World Cup Fever

Thur 12 June 2014

My colleagues are egging me on to choose the winning team for World Cup and I haven’t got a clue. Officially not a football fan and can’t understand what’s the fuss about 20 guys chasing a ball. 

The only football stars I know of are Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. With David looking this good, no female can claim to not know who David Beckham is.

As my colleagues are very persistent, I have to rely on my limited football knowledge of Ronaldo. Read that he has his own museum and is not as humble as Messi. Also he has been appearing a lot on TV, for KFC ads and a non-dandruff shampoo commercial.  Can’t recall the name of the shampoo.

Decided on Portugal as the winning team as they have the best footballer i.e. Ronaldo. 

Fri 13 June 2014

What ?? My favourite Friday TV programme shelved because of World Cup !! 

What am I suppose to watch on Friday nights ?? For the next four weeks !!

Sat 14 June 2014

Hmm… I guess I will just have to watch Netherlands vs. Spain because… there’s nothing else to watch on TV. 

Whoa.. what an amazing goal from Van Persie (just learnt his name). Ohh.. he’s good-looking too.  Suddenly football just became more interesting. Can’t understand why the crowd is booing whenever Spain guy has the ball and he’s close to the goal.

Sun 15 June 2014

Did some serious research about “World Cup Hotties”. It all started when I read up on some World Cup news and saw that one of the articles was about the football players that one should watched out for. The article started with …

We don't know much about soccer (or sports for that matter), but we do know who the hot players are!

This is just my cup of tea… so I continued reading the article and browsed the photo gallery.

Langerak (Australia)

Karnezis (Greece)

Torres (Spain)

I’m starting to think that this football thing can’t be too bad when there are so many good-looking hunks to look at. With their fabulous abs. Why didn’t I know about this earlier ??

Mon 16 June 2014

Argentina vs Bosnia Herzegovina, with Messi being the star of the match. He looks so much better with his shorter hair. 

Tue 17 June 2014

Germany vs Portugal. Luck was not with Ronaldo, with Pepe been given the green card and another player injured. The Germans meant business whereas the Portugese did not seem to be giving their all.

Watching Marvel Agents of SHIELD too. Very interesting episode where Ward and tech agent was sent into a mission with no extraction plan. And they didn’t know about the no extraction plan part.

Wed 18 June 2014

Brazil vs Crotia, which was the opening match. Guess this was chosen for the repeat telecast at 10 PM because the 0-0 result from Brazil vs Mexico did not have any goal-worthy moment.

The star of the match was Neymar, with the hope of the entire nation resting on his shoulders. And there is a guy called Hulk. His physique matches his name.

Thur 19 June 2014

Netherlands vs Australia 3-2. Spirited effort from the Australian team with two goals from Tim Cahill. Magnificent effort from Van Persie, Robben and Depay. These two teams were playing to win and it showed. A satisfying match with both teams putting their hearts and souls into it.

Tim Cahill

Fri 20 June 2014

Uruguay vs England 2-1. Suarez and his beautiful goals. I wouldn’t fault Team England for not trying, with Rooney scoring his first World Cup goal. Unfortunately Suarez was just better.  

Sat 21 June 2014

Switzerland vs France 2-5. The big news was Italy vs Costa Rica 0-1 meaning Italy is probably not going to make it for the last 16.

Sun 22 June 2014

Germany vs Ghana 2-2 so didn’t get to watch Messi in action for Argentina vs Iran 1-0.

Mon 23 June 2014

What ?! They are not showing the Portugal vs USA 2-2 match ??

I’ll just have to look at photos of Ronaldo instead of watching him in action...

It was Korea vs Algeria 2-3. No good-looking guys to get excited about…

Tues 24 June 2014

Was hoping to watch the Spain vs Australia 3-0 or Netherlands vs Chile 2-0 match but had to settle for the repeat telecast of Brazil vs Cameroon 4-1. Watched parts of it with Neymar being the star of the match, and watching Marvel Agents of SHIELD most of the time.

Wed 25 June 2014

Big news on Suarez having another meal, this time biting the neck of a Chile player.

Greece vs Ivory Coast 2-1. Watched parts of the game and saw the goal scoring moments for Greece. The second goal was questionable as Samares was awarded a free kick even though it was not the IV player’s fault that he fell. 

Mon 30 June 2014

Suarez finally admitted he did intentionally bite the other player. Which is what everyone had known since the biting incident took place.

Sat 5 July 2014

Saddest day in World Cup 2014. Neymar is injured due to Colombian knee to his back.

Message from Neymar to his fans (which includes me):

Brazilian people, players, staff, fans. This is a hard moment, and I don't have the words to define what's going through my head and my heart.

I just want to be back as fast as possible, when everyone least expects. I want to say thank you for the support, the love that everyone has shown for me, for all the messages.

I'd like to tell you all that my dream is not over. It was interrupted, but it goes on. My dream is to be champion.

My dream was also to play in a World Cup final. But it won't happen this time. I'm sure that they [Brazil] will win and be champions. And I'll be there, with them.

And us, Brazilians, will all be celebrating this.

With this inspirational message, I changed the wallpaper for my laptop to Neymar’s photo.

Sun 6 July 2014

Netherlands is in the final 4.

Fifa will investigate the incident that causes Neymar to be injured. We (Neymar’s fans) demand for justice !

Mon 7 July 2014

What ??!! The Columbian player gets off scot-free ??

What justice is this ? Does Neymar need to be paralysed for a more severe punishment to be meted by Fifa? What was the point of challenging him from behind and kicking him from the back when there was no way you could have retrieved the ball ?? 

Tues 8 July 2014

Will not dwell on the Brazil vs Germany 1-7 defeat. 

Sat 12 July 2014

Likewise for the Brazil vs Netherlands 0-3 match. News report mentioned that Netherlands showed compassion and did not go for the jugular. 

Mon 14 July 2014

Controversy abrews. Some thinks that Lionel Messi doesn’t deserve the player of the tournament award. Poor guy. Not only was he heart-broken that he didn’t win the World Cup, there are some who don’t think he deserves the next best award.

Can’t believe World Cup 2014 is over. Good news is that Neymar will recover. Bad news is that I have to wait another 4 years for the next World Cup...

Lionel Messi - Golden Ball Award

Columbia - Fair Play Award

James Rodriguez - Golden Boot

Germany - Champion !

Trip to Taipei

Wed 14 May 2014

Mum and Dad arrived in KL in the afternoon, and went over to Abikia’s place.

The Skype session with Abi started around 8 PM. As I had to work late, I reached Abikia’s place at 10 PM, in time for late dinner consisting of vegetable and roast pork. It was a simple and surprisingly tasty meal. 

Thur 15 May 2014

Woke up early at 6.30 AM, and arrived at KLIA2 before 8 AM. We had plenty of time to explore the new aiport as our flight was at 10 AM. Arriving in Taipei, the immigration queue was very long with lots of tourists like us. It was raining heavily at the airport when we boarded the bus to town.

It turns out that the apartment was smaller than we had expected. It has the facilities listed in the website but would have been nice if it had been more spacious. There is just one room, with attached bathroom. After the initial surprise wore off, we adjusted to the size of the place.

Raining today so not much sight-seeing that can be done. Hopefully it will be better weather tomorrow. We decided to go to a nearby night market to get some food for dinner. Mummy likes the street food and we managed to get a good meal, very reasonably priced and tasty.

Man tou – NT40
Goose meat – NT150
Chung yu ping (spring onion cake) – NT45
Pickle carrot - NT50
Mango – NT180
Apricot – NT100

Fri 16 May 2014

We were up and ready by 7 AM. Turns out this is the first and last time we woke up this early. We decided on fish porridge (NT100) for breakfast, after checking out what was available nearby.

After breakfast, it was time to explore Taipei. First on our agenda was Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. The weather was cloudy when we arrived at 9 AM, which was perfect weather for outdoor walking. 

Posing at the archway entrance 

To the the left and right of the archway is the Concert Hall and the National Theater. Both buildings are almost similar except for the roof design. The CKS Memorial Hall is facing the archway at the other end of the square.

The Concert Hall

Ceiling in the CKS Memorial Hall

After learning up on CKS (with lots of photos and info at the CKS Museum) and witnessing the exchange of guard at 10 AM, we set off for the next destination.

Arriving at the Lin Family Mansion & Garden at 11 AM, it was a pleasant surprise. We had travelled back to the past, to a wealthy nobleman’s abode, with many gardens and ponds surrounding his abode.

After having a simple lunch of noodles, we headed to the Taipei Botanical Garden at 1.30 PM. Coincidentally a wedding shoot was in progress as we were taking pictures of the Lotus Pond.

Pavillion in the Botanical Garden

The Lotus Pond beside the Pavillion

We were back at the apartment, before Beh Ling’s arrival at 3.10 PM. Since she requested for us to buy her some food, we had a small bite in the afternoon.

In the evening, it was off to Shilin Night Market. There was just a slight drizzle, a major improvement to yesterday's weather. For our feast, we tried the oyster omelette, stinky tofu, soft shell crab, pork dumpling, man tou and herbal tea. Then it was late night shopping at Carrefour (near our apartment), followed by almond tea for supper.

Taipei Day 3 & 4

Sat 17 May 2014

The five of us ventured out to search for breakfast. We didn’t have to walk far. First round of breakfast consisted of bread with egg and cabbage, and yam cake. Our second round of breakfast consisted of yam porridge (NT45).

Then we headed over to Taipei 101, to view the city from 89 floors above, going up in the world’s fastest elevator. 

On the 89th floor of 101

View of Taipei city in the background

We had a late lunch at Wufenpu, followed by shopping at this wholesale market area. There are lots of small shops here. We made purchases of toiletry bags and socks for gift items.

At night, we went to the Siping Night Market. Although this night market closes early by 9 PM, we found gems at the beef noodle place and enjoyed the drinks from Come Buy.

View from our apartment

Sun 18 May 2014

We had a late breakfast consisting of sandwiches, yam cake, fish porridge, man tou and soya bean drink.

As today is the International Museum Day, it was the perfect time to visit the National Palace Museum, with free entrance to the adjacent Zhishan Garden and the permanent exhibits. 

Zhishan Garden

National Palace Museum

With a few floors to cover, we decided to focus on the jade and porcelain exhibitions. Lots of walking required and no photography allowed within the museum.

The NPM in the background

Info from Taiwan tourism website: To see the largest collection of Chinese artifacts in the world, head for the National Palace Museum. This museum was established in Beijing in 1925 but was moved to Taipei City in the 1940s. Just the building alone is worth viewing, as the interesting Chinese-style architecture sets the mood for what’s inside.

For lunch, we had beef noodle, followed by mango shave ice for dessert.

As Beh Ling had unfinished business to do, it was back to Taipei 101 for some serious shopping. We walked from Taipei City Hall to Taipei 101 for a spectacular view of the iconic 101 building.

After some heavy-duty shopping by Beh Ling for biscuits and tea (gifts for friends and colleagues), we had dinner at the 101 food court. With the night still young, Beh Ling wanted to visit another night market. The two of us continued with late night shopping at Xingnan. Fortunately this night market was close to the Metro station and we found it had lots of offer. After buying 2 pairs of shoes for myself, a pair of sport shoes for Mummy, it was Beh Ling’s turn to buy more gifts (shopping bags, shoe laces) for friends.   

Taipei Day 5 & 6

Mon 19 May 2014

Due to popular request, we had fish and yam porridge for breakfast. We decided to take some pictures at the lobby area before Beh Ling went off.

Family photo

After seeing Beh Ling off for the 10.25 AM bus to the airport, we headed off to Tamsui, which is at the northern part of Taipei. Unfortunately it was raining most of the time while we were there, so we didn’t get to enjoy every part of this coastal town visit.

At the Fisherman's Wharf

After walking along Fisherman’s Wharf, we bought some snacks as gifts for friends. For lunch, it was an expensive meal (NT660) near Fort San Domingo as it was raining heavily.

British Consulate Residence

After visiting the British Consulate Residence and Fort San Domingo, it was again pouring cats and dogs while we were walking to the Little White House. We stopped for shelter and waited for the rain to subside before continuing. Unfortunately, it continued to drizzle the rest of the afternoon and we decided to head back to the train station. 

Back at the apartment, Mummy used the hairdryer to dry our shoes as we recuperated from the wet visit to Tamsui. 

For our final night market visit, we decided to go to Xingan Night Market, just a train stop away from our apartment. Lots of shopping took place with Dad buying a pair of shoes (NT800), Bikia a pair of casual shoes (NT400) and Mummy buying two pairs of shoes (NT350), 2 blouses (NT180) and a pair of pants (NT100).

We had a satisfying dinner of mee sua and rice with minced pork while Mummy had pork knuckles. Cost NT155. Then we had two fish dishes (cod NT120, local fish NT100) and tofu dish (NT100). Definitely the best dinner we had so far. 

Before heading back to pack, we bought milk tea from Come Buy. For NT45, it was definitely cheaper than buying it in KL. Back at the apartment, it was down to brass work as we started our packing. Surprising, all things fit into our luggage and hand-carry bags.

Tues 20 May 2014

After seeing Mummy and Dad off for their 6.25 AM bus to the airport, it was back to bed for a bit more of beauty sleep. For breakfast, we had our final bowl of fish porridge. It was still delicious even though we had it 4 times in the past 5 days.

First stop after breakfast was Daan Park, located just outside of Daan Park Metro station. 

Sunken Garden in Daan Park

Just as we were getting to the pretty part of the garden, it started to rain so we rushed back to the Metro station.

Ecological Pond

Next stop, we headed over to Spot Taipei, a former US consulate. The location for Taipei Film House, it was an artsy place for the culturally inclined.

SPOT Taipei

Cafe in SPOT Taipei

Zhongsang Hall

Our final stop was Zhongsang Hall. Then it was a mad rush back to the apartment. Not only did we missed the 12.50 PM bus (took the next bus at 1.20 PM), there was a horrendous jam due to road construction and we arrived at aiport at 2.40 PM. We managed to check in just in time at 2.55 PM for the 3.55 PM flight. It turned out that there were other passengers who were even later than us.

After the long immigration queue, we walked to the boading gate and boarded the plane. Arriving in KL on schedule at 8.30 PM, I can’t believe the 6 days Taipei trip is over.

Wed 21 May 2014
Back to work...

April Photos

Here are some charming photos of the young Royal family. The newest arrival in the family will be taken on a tour of New Zealand and Australia, with his parents. Just before the trip, this family photo, taken from Kensington Palace was released.

April 7: Day 1 of the official visit to New Zealand, with Prince George looking effortlessly chic and cute.

April 9: Photos from Prince George on his first official engagement at a playgroup

From http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/10786864/Royal-tour-Prince-George-steals-show-as-Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridge-bid-farewell.html

Prince George stole the show once again as he and his parents waved goodbye to Australia at the end of their three-week tour Down Under. Dressed in a red cardigan and red and white candy striped shorts, the nine-month-old shook hands with dignitaries and tried to wriggle out of the Duchess of Cambridge's grip as they boarded a flight home.

He shouted out as his parents chatted to Tony Abbott, the Australian Prime Minister, waving his arms and legs and wearing his trademark grumpy face.

From http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-george/10787579/Prince-Georges-Royal-Tour-scrapbook.html

He may still be in nappies but Prince George managed to upstage his famous parents during his first official royal tour of Australia and New Zealand

While the Duke and Duchess received a warm welcome everywhere they went, it was often Prince George who captured the public's attention. The young prince was showered with gifts, including a personalised skateboard and a wombat. Even a square in Adelaide was named after him.