tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361055932024-03-07T14:26:19.067+07:00Buaya69 says...A Malaysian Buaya working and living in VietnamBuaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-13596788344439191252011-09-10T19:00:00.000+07:002011-09-10T18:56:56.241+07:00Coffee bean @ kumho asiana, Saigon<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/09/10/810.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/09/10/s_810.jpg' border='0' width='127' height='152' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><br />I'm glad that Coffee Bean took over Highland Coffee's space at Kumho Asiana. It's just s stroll away from my office along Le Duan Boulevard.<br /><br />Why do I like Coffee Bean? Well, back in 2005-2008, my banking colleagues and I used to stroll over to CB on Jalan P.Ramlee in Kuala Lumpur. It's where we bitched and moaned and lamented - basically just to let off some work steam, and then it's was back to the 9am-8pm grind. The favourite food among us was the Brek-o-day comprising of eggs, bacon and toasted bread.<br /><br />Today, my favourite meal at CB in Saigon is the Spiced Chicken with baked potato. A wholesome meal by itself just a tad below 100,000VND or USD5.<br /><br />The best part is I get Free Wifi here - something that we don't get in KL. Actually, most places in Saigon have free wifi! Something for the Malaysian government to think about.<br /><br />But in true Buaya form, the best best best part of sitting in CB @ Kumho Asiana is that it's located in an office block with many top notch tenants. This is the place to watch hotbabes walk past, especially the Koreans and ANZ bank gals... Ahem!<br /><br /><i><font color="red">Buaya69 says, "There will be more hotbabes and good food when the Kumho foodcourt opens, so mouthwatering, muahahahahar!"</font></i><br /><br /><br />Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-50733297898545208612011-09-10T18:21:00.001+07:002011-09-10T18:21:08.488+07:00Where was I on Sept. 11, 2001?Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. I didn't even know of it until I arrived at the office the next morning. The mood was generally of shock, unbelievable, sadness... There wasn't any mood to work even though we were at the other side of the planet, here in tiny Kuala Lumpur.<br /><br />Well, there was a moment that morning after, a few of us wanted to beat up a guy for being truly insensitive and spouting nonsense on the tragedy in the office; but we didn't because we felt that things will sort out itself as none of us respected him anyway. (A few years later when he resigned, there was a general sigh of relief all over. Now that I am in a position to hire people, I vow never to recruit a non-team player no matter how technically good he is.)<br /><br />I dedicate this simple poem to the survivors of 9/11, because living is harder but life is a gift - let's use our time wisely.<br /><br /><i>The clouds of dust have settled but not my heart<br />Instead, storms of distrust opens outward<br />How then this changed my soul.<br />But live we must and ask not where was God<br />Instead, focus on the now for the future will follow<br />How the past controls is really up to me<br />I thus choose life and may it be fruitful, amen.</i><br /><br /><br /><i><font color="red">Buaya69 says, "Tomorrow I fly, may the stewardess' please my eyes. Muahahahar!"</font></i><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-34733400040432390952011-08-14T15:22:00.000+07:002011-08-14T15:22:14.693+07:00Underwear discriminationI live in an apartment and can see across into my neighbours living and 2nd bedroom in the other block. Likewise, they could see into all my rooms, from the living, master and 2nd bedroom.<br />
<br />
Since I have been here for 1.5 years, I have seen many men dressed down only in their boxer shorts walking around in their homes.<br />
<br />
Question - why is it permissible for men to show off their bouncy tummy and dark nipples, walking around in boxer shorts, but women have to dressed up? <br />
<br />
This is discrimination! They should be allowed to walk around in their lingerie...<br />
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Now, where's my camera?<br />
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<i><b>Buaya69 is so stressed from work that he's thinking pure nonsense now...</b></i>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com1phường 5, quận Phú Nhuận, Saigon, Vietnam10.805289187306656 106.6862298996711610.801534687306656 106.68201939967116 10.809043687306655 106.69044039967116tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-49374456107740672792010-12-29T17:52:00.000+07:002010-12-29T17:52:52.348+07:00Sexy transformer curves... I want 11111!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFoczEGh0phnhZsv-D6pA1mMgP9Q5I92fAeLnHkHderWbJPtW-z7XGoDZF8nTquAi6bPPsAihMNb74_Ggg7uPv77G4eSAdg_nJ2zQHL3j0_7ifADXhC8R600uiDUCWZ6umZxn/s1600/IMG00177-20100303-1546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFoczEGh0phnhZsv-D6pA1mMgP9Q5I92fAeLnHkHderWbJPtW-z7XGoDZF8nTquAi6bPPsAihMNb74_Ggg7uPv77G4eSAdg_nJ2zQHL3j0_7ifADXhC8R600uiDUCWZ6umZxn/s320/IMG00177-20100303-1546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chevrolet Camaro @ Saigon</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not yellow but still nice. Waited for it to transform but my Toyota Innova taxi beckons. Em oi, taxiiiii!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-80630159958993465792010-08-01T14:11:00.000+07:002010-08-01T14:11:13.613+07:00Monsoon's hereWas thinking of going out for a quick Sunday lunch and suddenly, the room darkened...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eQign3vbmqPhMu_hkwfOPUFZGNpnXUUbPQKkaXGa1BfFifXR1s6krx4Gnj5C3-bEDuEVzcH52Cx8TNuR_pf1XokP8fy8lwJG9wpJqfmRDYdXxPHl8Re-28vOMfNzyJnQhVWE/s1600/IMG00019-20100801-1347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eQign3vbmqPhMu_hkwfOPUFZGNpnXUUbPQKkaXGa1BfFifXR1s6krx4Gnj5C3-bEDuEVzcH52Cx8TNuR_pf1XokP8fy8lwJG9wpJqfmRDYdXxPHl8Re-28vOMfNzyJnQhVWE/s320/IMG00019-20100801-1347.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Wooo, those are angry clouds. And then the heavens opened in less than 5 minutes...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9lF3CUuMVSxEEmMLDHvF8aDKy1ANZatr1j8HucrrKDKZmiZZyxI4HK3pS1rDH4xnJd8UfEXMQNcERCPsCBCm-j53jffotSdrwNiGXXjatCbGhXW7VKEiwCnR4E5QgT-grdqk/s1600/IMG00020-20100801-1352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9lF3CUuMVSxEEmMLDHvF8aDKy1ANZatr1j8HucrrKDKZmiZZyxI4HK3pS1rDH4xnJd8UfEXMQNcERCPsCBCm-j53jffotSdrwNiGXXjatCbGhXW7VKEiwCnR4E5QgT-grdqk/s320/IMG00020-20100801-1352.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Right.... looks like I'm going to make A1 Bah Kut Teh noodles which I bought from Parkson's Citimart on Le Thanh Ton Street, woohoo!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFBbJiSLEn-pr37CeBmVw9zl-UNyw6kbqY03nmlB3qbdCcmKVPu28eoa7yibzYk904QpRgsCKQsXzacYykk0d9FvlwZfK2cQiqfMoOADumRgCXgDDDWGm7RGnVjigOzjSJFMl/s1600/Bak_Kut_Teh_Instant_Noodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFBbJiSLEn-pr37CeBmVw9zl-UNyw6kbqY03nmlB3qbdCcmKVPu28eoa7yibzYk904QpRgsCKQsXzacYykk0d9FvlwZfK2cQiqfMoOADumRgCXgDDDWGm7RGnVjigOzjSJFMl/s320/Bak_Kut_Teh_Instant_Noodle.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: </td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://malaysiaparade.blogspot.com/2008/09/a1-bak-kut-teh-instant-noodles-malaysia.html">http://malaysiaparade.blogspot.com/2008/09/a1-bak-kut-teh-instant-noodles-malaysia.html</a><br />
And since it's such a nice weather, 28 Celcius, might as well take out that Stella from the fridge.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>Buaya69 says, "Bah Kut Teh + Stella Artois, bbuuurrrppp!"</i></span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-84477405856355001782010-08-01T13:44:00.000+07:002010-08-01T13:44:37.326+07:00Burn out...Today marks my 5th month in Vietnam. Whoever said that Saigon is a "walk-in-the-park" and a "holiday" posting deserves to go into the Vietnamese grill hot pot (sizzle sizzle, boil boil).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTImWc3pmpABJCDd056B4IDeOTzR1L2YmmmB4QmaeXcEtsJpc8NnR9JAzz-VS5-KrQJkBDksizFvSLG6Y4GKDTAP9LaFKoMUgtzyusosSHShbnRhBdwVqs_awPk_QlfF4FjZVu/s1600/107452400_19d7504d7f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTImWc3pmpABJCDd056B4IDeOTzR1L2YmmmB4QmaeXcEtsJpc8NnR9JAzz-VS5-KrQJkBDksizFvSLG6Y4GKDTAP9LaFKoMUgtzyusosSHShbnRhBdwVqs_awPk_QlfF4FjZVu/s320/107452400_19d7504d7f.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: </td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://vietnamesegod.blogspot.com/2006/03/nua-giang-restaurant.html">http://vietnamesegod.blogspot.com/2006/03/nua-giang-restaurant.html</a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Warning: visiting the above linked blog will make you salivate...</span></i><br />
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It has been an interesting and adjusting five months for me and my family, since I'm here and Mrs B and the girls are still in KL. It has not been easy for us but I'm happy to say that things are much better now.<br />
<br />
In May, I experienced a burnt-out like I have never experienced before. For 2 weeks, my mind and body just collapsed. It took me hours just to type a simple email reply and I was feeling exhausted all the time. To make it worse, I did extra entertaining during this period which resulted in a stomach upsets and above limit alcohol consumption. Stupid, right?<br />
<br />
But on hindsight, I guess I had to go through a burnt out. At the end of it, I re-focused on my purpose and vision for the business and my family. I needed that "something greater than myself" and it pulled me out of a spiral.<br />
<br />
The experience also told me that I'm not a superman. I must build up a dedicated team here if this business is to make a respectable reputation and impact in Vietnam. Hopefully, I can have a successor in 3 years time. As MJ said, "This is it!"<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>Buaya69 says,"Make a difference! yeehah!"</i></span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-41722902003855780592010-06-18T22:54:00.000+07:002010-06-18T22:54:45.329+07:00Learning Vietnamese, Buaya styleI really admire my non-Vietnamese colleagues who have been here for more than a year. They can converse fairly in Vietnamese but using the Southern dialect.<br />
<br />
About 2 months ago, I registered for formal lessons in Vietnamese. Learning the 6 different tones was difficult, even for an Asian like me. And I have to constantly remind myself that an "e" is not pronounced as our normal "e". It's either "ay" or "air"... and many more unique sounds and tones.<br />
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However, as a true blue Buaya, here are a few words for my Buaya kawans who are planning to visit me in Saigon. Please learn this by heart, enuf said... :P<br />
<br />
Note: the following are not written in vietnamese but in "western" sounds that I can think of...<br />
<br />
1) hello = sin chao<br />
2) My name is [name] = Toi ten la yi [name]<br />
3) What is your name = Em ten la yi...<br />
4) I am from [country] = Toi den toor [country]<br />
5) I'm very happy to meet you = Ret voo-i durg gap<br />
6) I would love to have some company... = toi ret voo-i durg di ker-ng..<br />
7) Why are you laughing? = vi sao em kur-oi? (and give a biiigggg smile)<br />
8) Is my Vietnamese that bad? = tieng vit koo-ah toi te teh err?<br />
9) You are very beautiful = Em dep lam<br />
10) I like you = Toi thic em<br />
11) Would you like to come back with me? = em kor moo-urn kway tr-er lai vur-oi toi khom?<br />
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The rest, I leave it to you guys....<br />
<br />
Oh, when the girls reply to you "Come Urn", it means "Thank you" and not Cum On...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMK4flXJRkb1hSjzEMg8ojgCgXxeidNkdzzbjTzotkclYkbu3lSUngvfcAvjAsEXNnPBn5u9ZgPdV6LVqu9fJhSlaKONoEYbDfbvtlIUm2XtkSxpl_mEPmy65GVjZjYZAQs0C/s1600/IMG00004-20100515-0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMK4flXJRkb1hSjzEMg8ojgCgXxeidNkdzzbjTzotkclYkbu3lSUngvfcAvjAsEXNnPBn5u9ZgPdV6LVqu9fJhSlaKONoEYbDfbvtlIUm2XtkSxpl_mEPmy65GVjZjYZAQs0C/s320/IMG00004-20100515-0038.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>Buaya69 says,"Hen gap lai = see you again!"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>Buaya69 also says,"No, I don't have her number!!!"</i></span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-39282127379554115882010-05-26T11:37:00.000+07:002010-05-26T11:37:01.270+07:00HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje series<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Suzanne: Daddy, can help me with my homework? I am very bad in class already... (sob sob sob)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">B69: Oh dear, what homework is this?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Suzanne: Computer! Teacher asked us to do research on internet. Have to use google...<br />
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B69: Ooops! I see, I see... OK, let daddy think of how to help you, ok?<br />
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Suzanne: OK.... thanks daddy...<br />
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The truth is this. WE DON'T HAVE A CONNECTED PC AT HOME!!! Yes, there is a home wifi but I use my office notebook to connect to the wifi, not a home PC.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Suzanne is already 10yo. Gosh, how time flies. I guess it is the right time to allow her access into the big, beautiful, bad and ugly world of internet. Her school is already asking for internet research and multimedia projects. I can still remember that at that age, we were only asked to go to the library and pick up a book or create a model made up of glued toothpicks... ah, those were the days... (of glue sniffing, heh!)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I only had 3 nights in KL and I posted the "issue" on my Facebook. The response from friends was enlightening but I finally decided on a HP Mini - good for internet and small enough for Mrs B to carry to Saigon.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On my last night in KL, I went out and bought the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje series for RM1349 from the Notebook Zone, located at the Ground Floor of Digital Mall, PJ. After that, I went to pick up Mrs B from her function...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz_Vjua7RIcv6BxU08yR0HEiXdg4PXe46etIXhkrvoKUNY906TMSAnJJdBiTC0jsTrZR2rTVQTEZSeDPgvE0xKBuCAqVUaRWkm9HvV4mfs5XaPwLaXzcn-sH63J5UmMNcouJe/s1600/HP-mini-110-tord-boontje.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz_Vjua7RIcv6BxU08yR0HEiXdg4PXe46etIXhkrvoKUNY906TMSAnJJdBiTC0jsTrZR2rTVQTEZSeDPgvE0xKBuCAqVUaRWkm9HvV4mfs5XaPwLaXzcn-sH63J5UmMNcouJe/s320/HP-mini-110-tord-boontje.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">B69: Look dear, see what I bought?</div><br />
Mrs B: Wow! So small! Nice!<br />
<br />
B69: It's for you and Suzanne, but you need to guide her on the do's and don'ts on the internet like not to give out details to strangers, no on-line chatting with peeps she doesn't know... those kind of stuff.<br />
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Back at home, Suzanne was very happy but she contained her joy and glee pretty well. She's not like her younger 6yo sister SueAnne who would burst into a Bollywood song and dance, hah!<br />
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Oh gosh, I'm missing my family from here in Saigon.... :(<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><em>Buaya69 says, "The girls are growing up too quickly..."</em></span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-73411916346904050732010-05-25T18:21:00.001+07:002010-05-25T18:23:39.718+07:00Phu Quoc Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobcQAJEDKVg0TUm0AA2RItZuYMxDdJqGsFkmWgIPUQZQUpTWD1lhmv8FC-3ub5uxFPeHftbS00Hj07QTpM4fA-XRDcmoxlYPjdmbsYyUix04IeA5c905V2oGfz7Oi-z1ZSJ2u/s1600/IMG00005-20100521-1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobcQAJEDKVg0TUm0AA2RItZuYMxDdJqGsFkmWgIPUQZQUpTWD1lhmv8FC-3ub5uxFPeHftbS00Hj07QTpM4fA-XRDcmoxlYPjdmbsYyUix04IeA5c905V2oGfz7Oi-z1ZSJ2u/s320/IMG00005-20100521-1332.jpg" /></a></div>This photo was taken with my Blackberry while working from the beer hut on the beach at Saigon Phu Quoc Resort. Notice that the sea is just a few feet away and that the width of the beach is only about 12 - 16 feet...<br />
<br />
The beach looks nice from this photo but that's because there's a protective net further out that protected the beach from debris. Let me tell you this. My colleagues and I walked further up from this photo and we saw a huge dead rat, lots of dead chicks, plastic bags, durian shells, plastic water bottles, dead (small) fishes... lots of them. Only a few dared swim in the sea as we would see plastic bags floating by and other "stuff". Finally, we frollicked in the resort's inviting pool rather than the sea. What a waste!<br />
<br />
But apart from that, Phu Quoc has its charms. What I loved best of Phu Quoc was again the beach, but at night. Sitting on a beach chair, just looking out at the horizon lighted by the lights of the numerous fishing boats, and the wind... yes... the cooling breeze brushing against my face and hair... bliss!<br />
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Phu Quoc is not really a place to "do many things" like what most Asian tourists would do. It really is just a place to chill out, relax, have a cool drink in your hand, sitting under the coconut tree, letting the sea breeze hit your face kind of thingy. Oh, don't worry about coconuts falling on your head ala Isaac Newton. The resort's staff frequently ensured that the trees are "de-nut" frequently, heh!<br />
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So, would I go back to Phu Quoc Island? It's just a short 60 minutes flight from Saigon on a Fokker 50. I think I will conclude on that question after I have visited the other beaches of Vietnam, namely <a href="http://www.smarttravelasia.com/vietnam.htm">Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Mui Ne...</a><br />
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And I would probably start a new beach rating system - like how many PAPAYAs plucked with 5 Papayas denoting Victoria Secret/Swimsuit Illustrated quality, muahahahahahahar!<br />
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<em><span style="color: red;">Buaya69 says, "On the beach, forget about swimsuits - go bikini!" :P :P :P</span></em>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-5665828708846272932010-04-22T20:15:00.000+07:002010-04-22T20:15:31.937+07:00Fear factor food - vit lon aka balutJohn: Bro, how's your tummy? Have you gotten all the necessary bacteria for Saigon food?<br />
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B69: Should have. If not, the last few cirit-birit were all for nothing!<br />
<br />
John: Cool! Then let's go eat REAL Vietnamese food.<br />
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B69: What do you mean real? I have been eating them mah.<br />
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John: Nope... you gotta eat by the road, hehehehe<br />
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B69: Oh shit!<br />
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John: Yup, that's the word. Btw, don't mind when you smell old urine smell. The place I'm taking you to is in a backlane, sooo...<br />
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B69: Double shit!<br />
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John: Hey, TIV man! (This Is Vietnam) You gotta go with the flow! Muahahahahar!<br />
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And the food was GOOOODDDD! The numero uno food experience of that evening was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balut_(egg)">Duck Balut</a>. Yup, it's those half-formed embryo in the egg. I was in the Philippines back in 1992 and was cringing away from Balut. Well, not this time... <br />
<br />
And yeah, it was way tastier than I could ever imagined, especially with some salt, chilli paste and lime... yummy! Now that I have been "educated", below are the steps that I was told on how to eat Balut:<br />
<br />
1) The egg is HOT. Never hold it up. It has been cooked in heated sand.<br />
2) Break the top and remove the egg shell. Make sure none of the egg shells fall into the Balut.<br />
3) Mix the chilli paste with lime. Scoop a little of the chilli paste and then a little of the salt into the Balut - up to taste.<br />
4) Dig in and eat! Yum yum!<br />
<br />
And for the faint-hearted who can't stand looking an semi-formed birds, I was told to mashed the Balut with a spoon so that you can't recognise the bird.<br />
<br />
So, what does it taste like? Depends on which part you are eating. <br />
If it's the egg yolk, it tastes like a hard-boiled egg yolk except harder and has veins...<br />
If it's the body, the texture is like a chicken boiled in soup i.e. soft and tastes like, well... duck meat.<br />
<br />
And eating Balut must always be accompanied by BEER - cold beer, nothing less. It somehow makes the Balut tastes better... or was that just my excuse for beer? Hmmm....<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><em>Buaya69 says,"Balut yes, dog meat - NO!"</em></span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-17823576055797118302010-04-17T15:06:00.000+07:002010-04-17T15:06:36.171+07:00The Buaya LairIt's been a month and a half since I landed in Saigon. (From now on, I'm referring to Ho Chi Minh City as Saigon, just like the locals). There's a drought going on right now with temperatures of 33 degrees celcius. Thankfully, Saigon is not as humid as Kuala Lumpur and much more windier.<br />
<br />
About 2 weeks into my stay in Saigon, I found a pad that I liked. It's a 2 bedroom apartment, "fully" furnished, and cost me a "bargain" rental of USD1,000/month (Gulp!). It's not in an expat area like the kind that we find in Mont Kiara or Damansara Heights back in KL. This is a very local area, something like Sentul, and then you will find my apartment complex standing like a sore thumb just like YTL's Sentul West, hah!<br />
<br />
My apartment is 30 minutes to the office but the distance is only about 3 km! Located in a non-expat area, most of the people here do not speak English. Just the place for me. Time to practice my Vietnamese, heh! <br />
<br />
Taxis are a plenty here in Saigon and costs me around VND60,000 (USD3.15) for a one way trip. My preference is for Vinasun and Mai Linh taxis as I have been issued taxi cards for them. It looks like a credit card and the driver will make an imprint of the card's embossed letters on the ticket and write down the fare. Very convenient. And for KL night owls, beat this, there are no midnight taxi surcharges here. It's the same rate 24/7! <br />
<br />
Of course, just like KL, there are certain taxis to avoid. Hop over to Vietnam Travel <a href="http://www.vietnamtravel.org/taxis-saigon-avoid-being-taken-ride">http://www.vietnamtravel.org/taxis-saigon-avoid-being-taken-ride</a> for a good write-up on this. <br />
<br />
Over the past few weekends, I have been on procurement trips to equip the Buaya Lair with essentials such as kettle, ironing board, vacuum cleaner, microwave oven, pots, plates and etc etc and the all important DVD player. It's a hassle when I don't have a car, but guess what. Saigon home delivers! That's a fact of Saigon retail business as most customers do not have cars. Motorbikes rulez here. Don't be surprised to see a king-sized spring mattress being delivered by a cyclo-type cargo carrier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1ckRMo2eq23Y0Rd30VuiFzAkGpV65U7ZyL_4OnW89kCNyGok9hyBb_srH9Kjmj8xxJ87RKr8B5hUl5yO3zzNOcrXKcZkHclKq6IzqG7Yh_EmMXMZAVdf-at1pqBkm677EHIs/s1600/full_12Cyclo1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1ckRMo2eq23Y0Rd30VuiFzAkGpV65U7ZyL_4OnW89kCNyGok9hyBb_srH9Kjmj8xxJ87RKr8B5hUl5yO3zzNOcrXKcZkHclKq6IzqG7Yh_EmMXMZAVdf-at1pqBkm677EHIs/s320/full_12Cyclo1024.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
Source: http://www.lucs.lu.se/Jan.Moren/Log/full_12Cyclo1024.jpg <br />
<br />
Ok Ok, that's not my photo but you get the drift. Speaking of which, starting from today, I'm gonna take photos with my trusty compact Leica D-Lux 3. Apart from sceneries, I hope to capture some hotbabes too, muahahahahahar!<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Buaya69 asks, "a PS3, XBox 360 or Wii? Decisions decisions..."</span></em>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-60725904843815028212010-02-28T01:07:00.000+07:002010-02-28T01:07:32.058+07:00D minus 1: Almost ready...<div style="text-align: left;">The bags are almost packed. Now I just need to substantially finish my last job in KL and also to clear my desk. Bummer - still must work on my "last day" in KL... But we are never ever really ready for anything, right?</div><br />
The biggest bummer is still my tax clearance - belum siap lagi, arrgghhh! As a result, this Buaya's last paycheck has been withheld. Dry Dry Dry! :(<br />
<br />
On Thursday night, the office had a small "farewell" for me in Bangsar. No one got royally drunk as everyone was on good behaviour mode, including muah. I guess we were all saving that for April when 3 secondees will be flying off to another country. I will definitely fly back for that drink-up/farewell with either a single-malt or Cordon Bleu in hand, hic!<br />
<br />
To all you guys and gals who have enriched my life experience - Thank You!<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #cc0000;">Buaya69 says,"Happy Chap Goh Meh!"</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvBHWLtGHUV3SgvGWlqvlnMJYFKdtkQ5vbU0dtR8OcXKb9uyPRBFkkmr1uip8hyphenhyphenc_UaYj92_4n24KA5bM2FiAN0EX6iBKx0atzHc4DIQYv3uD8mkHy5ikyfvqS6aEB2bGVTEY/s1600-h/3153161940_0ab060876d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvBHWLtGHUV3SgvGWlqvlnMJYFKdtkQ5vbU0dtR8OcXKb9uyPRBFkkmr1uip8hyphenhyphenc_UaYj92_4n24KA5bM2FiAN0EX6iBKx0atzHc4DIQYv3uD8mkHy5ikyfvqS6aEB2bGVTEY/s320/3153161940_0ab060876d.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/quotao-daiquot-vietnam-the-charming-beauty-716531.html">http://www.articlesbase.com/</a>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-64930386810896985672010-02-21T21:26:00.005+07:002010-02-21T23:13:45.690+07:00Countdown - D minus 7D minus 7, i.e. 7 days left. Soon, this Buaya will be reporting to work in Vietnam.<br /><br />I'm a "bit" late in this "Malaysian working abroad" thingy when compared to my high school buddies. With me gone, there will only be 3 left in Malaysia... OMG, 3!!! The rest are already working in Singapore, China, Dubai and USA. I seriously doubt that they will be coming back to work in Malaysia.<br /><br />The great <a href="http://english.cpiasia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1612&joscclean=1&comment_id=4049&Itemid=158">Malaysian brain drain</a> - it's real!<br /><br />But I'm not exactly a brain drain. I see myself more like a brain- export, heh! I will still be working with the same organisation, just in another country.<br /><br />=======================================<br /><br />Suzanne: Daddy, why must you go to work in Vietnam?<br /><br />Me: Because the firm transfer me there mah.<br /><br />Suzanne: No... why must you go to Vietnam to work?<br /><br />Me: errr.... good question.... errr, so that you can go to an international school? so that you can experience life in another country? so that daddy can get his promotion? so that mommy don't have to work? so that you and your sisters will be global students? ... the world is your oyster dear...<br /><br />Suzanne: But I like my school. I like my school friends....<br /><br />Me: Sayang, I know that it is not easy to leave familiar things and faces behind. It's never easy to do something new and big and so unknown. But, life is one big great adventure. Life rewards those that see the good things and possibilities in all situations, good and bad. Experience the moment, cherish it and yet not be bound by that experience. Life rewards those who are brave to move on...<br /><br />Suzanne: Oh daddy... how long will we be there?<br /><br />Me: Many many years sayang.... You will finish your Standard 4 here. Daddy will find for you and your sister Sue Anne a nice school in Vietnam to study next year.<br /><br />=======================================<br /><br />At the ripe "old age" of 40, this Buaya is again embarking on something new, only this time, the family is coming along. Mrs B and I are excited about this posting. It has been in the works since early 2008 and we have talked about how it is going to impact our marriage, parents, kids... all in great lengths.<br /><br />Mrs B has been a great supporter of this family adventure that I'm taking them along. Come to think of it, the Year of the Tiger has seen significant changes in both our life. To begin with, we were married in the Year of the Tiger 1998. The marriage institution has always been a great life-changer! Now, in this Tiger 2010, a new chapter will be unfolding soon...<br /><br />The mission is simple - Take the lead... and get sustainable results!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Buaya69 says to Mrs B, "Dear, no need to bring too many kids clothes. check out <a href="http://vietnam720.com/travel-tips/saigon-square/">Saigon Square here</a>"</span> :PBuaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-74001307623345288732009-11-22T22:21:00.007+07:002009-11-22T23:13:01.751+07:00Thomas Chan - bespoke shoesCall me crazy but this afternoon, I just plonked RM1,000 for a bespoke/made-to-measure (MTM) leather shoe from Thomas Chan at Bangsar Shopping Complex (BSC). Honestly, the ready-to-wear (RTW) was only RM400 but as I went for MTM, the price went up by another RM300. And then, what is Thomas Chan without the orthodonthic sole? Add another RM300 to that.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OwQ_Xyths-UZn5Pow12ifzW5wLKO5tWxmO9pOHJqeGZl89g7V9Rxn2bubrturhBqTcjuoKHzPsbqBOKCuoazFLMEz2wI3xGVXPdc6Oc5X-jsl_uokdWbArmIyLfqvdaNPlzx/s1600/17954-d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406960014321381314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OwQ_Xyths-UZn5Pow12ifzW5wLKO5tWxmO9pOHJqeGZl89g7V9Rxn2bubrturhBqTcjuoKHzPsbqBOKCuoazFLMEz2wI3xGVXPdc6Oc5X-jsl_uokdWbArmIyLfqvdaNPlzx/s320/17954-d.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.mens-fashion-tips.com/wingtip-dress-shoes-review.html">http://www.mens-fashion-tips.com/wingtip-dress-shoes-review.html</a><br />The picture is a Florsheim - Kenmoor - Long Wing (Heritage Calf Black)<br /><br />Oh, I went for a classic black wing-tip 5-eyelet blucher. Yup, super traditional but that's what the army officers are made to wear with the No.4 uniform. I have not worn this design for more than 15 years!<br /><br />As we were walking out of BSC...<br /><br />Mrs B: so... someone was very happy with his RM1,000 purchase lar?<br /><br />Me: Errr... well, my heel, you know... err, has been in pain... acting up, you know... ageing lar... old wounds from army days lar... you know...<br /><br />Mrs B: sure sure. Next time, any purchases MORE than RM1,000... remember our deal? Joint agreement, ok? *wink wink*<br /><br />Me: Yes maam!<br /><br />Truly, Mrs B let me off easily, because about 2 months ago, I plonked RM2,000 on 5 shirts from Lords Tailor at BSC again...<br /><br />Now, why all this spending on bespoke shoes and dress shirts? That's because on one fine evening, I got a personal "dressing down" from my Chairman... all about my dressing. I take great pride in my attire but it didn't pass my Chairman's muster.<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>Buaya69 asked the Lord's Tailor,"Could you make my tummy disappear?"</em></span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-56345963114525137672009-04-26T11:03:00.004+07:002009-04-26T12:07:34.915+07:00Overdue updates and "Alone in Bangkok"Wahlaueh, I have not been a responsible blogger. Neglecting this and the family blogs. Ooo, whip me baby, WHIP ME! :P :P :P<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New "old" job</span><br />Since end last year 2008, I have been back to the consulting line, to my first job in actual fact. One of the partners told me straight in the eye "Buaya, you are a sucker for pain, aren't you?". Yup, I'm now back to the stress of tight deadlines of proposals and deliverables, late nights, pizza dinners, etc etc. But this time, I do make it a point to walk off by 8pm, if I can help it lar.<br /><br />One of my closest buddies asked me "Why why WHHHYYYY???". Well, I think consulting is in my blood. I thrive on pressure, gets excited with new projects, brainstorming (more like squeezes) and especially the thrill of proposal wins. Ok, that was my formal answer...<br /><br />Ol'friend : (Lifted his glass of vodka and looked at me) "Ya, right... It's the young girls right? Liar!"<br /><br />With friends like him, who needs enemies? :D<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baby Buayatte No.3!</span><br />The Buaya family is blessed with Baby Shushanna, born 15 Feb 2009. More on her at the family blog.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alone in Bangkok</span><br />Buaya69 is now in Bangkok, my first trip to the City of Angels. It was a rushed trip, all decided within a 2-3 days by the higher ups. I'm staying at a serviced residence about 15 minutes walk to my Bangkok office, 20 minutes to <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-market/suan-lum-night-bazaar.html">Suanlum night market</a> and 15 minutes to the (in)famous Patpong area...<br /><br />Alas, I have been so busy that the only Bangkok I have largely seen is the view when walking to and back from the office. But I did go out for dinner last night. The hotel told me that it was safe as long as I don't go anywhere near the <a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/15674/red-shirts-to-protest-every-week">red shirts gathering at Sanam Luang</a>, so I made a dinner trip to Suanlum night market. Man, the street food's cheap and good there. I had briyani-like chicken rice for THB30, fruit juice for THB20 and coconut meat with ice-cream for RM25. Bought myself 2 neckties for THB300 and THB99 but on closer look back at the hotel, the quality sucks bigtime but you get what you pay for, oh well...<br /><br />Sorry, no photos. Didn't bring out my camera last night.<br /><br />How about Thai traditional massage? Yet to try that here in Bangkok. Met one of the Indonesians staying at the hotel and she suggested two clean establishments walking distance away.<br /><br />OK, that's all for now. Need to get back to work (on a Sunday!!!).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Buaya69 asks, "I wonder how the hotel pool is like.... must take the opportunity to exercise... or should I pig out at Suanlum again for dinner?"</span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-34340847698048060872009-01-26T21:31:00.004+07:002009-01-27T15:45:44.231+07:00My reputation precedes meGirl manager: Boss, you free now ar?<br /><br />B69: You tanya me like that, what automatic response from me are you expecting?<br /><br />Girl mgr: Aiyah, no lar. I thot if you are free for the next 30 minutes, you can sit in this interview. We are, right now, interviewing this graduate for XYZ position. With your experience, you can give us a 2nd opinion whether she's a good fit.<br /><br />B69: XYZ grade? I think you guys can handle that, right? You don't need me for that...<br /><br />Girl mgr: Yah, true but for this candidate, I'm sure you are interested one. She's ex-Miss Malaysia finalist and a graduate. We are not sure whether this is really want she wants. Maybe you can interview cum counsel her like what you did to the others.<br /><br />B69: The others were for manager levels lar.<br /><br />Girl mgr: Yes, but she's ex-Miss Malaysia finalist... (Wink wink)...<br /><br />B69: You are tempting me, aren't you? Bad girl bad girl...<br /><br />Girl mgr: You buaya sifu mar, hehehe<br /><br />B69: -_-"""<br /><br /><br />Buaya69 says,"We need some staff photos to spruce up this brochure..." :PBuaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-58079940965193298612008-12-14T03:05:00.003+07:002008-12-14T03:56:09.744+07:0026/11 was my birthday and kaboom!I am blogging from New Delhi, India.<br /><br />I shall forever remember 26/11/2008. It was my 39th birthday, the day the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_November_2008_Mumbai_attacks">Mumbai terror attacks</a> began. I cried.<br /><br />I have now been in New Delhi, India for 9 nights. I have gotten used to walking through metal detectors, car searches, security checks and even road blocks. These did not only occur at the hotel I'm staying in, but also at the office building and even some restaurants. Sigh.... sign of the times.<br /><br />Every morning, I read the Hindustan Times, and there will be articles and articles related to the Mumbai terror attacks. The one that made me cry is about the bravery of Taj's staff. They served with their lives, <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5254371.ece">shielding the guests from the bullets,</a> <a href="http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-53700.html">hiding them</a> to the very end. Read <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/01/mumbai-terror-taj-oped-cx_mp_1201pollack.html">Michael Pollacks personal account at the Taj</a>. Feel what he felt.<br /><br />And then it hit me. Would I have <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE4AR1OY20081128">stood in between and taken the bulle</a>t like what <a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mumbais-unsung-heroes-captain-singh-hotel-staff/79819-3.html">Rajan Kamble</a> did? Would I have been able to focus on saving my guests when I know that my family is trapped in the hotel? (<a href="http://in.news.yahoo.com/137/20081128/740/tnl-staff-emerge-as-heroes-in-mumbai-hot.html">the family of the Taj's GM died in the fire. They were trapped at the penthouse</a>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJT9gLfHkKjw5qQFqEVpJHbDoPuG4kvcfnqVD7HYmJl520PIC5nsefCA8KZGqvjGhFAizuz6J6NtDZQmgjC6Syf5wVRSTSkUI1hHCCHG9rgrZkVC9_AIm6ChkxBF-597egDz-O/s1600-h/mumbai+taj+terror+fire.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 422px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJT9gLfHkKjw5qQFqEVpJHbDoPuG4kvcfnqVD7HYmJl520PIC5nsefCA8KZGqvjGhFAizuz6J6NtDZQmgjC6Syf5wVRSTSkUI1hHCCHG9rgrZkVC9_AIm6ChkxBF-597egDz-O/s320/mumbai+taj+terror+fire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279377868523224210" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/088ObG0eTp2iF/610x.jpg">Source</a><br /><br />What would I have done? What would you have done? I don't know. But this I know. They <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">MADE A DIFFERENCE</span> and I salute them all.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?" </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- Sir Winston leonard Spencer Churchill</span> (1874-1965)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Buaya69 cries with India...</span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-54008555194033581042008-09-14T20:26:00.005+07:002008-09-14T22:21:14.885+07:00Idiots!I seriously think there's a shortage of talent in this country at where it matters the most. Sigh....Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-38777820295124057232008-09-09T23:52:00.006+07:002008-09-10T00:59:09.088+07:00Have a nice day!I love going to this particular office because the receptionist there is dang cun. Sweet, nice face with "handful" of boobs, heh! *cough cough*<br /><br />Early this morning, I had an appointment at the building and needed to get the security pass from her. As I handed over my ID...<br /><br />Hotbabe: Good morning Mr Buaya.<br /><br />Me: Good morning.....<br /><br />And I leant over the counter, looking down at her sitting there taking down my particulars, and I couldn't help but stare and stare and stare at her boobs. OMG! I have becomed a Dirty Ol'Man this morning! Usually the DOM syndrome only starts at night, heh!<br /><br />Hotbabe didn't know that I was stealing glances at her boobs. I was struggling inside - should I tell her or not?<br /><br />Hotbabe: Here's the card Mr Buaya. Have a good day.<br /><br />Me: Thanks! [whisper] pssstt... one of your blouse's button is undone.<br /><br />Hotbabe: [Facial expression changed to embarassment. Her blouse's top button was fasten but was undone at the chest hence could clearly see her bra] Sorry.... [Quickly tries to button her blouse]<br /><br />Me: It's OK (of course lar!). Have a nice day!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Buaya69 sings,"It wasn't me!"<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0DkVEb5_m0tQDFTu1xKYFjcvlZIBZldICXzDpjfOew3Qh7MEgCEznQ64vOjdPImIg0Awf2VEs5084RksAA7s9lWba9h2wc4WJ_T1FE0srhMbS3i6mYuWS0Uv7ZhMBZ2z3E0M/s1600-h/jsimpsonblue_3_big.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0DkVEb5_m0tQDFTu1xKYFjcvlZIBZldICXzDpjfOew3Qh7MEgCEznQ64vOjdPImIg0Awf2VEs5084RksAA7s9lWba9h2wc4WJ_T1FE0srhMbS3i6mYuWS0Uv7ZhMBZ2z3E0M/s400/jsimpsonblue_3_big.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244076150993867410" border="0" /></a><br />Jessica Simpson with unbuttoned blouse...Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-76843907380236868422008-07-30T10:27:00.007+07:002008-07-30T11:35:19.709+07:00Rock thrown at my speeding car on the East Coast ExpresswayOn Friday 25 July 2008, about 7.25pm, along the <a href="http://www.mtdinfraperdana.com/toll_roads/default.asp">East Coast Expressway (aka Karak highway)</a> km141.7 heading towards Kuantan, some @#$% maniac threw a rock at my speeding car from a hillslope and smashed my rear passenger side window.<br /><br />These are the pics my friend took of the damage:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7LP4A_hGqSaBZ8E8AAen28O0rPoK5CkyB8GAIyNPt9Cnr87Uv9Oejrj-TNxHL3a7_khMCSwsUxrf8LthS32JdLpVxqpc4JOdmUkk2CzUzPhkBHxhrHOi2OAk3FU1uTfo_vbU/s1600-h/DSC_0004_a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7LP4A_hGqSaBZ8E8AAen28O0rPoK5CkyB8GAIyNPt9Cnr87Uv9Oejrj-TNxHL3a7_khMCSwsUxrf8LthS32JdLpVxqpc4JOdmUkk2CzUzPhkBHxhrHOi2OAk3FU1uTfo_vbU/s400/DSC_0004_a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228646333611770034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hNEWAqo8nWCeIpDSY5LJFQi_PsJylCMio9YDJiHvJ63yNquQqlFvVNrrxbBPjGcM9a_b7lDCGK2nThgBLVuXpWwwLUXUbCTJ2qctAxX8GIIPJiX68maGk5jBC_iVEoGl59_F/s1600-h/DSC_0003_a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hNEWAqo8nWCeIpDSY5LJFQi_PsJylCMio9YDJiHvJ63yNquQqlFvVNrrxbBPjGcM9a_b7lDCGK2nThgBLVuXpWwwLUXUbCTJ2qctAxX8GIIPJiX68maGk5jBC_iVEoGl59_F/s400/DSC_0003_a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228646327335251538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The rest of the story:</span><br /><br />My colleague was reclining at the front passenger seat. We just had our McD Quarter Pounder which we bought at the Genting Sempah outlet. There was still some light from the setting sun when suddenly, I saw up ahead, big yellow coloured rocks on the road strewn across the slow lane to the fast lane. There was no way I can avoid the rocks.<br /><br />Slowing down from 120km/h, I think I hit the rocks at 90km/h and at that precise moment, BANG! Shattered glass was flying all over the cabin and wind was just howling in. My colleague woke up and asked "What happened??!!!???". All I could say was "Rock... we hit a rock."<br /><br />We pulled over just around a bend 300 metres in front and I saw an MPV and a Honda hogging the SOS booth. I pulled up slightly upfront and got out to inspect the damage. Immediately, two chinese men and an elderly malay man ran over. One of the chinese guys shouted,"Wahhhh, li kor chung sai leh arrr!!" meaning "Fuck! This fella got it worse!!!"<br /><br />I think they were as relieved as me that none of us were hurt, it's only damage to the car. They told us that rocks were also thrown at them back at the bend. One of the chinese fella was so enraged that he wanted to climb that hill and beat the shit out of the rock throwers. Anyway, we all parted ways leaving me to figure out whether to continue driving ahead and seek help at an unfamiliar town or turn back to KL. Looking at the damage and the expected rains over the weekend, we decided to turn back.<br /><br />At the Maran exit, we made a report at the toll plaza. Apparently, we were the second car to make such a report that evening.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Syukur</span><br />On our way back, we said our thanks. If our car was slightly faster, the rock could have shattered the front passenger side and blinded my friend or seriously disfiguring his face. And I, due to the flying shattered glass, could have lost control of the car and then KABOOM!<br /><br />I believed that my colleague, just like me, played out the event over and over again as we were drove back to KL. We were that split second close to horrendous possibilities. The cost of repairing the bent frame and a new window, only a small fee of RM330. Coming out alive and scratch free, priceless.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's next?</span><br />Arising from this, I have made arrangement with an ex-colleague to shop for car window tinting this weekend. I will also be writing to MTD Prime and give them a piece of my mind.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Buaya69 says,"Syukurlah, I can still hug my wife and kids" ;)</span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-64701469684900996512008-07-17T19:01:00.005+07:002008-07-17T19:30:03.045+07:00ProverbsIn these times of <span style="font-style: italic;">deja vu</span> for DSAI and RPK getting the slammer again, here's a message of wisdom from the Bible to the lords of the day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Proverbs 17</span><br />(15) Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—<br /> the LORD detests them both.<br /><br />(26) It is not good to punish an innocent man,<br /> or to flog officials for their integrity.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Proverbs 16</span><br />(8) Better a little with righteousness<br /> than much gain with injustice.<br /><br />(10) The lips of a king speak as an oracle,<br /> and his mouth should not betray justice.<br /><br />(12) Kings detest wrongdoing,<br /> for a throne is established through righteousness.<br /><br />I didn't say that, the Lord of Lords did.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Buaya69 says, "Ignore at your own risk"</span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-57050525278609779942008-07-13T21:11:00.007+07:002008-07-13T21:29:52.314+07:00Buaya69's day 138 into new jobThis coming Tuesday is Day 138 of my employment with this organisation and for much of the last 100 days, it has been a "hell of a ride" for this ol'buaya! Henceforth, I will refer my organisation as the "Themepark", heh!<br /><br />Come to think of it, Themepark really suits my organisation. Almost everyone is customer-facing but doing it behind a mask, the Themepark's mask. Everyone is busy doing something, everything is urgent like now now now! And there are always plans for a better customer experience but constraint by so many things that it really boggles the mind that my colleagues have managed to bring the Themepark this far! Amazing people, really.<br /><br />Anyway, it has been an eye-opener for me. For a very long time I have not broken my limits and moved out of my comfort zone. My boss really pushed me to the limits, and more than once I felt like strangling him with my own hands, but this was my choice and I have to take whatever comes my way - No Pain, No Gain! Yeah, right.... :P<br /><br />Today, I want to blog something "management" but really, it's about myself, in between the lines lar. Today, I want to write about <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Buaya69 Guidelines for Building Relationships and Image in 100 days"</span>... wow, sometimes I amaze even myself with my own bull, heh!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(A) It's easy when you know where you are</span><br />Almost into Day 2, I found out that my position came with a lot of negative historical baggage. In short, people disliked me by virtue of my position, and it really sucks! Ok, that was easy. Now, to find out why and I did it the old fashion way. I asked.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(B) It's easy when you know where you want to go</span><br />Once I have established the reasons, I sat down to think of my career and responsibilities at the Themepark. I would be lying if I say I didn't think of resigning. I sort of visualised my destination by end of Year 2 and the pitstops I needed to make along the journey, whom I would like to meet and make friends/allies with and whom I want to avoid as my nemesis, if possible.<br /><br />Having said that, one will have more than one enemy in any workplace. Sometimes it can't be helped. It could be your overpowering cologne, your smelly fart or loud burp. The critical issue here is to know who regards YOU as their enemy. It sucks big time when you have to utter "You too Brutus?", hence know who regards you as enemy. It was easy for me because of (A) above, sigh...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(C) It's easy when you know what the puppeteers want</span><br />Yes, we are all puppets but as puppets, we can also refuse to follow the line and do our own dance routine. If we chose to do that, then we must live with the consequences and there can only be 2 outcomes. Either the puppeteer is overjoyed with your dance or he's hellbend on destroying you, the evil puppet with a mind of its own. Yes, you, the evil puppet, fit as tinder in the clay furnace. Therefore, before you do your own dance routine, it helps to know what the puppeteer or puppeteers, as in my case, wants, then give it to them. Sales people normally do such analysis about their clients, so why not us?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(D) It's easy when you can handle "NO" effectively</span><br />This is a simple truth. We will experience more "NO" than "YES" in the course of our work. But this truth is usually lost to many people. They get worked up, hyperventilate, do a voodoo doll curse, or worse, go home and fling the poor cat by its tail. I love cats. Ever wonder why we'll get more "NO" than "YES"? The truth is, not many people will dare to say "YES" mainly due to lack of power/authority/influence or for the simple fact that they just don't have the balls to say it, hence they say "NO" or worse, warble something incoherent which is neither yes nor no. You will realise very quickly that there aren't many good decision makers in any organisation, and that fact could be an opportunity or a threat to your career, depending on how you perceive it ;)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(E) It's easy when you don't make life difficult for people</span><br />I have met many people who will shout into your ears "This is my RIGHT so I will do ANYTHING to get it, ptui!". It's quite easy to spot these people. They are usually voiceful of their thoughts and will not listen to any other because they think that they are right and will go to great logical lengths to proof that they are right. I label them as selfish arrogants. Selfish, because they don't think of others but themselves. In the course of our work, do always check whether we become such selfish arrogant bastards. It's no surprise then if people close their doors on you. So who will open their doors to me? Only if I bring value to them and to begin with, do not make worklife more difficult than it is for them. Easy right? So, what's your value proposition?<br /><br />OK, I think that's enough bull. I have 50 days to my 180 days milestone, yup, my confirmation day. Time to strap up for another month of rollercoaster ride, wheeeeee!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Buaya69 asks,"I wonder when I can take the Tunnel of Love ride...." :P</span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-70101724662318639912008-06-17T13:34:00.005+07:002008-06-17T14:19:40.275+07:00Feeling the pinch (2)I was having tea with my malay buddy from another division, let's call him Mat. And naturally, we spoke of the increasing cost of living especially with housing loan, car loan, ageing parents and school going kids to support.<br /><br />Mat: You know Buaya, I envy you cina. Food cost so much lesser.<br /><br />B69: Apa cakap lu? My ayam and your ayam still the same price mar! :P<br /><br />Mat: Kepala hotak engkau! I meant the restaurants lar. You try eating in a mamak or malay restaurant? You cuba kira how much an average plate of rice with meat and vege will cost. And don't get me started on Nasi Kandar restaurants, aiyoyo, mahal betui!<br /><br />B69: Ya hor. My chap farn still manageable at RM4.50 max max. Nasi Kandar? Let's not venture there.<br /><br />Mat: And come this budget day, if the Gahmen increase my harga rokok, I will... I will...<br /><br />B69: ... quit smoking? Good for ya!<br /><br />Mat: sigh.... I think I will downgrade to rokok daun soon<br /><br />B69: I don't smoke, so tak tau ler, but I very the kek-sim (heartache) last nite kat Shell station. They ran out of the RM2.70 petrol, kononnya quota habis, so I was forced to pump RM3.15/ltr for Shell V-Power.... my bill easily more than RM100....<br /><br />Mat: RM3.15? wah... I hope my blur-blur mya isteri tak pam V-Power, nanti poket I takde power lagi... -_-"""<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Buaya69 is thinking,"Should I get a RM5k kapchai to scoot-scoot to and fro work? Hmmm..."</span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-11827062217762889152008-06-13T18:24:00.002+07:002008-06-13T18:49:11.910+07:00Super selfish ahliansRecently, our cafeteria has seen a surge of staff eating-in rather than driving-out. Must be due to the recent 40% price hike on fuel. Looks like most of us wage earners in the company have "changed our lifestyle". The Gahmen should be happy.<br /><br />Arising from this sudden demand, there just aren't enough tables and chairs during "peak" hours, namely 12pm - 1.30pm. But we'll still line-up for food and drinks, pay at the counter and then wait for some kind soul to vacate their seat or table. Most of the staff are understanding and they'll quickly vacate their seat upon finishing their food, especially during peak hours.<br /><br />This is where I want to rant about these 6 good-for-nothing super-selfish ahlians. It was super-peak that day and many of us were just standing with our food waiting for tables. Not a very nice experience when your tummy is growling growling. My colleague saw this table of ahlians. They have already finished their food and were just chatting away. My colleagues, Mr G and Ms S, stood behind them expecting the ahlians to move. 5 mins..... 10 mins..... basket! They were still yakking away about their dogs and cats and bad hair days and pms's and what nots, even after the cleaner came and took away their empty plates! Basket!<br /><br />I was going to walk over and give them the "move bitch!" when I chance upon a table leaving. I quickly sat down and waved to my colleagues to come over. Needless to say, another staff-desperately-waiting-for-a-table stood behind them and these ahlian bitches just continued yakking away, dius! How could someone, and a group at that, be soooooo insensitive?<br /><br />After our meals, we left immediately to make way for others and this group of ugly ahlians were still, well, cleaning the table with their saliva. Some people just get on your nerves. Basket!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Buaya69 asks, "What good is a "high" education and a "high" salary when you are so low on the humanistic scale? Dius!"</span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36105593.post-40289352114581571972008-06-05T19:06:00.002+07:002008-06-05T19:41:47.776+07:00Feeling the pinchI guess a lot has been written (and demonstrated) about the high jump in petrol price by 78sen to RM2.70 per litre of petrol. That's a freaking 41% increase!<br /><br />I am already spending RM70 per week on petrol, and that's only from Monday to Friday's to-and-fro office. This recent increase just added another RM30 per week to my petrol bill. RM100 per week on petrol bill only... sob.<br /><br />And if my wife and I can feel the pinch, what more of the lower income group? With wife, parents and kids to feed?<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Me: Oi sayang, you looked really under the weather. Kenapa? Boss kera you ke?<br /><br />Malay sexytary: Ya, saya tengah sakit ni. Last nite I queued for 45 minutes to fill-up my almost empty tank. Sakit, sakit...<br /><br />Me: Ya ke? I tak queue queue. I calculated that I would only save RM10 because I was 3/4 full. But from this weekend, I think my refill bill would touch RM100, sakit! sakit!<br /><br />Sexytary: Harlo yang, I lagi sakit. I drive a Naza Citra, cuba kira? Hmmmpphhh! And I voted for BN! Betul-betul Barang Naik, hmmmppphh! geramnya!!!!<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Everywhere I go in the office, I can hear staff talking about their queueing experience, how it's going to impact their plans to buy car, house, savings, no more eating out, etc etc etc. This price hike was really a wake-up call but for the poor folks, it's from bad to worse.<br /><br />Should we be anticipating more crime from now on? When hunger strikes, people will do drastic things to feed their love ones. Which parent can bear to see their baby or kids cry for food out of hunger? What would you do if you were that parent?<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Over a drink, a person whom I respect and count as one of my best friends thought aloud, that Mr PM has been ill-advised on the fuel hike. It is too drastic and burdensome for the man-on-the-street. And he can't help but feel that a trojan horse made this happen to put Mr PM in a bad, bad light.<br /><br />Whatever it was, Mr PM, since you dared to raise the fuel price by this much, burdening the poor further, you and your cabinet ministers in their black tailored suits must dare face the consequences, politically and socially. Now, where are the Petronas accounts?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Buaya69 says,"We are screwed! And I'm gonna yell out loud in pain!"</span>Buaya69http://www.blogger.com/profile/00719748510100864096noreply@blogger.com4