第一次知道臘八節，是從金庸的小説《俠客行》里看到的，其中的故事就不多説了，想知道的人也已經知道，不知道的人也不會想知道。一如金庸的其他小説，故事很有趣，但對這臘八節吃碗臘八粥的習俗倒是深深印在腦海中。若干年后才大概知道了什麽叫做臘八，但畢竟不是從小知道的節日，在這裏更是鮮爲人知，對臘八的認知很大部分還是《俠客行》里的臘八粥。
很慶幸母親很注重這些傳統保留，今天是臘八，早上就吃了一碗臘八粥，也再度去尋了臘八的典故，從百度拿來了一張圖，放在底下。
這些傳統，自己本身不懂得珍惜，不會有其他人爲你的傳統的流失感到惋惜。曾經聽到“爲何我要知道端午節是落在五月五”，無知還不是最可怕，理直氣壯地顯示自己的無知，且完全沒有反省的念頭才是這個民族（在這片土地）沒落的主因。
嘗試把圖片弄得大些以便閲讀，但都失敗了，所以就直接看鏈接吧。
出處自百度
Thursday, 5 January 2017
Thursday, 29 December 2016
理想世界
當一樣公用東西坏了，有什麽方式可以警告使用者不要使用呢？
方法一：最簡單最直接的，發個通告讓全世界知道。
反駁：平時發太多通告，導致很多人通常都不讀，功效不高。
反反駁：那就該檢討發通告的次數和重要性。而且使用者沒讀，做錯事，出了事是他們的錯。
方法二：在那樣東西上面貼個告示，讓使用者知道坏了。那樣如果出了事就是他們的錯。
其實最好的是，都做。
而在方法二上，更應該用腦去做。
比如，
壞的是汽車，告示應該放在那裏？因爲是輪胎坏了，所以放在輪胎処。放在門口上，因爲汽車都會經過的。
都不是，答案明顯的是放在車鑰匙上，放在司機門，司機座位，駕駛槃上。很簡單的原理，break the process，只要在固有的步驟上打亂下一步，人們自然就會發現。
當然這不是真的例子，所遇到的例子太難讓別人了解。但主要還是說，這些東西只要肯用一點心就做得到的，很多人卻永遠往自己的角度想——我做了就好，你沒注意是你的事。
這種心態破壞了整個社會平衡（或許只要有人的地方就從未平衡過），還是許多年前說的那一句——這個世界只要每個人替每個人多想一點點，就會變得很美好。
其實最初要說的是——
花了多少錢，上了多少那所謂教人如何精簡，如何提高工作效能的訓練，如果連基本的應變都沒有，又有何用？
這世界總有些做無謂且無益的東西的人，這些米蟲的消失也絕對能使這個世界變得美好。
方法一：最簡單最直接的，發個通告讓全世界知道。
反駁：平時發太多通告，導致很多人通常都不讀，功效不高。
反反駁：那就該檢討發通告的次數和重要性。而且使用者沒讀，做錯事，出了事是他們的錯。
方法二：在那樣東西上面貼個告示，讓使用者知道坏了。那樣如果出了事就是他們的錯。
其實最好的是，都做。
而在方法二上，更應該用腦去做。
比如，
壞的是汽車，告示應該放在那裏？因爲是輪胎坏了，所以放在輪胎処。放在門口上，因爲汽車都會經過的。
都不是，答案明顯的是放在車鑰匙上，放在司機門，司機座位，駕駛槃上。很簡單的原理，break the process，只要在固有的步驟上打亂下一步，人們自然就會發現。
當然這不是真的例子，所遇到的例子太難讓別人了解。但主要還是說，這些東西只要肯用一點心就做得到的，很多人卻永遠往自己的角度想——我做了就好，你沒注意是你的事。
這種心態破壞了整個社會平衡（或許只要有人的地方就從未平衡過），還是許多年前說的那一句——這個世界只要每個人替每個人多想一點點，就會變得很美好。
其實最初要說的是——
花了多少錢，上了多少那所謂教人如何精簡，如何提高工作效能的訓練，如果連基本的應變都沒有，又有何用？
這世界總有些做無謂且無益的東西的人，這些米蟲的消失也絕對能使這個世界變得美好。
Tuesday, 20 December 2016
莫忘初衷
在油站不准使用手機
在油站使用手機會引起爆炸
在油站禁用手機
諸如此類的說法不斷地轟炸著人們，三人成虎，加上思想喪尸大力地鼓吹，這種沒來由的説法就成爲了大衆認爲的事實，而無論有多少的科學證明那是錯誤的，人們還是只會說“那是報紙上說的，新聞報導的，油站列明的”。孰不知現在的新聞從業者（另一三大被低估的職業之一）都已失去了職業道德，淪爲只爲了商業在行事的商傢；而油站業者，一方面爲了撇清責任，能有多少免責聲明就是多少，另一方面也是受了社會壓力，那些“大家都做的”，當然也就得跟。
而爲何“會爆炸”是錯誤的訊息，不如反問爲何手機無緣無故會引起爆炸。火如何燃燒，從貼近生活的例子說起，最直接的就是爐灶如何燃火：開煤氣開關，啓動火花（新型的應該都内建了，舊的還需火花槍）——是煤氣遇上火花所以開始燃燒。再想想車子如何啓動引擎，同樣的道理，燃氣加上火花。油站是有了燃氣，但手機在使用或者関機的狀況下都不可能會產生任何火花（据我所知，還沒有一個製造商推行了有火花設制的手機），駁回。
另一個可能性會使煤氣起火，就是周遭溫度達到了自燃點(autoignition temperature)，wiki所拿來的——指的是常压下，没有外部火花、火焰等火源点燃时，可燃物自燃的最低温度。而汽油的自燃點是攝氏兩百五十度，給那些不知道的，水的沸點是攝氏一百度。除了火花，要使燃氣起火，就是你的手機達到了水的沸點的2.5倍，當然那是要在你的手沒被灼傷的前提下，再度駁回。
而最重要的一點，一直在使用的字眼是起火燃燒，而不是爆炸。汽油引爆一個很重要的因素是汽油和空氣的比重，不是專家也沒有什麽生活例子可參考，可以去找一找mythbuster做過的實驗看一看學一學，spoiler alert:他們試驗了數次才得到那個黃金比重。
所以，看官們，別傻了。
而有一個反駁點，我也必須承認的一點——小心駛得萬年船，小心點總是好的。對，如果有十個重要的點過後，多小心這一點，沒問題，反正人們都是疑神疑鬼的。但是，“不准使用手機”這一點似乎已成了在油站使唯一必須注意的一點，這种如此偏重的焦點造成了一個致命的盲點，使到其他真正應該注意到的事項都被忽略了。
火花和溫度，應該注意的是任何會帶來這兩樣的舉動，一些很多人因爲手機的盲點，而都沒注意到的小細節。火花來自于靜電，也是很多油站起火意外的起因（絕對不是手機），而靜電來自于車主，車主在等待汽油添滿的空檔坐回車上，衣物和沙發的摩擦囤積了靜電，在沒機會放電(discharge)的情況下，觸碰了車身或油槍。火花，燃氣，燃燒。溫度呢，最熱的應該就是汽車引擎了吧，不是專業，不敢下定論。
說了那麽多，主要還是要說盲點，尤其這種被大事渲染的錯誤的自以爲，再加上社會和群衆的壓力，更是容易造成許許多多致命的盲點。再多一個例子，話説我的公司很注重在上班範圍發生的意外，不只是說公路上的，辦公室的，后梯閒的，總之是貫徹了安全第一的準則。其中一條衍生出來的條例是上下樓梯要握扶手，出發點絕對是好的，但我一來懶，二來怕握扶手產生的靜電，所以照慣例是反對派，從不握扶手的，那是題外話就不說了。盲點就在這裡，當整個公司上下，加上牆壁上的海報都在說必須握扶手，人們應該都忘了最基本的如何安全地上下樓梯——把注意力放在樓梯，而不是手機，不是和旁邊的同事聊天打鬧。
小心駛得萬年船沒錯，但最重要的還是不要被盲點所遮蔽，而忽略了最基本的東西。在這資訊發達的年代，很多時候在聼了、看了許多，有了太多的資訊，反而很容易迷失，忘了一開始出發時的目的，一開始的心情。要保持清流的一大前提，應該是就莫忘初衷吧。
在油站使用手機會引起爆炸
在油站禁用手機
諸如此類的說法不斷地轟炸著人們，三人成虎，加上思想喪尸大力地鼓吹，這種沒來由的説法就成爲了大衆認爲的事實，而無論有多少的科學證明那是錯誤的，人們還是只會說“那是報紙上說的，新聞報導的，油站列明的”。孰不知現在的新聞從業者（另一三大被低估的職業之一）都已失去了職業道德，淪爲只爲了商業在行事的商傢；而油站業者，一方面爲了撇清責任，能有多少免責聲明就是多少，另一方面也是受了社會壓力，那些“大家都做的”，當然也就得跟。
而爲何“會爆炸”是錯誤的訊息，不如反問爲何手機無緣無故會引起爆炸。火如何燃燒，從貼近生活的例子說起，最直接的就是爐灶如何燃火：開煤氣開關，啓動火花（新型的應該都内建了，舊的還需火花槍）——是煤氣遇上火花所以開始燃燒。再想想車子如何啓動引擎，同樣的道理，燃氣加上火花。油站是有了燃氣，但手機在使用或者関機的狀況下都不可能會產生任何火花（据我所知，還沒有一個製造商推行了有火花設制的手機），駁回。
另一個可能性會使煤氣起火，就是周遭溫度達到了自燃點(autoignition temperature)，wiki所拿來的——指的是常压下，没有外部火花、火焰等火源点燃时，可燃物自燃的最低温度。而汽油的自燃點是攝氏兩百五十度，給那些不知道的，水的沸點是攝氏一百度。除了火花，要使燃氣起火，就是你的手機達到了水的沸點的2.5倍，當然那是要在你的手沒被灼傷的前提下，再度駁回。
而最重要的一點，一直在使用的字眼是起火燃燒，而不是爆炸。汽油引爆一個很重要的因素是汽油和空氣的比重，不是專家也沒有什麽生活例子可參考，可以去找一找mythbuster做過的實驗看一看學一學，spoiler alert:他們試驗了數次才得到那個黃金比重。
所以，看官們，別傻了。
而有一個反駁點，我也必須承認的一點——小心駛得萬年船，小心點總是好的。對，如果有十個重要的點過後，多小心這一點，沒問題，反正人們都是疑神疑鬼的。但是，“不准使用手機”這一點似乎已成了在油站使唯一必須注意的一點，這种如此偏重的焦點造成了一個致命的盲點，使到其他真正應該注意到的事項都被忽略了。
火花和溫度，應該注意的是任何會帶來這兩樣的舉動，一些很多人因爲手機的盲點，而都沒注意到的小細節。火花來自于靜電，也是很多油站起火意外的起因（絕對不是手機），而靜電來自于車主，車主在等待汽油添滿的空檔坐回車上，衣物和沙發的摩擦囤積了靜電，在沒機會放電(discharge)的情況下，觸碰了車身或油槍。火花，燃氣，燃燒。溫度呢，最熱的應該就是汽車引擎了吧，不是專業，不敢下定論。
說了那麽多，主要還是要說盲點，尤其這種被大事渲染的錯誤的自以爲，再加上社會和群衆的壓力，更是容易造成許許多多致命的盲點。再多一個例子，話説我的公司很注重在上班範圍發生的意外，不只是說公路上的，辦公室的，后梯閒的，總之是貫徹了安全第一的準則。其中一條衍生出來的條例是上下樓梯要握扶手，出發點絕對是好的，但我一來懶，二來怕握扶手產生的靜電，所以照慣例是反對派，從不握扶手的，那是題外話就不說了。盲點就在這裡，當整個公司上下，加上牆壁上的海報都在說必須握扶手，人們應該都忘了最基本的如何安全地上下樓梯——把注意力放在樓梯，而不是手機，不是和旁邊的同事聊天打鬧。
小心駛得萬年船沒錯，但最重要的還是不要被盲點所遮蔽，而忽略了最基本的東西。在這資訊發達的年代，很多時候在聼了、看了許多，有了太多的資訊，反而很容易迷失，忘了一開始出發時的目的，一開始的心情。要保持清流的一大前提，應該是就莫忘初衷吧。
Wednesday, 23 November 2016
Tuesday, 22 November 2016
隨
在電臺上聽到“…父母想讓小孩拿第一名是小孩該有的學習心態嗎？這真的能讓孩子在未來具有社會競爭力嗎？”。拿第一名沒有什麽意義，尤其在馬來西亞這種填鴨式學習成績上，很多“會讀書”的人反而很容易把自己的思維捆綁住，比如在發生事件A時用B辦法來應對，稍微轉變一些就不會思考該如何應對，本身是面對過幾個這類人，都是讀書成績好的。這種教育培養出不大會自己思考，容易被人影響，人云亦云的年輕人，在這社交媒體汎濫的時代，更是“孕育”出了一大群思想喪尸，在自己不了解，也不去了解的情況下，進而去“感染”更多的潛在喪尸。美國喪尸戯看多了，都懂喪尸的威力並不在於單槍匹馬，而總是以數量取勝。在這樣的民主社會下，統治者並不會是那個研發解葯的，而是研發病毒的那個，只要讓喪尸繼續無知，那龍椅就坐得穩了。
說得遠了，拿第一名沒有什麽意義，那“具有社會競爭力”就是那個意義所在了？父母讓孩子補習，學習各式各樣的課外技能，不就是爲了讓孩子在未來“有社會競爭力”嗎？更甚的是，在這頭抨擊父母錯誤教導小孩競爭拿第一，另一頭卻以未來的社會競爭作爲標準；難道說大人的競爭就比較有意義？那些你在經歷著的，你認同的，才是這個社會的標準？這個社會，又是用了什麽標準在衡量芸芸衆生呢？
在華人社會的固有思想，總是以“成功”作爲標準來衡量每個人的人生，曾幾何時這種根深蒂固的思想也影響了我，還曾經嘲笑以成爲政府老師平淡過一生為目標的友人（老師絕對是三大被錯誤低估的職業之一，擇日再説），現在才知道每個人都有每個人的道路，平凡地活下去也很重要。那名友人現在倒是往不平淡的方向去，反倒我自己經歷過了狗吃狗的世界，覺得如此苟延殘喘地維持自己的信念，不如就隨波逐流，平淡但保留那一股清流。而這種“成功”的標準，大多都可笑地建立在另一個華人自以爲的標準上——賺很多的錢，成爲名人，很會交際。對於這種看法很不以爲然，尤其是普遍上都認爲，後者是實現前兩者的主要條件。不以爲然，沒什麽原因，因爲自己做不到，因爲不想成爲沒實力空有嘴巴的那個。
回到社會競爭力吧，所謂的社會競爭力對很多人來説不就是社交能力，而所謂社交能力，説穿了不就是在不懂裝懂的情況下派上用場，套句網上用語——耍嘴炮。自己本身是注重實踐的人（也或許是因爲不會耍嘴炮），相信有能力做事的人總會被看見，但也總是得不到應得的。不是因爲自己不會耍嘴炮，而是當他在埋頭鑽研實際問題時，有太多“有社會競爭力”的人在鑽研著社交能力（練習耍嘴炮）。有些人就認了，自己不想/會/能耍嘴炮，就專心做自己應做的，名和利就看得淡些；有些人不甘願自己努力了結果輸在耍嘴炮上，所以也就荒廢了應該做的，轉而向耍嘴炮看齊。那樣的結果就和搞政治沒兩樣，九成以上的時間都是花在耍手段上，而真正在工作的人少之又少，又得不到應得的，人類如果不是因爲這種習性，應該早就進步得統治了全宇宙。錯的並不是社交這件事，而是人類太依賴社交，搞得整個社會都走了樣。
BUT，人生最重要就是這個but，很清楚知道這就是現今社會的運作，懶惰去管，也無能爲力，所以就隨波逐流，樂得自在吧。
屢次引用了九把刀的話語，在此註釋
說得遠了，拿第一名沒有什麽意義，那“具有社會競爭力”就是那個意義所在了？父母讓孩子補習，學習各式各樣的課外技能，不就是爲了讓孩子在未來“有社會競爭力”嗎？更甚的是，在這頭抨擊父母錯誤教導小孩競爭拿第一，另一頭卻以未來的社會競爭作爲標準；難道說大人的競爭就比較有意義？那些你在經歷著的，你認同的，才是這個社會的標準？這個社會，又是用了什麽標準在衡量芸芸衆生呢？
在華人社會的固有思想，總是以“成功”作爲標準來衡量每個人的人生，曾幾何時這種根深蒂固的思想也影響了我，還曾經嘲笑以成爲政府老師平淡過一生為目標的友人（老師絕對是三大被錯誤低估的職業之一，擇日再説），現在才知道每個人都有每個人的道路，平凡地活下去也很重要。那名友人現在倒是往不平淡的方向去，反倒我自己經歷過了狗吃狗的世界，覺得如此苟延殘喘地維持自己的信念，不如就隨波逐流，平淡但保留那一股清流。而這種“成功”的標準，大多都可笑地建立在另一個華人自以爲的標準上——賺很多的錢，成爲名人，很會交際。對於這種看法很不以爲然，尤其是普遍上都認爲，後者是實現前兩者的主要條件。不以爲然，沒什麽原因，因爲自己做不到，因爲不想成爲沒實力空有嘴巴的那個。
回到社會競爭力吧，所謂的社會競爭力對很多人來説不就是社交能力，而所謂社交能力，説穿了不就是在不懂裝懂的情況下派上用場，套句網上用語——耍嘴炮。自己本身是注重實踐的人（也或許是因爲不會耍嘴炮），相信有能力做事的人總會被看見，但也總是得不到應得的。不是因爲自己不會耍嘴炮，而是當他在埋頭鑽研實際問題時，有太多“有社會競爭力”的人在鑽研著社交能力（練習耍嘴炮）。有些人就認了，自己不想/會/能耍嘴炮，就專心做自己應做的，名和利就看得淡些；有些人不甘願自己努力了結果輸在耍嘴炮上，所以也就荒廢了應該做的，轉而向耍嘴炮看齊。那樣的結果就和搞政治沒兩樣，九成以上的時間都是花在耍手段上，而真正在工作的人少之又少，又得不到應得的，人類如果不是因爲這種習性，應該早就進步得統治了全宇宙。錯的並不是社交這件事，而是人類太依賴社交，搞得整個社會都走了樣。
BUT，人生最重要就是這個but，很清楚知道這就是現今社會的運作，懶惰去管，也無能爲力，所以就隨波逐流，樂得自在吧。
屢次引用了九把刀的話語，在此註釋
Sunday, 13 November 2016
尋
沒有特別迷偶像，也沒有對音樂有什麼特別的研究，聽不懂很多現在的西方流行樂，而華人流行樂和韓式流行樂也逐漸往西式轉變（是致敬，是抄襲，是跟風，是跟“流行”，見仁見智）。所聽得懂的歌手隨著年齡的增長（說著自己），逐漸變得寥寥無幾；沒有機遇，也沒特地找機會，所以也還沒參加過任何一場演唱會。以前倒是有去過民歌餐廳聽歌，只是那種喝喝啤酒，興起的時候點些歌的場景已不復。
對於樂器倒是有比較多的興趣，說是樂器，並不是音樂，因為這個興趣是源於對事物的好奇心。有些歌曲聽了，會想要找歌詞來品味，倒不是品味歌詞的含義，比較多是在於欣賞那發揮得淋漓盡致的中文詞語，所以很多時候都會因為聽歌聽著，被那優美的詞句戳中，進而放上那些對其他人來說是無厘頭的話語。華語造詣是差，但對於欣賞這些白話歌詞還是能的；而對音樂全然不懂，就單純地只是因為感覺對了，旋律對了，曲調對了，就覺得好聽了。
喜歡了，就躍躍欲試，會跟著哼，甚至把歌詞打印出來，當作小學默寫般在背（對於考試倒沒那麼認真），好聽不好聽是其次，或根本就不是考量之一，反正有那種參與的感覺就是一種享受。好了，歌唱是會了，在曲子部分就有了想要探索的心。看著演奏家靠著手、或嘴、或腳，把旋律彈奏出來，那種視覺與聽覺完美交合的感覺，又讓我躍躍欲試了。可能長大了專注力沒那麼好，也可能純粹懶惰，總之是尚未成功，還須努力。
無論如何，在窺看了樂器的一小部分後，視野開闊了，看到樂器表演時所注意的部分就不一樣了。還沒到會去演奏廳欣賞古典樂的境界，但凡事都有個開頭，所以在經過了兩年前無意放了鴿子後，這次如約出席友人的大學華樂團演奏會。
關於音樂的評價就免了，不懂音樂，更不懂得民族樂的精髓，只是一向來都很敬重那些為維持中華傳統出力的人，很用心地聆聽，很專注地體會。要挑的話，就是對於西式樂器在華樂團裏佔的“戯份”重了點，尤其那是全然不同的格調，是有些格格不入的感覺；但那是全球化的問題（嗎？），之前也讀了篇文章，對於這種勉強湊合的行爲頗有微言。
不談音樂，談熱忱。看著這些大學生毫不浪費那珍貴的大學時間，轟轟烈烈地搞了個“千人宴”，節目的流程，安排等都做得異常地好，那背後的努力和付出絕對少不了。比對囘自己那怕事怕麻煩而揮霍了大學青春的心態，更是異常感慨。一向來都想得很多，想得太多，對於所謂的夢想從一開始的躊躇不前，到現在已經不了何謂夢想。
如今只能叫自己不畏懼探索了。
對於樂器倒是有比較多的興趣，說是樂器，並不是音樂，因為這個興趣是源於對事物的好奇心。有些歌曲聽了，會想要找歌詞來品味，倒不是品味歌詞的含義，比較多是在於欣賞那發揮得淋漓盡致的中文詞語，所以很多時候都會因為聽歌聽著，被那優美的詞句戳中，進而放上那些對其他人來說是無厘頭的話語。華語造詣是差，但對於欣賞這些白話歌詞還是能的；而對音樂全然不懂，就單純地只是因為感覺對了，旋律對了，曲調對了，就覺得好聽了。
喜歡了，就躍躍欲試，會跟著哼，甚至把歌詞打印出來，當作小學默寫般在背（對於考試倒沒那麼認真），好聽不好聽是其次，或根本就不是考量之一，反正有那種參與的感覺就是一種享受。好了，歌唱是會了，在曲子部分就有了想要探索的心。看著演奏家靠著手、或嘴、或腳，把旋律彈奏出來，那種視覺與聽覺完美交合的感覺，又讓我躍躍欲試了。可能長大了專注力沒那麼好，也可能純粹懶惰，總之是尚未成功，還須努力。
無論如何，在窺看了樂器的一小部分後，視野開闊了，看到樂器表演時所注意的部分就不一樣了。還沒到會去演奏廳欣賞古典樂的境界，但凡事都有個開頭，所以在經過了兩年前無意放了鴿子後，這次如約出席友人的大學華樂團演奏會。
關於音樂的評價就免了，不懂音樂，更不懂得民族樂的精髓，只是一向來都很敬重那些為維持中華傳統出力的人，很用心地聆聽，很專注地體會。要挑的話，就是對於西式樂器在華樂團裏佔的“戯份”重了點，尤其那是全然不同的格調，是有些格格不入的感覺；但那是全球化的問題（嗎？），之前也讀了篇文章，對於這種勉強湊合的行爲頗有微言。
不談音樂，談熱忱。看著這些大學生毫不浪費那珍貴的大學時間，轟轟烈烈地搞了個“千人宴”，節目的流程，安排等都做得異常地好，那背後的努力和付出絕對少不了。比對囘自己那怕事怕麻煩而揮霍了大學青春的心態，更是異常感慨。一向來都想得很多，想得太多，對於所謂的夢想從一開始的躊躇不前，到現在已經不了何謂夢想。
如今只能叫自己不畏懼探索了。
Tuesday, 25 October 2016
三顾茅庐…吗？
一直以來都認為自己是幸運的
在課業上，在事業上
從三年級跳級開始，說不上是一帆風順，但也沒什麽大風大浪阻擋。
更重要的是，總是在對的時機，遇上對的人，遇上對的事。
從小在家裏說福建話，雖然四歲是上了阿門的幼兒所，但四歲也算不上什麽學習，然後五六歲上了華小幼稚園。所以小時候的馬來文英文都很爛。
雖說現在的英文沒有特別好，但至少還能在說英文的國家生存。
倒是馬來語從來沒有好過，甚至還嚴重退步了，慚愧。
華語在中學畢業後在書寫方面生疏了許多，在大學畢業後各個方面更是一落千丈，真慚愧。
回到英文，我常說我的英文是靠玩遊戲和上網學來的，如果我不是趕上這個科技發達的年代，就沒有靠遊戲和上網進步英文這件事情。
對的時機
到了大學，沖出家門，遇到的事情更不得了，當然不是全部好的事情，至少我很慶幸有些事提早發生了，我也得到了很好的成長機會。
好的事情也沒少過，當初選擇科系純粹是因為那不是最熱門的，小時候有那種傲氣，不想和別人一樣（現在也還有，但會摻雜更多的理智了），結果在大三遇上了帶我走向不同道路的教授。當然並不是什麽驚天地泣鬼神，從此平步青雲的故事，長大後發現普通地活下去也很重要；至少為我這個沒什麽主動性參與人事物的反社會分子，留下了一段不一樣的大學經歷。
對的人，對的事
我很懶惰，我很怕生，我很怕事
個性使然（不是在逃避責任），我不會主動為自己爭取太多的東西，尤其那些離我控制範圍太遠的東西，這件事始終不變。
也很清楚意識到圍繞著自己的幸運，所以唯一告訴自己的是，機會找上門就要爭取。
所以我懵懵懂懂地贏了到香港，實現了第一次出國的機會；所以我用了一個晚上做了價值四十千（最後連一半都沒用到，那是另一個故事了）的企劃書，再實現了第二次出國；所以我毅然地經過數次和大使館拉扯，開始了五個月獨自在異國的生活；所以我在不了解這個行業的情況下進入，再不斷延續我這無與倫比的幸運。
機會再度找上門，不知是否經歷多了，顧慮也跟著多了，人也變得沒那麽幹脆，那種天不怕地不怕的性格也隨著消失匿跡了。
再度讓機會溜走，會不會從此一去不回呢？
在課業上，在事業上
從三年級跳級開始，說不上是一帆風順，但也沒什麽大風大浪阻擋。
更重要的是，總是在對的時機，遇上對的人，遇上對的事。
從小在家裏說福建話，雖然四歲是上了阿門的幼兒所，但四歲也算不上什麽學習，然後五六歲上了華小幼稚園。所以小時候的馬來文英文都很爛。
雖說現在的英文沒有特別好，但至少還能在說英文的國家生存。
倒是馬來語從來沒有好過，甚至還嚴重退步了，慚愧。
華語在中學畢業後在書寫方面生疏了許多，在大學畢業後各個方面更是一落千丈，真慚愧。
回到英文，我常說我的英文是靠玩遊戲和上網學來的，如果我不是趕上這個科技發達的年代，就沒有靠遊戲和上網進步英文這件事情。
對的時機
到了大學，沖出家門，遇到的事情更不得了，當然不是全部好的事情，至少我很慶幸有些事提早發生了，我也得到了很好的成長機會。
好的事情也沒少過，當初選擇科系純粹是因為那不是最熱門的，小時候有那種傲氣，不想和別人一樣（現在也還有，但會摻雜更多的理智了），結果在大三遇上了帶我走向不同道路的教授。當然並不是什麽驚天地泣鬼神，從此平步青雲的故事，長大後發現普通地活下去也很重要；至少為我這個沒什麽主動性參與人事物的反社會分子，留下了一段不一樣的大學經歷。
對的人，對的事
我很懶惰，我很怕生，我很怕事
個性使然（不是在逃避責任），我不會主動為自己爭取太多的東西，尤其那些離我控制範圍太遠的東西，這件事始終不變。
也很清楚意識到圍繞著自己的幸運，所以唯一告訴自己的是，機會找上門就要爭取。
所以我懵懵懂懂地贏了到香港，實現了第一次出國的機會；所以我用了一個晚上做了價值四十千（最後連一半都沒用到，那是另一個故事了）的企劃書，再實現了第二次出國；所以我毅然地經過數次和大使館拉扯，開始了五個月獨自在異國的生活；所以我在不了解這個行業的情況下進入，再不斷延續我這無與倫比的幸運。
機會再度找上門，不知是否經歷多了，顧慮也跟著多了，人也變得沒那麽幹脆，那種天不怕地不怕的性格也隨著消失匿跡了。
再度讓機會溜走，會不會從此一去不回呢？
Saturday, 4 April 2015
Trip update - week 5
比较休闲的一天，大约十点才出发到Columbia Gorge Premium Outlet，主要目的也不是为了买东西，而是退还东西，这里基本上只要不是消耗品，什么都可以在有限期限内退还。
午餐到Portland Perl District之前随便网上找到的brunch的店吃，过后在附近随便走走，发现有蛮多类似的店，餐单上的应该都是差不多一样，美式的brunch，应该比较象让人喝茶聊天的地方。
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| Portland Perl District |
没地方去了，就在gps上随便找一个公园，Blue Lake Park。蛮大的一个公园，有个小湖，应该可以划船，甚至游泳；也有野餐设备，当时有很多个家庭都在那里进行户外活动。
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| 不知名的花 - Blue Lake Park |
然后就到Portland出名的景点但我还没有去过的Vista House。一个历史悠久的建筑物，主要的特点是建立在耸高的峡谷上，可以俯视Columbia Gorge。天气还不错，风景也蛮漂亮的。
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| Vista House |
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| Columbia Gorge |
懒惰再想去哪里了，在Portland随便吃了就回了。
第二天起了一大早，本来是准备到Depoe Bay看鲸鱼，在去的途中拨了电话查询天气，结果全部行程因为天气不适合出海而取消，好玩料咯。
到了美国同事的家，在同事的母亲的提议下，决定了到Wooden Shoe看郁金香。我去年也去了同一个地方，也是差不多这个时候，但今年我一到达时看到的景象真是让我大吃一惊，车和人的流量是去年的去年的上百倍，不夸张。虽然说去年我去的时候天气不好，而且花也还没盛开，但整个花园里都充满了人，还蛮惊人的。
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| Tulip Feast - Wooden Shoe |
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| 看看有多少人还壮观过看花 |
过后到一个游乐场看看，有我之前就有在找的mini golf 和batting cage，但时间不允许呆太久，就打算下次有机会再来了。
放了同事回家，就回到酒店，结束了最悠闲的一个周末。
Thursday, 2 April 2015
Saturday, 28 March 2015
Food update - week 4
Elmer's - Expensive breakfast IMO, $10+ for a set, tastes not bad though.
Ta Ra Rin - Supposedly best Thai in the area of Salem, place was not bad, food was OK.
Longbottom - Ate the bagel set, not too bad.
Portland City Grill - Awfully over priced fine dine place located at the 30th floor, right in the middle of Portland city.
Chang's Mongolian Grill - An interesting experience where you pick up what you like and there is this big cooking plate operated by two chefs to cook on the spot for what you have chosen, eat all you can. Another interesting fact is this has nothing to do with Mongolia.
Banya - A random Japanese restaurant that we went after being rejected by Benihana, please continue reading to know more about Benihana. Food was OK.
McCormick Fish & Grill- Another random Fish & Grill Bar that we bump into after the wrong information shown on Google on Koreana. Food was OK but is pricey.
Fogo de Chao - This was the best meal experience by far in The State. A Brazilian steak house, where they will bring the roasted meat in a whole, cut it right in front of you, if you are interested to have a bite. This will keep circulate until you are full, or they can serve as your order. Apart from the different experience, some of the steak was nice too. It was a full lunch.
Benihana - And immediately at the very same night, the best meal experience got overwritten by Benihana, which we had to make a reservation at 845pm, yet we are served to the table after 9pm, food was served after 10pm, left the restaurant at 11pm, the latest dinner I ever had - but, it was a total satisfactory. They call the chef table, where the chef cook right in front of you on top of something similar to the usual teppanyaki we are familiar of, but on top of that, part of the chef's responsibility was to entertain the customers, by doing tricks, making jokes.. I have seen some video clips on the internet, but have no idea where to find and even what keyword to search, but somehow got here by accident. The nice experience aside, the food were all fresh, not frozen, I can tell since it's cooked right in front of me. The first taste on the shrimp appetizer, I was overjoyed, I have never taste a mouthful of shrimp taste like that in the State, sorry bout the lack of descriptive words to use, in short, it was really nice. The appetizer made me anticipate for the main course for I ordered the seafood meal, with SHRIMP. But somehow the bigger shrimp on the main course wasn't so tasty as the appetizer one's, but in overall it was still very good. This is the restaurant I would really want to pay a second visit.
Koreana - Typical family style Korean restaurant, food was not too bad.
Thai Bloom - Another high class Thai restaurant, food was OK, a little pricey.
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| Dungeness Crab Egg Benedict - Elmer's |
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| Ta Ra Rin |
Longbottom - Ate the bagel set, not too bad.
Portland City Grill - Awfully over priced fine dine place located at the 30th floor, right in the middle of Portland city.
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| Top sirloin with salmon - Portland City Grill |
Chang's Mongolian Grill - An interesting experience where you pick up what you like and there is this big cooking plate operated by two chefs to cook on the spot for what you have chosen, eat all you can. Another interesting fact is this has nothing to do with Mongolia.
Banya - A random Japanese restaurant that we went after being rejected by Benihana, please continue reading to know more about Benihana. Food was OK.
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| Forgot what roll, this is also something unique in US - Banya |
McCormick Fish & Grill- Another random Fish & Grill Bar that we bump into after the wrong information shown on Google on Koreana. Food was OK but is pricey.
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| Steak and Lobster - McCormick |
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| A long list of wine - McCormick |
Fogo de Chao - This was the best meal experience by far in The State. A Brazilian steak house, where they will bring the roasted meat in a whole, cut it right in front of you, if you are interested to have a bite. This will keep circulate until you are full, or they can serve as your order. Apart from the different experience, some of the steak was nice too. It was a full lunch.
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| This side to have the waiter serve you with food - Fogo de Chao |
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| And this side to temporary stop if you need more time to finish what's on your plate - Fogo de Chao |
Koreana - Typical family style Korean restaurant, food was not too bad.
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| Steam pork belly - Koreana |
Trip update - week 4
拖了一整个礼拜，也不是懒惰，很大的原因是这一整个星期都还蛮忙的。
言归正传，过去的周末天气也没有很好，就决定到远一些的地方去，选择了往西南方向的Mapleton。
先在Oregon的首都Salem吃了比平常的午餐还要贵的早餐，顺便打包了午餐——到那种鸟不生蛋的郊外必须事先做的功课。再驾了一个小时半的车，到达了目的地Sweet Creek Falls。
这种creek walk其实很不错，可能照片上看不出，有些地方的水流还蛮急的，水流所造成的风也不容小觑，所以一路上都还蛮凉爽的。
过后到University of Oregon想要看有没有美眉，但那所谓的大学只是几个街角凑起来的，而且正逢春假，没什么人影。在五点多这种不上不下的时间，其实要再找东西来做什还蛮难的，这里的人都很悠闲，五点钟该关的关了，该开的还是关了。最后到个小公园随便走走，看看狗看看花，就到一个泰国餐厅解决晚餐。然后再花一个半小时回程。
第二天因为是同事的儿子的满月，下午就去看看这个呱，也是因为他我才有机会再次踏上这片土地。
过后就花了近两个小时在Portland一间很大间的书店，我走马看花地，都没把整间走完。也终于买了我想了很久的Lord of The Ring三部曲加上Hobbit，也不知几时才会读完。
晚上到三十楼的高级餐厅吃了一顿昂贵但不好吃的一餐，还好不用我给钱。
言归正传，过去的周末天气也没有很好，就决定到远一些的地方去，选择了往西南方向的Mapleton。
先在Oregon的首都Salem吃了比平常的午餐还要贵的早餐，顺便打包了午餐——到那种鸟不生蛋的郊外必须事先做的功课。再驾了一个小时半的车，到达了目的地Sweet Creek Falls。
沿着溪边走来回大概三英里的路程，溪边免不了有一些淤泥，对于我那双新鞋，我也看破了，就让它这样吧。但也只是很普通的平地行走，这里所谓的hike trail其实都只是在行走，目前为止让我觉得有一些挑战的只是Smith Rock，其他的就算是前两个星期的NeahKahNie被评为difficult，其实一点都不难。
过后到University of Oregon想要看有没有美眉，但那所谓的大学只是几个街角凑起来的，而且正逢春假，没什么人影。在五点多这种不上不下的时间，其实要再找东西来做什还蛮难的，这里的人都很悠闲，五点钟该关的关了，该开的还是关了。最后到个小公园随便走走，看看狗看看花，就到一个泰国餐厅解决晚餐。然后再花一个半小时回程。
第二天因为是同事的儿子的满月，下午就去看看这个呱，也是因为他我才有机会再次踏上这片土地。
过后就花了近两个小时在Portland一间很大间的书店，我走马看花地，都没把整间走完。也终于买了我想了很久的Lord of The Ring三部曲加上Hobbit，也不知几时才会读完。
晚上到三十楼的高级餐厅吃了一顿昂贵但不好吃的一餐，还好不用我给钱。
Sunday, 22 March 2015
Food update - week 3
Einstein Bro Bagels - Yes I am back for the bagels, there are a lot of flavor to really try all of them. Cream cheese isn't that bad that I thought.
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| Onion with cream cheese, Everything - Einstein Bro Bagels |
Bibimbap House - A Korean restaurant at Salem, an aunty with characteristic, food was not bad.
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| Sam Ge Tang - Bibimbap House |
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| Complimentary fruit - Bibimbap House |
Via Chicago - Chicago style pizza, was okay.
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| 5 different flavor - Via Chicago |
Salt & Straw - I thought the sea salt caramel ice-cream I had was weird enough, apparently I underestimate the innovation of human. Out of the 7 flavors we had, only the pear was normal, the others all beh jiak.
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| Tasting flight - Salt & Straw |
Local Ocean - Was expecting nice seafood, but it was all overpriced not nice food.
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| Shrimp salad - Local Ocean |
Flavor Of India - First Indian meal here, the taste is closer to what I am used to, except the spicy level isn't really means anything.
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| Chicken tikka kebab - Flavor Of India |
Swagat - Buffet Indian lunch, not many choices, but the taste was not bad.
Mio Sushi - Nice little Japanese shop. Food was not bad.
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| Chirashi - Mio Sushi |
Red Lobster - Catch up with the lobster feast to get some nice lobster.
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| Ultimate feast with lobster and snow crab - Red Lobster |
PF Chang - Famous higher class Chinese restaurant chain, expensive and not nice at all.
Vivi - One of my best last year, still very satisfy with the Pho.
Siam Thai - Another good Thai restaurant that has been well recommended, wasn't too bad but will have to becareful on what to order. Honey crispy chicken was awful, coconut curry was not bad.
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| Platter - Siam Thai |
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| Coconut curry - Siam Thai |
Sunday, 15 March 2015
Trip update - week 3
My first rainy day in Oregon since 2 weeks, it's pretty amazing with what I heard from a local Oregonian today "Rain! a prove that we are in Oregon!". Well, since the weather is bad, the original plan of going all the way to University of Washington for sakura was called off, instead, we went for a nearer option, Salem State Capitol Park. It wasn't a bad decision at all.
I was here last year, but I think I did not catch the full blossom time, and it was packed with people - it was a sunny day. It wasn't so bad after all, having to stand in the rain, at least we got the peacefulness.
Had lunch at a Korean restaurant at Salem - Bibimbap House, ordered Sam Ge Tang, it was quite nice.
Spent some time walking around in the city, I hasn't really had any casual loiter around in The State, it was quite an experience seeing the streets and some interesting shops, should do this more.
Nothing much in the itinerary, headed back to Portland, stopped by at Woodburn Premium Outlet on the journey, had pizza and weird-tasted ice-cream for dinner.
And the rain continues to day-2.
I have been enjoying the small little walk in the town, hence has decided to travel west to Newport to continue the city adventure. Did a quick check on weather on the road, rain was expected, but "high wind alert" isn't something that we have faced before. And we got that information loud and clear as soon as we reach the coast.
Trees and signboards were shaking, wind was howling, even our car was drifted slightly due to the wind. We stopped by at a beach at Lincoln City. The wind was crashing against our body and jacket as long as we leave the car. Sands had been hitting on our faces and exposed skin. Even the seagulls were standing still on the ground to fight against the strong wind. It's crazy, but it's fun too.
Had a rather disappointing lunch at Newport before starting our city adventure. It didn't last long due to the rain and strong wind resulting to extremely cold weather. Did able to see some sea lions.
Headed back to Lincoln City for shopping before having Indian dinner.
This wasn't the type of travelling itinerary where you jam as many sight seeing places as you can into one day to make full use of the travel, but this kind of relaxing schedule is actually the best way of living the life of the locals. And it is only possible during this short term stay here, and I appreciate it.
I was here last year, but I think I did not catch the full blossom time, and it was packed with people - it was a sunny day. It wasn't so bad after all, having to stand in the rain, at least we got the peacefulness.
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| Believe me, the obnoxious tick wasn't the intention |
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| It looks better in real, and it feels a lot better in real |
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| Last year - with blue sky |
Spent some time walking around in the city, I hasn't really had any casual loiter around in The State, it was quite an experience seeing the streets and some interesting shops, should do this more.
Nothing much in the itinerary, headed back to Portland, stopped by at Woodburn Premium Outlet on the journey, had pizza and weird-tasted ice-cream for dinner.
And the rain continues to day-2.
I have been enjoying the small little walk in the town, hence has decided to travel west to Newport to continue the city adventure. Did a quick check on weather on the road, rain was expected, but "high wind alert" isn't something that we have faced before. And we got that information loud and clear as soon as we reach the coast.
Trees and signboards were shaking, wind was howling, even our car was drifted slightly due to the wind. We stopped by at a beach at Lincoln City. The wind was crashing against our body and jacket as long as we leave the car. Sands had been hitting on our faces and exposed skin. Even the seagulls were standing still on the ground to fight against the strong wind. It's crazy, but it's fun too.
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| Look at the sand trail, it's like sandstorm |
Had a rather disappointing lunch at Newport before starting our city adventure. It didn't last long due to the rain and strong wind resulting to extremely cold weather. Did able to see some sea lions.
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| They have been growling non-stop |
This wasn't the type of travelling itinerary where you jam as many sight seeing places as you can into one day to make full use of the travel, but this kind of relaxing schedule is actually the best way of living the life of the locals. And it is only possible during this short term stay here, and I appreciate it.
Saturday, 14 March 2015
Food update - week 2
Einstein Bro Bagels - Bagels, varieties of bagels with optional toppings. I ordered pretzel and six cheese, without any topping. Pretzel was salty, six cheese was OK. In overall wasn't too bad.
Voodoo Doughnut - A famous doughnut store in Portland for whatever reason it is, to me they are just doughnut, sugar coated flour.
Food truck - Another famous food in Portland is the food trucks. There were few choices but wasn't attracted by most of them, picked the Egyptian Gyro. For five bucks it was cheap, taste wasn't too bad but the lamb meat was disappointing.
Jin Wah - Not a strange restaurant to us, but this time we are ordering something different. Was aiming for crab but unfortunately it was out of stock. Eventually ordered sea bass, not a fish lover, but it's hard to be able to find a whole fish here, so I am satisfy.
Norma's - Found this nice restaurant at Seaside, fulfilled our wish of getting crab. The King Crab was ridiculously nice, the snow crab I ate last year was nothing near to this. Had some nice oysters as well.
Gustav's - A German restaurant, I completely forgot that I been to this restaurant until I see the menu. Ordered sausage fondue and Reinland (pork cordon bleu, sausage and beef). Some of the side dishes tasted weird, not ngam our taste I would say.
Yuzu - Always been a long queue, waited 30 min for our turn. Nothing too fancy, except the ramen noodle is not the maggie noodle as the other restaurants are serving.
Stanford - Aiming right at the filet mignon to compare with the one ate at Cheesecake Factory, ordered a fisherman stew soup of the day as well. The soup was well filled with seafood, tasted not bad as well. As for filet mignon, not too bad, but not as good.
Shogun - The ramen tasted not bad although the fact that the noodle is maggie mee.
Jang Choong Dong - Must be one of the most satisfy meal I had over here. Generally everything is pretty good, order pork belly, Galbi and beef soup. The only drawback is that it is slow. I wasn't really a patience person, especially to wait for food, I would say I can always find somewhere better. But I might consider revisiting this place, it was really THAT good.
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| Pretzel and Six Cheese Bagels - Einstein Bro Bagels |
Voodoo Doughnut - A famous doughnut store in Portland for whatever reason it is, to me they are just doughnut, sugar coated flour.
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| The keh leh one is the signature doughnut made with reference of the logo - Voodoo Doughnut |
Food truck - Another famous food in Portland is the food trucks. There were few choices but wasn't attracted by most of them, picked the Egyptian Gyro. For five bucks it was cheap, taste wasn't too bad but the lamb meat was disappointing.
 |
| Lamb gyro - Portland Food Truck |
Jin Wah - Not a strange restaurant to us, but this time we are ordering something different. Was aiming for crab but unfortunately it was out of stock. Eventually ordered sea bass, not a fish lover, but it's hard to be able to find a whole fish here, so I am satisfy.
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| Sea bass - Jin Wah |
Norma's - Found this nice restaurant at Seaside, fulfilled our wish of getting crab. The King Crab was ridiculously nice, the snow crab I ate last year was nothing near to this. Had some nice oysters as well.
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| King Crab - Norma's |
Gustav's - A German restaurant, I completely forgot that I been to this restaurant until I see the menu. Ordered sausage fondue and Reinland (pork cordon bleu, sausage and beef). Some of the side dishes tasted weird, not ngam our taste I would say.
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| Sausage fondue - Gustav's |
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| Reinland - Gustav's |
Yuzu - Always been a long queue, waited 30 min for our turn. Nothing too fancy, except the ramen noodle is not the maggie noodle as the other restaurants are serving.
Stanford - Aiming right at the filet mignon to compare with the one ate at Cheesecake Factory, ordered a fisherman stew soup of the day as well. The soup was well filled with seafood, tasted not bad as well. As for filet mignon, not too bad, but not as good.
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| Filet mignon - Stanford |
Shogun - The ramen tasted not bad although the fact that the noodle is maggie mee.
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| Chanpan Spicy Ramen - Shogun |
Jang Choong Dong - Must be one of the most satisfy meal I had over here. Generally everything is pretty good, order pork belly, Galbi and beef soup. The only drawback is that it is slow. I wasn't really a patience person, especially to wait for food, I would say I can always find somewhere better. But I might consider revisiting this place, it was really THAT good.
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| Galbi - Jang Choong Dong |
Sunday, 8 March 2015
Trip update - week 2
Decided to do some shopping today, to make use of this luxury trip. Mission of the day was to get a jacket, my personal preference to get something that at least I can still wear back at Malaysia, so the moderate cold resistance is good enough for me.
After 2-3 hours of browsing through shops at Woodburn Premium Outlet, I still find the jacket I saw at Washington Square few days earlier suits me more, hence I left without buying anything of my initial plan, instead bought a few kitchenware that I am sure my mum will like them.
Headed back to Portland for lunch at 2-ish, decided to finally try the famous Portland food truck. There were few stalls there, some selling angmo food like burger and sandwich, some Thai food, some Mediterranean food. Needless to say the angmo food is getting the most crowd, with the angmo's acceptance level to foreign food. I picked the Egypt stall and ordered lamb Gyro. It was big for $5, taste was OK.
Found out that the ever famous Voodoo doughnut was just few blocks away, since we have paid for the $6 parking, we have decided to explore around the area. The queue for doughnut is as crazy as before, we waited more than 30 minutes for our turn, under the hot sun. Yes, it's winter but the sun at 4 pm still deliver some degree of warmness, that I do not feel comfortable about it. About the doughnut, they are just doughnut, it's crazy how people would be willing to queue for it.
Crossed over the street to the Saturday Market. It was more lively that what I remembered last year when I was here, probably due to the better weather. Managed to saw some early blossom of sakura by the river. Next week or the week after should be ready for a full blossom view.
Next, towards the Pittock Mansion by the hill. The Pittock family was the founder of Portland City, the mansion located at the hill where it overlook the Portland Downtown area from top. It was getting cold as the night is closing, but there were still some number of people up there, some waiting for the city night view shots, some were modelling, some were just strolling around.
As it was getting cold and we weren't prepare to wait until the day light goes off, we headed back for dinner. It was a bit of disappointment without able to order the crab that was the initial hunt for food, nevertheless had a decent dinner as well.
That's the end of day-1.
Started day-2 with one hour lesser due to the daylight saving thing that I still could not comprehend. Had a healthy quinoa oatmeal as breakfast while taking away a panini for lunch. Well, you know how it tastes for healthy food.
First stop was the NeahKahNie trail. Yes that sounded very weird to me as well, didn't really read through the history, I think it was some Indian word (I am guessing Red Indian instead of the Bollywood Indian). It was rated Moderate, but it was pretty simply IMO, more of a trail walking than hike, there were people jogging through the jungle that's probably the best evident. It was a short 70~80 min drive, with some fog encountered during the journey.
We took slightly more than an hour to reach the summit, with some random stop and shoot along the jungle path. Weather wasn't too bad, it was chilling under the shade. The summit was a space of bald rock. It was ~1230 noon, the sun was right above our head. We as the typical Malaysians, couldn't withstand the heat and decided to walk back down to a more spacious and shaded place for dinner (I am trying to avoid saying the angmo being crazy about sun since we are the alien here).
Initially we planned to go for Astoria Column since it's just less than an hour drive, but an outlet store at Seaside had us took a detour for an hour. Dropped Astoria since it's really nothing there, decided to head for Fort Steven instead.
Had a rough search on Fort Steven and its famous spot seems to be a shipwreck, and so we go for the shipwreck. It was cold by the beach, but the relaxing feel was really good.
Went back to Seaside for the seafood that I have been longing. It was a great discovery of the Seaside town street, it has quite some unique shop that worth a visit, unfortunately most shop were closed. The shops in The State close pretty early, some closes at 4 pm. It was crazy seeing the day was still bright but all the shops are closed down, this is especially ridiculous during summer when the day light goes off at 9 pm.
Anyway, went to Norma's for dinner, ordered King Crab and seafood platter together with oyster as appetizer. I have been search for crab, and I am totally satisfy with what I got here, although I just had a small taste of my colleague's plate. This is the first shop that makes me feel like paying a revisit.
Head back to Hillsboro at 8, meet a little traffic and reached by 10.
That's a wrap for week-2.
After 2-3 hours of browsing through shops at Woodburn Premium Outlet, I still find the jacket I saw at Washington Square few days earlier suits me more, hence I left without buying anything of my initial plan, instead bought a few kitchenware that I am sure my mum will like them.
Headed back to Portland for lunch at 2-ish, decided to finally try the famous Portland food truck. There were few stalls there, some selling angmo food like burger and sandwich, some Thai food, some Mediterranean food. Needless to say the angmo food is getting the most crowd, with the angmo's acceptance level to foreign food. I picked the Egypt stall and ordered lamb Gyro. It was big for $5, taste was OK.
 |
| Lamb Gyro |
 |
| Voodoo doughnut |
Crossed over the street to the Saturday Market. It was more lively that what I remembered last year when I was here, probably due to the better weather. Managed to saw some early blossom of sakura by the river. Next week or the week after should be ready for a full blossom view.
 |
| Cherry blossom at Portland waterfront |
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| The Pittock Mansion |
That's the end of day-1.
Started day-2 with one hour lesser due to the daylight saving thing that I still could not comprehend. Had a healthy quinoa oatmeal as breakfast while taking away a panini for lunch. Well, you know how it tastes for healthy food.
 |
| Healthy quinoa oatmeal - Panera Bread |
First stop was the NeahKahNie trail. Yes that sounded very weird to me as well, didn't really read through the history, I think it was some Indian word (I am guessing Red Indian instead of the Bollywood Indian). It was rated Moderate, but it was pretty simply IMO, more of a trail walking than hike, there were people jogging through the jungle that's probably the best evident. It was a short 70~80 min drive, with some fog encountered during the journey.
 |
| ~10 min of foggy drive |
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| The North trail head of NeahKahNie |
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| From the summit |
Had a rough search on Fort Steven and its famous spot seems to be a shipwreck, and so we go for the shipwreck. It was cold by the beach, but the relaxing feel was really good.
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| The shipwreck by Fort Steven |
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| Something about the wreck |
Went back to Seaside for the seafood that I have been longing. It was a great discovery of the Seaside town street, it has quite some unique shop that worth a visit, unfortunately most shop were closed. The shops in The State close pretty early, some closes at 4 pm. It was crazy seeing the day was still bright but all the shops are closed down, this is especially ridiculous during summer when the day light goes off at 9 pm.
Anyway, went to Norma's for dinner, ordered King Crab and seafood platter together with oyster as appetizer. I have been search for crab, and I am totally satisfy with what I got here, although I just had a small taste of my colleague's plate. This is the first shop that makes me feel like paying a revisit.
 |
| King Crab - Norma's |
Head back to Hillsboro at 8, meet a little traffic and reached by 10.
That's a wrap for week-2.
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