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GET QUOTECategory: Travel
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India Food
In Hyderabad, I heard that their biryani rice is very famous. Biryani is rice mixed with a meat curry dish. I do like their Basmati rice. It has very fragrant and less starch. In fact I got some back to cook. Besides this, their butter naan is also delicious. It must be eaten while it is hot. It is crispy and very tasty. It goes well with the vast variety of different curry.
The first day, my colleagues took me to a buffet. It looks like buffet is very common in Hyderabad. Every day I was having buffet. One thing about buffet is that you can taste all the different curry there is. I tasted mutton, chicken, fish, dhal and seafood curry, all at one go.
At the end of the meal, I was given some Indian sweets to make the mouth fragrant. I tasted 1 but I didn’t get use to the taste.
I must say that I enjoyed the food there so much.
Hotel Room Service:
Lobster Tail
Chicken Drumlets coated with curry spicy powder.
Look at the special lemon that is wrapped with cheese cloth to prevent the seed from falling on to the food. What a great idea.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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Penang Youth Park
If you are coming to Penang, you should visit the Youth Park. It has so many exercise and playground equipment. I like bring my children there in the evening when it is not so hot. Many people, young or old like to hang out there.
They even have a skate board path for the teens. And if you are interested in foot therapy, you can go for the pebbles path. Once I saw a macho guy who couldn’t even walk 1 round without screaming for help.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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Impressive Service At Novotel But ….
I was in India last week and I must applause the ground service people in the Novotel Convention Center Hotel in Hyderabad. They were very courteous and polite. Everywhere I go, they greet me, always asking me if I needed help.
Most nights I would order room service for dinner because of my work schedule. India time zone was a little difficult for me to adapt. Once I finished work with my India counterpart, I need to rush back to the hotel to have meetings with the US folks as they wake up.
Anyway one of the meals that I ordered had a very tough beef. The in dinning service called and asked my feedback. I just made a small remark about the beef being tough, not tender enough. I didn’t expect much from my feedback. The service manager called me again and told me that he will offer free dessert. I was happy to hear that but I was also too full for dessert. I passed.
One thing they did was really out of the way was, after I return back home, I got an email next morning from the hotel. Apparently I left my GAP sweater in the room. Yeah I notice that when I was on the plane, freezing throughout the journey. They told me that they can courier it back to me. The next day, I receive it. Kudos to all the housekeeping & in-dining service people.
Now the bad part is that the front desk charged a security deposit on my company credit card. I have no idea about this until I returned and saw the charge on my online statement. My company travel agent booked the hotel for me so I wasn’t aware of that charge at all. I was a little disappointed because really I was about to write to tripadvisor.com sharing my great experience with the hotel. It will take 15 days for them to release the charge to me. The only thing I wasn’t happy that they made a charge without my consent. There goes your compliment to tripadvisor.com.
View from my room:
Room Service Dinning:
Security Checks
Popularity: 1% [?]
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Travel Pack Meds
I will be making a business trip to Hyderabad India. It is first time ever going to India. Lots of people advise me on drinking water and food. It makes me a little nervous going there. I also got a call from my mum to prepare some diarrhea meds.
I went to my office clinic to ask for diarrhea meds. Look what they gave me? The doctor told me that this is a travel pack meds that include fever, flu, sore throat and diarrhea meds as well. Everything except charcoal pills.
Let’s hope I don’t fall sick when I am there.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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Oh Libra Cruise!
I thought of treating my family to a 1 night cruise with Star Cruise Libra ship but it turned out to be a disappointment. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t board the ship yet. I was surveying the price on internet to see how much I needed to spend.
They have standing rates for adult, anyone above 12 and do not need a cabin. It costs $142 per person, all inclusive during low season. The cheapest cabin rates are $202, all in.
Strangely, they do not have children rates! Yes no children rates below 12. The management force you to take a cabin and the rates charged to children is the cabin rates. If 2A and 2C go, it will be $202 * 4! What a rip off!! Ooops, cannot be a rip off if I didn’t make a booking. Children rates are more expensive than adult rates. Only Star Cruise Libra does that.
I wonder why SC management do not provide any children rates? They do it for Star Cruise Pieces and for Star Cruise Virgo, children travel free. Maybe they just want adult on board.
I feedback this to Star Cruise and they hit around the bush. Lastly, they told me that’s what management gave. No valid reason.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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Just A Backpack
I don’t know about you but when I traveled, I don’t really pack a lot of things. However I can bring many things back. Once I went to new your with just one laptop backpack. I knew I had to take a train and bus to my destination. I left my luggage kept in the airport. I am glad I did that.
I stayed for 3 days and New York was just beautiful. I went up to empire state building to watch the sunset. I also saw the rainbow too. Moments I will remember for a long time.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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Snow Places
My kids have been asking me to bring them to a country which snow. I love seeing snow fall. I am glad I have experienced that a few times, in Japan, China and US. Maybe I should plan a trip to China with them next Chinese New Year.
Once I was in US, I rented a car. I saw a big brush on the car seat and was perplexed why they would leave a brush in the car. I threw it to the backseat. Next day, my whole car was covered with snow then it occurred that the brush is for sweeping away the snow from the wind screens. I had to go searching for it.
At that time, I wished I had a honda snowblowers to clear the path. It was really cold when I was brushing off the snow and my feet were sinking into the snow too. It was quite an experience for me.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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Flat Tire
I almost forgot to blog about this but I was reminded. The second day of our Langkawi trip, as we were driving, we heard some weird bumpy sound coming out of the car. I asked my hubby to stop to check the tires. It was dark as it was night time and there were no street lights. Fortunately we could stop at the entrance to a hotel where there were some lights so that we can see.
Yeap, one of the tires punctured. My hubby had to change it because the tire was really squashed and I don’t think it can move anymore. It was a car from the rental. I hope they have 5th wheel warranty.
All of us got out of the car for my hubby to change it. My children set by the side, as there were some flat stones for them to sit. They were occupying themselves with my iPhones games while papa changed the tire. I wonder if I am alone, do I know how to change it. I hope to learn to do it.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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Berjaya Langkawi Resort Hotel
It is a great resort in Langkawi. I did enjoy my stay there for 3 nights without much problem. Before the trip, I did read some feedbacks on tripadvisor.com about the hotel. It was a mixed feeling. I was kind of confused why certain people gave lots of positive feedback and the others gave negative. Probably the negative ones didn’t get good rooms or they had high expectations.
I must say the kampung chalet does give me a feel that I am closer to nature. However the condition of the rooms does not portray a 5 stars hotel room for the value they charged. They do need some sort of refurbishing. The bathroom has a couple of stains, bottom of the bathtub is slightly cracked, TV is old, furniture is outdated and the resort facilities are limited.
The swimming pool is very wide. If they add in a slide for kids, it will be perfect. I kind of like the water wall by the side of the pool. There is a portion of the pool that provided some sort of Jacuzzi.
There are other activities available in the hotel like nature walk, water sports, beach play, swimming in the sea where they block off from water sports and lots of beach chair for a nice tan.
One more thing that may cause an inconvenient, some of the chalet are a distance from the lobby. You need to ride shuttle van to and from the room. However the wait is just 5-10 minutes. I am pleased that the chalet given to us is walking distance from the lobby.
The price of the rooms is a little steep if you asked me. I would go back if I still get the Berjaya Membership rates from my good friend. My family did enjoy the resort.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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Vacation Plan
I am looking at the Outer Banks vacation rentals and I saw a few property that I would rent for a long vacation. I have plans to take my family to US, just a matter of when. I am waiting for my children to grow a little older so that they can appreciate the site seeing.
At their age, they only fancy theme parks, cartoon channel and a big swimming pool. That their dream vacation. You and I know, we don’t have to go far to do just that.
Popularity: 2% [?]
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Clam Chowder
Oh I miss the Clam Chowder in Fisherman Wharf in San Francisco. Every time I go, I must have it. It is creamy and has lots of clam in it. I wonder anyone here make it as good as the one we get there. If yes, please let me know. I can have a few bowls of this. It goes well with the fried calamari too. Simply delicious!
Popularity: 2% [?]
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Orlando Vacation
I am looking around for a contest that can win me a Orlando vacation. I would want to bring my family there. Orlando has the Big 4 theme parks there. I am sure my children would love to stay there, adults would too. I remembered when I step foot into Disneyland, I become a child again. It is a great feeling.
If you know of any cost efficient way to get me there, I would love to know. It will certainly be a dream holiday for my family!
Popularity: 2% [?]
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New York Times Square
Walking into New York Times Square is like walking on a streets surrounded by lights. The ambient just blow me away. It is something like Vegas minus the casino. I am glad I have a chance to go there. I wished I had more days there.
Most of the building has LCD screens like TV, flashing the ads. One building, pictures below was completely covered with LCD screen. Look for yourself!
Popularity: 2% [?]
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Oh KL Sentral
I was at KL Sentral and it really needs improvement. It is suppose to be where travelers go to take transport to and from the International airport. Lots of tourist will go there.
First, it is so crowded like a night market. It is difficult for people to walk, not to mention hurling their big luggage around.
Secondly, it has only 1 lift to go down to the bus stations. Why can’t they build more or build extra escalators? The lift is small and very torn down.Thirdly, the taxi station does not have enough taxis. When I got my ticket, the cashier told me I can wait for a long time. What can I do but wait. There is no other transport to my destination. Some taxi came by but didn’t stop. Some were parked near there fishing for people who can pay more. I can see some tourists were frustrated because a few taxi went passed him. He and his family were waiting, poor children must be hungry there.
Finally I got into one myself but the taxi driver was not very happy because the place I was going to is a congested area. Since it was a festive month, I gave him extra tip for the ride. That’s make him happier and it was the only time, I saw a smile in him.
Lastly, when I got down from the Air Asia bus at KL Sentral, there was a taxi ticketing counter. The cashier just told me “no taxi”. Wow! I got shock by her. However I saw a lot of taxi men fishing for customers asking for extra. This is so typical.
Popularity: 2% [?]
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Efficient Malaysia Immigration
I must say the Malaysia Immigration for passport renewal has improved. Kudos to all the staff there in Penang!! First they sent me a reminder stating my passport is about to expire. I will travel soon so it really helps me to get it renewed. I don’t want to be at the immigration gate only to find out my passport is not valid.
Secondly, I can download the renewal application form from their website. I remembered I used to queue for that form and also need to pay RM1 for it. It is also a waste of time because a number is given only after you filled up the form.
It only took me 30 minutes to get everything done. However it still takes 2-3 hours before I can collect the passport on the same day. I collected the next day instead.
Next is the US Visa application. The online form is driving me crazy. Imagine I filled up half of the form and it all vanished into thin air.
You can download the form here.
Popularity: 2% [?]
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Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa Santa Rosa
I stayed in this hotel in Jan 2010 on my business trip to Santa Rosa. However my stay wasn’t that pleasant. It had a bad start and finish. I booked the hotel through my company travel agent and it was suppose to come with a free breakfast and Wifi. I was very sure of it because I checked before I booked it.
On the day of arrival, the front desk told me no complimentary breakfast or Wifi. I should have printed out the reservation info. Anyway I went online with paid Wifi to verify and call the front desk. The front desk verified again but he said I can have the free Wifi but no complimentary breakfast.
I stayed there for 4 nights and on the second day, I received a notice from the General Manager with an email address. I wrote to him with regards to my complimentary breakfast. He told me to go ahead and order the breakfast, he will have it waive off my bill. Pretty cool.
I worked late for a few nights and in the morning, I called room service for breakfast so that I do not have to make a rush.
At the end of my stay, the bill came but the breakfast was charged. I told the checkout person but he told me that room service was not part of the deal. He also explained to me that I should get the complimentary breakfast vouchers upon check-in and have my meal in the restaurant. I wasn’t given those vouchers upon check in and the GM didn’t say I could not call room service for breakfast. I just didn’t like the way the checkout guy talk to me. Anyhow, he settled it with his GM.
Another upsetting part was I went for dinner at Brasserie Restaurant, I wasn’t given a menu for ordering. I had to get the menu myself. On top of it, the waitress who saw me didn’t bother to come and take my order. I had to go to another part of the dining area and a waiter serving that area served me right away.
On the last day, there was a fire drill but there wasn’t any notice given. All the doors were closed. I took the stairs but it led to a lock door. If really there was a fire, I will be dead. I climb back up the stairs. The drill was over when I came out of my room but no one bothers to open back the doors. Ooh there was also a door for the elevator. Elevator was not working too. I had to walk a couple of rounds to get to the exit. Imagine dragging my bags here and there. It was really frustrating.
There wasn’t any DIY laundry service and I have to go to Marriott Hotel next door to do my laundry. The front desk lady was kind enough to do a electronic key for me to get into the laundry room and provided free WiFi while I waited for the laundry to be done.
I will not ever stay there again! Of all the Hyatt hotel I stayed, this was the poorest customer service ever!
Cleanliness:
Service:
Facilities:
Overall:
Popularity: 2% [?]
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Air Asia Convenience Fee
I am sure for those who book Air Asia flights and pay by credit card, you are charged RM5 per one way ticket per person. Return trip will be RM10. If you have n number of people flying, it will be n*RM10.
Today I booked AA flights and realized they don’t charge if I pay by debit from my CIMB account. It also applies to Maybank, Public Bank, Ambank and Bank Rakyat. Just click Debit on the payment page.
Don’t let them charged you the costly convenience fee unless you don’t know where to use your money. Be Smart!
Popularity: 2% [?]
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Time Share
Once I was invited to join a timeshare membership. I would have if I know I traveled so much. At that time it was worth it because the amount invested can be refunded after 30 years. I could use some free hotel stays for school holiday vacation.
It will be good if they can extend it to US and include orlando timeshare. I always wanted to go to US Disney World and other theme parks in Orlando.
Popularity: 3% [?]
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To Sleep Or Not To Sleep
The other day, I was asked by my friend to recommend her some sleeping pills I don’t take any so what do I know. She doesn’t look like a person who needs it either. Of cause, immediately I asked her why she needs it.
She told be that she will be travelling on a long hours flights. She was afraid that she couldn’t sleep on the plane. I told her that wouldn’t that be dangerous. Imagine popping a sleeping pill, snoring your way through the journey, if any emergency, it will be difficult to wake up. Wouldn’t it be? I wouldn’t know.
I asked her to read the reviews of sleeping pills before taking any for health reason.
Popularity: 3% [?]
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Mangosteen
It is in SEASON!!! Yeah it is one of my favorite fruit. Some countries may not have this fruit, it is really too bad for them.
The fruit is purple outside but the edible part is white. It is juicy, sweet and very nutritious. I heard now they have pure juice extract from mangosteen. I wonder how many mangosteen to make a bottle of juice.
Do you know that if you look at the bottom of the fruit, you can tell how many edible white parts in the fruit? Example the one in the picture has 7 petals which mean it has 7 white parts in the fruit. I love choosing more petals. Simply delicious, if your country does not have this fruit and you are in Malaysia, you have to try it.
Popularity: 5% [?]
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