Daylight saving time

That's me, observing the game

Johannes thinking hard on this game


Aaron, Xia Liang, Xiao Min, enjoying Nasi Lemak

Today we are officially entered into the winter time, that means we gained an extra hour by moving Europe zone time backward by an hour.

We invited a couples of friends over for dinner and poker. I made nasi lemak this time. Poker is what we normally do in the autumn and winter where the daylight is short and the temperature is too cold for any outdoor activities. It is a rather interesting game but I never take that as gambling because of the fact that it is so interesting and involve lots of strategies.

Happy Wedding Anniversary

Today is our Wedding anniversary. We were married in Hong Kong on 25th Oct 2002. In Hong Kong, October is the perfect weather as the heat of the summer just over, and the winter is yet to come. However, having celebrated the last 3 anniversaries here in Europe, the October weather is always groomy, storming and unstable. October is always the prologue to the cold, dark winter.

Today, we thanked God for many more year to come. Over the last 4 years, we have grown closer to one another and at times, we read each other thoughts before words were spoken. We have developed the similar interest in arts and interior preference for our home - Bethel. The Lord is the central piece of our marriage, just like He is the author and perfecter of our faith.

2002 - Wedding and banquet at China Tea Room, Pedder Building Central, Hong Kong

2003 - Lunch at Japanese restaurant at Okura Hotel, Amsterdam

2004 - A trip to New York City

2005 - Afternoon High Tea at Hotel Des Indes, Den Haag

2006 - 5 course dinner at restaurant L'Orage at Delft

Home made Malaysian food

Since it is just a day after I came back from Malaysia, my stomach is still not climatised with European food. Hence, we decided to cook Bak Kut Teh. It is also perfect for October weather to have some herby and rather strong pork soup to strengthen the body. I also made a Chiffon cake for tea.

Bye bye Malaysia

This morning I arrived at 6am. Johannes came to pick me up and the temperature is just about 15 degree. Last night as I was about to leave, I felt that the Lord has fulfilled the desire of my heart and restored my family in Kuching. Now that I am married and have started a new family, there is no reason for me to stay in Malaysia while my beloved husband is waiting for me in The Netherlands.
It was an intense trip, I didn't spend a lot of time in Kuching, partly due to the worsening haze hovering over the land and made me suffocated. Secondly, I really don't feel that I belong to the place anymore. I enjoyed the family and the fun we shared and the wedding but there is just nothing much to do, let alone I am on my own.
Frankly speaking, I am not sure when I will be back again, perhaps very soon, if the investment plan moving ahead. Otherwise, it is all about God's timing.
Over here, we are heading towards another cold, dark winter. Very soon, we will move into winter time and from that moment onwards, everything is grey and dark. The days will be getting shorter and colder. It will be the end of the year of victory. Lord, I pray that my greatest desire come through this year!
For now, I will enjoy working in Rotterdam, spending more time at home and less travelling... God bless Malaysia and my family.

Malaysia under Haze

I have long forgotten the fact that September and October is the annual season where the Indonesian will burn down their after harvest to produce fertilizer.

As a result of date, Malaysia is covered by Haze. The photo is taken in Puchong, Selangor, where I lodged at my nephew's apartment. As you can see the visibility is not very good at all and the humidity made the air even worst.

Thanked goodness that Johannes didn't come with me, otherwise he would suffer under such condition. The situation is even worst in my hometown, Kuching where we are neighbouring with Kalimantan. The Sarawak government has to spent billion of ringgit to created man made rain, trying to clear the sky but it has not been very successful at all.

The fun moments we shared....

This was taken during Gordon's wedding banquet in Kuching on 16th Oct 2006. It is held at a Shanghainese restaurant. My sister-in-law Lily decorated the whole venue. She is a gifted decorator. My nieces were the MCs of the night, Sze Min in Chinese and Cindy in English. Cuthbert, my nephew was responsible for all the editing, compilation of the multi-media, including all movie clips and songs for the night.

We, brother and sisters did a rather down to earth but 'unprofessional' song presentation - Season in the Sky. We all sang in different tunes, with different keys (high and low) and with different rhythm and timing. What can I say, after all God created us differently and therefore our presentation is absolutely acceptable to my brother.

1st: My sister in law - Lily - who organized and decorated the venue. She is the master in Decoration.

2nd: Cuthert - the guy who compiled all the songs, multimedia, movie clip.

3rd: My nieces - MCs of the night

4th: The siblings - Seasons in the sky - song presentation

Mummy - I missed you!!

Mummy, I missed you....
You left us on 28th March 1994, it has been 12 years. I was very lost on the day you were called by the Lord yet at the other hand, I was relief because God has put an end to your suffering. The pain, the medicines and all those years of sorrow that you suffered. I knew you left with the Peace of the Lord as the last time I paid the respect to you, I saw peace on your face. Death is not an end, it is just the beginning of the eternity for those who believe in Christ Jesus.
Two years ago, I brought Johannes to visit you for the first time, I am sure you are delighted that I have found a good husband. This time, TiTi came with his wife. Surely you are glad in heaven and you rejoiced with us. I wished you could witness this day with us, though I know it is impossible because you have been returned to the Lord. Sometime I really missed you and the Lord actually fulfilled my desire by allowing me to be closed to Auntie Chao. For those years that I was alone in Shanghai and Hong Kong, auntie Chao was a mother figure to me till I left for Holland.
Mum, our family has never been that close before, really... never, ever... but God binds us together in His love. I am amazed at the transformation of my youngest brother. You know what I have experienced in my childhood but God, you reconciled our relationship and we have never been that close before. I am going to forget about all the past and cherish and treasure the happy moments now and that to come.
I almost wanted to skip this trip because Johannes couldn't make it, but I thanked God I made that effort to be home, otherwise I will never experience Your amazing grace that is so awesome and powerful. Your Holiness have purified our hearts. What else can I say apart from Thanking You Jesus from the bottom of my heart.

The family photo

Finally another addition to Chia's family. Kris, welcome to the family and may both of you enjoy your live together with many happy in returns. God bless you and keep you, remains in the Lord!!

The Wedding

14th October 2006 is a very special day for

my youngest brother. I know my mum would be really joyful and happy to see this day finally happened to my brother. He is completely transformed and only God can change a person and God has changed my brother. Sitting there and witnessing this very moment, especially when Gordon gave his words, I couldn't help but my tear fell down. This is definitely tears of joy, I am glad I made it home all the way from Holland and I am glad I am part of this family that filled with love and reconciliation and above all I thanked God for making all these possible for us.

A Sibu (Fuzhou) Wedding tradition

This is the part that I missed out, not that I was too lazy to attend but that I am no longer qualified. The kids together with Gordon went on the wedding car to fetch the bride. As usual, there are lots of obstacles that need to be resolved before a groom can get the bride.

CJ was the super hero that helped solving the 2 major challenges, one of those were bumping for 20 times and the other is to drink a row egg. Those are rather Hong Kong cultures but the unique Sibu thing is once the entrance to the house is permitted, you will be treated with a traditional dish that always be served by the bride's family. It is a special type of rice noodle (see picture) which can only find in Sibu or rather more accurately across the Fuzhou region in China. Most of the chinese in Sibu has the ancestor root from Fuzhou province.

Getting ready for the wedding

After the dinner, we went to the church to see the decoration in process and also saw some of the youth rehearsal for the big day (a day after today).
Logos Methodish church brough back the memory of my youth in Kuching. I grew up in Trinity Methodish church and the building that I am standing at right now is exactly the same as Trinity church in Kuching. Perhaps all Methodish churches are built on the same architecture design. It reminded me on how I am started with my Christian faith and my transformation throughout my life since the day I accepted Christ in my youth.
Youth - Trinity Methodish Church, Ellis Road, Kuching
A few years in KL - St. Gabriel's Anglican Charismatic church, Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur
During my study time in UK- Rising Brookes Baptist Church, Stafford, England
When I was in Shanghai - Inter-denomination church for expatriates called International Community Church, HengShan Lu
Hong Kong - In an AOG (Assembly of God) church called ICA (International Christian Assembly)
Now in Holland - Delft Christian Fellowship - under Full Gospel Mission Church, a Indonesian Dutch speaking church.
Well, back to the present time, people were busy preparing for the wedding, the flowers and the decoration. Tomorrow is going to be a blessed day....

6 of the Chia's product

This is another time of the reunion of the 6 brothers and sisters. This time is to celebrate our youngest brother Gordon's wedding.

The photo is taken after the dinner at Kris's house. In the order from the youngest to the oldest from left to right.

Gordon (to be groom), ME :), Jenny, Sophia, Johnny, Susie.

Gordon is now living and working in Singapore.

I am now living in The Netherlands

Jenny is still in Kuching.

Sophia is living and working in Kota Kinabalu.

Johnny is also in Kuching.

Susie has been living in Brunei for 15 years.

A wedding prologue

Tonight we were invited to my future sister-in-low (Kris Ling) house for dinner. Right after I step into the house, I was introduced to a pastor, who is going to conduct the holy matrimony tomorrow at a methodist church. We had some praise and worship in mandarin and then Pastor Wong shared a very simple message about love out from John 3:16-17. After the short message, we were invited for a typical Sibu home cooked dinner.

We had a good time together and I thanked God for everything despite Sibu is a really small backwater town.

Air Asia - No frills airlines

We had an early start (5am) this morning to embark on our east bound journey to East Malaysia. The first stop of calling is Sibu, it is one of the cities (or rather towns) in my home state Sarawak.

Since MAS has almost stop all the domestic flights in Malaysia, the next option is to travel Air Asia. It is the budget airline and comparative to Easyjet. It is free seating and you gotta walk to the aircraft yourself. The food are for purchase on board and the worst thing is the leg room are really limited even to Asian standard.

The KL-Sibu journey took about 2 hours, and I literally have no movement for my legs for the entire duration. I was sleeping dead throughout the journey and thanked God that the journey became much more endurable because of the sleep.

The next time I woke up, I have already landed at Sibu.

KLCC

Right after the heavy Bak kut teh for lunch, I have all the energy I need to go as far as KLCC. Since CJ has to study, I took the KTM commuter from Subang Jaya to KLCC with an interchange at Central station to Putra LRT.

This is some thing about Malaysia transportation, an interchange from one to another means you really have to walk out from one station, some interchange station means two skybridge and one busy street in distance. You also need to buy another ticket as the two are using different system. Anyway, despites of the planning defects, it still took me to where I wanted to go with extra walking (it is after bak kut teh afterall) and sweat.

In term of shopping, KLCC still the best!! Of course, no one (at least not me) will be able to browse comfortably on 2nd floor which sells all the Prada, Gucci, Hermes high brand luxury items.

The only thing that Malaysian sales hasn't learn is NOT to follow the customers when the step into the outlet. It is very annoying to me and my zeal for browsing (with potential buying) is lifted the moment I am being followed. Worst still, some sales assistant will immediately rearrange the items that you have just touched or see, as if you are creating problem in the shop.

Anyway, I like the Aseana area which sells all the thing about Malaysia with a morden twists.

Bak Kut Teh

Bakkut teh (pork stewed with lots of Chinese medicinal herbs that taste great, served in a claypot. Usually includes tofu and a variety of mushrooms, eaten with rice and char kuay - fried Chinese crullers. Well, this is another Malaysian Chinese dish again. The reason why it is Malaysian Chinese and not simply Malaysian food because it is cooked with pork. The soup is made of different types of chinese herbs and cooked together with the pork which can be pork leg, spare rib or lean meat.

The origin of this dish has to do with the early immigrant of chinese to the south where they mainly served as hard labourers. The soup contains tonic which is believed to restore the physical body.

Malaysian Seafood Feast

Tonight is a real seafood feast for us. This is also taken place in Asia Cafe. In the hawker stalls section, we ordered crabs, some form of shells, grilled stingray with sambal and CJ ordered his Szechuan dumplings.

It was rather late hour, but it seems that people here only eat at that hour. We have to wait for awhile before our food is served. And it is worth the waiting because the food is really nice...yummm. Enjoy!

Asia Cafe

Apparently this is the happening place in Subang. Located at SS15 Subang Jaya, strategically situated nearby the prestigious collages and educational institutes. Asia Cafe is not just a typical cafe, it has cyber cafe and pool which located in an building. Next to it there is a terrace where you can order your food to eat and enjoy the big screen, a perfect option during football match time. At the edge of the place, you can always grab a few of the fake DVD at a bargain price. Further you will come into an area where there are lots of hawker stalls selling different delicacy of Malaysia, from Hallal to Non-Hallal, from western to eastern. This place is always frequented by students and it is really hard to get a parking space regardless of the time of the day. I came here to play pool one of the night and also have my seafood meal here at another night.

An afternoon in Mid Valley Shopping Mall

From the north to the center to the south, that as far as Mid Valley Shopping mall strecth. I have been to this mall before, but I have never thought that it is as big and long as this time. The mall has three major emporiums Metrojaya, Carefour, Jusco. I basically spent most of my time in Metrojaya. It is comparable to Bijenkorf in the Netherlands but of course being an Asian store, it has more to offer. Since it is near to Hari Raya (Malay new year) and Depavali (Indian new year), the festive atmosphere is very dominant there. Lots of beautiful baju kebayas on display and also the male version batik.
I couldn't believe that I spent about 5 hours in this mall and only managed to browse through the whole Metrojaya and a fraction of Jusco. The house hold section in Metrojay is awesome and the price is unbelievable. It is really pity that one can never carry those items home through the 40kg of baggage allowance. I am thoroughly satisfied by window shopping.

Char Kwai Tiaw

Another typical Malaysian food for lunch. Char Kwai Tiaw is also a famous food for lunch and dinner. It is basically a typical fried flat rice noodles with Taugeh and eggs. Most of the time you find prawns and other times it also comes with some form of shell meat which I don't know what it is called in English.

A No-No when eating in Malaysia is never ordered the 'Shiumai' rice such as the roasted pork or char shiu or any of the form. Perhaps I am comparing to those I can find in Hong Kong and thus whatever offered in Malaysia is rather below my expectation. CJ however ordered the roasted pork rice, which as I have sampled a little and it is just as what I just mentioned. A 'No-No' for me.

Mamak Food

What constitute of a typical mamak stalls food?
Well... the very basic ones are Teh Tarik and all sort of Roti Canai. Then follow by the variation of Teh Tarik such as the one I have in the photo is called 'Teh Tarik Halia'. In short, it is just tea with mik and ginger, the only special thing is the tea is being poured from one mug to another for a couple of time and when it is done, it is lightly bubbled and extra smooth and tasty. Teh Tarik is usually drink hot.
Next, I ordered a Roti Canai Sardine, it is the normal roti canai but added with Sardine. Some kind of mutabak but the texture of the pastry is not as thick.
CJ ordered a Mee goreng, which you need to squeeze a little of lime to bring out the fullest of the taste.

A youthful lifestyle = mamak stalls & Pool??

I really feel that I am much younger after hanging a few days with my nephew.
We went mamak store together and also played pool. It was such a wonderful night to sit at the open air hawker center. This is absolutely a luxury in the Europe where even during the peak summer you gotta bring a light jersey with you when hanging at the terrace.

I have been on my short, T-shirt and flip flop since I landed. The weather is not extremely hot though which make it comfy to sit out. Tonight we went to have supper at mamak stalls and then I don't feel like going back and so CJ suggested to go for a game of pool. It was a nice evening out, too bad Johannes is not with me, otherwise he would enjoy the weather and the food.

School of 93

Tonight I met up with two of my classmate during my ICL High(er) diploma time. That was back in 1993 where we all studied computer science diploma in Kuala Lumpur. Although my memories have been shattered as I have lived in many countries since then, but we could still recount our good time together. It was a group of us, KaN Nan, Kim Onn, FuiMing, ShinHaow, TianShin, Alicia but tonight I only met up with the Ngiouw brother and sister (the two in orange tone).

Selamat Hari Raya Aldifritry

Today, we went to KL. Instead of driving, my nephew insisted to take KTM from Asia Jaya to Central station and then change for Putra line Light Rail to the so called Kuala Lumpur Time Square. The reason why I said 'so-called' is because I am rather disappointed with the shops and the variety in the mall. The only impressive store probably is the famous American book store 'Boarder'.
It didn't take me too long to decide to venture out from Time Square and head to Bukit Bintang. The atmosphere there were much more 'gezellig'. All the stores are rather busy and the festive Raya music were playing at the background. All the baju kurong and the kebaya are on the front role display.

Pork Noodle and Sugar Cane juice

What makes up a typical Malaysian Chinese lunch? This afternoon, I had some soup based pork noodle and a glass of sugar cane juice. The pork noodle was rather light, and I had a debate with my nephew if we should order some thing else, but he insisted that should be enough for us.

The bowl is the pork noodle, I believed it was the soup that made it so tasty. The soup must have been boiled for a long time with some bones and pork meat.

The sugar cane is also very refreshing. The green pipe staking at the tables are sugar cane, they are yet to be pressed to produce the sugar cane juice. It contains the natural sweetness itself which made the juice tasty.

The bowl that didn't look that appertizing is actually the yummy pork noodle.

Dinner at Hawker stalls

Tonight, my nephew and his friend brough me to a hawker stalls center for dinner. There are variety of food, all those that are familiar and close to heart. Unfortunately I only have one stomach and so I have to be realistic with the amount of food I ate.

Tonight, under CJ's recommendation, I ordered Hokkien Mee and Char Kueh. The Hokkien Mee was excellence but the Char Kueh was a bit too salty to me.

There are many more food that I wanna try, but I will have to take it easy, there are still a few more days to sample them all.... yum!!!

CJ Lee - My beloved nephew

This is my nephew, he is smiling happily after putting on his AJAX official jersey.

He couldn't believe when I told him how expensive the jersey is. Thankfully he know AJAX and was really happy to be able to have one of this added to his collection.

Nasi Lemak

Finally after the 11 hours journey, I have the chance to taste the Malaysia delicacy Nasi Lemak again. My nephew brought me to a 'mamak' store to sample one of the best according to him. Mamak in Malay refers to a group of mixed blood ethnic group. They are the generation of Malay mixed with Indian.

Their favorites food are often the roti canai and teh tarik. However, this afternoon I have chosen a Nasi lemak biasa (normal) and a fresh coconut juice to quench the thirst due to the hot weather.

Enjoy!! Selamat Makan!!