cream that was made from the strawberry grown on the highland.

6) Love the peppermint leaves grown in various gardens. Very refreshing.

7) Scenery is amazing and that cannot be seen in a city. 

8) We used Waze for directional guidance. There are signages along the way to guide driver.

Drive safe and enjoy the journey.

Proton Saga 2019

 

I rented a Proton Saga for 2.5 days and drove the car from Ipoh to Cameron Highland and to Taiping. It was a 1.3 litre standard version (no frills). The price of rental is about RM138 per day, excluding petrol but including insurance.

Back in the 90s, I had sat on a Proton Saga 1st Generation. It was a boxy looking car and appeared to be bigger than the 2019 version. Of course, the first generation car used the Mitsubishi engine block, while the 2019 car used the firm own engine.

Recently, I have the opportunity to drive the car to hilly and winding roads as well as the North-South highway between Ipoh and Taiping. 

Some good comments about the car:-

1) Good handing - Especially when facing winding roads in a rainy day.  It was able to grip the road well. 

2) Good automatic gear response - Able to downshift appropriately especially when going downhill.

3) Easy to drive - Compact and easily maneuverable. The car even has parking sensor (front and back) which I found it useful.

Some negative comments about the car:-

1) Not as smooth and refined as compared to my Honda Civic 10th Gen (2019 year of manufacturing).

2) Engine required revving and heavy foot especially when travelling at the highway. Could be a sign that 1.3 litre block is under-powered.

3) At speed of 120km/hr and above, the steering wheel was vibrating. This does not give confidence to the driver.

It is a good car if the driver does mostly city driving and occasionally drive in highway. At a price of less than RM40000 (USD8900), for the basic auto-transmission, it is a value for money option.

Penang 2022

 

Its been more than 10 years since my last visit to Penang Island. I visited the island from 28 Nov to 2 Dec 22, my fourth visit in my entire life so far.

Things are getting expensive, especially food. Partly due to global inflation and partly due to poorly managed economy leading to shortages of raw produce, from chicken to eggs. A typical McDonald meal can cost between RM 15 to RM20 per person, which is typically what Singapore McDonald charges. Simple Dim Sum breakfast in hawker centre costs between RM25 to RM30 for 2 persons. I recalled that some years ago, a bowl of noodle can be as little as RM3.50 to RM4. The current high food price will mean that only wealthy Malaysian can enjoy food from restaurants. I had an opportunity to speak to a local Grab driver and received feedback that residents who can't afford will have to depend on home cooked food to reduce their cost of living. What remains reasonably price is their daily groceries bought from local supermarket. Eg a simple no frills T-shirt can be RM15 at local Lotus Supermarket.

Hopefully, with the change in government in the recent general election, there will be better economic conditions for local residents.

Tried the Mao Shan Wang(MSW) Durian in Penang, it was fresh and tasty. The best food I had for the whole trip. It was expensive at RM68/kg but it was worth it due to its superior quality. I think in Singapore, the MSW durian will likely be cheaper. 

There are still new buildings being erected around the island, showing that investments are still flowing into the island.

Emirates Economy Class Review

I took Emirates Economy Class to Dubai, a seven hours trip.

Here is my review:-

1) Food - Emirates has better food than Qatar Airlines. The food was tasty enough for me. The drinks were sufficiently served with a bar cart that followed behind the main meal cart. Singapore Airlines has equally good food comparable to Emirates.  However, China Southern Airlines stewardesses routinely walked along the isle asking passengers whether they want water. This service from China Southern Airlines is commendable for long flights

2) Flight Seat - Whether Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airlines or Emirates lines, the space available for economy class does not differ significantly. However, because Qatar and Emirates are flying connecting flights, ie Dubai or Doha are used as a base to consolidate passengers. Their flights are mostly full. This means that the chance of an empty seats is very low.  Singapore Airlines has a higher probability of an empty seat next to you.

3) Service - No difference between Singapore, Qatar or Emirates. You don't see the stewardesses in economy class after the meals are served. China Southern Airlines stewardesses do make routine rounds to address passenger needs. China Southern Airlines stewardess even perform their appreciation message for international flight.

4) Planes - All Singapore, Qatar or Emirates are rather new. I notice that Emirates and Qatar switch on their mood lighting with beautiful stars filled ceiling. Beautiful. Singapore Airlines does not switch on its mood lighting for economy section.

5) Baggage Handling - Both Emirates and Qatar airlines are disappointment. For Emirates, my luggage was found damage after flight. For Qatar, my luggage was found to be opened and my suit soiled after flight. I have no such problem with Singapore Airlines or China Southern Airlines. So it is advisable to bring a durable luggage when travelling with Emirates or Qatar airlines.

Tokyo Yamanote Line

Yamanote Line in 1963 - Screen capture from YouTube Michael Rogge film

Yamanote Line in 2018 with familiar lime green colour

Back in 1993, when I first visited Japan. Hotel Metropolitan, in Ikebukuro was where I had stayed and the Yamanote Line was the first train line I had taken. Japan was the first country I had travelled located at more than 5 hours in flight from my home. It had opened my eyes to the world beyond South East Asia. It had bullet train, Sony electronics, Matsushita electronics, Hitachi, Toyota cars, Honda cars etc. An economic power house. In 1993, Japan was at the start of recession. It had enjoyed economic growth since WW2 and lasted till early 1990s. Since then Japan inflation is close to zero. Back in 1993, a meal could be bought for 1000 yen or less. In 2018, 25 years later, a meal could still be bought for less than 1000 yen. (eg Ramen).

Back to Yamanote, the line was first opened back in 1885. It was unique in that it circled the major Tokyo metropolitan cities with line distance of 34.5km (21 mile). Ikebukuro is one of the city. Back in 1993, the Yamanote was a green line with the train highlighted in lime green. I remembered taking the first ride from Ikebukuro to Ueno Station. Till this date, the Yamanote is still a green line. Somehow, in 2018, I did not find the Yamanote line to be so crowded. On the other hand, I found that Chuo Line was much more crowded during peak hour and physically it was packed till the door.

The other difference is that now, the announcement in train station could include Japanese, English and Chinese. Back in 1993, it was first only the first and second language. A change in economic circumstances.

Nonetheless, it was really memorable to seat on Yamanote line and also equally memorable was the sound of the periodic train track vibration which was so unique of Japan.

Tokyo Asakusa

The photos above were unedited other than adding copyright note. They were taken in the evening in Asakusa where there were fewer people and a cooler weather. As I did not bring along my travelling bag, the photos were taken with my iPhone 7.  I was pretty impressed with the camera of iPhone. Just look at how brilliant the red colour of the shrine was and how sharp the photos were. Beautiful! While there were many negative comments comparing iPhone and other Android phones in technical specifications, to me it is the output that matters. Despite a simple single lens camera, it was able to produce result comparable, if not better, than my Sony APS-C (A6000) camera even at dim night conditions. The price of iPhone is of course a premium over Android phones, but the overall user satisfaction is still guaranteed with a iPhone. That is after more than 2 years owning the iPhone 7.

I have been to Asakusa many years ago, but this is the first time I have been there at night with not so many people and the weather was cooling. The experience was magnificent.

Tokyo Food

Ramen and in this case Ichiran Ramen. Famous among foreigners. There was a queue formed to pay for the food. Overall it is tasty without sensing MSG. It should be made by boiling pigs bone for a long period of time. Thick broth makes a rick taste. At 870 Yen, it is reasonably priced considering other Ramen outlets. Was told that Ichiran originates from Kyushu region of Japan. This is the most value for money against its quality for the food I had.

Okonomiyaki - Japanese Pizza. The one on the left has flour and bacon, while the one on the right has noodle and flour. Tasty due to okonomiyaki sauce. It is highly recommended. The set cost about 1850 Yen for 2 persons including drinks. The restaurant at UDX Akihabara allows patrons to self cook or the chef will cook for you. It tastes real good.

Beef tongue croquette. When I walked into this restaurant, I thought it was a beef restaurant without knowing that they sell only beef tongue. I have the impression that it was beef croquette, probably due to my poor understanding of the language. Nonetheless I tried it. This was not the first time I ate beef tongue though. Its more of psychological than the taste and texture. It was quite expensive at about 1600 Yen.

Tempura soba. The soba is ok but there were only 2 pieces of prawn and one small green chilli. Priced at 1470 Yen, it seems expensive. But this is a famous shop in Asakusa. Quality wise the prawns are fresh and sweet.

Pufferfish - Also known "fugu". I had this in soup and fried format. Japanese delicacies. Poisonous if not prepared properly. Certain part of the fish is lethal and originates from its ovaries and liver. It must be prepared by a certified chef to remove the poison. Taste like ordinary fish and has many bones. Expensive at 10,000 yen for 2 persons. Would I try again? Probably not, considering the risk and price.

Unagi rice. The grilled eel is very expensive in Japan given the strong demand in Asia market. Many eels are originated from China or Taiwan. I paid 3700 Yen for this. Taste wise, I have tasted better one. This one has too many fine bones which disturbed the enjoyment. The meat is ok but the sauce could be better. There are cheaper ones around Tokyo.

Sake - Taste good and reasonably priced. This one costs about 250 Yen. Slight sweetness makes the sake easy to drink. Available in convenient stall.

Tokyo - Nikon Museum

Nikon FM2 first version

Camera Prototype

Camera Prototype

The information explains the 2 photographs above.

Nikon Museum located at Shinagawa is a must visit place if you love photography. It gives a history of all the SLR and other important cameras that the firm had manufactured from the beginning of 20th century. Nikon is indeed a great manufacturer of camera. Nothing can beat looking at these beautifully crafted cameras.

Having owned Nikon FM2 SLR camera, it is fantastic to see the camera being displayed as part of the many cameras on its historical shelf. The challenge I faced nowadays is weight, the camera body and lens weigh considerably when sufficient weather protection is included especially for high ends camera. The weight makes it difficult to carry for tour. Hence, nowadays, my default camera is the Sony A6000 which is light weight and easy to carry.

Nonetheless, do enjoy the beautiful cameras from the museum. The museum can be reached via Shinagawa station east exit and walking overhead connection (they called it skyway connection) from the station to Tower C of Intercity Tower. It is free-of-charge entry. Explanation is written in English and Japanese.

When I was visiting Asakusa, I saw a senior lady with a SLR film camera. While I didn't see the brand of the camera, it was really a great sight.

Nikon FM2 1984

The Nikon FM2 is shown in the museum. Notice that in the 1980s, the standard lens is a 50mm. It is beautiful and even more beautiful when it is held in hand. For my camera, I have a 28mm f1:2.8 as the standard lens. The body has a "Made in Japan" engraved below. Link to my blog for FM2 is shown below:-

https://e21s.blogspot.com/2014/06/nikon-fm2-n.html

Tokyo ~ 20th to 25th October 2018

Akihabara Tokyo

This is my forth time I visited Tokyo. The first was in 1993, 2nd in 1995 and 3rd in 1997. A whopping time gap of 21 years since my last visit. Japan has always been a country which I liked. Its people are fantastic, plenty of shopping malls with great quality stuffs, good transport system that makes travel easy and delicious quality food.  What reminds me of my visit in the last century was the sound of Japan train and sound of ambulance siren. These things do not changed.

When I visited Tokyo in 1993, the first train line which I took was Yamanote Line (山手线). This train circled inner Tokyo and goes to many important cities. I am happy that I was able to take this train again. The green colour on this train body is so distinct and familiar. In the 21st Century, the complex train schedule can all be planned by smart phone and google.

I visited Seiko Museum, Nikon Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Tower and Toyota Mega Web. The National Museum of Western Art was not a planned visit in my itinerary but there is currently a exhibition on Rubens Art pieces, which attracted me.

End October is autumn in Tokyo and it is considered perfect weather for visit. I loved the temperature of 15 to 20 degree Celsius. The chance of typhoon is low during this period.

I stayed in Asakusabashi 浅草桥 which is a station east of Akihabara. Great location to stay if the intent is to go shopping in Akihabara. This area has lesser crowd than other popular cities in Tokyo. It has direct train service from Haneda Airport which is good plus point.

New York - Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Federal Reserve Bank of New York - Built between 1919 - 1924

Deep inside the Federal Reserve Bank of New York lies more than one quarter of the world's know reserves of gold bullion. These tens of billions of dollars worth of gold bars, each numbered and weighed, are stored five stories underground in 122 compartments in a vault closed with a steel door weighting 90 tons. Most of the gold at the Federal Reserve belongs to foreign governments and international organisations. They store their gold here for three reasons: first, the bank's location in the heart of the US financial center; second, its unrivaled security; and third, the ease of trading when many countries keep their gold in the same building. As countries originally made payments to each other, gold bars could simple be wheeled from one country's vault to the next - no need crate them for long ocean voyages, no fear of disaster at sea.
........ extracted from a street display showing information on the Federal Reserve Bank

United States Observations 2017

Parking Rates at New York Midtown



Luggage lock that was plied open by TSA

What I like about United States?
(1) Automobile is probably one of the cheapest in the world.
(2) Freedom of Speech as guaranteed by the Constitution.
(3) Certain things are cheaper - Example Polo Ralph Lauren.
(4) Cool weather if is not too cold.
(5) Great online shopping - Amazon, Ebay etc. Offering free delivery to any part of main land United States. With the size of population, commercial companies target Americans with convenient solutions. Not so for international buyers. Example: Black Friday deals.
(6) Less dusty as compared to Singapore
(7) Respect for the dead for them to RIP.

What I am concern?
(1) Availability of guns. TV News have reports of murder and gun shots.
(2) Legalistic Society. Advertisement offering legal help against companies.
(3) Cost of Living. A meal at fast food costs about US$10 per person. More expensive if it is in proper restaurant with tips. Public transportation is also expensive considering Washington DC bus is about US$1.75 per trip. However, there are means for man on the street to survive, eg Walmart, K-mart (all offering reasonable priced items especially when purchased in bulk), self cook, use of private transport, coupons etc. For office workers, there are street food vendors offering reasonable priced variety food. Local produce is also value for money, eg 1 box of strawberries in New York Chinatown cost US$1 and they are fresh.
For ways to see how Americans survived in New York, please refer to this -> http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/24/i-saved-100k-on-30k-salary-here-are-my-money-saving-tips.html
(4) Tax - Income Tax, Sales Tax etc. All adds up to reducing the disposal Income.

Observations:-
(1) Society respect for military and unformed personnel, giving them priority in public facilities.
(2) Not so handicapped free access at subway.
(3) Slums where the whole community moved out leaving houses which are ransacked. Saw them when travelling along the Northeast Regional Amtrak.
(4) Multi cultural society - Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, Caucasians.
(5) Presence of emergency siren 24 hours each day. It can be from ambulances, fire engine, police.
(6) At the Airport, there are only 3 processes (a) check in by airlines counter staff (b) verification of tickets purchased against passport holders name and (c) security checks. The security checks are the most prominent ones having to remove laptops/tablets, shoes etc...  It appears that there is no immigration for exits. Passport has no exit stamp chop. Don't US authorities check on undocumented immigrant exit?
(7) A lady in New York actually gave way for me to step out. The lady was a modern and young person. I was pleasantly surprised.

According to report, in 2016, there are 10.8 million of Americans who are millionaires (not including primary residences).

Smithsonian National Gallery of Art - Interesting Painting

 

 

A continuation of paintings in Gallery / Museum which I could not understand. This time there are 3 of them in display at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art.

Interesting Article on Chinese Immigrants to US

 

Source: Ellis Island, New York Immigration Museum

Source: Museum of Chinese in America, New York

Washington DC - White House

The White House, where the most powerful person in the world resides. Visitor can only see it from afar. It used to be a place where Americans could hold a demonstration to voice their displeasure. But now, it is fully secured with Police scanning activities of visitors and there are barricades everywhere.

It always amuse me to see commercial jets flying close to the National Mall which in turn is close to the White House. During my visit, I saw many commercial airliners landing their aircraft on Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. What will happen if a pilot has evil intention? There is a Hollywood movie depicting missiles which belong to Security Agency from White House firing at hostile aircraft. I wonder is there such missiles system within the White House. In Independence Day, the Alien had destroyed the White House.

The White House doesn't seem to be as white as I had expected. The colour is pale white. It is great to see this historical building where so many American Presidents have resided since 1800.

Rembrandt's Self Portrait

Rembrandt's (Dutch painter, 1606 to 1669) self portrait is an interesting piece of art. I was stuck looking at the artist nose for a long time. It was so well done to create the 3 dimensional looking nose on a 2 dimension piece of canvas. There was effort made in making the nose stand out relative to the eyes socket and the face. The skill and technique of Rembrandt was truly amazing. I am honor to have seen this portrait in real life from the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art.

Space Shuttle Discovery in Steven F Udvar Hazy Center

Discovery Space Shuttle is big. It is through a real life visit to the Center to see the interesting proportion of the space shuttle. The rear engines of the Space Shuttle consist of 3 big rockets and a few other smaller ones. Something not easily noticeable unless it is through an actual visit. The diameter of the rear engines is bigger than the height of a human being. It is also equally interesting to see the various vectoring boosters surrounding the Space Shuttle to control direction in space and the hinges that hold the Space Shuttle door with the fastening bolts.

According to the presenter of the tour, the Center wishes to maintain the original condition of the Space Shuttle, hence visitors would be able to see the stain, burn mark of the Shuttle during entry. Discovery is one of the longest serving Space Shuttle of the programme. It flew its last space mission in Feb of 2011.

To me, I enjoy looking at the proportion and details of the Space Shuttle. To American, it is probably a national achievement icon. Something to be proud of.  Fantastic piece of equipment.

New York Dow Jones Chart

Dow Jones Chart from 1900 to 2010

At the Museum of American Finance, there is a chart showing the Dow Jones Index growth from 1900 to 2010. There are events linked to the Dow Jones Index, most notably is the great depression of late 1920s. In 2017, the Dow Jones Index had exceeded 21,000 points. The Museum focused on 3 investment tools, namely equity, bonds and commodities futures.

The Museum had also other interesting facts of finance shown below:-

US National Debt as at 2 May 17

 

 

 

Smithsonian Messerschmitt ME 163 Komet



ME 163 Komet

Again this was my second time seeing the ME163. This aircraft is located at the Steven F Udvar Hazy Center. I realized that the wing of the ME 163 was made from wood to make it light weight. This is not a full jet engine and propulsion is derived from rocket which burnt a highly flammable fuel mixture. Hence weight is an important consideration.