Life, Travel, GRACE

Have an opportunity to attend conference in Ostrava, Czech Republic this week. So Dr Mike and I planned for a two-week trip in Central Europe. We planned to cover Prague, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Cesky Krumlov and perhaps Auschwitz. We arrived in Prague two days ago, that was Saturday morning. Our flight had transit stop in Singapore and Zurich. The flight took us about 15 hours in total. Amazingly, I didn't have much jet lag; probably because I slept more in the flight. Getting to Prague city center was easy. We took a bus then transit to metro. It cost about kc32.00 per person. That's about RM6.00. Not too bad.

I did not watch volume 1. Thought it was another money-sucking-superheroes-movie. Then I came across its soundtrack. I got hooked. The selection of songs for the soundtrack was very well done. That was volume one. Now, recently I listened to the soundtrack of volume two. Again, I was hooked. Those 70's and 80's songs were great and well fitting with the movie. Because I like its soundtrack, so I watched the movies (both vol.1 and vol.2). I must say vol. 2 has more humor and better characters development. Initially I thought vol. 1 soundtrack is better. After watched the movie, vol. 2 soundtrack is not too bad. Great songs from the 70's and 80's. Awesome mix!

After my trip to Dubai last year, I went back to my hometown. That was in late November. This time, number two son was with me. Besides staying in his grandma's house, we went to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. It was my first time to that place although the sanctuary has existed for ages. This place is situated right at the edge of an oil palm estate. Very similar to Sepilok, except that you won't find any orang utan. There will be a lot of proboscis monkeys. Feeding time is where you can see all the monkeys coming to the open area to get free food. And of course how could resist to take a photo with the monkeys. All photos were taken with iPhone 5s

We have been having home cooked meal for most of the time in these few years. Occasionally we will have packed food from nearby restaurant which cost a little. If one has opted to dine out, it would cost a family of 4 around RM30-40. That was few years ago. Unfortunately, things changed. The value of Ringgit has depreciated much since last year. We just had Bak Kut Teh for dinner last night. We had a two-pax portion. The price came in at RM50. I was surprised with the cost. Because I think the cost will be much more cheaper in Klang for two pax. Because if we have simple "big fry", it won't cost that much. Even if we go to a decent restaurant for nasi lemak, it won't cost that much either. Perhaps Bak Kut Teh is really an expensive meal? Probably that Bak Kut Teh stall should be blacklisted from my dinning list? Anyway, there was a survey on the purchasing power conducted by a local media recently. The value of RM50 has shrunk. Food is not as cheap as it used to be. ...

This year Chinese New Year we went back to Sibu. Our teacher friend took us to explore some places in the area which we seldom go. For the first time, I went to the pagoda temple in the town center. Then we went across the river side to check out the local kampong . There's one spot in that village which has become the favourite place for the local photographers. On a bright afternoon, one can easily get a nice panoramic photo from it. Of course we also had the favourite Sarawak Laksa . Sarawak Laksa Photos taken with iPhone 5s

No. 1 son's 8th birthday celebration.... We just had a simple cake. And he had an expensive gift from grandma.

At first, I thought the movie title was a bit odd. Then only did I know it's a musical film. I enjoyed my previous view of Chicago (2002) last few years (watched in the flight). It was the best musical movie I had so far. It really deserves the Oscar's best picture. Now back to this latest movie, La La Land. It's not too bad either. Although the number of songs is not as many as in Chicago. They are very easy to the ears - simple and nice. The plot of the movie is also quite simple. It tells of two people, where they meet, and fall in love. But each of them also has their dream. Now, to achieve one's dream, one may need to sacrifice. And that's how the story goes. The opening scene is one of the best parts. It leads you to the mood that you will want more. I predict this movie will at least win the Oscar's in cinematography and costume design. Not sure about the best picture -  there was one part I felt bored, maybe I was too tired though.