Welcome Dragon

The fireworks and firecrackers display wasn't as great as the CNY Dragon in 1988. This year was just average. There was only one home at my lane who burnt some crackers. The rest of us just enjoy watching other people 'burning' their money.

Happy Chinese New Year

Thank you SpongeBob

You know your kid watches too much TV when…

He tell you that the clam meat is the clam’s tongue and the clams have little TV under the shell.

The North Borneo Railway, your passport to the British Colonial Era.

The first and last time I took the local train was to Papar more than 20 years ago for a school trip. I don’t remember much from that experience except for the uncomfortable seats and the tunnel.

There is something about tunnels that excites me till this very day.

Some historical facts on the railway system in Sabah can be found here.

The North Borneo Railway (NBR) steam train ride is only available every Wednesday and Saturday. The train departs from the Tanjung Aru train station at about 10am.

When you reach the train station, get your ticket and your ‘train passport’ at the NBR Counter, opposite the entrance to the train platform.  Before you board the train, remember to get your ‘train passport’ stamped.

The atmosphere of the station is lively and fun with the music from the colonial era blasting over the speaker. The friendly train staff dressed in white and khaki uniforms complete with the pith helmets welcomes you to board one of five the carriages.

As the train slowly departs from the station, a continental breakfast of assorted pastries and croissant is served with coffee or tea.

The view along the route changes as you pass by each station. From the Kota Kinabalu International Airport to the Petagas War Memorial, commercial centres to water villages and the glittering waters of the South China Sea to the delightful paddy fields.

One thing that doesn’t change though is the friendly faces of the locals who eagerly waves at the passengers as the train pass by. Even after riding the train many times, it doesn’t get old.

The first stop the steam train makes is at the Kinarut Station. Passengers are encouraged to visit the small town of Kinarut or the Tien Shi Temple located nearby.

The second stop is at Papar station. I recommend you to talk a short walk to the nearby market where you get to see the colourful everyday lives of the locals. They are very friendly, helpful and always ready to pose for the camera, if you ask them nicely.  There are also handicrafts, food and fruits for you to buy as souvenirs.

Try and look for the local Sabahan offerings like fruits: - Tarap, Bambangan, Durian, Rambutan. Snacks – Kuih Cincin, Kuih Lidah, Kuih Amplang, Penyeram.

Thirty minutes is not enough to see everything but it is sufficient to see a little bit of everything.

You could also stay at the train station and watch the head of the steam train making it's turn at the turntable to pull back the train back to KK.

On our back to the Tanjung Aru station, a delicious Tiffin lunch of Chicken Briyani Rice, vegetables, fish and satay with fresh fruits are served. For dessert, there is ice cream! What a joy it is to enjoy the ice cream onboard the steam train on a hot afternoon.

The view is pleasant and the experience of boarding a steam train older than my grandma is definitely one of its kind. I sit on the train and I forget about the rest of the world. The sound of the engine is surprisingly comforting. For real.

 There are not many steam train left in this lifetime, be a part of this British Colonial history in Sabah.

Price List

RM250.00 nett per adult

RM150.00 nett per child between 3 to 12 years olf

Complimentary for children under 2 years old

Contact

North Borneo Railway

Level 2, The Magellan Sutera Resort

1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard

88100 Kota Kinabalu

Sabah, Malaysia

Tel: (60 88) 308 500

Fax: (60 88)  311 136

Email: nbrinfo@suteraharbour.com.my

Chinese Horoscope

When I read my Y! Chinese horoscope prediction for this year, I must admit it put a smile on my face. Almost did my happy dance when I read the other animals’ sign.

Wedding bells are ringing for everyone.

*rolls eyes*

Funny phrases

I was google-ing for some Iban phrases when I stumbled upon this particular phrase.
“Anang negu aku diak!”

It meant, “Don’t touch me there!”

My imagination runs wild as I try to understand the need for tourists to learn that phrase.

marriage and babies

To an almost 7-year old, the world is simple.
Man meet woman. Fall in love. Get married. Have kids. Live happily ever after.

So when things didn’t work out that way, they would innocently question the whys.

The day I dreaded arrived not so gracefully.
We were having our nightly ‘talk’ when he whispered to me.
“Mommy, who did you marry?”

My heart literally sank.

“Why?” I asked.

“People get married and have children. So since you gave birth to me, who did you marry?”

I, Clara Lim, actually pretended to sleep and ignored the question.

And because he is my son who inherited my stubbornness, he asked me the question again few days later. This time I distracted him with something on TV.

By now, I can tell when he is about to jump into this topic. Like the other night. I quickly change the topic when he suddenly starts talking about marriage and babies. I have never been more thankful for his short attention span.

For a boy his age, he is sure thinking about this a great deal.

I had 7 years to think about this and yet I have come up with no solution. Maybe I should use the ‘seed story’ like in the movie, The Switch.

Either way, I need to come up with a solution quick. 

entry one 2012

I was the Christmas grouch and paid my Karma during the New Year.

So this year, I promise to be nicer during the holidays.

Ekiel started his Year One with much excitement. By 2^nd day of class, he was determined not to go to school. Ever. It was really difficult to convince him that education is the best thing I can give him.

He even went all ‘reverse psychology’ on me.
“I don’t need anything else except you and my family mommy”.

“I miss you so much”.

“All I need is your love”.

Yes, such a sweet talker that boy.

I do feel bad I don’t get to spend much time with him during the first few days of school. In fact on the first day, I had a function and was only able to send him to class and pick him up the first day. Second day onwards went downhill according to my mom.

One time, in between his sobs, he brought it up, about me not making time for him and what not. My heart breaks but I really had no choice. *sighs*

If this is how the rest of the year will be like, I will lose my sanity in a couple of weeks. The only thing I am very certain at this point.

Cannot believe CNY is coming soon which means…
 I am not ready.

Happy New Year People

Have...

A Joyful January

A Fabulous February

A Marvellous March

An Awesome April

A Magnificent May

A Jovial June

A Jolly July

An Amazing August

A Superb September

An Outstanding October

A Nice November

A Delightful December

My New Year resolution?
Get my Mr Right.

Boleh? LOL.

Season greetings

Ombak Rindu

When everyone was talking about Ombak Rindu, I got REALLY curious and started searching for reviews and what not. With all the glowing reviews I managed to convince the girls to watch the movie.

Let’s talk about the other cinema goers first.

You know it’s an adult love story. Why do you bring your children with you is beyond me. It’s okay that your kid keeps poking me with her tiny hands from the back but when your kid starts to scream and you talk to the kid like you guys are watching TV at home, is a big NO-NO.

Hilang mood weii.

And when the ‘bedroom’ scene begins, don’t complain there are kids in the cinema.

The thumbs up

Maya Karin (Izzah) was awesome. I like the fact that she dresses the way a real kampong girl would dressed. No fake eyelashes and clown make-up like other dramas/movies. The frizzy hair, the towel to cover her hair was nice details.

Aaron Aziz (Hariz) was yummilicious.

Is it just me or is Bront Palarea (Mail) looking really handsome in this movie?

Lisa Surihani (Mila) was great as usual.

The thumbs down

Mila’s makeup was too much. I know she is supposed to be a celebrity but her eye make-up makes her look as if she just got punched in the eye.

Hariz’s mother’s makeup was over the top. I wonder how many can of spray hair their use.

Mail biting that paddy stalk or whatever it is was too… unnecessary. First time, was okay la. But again and again on different scenes?

Too many ‘fade in & out’ (I have no idea what is the term for that editing) in between scenes.

There was a ‘romantic’ scene where Izzah & Hariz on the huge rocks by the beach, the moment died when someone walked aimlessly at the back.

Censorship board failed. They missed out the word 'slut' or is that word acceptable now? Hee.

Despite the lovely speech about redha and pasrah speech, the scene where Izzah & Mila sitting at the pondok also died when Maya Karin’s audio thingy made an appearance. *sighs* Come one, no one from the production crew saw that thing?

Maybe it’s just me. The movie is good nevertheless but I imagine the book would be better kan?
I will update once I finished reading my sis' copy. That's her Christmas wish. Hee.

By the way, if you’re watching the movie, bring tissues. Lots of tissues. 

colours

Black. That was the theme colour of my wardrobe many moons ago. Black IS the colour for big sized girl like me no? To give the slimming 'illusion'?

But then, when I look at myself in the mirror, I see a zombie so I added army / apple green to 'spice' things up.

Yes, I was not a colour adventerous at all.

Then one day, I woke up and decided that I love baby pink. It is the total opposite of me, but hey, it makes me feel so 'pwetty'. Hehehe.

When the whole orange fever hit almost everyone in the country, I didn't understand the fascination. Not until I bought an orange top because of the lack of colour choices and it kinda make my half-tanned skin glow. Happiness. Unfortunately, the colour screams for attention and I cannot deal with that.

I have always love Turquoise but I do not dare to wear the colour until recently.

And now, I think I am having a mid life crisis. You know how middle-aged men buys flashy cars? I am so attracted to bright BRIGHT colours and it is scary.

I have bought few ‘loud’ pieces, but I have yet to wear most of them. I have no idea where to wear it anyway. Hehehe.

I know I look crazy to some, but hey, we have to have ‘confidence’ to look good in whatever we wear. Even when we have to fake ‘it’. That’s Fashion 101 no?

Isaiah

People commented that Ekiel’s name is too biblical.
I know it is, but I wanted a ‘wise’ name in hopes that he’ll grow up to be a man full of wisdom.

I also love the meaning behind the name.

Ezekiel means ‘Strength’ while Isaiah means ‘Salvation’.

Since both are the names of the prophets, it is common to hear the names during mass and without fail the family would turn to look at Ekiel. I don’t know why. We just do.

We tell Ekiel that the priest is not happy with him because he is not paying attention to the service.

Last Saturday, the first reading was from Prophet Isaiah and true enough, everyone, the family, turned to look at him. He looked at me helplessly. After a while, he came to me and whispered in my ear “Mommy, he said Isaiah, not Ezekiel Isaiah so he is talking about someone else!”

Splash

Kissess

Sat Nite Story

No rainbows and no lemons. *sigh* I must have offended the Universe. Again.

I used to have enough patience for everyone and everything, but lately I can feel myself losing it. FB walls update about optimism and positive quotes irk me and cute-sy messages about their love and life makes me want to bang my head on the computer keyboard.

I'm a sad case kan?

There's a point where I really want to punch a guy on his face. I would have if I were a guy. I know, fighting is not the solution. *head hangs in shame*

So what do I do when I am stressed? I eat. But with Christmas coming that is just not an option. So to distract myself, I shop. Online. Or make stupid 'spur of the moment' decision.

Which I would feel bad about later.

Either or, things are just not working out for me these days.

Thank goodness Christmas is just around the corner. Something to distract myself. Managed to convince the family to change the theme colour of the Christmas tree.

Inspired by Chegu Carol’s pink theme last year, we are doing purple/pink silver this year.
Would love to have a turquoise theme, but it is impossible to get the decors.

So what’s your Christmas theme this year?

Go Tiger!

I am not exactly a football fan, but I do watch occasional football and by that it means watching it when my brother is watching it at home. But when I do watch football, I get a little too excited and make comments like I know the game well.

It’s the adrenalin rush I tell you.

So last night, with almost everyone talking about the finals between Malaysia and Indonesia football match, I have to watch it and support our national team no?

Coincidently I was wearing a yellow shirt and Ekiel was in red. The gambler inside of me made a wager with Ekiel and he jumps right in.

He decided that if Malaysia wins, he will replace me at work today. How adorable is that? If Indonesia wins, I have to take him to the game arcade and let him play his heart out.

Of course, I opt for massage for 1 hour instead because that boy can’t read so coming to do my work would be really useless.

When the Garuda scored their first goal, Ekiel turned into this REALLY annoying monster.

He boo-ed me when the Harimau scored.

The whole game was a little off I feel. There were a lot of knocking each other, a lot of drama with the *ahem* fake injury and it wasn’t the most graceful game ever. I cannot remember chuckling so much during a football match.

My dislike for surprises only made this game more nerve wrecking especially the penalty bit.

So when the ball slowly rolled into the net, I was happy. Because we won. Well, because I won. The bet. In the midst of the cheering, Ekiel came to me and gave me a high five.

After the game, I told Ekiel that he better get ready as I would like to claim my prize.

Me: Habislarr you Ekiel, you have to give me massage

Ekiel: But mommy, we are one team already kan?

Me: Eh hello, you support Indonesian team right? They lost right?

Ekiel: But I am in your team already kan?

Me: Since when?

Ekiel: Kan we high five just now!

I do not know whether I should be proud of him or otherwise.

Passion of Love

Ekiel and I had one of our ‘deep’ conversations the other night.

And it was rather painful.
There were tears and comforting hugs.

But what was said was true.

We need to make efforts to find love.

Ekiel gave me the ‘passion of love’ speech.

Ekiel: Mommy when you love someone you need to show it. Like you love me, you bring me out, buy me things. Go dinner. That is the ‘passion of love’.

Me: What if I don’t have the time?

Ekiel:  You don’t work ALL the time. You still have cuti. You go out larr.

Me: What if it doesn’t work out? How?

Ekiel: It is okay. It will hurt just a little. Like me and E. When we broke up, I okay only. Even when K say E is his GF, I biasa only. That is life.

Me: ...

Ekiel: Are you sad mommy? I can see tears.

Me: No larr where got *wipes tears away*

I cannot believe I just got ‘lectured’ by a six-year old about love.
But he does have a point, doesn’t he?

Give me a Chance

Greyson Chance.

The boy who drove half of KK kids CRA-ZY.

My youngest sister was so desperate for tickets; she actually called the Malay local radio station hoping to get some tickets.

I understand the fascination. Been there done that. I once waited outside the building of one of the local newspaper for hours for the tickets just to watch Jimmy Lam. I know, I know. Jimmy who right? All I can say is it was a pretty weird phase for most of us.

I remember coming early to the KDCA where the concert was held and I literally fought to be right in front of the stage. When he touched my hand, I was so sure that I was special like the rest of the girls whose hand he touched as he walked across the stage.

Those were definitely the days.

So when I see my sister trying hard to get the tickets, I feel sorry for her so I tried asking around but no luck. However, thanks to twitter, I managed to figure out the location of the radio cruisers which she managed to get herself three tickets.

I don’t know what made her gave my son the other ticket. He got all excited, ‘believing’ that he would go to the concert. When my mom told me my sister left with her friends and left my son at home with the ticket, I got really pissed. Only one ticket for Ekiel. Event in 1B. I don’t drive. What did she expect to happen?

True enough when I got home, my son was excited to go and I had to break the bad news to him.

Ekiel: I hate C and her stupid dumb idea. I knew her plan would not work!

*sighs* I feel you my boy. 

fashion police

After working for four continuous weekends, I finally got the weekend off.  Sticking to my weekend theme, “Save the Dugongs”, I spend my days sleeping and watching a lot of TV.

However, even with paid TV, there are still not many ‘interesting’ programmes to watch. Desperate, I tune in to our locals programmes, because we ‘should’ support our local entertainment industry no?

I was watching a little bit of a drama where a prostitutes who has two kids and she was diagnosed with AIDS. She was in the room all hysterical and a social worker tried to calm her down. There is nothing wrong with the scene really except my brain keeps asking me, ‘is the social worker going to a formal office function after this?’ She was dressed WAY too formal to meet a prostitute in her dingy rented room.

Maybe it’s just me.

But remember the scene in the bath tub and the girl was wearing a pario? And the cardigan in ‘Akinabalu’?  Something is so wrong with our wardrobe department!

It is also unfortunate that with the many fashion designer and self-acclaimed fashion guru in our country, the local celebrities looked as if they were dressed in the dark for a glitzy and glamorous affair like the recent AIM.  *whistles*

I know Christmas is coming but to look like a colourful tree is not the way to celebrate the season.

Sometimes, less is indeed more.