French Open begins

My apologies if you are not a tennis nut like me. Life in Kuantan has turned to tennis for a fortnight. The second Grand Slam of the year has begun in France on the clay courts of Roland Garros. We are actually in for a sporting triple treat, as the French Open is followed by Wimbledon (24 June - 4 July) and the FIFA World Cup, running from 11 June - 11 July in South Africa.

As for Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal has won this Slam four times in the last five years, Roger Federer snatching the crown in last year's edition. Nadal seems to have hit his best form again, but how long will his knees be able to prop him up in a potential seven best-of-five sets matches? We all remember what happened to him in Australia in January.

I still think this is the year that Federer could win all four Slams. He's saving his best health and form for the showpiece events. If he can win the French Open by beating Nadal or whoever in the final, who's going to say he can't go on to win Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open in August, his two most successful Slams, to complete the calendar set?

It all hinges on these two upcoming weeks.

ROLAND GARROS 2010

Yes, it's tennis time again. The second Grand Slam of the year is under way in Paris, France. However, I am extremely concerned as it is nowhere to be seen on TV here. There have been no advertisements leading up to this important event, but I am hoping that they will start transmission tomorrow. I have been enjoying live scoring on the fabulous Roland Garros website where you can view every match being played, point-by point, and even listen to live radio commentary.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are scheduled to meet in the final again, but they will have to negotiate six matches in order to get there. They renewed their rivalry last week in the Madrid Masters final where Nadal came through a close match 6/4, 7/6 with a little help from Federer looking strangely lethargic on numerous break point opportunities.

I believe in Federer. He is a beast when it comes to Grand Slams and he is the defending champion here, which should give him increased determination to make a successful defence.

Here's hoping for some live coverage tomorrow!

Malaysia's new RM50 note

To all my friends who stayed in Malaysia during the early 2000's who may or may not have seen the country's new RM50 note (or 'bill' I should say for the Americans!), here it is in all its glory. The patterns and decorations are detailed and beautiful, combining Islamic art with a flashy hologram. It was released in conjunction with Merdeka Day (Independence Day) on 31st August, 2009.

Lauren's Mischievous Face!

CLASSIC

Kuantan Parade

On Monday night we ventured out to Kuantan Parade, the third and oldest shopping mall in Kuantan. We have only been there twice before in four years, so it was high-time we paid the place another visit.

The entrance's draping lights were very attractive as we made our way inside. We had a saunter around The Store where there were belts galore......

......and where Fie sampled a load of prospective sunglasses, with these two being the chosen ones for a future purchase:

I think we prefer the slightly less striking black ones!

You know, whenever we go to one of Kuantan's malls, we just can't resist the sumptuous pull of KFC, and so we ended up there again that night. I ordered a zinger burger combo meal whilst my wife enjoyed another snack plate meal. Here is our delightful moment...

Fie washes down her food with pepsi

I enjoy a pose with the nice wall pattern

And Lauren opens her eyes wide after I told her not to close them when I'm taking a picture of her!

And after we consumed our fast food, I found a cheap pair of sunglasses which look rather cool: