Short Ipoh Trip

Assalammualaikum wbt,

Referring back to my previous Singapore post, after I have touched down my precious Malaysia, my husband picked me up and we went straight to Ipoh. It still the first week of Raya and we haven't visit most of our relatives yet. The reason we went to Ipoh is to actually visit late Ayah's sister. She is too old now to travel, so us as younger generation, it is our turn to pay a visit to them. Who knows how long they will be around..

The journey took almost 2 hours, it was raining but not so heavy. Traffic was ok, but there were accidents and from the scene, it looks quite bad :( I hope there is no fatal. We booked a humble hotel in Tambun area, near to Starbucks and Giant. I've been to Ipoh before when I was small but I don't have much memories because I have no relatives here, so there is no reason to come. Back to the hotel, the hotel is quite nice and modern but oh boy, we had quite a severe bed bugs effection! We were so itchy and keep on scratching that it became so bad especially on our last day there. There is no kettle provided, but you can actually collect water from the sharing dispenser. No iron too, but they prepare one iron board and an iron outside, with sharing concept. Such cost effective! 

On the next day, we went to my husband's aunty house for beraya and were served the BEST EVER IN MY LIFE NASI AYAM! Honestly, I've never tasted Nasi Ayam this good. I did ask her, what is the recipe and she told me it's very basic but it's her touch that make it special and delicious. Yeah, definitely I can't beat that. 

After the visit, we were thinking to visit around Ipoh town but that day it was so hot to stay outside. We don't want to stay in our hotel because that's what losers do. So guess where we went to...

We went to Cameron Highland guyssss!! But only at the bottom part, from Simpang Pulai. We just had a delicious tea treats and some scones. I thought because of Raya, there won't be much people, but I was wrong! I guess, they're all just like me, to visit Cameron Highland before heading back to home before starting working next day. After the delicious Vanilla Tea treats, we took a walk around tea plantation area and taking pictures before heading back. That's it. And oh, we bought some vegetables my mother instructed us to when she saw where we were on my InstaStory (-___-)

That night, we had dinner at Miker, one of the famous retaurant in Ipoh based on what I Googled. This restaurant located near the Padang Ipoh. Actually we wanted to try the famous Nasi Ganja but unfortunately when we got there straight from Cameron, it's already closed :( This restaurant is open until 6pm only.

So that night, I mentally already set in my mind that we would have Nasi Ganja breakfast. Initial plan was to have a breakfast at the famous New Hollywood restaurant. Everybody who've been to Ipoh uploaded the ever so mouth-watering menus from this restaurant. So, I already planned to have our breakfast here specifically on Monday because I thought, people is already started working by then, so there won't be so packed as most visitors always claimed to be. Yeapppp, it is indeed very much true because there were no people at all as this restaurant is closed every Monday!!!!! I am so smart guys.... I only realized this the night before when I Googled the map to go there. 

So, on Monday, we checked out from our hotel earlier that morning and heading straight to Kedai Kopi Yong Suan in the centre of Ipoh town. Actually, the Nasi Ganja stall is located inside Kedai Kopi Yong Suan. Very much of 1 Malaysia, a mamak stall in Chinese Kedai Kopi with all races diners. When we got there at 10+am, all tables are already occupied. I asked my husband to queue while myself asking one table after another should they have finished eating so I could take their table. It's all about teamwork guys. I am so determined to dine there that I put away my shame, and finally managed to get one. If you want to have Nasi Ganja, for in-house dining, you no need to queue as they'll take your order and will serve it to you like almost immediately. The crazy super long queue is for take-away, which later I found out if we take away the Nasi Ganja is much better as the rice and gravy are well mixed. 

If you guys don't manage to get a table, worry not as there is one fruit juices shop on the same row that you could eat your tapau-ed Nasi Ganja there, but of course you have to order their drinks. Basically, Nasi Ganja is consist of white steamed rice, special recipe Ayam Goreng Merah, mixed curry gravy and some special spicy chutney. More or less like Nasi Kandar but with less kuah. You could request for 'Banjir' though. At first suap, you think 'Ah.. it just another Nasi Kandar' but the next suap after another, the flavour started to blended well, it gets better and better! I especially love the chutney, it's not really like normal chutney, it is orange in color but has its spiciness, sweet and tanginess. Taste like curry but refreshing at the same time. Ahh.. I don't know how to describe it guys, you have to try it yourself! For Hanif Aiden, we ordered rice and Ayam Goreng but he seemed more interested to play with Daddy's drink by pouring the rice inside it rather than eating it (-___-)

We left the restaurant feeling full and satisfy. It doesn't cost a bomb but to secure a spot, patience is the key. By the time we left the restaurant, the queue has taken about 3 shop lots long! And it's not even Noon yet. Service is fast, so worth the wait. We should've take-away Nasi Ganja to bring home for our dinner but we were full and so happy that we couldn't think effectively lol. Before we went back, I insisted my husband to drive us to New Hollywood Restaurant to check should there is any magic that it would open that day.....but it did not. But at least we know the location for our next visit to Ipoh. We went straight home after that and reached Subang Jaya at about 2-3pm. 

There are lot of other things to do in Ipoh that I think we should return soon especially for Nasi Ganja & New Hollywood restaurant. We already planning for a day trip to ride the train, ETS, had breakfast and lunch, and ride ETS again home. Such determination and crazy appetite Hahaha. Until then, Ipoh! 

Singapore Day 2

Assalammualaikum wbt,

Taken from my previous post on Britney's concert, so after the concert finished, we looking for something to eat as we didn't have dinner yet. We decided to walk instead using GPS on Fadhlina's phone. We were thinking just to grab fast food as it's already almost midnight. So we went to McDonalds in Kallang. About 20 minutes walk from Singapore Indoor Stadium. When we got there, there were so many people! But, one thing caught my eye and left me with jakun moment was their touch screen ordering monitor weyyyy. You can place your order on the screen and pay using credit card. So so so cooool. Singapore McDonalds now currently on the theme of Minions so their main promotional dishes are made from Bananas! Everything banana here there. They have such cool menus to choose from especially on the dessert selections. Man, I did have some tough time to decide! 

After you have selected what you wanted and made payment, the receipt will be printed out with queue number on it. So, you gotta wait at their counter until your number is called/appeared on screen before collecting them. Kallang McDonalds that night were so packed but there are a lot of available tables. One thing I realized, most of the workers, especially the cleaners are old citizen. As old as my grandparents. Most of them like 60 years old and above. I felt so guilty to let them clean my food especially when I didn't finish them. He even checked my burger box and shot me a questioning look why I didn't finish it, it made me even guilty when he shook his head in disbelief huarghhhh whyyyyyyy?? I felt so so so bad. 

The next morning, we checked out earlier because we wanted to have breakfast and continue our quest to Zam Zam Singapore's Briyani Rice. Been thinking about it from a day before. Our hotel, Oxley Blossom Hotel is a very basic hotel. More like Breakfast & Bed minus the breakfast haha. But that's fine with us because we only wanted a place to sleep and we won't be staying much indoor. Even the water heater isn't working, only cold water available, reason being I shorten my bath time here hahaha. The rate is cheap, about RM100+. It provides basic amenity like toothbrush, soap and kettle. 

Before we went out, I Googled the good cafes around Geylang and resulted to Brawns and Brains. And we definitely not regretting that choice. We walked there from our hotel, about 200 metres. The pastries are very good that I regret I only bought one. We had Vanilla and Almond Roll to share, oh boy, it's so so so so delicioussssss. The coffee are good too. I was thinking to order their main dishes, omelette with avocado something, boy everybody ordered that and it looks so mouth watering and definitely looks good in the picture too. They're instagram-able worthy! 

But, thinking we will fill our belly with great Briyani delicacy later on, we hold that thought. Yes, this would be a reason to return to Singapore one day. Fadhlina and I had a good time taking endless pictures and talking to each other. I like this cafe interior, very basic and minimalist. 

After the delicious breakfast treats, we ordered a Grabcar and heading to our next big mission, Zam Zam Singapore restaurant. Again, I also ordered Murtabak Singapore to bring home. Their Briyani Ayam is so goooooood. The rice are soft and fluffy.. So good. The chicken is good too but I think Mahbub's are better. I noticed there were a lot of people ordered Thosai and Mee Goreng that day. They're look so delicious too. But, how can I tapau and eat?! I'm afraid it will spoil because once I touched down, we'll be heading straight to Ipoh. There, another reason to be back here again soon! 

We don't go to other places in Singapore like the Orchard Road to experience the delicious Roti Ais Krim because of the time constraints. I also don't do much shopping or buying any souvenirs, which is very unusual for me, hahaa. Will definitely come back with my family for that reason. After the delicious Briyani treat, we ordered a Grab car and heading to Changi Airport. Our flight was delayed for an hour but Alhamdulillah the journey was ok.

One thing I realized about Singapore is of course their cleanliness. And as a banker, I can't help myself but to highlight on their credit card system. In Malaysia, we have started using the PIN for transaction, well it was mandatory now anyway. However, to my surprise, Singapore hasn't implement it, yet. I don't know if there are only selected places but so far, I haven't encountered one. This is quite weird to me, because Singapore is quite a strict country or rather a safest one but the most basic thing that almost worldwide has practicing it, Singapore hasn't done it yet. Maybe soon.  Overall, I think Singapore is one great country if your interest is shopping because there are many international brands here and the famous cafe/restaurant chains here compared to Malaysia. Not really for the sight seeing unless if you like to see architectural and buildings. Not much on the nature part though. I heard their Singapore Zoo is fun, will definitely bring Hanif Aiden here soon. Seeeee, as a mother, I can't help myself to think about my child all the timeee, like "ohh, Hanif Aiden will have fun here", or "Oh, this place is suitable for family", or "My husband will definitely enjoy this". I just can't help it guys.. 

Afterall, this trip is definitely gonna be a memorable one because I got to do it with my best friend, which I haven't seen for yearsss. We definitely had a good pillow talk about life, love, career and stuff. It's amazing to see and listen, and making me realized how far we have grown, how matured we are and how different we used to be. It's good to have someone to reflect back on your past and remind that you're doing ok with life and to remind that you actually have friends who care even they don't contact or see you regularly. Although we may have different parts of life, to listen to one's experience and perspective can be an eye opener sometimes that there are more to life than what you currently seeing.

Until then, hope to see you again Singapore. This time, I won't miss your Roti Ais Krim, I promise.

Britney Spears live in Singapore 2017/Singapore Trip Day 1

Assalammualaikum wbt,

Yeap, you read the title right, I actually flew overseas (err not really, Singapore is a neighbouring country anyway) to catch a concert wehuuuu! I don't know what was I thinking but it's Britney Spears man.. Not that I crazy over her but she is my childhood idol and I don't know how long she'll be around in this industry, so gonna catch her live before she is too old and not sexy enough to perform lol 😂 Although Singapore is only like an hour away (by plane), I actually never been to. Yeappppp that is the truth. First, because of its currency and second, I feel like that's not much difference from KL. 

This time around, I went with my best friend from high school, Fadhlina. I knew she was Britney's biggest fan then that she assured us to call her Britney instead of her real name lol. The tickets were sold quite late, in middle of May whereby the concert will be held on June 30th. Being smart, I bought 2 pairs of tickets, one pair for myself and another pair to be sold. Stupid move it was, since the concert weren't the sold out show and the ticket price are rather too freaking expensive even for Singaporeans. I've got few potential buyers, but even with half price mark down, they backed out last minute. I felt so stupid but yeah, that is parts and parcel of life isn't it? Business are like that, there are times where you gained and part of your loss and I took it as this is my losing part. 

We took a morning flight, this time I didn't check in any bags because I don't think I have time to shop. I just brought one small luggage. When we touched down, we went straight to the famous Zam Zam Singapore restaurant for their best ever Murtabak Singapore. This is the origins guyssssss. This restaurant is so packed with people, either dining in or take away. The murtabak so so good guys. I thought I have tasted the best one in JB, but hey come on, the murtabak name itself takes after Singapore, no further argument. While eating there, I saw there are a lot of people eating the famous Nasi Briyani. Mannn, it looks so good, I made a deal with Fadhlina by hook or crook to eat here again next day. I didn't eat the Briyani that time because I'm afraid I might puke at the concert later that night and created a scene and might stealing Britney's spotlight..

After the delicious Murtabak treat, we straight went to check in to our budget hotel. To cut cost, instead of taking any transportation, we walked there.. under hot blazing sun and a... luggage. Everything here is times 3 guys, so you have to really do budgeting 😂 The walking took about almost 1 hour and boy we were sweating mad. One thing I like about Singapore is that, of course is their cleanliness and their drivers are quite discipline. They will give ways and priorities the pedestrian. The roads aren't as pack as KL because their public transportation are already good. Our main transportation there were Uber and Grab. The price are not much difference but you can always do comparison first before booking. Our budget hotel are just a humble one since we will only spend one night there. It is so simple and basic that they don't even have hot water function haha 😂 We took a nap and rest, but as usual, I can't sleep so I just lied down there and Facetime with my son. Boy, I miss him already!! 

At about 5pm, we departed from our hotel via Grab as the queue will start at 6.30pm. There are a lot of girls dressing up, I felt like I was at Cosplay/Costume party rather than concert. There were girls dressing up in Britney's school uniform as in Baby One More Time video clip, the red leather jumpsuit as in Opps I Did It Again video, as a bride, police uniform and such. It's fun seeing they're such a sport donning those attire. Whilst Fadhlina and I, we wore the Bunny headband which got quite attention also haha. I thought of buying some merchandise, but unlike in Malaysia, here are only original merchandise available mannn. I've been so many concerts in Malaysia and there are always plenty of stalls/booths outside the venue selling  copy merchandise/T-shirt at a cheaper price. Well, I prefer that since I'll be wearing all those T-shirt at home anyway. But, I bought anyway, for the memory. The T-shirt is priced at SGD 50 each. 

This is my first time buying the standing area tickets zone. I always doubt myself's capability to stand for hours straight while cramping with people, with sweat and dehydrated, I might faint. But, Alhamdulillah, I survived it all! Of course with 100 plus carbonated drink and mineral water to keep me hydrated and some peanuts to fill in my stomach. I did feel slight dizzy towards the end of concert, luckily I have some sweets inside my bag. Yeah, the perk of being low-blood pressure. 

The concert started at 8pm+, with the opening song Womanizer. Yeah, people doubting and debating whether she lip sync or singing live, but guys, Britney has been around in this industry for years and everyone knows her capability. Although the concert stated there 'live' but I guess it meant by her presence not her singing LOL haha 😂 I even caught her talking to her dancer while she supposed to 'sing' haha. What an awkward moment. Because I was at the front'est', so close to the stage that I could see everything clearly guyssss. I did enjoy the show nevertheless although it's kind of awkward to see so many guys attending this concert too. Even more awkward when I recorded one man behind me singing his heart out to Britney's haha. I didn't realize it at first, but my husband told me when I uploaded it on my Instastory. 

Britney is so fit, her dance and moves are amazing! Amazing choreography. A little bit sexy, ok fine, not a bit but ALOT, she wears sexy lingerie throughout her show. Her moves were all sexy and seductive, which some songs and choreography made me uncomfortable, oh my, I am so old Haha. So not Shariah compliance, Malaysia will definitely banned her 😝 I am so idiot that I made 'Live' instastory on my Instagram that I actually forgot my mother were in there too (-___-) She left some reminder comments that I ended my Live instastroy immediately. Hahaha. I met a lot of Malaysians too that night and some of our local celebrities were there as well.

As normal concerts do, the duration took about 2 hours. Her performance was amazing, wonder how many years it took to practice such perfect show. And and where did she gets all the energy frommmm?? Ada saka ke apa Britney ni?! She didn't interact much with audience, yeah, she has poor communication, even I saw some of her Instagram videos, she seemed so awkward with her fans despite being like decades in industry *facepalm*. No opening show artists and sort which I really hate by the way. I was standing at the most front opposite the speaker. Man, I don't think my ear functioning after the show. I can feel the wave and vibrate pushing against me, that strong I told ya. I should've bring an earplug, but that would be such loser. 

This concert really bring all my adolescence years memories. I am practically going through high school with her songs and music videos. Each song has its memory and listening to it like bringing all the flashbacks in my head. I had a blast singing and dancing (awkward moves) with Fadhlina. I can't believe myself actually remember the lyrics! Of course I do because my hobby during high school back then was to make a 'lyric book' whereby I would write the lyrics down from the magazine or cut & paste them into my lyrics book. There were no Google during my years, so we have to buy magazines just to know the lyrics and get them out to sing along whenever the song is on the radio. Such effort! 

Some people condemning that the ticket price is too expensive, yes I admit it. But, I put it aside because for me it was once in a lifetime experience. What more, I got to share it with the biggest (ex now) fan of Britney I knew of. Because, if I weren't spend it on the tickets, I would definitely get myself a new handbag anyway hahaha. I was hoping Britney would throw something to the crowd but nahhhh. Fadhlina and I literally had tears when the concert started and when it ended. Such emotional Bimbo we were. 

After the show, all the standing area purchaser were required to queue to collect the complimentary lanyard. I think this is a very poor management move as it was so chaotic, loud and disorganised! The queue system were miserable, people are tired and confused, and the instructions weren't clear because they just use hailer to do so. How could that beat the sound of thousands fans. Luckily, ours are the Premier ticket holder (I'm sorry I sounded snobbish writing this), so we were called earlier and skipping the long queue. Alhamdulillah. 

One thing I realized, even after the concert where the crowd are heading out at the same time, the traffic is still smooth and there are still a lot of parking areas available. Unlike Malaysia whereby any big events took place, the parkings are insanely far and the traffic will be congested. But then, it hit me, I am comparing it too much with our country that I forget most Singaporeas prefer to take public transportation instead and the percentage of people owning the cars are lower. Unlike here, even you just finish SPM, you can actually own a car. This remind me of Maroon 5 concert few years back where we stuck at our parking area for almost an hour because of the bad traffic flow plus with impatient drivers making it even worse. 

Britney Spears, no matter what people say about you especially your singing ability and awkward communication skill but I'm not ashamed to admit that I do actually love you and as pathetic it might sound to some people, I memorized your lyrics! Even that amazed me, but limited to your old hits only haha. I had a great time especially when I get to watch it with my best friend. Until next time, I don't know when, probably when I'm in Vegas in years to come. ❤️