Keeping you connected: data roaming

When travelling overseas, there are multiple options to get you connected. Some prefer data roaming via local service provided, some carry their own portable wifi device, and me.. I prefer to buy local simcard.

For portable wifi device it depends on the country visited. For USA, the charging is rm28 per day with deposit rm200 for 500mb data per day

In Europe, buying simcard is easy. Vodafone for example, just pay €10 - €15, show your ID and they will do the setting up for u.

In US, the preferred network like AT&T or T-Mobile can cost you from $30. Depending on the data package

USA 2017: the footage pt 2

Today we are heading to Washington again.. the destination is Spokane.

It's Saturday morning, and we left the hotel at 12pm from the hotel. Took us about.half an hour to reach the ROC airport. It's a very small airport.. only 2 souvenir shops, and several restaurants.

You can walk from end to end in less than 15 mins.

We left Rochester on a little.propeller plane, four seats in a row. It's American Airlines... I had problem with my luggage where it's weight was a bit above 50lb..

I had to remove one little thing and I was good to go. Phew..

ROC to Chicago Ohare took 1h30m then we had 1hr layover in Chicago Ohare

Arrived Chicago at 4.15pm, next flight to Portland at 5.18pm. This flight took 4h31m...

We arrived Portland at 430pm. Took the next flight (little Alaskan Airline) at 5.18pm.. and this took another hour.

Finally.. arrived Spokane at 930pm

Johnny rented a car, which we pick up from the airport. We drove to the Red Lion Hotel, downtown Spokane which was around 20mins drive. Spend the night there.

Woke up Sunday morning, we took a la carte continental breakfast at RL Hotel.. so nice. Then went for a walk along Spokane river at the Riverfront park.

Checked out at 11am, drove all the way to Pullman. We arrived Pullman 1h30mins later... had a nice pizza near Washington State University, Pullman.

Then drove about 15 mins to le Quaint Hotel at Moscow, Idaho.

It is cheaper to stay on the Idaho side compared to Washington side, says the hotel girl. This includes their sales tax. Hurm. Impressive

Now I'm going for a short nap.. It's 3.37pm .. maghrib is 4pm here. So tired..
Bye

End of part 2

-----#

USA 2017: the footage pt 1

Heading to USA this time for work..

It's going to be a "long" journey that involves several state across the U.S.

Summarising the time taken..

KUL 0800 - Narita 1600 (6h), 5677km
Layover in NRT (2.5 hrs)
NRT 1815 - Seattle 1020 (7h45m), 4761mi

Arrived Clarion Airport Hotel at 11am+. There's a free shuttle from the airport. All you need to do is just go to the platform down one level, and call the dedicated hotel number. The bus will come and pick up within few minutes.

Upon arriving the hotel, we had a good sleep.. woke up at 4 pm and headed downtown via city train. One way trip cost $3 (x4.13 at this time) and only took arnd 20mins (or less). Our stop was Westlake.. right in the smack of downtown.

There's Macy's here...

First ever Starbucks store at Pike street.. Farmer's market.. and Hard Rock Cafe.. all around this area. Just walk couple of blocks and you will see the Elliott Bay.. a nice view of Seattle downtown.

Now is 1042pm local time... I'm about to grab my sack. Tomorrow we are leaving early morning to catch the 0640h flight to Rochester NY.

Good night

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SEA to Rochester, NY via Chicago

SEA - Chi: 3h22m
Chicago layover: 1h45m
Chi - ROC: 1h

Arrived Rochester airport at 16:45hrs and Double tree by Hilton at 17:15hrs

Stay in Double Tree Hilton at Rochester NY for 4 days audit..

### End of Part 1 ###

Istanbul airport

There's a subway and tram system here. From airport, access subway at TL5/way. Tram is also TL5/way to any station within the city center. Tickets can be purchased at the vending machine at every station.

From blue mosque, we saw aya Sofia.. then walked all the way down to the Grand Bazaar.. unfortunately it is closed on Sunday.

Then took a tram to Sirkeci.. this is where u can see the Asia part of Turkey. There's also ferry trip or cruise along the river (ops we didn't check the price).

Staying in this area is recommended. There are many small hotels along the way from blue mosque to sirkeci (ferry station). Nice small restaurants and street food were also sighted.

We don't hv much time as we need to head back to the airport for our flight at 330pm. Boarding time is 230pm...

Even though it only take less than 30mins to reach the airport via train, waiting for the train could be a challenge..

That's all for Turkey (for now).

And owh... it's clear that we "missed" the tour bus back to airport right?. We just felt that 1.5h is not enough. As I mentioned the trip is 8.30am to 11am.. but everyone hv to be back at the bus before 10.15am. Bus will stop at the blue mosque. After simple explanation by thr tour guide, they left us to wander and ask us to gather back before 10.15am

Till then, Turkey. We will come back

Istanbul in 9 hours #

Alhamdulillah....

Istanbul.. my forever bucket list.

Today, me hubs, we got the chance to visit Istanbul while waiting or our 9 hour transit to Barcelona (INMR 2017).

In the airport, after immigration, near Starbucks, there's a counter named Turkish airline hotel.. come here 1 hour before the trip time I.e we come at 730am for the 830 - 11am trip to the city center.

There will be several spots covered under this trip. Can check via their website www.touristanbul.com

The trip is free.. and they will bring you back before your next departure.

There's also a drop bag service next to the counter. For a normal bagpack, we paid TL24 (arnd RM30). For larger bag cost arnd TL45.

There's also a surau of course in Istanbul Attaturk airport on level 2. Money changer is everywhere.

Looking for lively area at night? Go to Taksim..

Take a bus (Havabus) outside the arrival hall to Taksim at the cost of TL12. This could save time as going by train will require you to change tramway at Yenikapi. Train option will cost TL5 x 2 trips.

Trains takes approx 40mins (without transit waiting time) and bus 1 hour (direct).

Those with bulky bags, if u don't choose to leave it at the left luggage, pls use this bus. Subway option requires long walking and stairs climbing.. good luck!

******

1 lira = rm1.18

Passed my VIVA!

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
In the name of Allah the most gracious the most merciful

[Pardon me, this could be the longest text I've ever written so far in social media]

For today is another beautiful Friday.. allow me to address my greatest gratitude to those person who make it possible for me to achieve what I have achieved yesterday..

To two most important people in my life.. who brought me to this world. Mom Nafisah Hamat and dad Mohamed Rawi Che Muda who never say NO to my forever desperate requests. You are the the reason for me doing this.

Husband who is always by my side through thick and thins.. my beautiful children.. Syasya Yasmin being the eldest.. thank you for your patience..

My amazing other half, twin Izac Rawi and her husband Fariz Daron who were always there to back me up when I needed lifeline. To my siblings and in-laws... lotsa love here.

My supervisor, Prof Zainal Kadir.. could hv never done this without you! Your motivation and support was the one that I needed.

My life supporter, Zawati Nawi.. u rock my world baybeh.! (She never say NO to me too! Omg)

Colleague who play the most important role.. Mann Mohd u gave me the most important kickstarter. Kadzim Kassim thank you for your critical comment and of course.. my dictionary!

Dato Razif Rahman, daddy to Fariza Adyani.. couldn't thank you more for supporting me since the day I asked for his favor.. the scholarship.. the unpaid leave.. the research attachment... thank you!

My forever mentor, En Mior Azli.. you gave the greatest impact in building this new me. May Allah bless you and your family.

My sponsor, the Yayasan Khazanah family .. what could I've done without all the monetary and motivational support from this amazing team.

I'm sorry if I missed some of your names.. nobody has never been less important throughout this amazing journey..

It's not the end.. the journey has just started indeed...

Next stop... «««my book project»»»

Ninie signing off (for now)

Assalamualaikum

Syasya's 11th birthday party

Location: Pizza hut Tasik Prima
Time: 3pm
Day: Ahad
Attendees: Parent, siblings (4,8), Husna, Ad, kawan syasya, K Aida

1) Pizza: RM394 + RM130

2) Cake: Secret Recipe RM88 + RM5.80 candle

3) Goodie bag: 30 x Pencil case RM58.50

4) Balloon: RM105

Set
# helium 1 x foil (RM9/pc)
# 6 x fashion helium (RM4/pc)

A la carte
20 x plain helium (RM3.5/pc)
2 x number "1" (RM5/pc)

RM10 (delivery) - FOC
1x foil - FOC

Tax refund in Korea

Tax refund is easy in Korea..

Tourist are entitled for tax refund for every purchase more than W30,000 (in single receipt) at participating stores..

Get the refund form, fill it and get customs check or stamp before the departure gate.

Once ok, claim your cash after the immigration check, near gate 28 (after GUCCI) store.

Cash available in KRW, USD and two other main currency.. maybe Chinese yuen.. I'm not sure. Better to get in KRW for best value

Seoul in a nutshell

1. City Hall - building and architecture ✔

2. House of Dior, Gangnam

3. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Zaha Hadid) ✔

4. Dongdaemun Hyundai City Outlet ✔
The city of light

5. Ewha Woman's University - building and architecture  ✔

6. Seoul Memorial Park - Buildings! ✖

7. ChonGae Canal Restoration
Platoon Kunsthale (Container for subculture) ✔

8. H&M -- where at?? ✔

9. Namdaemun : Brooch, souvenirs.
Jewel park building ✔🆙

10. Myeondong : Laneige, streetfoods, face mask ✔🆙

11. Namsan Park Seoul Tower🆙

Cable car ticket is W8,500 (return) and W6,000 (single) for adult.

N tower observation deck from W10,000/adult and W8,000/child. There's a combo package including popcorn and drinks

12. Noryangjin market - pasar ikan

13. Garak market 🆙
This is the place for old people (mostly) come buy their fresh food supplies. Multiple variants of marine products, fresh vegetables, groceries, fruit section.

14. GwangJang Market - famous for silk 🆙

Most shops are closed on Sunday!

15. River cruise at Hangang river (night)

16. Eat kurita alive ✔🆙

17. Gyeong Bok Gung Palace ✔🆙.
Entrance fee is W3,000. Close at 17:30hrs.

Guard changing ceremony is twice a day, 10am and 2pm. Be there!!

Hanbok rental from W5,000/30min or W7000/hr.. normal price 10,000 to 15,000/rental. Enter palace for free if wearing hanbok.

Korean national folks museum is also in this area (free admission). Check out children's museum and children's exhibition hall and children's education hall

18. Bukchon Hanok Village ✔🆙

Korea cultural village. It's nearby Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace.. 10 mins walking

Kecik saja villagenya pun. Maybe 1 or 2 streets.. then finish. The rest are food street. Signature coffees, flea market (from W49,000), local fashion etc.

Take nice pictures with your hanbok here.

Walk further you will find Garak dong, street arts with street performers, handmade stuff etc.

19. Cheonggye Stream (Cheonggyecheon) 🆙
- Hangang river stream. Go by subway Line 1&2 to Sinseol-dong

Nothing special here. Just if you want to have a relaxing walk along the river stream or maybe ride bicycle. Seems to be one of the quiet part of the city

20. Hard rock cafe, Level 5F, Lotte World Mall @ Jamsil stn line no. 8 and 3 🆙

21. COEX Aquarium at Gangnam city mall 🆙

22. Electrical and Electronic shop

23. Nami Island.
The island is located along Han river. Location for Winter sonata movie filming

~~~~
Hotel: Pacific Hotel Myeondong
Guesthouse: Nungmaru Myeondong Motel

We stay at Myeondong guest hse. Just at MD subway exit no. 9.
Bunk bed. Private toilet. Room is super small. TV not working (no channel). Got fridge. Kitchen facility I.e hot water, microwave, utensils etc.
Can use washing machine. No dryer.

~~~~~~
Makan

안녕하세요. 이 학생은 무슬림 종교를 가진 말레이시아에서온 제 친구에요. 할랄음식만 먹어야되요. 혹시 주문한 음식에 돼지고기가 들어있다면 빼주시거나, 그게 안되면 다른걸 고르라고 해주세요. 아니면 돼지고기가 들어가지 않은 음식을 추천해주세요. 감사합니다. :) <<<---- show this in restaurants when u order

Hello dear, this my friend is from Malaysia who has Muslim culture. She has to eat Halal food. If she ordered some menu that with pork, please take pork off. If it is not possible, please tell her that choose something else. Or please recommend menu that without pork to this friend. Thank you. :)

- Jil'hal Bros, food outlet
- Kampungku, myeongdong exit 4, lorong belah kanan pacific hotel - got meh?

Halal restaurant:
1. Busan Jib @ Myeondong
2. Gurkha (Nepal) @ Myeondong
~~~~~~

www.discoverseoulpass.com

Sakura - 1st week April.. Yung Jung No road

~~~~~~
Jeju island:
Mount Kallahan, 1950m
Jeongbang waterfall

~~~~~~
Recommended hotel in good location:

Hotel skypark I - exactly depan myeondong shopping area

Hotel skypark III - exactly depan Myeondong subway exit no. 9, and nearby airport  limousine bus stop (W15,000/trip)

How to go to Myeongdong from ICN airport (and vice versa)

A : Incheon airport ( All stop Arex ) - Seoul station - (transit to Line 4 sky colour) - Myeongdong st. 
approx 90 min. // T-money card 4,150 won , Cash 4,250 won
All stop Arex every 6 - 7 Min. Line 4 sky colour every 10 - 15 min.

B : Incheon airport ( Nonstop Arex ) - Seoul station - (transit to Line 4 sky colour) - Myeongdong st. 
approx 82 min. // T-money card 9,250 won, Cash 9,350 won
Non stop Arex every 30 - 40 Min. Line 4 sky colour every 10 - 15 min.

C : Incheon airport (KTX(300km/h)) - Seoul station - (transit to Line 4 sky colour) - Myeongdong st. 
approx 62 min. // Cash + T-money card 13,250 won, Cash 14,250 won
KTX (300km/h) on your arrival date depart airport 06:55 09:10 09:35 12:07 12:50 15:45 16:30 18:35 20:38. 
Line 4 sky colour every 10 - 15 min

D : Incheon airport ( All stop Limousine bus no. 6015 ) - Myeongdong st. 
70-80 min. // Cash 15,000 won
All stop Limousine bus no. 6015 every 10 min. <right in front of arrival hall, there are bus stops on ground floor> 

E : Incheon airport - (Taxi) - Myeongdong st.
50-60 min. // White or Orange cab Cash 50,000 - 70,000 won + Toll 6,600 won 
Black cab Cash 80,000 - 100,000 won + Toll 6,600 won

~~~~

So from ICN to MD, we took Arex with multiple stops.. the total cost is less than W5,000. And mind you, you need to get off at Seoul stn and change to blue line No. 4 towards Myeondong. Go to exit No 9 for direct access to MD guest house

Likewise, fr MD to ICN, we decided to take the airport bus. Too many bags to carry.. and heavy too. The stop is just 50m away fr MD guest hse. This option cost W14,000 with T Money and W15,000 by cash. Bus takes off every 10 to 20 minutes here. Journey by bus started at 8:26am.. arrived ICN at 9:27am

This bus also stops at Namdaemun market, in front of The Bank of Korea.

Seoul tips (from AA 3sixty in flight magazine)

I was reading the inflight 3sixty mag and found these info. Could be helpful..

~~~~~~
Mode of transportation to Seoul from ICN international airport:

TAXI fr KRW46,000
EXPRESS TRAIN KRW8,000
STD LIMO BUS KRW10,000

~~~~~~
CITY HIGHLIGHTS:

Gyeongbok Palace
Bukchon Village
Namdaemun Market
Cheonggyecheon stream
Unhyeon Palace

~~~~~~
FOODIE TOWN:

Bulgogi - thin sliced marinated beef served in soup or barbequed

Bibimbap - rice topped with vege, chilli paste, meat and egg

Kimchi - spicy pickled cabbage

~~~~~~
PARTY ZONES:

Itaewon strip
Myeongdong
Apgujeong-dong
Gangnam
Hongdae

~~~~~~
INSIDER TIPS:

Check out NANTA SHOW - a non verbal theater that involves acrobatics, magic tricks, comedy and pantomine

Seoul I'm back

It's been a while.... longggg ago since I was here in Seoul. Now I'm back for IPST conference. And it's second day of Eid.

Our journey (me + Izyan) starts on the first night of Raya. It was quite challenging at first when the AA staff at KBR airport declined my cabin bag as he claimed that it was oversized. With an amazing smile, he let us go and warned saying that we need to do something as he ensured us that the bag (my red hard case) can never be allowed for our outbound to ICN (Seoul).

So we arrived KUL at 1240am, tried to get help from Sukri and Nik Ahmad Redza, who turned out was on Raya holiday.

We checked the baggage storage center near the domestic arrival, they charge RM30/day for duration of 1 to 6 days. Our tenure is 8 days so it will be RM27x8. I said NO WAY!

We went to first floor to Capsule hotel.. they charge RM40/day.. and owh.. room charge is RM80/bed. Shower facilities is RM25.. just fyi :)

So, again.. no thank you.

We finally decided to call GRAB. Driver was busy. Then we tried UBER.. Same :((

Finally we got one driver who volunteered to give us a return trip at a discounted price..yay!

We went back home... changed my bag and took my karrimor sweater. Now.off we go.

We arrived back at KLIA2 at 330am.. quickly find something to eat as I was starrrving... had a nasi lemak at Nyonya hse and go straight to gates P.

The queue was quite long at the immigration and customs. Lucky we were early.

Inside the boarding area, we found a nice spot nearby gate P1-P4 and took a nap near the charging station. And hey.. we found a movie station...!

Woke up at 6am, took a shower (there's a free shower svc at the toilet near prayer room at P gates), and go for Subuh prayer.

Phew.. finally at 730am, our plane was ready to depart.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Desaru, Johor

It's my first time coming here to the eastern part of Johor coast - Desaru... or maybe I came may yrs ago with my uni friends... complete forgot.

Drove from KL at 3pm, then arrived at Tuna Maya resort near Bandar Penawar at 720pm... traffic was clear.. only made two stops, one for fuel, one for prayer....

From PLUS highway just exit Desaru, then can see JPO at the exit (wow.. drool). Drove for another hour via Senai highway. Toll was RM40+ and RM13+

So here at Bandar Penawar, a very small town with limited sources. Only one appealing kedai makan, D'Bangkok village. Got one or two kedai mamak. The rest are convenient store.

I stayed at Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort. Very nice beach, pool is huge, by the sea.. and gym, and playground.. there's also watersport activity for parasailing, jetski etc. I wanted to try parasailing.. but quite pricey though.. it's RM110/pax or RM200/2 pax.... sigh!

Other hotels nearby;

1. Sand and sandals - looks like they hv modern room than here

2. Lotus - got waterpark inside

3. Other cheaper hotels.. no beach I guess

Best Western Genting

A last minute trip.. ad hoc upon request by the kiddos...

I found a newly opened Best Western Ion D'Elemen at the peak of Genting Highland.. somewhat 10 minutes from Genting World Plaza...

The room was on sale 26% off, from RM280 (w/o), and I book a 2 single bed, deluxe room w bfast at RM370.. net was RM390.. not bad afterall except for the tiny room and tiny beds...

The morning view was magnificent...a superb sunrise view from the balcony. Our room was at the the South tower, level 6.. room no 6065. It's a sharing corridor with room 6064.. and shared shoe rack outside the room.

I love the huge shower head.. but closet was problematic.. we called for repair but they never did came.. sigh.

On weekends, free shuttle available to First World Plaza at every hour.. until.12 midnight.. on weekdays there's a schedule with less frequency.

BWI is a must repeat I must say.

Padang adventure

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Allahumma yassir wala tu assir

Here start our journey to Padang, Indonesia. A whole new experience on travel.. we will be riding together with 8 other bikers, hosted by Overlander tour.

The night before, we slept at Tt's hse as we need to leave by 5am to the airport.

Flight will be at 730am.

Crazy for coffee???

I am watching this episode Hotel Impossible: five star secrets

Amazed with the trip to get a cup of coffee direct from the source in Hawaii. Amazing chopper ride to taste the originak The Kona Coffee..

I'll have to try this one day