I was convinced that the world was made up of two types of people ~ those who COULD dance and those who COULD NOT! I obviously fell into the latter group.
A couple of years back, a software vendor of American and Japanese mix invited me to learn the salsa at El Nino's. Having always wanted to learn latino dances but lacking male partners who were interested to do so, I foolishly said yes! But alas! Instead of getting into a beginner's class, we accidently went to an advanced class and were promptly shown how inept we were (or at least I was) at dancing. My partner at least had some rhythm since he was into swing dancing, whatever that is. (Must be an American thingy.) But me, having born with two left feet, had to brave out the entire situation even though I must have looked stiff and klutzy.
In the intervening years, I have kept away from latino dances. Once burnt, twice shy. There are some limitations in life even for me. :p
An old schoolmate of mine returned from US not too long after that, and lo and behold, she turned out to be one heck of a salsa dancer! (Must be an American thang!) Ever since her return, she has been bugging me to join her for salsa but I declined politely. I ain't never gonna embarrass myself again in a whole room of "professional" salsa dancers. EVER! (Yeah! Famous last words!)
As in everything in life, never say never. Last Monday, this same friend invited me to her birthday bash at Qba, the famous salsa dancing club in the city. I went but thought I could sit out the whole salsa thing and make a quick getaway if things got a bit sticky.
Unfortunately, I met this crazy, persistent Malay chap who wore down my resistance and dragged me down to the dance floor. Surprise! Surprise! It didn't turn out as difficult or as bad as I thought. He made it seemed much easier by repeating similar steps over and over again. He was also a pretty good and strong dancer as he led the steps and threw me into twists and twirls! He was up to all sorts of funny dancing steps and it was a hilarious affair. This time was so different from my previous experience where I felt so tense and stiff. Even the close body contact with a complete stranger did not faze me. He was clowning around so much that half the time, I felt like I could actually dance!
Weee ... the fact was I quite enjoyed myself on the dance floor in the end except for the burning sensation at my calf after a good few minutes on the dance floor where I thought the song would go on for all eternity! :P Eventually, I had to call it quits.
Blinking hell! Trekking or playing badminton or going for combat class is a lot easier and less strenuous than salsa dancing. But then, it doesn't seem like such a difficult thing to learn now.
Hmm, perhaps ... Salsa anyone? :)
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Airport safety ... Singapore versus Malaysia
Airport safety ... there are standards, and then there are STANDARDS!
Malaysia
I never meant to put this to the test but I unwittingly did so with scary results!
Don't ask me why but there was a screw driver in my computer bag! A huge screw driver mind you, not a small one. But that got pass the officers with the scanner at KLIA.
Then I found a razor in my toiletry bag. I forgot that I left it there but as I was too lazy to check in my luggage, it went through the scanner as hand luggage. Once, again, it got through the officers at KLIA!
On my return trip at JB airport, once again both these items got through the scanner!
I only found these items when I unpack my stuff at home.
One wonders what the officers are looking at when they scan the hand luggages.
Singapore
Now, compare the above with Singapore.
Luckily I found the items and took them out before I left for Singapore.
On my return trip at the Singapore Airport, I was surprised that we had to take out our laptops/notebooks from the computer bag or day pack and put these separately through the scanner.
Now, don't you just feel safe when travelling through the various airports in Malaysia? If you don't believe me, you can put it to the test yourself!
Malaysia
I never meant to put this to the test but I unwittingly did so with scary results!
Don't ask me why but there was a screw driver in my computer bag! A huge screw driver mind you, not a small one. But that got pass the officers with the scanner at KLIA.
Then I found a razor in my toiletry bag. I forgot that I left it there but as I was too lazy to check in my luggage, it went through the scanner as hand luggage. Once, again, it got through the officers at KLIA!
On my return trip at JB airport, once again both these items got through the scanner!
I only found these items when I unpack my stuff at home.
One wonders what the officers are looking at when they scan the hand luggages.
Singapore
Now, compare the above with Singapore.
Luckily I found the items and took them out before I left for Singapore.
On my return trip at the Singapore Airport, I was surprised that we had to take out our laptops/notebooks from the computer bag or day pack and put these separately through the scanner.
Now, don't you just feel safe when travelling through the various airports in Malaysia? If you don't believe me, you can put it to the test yourself!
Thank God for Thursday nights!
I am in an extremely buoyant mood. We had a good game of badminton tonight, and for the first time since last Thursday I saw glimpses of my old game (honed during high school days) returning. I never expected that my passion for the game would return either. After all, I have hung up my badminton racket due to lack of regular badminton partners a long time ago.
Since early this year, Zack has tried very hard to pull our group of ex-MBA course mates together for a regular game of badminton. I did not put much hope that he would succeed. After all, through my years of adulthood, such attempts tend to peter out after awhile as work and family commitments would intrude eventually.
On my part, I was also hard put to commit to a regular game schedule. It is only in recent months that I started making it a point to do so. Call me crazy but I have been known to reschedule customer dinners and even family dinners, just to ensure that I can go for the game.
Who would have thought that our group would hang out together because of the game? The enthusiasm, commitment, competitiveness and fun we have on and off court (i.e. supper at mamak after the game) make a big difference.
All I can say is thank god for Thursday. It’s fast becoming my favourite day of the week! :D
Since early this year, Zack has tried very hard to pull our group of ex-MBA course mates together for a regular game of badminton. I did not put much hope that he would succeed. After all, through my years of adulthood, such attempts tend to peter out after awhile as work and family commitments would intrude eventually.
On my part, I was also hard put to commit to a regular game schedule. It is only in recent months that I started making it a point to do so. Call me crazy but I have been known to reschedule customer dinners and even family dinners, just to ensure that I can go for the game.
Who would have thought that our group would hang out together because of the game? The enthusiasm, commitment, competitiveness and fun we have on and off court (i.e. supper at mamak after the game) make a big difference.
All I can say is thank god for Thursday. It’s fast becoming my favourite day of the week! :D
Thursday, December 14, 2006
My little misadventure in the Pearl of the Orient
I am beginning to believe that I have a dual personality. One is my "easy going, anything goes" personality and the other, my corporate persona! Before my recent adventure in Penang, I would have strenuously protested to any accusations of having a corporate persona whatsoever. But, the truth stared me in the eye whilst I was there ...
Last weekend, we had an event in Seberang Jaya. Due to the recent spate of travelling, I was tired of driving and took the flight to Penang instead. We left the airport at almost 7.00 pm. The taxi driver warned me that a trailer broke down at the bridge earlier at about 5.15 pm but he expected that the roads would have cleared by then. Unfortunately, he was so wrong! The wonderful road system in Malaysia is such that any breakdowns/ accidents would cause a massive jam in the vicinity which would take hours to disperse!
In any case, we decided to take the ferry across instead. So off to the ferry terminal we went ... and lo and behold! we got stuck in a long queue as everyone else had the same thought of avoiding the jam at the bridge.
One wonders why these people do not turn back and rest at home after witnessing such a massive jam. I would have done so if I am a Penangite! Unfortunately, I had no choice!
At that point, the taxi driver was hinting at me to get down the cab and get on the ferry as a passenger. I was extremely resistant to that thought due to 3 reasons:
1. I have already paid RM60.00 to be taken there.
2. I had 2 pieces of luggage and it would be a hassle.
3. I was a little wary as I am unfamiliar with the place. It was night, I was alone, and I wasn't sure if it was safe.
However, in hindsight, it was a very sound plan as I would have reached my destination much earlier.
In any case, I just kept quiet and waited. As the minutes dragged on, the taxi driver became more and more restless. He once again tried to convince me to take the ferry on my own. I remained adamant!
Finally, just as it was our turn to go up the ramp onto the ferry, the taxi broke down! The taxi driver tried to start the engine but to no avail. (Call me suspicious, but I think he was acting that part out.) In any case, I could hardly call his bluff!
Reluctantly, I got off the cab but managed to get back RM20.00 from the driver since he did not take me to my destination. Each step forward I walked in dread. I quickly called my sales staff to inform them that I was taking alternate transport to the place (just in case I get kidnapped or robbed).
I got on to the ferry and realised that there were many folks using the ferry to cross as well. As the ferry chugged along the Straits of Penang, my earlier trepidation slowly left me. My entire demeanour relaxed.
With the wind blowing in my hair, the far-off city lights blinking along the horizon and the noisy din on the ferry, I felt almost like a holiday-maker on one of my backpacking trips. It was then that I realised that this little adventure was no different from any of my numerous backpacking adventures overseas. In fact, I faced more dangers of the unknown when we were in Tanzania and South Africa! This little misadveture should have been a piece of cake for the likes of me. In fact, it was a piece of cake for me. I ended up at my destination by 9+pm with none the worse for wear.
Strange isn't it how our minds play tricks on us when we don on different personas ...
Last weekend, we had an event in Seberang Jaya. Due to the recent spate of travelling, I was tired of driving and took the flight to Penang instead. We left the airport at almost 7.00 pm. The taxi driver warned me that a trailer broke down at the bridge earlier at about 5.15 pm but he expected that the roads would have cleared by then. Unfortunately, he was so wrong! The wonderful road system in Malaysia is such that any breakdowns/ accidents would cause a massive jam in the vicinity which would take hours to disperse!
In any case, we decided to take the ferry across instead. So off to the ferry terminal we went ... and lo and behold! we got stuck in a long queue as everyone else had the same thought of avoiding the jam at the bridge.
One wonders why these people do not turn back and rest at home after witnessing such a massive jam. I would have done so if I am a Penangite! Unfortunately, I had no choice!
At that point, the taxi driver was hinting at me to get down the cab and get on the ferry as a passenger. I was extremely resistant to that thought due to 3 reasons:
1. I have already paid RM60.00 to be taken there.
2. I had 2 pieces of luggage and it would be a hassle.
3. I was a little wary as I am unfamiliar with the place. It was night, I was alone, and I wasn't sure if it was safe.
However, in hindsight, it was a very sound plan as I would have reached my destination much earlier.
In any case, I just kept quiet and waited. As the minutes dragged on, the taxi driver became more and more restless. He once again tried to convince me to take the ferry on my own. I remained adamant!
Finally, just as it was our turn to go up the ramp onto the ferry, the taxi broke down! The taxi driver tried to start the engine but to no avail. (Call me suspicious, but I think he was acting that part out.) In any case, I could hardly call his bluff!
Reluctantly, I got off the cab but managed to get back RM20.00 from the driver since he did not take me to my destination. Each step forward I walked in dread. I quickly called my sales staff to inform them that I was taking alternate transport to the place (just in case I get kidnapped or robbed).
I got on to the ferry and realised that there were many folks using the ferry to cross as well. As the ferry chugged along the Straits of Penang, my earlier trepidation slowly left me. My entire demeanour relaxed.
With the wind blowing in my hair, the far-off city lights blinking along the horizon and the noisy din on the ferry, I felt almost like a holiday-maker on one of my backpacking trips. It was then that I realised that this little adventure was no different from any of my numerous backpacking adventures overseas. In fact, I faced more dangers of the unknown when we were in Tanzania and South Africa! This little misadveture should have been a piece of cake for the likes of me. In fact, it was a piece of cake for me. I ended up at my destination by 9+pm with none the worse for wear.
Strange isn't it how our minds play tricks on us when we don on different personas ...
Home Sweet Home
It felt like I have been away from home for a long while although I was just travelling in spurts the last two weeks. It probably felt worse because I was working over the weekend as well.
First it was down south to JB, then it was back to central in Genting. And then it was up north to Penang (oh what an "adventure"!) and straight down south to Singapore. I hope that's the last of my work travel for the year.
I miss my sofa!
First it was down south to JB, then it was back to central in Genting. And then it was up north to Penang (oh what an "adventure"!) and straight down south to Singapore. I hope that's the last of my work travel for the year.
I miss my sofa!
I miss my bed!
Ahh ... home sweet home!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Road blocks
Have you ever wondered how police make decisions on who to pull over during a road block?
I used to think that people who look suspicious or drunk ~ other than those who committed a traffic offence i.e. speeding ~ would get the short straw. (Besides, I have never been pulled over before when I am innocent of any wrongdoing.)
But after tonight’s hilarious incident … I am not so sure anymore how the police make their selection.
We had a late Friday night badminton game. It started late @ approximately 9.30pm and ended later still @ 11.30pm. By then, we were tired, dirty, smelly but darn thirsty. Therefore, we decided to adjourn to a nearby “mamak” stall for sustenance. Thus, the five of us ~ “old man Tuck”, “steel man Suresh”, “Zack the Jack Black fan”, “Steph the drop shot Queen” and me ~ piled into Tuck’s eleven year old white Proton.
On our way back, we encountered a road block and expected to continue on. Tuck even said, “We should be ok la. After all, this car is very muhibbah. We have an Indian, a Malay and three Chinese.”
However, we were all stupefied/ mystified … yet amused … when we were asked to pull over. There we were ~ five dirty, smelly persons in soiled t-shirts and shorts! Wonder what activity the police thought we were up to. Hmmm …. The police checked the road tax, Tuck’s driving licence and identity card (ID). Then, he shone the torchlight into the car and asked everyone to hand over their IDs.
Zack tried to explain. “Encik, kami baru habis main badminton.”
The police continued to check our IDs one by one, until he was finally satisfied that we are who we are.
Once we pulled away from the road block, we all collapsed into laughter. We theorised that the police thought Tuck was the pimp, Steph and me the China dolls, and Zack and Suresh were the very satisfied customers (since they were hard put to contain their amusement during the entire incident).
Zack laughed and said, “Luckily I didn’t just say ‘kami baru habis main’. He might wonder what we just ‘main’.”
What say you? Do you think we hit the nail in the coffin with our theory? : )
And the serious bit:
Do you know why road blocks are conducted?
According to this North American website,
“ … The stated purposes of roadblocks are usually legalized excuses to stop and scrutinize motorists for which there would otherwise be no reason to do so. These excuses include "sobriety checks," license and registration verification, possession of insurance, proof of citizenship, and seatbelt usage. The desired effect is to establish a sense of fear and intimidation among the population. …”
Yup. That sounds like in Malaysia too.
Additionally, these could be potential avenues for “excess funds” from road users. Otherwise, why are road blocks frequently set up during weekends? And usually at stretches of roads where party/pub goers would pass? If it is to ensure road safety from drunk drivers, then the drivers who have been summoned for drinking should pull over to sober up. How many times have these drivers been allowed to go their merry way once they have “negotiated” their summons? And of course the other telling point is, during and/or close to festive seasons, the number of road blocks set-up would increase substantially.
I used to think that people who look suspicious or drunk ~ other than those who committed a traffic offence i.e. speeding ~ would get the short straw. (Besides, I have never been pulled over before when I am innocent of any wrongdoing.)
But after tonight’s hilarious incident … I am not so sure anymore how the police make their selection.
We had a late Friday night badminton game. It started late @ approximately 9.30pm and ended later still @ 11.30pm. By then, we were tired, dirty, smelly but darn thirsty. Therefore, we decided to adjourn to a nearby “mamak” stall for sustenance. Thus, the five of us ~ “old man Tuck”, “steel man Suresh”, “Zack the Jack Black fan”, “Steph the drop shot Queen” and me ~ piled into Tuck’s eleven year old white Proton.
On our way back, we encountered a road block and expected to continue on. Tuck even said, “We should be ok la. After all, this car is very muhibbah. We have an Indian, a Malay and three Chinese.”
However, we were all stupefied/ mystified … yet amused … when we were asked to pull over. There we were ~ five dirty, smelly persons in soiled t-shirts and shorts! Wonder what activity the police thought we were up to. Hmmm …. The police checked the road tax, Tuck’s driving licence and identity card (ID). Then, he shone the torchlight into the car and asked everyone to hand over their IDs.
Zack tried to explain. “Encik, kami baru habis main badminton.”
The police continued to check our IDs one by one, until he was finally satisfied that we are who we are.
Once we pulled away from the road block, we all collapsed into laughter. We theorised that the police thought Tuck was the pimp, Steph and me the China dolls, and Zack and Suresh were the very satisfied customers (since they were hard put to contain their amusement during the entire incident).
Zack laughed and said, “Luckily I didn’t just say ‘kami baru habis main’. He might wonder what we just ‘main’.”
What say you? Do you think we hit the nail in the coffin with our theory? : )
And the serious bit:
Do you know why road blocks are conducted?
According to this North American website,
“ … The stated purposes of roadblocks are usually legalized excuses to stop and scrutinize motorists for which there would otherwise be no reason to do so. These excuses include "sobriety checks," license and registration verification, possession of insurance, proof of citizenship, and seatbelt usage. The desired effect is to establish a sense of fear and intimidation among the population. …”
Yup. That sounds like in Malaysia too.
Additionally, these could be potential avenues for “excess funds” from road users. Otherwise, why are road blocks frequently set up during weekends? And usually at stretches of roads where party/pub goers would pass? If it is to ensure road safety from drunk drivers, then the drivers who have been summoned for drinking should pull over to sober up. How many times have these drivers been allowed to go their merry way once they have “negotiated” their summons? And of course the other telling point is, during and/or close to festive seasons, the number of road blocks set-up would increase substantially.
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