Fuh~~~ after being so long in the working world, it looks like as though I do not have so much time to enjoy the outdoors like I used to do. Well, after what seemed like 4 whole years since my last Bukit Tabur hiking trip, it was time to revisit this superb nature place in the heart of Kuala Lumpur town.

The date was 11th February 2012, it was early in the morning. It was a breathtaking morning where the sun is still just waking up and glowing behind the mountains. The surroundings were still misty and this created a feeling of how great is the scenery all around us. If only some of us took time to view how beautiful is God’s creation, we will begin to appreciate all the beautiful landscapes.

Of course, this is where I come in and that is why I brought my camera up to Bukit Tabur to tell you what you will be missing unless you try this hike yourself. The butterfly was one of the attraction up there. Shot using a 55-200mm Nikkor lens at ISO 640.

Just like before, the scenery atop Bukit Tabur is beautiful. This time there were more mist than usual as the previous night it was raining and lucky for us, the land going up has already dried up and our shoes were not stuck in wet muddy trails. The water below is actually the reservoir lake.

This is only the first hill and the scenery is definitely pretty up there. I wished I could stay longer to take some photos but alas, I did not go alone.

From left: Aunty Soh Ching, Mum, Dad, Mrs Chong, Mr Chong, Mr Lee, Aunty Siew May

The oldest person who joined this hike up Bukit Tabur is a 70 year old man. The youngest being only early 40s. I am not counting myself in though. My mum and dad joined this hike too and though me being the youngest in the group, it was definitely great to see people who are older but very geared up to take part in this hike up Bukit Tabur (Tabur Hill).

The best part about this hike, though how dangerous it looked, as long one pays attention and listen to orders and do not play around, this hike is definitely enjoyable. Also I always love to offer this challenge to new people who seeks challenge. If a 70 year old uncle and aunt can make it to the top and down, why not you who is younger? Of course, the hike could actually should take about 2 hours up and down. We took 5 hours though.

Rant In Quotes Below. Read with Caution

Sometimes we think that we are getting too modern, we felt like we do not need to exercise. Exercise is the thing of the past. Going to gym to build big muscles seems the greatest thing. Though let me say something here, being fit is not about going to gym to bulk up, or use some exercise machine like the tummy bouncer (Ogawa machines) to make one slim down. It is all about using your energy to exercise, not only certain part of your bodies but everywhere. Being coop up in the house or the gym is just bad air for your lungs. Thinking that life should be just like it is and not doing anything because this is your life, think again.

What about me? The reason why I love doing all this is because I do not want to be when I am 60 to 70 years old, I do not have the strength to play with my grandson or granddaughter. I do not want to be just a fragile old man. I rather keep myself healthy rather than binge on food.

Well, anyway putting that aside, Bukit Tabur is still one of the greatest hill to climb. The only thing that was missing is the hard rope absailing that used to be on one of the rocks. Now it is just steps and hand rails at that specific spot. Of course, there is one where one have to use their hand and feet coordination to climb down the cliff using the rope. A mistake in letting go your hand will result in falling down the cliff below and never to be seen again.

What has become of me? Since 2011, I have now gained 6kg. I am looking forward to gaining at least another 4kg to have a very lean body. Definitely not going to put on another 4kg of fats. This is my aim for the year 2012.

Until then, till many more strange and weird and exciting adventures to come in the year 2012. Well, I perceive that the year 2012 will be a great year. Why shouldn’t it?

Hello and welcome to Myeong-dong 명동, a place, a shopping haven for girls to go gaga over cosmetics, clothes and more cosmetics. For guys, it is also a place to find food and to look at girls shopping and the shop promoters. Opps…

Like I was saying, Myeongdong or Myeong-dong (명동) is a simple place. Well, how come it’s only the third day and we are in Myeongdong. Well, as a matter of fact, we stayed in Myeongdong and that is why it is easy to go walk around here. Convenient, fast and efficient… (to find food – for me).

Want to see more of what actually Myeongdong has to offer, just look at the next few photos. I do not even need to elaborate and you will know how fun and enjoyable it is if you (girls… yes… I meant girls mostly) love shopping for cosmetics.

Exhibit 1 – Etude House | Nature Republic

Exhibit 2 -Nude Building Myeongdong

Nude????????? I believe they sell clothes to nudist. Opps.. bothering again.

Exhibit 3 – Laneige

Now the above are just a few of the cosmetics and places one could visit. By the way, noticed anything weird here?

Yes, people were using umbrellas. Why? Of course, it rained earlier and still with a bit of drizzle, people still flock the place. Now imagine it was raining, what about if there were no rain? Could you imagine the amount of people??

One good thing is that, unlike those days when I was afraid to go into these kind of shops, I am not ashamed of it right now. Gone were the days when I used to think that guys who go into these shops were more womanly. Why? That is because I (the man) has gone in. AHAHA!!

A shot of one of the place I am in. Guess where? Duh… FACE SHOP

Aside the cosmetics, there were also food to savor here.

Have you tried Samgyetang (삼계탕), well, not the ones that you see in Mid Valley. Imagine it was raining earlier and then we had something like this which is so warm and refreshing and good for the body.

Samgyetang is a variety of guk or Korean soup, which primarily consists of a whole young chicken and Korean ginseng. The dish’s name literally translates as “‘ginseng chicken soup” in English. Samgyetang is traditionally served in the summer for its supposed nutrients, which replaces those lost through excessive sweating and physical exertion during the hot summers in Korea.

Whole young chicken to be precise. What other dishes there is? Eating one like this cost about 6500 Won, that is like RM18-20. Expensive but definitely better than the ones I had back in Malaysia.

Another photo of the famous dish.

One thing about this place though, you can find things that usually you would not find in places like my home country in Malaysia. Things like Pork Knuckles (sorry if you cannot eat pork, this next photo is for those who can actually eat pork)

So how would you like some?

So that basically covers my small portion of Myeongdong, because there are many more places to go and with limited time well, there is always a next time to be there. Food is definitely a must try in every country. I am sure some of you remembered how I talked about eating the Beondegi (Silk Worms) and though it may look yucky to other people, it sure is a delicacy. People always say, try if it is alright to try. So why not?

After a long lapse and a short weekend getaway, it is time to get off that lazy feeling and to blog about my Seoul, Korea escapades and this time in Yeouido 여의도. Shortly after being in Gyeongkokgung it was time to visit the famous park with lots of cherry blossoms along the walk and lo and behold, there were so many people when we arrived there.

Children and adults alike were amongst the figure there. There were children participating in CPR lessons. I am definitely impressed with the activities here. There are tonnes and lots of other activities on that day. It was expected to be a crowded day as it is on a weekend.

Of course, it was the day when Peter would be the last time he would accompany us on this trip. As he is staying quite far away, and he has to work we could say this was the last of the few minutes and hours we get to be around him.

Looking around with the excitement and games, Yen also decided to take part in it. Playing with the ring around the stick. Fascinated with sticks and hoops. Hehehe…

Of course, there are loads of other activities and other forms of entertainment on that day. One of them is we had a monkey on the loose.

Alright, not really a real monkey but the cosplay type. I am unable to read Korean, so anyway, at least there was a shot. Funny how happy Yen is standing with a person in a Monkey costume. *Escapes*

Actually what can one do in Yeouido? Let’s look at the wikipedia

Five parks are located in Yeouido. Notable among these are the Yeouido district of the Han River Public Park and Yeouido Park. Yeouido Park was formed in 1999 through the reclamation of a patch of land, known as Yeouido Square or 5/16 square, which had lain under asphalt for 27 years and was used for various large public gatherings. In addition, a terminal for excursion ferries stands on the Han River shore.

Seems like the best attraction are the parks and we were directly on top an old asphalt area. Superbly cool. Of course other than that, nothing much. Of course, the wikipedia does not really tell much. One has to use imagination and be more adventurous.

Ahh.. that’s Peter, he’s a friend of Yen in Korea and definitely good to see him around. We got a lot of directions and help from him since he was the only one who is able to converse well in Korean. This shot was taken when he was about to leave.

Hmmmm.. after analyzing the features of a Korean guy and comparing it to me, I must say there are some resemblance. Ahhhh…. I shall dream it elsewhere.

Of course, time for some shooting at Yeouido park. There are cherry blossoms along the park. So must stamp my mark on it and so I did. Let us look at how Yeouido city looks like from the park. It is amazing, simply amazing, the sky was perfect, the crowd was perfect and so I was with a nearly perfect lens.

The colors of the building overlooking the park. It was a bright sunny day with temperatures around 18 degrees celsius. Well, there are people bicycling, couples walking hand in hand, street vendors along the park, and kids playing around.

Pictures might not reveal the whole scene but this was how I picture it.

Finally time for some food which I am sure that you have seen me eating that Satay kind of food on the previous Korean post. There is something which Koreans do enjoy, and this is where I come in.

As Daniel Chew the Weird says,

What people can do, we can always try if it is safe.
What people can eat, we can also try

Of course not everyone shares the same temperament. I hereby give you a special delicacy where Koreans do eat other than the famous Tteokbokki, Bulgogi. I present to you, 번데기 or it’s equivalent Beondegi.
What is Beondegi?

Beondegi is a popular snack food in Korean cuisine. Literally meaning “chrysalis” or “pupa” in Korean, Beondegi are steamed or boiled silkworm pupae which are seasoned and eaten as a snack. Beondegi are often served by street vendors, as well as in restaurants and drinking establishments. They are also sold in cans in grocery stores and convenience stores, but they must be boiled in water before serving. 번데기 is the Korean spelling of Beondegi. Beondegi is not always sold in the market and is usually sold in packets from street vendors, although it is possible to buy the live variant for personal preparation.

No one dares to eat it on this trip, only person who did was truly this blogger, Daniel Chew. Sad isn’t it? No one wanted to share with me the whole cup which cost 2000 Won.

Being in Seoul during Spring is superb. The flowers are starting to bloom and there are lots of pink and white flowers all around. Well, anyway let’s get back to GyeongBokGung (경복궁).

A touch of white and pink flowers. This sets the mood of how the place was. Definitely worth it.

The group of them heading towards the GyeongBokGung palace and me lingering at the back to capture this shot. It was a cloudless day but it’s still okay. Oh yeah, the entrance fee was only ₩3000 which is roughly RM9. Well, at least it’s cheaper than going to Zoo Negara.

See their enthusiasm going into the palace. They are so into history okay…. while I am interested in photography. waahahaha..

In case you’re wondering, look at the photo of the guys there.

We are all in red. Splendid right, almost the same like the Korean football team. So gay, against the flowers as background.

Anyway moving forward, I was taken aback and amazed at the Palace Court. Lucky with the power of DSLR, I was able to take the photo inside the palace court. Using flash would spoil the whole image, but using high ISO and low shutter definitely makes it.

Tourists and people are not allowed here, we can only look from outside the barrier. Ahhhh.. though it looks almost like the Chinese style of architecture. We also found a Korean sitting around the palace. TADA…..

Cute leh…. and against the palace walls. It’s dear dear Yen by the way.

There is also a place for the palace mid wifes and concubines and basically all the females rest in this place (if I am not mistaken). Well, as usual we were not allowed to go into and there’s a barrier which explains why the floor is so clean.

See… isn’t it clean? Such a big place. If it was only my house, but then, I might need to hire a maid.

Okay, enough of architecture, let’s look outside instead. Of course, every posts would not be complete without a certain someone. That is……..

MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

I was thinking where to go after that in the big compound of the palace. Then an unknown person pointed me to a place. Strange isn’t it? I do not even know who that person was.

Though maybe she was pointing at something else. What could it be?

They do say there is always a beautiful flower amongst the rest of the flowers.I believe that’s true.

These are but a few of the scenery at 경복궁 (GyeongBokGung), okay it was the perfect one.

The sky was getting dark, I had to take this photo hand held as I forgotten to bring my tripod. What a bummer but at least it shot what it was supposed to take.

Alas walked into the building and guessed what it was? It was actually a Cultural Museum and outside the museum, there was a Korean Folk Dance going on.

People were crowding around the dance that I never actually got a decent shot.

Oh wait, forgotten to mention. There was this ‘Super Holy Tree‘, well I think it is. It was the only unique one in 경복궁 since it was the only tree which requires metallic support. Look at the 3 metals supporting it. Don’t be fooled, the tree is very big.

See, you can just look at the humans at the background to gauge how big this tree was. People have heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this is the Leaning Tree of 경복궁.

If you are observant enough you would know that there are Cherry Blossom trees at the background. It was cherry blossom season, so definitely there would be loads of them all around.

A very random photo of the folk dancer while spinning.

Finally it was time to go to our next destination and more photos upcoming, but before we depart, there is something we should do in order to leave our mark in 경복궁. Since the wall now stands surrounding the whole Joseon palace, it is definitely wise to have a photo with it.

In case you’re wondering, how did we get a shot like that? It’s magic… I tell you.

After the whole time at 경복궁, we felt it’s time to move to another place. What better place will there be? Stay tune.

Time for some Yeouido 여의도역 fun.

A few days back, Weird Weird Denial was down and hacked and his .htaccess file changed due to server upgrade issue too. Well, anyway looks like I have modified and now it’s time to talk about one of my latest trips which is South Korea. First time going to this country which boast of Rain, 4 Minutes, SNSD and even Jang Nara. Now I took advantage of the cheap Air Asia flight ticket to get here.

Why do I travel?

I travel for the fun of it, to enjoy the scenery and to enjoy the food and also to look at the different cultures and people in different countries and areas. Well, not that I do not travel in my own country (I have lots of travel activities in Malaysia too) but it sure is a different thing altogether. I touched down Incheon Airport during the night. It was pretty dark and it was time to wait for the bus to go to the guest house.

Since we spent like nearly 6 hours in the airplane, it was without dinner and this time it is time to get some food. What better way than to start our day (or night) with some Korean food.

Yummy restaurant. I ate Sundubu jjigae, which is spicy tofu (beancurd) with variety of seafood. Here is the reference from wikipedia about this superb food.

Sundubu jjigae is a hot and spicy jjigae (Korean stew) dish made with uncurdled dubu (tofu), seafood (oysters, mussels, clams and shrimp are common ingredients), vegetables, mushrooms, onion, scallions, and gochujang or gochu garu (chili powder) in Korean cuisine. A raw egg is put in the jjigae while it is still boiling. This dish is eaten with a bowl of cooked white rice and several banchan (side dishes). It is widely eaten and one of the favorite meals in South Korea.

Of course when there is Korean food, there is bound to be kimchi and I realized I love the kimchi here. Superb. Not everyone eats kimchi but I sure love the spicy taste of it. The place we ate was okay, the price was okay. The water is free (unlike my home country where plain water cost like Rm0.40 to RM1) to consume. My Sundubu jjigae cost like 4500 Korean Won (₩) which is roughly equivalent to RM12. Well, it’s one of the cheapest around there.

So after having our meal, we all checked in into the guesthouse. Oh wait, what do I meant by we? Yes, there is a group of us, that’s for you to find out as I reveal them slowly as the post goes on and on. We checked into the guesthouse roughly around 1230am and lucky for us the owner was still awake and boy were we lucky that his partner knows how to speak Mandarin.

The place we stayed was called Yun Guesthouse. I stayed in a room with 2 beds that cost about ₩45000 per night. That’s roughly RM150 per night. Not bad though. Finally called it a day and the next morning it was time to meet Mr Sunshine.

On the way out, I finally felt the first taste of Spring (well, tried it before long time ago at Perth 4 or 5 years back) and there were pretty flowers greeting us near the front door of the guest house. Nice, it was splendid for the moment.

You know, I have always thought that flowers or the cherry blossoms only bloom at parks or places with lots of trees like they have in the movies. Seems like it could also grow elsewhere and we were lucky to catch glimpses of cherry blossoms in Korea on the 2nd week.

Superb, a whole lot of them. It looks like I will be loving it so much I cannot stop talking about my next trip to Korea once again. Where to head next? It’s time for some sightseeing and our first visit would be Insadong or its Hangul equivalent 인사동. Since we were early, around 9am there are fewer people on the streets.

Look at the trees. No leaves. That’s spring for you. Ah… I miss Insadong.

Of course, what you do not know is that Koreans somehow love to write graffiti on walls anywhere they can find where they can actually write. This is something which I find it weird but I guessed that is how it is.

Finally after the short trip at Insadong with nothing much to see except some scenery, we headed straight for Gyeongbokgung (경복궁). This place sparks of history during the Joseon times. It was the main palace and definitely a place one should visit if they love Korean history.

Of course along the way, there was a stall selling Tteokbokki. Only ₩2500 (that’s like RM7) for a bowl of it.

What is Tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki (떡볶이) is a popular Korean snack food which is commonly purchased from street vendors. Flour tteokbokki was popular in early days, but rice tteokbokki is more popular these days. Definitely one have to try this amazing korean delight food.

Imagine a whole place full of bread or rather a tunnel of bread designs. Well, I am amazed and so is Yen.

Looking back at the photos make me miss Korea more and more. Of course I miss the food and Yen misses the shopping and we both miss the weather and culture. Of course no matter what, there is no place like home for me, but nevermind that let’s carry on.

It is now time to visit the ever famous GyeongBokGung Palace.

More facts of the Gyeongbokgung palace.

Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, is a royal palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1394 and reconstructed in 1867, it was the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The name of the palace, Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as “Palace of Shining Happiness.“

Nearly destroyed by the Japanese government in the early 20th century, the palace complex is slowly being restored to its original form prior the destruction. As of 2009, roughly 40 percent of the original number of palace buildings still stand or are being reconstructed.

The palace was originally constructed in 1394 by King Taejo, the first king and founder of the Joseon Dynasty, and the name Gyeongbokgung was created by an influential government minister named Jeong Dojeon. Gyeongbokgung was continuously expanded during the reign of King Taejong and King Sejong the Great.

Of course, now that we know about the history, I try to see how is it a tourist attraction nowadays. I was greeted by a serious palace guard.

I see him wearing red, and I was in red, so time for some photoshoot. Why are Koreans so tall?? I am only at his ear or eye level. Fishcakes. Of course, Yen also wanted a shot (not really, I asked her to go pose there)

Such stern looking face. Wonders why do people visit the palace? Well, there was like a ceremony for the guard to walk in and out of the palace. Sort of a reenactment of the whole scene during the Joseon times. Watch King Sejong the movie to relive that feeling if you want to know what it means.

See what I meant? Of course there were tourists looking on at the background. Everyone was enjoying it. There were not only Koreans and Malaysians (that’s us). There were also many tourists who came from China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and other Asian countries [how come everyone is Asian??? Where are the Angmohs (Eurasians)]

Everyone was lining up to take photos of the march and the ceremony. See it to believe it.

Well, if you are traveling to South Korea, remember to visit this palace. They say you haven’t been to South Korea if you did not go to their once famous biggest palace there just like you have not been to Nepal if you did not go to Everest Base Camp at least. HAHAHA!!

When we were there, it was already 1pm. Everyone was hungry. Finally time for some food and also for my fingers to rest while I prepare the next draft for the next post.

We had Korean BBQ.

1. Juicy raw chicken on the BBQ platter.
2. After BBQ them for awhile, the chicken is well cooked and it’s time to get some chow to build up our energy.
3. Looks like the middle of the BBQ platter is full of burnt fats and burnt food. Chicken meat are put to the side while everyone takes their turn to finish those chicken.
4. After replacing the platter with a new one (yes, the waiter there can do it for you), it is time for the next dish. BBQ Pork (sorry my halal friends).

Total cost for this?

We paid ₩8000 (that is roughly RM25) per person. Definitely cheaper than eating in a Korean restaurant back in Malaysia. Fresh from Korea. Till the next post.