Region around Mount Everest hails from Nepal; the spine of Himalaya, where lama and Sherpa people resides. Spectacular scenery, cultural treasures aside, Nepal is a land of time-worn temples and most important, the best hiking trail on earth. The magnificent mountain peaks is a magical tease to travelers out there.

- taken from http://www.healthline.com/blogs/ -

Nepal is on top 10 list of places i want to visit before i die. LOL. Well, trekking in Nepal is easier said than done. Besides the recent political protest in Kathmandu, there are alot of things to take into account.

Time to hit the gym for a more sculpted calf.

As pointed out by a reader (Kelly), i had made a mistake by saying that MAS Airlines’ Sub-Zero Fare* is only covering South East Asia Route and that it is a promotion instead of a permanent offer. My bad. In fact, MAS Airlines’ Sub Zero Fare* is not a one time promotional stunt but the campaign is for long term. It also covers a number of nearby destinations besides the South East Asia’s countries such as Brisbane, Bangalore and Shanghai.

Everyday low fares!

This is good news to all. However, i do wish that there are more destinations included.

* Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) raised an issue on the misleading Zero Fare advertisements (in the papers recently) since customer still have to pay for the tax and fuel surcharge. Thus the ticket is not entirely free. I’m not sure if there is any action taken by both MAS and Air Asia. Public MIGHT not see the word “Zero Fare” anymore :).

Most famous for it’s panoramic landscape, especially the Rice Terrace (Terraced Paddy), Friday Escape brings to you the city of Guilin, China a lands of picturesque limestone mountains and formations.

- Guilin - taken from http://www.chinahighlights.com/tour/ -

Located in Guangxai, Guilin is one of the many sites in China a that had made it into UNESCO World Heritage sites, preserving it’s unique natural scenery. There are many spectacular scenic places within Guilin itself that is worth a visit. Just to name a few, Shanjiang - Longshang with it’s Longji rice teracces, Li Jiang river, small city of Yangshuo, the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites of Red Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill with it’s arch resembling an elephant dipping into water, Yaoshan Hillpark for a hike and many more.

- Longshang Rice Terrace - taken from http://www.cnadventure.com/docc/ -

We were simply ecstatic when the MAS Airlines (Malaysian Airlines) launched it’s very own Sub- Zero Fare promotional flights. Who wouldn’t? Flight tickets are FOC! Of course the free tickets do not include tax, fuel charges and other surcharge. But still. It’s a good deal.

Too good to be true? Well… the answer is yes and… no.

Since we were already planning for a trip to somewhere, we decided to check out MAS’ website wondering whether we are having a better deal at MAS or at Air Asia (the competing airline). We tried the nearest and mostly affordable destination which is Yogyakarta.

In comparison:-

* Assuming both MAS and Air Asia is having a zero fair promotion.

MAS total fees double the ones in Air Asia. This will be true for all destinations since MAS is using the state of the art KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) for landing which of course means tax and fees by MAS Airlines are way higher than those charged by Air Asia. Air Asia by the way, using the run down strip of LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) guarantees lower fees.

All this makes MAS promotional sub-zero fare not too impressive doesn’t it? Plus the zero fare is only applicable to short destinations to nearby Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and such. For such a short trip, i would think that traveler or tourist would rather opt for a lower fees alternative.

We’ll just have to wait and see if the sub-zero promotion will be open to other destinations besides Asian countries. If so, it’ll be a fantastic deal. Nobody wants to sit 8 hours cramped up in a low cost carrier.

Of all the places, airport is the vital vein in a country’s tourism sector. It is the first destination in a country that tourist and travelers alike step foot upon. It’s common sense to provide the best service and comfort to visiting travelers for a lasting impression. Airport could be the main factor for some people, determining whether the country is worth a second visit.

You’d be surprised that some airports are… well, not as impressive. Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam is one of them. I had the worst experience there whereby, flights were delay due to cabin not ready (inexcusable), visitors wondered here and there not knowing where to go (staff didn’t bother to help too) and encountered a bunch of airport staffs peeling and eating mangos idly blocking the airport toilet’s entrance. Maybe i was just having a bad day. Maybe i was hallucinating.

However, it is comforting to know that most airlines are performing their best. For a period 10 months (2007-2008), Skytrax, London had collected 8.2 million questionnaires completed by passengers in order to find out which airport deserves the top 10 ranking for the World’s Best Airports. This survey is done annually and each airport had been judged on their convenience, punctuality and comfort; from shopping, dining, customer service, baggage handling and delivery to waiting time.

The results for 2008 are finally out. The proud 10 are (taken from http://www.forbes.com/:-

1) Hong Kong International Airport, China

It’s no wonder that this airport has taken the top honors for seven years. It’s easy to navigate and equipped with passenger-friendly amenities like free wireless Internet and a pay-to-use arrival lounge. Business and leisure travelers can also get to downtown Hong Kong quickly on an express train service. Other perks include plenty of shopping, a mix of regional and international eateries and a program that allows frequent visitors to clear immigration quickly.

2) Singapore Changi, Singapore

Since Skytrax began ranking airports in 1999, Singapore Changi has placed first twice. The airport was built in 1981, and it has since added more terminals that cater to both budget and luxury passengers. The up-to-date services and amenities include an indoor orchid garden, a rooftop swimming pool, themed television lounges and a free sight-seeing tour for those who have at least five hours prior to their connecting flight.

3) Seoul Incheon, South Korea

If the 72-hole golf course at this seven-year-old South Korean airport is any indication, your experience at Seoul Incheon will be both relaxing and enjoyable. Passengers can also take advantage of the on-site hair salon, a children’s play room and a business center with overseas shipping. The airport’s Web site even maintains a list of activities by the number of hours a passenger must wait. If you’re within eight hours of a flight, try using the shower and massage services.

4) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This airport has won several accolades since opening in 1998. In addition to ranking forth in Skytrax’s World Airport Awards, it also ranked first on the company’s list of airports with the best immigration service. While passengers are almost guaranteed a seamless arrival and departure experience, they can also enjoy free wi-fi, luxury shopping and reflexology and massage services.

6) Munich, Germany

Staff here want you to be “carefree and relaxed,” according to the airport’s Web site. To this end, they offer miniature golf, a 60-seat cinema, and cosmetic and physiotherapy services, among other cutting-edge amenities. The airport also promotes aviation technology and history with educational experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and “kinderterminals,” a touchscreen that allows children to learn more about how an airport works.

6) Kansai, Japan

The Japanese are known for design, and this Osaka airport is no exception. Built on a man-made island, this sleek structure opened in 1994 and served 16.7 million passengers last year. They may keep returning for perks like on-site dentist and doctor’s offices, a DVD and movie rental service, VIP meeting rooms and a pet hotel.

7) Copenhagen, Denmark

Passing through the Copenhagen airport is an aesthetic experience; the terminals feature works of art and place a visual emphasis on architecture. Passengers even walk on brightly polished wooden floors. It’s a cozy environment for an airport that receives 60,000 passengers daily. When not admiring the surroundings, passengers are shopping at Burberry and Gucci boutiques and swigging Danish microbrews.

Zürich, Switzerland

This airport aims to serve all passengers well but makes a point of catering to VIPs by coordinating on-the-ground limousine service, event planning and access to a VIP lounge. Passengers can also rent day rooms with a kitchen and wake-up call service. The pampering even goes as far as childcare. The airport staffs nurseries and playrooms with trained childcare providers. They are proficient in various languages and will keep an eye on children who are accompanied by an adult.

9) Helsinki, Finland

If flying makes you frazzled, then passing through this capital city airport will soothe your nerves. The airport maintains a meditation room meant to create a “calm ambiance” for all passengers. But fliers who thrive on working non-stop won’t be disappointed either, since there are several working lounges with pay-to-use wireless Internet. If you’d rather shop and nosh, there are plenty of opportunities to do that as well.

10) Cape Town, South Africa

This modern airport in South Africa has simple amenities that go a long way. For a small tip, porters will transport your luggage from one terminal to the next. A medical clinic serves passengers with aches and pains. There are several lounges for airline members, as well as passengers who don’t mind paying a fee for access. And those who want to pray before or after takeoff can be accommodated in a quiet room.

The first time i had been to Bon Odori festival in Malaysia was ages ago. When i was still clad in primary school uniform. I somehow recollect that the music being vibrant, the crowd, joyous and the food, fantastic. It’s been a while since i had been to this festival. I remember being fascinated by the girls in Japanese traditional cloths and clogs too. I wished i had a pair of those.

- Bon Odori 2008 taken from http://www.daisycave.com/ -

Unfortunately, I did not make it to Bon Odori Festival 2008 for some reason. Instead i browsed through some blogs to read about it. Apparently, the air of festivity didn’t not cease after so many years. I see beautiful photos of people smiling and obviously enjoying themselves. There is one thing particular thing that is different this time though. What the hell is Sushi King’s sushi bar doing at Bon Odori?! LOL!

- Sushi King taken from http://www.daisycave.com/ -

I noticed that most people describe the girls at the festival as wearing ‘kimono‘. Once upon a time (Muahaha! Actually it was a few days ago), i too made the same mistake. A friend pointed out that the girls are actually wearing ‘yukata‘ (not Yutaka the Japanese hunk please) instead of ‘kimono‘. While ‘kimono‘ is the Japanese traditional garment with thick layering, ‘yukata‘ is a Japanese summer garment with less layers, worn during the warm summer and at particularly during summer events like the Bon Odori.

- Kimono (top) vs. Yukata (bottom) -

‘Yukata‘ is a cooling garment to wear. With wide sleeves and made of cotton. In fact, it is just a layer of cotton cloth wrapped across the body (like a bath robe) with an ‘obi‘ (sash/belt) around the waist to keep the whole garment intact. It is not to be mistaken for a ‘kimono‘ since a ‘kimono’ is usually made of silk or synthetic fibre and has usually 12 or more separate pieces that makes up the whole garment. Now, you can imagine how warm it would be to wear such garment during the warm weather. It would be like walking around in a portable sauna.

If a female were to have worn a ‘kimono’ instead of a ‘yukata’ to Bon Odori Festival, i think the Red Crescent will have a field day.

Who living in Malaysia would not recognize his name? Wee Meng Chee or better known as Namawae was on everyone’s lips since his controversial video clip on YouTube (a parody of Malaysia’s national anthem). The rap clip Negaraku, he produced created an uproar and gotten himself into trouble. The clip has then been taken down from YouTube.

This time around, the 25 year old rebel is now ready for another shot of fame. To commemorate Malaysia’s 51st Merdeka Day (National Day) which is on August 31st, he and another 4 of his friends are going shoot a documentary of Malaysians living abroad, recording the well wishes and also gather their signatures of those that could not make it back to homeland. The project will start while they are traveling from Hong Kong through Macau, southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand before arriving in Malaysia. The project will take on for a whole month starting from July 31st to August 31st.

The young man had already composed a suitable song entitled Wo Yao Hui Jia (I Want to Go Home) and video clip that will be uploaded to YouTube. Those living in Macau, southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand and are interested to contribute can contact him at namewee@gmail.com.

I will definitely look forward to the new clip.

I’ve almost forgotten today is Friday. Well, Friday Escape brings to you Papua New Guinea.

- Papua New Guinea’s gorgeous beach taken from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ -

I’ve heard many negative things about this strange land. Little is known yet the stories i’ve heard about this country is i bit terrifying. Call me a gutless chicken, but all i know of this place is that the crime rate and inter-tribal violence is very high and people are desperate for money. It might not be true but i’m still a coward.

However, Papua New guinea is indeed the last frontier. Rich in culture and diversity, not to mention the incredible (the word incredible is really understated) beaches and crystal clear water, i might one day shed my chicken suit for a visit. It’s like another world of it’s own, forgotten and buried in today’s modernization.




“The train is leaving… are you coming with me?”

The 2008 Beijing Olympics Games is arriving really soon. It’s in August, meaning there’s just few weeks away. I bet some of you are flying all the way to Beijing to watch the spectacular event and to bring back some souvenirs for friends and family.

- 2008 Beijing Olympic Games mascots -

The Chinese are really going all out in the souvenir department. Besides the cute mascot toys and products, and the popular mascot themed gold and silver bar, they have recently came up with a new collectors Beijing Olympic themed 10 yuan banknotes. The new banknote features the Bird’s Nest set against the backdrop of the Temple of Heaven, replacing the portrait of the late Mao Zedong.

- Collectors banknote (10 yuan) -

- Collectors banknote (10 yuan) -

Talking about souvenirs, this reminds me of the souvenir my boyfriend bought for me from Beijing quite some time ago. It’s a hand drawn map of the city including the Forbidden Palace.

- Beijing souvenir -

- Hand drawn map of Beijing -

Very classy. It sure beats all the typical souvenirs like jewelry trinkets, magnets and key chains right?

The Bon Festival is a Japanese Buddhist custom which is held annually to honour and to show gratefulness to one’s ancestors. In Japan, this old tradition and festival lasts for three days and includes a dance known as Bon-Odori (Bon Dance).

- Bon Odori taken from http://www.pbase.com/alexlim/ -

Today, the Bon Odori Festival is celebrated not only in Japan but in other countries including Malaysia. This Saturday, 12th of July, Malaysia will be celebrating it’s 32nd Bon Odori at the Panasonic Sports Complex, Shah Alam.

Date: 12 July 2008
Time: 5pm (Gates Open) to 9.30pm (Closing Address)
Venue: Panasonic Sports Complex (formerly Matsushita Centre)
Lot 4, Persiaran Perkilangan, Seksyen 21
Shah Alam,Selangor
Admission: Free
Phone: 03-2274 2274 (Japan Club of KL)

Of course Penangites will also get the chance to have some fun on the 19th July.

Date : 19th July 2008 (Saturday)
Time : Begins about after 5:00pm-6:00pm, Ends around 11:00pm
Venue : Esplanade
Admission : Free

NOTE: Only flat-canvas shoes or sports shoes are allowed onto the field.

- Map to the Stadium (click to enlarge) -

If you have nothing to do, don’t sit and wallow in your boredom. Head out to the festival because this festival is more like a cultural event in Malaysia with lots of Japanese food, music, dance and not to mention cute ladies in Japanese Kimonos.

- Girls in Kimono taken from http://kyng8.blogspot.com/ -

The place is normally packed with people from all over, especially families. But not to worry, there’ll be distributing cute Bon Odori fans to cool you down.

- Drummer boy taken from http://kyng8.blogspot.com/ -