Monday, March 30, 2009

Difference between KFC - IFC - HFC

I'm sure many of you have seen, been to and dined at KFC or Kentucky Friend Chicken wherever it exists. Personally, I like KFC too.

When we were wandering around Khartoum for good meals, we try to eat something that we have not been there for quite some time. Normally that "some time" is only about few days hahahaha .......... because not many places that you can dine here.

At Amarat area, we saw this very familiar signage that caught our attention. It was KFC !!!! Our favourite fast food restaurant. We made a u-turn back to the front of the restaurant and to our disappointment, it was IFC - Ivory Fried Chiecken ....... so close to KFC.

Since we were already there, might as well try it out.

This tree's branches managed to outgrow its main tree trunk was there right in the centre of the open seating area of this IFC (note, not KFC).














The three of us ordered the set of nine pieces of chicken (5 original, 4 spicy ... yeah they have this sort of choices too). Three small cups off coleslaw, a plate of french fries and some bread. It comes with tomato ketchup, no chilli sauce.

Gave my thumb down for this fried chicken. The moment I tried to hold on to the chicken while trying to bite it, the first layer of fried flour gave way ....... it broke into pieces.

The same goes for the other two pieces that I ate.



The hungry hands going for their dinner. We paid 40 Sudanese Dinar for this meal (2 Sudanese Dinar = US$1.00). Not worth it for such quality.

Enough pictures, need to eat before it disappears.

During one of those days, we were travelling around the city in doing our usual stuff and saw this new outlet ............. KFC ..... we saw it! we found it!

We were on our way back to office and decided to try it for our dinner.





To our horror, it was another let down ...... HFC ...... can't they use any other alphabets ah














Already there ...... don't want to waste time and went in for our meal. That's the counter where you order your meals.

Their colourful seatings.












Nine pieces again, with french fries, coleslaw served on a plate, four pieces of buns, one litre of pepsi and a plate of homos (not that ........ i know what you are thinking there).

This meal cost us 53 Sudanese Dinar.

I like this fried chicken as it was almost the original KFC back home. Marvellous!!! Better than nothing man when you are stucked in this place.






This is Homos. Fattening food ordered by my colleague. This outlet's homos is not nice at all. The yellow coloured stuff is olive oil with some peas mixed with it. How do you eat it? You dip the bun into it and scooped up the homos serving.

This is HFC, not KFC, originates from Egypt. HFC stands for ????? H...... Fried Chicken. The alphabet stood for a name which the Egyptian owner told us but can't recall the arabic name now. Operates on similar franchise scheme.

Where are you KFC????
Tags: KFC, Kentucky Fried Chicken, IFC, HFC, Fried Chicken, Fast Food, Homos

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Earth Hour 2009 in Malaysia

The Earth Hour 2009-Malaysia was quite successful although not everyone participated. Kudos to those business entities who made it a wonderful event.

A friend of mine staying up high managed to capture the moment just before 8.30pm.

The moment it hit 8.30pm. Proud of you Malaysians.

For those of you who thought that this would not be followed by fellow Malaysians, we look forward to you joining in the next Earth Hour.

It was not a wasted one hour but imagine the amount of electricity saved throughout the world just for that one hour.

I'm also proud of a wedding couple who had their wedding dinner function which co-incide with the Earth Hour 2009. The hotel, Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers, approached the couple and told them that the hotel was participating in Earth Hour 2009 and suggested an idea to the wedding couple.

The couple agreed and their dinner was held with candles being lighted up all over the ballroom. Wow, what an unforgettable wedding dinner where all the guests will now know what Earth Hour is all about.

Reading: Couple hold candlelight wedding banquet - Star

Related post - Do Remember Earth Hour 2009!
Tags: Earth Hour 2009, Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers, Global Warming, Environment

Latest Piping Technology

The Domestic Engineers would definitely be interested with this latest piping technology.


People asked me "Who are the Domestic Engineers?" .............. housewives. They worked in their domestic comfort but they know every single details of the family, household and related stuff ... just like an engineer.
Tags: Piping Technology, Domestic Engineer

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Do Remember Earth Hour 2009!

World Wildlife Fund-Malaysia has initiated the Earth Hour 2009 in Malaysia to join 999 other cities in sixty two other countries to switch off your lights (better still your electricity).

The event is scheduled for Saturday, 28 March 2009 from 8:30 pm to 9.30 pm only (Malaysian time, GMT +8) which is to convey the support for action on climate change.
Be part of the marvellous event which, where according to WWF-Malaysia, aims to highlight the voice of the people of the world and represent a visual mandate for meaningful policy on climate change.
Malaysia's chapter of Earth Hour 2009-Malaysia depends on you to effect this wonderful event.

Some people may say that it's a waste of time or what could be done to save the climate within one hour only. Well, it's better than not doing anything at all. It doesn't cost you at all and it actually saves you one hour of non-usage of electricity.

This is where you can play a part for the world where the future generations to come depend on YOU!

Yeah, it's YOU!
(Pictures sourced from Earth Hour-Malaysia)
Tags: Earth Hour 2009, WWF, World Wildlife Fund, WWF-Malaysia, Climate Change, Environment

Friday, March 27, 2009

Recent Kidnap and Snatch Theft Cases

Dear Team,
We would like to alert all of our Team Members esp. Ladies on the recent kidnap attempts on one of our Team Member.

1) Last Friday around 7pm, our colleague on her way back to her car, (her car was parked behind the High Court, i.e. next to the Klang river), was approached by 4 men (2 Indians & 2 Thais) from a van that was parked in-front of her.

2) 3 of the men got out from the van and were trying to grab her and started pushing her towards the van in an attempt to force her into the van.

3) She gave the 3 of them a good fight and in turn, they started to use their fine bladed dagger to slash her on her shoulders and back.

4) The more she tried fighting them, the more they caused injuries to her.

5) They were threatening that if she keeps fighting, they would tear off her clothes in public.

6) In their attempts, they even hit her head so hard.

7) Although our colleague had bags, a chain & etc, they weren't keen in taking these items - but it was clear that their intention was to kidnap her.

8) Finally, 5 Malay men who were passing by, came to her rescue in time.

We would like to advise all of our colleagues to "Be Careful" & "Do Not Go To Your Cars & LRT Stations Alone". Here are some Safety TIPS and Reminders in order to Avoid these sort of incident:-

- When using ATM, be watchful of any suspicious people around you. If you find someone waiting and watching outside the area of an ATM, do not use it. Leave the area and report to the police immediately - you can save someone from being the victim

- Stay in well-lighted areas

- Avoid walking alone

- Avoid known trouble spots

- Carry only what you need in your wallet/purse

- Avoid carrying valuable items or large amounts of cash

- Avoid using shortcuts through dark alleys or vacant lots

- Always walk against the flow of traffic

- Always think ahead. Example: when travelling at night, have your keys ready to enter the house or car

- Lock the door immediately when you enter your car. Do not wait for the auto lock to function

- Use whistle to get attention from public

- Use pepper spray when is necessary

- The best advise is to cooperate when confronted - less chances of getting hurt

(Received the above via an email from a lady friend)
Tags: Kidnap, Snatch Theft

How To Protect Your Passwords?

People are very innovative as frauds are happening at almost every corner of our lifes. In ensuring that your passwords are not 'stolen', various steps could be implemented as shown in the following pictures:-

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Wandering Around Khartoum City

Flat land in Khartoum city and not many tall buildings on this side of the city.

Across the bridge, on the other side of the river, is the Omdurman area.

This was our dessert after a dinner. It's the Tutti Frutti. Not many places we can go to relax in Khartoum.

Opted for chocolate topping as well on the tutti frutti ice-cream purportedly from Italy lah, dunno how true also. There were 3 different flavours, one of it is Vanilla, (something) cheesecake and one more (forgotten). Cost me 6 Sudanese Dinar.

This little corner is selling drinks e.g. coffee and tea. Dare not picture of the counter that was selling ice-cream. Do not want the lady to scream.

This are the usual vegetables found in Khartoum city. Not much of a choice. For those greeny leaves type, you have to know where to buy it.

After taking this picture, I took another one which is of the fruit stall towards the left side (if you do notice the yellow colour mangoes on the left). A policeman seated nearby told me to delete the picture. Not permitted to take picture and this is what we face here.

Went to the Filipino community gathering opposite of Afra shopping centre (the only one in Sudan).

The Filipinos will have basketball competitions or friendlies on every Thursday and Friday nights.

My colleagues, having lunch together at Overseas restaurant. This is our usual place for either our lunch or dinner nowadays.

This was lunch time and it seems that many people came to know about this eatery place already judging from the crowd.

For those of you who have been to Sudan, you really need to read this Italian blogger's blog posting on Sudan. It's so hilarious - You know you lived in Khartoum when...
Tags: Khartoum, Tutti Frutti, Filipino Community

Lunch - Syrian Fresh Food

On a hot weekday ....... estimated temperature - 45 degree celcius. Burning my skin all the way. We hopped into our car and decided to go Syrian food nearby, say three minutes drive.

Syrian Fresh Food it is.
This is the common Syrian salad where you dip bread into it.

The bread looks like those roti naan back home in KL.

This is my Shawerma Chicken jumbo size. Not bad not bad ..... taste good but unable to compare against any food as I won't opt for middle eastern if i'm in KL.

Their sweet biscuits ..... and it's really too sweet for my taste.

The guy who's in charge of getting those roti naan in perfect edible condition.

The chicken and beef meat ...... look at the big chunk of meat that they prepare for the day. I think it's not only one ........
The scenery outside.
Tags: Syrian Fresh Food, Syrian Salad, Shawerma, Roti Naan

Monday, March 23, 2009

Chinese Courier Service

An innovative delivery method, the Chinese ways... forget about DHL, UPS or even FedEx !!!

A family in the southern province of China, were puzzled when the coffin of their dead grandmother arrived from the States. It was sent by one of the daughters. The dead body was so tightly squeezed inside the coffin, with no space left in it! When they opened the lid, they found a letter on top; which read as follows:-

Dear Cousins,

I am sending Ahma body to you since it was her wish that she should be cremated in the compound of our ancestral home in Tung Shin. Sorry, I could not come along as all of my paid leaves are consumed.

You will find inside the coffin, under Ahma's body, 12 bottles of Yomeishu, 10 packets of Swiss chocolates and packets of Chinatown Lap Cheong. Please divide these among all of you.

On Ahma's feet you will find a new pair of Nike Air shoes (size 10) for Ah boy. Also, there are 2 pairs of shoes for Ah Mei's and Ah Lien's sons. Hope the sizes are correct.

Ahma is wearing 6 CK T-Shirts. The large size is for Ah Bak and the others are for my nephews. Just distribute them among yourselves.

The 2 new Armani Jeans that Ahma is wearing are for the boys. The Rolex watch that Lee Ah Bai wanted is on Ahma's left wrist.

Kiasu Aunty Pei Pei, Ahma is wearing the Tiffany necklace, earrings and ring that you asked for. Please take them.

The 6 white Polo cotton socks that Ahma is wearing must be divided among my teenage cousins. let me know what else you need as Ah Kong is also not keeping well nowadays. I can send all required things when our Ah Kong goes back too............

Definitions:-
Ahma - grandma
Ah Kong- grandpa
Tags: Kiasu, Yomeishu, Swiss Chocolates, Nike Air Shoes, Armani Jeans, CK T-Shirts, Rolex Watch, Tiffany Necklace, Polo Cotton Socks

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Main Cause of Hockey & Soccer Downfall

Malaysia's football and hockey teams were a major force to be reckoned with in the 1970s and 1980s (in Asia). Malaysia could beat teams coming from South Korea, Japan or the Middle East nations. Come to the 1990s, we have seen slight deterioration in their performances.

Today, the teams that we trash in those yesteryears are right at the top of the game and beating us every now and then.

Where was Vietnam in the 1970s? They were just recovering from their war against the USA and today, their football team is the champion of South East Asia.

In Malaysia's match against the United Arab Emirates for the 2011 Asian Cup qualifying stage, only three pathetic players were declared fit for the match. The rest? What were they doing? What sort of training did they go through? How are you going to play three against eleven? We lost 5-0!

Our deplorable football team is ranked 161st in the FIFA ranking (as at today). Really sad! I have even heard a comment stating that too much of televised English Premier League matches in our TV channels actually stopped many Malaysians from having interests in supporting local Malaysian teams. What an excuse!!!! Instead of coming up with better ideas to improve it, excellent excuses were thought of.

The upper echelon of the national football team management has to be responsible for the dismay but the national football coach has been blamed by the management instead. The players that the coach could select were from state teams that are not managed well enough. How do you expect the coach to have a strong team then? Even the former national players blame the Football Association of Malaysia for the state of the national football team.

Not only football, even our national hockey is in the same predicament. What's happening here? The hockey team is preparing for the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in April 2009 and went through a fitness test. Unfortunately, only nine passed the fitness test conducted by the National Sports Institute. So much for the millions poured into the sports ............ or was it poured elsewhere that we didn't know about it? Otherwise, how could such things happen.

The Pakistan and India teams feared the Malaysian hockey team in those years ....... now? They could be heard asking "Who's Malaysia?".

I don't think I'm allowed to question the upper echelon who's in charge of the respective national football and hockey teams as I could be charged for treason or sedition under weird Malaysian laws.

We are not asking Malaysia to win the World Cup in both sports as even though there are no mutu, show me some gaya at least (of which I can't see it also).
Tags: Malaysia, National Sports Institute, Football, Hockey, FIFA Ranking, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, 2011 Asian Cup, Football Association of Malaysia

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Silence on Credit Card Clause?

How true is this clause? Can anyone verify it?
----------------------------------------------
The limit of our liability for a lost or stolen credit card is RM250.00 only under Rule 13.2 of the Bank Negara rules on credit card if it has been fraudulently used.

Please note this limit and ensure that your bank does not overcharge you should your card have been used illegally. Most are unaware of RM250 limited liability - PLEASE READ AND BE INFORMED! CARDHOLDERS need not pay more than RM250 whenever their lost or stolen credit cards are used by others. Yet, often times, they end up paying much more.

This is because Bank Negara has not informed cardholders that they do not have to pay more than RM250 for fraudulent transactions carried out using their lost or stolen cards, when they had not acted fraudulently and had informed the banks about the lost or stolen cards as soon as possible.

This protection is given under Clause 13.2 of Bank Negara's Credit Card Guideline:-

"The cardholder's maximum liability for unauthorised transactions as a consequence of a lost or stolen credit card shall be confined to a limit specified by the issuer of credit cards, which shall not exceed RM250 provided the cardholder has not acted fraudulently or has not failed to inform the issuer of credit cards as soon as reasonably practicable after having found that his credit card is lost or stolen."

Banks know about Clause 13.2 but have chosen to ignore it. Instead they pursue cardholders for the fraudulent transactions. They will tell cardholders that a clause in the credit card contracts states that all transactions carried out before the loss of the cards are reported to the banks, are deemed to be carried out by the cardholders. Many cardholders then pay up because they are unaware of the RM250 limited liability.

Bank Negara should rule that:-

*The RM 250 maximum liability on fraudulent transactions is highlighted to cardholders in the card agreements as well as in the monthly card statements.

*Banks are not allowed to insert any clause in the card agreement which is contrary to Clause 13.2.

*Banks should refund all money in excess of the RM 250 collected from cardholders whose cases clearly come under Clause 13.2.

S.M. Mohamed Idris
President, Consumers Association of Penang
(extracted from Star)
Tags: Bank Negara, Credit Card Clause, Consumers Association of Penang

Discover Your Calling

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-27 (Based on Gordon Smith's Courage and Calling and Yoke Yeow's idea with Incredibly Called) Delivered at RipTreat 2009.

If you can be a superhero, who would you want to be? Why do you want his or her super powers?

Do you remember the movie The Incredibles? Or Kungfu Panda? Or Ratatouille? The heroes of each story have a deep desire in their hearts to be superheroes, a chef (Remy the Rat) or kungfu master (Po The Panda), they face huge internal and external problems that prevent them for realizing their dreams and we cheer them on when we see how they finally overcome these barriers to be what they were meant to be!

Each and every one of us is given special talents, skills, abilities and a calling from God. Not all of us have the same spiritual gift. Why? It’s supposed to be like a body when we mutually build up and bless each other with the diverse gifts we have been given. Since we cannot be experts in everything, we need each other…

First and foremost, God calls us to Himself, to a personal Father-child relationship with Him. He loves us unconditionally, there is where our self-worth lies. Secondly, He has also equipped us with abilities and called us to fulfil a purpose, mission and destiny in life.

What happens when we don’t exercise our gifts or we don’t know what God has called us to do with our lives? When people don’t discover what God had made them to be, they very often experience these symptoms

Boredom: Mr Incredible is super-strong and loves to fight crime and save people from trouble. But when he was forced to retire by the law, he earns a living filing claims in an insurance company. He’s cramped in a tin can and sneaks out at night to play super hero.

Mischief: Do you remember Dash? Wonder-boy capable of supersonic speeds but to hide his superpowers, he can’t show his true colors in school. So he must pretend to lose races in school to conceal his abilities. In frustration, he expresses his talent by putting thumb tacks teacher's butt. When people can’t express their abilities in positive, productive ways, these gifts can have a dark side.

Inferiority Complex: Violet the shy, insecure girl whose gift of invisibility helps her fade ever more into the background. When you don’t find your call or purpose in life, you may eventually believe you are good for nothing. There is no meaning or rhyme in life… you get overwhelmed with self pity, inferiority and insecurity.

Mismatch of work: I would also like to suggest to you that because many people do not discover the true superpowers, they choose a certain job or study certain subjects because everybody else is doing it, it makes lots of money or due to society expectation or because it is easier road to take. We dun stop and ask:

Is this “who I am”? Is this what God has called me to do?

Disclaimer: If you are in secondary school, this is probably not the time for you to make firm decisions on what you’d be doing for the rest of your life. So don’t go home and tell your parents “I’m not going to school anymore because I wanna go US and be American Idol”. It is a lifelong journey. You won’t find out the entire purpose of your life tonight. At your age, I want to encourage you to try new things, dun limit your ministry experience and continuously learn more about you like/dislike but it’s never too early to start thinking about these things.

What I like about movies like Kungfu Panda, Incredibles or Ratatouille is not so much the silly humor or kick-butt action, what satisfies us most is when they find the joy of finally doing what they were made to do. Like when Remy the rat creates delicious dishes instead of scavenging leftovers or when Po the Panda finally defeats the bad guy by being himself and he finds out that the secret of the dragon scroll is “There is no secret!” we cheer for these heroes.

What are you spiritual gifts? Freely you have received, freely give. A Hero is waiting to be set free in us. Only One Life To Live. Don’t Waste It.

But how do we find out what is God’s will for us? What are our spiritual gifts? Must we hear audible voices from heaven before we know it? Is there a secret spiritual formula to finding God's call? The secret of the dragon scroll is "there is no secret".

It’s not something overly difficult or mysterious. In fact, after this we will do a little survey together to help you find out more about your spiritual gifts. Would you like to find out? (Disclaimer: The purpose is to get you started on discovery not absolute answers because unless you have tried some of these ministry areas, how do you know you don’t like it or good at it? The answers will change as you explore and learn more)

Here are FIVE Questions to help us find our Life Calling

1) What do you feel joy doing? What is my deepest desire or passion?

It doesn’t mean that just because you enjoy playing Counterstrike, you are called to be a gamer. But since God put the body together, you will feel fulfilled (Yes, I feel God’s pleasure when I run, sing, write, play the guitar, serve the weak etc) when functioning in the proper area. There will be a sense of purpose, like jigsaw puzzles that fit. Look out for the sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, pleasure when you exercise a gift/ministry.

2) What are you good at doing? What are my abilities, skills, spiritual gifts, mutant powers?

Run through some of the gifts and talents in the spiritual gift survey. It's not an exhaustive list. Maybe you think “Oh, I’m good at none of these things.” But again: “Belum cuba belum tahu”. Risks: When people ask you to serve as ushers, “Oh no, because I don’t have that gift”. You begin to avoid evangelism or prayer. And at this time, none of us have enough life experience to really know what gifts you have, Some people would rather die than say, sing in public, but when they are given training and opportunity they may turn out to be gifted singers. So explore new opportunities. Get involved in different church ministries to meet the needs of some real people, expose yourself to the needs around and see if God puts a burden in your heart.

3) What do you feel are the biggest needs of the people around you?

When you look at the world around you, what are the things that make you sad or lose sleep? Are you burdened by the suffering of poor people? Are you burdened to see that people are lost without the gospel? Do you feel angry when there is injustice or cruelty? Of course, all Christians should feel such burdens in some degree. But it’s also true that some people feel more strongly about some areas than others. And it’s okay, dun fight over it and accept that God calls people differently while learn from others. Evangelism (Alpha Course) versus Social Justice? (Angsana) Don’t insist others to be like you. Have you felt like: “Why isn’t somebody doing something about it?” Maybe you should.

4) What is your unique personality?

God has wired each of us differently, in a unique way like snowflakes. There is no “right” personality. Our individual temperament is unique to us as our fingerprint. John Calvin once said: You cannot know God unless you know yourself. You cannot know yourself unless you know God.

- Extroverts are energized by being with people or enjoy being the center of attention. Introverts tend to be content and energized being alone, and avoid attention when in a crowd. Which is more true to who you are?- How do you process information? Am I more inclined to trust clear, certain and concrete facts (sensate) or more inclined to trust intuition, gut feeling and imagine possibilities (intuitive)?

- Do you make decisions depending on logic/analysis or personal relationship/feeling? Thinker or feeler?

- Am I more inclined to live with order, structure and routine or do I prefer going through life with more variety, spontaneous changes? Different personality may clash in a meeting. Derive fulfillment from finishing a task or find more joy in the process?

Again, your calling is not determined by one factor. For example: “Unless you are an outgoing extrovert, you cannot be a leader” – too simplistic. There are different leadership styles, a quiet person can lead effectively also.

5) What do others in school, family, circle of friends, church community say about me?

Since spiritual gifts are designed to benefit others (edify each other), you should see positive results as you exercise these gifts. But results take time so don’t give up too quickly, give it a fair try. Sometimes it’s hard to be brutally honest with ourselves – we can be either too hard on ourselves or unable to see our own shortcomings. So we need other brothers and sisters in Christ to help us recognize and confirm our gifting. Cannot ‘syok sendiri!!’ And as a youth group, be on the lookout and encourage those who do well, affirm them to continue using their gifts, be generous in giving honest feedback and constructive suggestions or evaluations.

But you can’t consider this question alone: Sometimes even people who mean well may misunderstand us, may be biased and their feedback cannot be absolute. We need to weigh opinions of others carefully as well. Usually some truth, some exaggerations…

So there you have it: Five Questions to help you discover your calling in life
What do you feel joy doing? What are you good at doing? What do you feel are the biggest needs of the people around you? What is your unique personality?

After doing the survey:
Beware of ‘gliding on our gifts’. Sometimes our relationship with God is not that healthy or our hearts are not right (bear grudges or hatred on others) but we can still do well in our ‘ministry’ because we are gifted in it and nobody notices. Your gift can never replace what goes on inside your heart. “Lord! Lord! Look at what we have done for you” But I never knew you. (Matt 7:21) There are people who are not so gifted but because their character is godly and their relationship with God is close, people are blessed and sense the aroma of Christ in their lives.

Our gift, ability or ministry is not an extension of ourselves. It is not where your source of self-worth. Unless you see this, you’d be driven or scared, too timid or too aggressive.

If we measure our self-worth by our achievements and abilities, we will either burn out (“I must be the best otherwise I’m a failure”) or give up (“What’s the point? I’d never be good enuff”).

But the good news is Christ “loves us more than we ever dare imagine even though we are more sinful than we’d ever know”! How does that change the way you measure how valuable you are and how you use gifts? Humble boldness…

I hope this message gets you to start thinking over the next few days we are together. What is the kind of person God has called me to be? What are the needs around me that I could me in Jesus name? What gifts have he given me to bless others and glorify God?

Remember Spiderman movie: With great powers come great responsibility! Let us pray.
Tags: Discover Your Calling

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Khartoum Life

The van in front of us has a spoiler right above the van ..... preparing to take off ???

Over here, the owner of this office made sure that people knows where to find his office.

Before we start our meeting, we indulge in the Sudanese breakfast called 'foul' ...... pronounced as fool. FYI, I'm still clever after eating it.

You eat the foul by dipping your bread into it and try to scoop the right amount of foul in tandem with the size of the bread in your hand.

What's foul? Egyptian dish made of fava beans. First the beans go in the bowl, then it is time for the toppings: a little cumin, chopped onions, fresh parsley, pepper, salt, and olive oil.

Street mobile vendors - nope, they don't sell mobile phone but they are mobile enough to walk at all the traffic light junctions showing the goods they in their hands.













Sometimes I would notice that when a driver bought something from them and gave them a big currency note, the street vendor would take that money and run over to his other fellow street vendors looking for smaller note denomination.

By that time, the cars would have moved a bit to the front and this street vendor would be running towards that car.

Normally, the street vendor would be walking around cars that are quite far away from the traffic lights, in case the car moves on during a green light with their goods still in the hands of the car driver.

Lots of them. To me, at least they are trying to make a living with their own two feet.
But one of my local colleagues did mention that some of those goods could be stolen goods and sold off to unknowing car drivers.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Batman Suparman in Singapore

Voice message recorded in a call centre:-

"Thank you for calling, this is BATMAN"

"Who am I speaking to?.."

"Batman..."

"May I have your name again pls?"

"My name is Bat-man..."

"Trying to be funny huh?!. What is your surname?.."

"Supar-man..."

"I want to speak with your manager... !"
Tags: Batman, Suparman, Funny, Humour

Monday, March 16, 2009

Fees for Toilet Usage in Aeroplane

Pay for seat reservation ......

Pay for food ......

Pay for usage of blanket ......

Pay for pillow ......

Pay for additional check-in luggage ......

These are the things you may need to pay when you board low cost carrier across the world.

But when I heard that you may have to pay for the usage of the toilet, I think it has really gone too far this time.

I can bear with the running on the airport tarmac to the aeroplane or walk a bit faster than the rest of the passengers ...... so can do without the seat reservation.

I can sneak food into my waistpouch and hence, I don't need to buy food during the flight.

Normally I'm afraid of warm weather or place. So, no blanket is still alright.

No pillow? What difference does it make by trying to sleep with a pillow since you are sitting up.

Lesser clothings, lesser space required for luggage space .... problem with ladies usually ... hehe

But the toilet issue .............. you are asking which airplane is going to do that?

Well, it's the Irish budget airline Ryanair. They won't be placing an additional crew in front of the toilet door to collect money but a coin slot would be installed for your sake. Their sake or yours actually?

No coins? Sorry mate, wait till the plane lands. Meantime, get a plastic bag ready if you are about to let go .......... haha

What else will they think of? Pay for your life jacket ...... ?

Reading: Ryanair mulls charge for toilets - BBC News
Tags: Ryanair, Toilet Usage, Low Cost Carrier

Dinner - Amwaj Restaurant

This is a road side stall (one of those larger operations).

We opted for Amwaj Restaurant for the night. Definitely will try out this restaurant each time I'm in Khartoum.

Four stooges went for the dinner. Two here.

The other two stooges.

They will lay a piece of plastic sheet over the table. Less hassle in cleaning the table later.










All the four walls have been lined up with mirrors. Looked classy. It has an area without air-cond. This is the part of the restaurant which has air-cond. You could occupy first floor too but we were lazy to climb up.












Normally people would order a plate of salad each that comes with a bowl of soup plus those giant bread ..... what kind of soup was that already?













A small plate of the really hot chili ........... pure chilli taste.











This our lamb dish that comes with their special rice that has raisins cooked with it.















Our KFC chicken style ...... of course it doesn't taste like KFC.











A frightening dish itself. All jumbled up. If I didn't know what was ordered, I wouldn't be able to guess this dish.














Looks like a squid but it was a fish.

Have you heard of the word "grogs" ???

On the way out of the restaurant, took a quick shot at their big hot plate which was like preparing for a huge banquet. This is how fast they sell their foodstuff ...... could be even better than the local fast food companies.
Tags: Khartoum, Amwaj Restaurant, Food

Pattaya International Fireworks Festival

Pattaya is definitely firing up its presence internationally. Covid19 has hit many nations really hard and Pattaya wasn't exempted from ...