Fellow Malaysians, do you hear a lot of this, “our country is so dirty, the rubbish is everywhere, unlike Singapore,” I believe that there are many other exemplary countries too but we Malaysians normally compare with Singapore because it is just about 15 minutes (or less) drive from the south of Johor.

I don’t know as for the rest of you but it burns my ears having to take heed of such comment.

Those days when we were younger or young children today I believe have been taught with all the basic good deeds in life in view of a guidance for them to grow and become morally right grown-ups.

Despite the notion where learning begins has progressed over the years, if I were to present my belief in a plain context, it will be something like “Education starts from home, as young as when a child develops a sense of understanding a simple manner,” Example of simple manners like putting an index finger on the lips to show silence, or call a mother ‘mama’.

And as a child grows, he is capable to comprehend something more complex. Something like when an adult says to a child, “Please throw the rubbish,” He would go to the garbage to get rid of the trash. My cousin’s 5 year-old (or 4 going to 5) boy does the same act and that is also how I was taught and what I practice until today.

The sad part is that there is no continuity to this or relatively the approach is not holistic enough? Names shall not be mentioned (as I have promised) but I do know some adults who just toss rubbish anywhere they like as long as it is not in their home or car. So I guess the missing element here is to educate the young to throw rubbish at the garbage bin – and this does not just apply at home, at school or in the car but it concerns everywhere!

So if Malaysians are made up of ‘rakyat’ with this kind of could-not-care-less attitude, how can we even be recognized as world-class citizen?

It is an eyesore to witness a person open the car door and throw toll receipts and candy wrappers outside of the car. It’s like the biggest garbage bin is there – outside of the car!

Children are like white piece of cloth. It is the duty of the elder ones to precede with decent examples.

Happy Chinese New Year to those celebrating.

Listening to: Black Velvet by Alanah Miles.

Naughty

MAA/CH

Dila's baby - Adam

Wedding

The best thus far

SF's belated birthday dinner

Ian

Sale @ theVVIP.wordpress.com – Girls Only.

Those below are mine and since the sizes do not fit my sister, I have decided to sell them off at some reasonable price (I would think). As you can see, they are just pictures and brief description of the dresses. Interested, please drop an email to theVVIP.wordpress@gmail.com, And we’ll get into details.

Size should be 32-25-34 and since they are not brand new, every design is only available for one stock. And let’s not waste anybody’s time: serious buyer only.

I have another publication to post (as in not announcement thingy!), still in draft. Will be posting soon.

Dress 1 (Front shot) / Black / RM25 (Topshop)

Dress 1 (Back shot)

Dress 2 / Brown / RM20

Dress 3 / Dark Blue Pinstripe / RM20 (Belt INCLUDED)

Dress 4 / Blue / RM20

Dress 5 / Red / RM20 (Forever 21)

Dress 6 / White / RM20

Dress 7 / Black / RM20

Dress 8 / Dark Blue / RM20

Dress 9 / Dark Blue / RM20

Dress 10 / Black / RM20

Dress 11 / top-White bottom-Black / RM20

Dress 13 / Black / RM20

Dress 13 (Detailing - lace material with lining)

Dress 14 / Black / RM20

Dress 15 / Dark Grey / RM20 (Inner top NOT INCLUDED)

Skirt 1 / Checkered / RM10

First, a quick announcement on the following vacancies especially for job seekers;

Industry      : Automotive

Company    : Auto Bavaria (HQ)

Location     : Glenmarie, Shah Alam

Field/Dept  : 1. Procurement

                       2. Aftersales

For further inquiries (job responsibilities & description/remuneration package – etc) please email to thevvip.wordpress@gmail.com. Interested candidates may also drop in CV to thevvip.wordpress@gmail.com. And yes, Auto Bavaria being under Sime Darby offers attractive benefits.

Secondly, I apologize for the always-late post update. The period of gradual power transition to successors is taking place at present.

Existing loyal and new readers…stay tuned!

It was towards the end of fall and winter would be setting in soon. From November to March, Korea experiences cold winter with an average temperature of around -2 degree Celsius. This sovereign state in East Asia is approximately 6 hours away by flight from Malaysia with time difference of an hour ahead of us.

It was my first time to Korea and for most of us who followed the tour I believe. I would strongly put forward the idea of joining a tour for first timers for some blatant plus points; tour guide, daily food served, express entrance to attraction parks and more places covered.  As for this trip, we travelled over locations within the areas circled in the map below. The schedule was undeniably tight; hence I fortuitously might have omitted some detailed information of the whole excursion. Nevertheless I will do my best to patch the bits and pieces to present a Korea holiday insight (the VVIP’s edition =)).

Accommodation:

Below are the hotels that we stayed while in Korea:

• Yong Pyong Resort
• Sorak Park Hotel
• Western Co Op
• Royal Incheon Hotel

The best place to stay which is in the district of downtown Seoul (the happening part of Seoul) will be Western Co Op.

Places of interests:

• Wolmido Island – For an exciting escapade of….seagull feeding! When you’re on the ferry, flocks of huge seagulls would be flying around the ferry. So take some prawn crackers with you and throw at them. You’ll be amazed to see how fast these birds snatch those crackers!

• Tiger World – A quick and enjoyable snow sled.

• Everland – Korean’s theme park which is divided into 5 sub theme parks namely Global Fair, American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure and Zoo-Topia. Recommended attractions to name a few are Pororo 3D Adventure, Hurricane, Championship Rodeo, Columbus Adventure and Safari World. It was a bit unfortunate for us since we had so little time to spend there (that is perhaps the downside of joining a tour). So we only did Safari World and one kiddie-attraction that I forgot what its name is. Reason being? All other rides had extensively long queue and we did not have the whole day to ourselves there! And that attraction was the only one without a single soul lining up. Coming back to Safari World, it’s something like Disney’s. Only that it has real animals so visitors have to get on the bus and the bus will take them throughout the park. THE VVIP’s PICK.

I missed roller-coaster rides in a theme park for the first time in my life.

• Kimchi Nara – Kimchi school where I have learned to make this unique Korean dish and dressed up in a traditional Korean costumes after that! Kimchi (fermented vegetables in seasonings that is normally cabbage) is served in every meal (it’s something like Malaysian sambal belacan or tempoyak la..). I’m a Kimchi Nara graduate (self-proclaimed). THE VVIP’s PICK.

• Yeoju Premium Outlets – Situated at the Yeoju province, there is the Yeoju Premium Outlets. Being second to Japan’s Gotenbar Outlet, this colossal shopping heaven lodges designer brands like Burberry, Coach, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Valentino and some Korean designers such as Kuho and Kim Young Joo. THE VVIP’s PICK.

• Daegwallyeong Ranch – Another class that we attended and this time was cheese making before feeding the sheep. It is an area of about 200 square kilometres consisting more than 200 sheep. Surely is a scenic atmosphere of the cloudless blue sky that is simply breathtaking. A must go destination if one goes to South Korea. I’m a Daegwallyeong; school of making cheese (express version) and feeding sheep graduate (self-proclaimed). THE VVIP’s PICK.

• Seoraksan National Park – It is named Seorak (or Sorak) because the snow would not melt for a long time keeping the rocks eternally white with Deacheongbong as the highest peak of this mountain. The cable car takes the visitors up to the mountain for a chance to take mesmerizing photos. THE VVIP’s PICK.

• Teddy Farm – Featuring creative ideas of exhibiting teddy bears in different themes allowing sightseers to snap some photographs.

• Nami Island – Anybody has seen the renowned Korean drama series called ‘Winter Sonata’? The drama was filmed at the Metasequoia path of Nami Island during winter surrounded by white birches and Korean white pines throughout the year. An added charming location for photo taking. THE VVIP’s PICK.

• Dongdaemun Market – an area surrounded with shopping malls and stalls that open from 10.30am – 5am. Here, popular items such as fabrics, clothing, women and children’s costumes, bedding, house ware, footwear and sporting goods can be found here. Modern malls would include Migliore, Doosan Tower, Hello apM, Cheongdaemun and Designer Club. Shopping again! THE VVIP’s PICK.

• National Folk Museum of Korea – Here visitors can engross oneself in learning the traditional ways of living of the Koreans as well as cultural beliefs. THE VVIP’s PICK.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace – The grandest palace built by the Joseon Dynasty in 1395. Gyeongbokgung means ‘palace of shining happiness’ in English. THE VVIP’s PICK.

• Ice Gallery – Here, we attended the last class which was a lesson in ice carving.  Subsequently after my masterpiece creation of a mug-that-turned-out-to-be-nothing-like-it, we took the pleasure in the cool ice gallery where the temperature was kept 5 degree Celsius below zero. It was so…cold! THE VVIP’s PICK.

• Nanta Show – Korean’s inimitable musical show with a simple story line of four cooks  organizing a wedding feast. While at this, they turn all kitchen utensils such as pots, pans, knives and chopping boards into musical elements. You will find acrobatics, magic tricks, comedy, and pantomime and audience participation in the show. This is so THE VVIP’s PICK.

• Myeong-Dong – Korea’s trendiest shopping area of about 300,000 square meters of shop selling items like at Dongdaemun; clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. Opens from 10am to 10pm. THE VVIP’s PICK.

Korean Food:

• Bibimbap – Korean chilli paste with steamed rice and vegetables.
• Bulgogi – Slices of marinated barbecued beef spiced with soy sauce and sugar.
• Samgyetang – Chicken ginseng soup.
• Japchae – Clear stir-fried noodles with veggie
• Tteokbokki – Korean savoury snack.

I did not try any of the above as finding halal food was quite tough, so we survived by consuming a lot of plain steamed rice, soup and veggie and..kimchi? However, worry not because there are several Middle Eastern restaurants suitable for Muslim visitors. To get halal authentic Korean food, ermmmm… (to find one in Malaysia is also difficult!). Pandai-pandai la nak hidup.

Shopping Items:

What one should really buy in Korea? Well besides Yeoju, Dongdaemun and Myeong-Dong that predominantly sell fashion goods, we were also taken to selected outlets selling Korean premium ginseng, local dry foods and cosmetics. In Korea, pursuant to the triumph of BB cream that has even been embraced by other leading make up brands, they have come up with CC (colour control) cream; the enhanced version of BB cream!

Other shopping and entertainment areas:

• Insa-Dong – known as ‘Mary’s Ally’; local food and traditional tea can be found here.
• Namdaemun Market – Korea’s wholesale centre.
• Ehwa Woman’s University vicinity – ‘The Street of Fashion’ where clothing stores are everywhere.
• Hongik University vicinity – clubbing alleys.
• Apgujeong-dong Rodeo Street – expensive designer and vintage clothing shops. Korean celebrities are frequently seen here.
• Sinsa-dong – chic lattes and foreign cuisines.

I don’t have FB, so I upload a lot of photos here =p.

Kamsahamnida (thank you)!

Listening to: Paradise by Coldplay

______________________________

Sources:

• www.visitkorea.or.kr/
• Malaysian Independent Tourists’ Guide to Korea booklet
• wikipedia

brother feeding seagulls!

welcome to Everland

on the way to Zoo-Topia

some interesting ice cream droplets

the post in denial of the cold weather

Daegwallyeong - cheese making class

I told you I graduated from cheese making class, didn't I?

eaten with corn chips, strawberry jam and a bit of salt

Shaun the Sheep?

blue sky

lunch time

mas-issge deuseyo! (bon appetite)

Seoraksan, here I come

..and Seoraksan we conquered...(partly..)

Teddy Farm - I can only read the header..(duh..)

the bears and the mother bear (standing next to me) cheered "Happy Belated Birthday, theVVIP! You rock!" =p

this is what we call creativity

Nami Island, here I come

..and Nami Island I have conquered..(almost)

ginseng soup - Malaysian version would be 'tongkat ali'.

survival 101

at a glance

haven't seen this in MY

this one also

we were so glad to find shrimp burger!

outside of Amethyst if I remember correctly

at a glance..again!

near the President's Palace if not mistaken

Within the area of Geongbokgung Palace

no they're not Koreans, they're Japanese.

in the ice gallery

Ice Cafe of the Ice Gallery

Incheon

The Paris of Java again and yes it’s for the third time and more insyaAllah. I hope this travel guide answers the top search in my blog.

Preliminary Check

Flight & Accommodation

A common knowledge that can be safely adopted as a universal law: early birds pay lower air fares. So book ahead and fast. Do not be held back by the uncertainty of our frantic schedules. Risk is always there. It is either letting hesitancy hindering all-the-while-there-but-can-never-happen intention or buy the vacation to turn it to a commitment to be fulfilled. Vulnerability of the obligation cannot be met? Yes, it is there but it can be managed.

I got lucky when I purchased my 3 days 2 nights’ accommodation + return air fare for less than RM500. Bandung is just approximately 2 hours flight from Malaysia so budget air carriers are just fine.

I have stayed at three different hotels in Bandung (BDO); Hotel Sukajadi (Jl Sukajadi), Rumah Orange (Jl Babakan Jeruk) and the recent trip we put up at Amaris Hotel (Cihampelas). All three are budget hotels. Where you want to stay depends on your itinerary and of course budget. As for us, we’d be out of the hotel from 9am right up to 10+ pm where we would not be going back to the hotel in between. Hence, budget hotel is really value for money. Based on these three hotels, I would recommend Sukajadi and Amaris. Sukajadi Hotel is near to Paris Van Java mall whereas Amaris Hotel is close to Ciwalk of Cihampelas (an open concept mall with shop lots along the stretch – you will love it).

Pak Supir (chauffeur)

The best alternative to be moving around in Indonesia’s third largest city is to hire a chauffeur (supir) for the fact that he is local, knows everywhere of BDO and jalan tikus (shortcuts) to get you to your destination quick. There is no signboard (at least at the point of time when I went) that tells us where Paris Van Java is located at per se. Technology advancement has introduced us to GPS to provide navigation for people today. Nonetheless with the traffic, the narrow roads and the road behaviour, GPS is still underdog to supir.  It is safer too.

We have always been hiring the same supir every time whenever voyaging to BDO. The rates may differ according the type of vehicle concomitant to the number of travellers in a group. Pak Ikin’s rate (our regular chauffeur) is IDR 500,000 a day for an 8-seater van for us who ordinarily travel in 6. The rear seats are used to put our luggage..hehe.

Budget

Budget (excluding accommodation, flight and chauffeur) would roughly be IDR 1.5 million is sufficient to cover for food and a bit of shopping. If one is a shopaholic like me that amount will not suffice.

Clothing

BDO has a tropical humid monsoon climate with an average temperature of 23.6 C all year long and is cooler than other parts of Indonesia[1]. Bring along a light jacket because it can get chilly at night. Ladies, put on those most comfortable flats because there will be lot of walking. I will only pack toiletries as for the rest including clothing change for the next day will be bought over there itself. =)

Ready, Get set, Go

 Shopping!

BDO has not just numerous but enormous and fascinating factory outlets. Here I list down the must-go factory outlets (FO). Most of the factory outlets sell the same stuff (attire, shoes, bags, inner wear, accessories, etc) but price may vary slightly. Nevertheless it is worth to just walk in to every of these outlets because they do have items that are not available at other places.

• Rumah Mode (FO) at Setiabudi
• Grande (FO) at Dago
• Central (FO) at Dago
• Blossom (FO) at Dago
• Episode ((FO) at Dago
• Secret (FO) at Jl Riau
• Heritage (FO) at Jl Riau
• Cascade (FO) at Jl Riau
• Merdeka Factory Outlet (FO) at Jl Purnawarman
• Paris Van Java (shopping mall) at Sukajadi
• Ciwalk (shopping mall) at Cihampelas
• Badger & Cosmic (Badger; a local brand selling contemporary youngsters apparel and bags. Same goes for Cosmic but not sure if Cosmic is a local brand) at Jl Trunojoyo.
• Jonas Photos (for camera aficionados – according to my cousin’s husband the price is also cheaper) at Jl Riau.
• Pasar Baru – I forgot where this is located at but a very well known place for textile shopping.

Food Stops

The mandatory ones (for us):

• Pak Chi Met at Sukajadi – Deliciously grilled fish, chicken, prawn and squid served with rice and special sambal.
• The cosy cafe at Rumah Mode – There is one my siblings and I go to because we don’t want to eat rice and if I’m not wrong it’s called Java Bean. It has Indonesian food and Western as well as coffees like Starbucks and Coffee Bean. This is usually our first lunch stop since Rumah Mode is the first place we go upon arrival at BDO.
• Winkel Cafe of Heritage at Jl Riau – My favourite order here is the chocolate pancake and hot tea.
• Suis Butcher (there are two locations; Riau and Setiabudi) – Steaks at good price.

And some other really good places to eat:

• The Valley at Dago Pagar – A scenic and exclusive restaurant situated on a hilly area, very cool temperature serving Asian and Western food. There are several fine-dining restaurants at Dago Pagar to try. This place is definitely going to be the next mandatory thing for us.
• Klenger burger – This is at Cimanuk if not wrong. The burger is just damn tasty.
• Hoka Hoka Bento – Yeay! Now available in BDO!

Enjoy travelling!

Listening to: Raspberry Beret by Prince

the cafe we would go @ Rumah Mode

This is just how close a car is parked from one to another.

Money Changer - so convenient!

My must-have choc.pancake @ Winkel

a sight of the slump

THE Paris Van Java

@ The Valley

the steak I ordered @ The Valley

some other way of how they earn a living - selling stuff (souvernir, snacks etc) while car stops at the traffic light

there are a lot of small alleys like this there

Pak Chi Met! I like.

the outdoor of Pak Chi Met

people, make up your mind!

order?

bawal bakar & cumi

a beggar earns a living by carrying a rented child

@ Ciwalk of Cihampelas

steak - Suis Butcher

i love my flats!

in the van to the next destination

Rumah Mode..again

the last meal before going to the airport - chicken rice @ Ricebowl

the last mall we went before returning to KL - but I forgot the name.