Ratatouille

Last night, I was very delighted to catch the movie: Ratatouille. And it's the best thing to end a Sunday night watching a cartoon-movie. Somehow, I always feel that it's good to laugh or watch a sitcom/cartoon before I go to sleep. Before I watch this movie, as usual I will browse to read the synopsis and if possible even watch the short-preview.

So, here goes, a little peep into the movie: Trailer

Synopsis:
A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a great French chef despite his family's wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely and certainly unwanted visitor in the kitchen of a fine French restaurant, Remy's passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down. Remy finds himself torn between his calling and passion in life or returning forever to his previous existence as a rat. He learns the truth about friendship, family and having no choice but to be who he really is, a rat who wants to be a chef. (Full Story)

My personal opinion about the movie:
Before today, I seriously do not know what Ratatouille means other than reading the synopsis of the movie and also watching it. The movie was good in the sensed that it makes me laughed quite a fair bit until my mom was questioning me why am I laughing all by myself at the upstairs-mini-hall where I watched it on the Desktop. While watching, my imagination got a little bizzard in the ways like, I really cannot imagine a rat "cooking" and touching the spices and the food in a real human-world. I have always had the "arm-hair-rising" feeling whenever my mom used to "trap" the rats in our old-house's backyard and I had always remember that "tingling" feelings that lingers for a while whenever I see the new-born mice hidden in some corners in some dark spot. Despite that it's just a movie but always my imagination runs to an extend that I cannot myself imagine for the whole duration of the movie. Overall, I don't find Remy cute; it's a rat without clothes on and it's just like any rats you see running around the backstreet at night hunting for rubbish to eat.

Almost towards the last 20 minutes, then only the rat cooked the dish "ratatouille" and to me, it looks like "lasagna" when they were preparing it for the food critic. And when it's served, it's like layers of potatoe-slices arranged one layer after another layer and a sauce is being dressed on it. Watching and talking about it even makes my stomach rumbles and mouth-watering now. How I hope one day when I'm in Paris, I can try it.

When you watch it the motto of the movie is "Anyone Can Cook" by Gusteau and I could not agree more with him. If we have the passion, all of us can cook and when one cook with their heart and touch, the food automatically tastes good. "So, all the cook/chef out there... cook because you love it and not cook just because you had to... there are zillions of people who will sincerely enjoy your food."

So, the true meaning of "Ratatouille" seems quite far resembles to the one served in the movie. Ratatouille : If you click and check out the picture and if you have watch the movie, I think you will agree with me too. So, any French would like to comment on this? Which is real or should I take the movie for being just a movie or the true meaning of the food lies on who cook it?

Company Study-Trip

About a month ago, when I was talking to the HR staff, my MD; Mr Leong happened to come out from his office and saw me. And in a loud voice asked me, "Faith, do you know that you need to go Kalimantan?" and I was speechless for a moment, then I replied, "Nope" and he further commented, "Benny didn't tell you about it?" and I again replied, "Nope". And he goes, "Aiyoh... this Benny ah..." and what the rest he mentioned was blur after that... because I was thinking... why on earth am I supposed to go Kalimantan for?!

Few days before the trip, I was told about the 3 days itinerary and when I first glance thru, I almost fainted to read it. How can one possible travel 9 airports within 60 hours?!?! It's CRAZY!!! And when I asked the Secretary about the accommodation, she told me she had no idea because it's arranged by Medan office. And for the rest of the month before the trip, I'm not being told about anything and when Benny finally came into the office a few days before the trip, I got a chance to ask him why I needed to go Kalimantan and then, he told me that he wants me to see the condition of the place and I'll be in-charge of the Shipping & Logistics of Medan branch in the near future. Despite that, my mind is still not at peace as there are so many question marks in my brain:- Where am I going to stay? What am I going to do there? How should I pack my clothes? Formal? Casual? Etc... Somehow, I was NOT looking forward to the trip.

So, some people at office gave very positive remarks like, "Wow, you going to travel on Dato's private plane!" and "You're so lucky that you get to travel to Kalimantan." And I was like, "Huh?? Kalimantan? It's a jungle lar... what so great?" and a few nights before I depart, I was actually surfing and browsing thru the internet looking for more information and honestly, I can't find anything!! Anyway, by Sunday, I was all prepared and I just told myself, no matter what it is... I have to face it anyway because it's part of the job now.

Route: Subang-Batam Island-Belitung Island-Pontianak-Pangkalan Bun-Balikpapan-Kalimarau-Balikpapan-Kuching-Subang.
(Click picture to enlarge)

23rd July 2007:
My alarm was set for 4.45am and it took me another 10minutes to get myself out of bed. Had a mug of coffee to keep me awake so I won't fall asleep when I drive to office to meet the rest at 6am. Everyone was quite punctual despite that I arrived the earliest. We left for Subang Terminal 3 airport shortly after everyone arrived. We waited with other other passengers that are traveling to one of the Berjaya Resort. At 7am, we met the 2 Captains who escorted us to the custom and the private plane.

The first look into the plane, really put a smile on my face and it comfort my heart so much to see the exclusiveness that I may savour for the rest of my 3 days trip with it. So, the "private-plane" worries somehow, drifted away from my mind as the take-off from Subang and landing in Batam Island was so smooth that I personally felt, even Air Asia cannot beat this plane!! And with leather seats and pillows to support my back and for a good hug, I do not have any complains. *chuckled* That very moment, I was looking forward to the trip once I landed in Batam Island.

While they clear our passports, we head out from the plane to the airport for some breakfast at 8.15am. The rest are very eager to introduced me to the Indonesian's traditional food. So, I had a chance to try some "Lontong" and I ordered myself "Indo Mee Sapi". Both were okie as I very much miss Indo-Mee from my days when I'm in PNG. Depart Batam Island at 9.05am and reached Belitung Island within another 45 minutes of flight. Some staffs from the Taiko Plantation met us at the airport and picked us up with their 4-wheel to their Jetty & a bumpy ride to their Estates to meet up the Estates Manager. It's been raining in Belitung Island for the last 5 days so some places are flooded. After admiring the Jetty and having a short tour round the Oil Palm factory, we left for lunch at a town called Kelapa Kampit before we depart for Pontianak. Lunch was marvelous despite that the seafood are not fresh, prepared by one of the Teochew-Indo shop.

4.30pm, we reached Pontianak and this airport is so busy with lots of people going in and out at all times. It seems like a bas/train terminal more than an airport. Here, we visited a stevedoring company name PT Sangkar Mas, the wharf and the warehouse. Along our short trip of 7km from the wharf to the warehouse, we saw the uncivilization of this place. People are bathing in the black-mossed river, some are washing their clothes and vehicles, some are taking the water for other reasons... People here are so poor and undeveloped. At around 6pm, we decided to have dinner before we check-into the hotel. Dinner was alright and the hotel impressed me since it's such an undeveloped place. We stayed in Santika Hotel for the night. This place is really beautiful. They have nice restaurants and a very cosy courtyard that nobody goes to. Such a waste. I'm so satisfied with this place and just too bad that's it's only for me to sleep and shower. I simply love the wood-craft masterpiece above the bed; a dragonfly. A recommended hotel to stay in if you visit Pontianak.

24th July 2007:
As I was confused with the 1 hour time difference, I had to double-checked with Benny last night on the breakfast and departing time. Lucky, I could sleep 1 hour extra since it's 1 hour behind at Pontianak. I had to set my alarm for 5.50am but, I did not sleep very well because my cautious-mind kept waking me and making me feel that I'll overslept. Breakfast was okie as I ate lots of sausages and I avoided any dairy products for this whole trip. Departed Pontianak airport at 8am.

The whole trip to Pangkalan Bun, Mr Leong was giving lectures to the men on business theories, how to venture into new products, cultivate and purchase new plots of land in Indonesia... And I was just stealing some beauty sleeps while he lecture away... We reached Pangkalan Bun around 9am and we waited very long for our passport to be return to us. So, we decided not to wait but to visit the port and the warehouse. The roads at this place is very bad... the whole trip, it was bumpy and somehow, my back hurts quite a fair bit but Mr Leong ordered me to sit at the back with the excuse that I have short legs and the rest of the bigger size or taller men should not sit behind. Doesn't mean I'm young means, I have to torture my bones, right?! Urrgghh...

Since, the weather was bad after we depart the warehouse, we decided to have our lunch in the town while waiting for the rain to stop. At 1.25pm, we depart Pangkalan Bun's airport as our schedule was brought forward due to no other places to visit. Besides, I'm sick of the bumpy road and I was feeling a little car-sick because I need to sit behind.

At 2.45pm, we reached Balikpapan. Here, seems so much better as compare to all the other places I had visited in Kalimantan. As usual, we visit the ports and take a look at the conditions. Not much activity or company for us to visit, so we were allow to have our own time right after we check-into Le Grandeur Hotel. Upon arrival, I saw the beach and sea, how I regretted to change my mind to leave my swim-wear behind. I think the rest of the day, I was pretty despair and upset with the "men" and I think I choose not to blog about it much...

After dinner, I had some time for my own-self and since it has a bath-tub, I happily sock myself in the warm water that I added some shower gel and hoping, my aching bones can be comforted. As I was preparing to shower, I checked out the massage price but, with the amount of cash I have, I can't afford one. Anyway, hotel massage & spa are always more pricey. I dozed off into dreamland while watching Bones on the TV and again, my cautious-mind will wake me a few times in the night...

25th July 2007:
Since Balikpapan have the same time zone as Malaysia, I had to wake up at 5am and I ordered room service to have my breakfast at 5.20am. At 6.10am, we check-out the hotel and as usual, I have to wait for the "men" and by 7am, we board the private plane again for Kalimarau. Weather has been bad and lots of cloud, we were unable to land in Kalimarau despite that the Captain attempted 2 times to try to find the runway to land but due to the thick clouds, we were unable to do so. So, we u-turn back to Balikpapan for custom clearance and we had the special treatment to hang-out and rest at the Lounge which serve plenty of food. Yummie...

By 10.15am we depart Balikpapan for Kuching to refill fuel and for custom procedure to enter Malaysia again. The whole time, I'm on the plane, I had to get as much sleep as possible since I have not drink a single drop of coffee for 2 days. Reached Kuching about 11.30am and the treatment that we received were so bad!! Nobody actually offered to bring us any umbrella since it's drizzling and to think about that this year, it's Visit Malaysia and since we flew in with a private plane, shouldn't we have a little special treatment?!?! The Indonesia airport's staffs all greeted us with smiles and a hand-shake, why can't Malaysian do that as well?

After 45 minutes in Kuching private plane airport, we depart for Subang. Sad to say, I did not get any chance to see the town but just transit because the branch staffs were busy with their daily tasks that they were not too free to meet us up for lunch. Since, our visit to Kuching was not a plan trip before and due to the previous cancellation, I thought I can go home was I landed in Subang but somehow, the "men" return to office except the MD. So, without any further debate, I only left office at 5.30pm.

Overall, I did not learn anything in this trip, I presume the Management thought that the condition of Kalimantan will be an eye opener for me but since I had been to PNG, what is Kalimantan?? Just simply a "smaller-fly" with similar condition but not as bad as PNG. I had seen the worst as compare to Kalimantan. Guessed, the Management must be thinking that, it's a waste to send me to Kalimantan and had easily cost them USD5000 for the 3 days trip whereby, they could have sent someone else whom they can really "open" their eyes. The bad weather also really make the trip not so pleasant and till now, I'm still feeling the jet-lag. Not only I didn't learn anything in particular new but my backpain is back!! *sobs sobs*

People said, we can learn a lot about another person thru trips or vacations together and that is so true! This trip make me see the true colours of the Management. I simply dislike the way they treated me the whole trip, they mentioned that they "spoilt" me since I'm the only "rose" among the "thorns" but why I need them to spoilt me?? I do not need them to treat me like a "kiddo". They instructed me this and that but NEVER want to even listen to a simple advice/opinion that I give them. Sometime, on the 2nd day of the trip, I completely shut my mouth and was already showing my sour face I presume I couldn't hide about it further. Guessed, this trip really let me feel awful and to a much bigger surprise for myself, I really missed my home, my family and mom's cooking to the extend of just after 1 day.

Take a peep into the not-impressive pictures I took:- Kalimantan Photo

Quality Time

It's a Sunday and today, it was somehow very special to me because I don't usually get to spend so long hours with my niece; Kristen because she always leave Klang after lunch. And because of this, Kristen is not warm-up enough to actually get acquaintance to me every weekends.

But this weekend, I had an awesome quality time with her because we visited her house after church to see the new born baby Elisa and I brought along my swimming-gadgets so that I could spend some time in the pool as well while others are fussing over the baby.

I walked to the pool around 3pm and there were 2 parties going on by the pool-side so there were lots of kids around. With so much ripple in the pool, I'm kinda a little fear of it... so, I kept myself safely by the edges. Around 4plus, Kristen joined me with her grandma's close-inspection by the pool side. We had a really good time especially Kristen who loves to splash the water to my face. When it was time to get out of the pool, Kristen took ages to do so... She was trying so many times on the "diving-distance", trying to get the furthest and every time she mentioned, "the last time...", some how the "last time" did not happened to be the last. Hahaha...

When she finally got out of the pool, her grandma towel-dried her but she refused to change into her dry clothes with the excuse that, "Aunty Faith also did not change..." Uh-oh... I'm to be blame?! She even refused to wrap in the towel on the way up. I decided to join her in the bathroom where her grandma was planning to bath for her but I told her I'll do it for Kristen instead since I'm already wet. I'm sure showering a kid will somehow get the adult wet as well. Her grandma hesitated a few times but I insisted on it... Besides, I'm thinking... in status, I'm already an aunty so what is so concern about shower my own niece, right? Not like I could drown her?

Anyway, Kristen played with a bar of soap and even rubbed the soap on my body a few times remarking, "You wash my hair, I soap you too..." and she even asked me to remove my swimming-suit when I removed hers. Gosh.. hehehe... no way will she get the chance to see my naked body!! But, we were like chuckling and laughing in the bathroom that my mom came into the shower and nagged, "Quick... don't play around... it's time we go home too... it's late..."

Yeeaaahhh... I'm tired for the day with a big smile on my face...

"I'm d Big Sister"

The expression: "I'm the Big Sister"

Just look at this picture of Kristen the proud big sister who cuddled baby Elisa despite that their own dad is pretty scared to hold the small size fragile baby...

Here Comes the Baby Girl

Since on Thursday night when we received a call from my sister saying she is in the medical center, I was pretty excited... This morning before I leave for work, my mom said "no news yet" and I goes, "Oohh... so long in labour?" Without further me bragging about my "feeling of excitement"... Let me introduce you to the new "member" of the family. Ta-da!!

~ Can only peep thru the glass because it was her bed-time ~

~ A distance glance ~

~ Much closer view ~

~ Sleepy? Zzz...Nah, just camera-shy ~

~ YES! Closed-Up ~ Adorable? ~

^^Bon Voyage^^

Today, after church service my family and I had lunch at Raku Japanese Restaurant. "Eat-All-We-Can Buffet". We were an hour early thinking that the restaurant opens at 11am. So, we just sat at the Concorde lobby while chatting away about my brother's luggage and how to pack them. For someone who always love the air-condition, I have no idea why he is so afraid that he will not bring sufficient clothes for the winter in Australia. So, this lunch is specially for my brother...

Since I was starving madly, I totally forgotten to take the pictures of the food before I eat. My family were the first customers so, all the food were untouched and neatly-arranged. But, I just simply forgotten...

Felt pretty odd also when I was walking around taking pictures of the food, not sure if I'm allow to do it and since some other people who are dining in were actually eye-ing me suspiciously, so I did not take all of 'em.

Anyhow, this place is not going to be the top 5 Japanese-buffet that I will recommend. So, nothing much to fancy about it... but I did like the cold-soba & smoked salmon.

Before I leave the last bread-crumbs on this page...
Here a short note for my brother...

Sunrise & Rainbow

On a regular working day,

this morning I left house about 7am...
Not too sure why today,
I felt like "the burden" from my shoulder was lifted up...
Driving along the Kesas-Highway slowly...
Usually, I very much concentrate on the road...
Or the cars beside me...
Or the review-mirror...
But this morning, a little exceptional,
I looked up to the sky...
Right in front of me...
The sun is rising...
I don't usually see sunrise in the city...
But this morning...
The sight & the beauty captivated me...
Quickly grabbed my new phone...
And took a few snap-shots...

The orangy-colour of the sun really put me off for a while..
So, I wondered,
God created the Sun...
And I wonder how many people actually stop...
for a while to appreciate and see the Sun on their way to work?
And that's when I was thinking,
maybe one fine day,
I shall find a good spot along the highway emergency-lane
to stop to take a better picture of the sunrise.
As my mind strategically-thinking of the sunrise,
I neared the toll-gate...
After passing the Smart-Tag sensor,
I continue to drive my way to work...
As one part of the highway has an ascending road...
I caught a glimpse of a Rainbow!!
Again, I grabbed my phone and only managed to take 1 picture...
Because few seconds after that,
I had to manual my steering-wheel as the road is descending & curve...
Lucky that I did not lose-control of the wheel...
On the moment that I'm amazed with the sight-of the rainbow...

"Old-Ticket"

"Clack-Clack"... one punch, two punch...

I can't belief that I'll still see this "olden-style" of bas ticket in this moden-generation. But, I did!! This is the ticket that took me back from somewhere-near Bugis Street, Singapore to Johor Bahru ~ across the causeway with this bas express service called SJE.

Pay more but it's direct and it doesn't stop anywhere except the immigrations. And when we are in Singapore, they make sure the seats are all occupied and then, the bas will move. Very cost-effective!

Unfortunately, we missed the bas that we hop-on-earlier when we get down at Singapore's immigration as the queue were kinda long at the immigration. So, we had to wait for the next bas from the same company for about 15-20 minutes.

*Chuckled* That's when my cousins commented on how you can see people running after the bas at any hour of the day and those ladies in their heels. And the sight is just funny & hillarious since we are not rushing...

A Free Ride

~21st April 2006~

Been pondering over the plan to visit my cousins in Johor Bahru for quite some time. And suddenly, decided to hitch-a-free-ride with my 2nd aunt and her family to Johor Bahru where they usually visit their son who is working there and permanently started a family there.

On Friday morning, I decided to call up my aunt and informed my cousin, Lily I'll be visiting despite that she is a little busy this weekend. I had a long weekend end of April but due to some personal reason, I would much prefer to hitch-a-free-ride this weekend instead of next weekend.

Here I am, in my cousin's house while waiting for my the other cousin; Charlie to pick me up to meet up with Lily who is having her driving-classes till 1pm. I woke up at 4.30am this morning as Uncle Yap wanna leave Klang at 6am. So, I left my house about 5.30am but the streets were so empty, it only took my dad 15 minutes to arrive my grandma's place. We arrived at Johor Bahru about 10.30am as the traffic down-south was smooth. We just stopped once at the Overhead-Bridge Air Keroh.

My 2nd aunt's son is staying at the same condominium as my 5th aunt & her family. So, it was pretty convenient to meet up Lily and do not had to trouble anyone about it. I'll be heading across to Singapore later after Lily's driving-class.

~22nd April 2006~

Yesterday about 2pm, Charlie & Lily brought me across the causeway and it's good that I learn how to take the bas so in future, I can do it more often. After the immigration, we took the bas to Kranji MRT station to head to Queenstown MRT station where my 1st aunt stays in Stirling Road to return her the luggage I borrowed from her the last trip I was there. This trip, I had purchase the Ez-Link card to ease my traveling on the bas & MRT in Singapore. On top of that, it's cheaper too to use the card.

We reached there close to 4pm and we sat enjoying some biscuits and quench our thirst after the little-hilly-climb to my aunt's place. After seeking advice from my uncle how to get to Vivo City, we took the bas to Harbour Front and we started walking. Since Lily & Charlie have not been to Vivo City, I'm the one giving them some direction since it's my second time to this place. Most buildings or shopping-malls in Singapore are inter-connected, we hardly know that we walked quite a distance from where we started. We stood outside Vivo City for a while overlooking the harbour's view and also where Sentosa Island is just opposite. Now, they have bullet-train or rather a capsule-train to Sentosa Island too; every 5-10mins. That's the latest transport across.

After admiring some Chinese-cruise and getting some sea-breeze, we decided to check out St James Power Station. As we near the place, we were told by a lady that ex-president; Lee Kuan Yew is having a function inside and that explained the police cars outside the building. We walked to the nearest bas station and was planning to visit Esplanade and Marina Square but we actually hopped into the wrong bas. On the wrong route, we managed to see up-close with the "Eye of Singapore" that is still on construction. As the bas is moving kinda fast, I was not in time to catch a picture of it.

Had our dinner at Marina Square. Charlie decided on Carl's Jr which is my first time. The burger is huge but I was so hungry. After dinner, we walked around and head to Esplanade and from there, we saw the Fullerton Hotel from a distance and the Merlion. The view was something I usually see on post-cards but last evening, I get to see it and experience it with my own eyes and soul. *chuckled* So, we decided to walked to the Merlion and sat right next to it while enjoying the night view of the various chinese-boats that are bringing the tourists for a short cruise along the quay. Instead of walking back to Esplanade, we cross over to Fullerton Hotel and standing right next to it really make me open-my-mouth to the beauty of the architecture. I was just busy snapping photos in the dark & even while I crossed the zebra-crossing too.

We took the bas to Bugis Street and on the way, I passed by Chijmes and it took my breath away on the beauty of the church structure and now, it's converted to a famous dining place & entertainment. I shall visit it there one fine day. After walking a distance from Bugis street, we arrived at a place where we took the express-bas to the Immigration to go back to Johor Bahru. We reached the condominium at around 11pm and after a quick shower, I watched tv for a while and decided to snuggle into bed at about midnight. Had small-chats with Lily and dozed off at around 2am.

Set my alarm for 7am so I could catch the Korean series while preparing for breakfast. Still in my pajamas, I went out with Lily & my 5th aunt to purchase some raw porks and they brought me out for breakfast; 'kuey teow' with some pig's internal organs. Tasted good but a little smelly but I guessed that's what attracted everyone in the first place. Hehehe... Dropped by the church so that I could meet my 1st aunt and her hubby to say my greetings since I'm all the way from Klang and after saying "hi-byes", I head back to the condominium so that I could jump into the pool for a swim.

5th aunt cooked "char-siew rice" for lunch. And I had it at about 11.30am thinking that 2nd aunt wanted to go back at 12pm. But due to some reason, we left Johor Bahru at about 2pm. Reached Klang at about 6.30pm and had my 1st round of dinner at my grandma who insisted that we had to eat there.

Since it's been over 10 years that I last visited Johor Bahru town, this trip was simply wonderful and it gave me lots of time to catch up with my aunts and cousins. The day-trip to Singapore also put a smile to my face since I did not get to enjoy it the last trip I was there.

Just a while ago, just got back from having 2nd round of dinner with Yow who said he was a little adventurous tonight with food but we ended up in a new shop that served vegetarian. And that will be the last time I step into that place due to the poor service and I can't survive having non-meat for dinner. Kekeke... Time to snooze...Zzz...

New Phone

Two days ago, I finally able to collect my phone due to very limited stock for this model that I want to get. Nothing fancy about this phone is just that I'm looking for a simple, slim and flip-style phone that comes with a radio function. When the enthusiasm finally dies down, I almost decided not to get the phone after all. But, well... My brother nagged that, "already place a booking and now you do not want?" but I simply replied, "But, I waited for ages already..."

I had been playing with it, the manual did not come with much informations. Or is it that it's too simple that they do not have a lot of functions? It's a product from India and in Malaysia, they only had one colour. Despite, I still use my previous SE Z600 for alarm-clock because this morning, the new phone did not alarm me. So, I had to try again tomorrow... *chuckled*