Transporter 2

Hi guys, my long-neglected Dan Brown blog is hosting my post today, where I'm presenting the movie "Transporter 2". Hop over there for some all-action movie analysis!

Beach Chairs challenge!

Today I'm submitting my entry for the Beach Chairs Challenge organised by beachstore.com. I was contacted via email with the offer to submit an entry in this competition to win a beach chair, so why not?!

The beach chair I chose, accompanied by a brainstorming session I held with it, is as follows:

The question is how this chair describes or defines me. So let me explain my ideas.

First off, this beach chair, like all beach chairs, is specifically designed for use on the beach. Like me, it wouldn't do very well in the water - we both don't swim with any proficiency! We are at our best on the sand, not in the sea.

Following is a list of similarities between the beach chair and myself. This will highlight just how much this beautiful beach chair really describes me perfectly.

The first thing I noticed was its red colour. I am a supporter of Manchester United, who likewise wear red, but that wasn't the best way its colour describes me. Like the chair, I go deep red when I spend too long in the heat of Malaysia, so I'm pleased to see that I'm not the only thing that turns red under the sun!

Which leads me to the lovely little roof on the beach chair. In the lofty temperatures of Malaysia, I need a 'roof' too. My trusty cap has served me well, but now I tend to follow the locals a little more and opt for the umbrella to keep those hot rays off my head.

Wherever I go, I am always carrying things with me - from my children, to my camera and phone, to English lessons in a folder. I was delighted to see that this beach chair described this very well with a few pouches to carry things of its own. Here's a picture of me carrying things:

This beach chair is plain, simple and very smart. When working, I also prefer to dress in this same manner, as can be seen above.

Next I looked at the chair's appendages, starting with the sleek, silver legs. This describes me very well as I have lean legs too. It's great to be in good shape!

Moving up to the arms, they are thin too. Same here. But the beach chair's arms are also stable and steady. This is a good description of my arms. Though they are relatively thin, a steady hand has allowed me to excel in art. Recently I drew this imaginary map - in pen:

I am very flexible in my work as an English teacher. Students are at various levels of proficiency and so my lessons have to be adapted as required. I'm also teaching English to a variety of ages and by different means. 

The beach chair folds up and unfolds very flexibly too. It also identifies itself by showing the logo in the top right corner. I too am typical of any businessman, and likewise carry my logo around on business cards.

I have been described by many as being too thin, but like this lovely beach chair, I'm a smart, lean, flexible machine!

Spending time at Taman Gelora

We recently took our Russian friends to Taman Gelora. Regular visitors to my blog will know all about Taman Gelora from previous posts. It's a beautiful, tranquil park by the beach where people love to go jogging in the evening and where it is not so hot due to the bounteous trees blocking out a good portion of the sun's rays. Or if you're me, you love taking photographs at Taman Gelora!

From Russia With Love

Hi everyone, today's post is over at our company blog and you're invited to attend! We had a great time with our new friends from Russia over the last few weeks, so click the following link to see what we did:

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

Whatever, you're doing, make it great and have a lovely day!

Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, Kuching

We had one of the finer experiences while we stayed at the beautiful Four Points Hotel in Kuching, Malaysia last month.

Four Points Hotel is a great glass structure which is conveniently located around 2km from Kuching International Airport (KIA) and a 15-20 minute drive from the town centre by the Waterfront.

From the moment we walked in, our bags were relieved from us and an attendant named Harris escorted us off to our room. Harris was well dressed and mannered and had a pleasant little chat with us. He introduced us to our room and made us feel entirely at home. When it comes to good hotels, first impressions do count for me, and Harris got us off to a lovely start!

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Roger Federer reaches 287 weeks as the world #1

Yesterday Roger Federer made it to 287 total weeks as the #1 ranked player in the world. He surpasses Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks. He has now spent the most time as the #1 ranked player of anyone who has ever lived.

Here in Kuantan, we celebrated his achievement with a little lunch and toast to Federer's success and amazing career to date.

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Damai Beach Resort, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

While we were over at Borneo last month we spent a night at Damai Beach Resort in Kuching in connection with Florianna's engagement.

We stayed in a beautiful wooden chalet beside the beach front.

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Roger Federer wins 7th Wimbledon title, and much more...

There was only one thing my blog post was going to focus on today. Roger Federer.

As most of you know, I'm a huge admirer of Roger Federer, the tennis player, the father, the man.

Yesterday at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Roger Federer beat Andy Murray to win his 7th Wimbledon title, equalling the feats of William Renshaw and Pete Sampras.

Not only has he successfully emerged victorious in 7 out of 8 Wimbledon finals, he has also clocked up his 17th major title, and returned to the #1 world ranking position.

In a couple of weeks time he will have surpassed Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks as the #1 ranked player. There are not too many more records left for him to break!

It was a nervous start for Roger Federer on Centre Court against a determined Andy Murray, who was the first Briton to appear in a Wimbledon final for 74 years. The Swiss champ was a little out of sorts and dropped the first set 6-4.

But Federer barely sweats, and when he does, he sweats ice. There was no emotion on Federer's face, as he kept strong through a nervy 2nd set. Winners and errors were met with the same steely response. Federer broke vitally at the end of the set to level the match at 1 set each.

Andy Murray's emotions soon started getting the better of him, when a 19-minute service game saw Federer eventually break the Scot's serve once more. Murray was down on the ground three times, and Federer was beginning to accelerate.

Federer mixed his game up with sizzling forehands, glorious backhands, deft volleys at the net, and marvellous drop shots.

As Murray visibly began struggling in the 4th set, physically and mentally, the Swiss ace was gliding around the court like a gazelle, in glorious silence. At 30 years of age and a father of two, he looked amazingly fit, as though he could have been 20.

Andy Murray put in a great effort and had me worried for a set and a half, but he found it tough to keep up the high level of the first set. As he said himself, he's getting closer.

After taking the decisive 3rd set 6-3, Federer served out the match, taking the 4th set 6-4, and lifting the famous trophy for the 7th time.

And showing off the trophy at the balcony...

Roger Federer's twin daughters are almost 3 years old, and they were at Centre Court cheering on their remarkable father.

Roger Federer has now won Wimbledon 7 times, in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2012

He has amassed a staggering collection of 17 major titles

And who's to say he won't keep on winning more? He looks as fit and great as ever!

Now for Olympics gold Roger!!!

(All pictures are credited to, and were taken from this brilliant facebook page dedicated to Roger Federer)

Florianna's Engagement at Escobar, Damai Central

The main purpose of our visit to Kuching last month was to attend my sister-in-law's engagement party at Escobar, Damai Central, Kuching.

Florianna is now engaged to Aser, a very nice man from Egypt. they held their party at Escobar, a nice bar/restaurant at Damai beach, Kuching. The tables were set nicely in an open-air setting. The photographers and videographers did their jobs well, though we are still waiting for the edited photos to be delivered. I managed to snap a few pictures with my point-and-shoot, which came out ok.

It was an enjoyable night. We arrived just as the sun was setting over the sea:

Felicity posing at the restaurant

Fie and Lauren

Photos from the engagement ceremony...

Following is a lovely video put together of the engagement night. Watch and enjoy! Once again, we offer our congratulations to Florianna and Aser and wish them all the best in their future!

Back home from Kuching

So we are back home in Kuantan after more than a week in Kuching, on the island of Borneo.

I first set foot on Borneo in 2003 when doing a volunteer working contract. Kuching was different to Peninsular Malaysia and I fell in love with the place. I also met my wife's family before I fell in love with her at first sight!

I've been back to Kuching a number of times since the first visit. As of 2012, Kuching has changed a lot. There is improved infrastructure, buildings, shopping malls and hotels, along with KL-like traffic jams at times!

Lauren was so scared of almost everybody in Kuching, from grandparents to uncles to cousins. It made it a very difficult and stressful trip. Thankfully she absolutely loves her aunties!

Here are some photos of the people of Kuching, who made our trip interesting, fun and wholesome...

My wife and her sisters

To the left is my wife's grandma

Leah looked at the camera!

My wife's grandfather is 92 years old and asked me to try on his Iban waistcoat. I later wore it to my sister-in-law's engagement party.

My wife and her 4 sisters, their cousin Jenny on the far right; Aser (in the white shirt near the middle) is Florianna's fiance from Egypt; far left is Aser's friend Khaliel (unsure of exact spelling). Lauren was crying because she was scared of the Egyptians, Leah was just fine!

In KL preparing for our drive to the airport

At the airport waiting for our plane to Kuching

Eating the ever-gorgeous Kolo Mee at Hui Sing, Kuching

Two of my sisters-in-law, Anai and Urai, posing nicely at Lim Hock Ann Seafood restaurant in Buntal, Kuching, near Damai beach

Posing for a photo at The Hills mall, Kuching

Lauren and her aunty Urai buying some refreshments from a roadside stall in Kuching

It's good to be back home in Kuantan after the travelling. We all need a rest after a difficult time with the children. However, I miss Kuching, the sunset over the mountains, but most of all, I miss being with family. I'm not the kind of guy that enjoys being around other people for too long, but the people we were with in Kuching, made the trip memorable. 

Thanks to all those who helped us with accommodation and getting around!