28th March 2009

Before this when looking at the above date the only thing that will happen (that I know of) is MY BIRTHDAY and my mum's birthday (yupp we're born them same day and month).

But this year things change as people all around the world is talking about the date. It's EARTH HOUR and people will be disconnecting themselves from civilization for ONE HOUR. I personally never done that before and really looking forward to do so.

So let's do it by switching OFF (from electric sources ...) and indeed we're showing support to mother earth. And not to forget HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME .

RIZAL

TROPICAL FRUITS NEAR PUNCAK ALAM

The fruit stall and 'wakaf'

Enjoying the durians and fresh coconut juice under the 'wakaf'

The best place (at least for me) to enjoy tropical fruits will be Bukit Cherakah Fruits Station, located not far from Puncak Alam, Selangor. What is really nice about this place is the location which situated in an orchard owned by Felda (a government body that deals with agriculture).

That guarantees the freshness of the fruits plus it gives this cool surrounding that you normally have in a fruits orchard.

The other thing worth mentioned about this establishment is the small “wakaf” or covered area provided for customers to enjoy the fruits on the spot. So one can buy for example DURIAN from the fruits stall and bring it to the 'wakaf' to enjoy the freshness of the fruits.

One of the 'must visit place' whenever friends comes to my house.

RIZAL

KLANG CENTRAL

It's one of the better bus terminal that I've seen so far especially in Malaysia. Although it creates few controversies ( mostly related to politics), personally I think it's about time for the government to re-established the bus terminal from what we used to have (VERY BAD) to a more sophisticated bus terminal and Klang Central could be seen as a good benchmark.

Well from the pictures you can see that it's comfortable with huge and spacious waiting area (and yes with air-conditioning) and also a comfortable food-court (connected by escalator) plus other shops (in the same buildings). I've took the pictures just one day before the actual operations day and whatever the negative comments that some people give to the establishment of this Terminal for Jalan Rebung it's deserve a standing ovation.

RIZAL

A REUNION ....

ALAM SHAH OLD BOYS

The whole family went to this open house by an old friend(Farah and Hubby) in Shah Alam last weekend. Being a successful lawyer it's not surprising to see that their new bungalow is really nice (I really like the spacious lawn).

During this event I've the opportunity to meet with Farah's Dad, Dato' Zabir Bajuri who happens to be an old boys of Sekolah Alam Shah just like myself. So when 2 person from the same school (although from different generations) meet, it's normal to see that most of the conversations will point to the school back from Jalan Tenteram days to the new one in PutraJaya.

Dato' Zabir was an active PIBG and Alumni members even during my time in Alam Shah and to finally meet him personally was something special.

RIZAL

IT'S PAYDAY .......

Almost everybody will be alert comes end or early of the month because it's Salary Day. Mine will be today (on the 24th) and no wonder everybody in the office looks motivated. If there's one day that everybody will be smiling first thing in the morning it got to be this day.

Hmmm ...what to do ? Mine will be to use some of it to threat my family to a nice dinner and then will ensure all loans to be paid accordingly. The balance will be saved. Not a very adventurous plan but at least I'm saving for the future.

Now looking forward to the next payday ........

RIZAL

GOING TO A FOOTBALL MATCH

In the stadium full with 'RED GIANT" supporters

My kids with their 'AUNTIES' .........

Another convincing win for Selangor .......

I've my promised my son that I would take him to Shah Alam Stadium to watch a football match one day, and only last 2 weeks the promised materialized. And the best thing not only him, the whole family plus the aunties went for the game.

It was between Selangor (our team) and N.Sembilan. Good game. Fantastic atmosphere (although my wife didn't like it ...come on dear it's a football match ..it supposed to be crowded and wild !!!). Final result favours our team 3 to 0.

Anyway, going to the football match in Malaysia is probably similar to going to Baseball (MLB) or Basketball (NBA) in the U.S and it's like a place where you can scream as loud as you want and nobody will be upset (in fact they will scream together cheering the team).

RIZAL

NASI AMBENG

This is a traditional Javanese food that is very popular in Malaysia. What make it interesting is the way to eat it. It's served in a big plate call 'DULANG' on top of banana leaf to add extra aroma. The rice, vege , fried chicken and others (such as fried noodle) are serve together in the dulang and if you can see closely from the picture (the one that I'd have last few months) the fried noodle is arrange in 4 direction which indicates to be eaten 4 person in a group or DULANG.

Nasi Ambeng is a very good example of a delicacy that not only come with a wonderful taste but it gets people together. Sharing the food in one big plate give the opportunity to do more than eating that is socializing and it works...Although one might find it a little big uncomfortable.

If you've eaten Nasi Ambeng in a true traditional way you might agree with me but if you have not experienced it you should ASAP then only you can understand what I'm talking about.

RIZAL