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When traveling, one of the things we love to do is explore local areas and eat local food. There is not much said about Male (pronounced Ma-leh and not like the reference to the darker sex although when I first saw the Male Shopping excursion package at the hotel, I stopped and wondered why on earth would they have a shopping trip catered just for men. Took me a few seconds before I realized my bimbo-ness mistake!!) on the internet, well mainly because there really isn’t much to say about this tiny place:p

On our way back from paradise, we had 9 hours to kill before our flight back home. We checked into a hotel at the airport island which offered a day stay (coz I can never go on for long hours without a shower okie?), dumped our bags in the room and decided to explore Male.

Here I am at the jetty waiting for the water taxi which only cost us RM2 each to get to the other side. Safe to say we were the only foreigners on board because most people don’t really explore this part much.

A glimpse of Male. Boat ride took about 20 minutes.

This is primarily the ONLY mode of transportation for those who live in the airport island (which was built by the government to accommodate its growing population).  Of course you have the option of swimming too. If you dare.

Bollywood tour anyone? And yes, Hindi movies are popular here.

Male town is rather small and extremely congested.  You see alot of people, cars, bikes, buildings, more people at every corner. It reminded me of my India trip, except Male was much cleaner.  And the air was a little more fresh. Nevertheless, people here are not exactly courteous. For this reason, we both miss Thailand!

Be extremely careful about exploring Male in the morning as 90% of shops only open at, get this, 2 freaking pm!!! Good thing we arrived in time for lunch.

The hubby was up for something local so we stepped into a local cafe and got a breakfast set for lunch. I believe this is called Roshi, which is their version of chapati, some spiced tuna chunks (fish and tuna are BIG in Male for obvious reasons) with a side of egg. Total cost: RM10. Food is not cheap in Male for sure.  And it didn’t even taste all that great. Prior to that, we had a slice of tandoori pizza, coffee and milkshake and that cost me RM40.

Let’s not forget that Male is EXTREMELY hot too…..was sweating and smelling like a pig.

Ok so I”m tanned at every angle…….meh. But what’s a beach holiday without a tan eh?

After 2 hours of walking around and shopping under the hot scorching sun, we had enough and decided to leave with 2 small bags. So-not-me. Then again, there wasn’t really much to shop in Male to begin with.

On the way back to the hotel for some shut eye and longggg shower so I can smell good again before the flight home.

The best Banana Milk everrr and it’s made in Sri Lanka

I think we would have left Male earlier if it wasn’t for our attempt at getting Sairah something decent. The hubby for once was picky about her clothes. And we walked from one shop to another as most shops here sell clothes with wrong spelling or irrelevant banters!

Only perfect spelling for my baby girl please.

So yes we settled for this orange dress that says SHOPPING on it. Cost me RM40 just for this.  

I got home, turned to see the label and guess where it’s made from?

THAILAND.

I swear it’s a freaking sign or something.

For now it’s back to work and nappy duties

17 February 2011 – 23 February 2011

We’ve been enjoying the sand, sun and sea for the past few days in Maldives. The husband got this as an anniversary gift last year. I call this the Honeymoon Version 3.0, 3 representing our three years together as husband and wife And boy has it been a journey of sorts.

Honestly I dont even know where to start. The whole experience and trip was beyond amazing.  Maldives ranks the best beach holiday I’ve ever been to. One thing for sure without a doubt, we missed Sairah like CRAZY and have vowed to bring her here in a few years time. *promise*

On board MAS. It’s been a longgggg time since I set foot in KLIA or MAS for that matter, haha. The husband had to refrain me from taking out the wallet everytime we got served food or drinks, lol.

Still had pork and alcohol in the hotel

The airport with a view

Note the expression…..

Coz he had to fork out USD16 just for this meal. Maldives is indeed expensive!!

Our sauces made it to Maldives yo! You’ll find many Malaysian products here. And it’s absolutely BORING to shop here coz all you see is Malaysian products. Sheesh.

All on board! Boat transfer was over-the-top expensive @ USD150 a pop!! We could have literally bought tickets to Bangkok or Bali.

Nevertheless we were lucky that there were only another couple on board with us so it made it somewhat private and worth it

Have you seen water this blueeee???! At this point, we were getting anxious to arrive the hotel just to see how the island looks like.

Took us 40 minutes before we arrived Holiday Inn Kandooma.

We’re in Maldives bitches!

The breathtaking view.

Can you believe GOD created this?

Why can’t we get water this blue in PD? WHY?!

The reception area where we were given some refreshments.

As we arrived at 10 a.m in the morning, the hotel was kind enough to let us check in early, talk about fantastic service. And if that wasn’t enough……

We got upgraded to a private villa!!!! Talk about being lucky

The villa was perfect in every way…

From the lounging area outside where the hubby drank his beers and smoked his cigar

To the outdoor shower (though I could do away with the green walls)

The bed was the most comfiest bed I’ve ever slept on

*refusing to budge from the bed*

To the little details like an Ipod dock so we could play some music

Oh how I loved the outdoor rain shower

Peekaboo, we can see you…

Even the citrus juicer got us excited. Fresh and free orange juice everyday, mmm, mmm, I could live like this everyday!

And to think that this was suppose to be our ‘home’ for that 5 days. LOVE the idea of upgrades.

I would say that the major highlight of the villa was the balcony! For starters, it overlooked the Indian Ocean. I loved every minute I had on that balcony. I loved waking up in the morning to the sound and sight of the ocean. All I had to do was draw open the curtains, lie on my bed and in return I was rewarded with the most gorgeous view one could ever ask for.

After a swim in the ocean,  I would come back and plonk myself on the balcony while enjoying a whole pot of tea to myself as I ponder about life. The husband of course would spend his time downstairs having his cans of beer, no complains there coz I enjoyed my me-time!

We also dined in on one of those days. Talk about being anti-social.

But the moon was simply amazing that night. Couldn’t get more romantic than that.

Even the workaholic husband enjoyed the balcony as he worked away.  Life of a business analyst, tsk….

But they do work hard and play harder, haha

Did lots and lots of swimming too

Oooh who’s that girl, nanananana

Just me

Water so crystal clear you can see your chipped pedicure

3 years and counting…..

Complimentary snorkelling

Now this part was the hardest. Saying bye to this wonderful piece of heaven. It was a 5 day trip of pure relaxation with nothing much to do or crack our heads about. It takes about 20 minutes to cover the entire island by foot. We did alot of sleeping, swimming, talking, sleeping and honestly, it’s something I wouldn’t mind doing once a year, for at least a week for a little rejuvenation.

Now it’s back home with a REALLY bad tan….

A sight we already miss so much

As we were heading back to the airport island, we came across DOLPHINS! They actually have a USD40 dolphin tour, but we had ours for free, hehe. The Captain was too kind to stop the boat and let us take photos of  this beautiful and rare sight.

They say dolphins bring you luck, so here’s hoping I’ll hit the jackpot (yes yes same ol same ol) soon so we can come back to Maldives with Sairah!

There’s this saying that goes, third time’s the charm.

Introducing Amy’s Heritage Nyonya Cuisine in Malacca – probably the BEST Nyonya food  in Malaysia (it’s going to remain the best until I find something better :p).

We have actually been to this restaurant three times but only managed to dine here on our third visit.

The first time we made a detour to Malacca on the way to JB, Amy’s restaurant was booked by some Bank in KL for a private function. Amy, the friendly owner and yes the person who does all the cooking was very  apologetic about it. Naturally we told her we’ll be back. And we didn’t lie, as we headed there for the second time during the husband’s business trip. Unfortunately we were told by her husband (and I”m assuming it’s her husband) that the place was PACKED with most of the dishes sold out.

Blasphemy! What’s a girl gotta do to dine here?!

Anyway, the third time around, we were extremely careful, lol. The husband called to make reservations for Sunday lunch before we headed back to KL.

We got in a bit late and suprise suprise, Amy’s husband straight away recognized my husband from the previous trip we made!! Good PR and memory or just creepy? I don’t wanna know!

Most of the dishes were already sold out so we had to settle for these. Waiting time was more than 40 minutes as Amy cooks them herself personally and with so much love, it is quite understandable.

The one thing I love about family-run restaurants is their friendiness. Passion is also the other factor. As he talked lovingly about his wife’s passion for cooking and how she was invited to UN in New York two years in a row to teach them how to cook Nyonya food, we were literally salivating while waiting for our food. Of course at the same time we muttered ‘the food better be good or else this Uncle’s gonna get it…..’ LOL

Expectations were indeed HIGH.

Happy to report that expectations were indeed satisfied!!

My favorite from the lot: Masak lemak veg. This was awesomely good and very addictive. You could literally have it like soup!

Sambal udang with Petai – Suraj’s favorite

Ayam keluak – everyone’s favorite!

Cincaluk omelette, mmmmm, egg!

Fried Rice

One very handsome waiter serving us rice

Dig in dig in….

Everyone was literally HAPPY with the food and couldn’t believe how someone can cook this well :D I really should sign up for some cooking lessons with her! 

Can’t remember how much we paid but it was definitely VERY cheap.

Testament to GREAT food – empty plates AND…..

A photo of the hubby licking his lips while digging into god knows what since the plates were already empty!

Will definitely go back for more to try out their other signature dishes provided it’s available.

And this restaurant will also hold sweet memories for my cousin who saw  the love of his life……..check out the expression! I’m so tempted to post up her photo but I won’t

*stalker mode* LOL

Now what’s a good lunch without dessert? Yea, not a good one.

I read somewhere that the best possible dessert you could have in Malacca is the mille crepe in Nadeje’s!

Mmmm different flavors of crepe.

Will you just look at that!

Making this cake is no easy task. It is made layer by layer – one layer of crepe, one layer of cream, flavoring and it repeats the process until a cake is formed.  Personally I would rather stick a fork in my eye than to do this myself, or better still just buy a damn slice.

Cake was good. But I heard that it was even better before one half of the owner decided to quit and go on his own way after some issues. But guess what? The said guy is finally offering crepe cakes in KL and damn I’m going to try it soon to see what’s the fuss about.

To visit these places:

Amy’s Heritage Nyonya Cuisine: 75, Jalan Melaka Raya 24, Taman Melaka Raya.

Call 06-286 8819 for reservations unless you also think third time’s the charm.

For mille crepe desserts:

Nadeje’s Mille Crepe

G-23 & 25, Jln PM4, Plaza Mahkota, 75000 Melaka

We got an email from my cousin who just started working recently saying he was stressed out and begged wanted a holiday asap! Since it was peak-season, it was VERY difficult securing rooms most places but since I am famous for being quite resourceful, ahem, I managed to book us into a 2-bedroom apartment in Everly Resort, Malacca.

Yes folks – it was Malacca (yet again!!) last week  for some yummy food and if there’s ever a need for an ambassador(ess?!), I guess they know who to look for :)  I  am not a fan of traveling during peak season (which explains why I hardly take off year end opting to rot away in my rat cube and enjoy work coz the roads are literally empty with no a**holes in sight and there’s not much to do at the office, heh) coz everything just seems extra extra jammed up.

It took us 3 hours just to arrive in Malacca and a further 30 minutes to get to Jonker Street for lunch. Wanted to check out the famous Pak Putra for its famed Naan & Tandoori, unfortunately those buggers only open at night. Jonker Street was obviously a mess due to the high traffic and parking was a biatch!

The things he makes us do!

Did a bit of shopping too and mommy we found something awesome for the baby’s room, hence the smirk on his face.

We later checked into our humble crib, which was another 40 mins drive coz of traffic. It would have otherwise taken only 20 minutes to arrive. MEH.

The Indians tearing up the place. Kidding, just searching for a DVD player. We found none and couldn’t watch this low-budget Indonesian satan-who-rapes movie. Yes pls watch the awesome trailer here We found the DVD from our previous trip in Malacca.

Procceded to show off our bottles up and had a drink or two coz we were stressed from all that traffic. Our holiday was fast becoming a holiday  on wheels!

H-A-P-P-Y – what just one drink and awesome company can do.

Yup, we Indians just love our bars! We’ll plonk our fat arses and NOT move!

Not drunk, just pretending. Was-drunk-at-night-though, tee hee

We tried to be a little smart about planning our dinner time and left at 6.30 to the Portuguese Settlement to beat the traffic but boy we were wrong. Apparently there are a whole bunch of people who are as intelligent as us.

Took us 1 hour to reach our destination, a further 10 minutes attempting to drive through the crowded and over-congested small lane settlement which was decked with all things Christmasy with bloody tourist insisting on standing in the middle of the road, another 10 minutes  to find a car park and another 10 minutes waiting for a bloody empty table.

Oh it took another 30 minutes waiting for our food!!! So naturally, we were quite happy that we actually had a bottle with us to keep us company, heh :D  Or else…..

Not just your average juice ok.

Drink, drank, drunk drunk drunk!

But I have to admit, all that trouble just to get there was totally worth it coz the food was YUMS! Would have been beyond upset it if it was otherwise.

That’s his yummy thumb!

Mah favorite

Then it was time for some relaxation –  went for a foot massage while some decided for a body massage before we went for a fun karaoke session!

*sniff sniff*, I smell a karaoke-whore amongst us. Let someone else have the mic for crying out loud!!

Also scary how he could sing well to Ashlee Simpson’s Boyfriend *shudders*

The next day we FINALLY managed to eat in this awesome awesome place but I think that one deserves a post on its own for being the BEST Baba Nyonya food in Malacca Yes I do give out awards once in a while. Then again, do I really want to reveal this place? Hmm…..

Will we ever go to Malacca during peak season? Oh hell never again. So whoever who gets stressed during peak season will just have to deal with it on their own – you hear me Roshan?!

Well, maybe…..just maybe we might if  someone offers me free food. And lodging. And drive our fat arses there.

Now bye, I’ve got crap work to do.

Two missed events over the weekend:

Free invites for two to the Grand Premier of Peter Pan The Musical with a chance to mingle with the cast, and on top of that free entry to the Sunway Lagoon Nite park.

The Blogger SHAGS gathering at the Hill.  SHAGS actually stands for – “Socialize. Harmonize. Actualize. Glamourize. Spiritualize” ,  no funny ideas please!

 Such is life of a mommy :D  But it’s all good!

Anyway, the hubby and I made our way to Malacca on Sunday for a day trip. It wasn’t for recreational purposes but rather a little something that the hubby’s working on (and very hard I might add that makes me love him a little more!) for the sake of our baby’s future.

Well despite it not being a leisurely trip that still didn’t stop us from hitting Jonker Street for some yummy lunch on a gloomy Monday!

Google Hoe Kee Chicken Rice and you’ll find tons of reviews on this restaurant. People actually queue up just to dine here! The few times that we were in Jonker Street, we had to shrug off the idea of Hoe Kee because rice balls or no balls, I am most definitely NOT a fan of queuing under the blazing hot sun.

Zoom in close and you’ll realize some people who would!

By luck, we got there before the lunch crowd and managed to get a seat. The menu is pretty straight forward – chicken rice balls / chicken (like duh) / assam fish and cabbage, literally takes you 5 seconds and less to decide.

And now we wait….

We decided to go with almost everything on the menu minus the cabbage

Oh look at all that glorious food

See the fan pointing at me, the aunty was kind enough to move the fan to my direction after seeing me ‘fan’ myself profusely with a tiny card I found in my bag. Talk about good service! And speaking of service,  the food came in under 5 minutes! What’s not to love about this place……well perhaps the long queue on weekends might put one off.

And the food is pretty good as well with the main star being the chicken rice balls itself. Unlike the usual chicken rice restaurant we frequent in JS, these little rice balls are somewhat more flavorful that you could just eat it on its own! The Assam fish was pretty so-so, but still makes a lovely complement with the rice – incase you’re Indian and don’t like things dry

One satisfied Indian customer

 Total bill: RM32 with RM23 alone for the fish!! Definitely worth a few more visits in the future me thinks.

 Then we finally made our way to Jonker 88 for some cendol. Again, this place is famous for its long queue and obviously taste. However I couldn’t comprehend the big deal over the cendol. The gula melaka had a burnt smell/taste to it.  I felt it wasn’t sweet enough or at least it’s not what I”m used to.  So bah.

P.s:  Her cute Baby Phat outfit is thanks to Aunty Mimi  and photo thanks to Uncle Jove