Being Tagged! Where the game started.......

I started blogging since 2006. But never take seriouly until September 2007. Iniatially it was just my digital diary, but now....turn to one of my hobby! From blogging I learned a lot skill and even HTML, the best part is.....make friends around the cyber world.

Few days ago, I try my very best to understand about being Tagged. Really confuse me in the beginning, but I cathed a little after an explanation from Quachee.
Yes, you are right! I'm just a newbie in blogging! :)

Tagged! Random Questions

Instruction: Remove ONE from below and add in your own personal question, make it a total of 20 questions. Then, tag 8 people in your list and list them out in the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged. Whoever does the tag will have blessings from all.

The person who tagged you is: Quachee

1. What's your favorite book at the present time?
Don't have it at the moment.

2. Given the chance, what special ability/power would you like to have?
A power that can protect the wild animal in the jungle, and at the same time....feed all the hungry children in the world.

3. What's your favorite color? Why?
Blue. Born to love it, without reason.

4. Where is the place you want to go the most?
Maldives. As long as island or mountain.

5. If you have one dream to come true, what would it be?
A Peaceful World!

6. Do you believe in seeing a rainbow after the rain?
Yes. It's the new beginning.

7. Do you think friends are important?
Yes. Every corners in the world.

8. If you win $1 million, what would you do?
Charity and bring happiness to me and my family.

9. If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?
Yes. The nature way.

10. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you.
Malaysian, creative and passion.

11. Which type of person do you hate the most?
Arrogant.

12. What is your ambition?
To have a successful in my career and travel to everywhere in Malaysia even around the world! Hmm.....maybe to much?!

13. If you have fault, would you rather the people around you point out to you or would you rather they keep quiet?
Point it out and advice.....

14. What do you think is the most important thing in your life?
Happiness. I think that is the one thing everyone is searching for. And it doesn't matter what background (poor, rich), race, religion we are.

15. Are you a shopaholic or not?
Not really......

16. What is the one thing you like about your country?
Multi culture, freedom, a lot of places to visit, too many good foods to swallow! :)


17. If you have a chance, which part of your character you would like to change?
Maybe be less hot tempered. I realise that if we know something not too good about ourselves, we can always learn to adapt, and be a better person after, though not change completely.

18. Is there anything that you have done which you regret?
Not spending enough time to with my father when he is around......

19. What makes you different?
The passion and attitude.

20. Do you feel good to be friend with the person who tagged you? Why?
Yes. The more the merrier.


Ok, Im to tag other bloggers. They are:
ColaLim
Mr. Taikor
Busut Jin
Juvy C
CK
JennyR
Travel and Tours
ZuiYanHong

It's that complete? Hope so.......

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GPS is your Best Traveling Companion

Simple explanation for GPS (Global Positioning System)

Question : "What is the numbers on your blog?" example : N5°08.286' E102°48.663'
Answer : This is GPS Coordinates.

They are many types of GPS devices in our local market. The common 2 types are : Road navigation and outdoor activities. Range from MYR350.00 to MYR2,500.00. The popular brand in Malaysia and even international is Garmin. And the popular models available locally are : Nuvi200 series, NUvi300 series, NUvi600 series, GPS60 CSX, eTrex Vista HCX and eTrex series. All models are suitable to different application.

All the above mention devices are built-in the "Auto-routing" function that navigate you from one place to another. The devices will prompt or alert you in voice for the next turn and even some proximity alert, if you miss the 'turn' prompt from the device, please don't get panic....because it will recalculate another alternative route immediately.

Question : "What is the monthly charges?"
Answer : There is no monthly charges for it. Only the equipment cost.

Question : "Where can we get Malaysia and Singapore GPS map?"
Answer : MalSingMaps (It's FREE!!! The map also built-in with many and many useful POI)

Question : "What is POI?"
Answer : Places Of Interest

Once you get you GPS device, you can log-in to Malsingmaps and start to learn the step-by-step uploading map to the device. 2 versions available : Locked & Unlocked.
Locked : You need to contribute to the community to receive you unlocked code for the latest update map.
Unlocked : You can load to any device with this detail map, updated June 2007.

Another alternative is using PDA (Personal Digital Asistant) for GPS Road Navigation. (It's not suitable for outdoor activity because of it's not weatherproof)
Solution :
If you already a PDA owner, you can just buy another GPS Receiver (Bluetooth or CF type) to make it become your navigation guide.
Step-by-step configuration is available at Malsingmaps.

A little bit of me.......
I am using the second alternative.
I bought my GPS during 2003 because of I need to travel to Kuala Lumpur (from JB) twice a week. I wasted too much time on the road for searching my clients office therefore I decided to get myself a Navigation Angel!

During that time, I paid MYR650.00 for my Haicom 302 Compact Flash GPS Receiver and attach with my Dell Axim X5 PDA. I'm still suffering from map data because Malsingmaps hasn't born yet! So I paid another MYR450.00 for Agis MY & SG map. It's does not built-in the Auto-routing function in the map! But better than nothing.
Started from that day, I am a HAPPY GPS owner. It's really comfort while you drive to certain area that you never been before!
Until 2005, I found Malsingmaps! (previously was MySubaruclub) My nightmare on the road became history! And thanks to the Hardcore members from this forum make it become the most comprehensive Malaysia & Singapore GPS map today. (I call it Perfect!)

Recently, I just upgrade my PDA to Dell Axim X51V and pair with Wintec Bluetooth GPS (model : WBT-201/G-Rays II).

So I always advice my friends those who are traveler frequently , please get yourself the best traveling companion with the affordable price!

You will amazing with the navigation system! You won't travel without it!
* For more information about GPS, please visit Wiki : GPS.

I will update some pictures later.......

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Kenyir Lake, Terengganu.

The Explorers's journey continue.....
Approx. 527KM away from Johor Bahru to Kenyir Lake. They (3 families) check in to Kenyir Lake View Resort (N5°08.286' E102°48.663') around noon time. 3 days 2 nights for MYR468.00 person as package rates (inclusive of meals).




After settle with their lunch in the resort, they took their free time to walk around the resort for the first day.





Day 2
Everyone was excited and wake up early in the morning to enjoy their breakfast and start the boat cruise whitin the lake.

The modified Kancil as free transport from resort to Jetty.....

Jetty

The lake is too beautiful to be true! But...luck was not on their side because of cloudy day.

Beauty Scenic during boat ride

First stop - The Saok Waterfall of Kenyir Lake (N5°04.985' E102°46.734')

Look at the beautiful waterfall!

Children are TOO happy to see this waterfall.....

After the waterfall cold water, they continue the Second stop.......

Look at the fish!

Everyone was exhausted after the boat ride but with lovely smile on their faces.....
They went back to the resort for their dinner and take good rest to the third day long journey back to Johor Bahru.
Along the journey back, they meet the Flood of the year (December 2007) at Pekan. The water level was to high to pass through and also force them to de-route from Pekan back to Kuantan, and drive through KL to Johor Bahru. Additional 249KM!
But they are enjoy their slow drive and stop by Seremban for the Famous Authentic Baked Crab dinner!



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New video interview with me

Here's the second of two interviews I did in January for "Tracing Your Family Roots," a cable TV show near Washington DC. In it I talk about the changes I've seen over the past two decades regarding attitudes toward Jewish heritage sites in east-central Europe, in the condition of the sites on the ground, and in the development of Jewish heritage tourism as a niche market.

Links to Some Recent Developments

Here are links to some articles about recent Jewish Heritage developments.

BARBADOS. A MAJOR historical Jewish structure was recently uncovered
close to the synagogue in The City. University of the West Indies
students, led by doctoral candidate Michael Stoner, uncovered a mikvah
during an archaeological dig.
http://www.nationnews.com/story/306441874580391.php#

ISTANBUL. Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews.
http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=99002

PORTSMOUTH. History lives on in restored synagogue in Portsmouth. The
former synagogue, which once had about 200 members, officially opens
today as a museum and cultural and community centery.
http://hamptonroads.com/2008/03/history-lives-restored-synagogue-portsmouth

VIENNA. Austrian archaeologists last week announced they had found the
earliest sign of Jewish habitation in Austria, in the form of a silver
pendant they found inside a third-century C.E. grave, which bears the
"Shma Yisrael" prayer.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/965077.html

Map of Taman Nusa Bestari 1 & 2, Skudai Johor

I received few requests (from email) for the map of Taman Nusa Bestari 1 & 2 at Skudai, Johor.
I will update it time to time, hope this map can help you drive to your destination.
Simple map provided at below......

A - Jalan Nusa Bestari 2 1/4 - 9/4
B - Jalan Nusa Bestari 2 1/5 - 7/5
C - Jalan Nusa Bestari 2 1/1 - 21/1
D - Jalan Nusa Bestari 2 1/2 - 10/2, 1/3 - 6/3
E - Jalan Nusa Bestari 2 1/6 - 8/6
F - Jalan Nusa Bestari 2 6/7 - 16/7
G - Jalan Jati 3 - 11
H - Jalan Timor 1 - 21
I - Jalan NJM 1/2 - 6/2
J - Jalan Jaya Mas 7 - 10
K - Jalan NJM 1/4 - 4/4, 1/5 - 3/5
L - Jalan Silat Lincah 1 - 20
M - Jalan Silat Cekak 1 - 18

Source from Malsingmaps

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Computer Fair 2008 at Landmark Mall, Johor Bahru

Visited Landmark Mall (N1°27.900' E103°45.589') (JB town) on Saturday for the Computer Fair, March 2008.
Carpark was full when we reached there around 3pm. So we have park our car about 300 meters away from the Mall.

Basically it's just a price war about this computer fair. We (me, 9W2KG & 9W2TSK) bought 2GB Kingston Micro SD card for MYR39.00 come with SD & Mini SD adapter. The Toshiba 2GB Micro SD selling at MYR37.00 without any adapter.
4GB Kingston Thumb drive : MYR48.00
And I noticed that WD 250GB Hard Disk Drive selling for MYR198.00. 22" LCD Monitor selling less than MYR900.00, while the 19" models selling at MYR689.00.

Some pictures in Landmark Mall during the computer fair.


Most of the booths owner are from the shops in the same building....

I attracted this MPV parking in front of the mall and decide to find out what's going on......

Surprised me! It's another booth which is promoting Maxis Broadband and PC.com magazine! Look at the 42" LCD monitor at the back of the MPV! They provide online registration.

Attractive promotion by the PCcom Magazine....
Subscription for one year : MYR120.00
One unit of Wireless Router - Free
6 pcs of Pocket CD-R - Free
and others free items......

Related post :-
* PC Fair III 2007, Johor Bahru
* PIKOM PC Fair II 2008, Johor Bahru

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Cusco Dining – The Top Five Eateries in the Ancient Inca Capital

Well – I thought I’d follow up my last Lima Restaurant entry with a write up about my favourite Cusco Restaurants. Cusco, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire is a Mecca for any tourist traveling to Latin America. The old citadel – surrounded by numerous ruins that stand testament to the ingenuity and everlasting legacy of the Inca – has a number of very fine restaurants on offer. From traditional Andean cuisine to modern Spanish culinary delights, there is a never ending amount of cuisine available for the travelers looking for a good meal in the city. So here they are – my Desert-Island All Time Top Five Cusco eateries in no particular order (except perhaps for the first which is my favourite):

Cicciolina’s
Cicciolina’s is Cusco best known and highest rated restaurant. Both the food and service are excellent. With great views over the crisscrossing street so of Cusco, the restaurant has some fantastic decoration that creates a warm and welcoming ambiance. The menu is made up of mainly Mediterranean dishes, many made with traditional ingredients. The salads are simply delicious and the homemade pastas are superb.

Tikka
A small bistro nestled in a corner of San Blas; it is located directly next door to Boutique Hotel Casa San Blas, a warm dining room atmosphere. The cuisine you’ll find at Tika is unlike anything you have ever tasted, combining Thai and Vietnamese flavors and cooking techniques with traditional Peruvian ingredients. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised with new flavors and combinations. Chill out ambiance music gives a nice rest from the traditional panpipes so commonly hard all over the city.

Jack’s Cafe
Jack’s Café is a great place for vegetarians, as they order huge salads, and a wide variety of cooked dishes made only with vegetables. The restaurant has a special hot chocolate which is very worthwhile. They have a neat ginger tea, which has an interesting taste, and it’s very good to ward off any colds. The menu is extensive—with a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, and main dishes. The restaurant uses homemade bread to make their sandwiches and this is especially delicious!

Baco
Baco has the best wine selection in town. The restaurant provides a warm, relaxed atmosphere, entirely decorated in wood and iron, where you can enjoy finger foods like their grilled seafood platter, gourmet pizzas or the finest Argentinean beef in red wine and mushroom sauce, all cooked with the restaurant’s own particular fusion style. Also available is a series of grilled veggies platter. Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 11pm

Incanto
This restaurant opened in June 2006 and was built within an old Inca palace, magnificently located only a few meters away from the main square. Contemporary and minimalist, Incanto offers over 80 dishes with an Italian influence and often involving the grill, creatively infused with typical Peruvian ingredients. Their aji de gallina ravioli and smoked trout fetuccini are great examples of their accomplishments in fusion cuisine. Also try their entrees and grilled dishes like the Alpaca loin. The glass-encased kitchen and live harp music give Incanto a unique, classic touch among Cusco’s finest restaurants. Open Monday to Sunday from 10.30am to 11pm .

I hope this information helps any travelers heading to Cusco who'd be looking to eat well. As always - please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about traveling in the area.

Bart

www.cat-travel.com

Ancient Synagogue Discovered in Cologne, Germany

Archeologists have discovered the foundations of an ancient synagogue near the city hall in Cologne, Germany. According to news reports, they date from the 4th century CE, making this the oldest synagogue yet found in Germany. A synagogue built on the same site some 500 years later had until now been the oldest discovered in the country.

Oldest Trace of Jewish Presence Found in Austria

Researchers from the University of Vienna have discovered the oldest trace of Jewish presence in the territory of today's Austria -- what appears to be the grave of a Jewish child in a Roman cemetery dating from the 3rd century CE. Located near Halbturn in the Burgenland, the eastern part of Austria, the grave is one of about 300 in the Roman cemetery. It contained a golden scroll in a silver amulet. Inscribed in Greek on the scroll are the words of the Shema.

Click here for full press release and pictures.

More on Villa Tugendhat

The Czech Culture Minister has listed four pieces of furniture from the Tugendhat villa in Brno as part of the national cultural heritage. See March 7 article here.

Bar Banyan, Johor Bahru.

I visited some of the Bistro or Cafe around this area, and some of them I would like to share with you. The reasons are....comfort & cozy environment, nice setup, friendly staff......(This pub and cafe are different from those typical 'so call' pub flooded around JB area.)
This is the place you can have relax (with soft music) and chat with your friends or have discussion with your clients.

Bar Banyan (N1°27.937' E103°44.636')
Located at Jalan Abdul Samad, behind Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The area is small, and it won't be over crowded.

Reasonable Beer : MYR40.00 for one bucket(Carlsberg 5 bottles) for happy hours and MYR45.00 after happy hour.
Most of the customer here are business man or professional.

Related post :-
* Mulligan's Pub, Tmn Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru

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