I am at narita Tokyo airport now, raining and cloudy, must be because of the typhoon effect. I hv not really spent enough time writing, simply I could not afford to find the time. Last nite dinner was nice with goh-San, When I can't use my cards, and a feeling of your good friends surrounding or nearby is nice. And the cute thing is, hs offered me my jy 10,000 for just in case...I might need it though I told him I still have some other currencies with me. Anyway, that is sweet and that touches me a lot.
Ok, getting ready to leave. United airlines lounge is really lousy. Only use ANA the next time.
Choong
Narita airport, Tokyo
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Happy birthday in advance, joyce
While I still being able to access my blogsite, just to wish sis Joyce a happy birthday in advance and many happy returns.
Narita airport,
Tokyo
Narita airport,
Tokyo
Friday, October 29, 2010
HSBC Credit Card Services-The World's Local Bank??????????????????
I am really damn fed-up with this bank. When I am back to Malaysia, the first thing to do is to cancel this credit card which I have been using since day 1, and close all my existing account with them. I did that partially once, and I am going to stop using them totally, when I am back this coming CNY holidays.. Damn it.
Today, at 12.50, I went to a shop, wanting to get something for myself, and I used HSBC credit card, because the exchange rate directly from JY to RM is much better than using my Chinese Credit card. And it was rejected, and the merchandiser helped to call their local bank, and they cannot reveal the reason. I was appalled and feel so ashamed, my card was rejected. That is the beginning. Then I went back to my office and called them (record from my bb, I called them using my BB), and they told me to hold on, and for about 10 mins, I stop the call, as I did not get any feedback and funny thing was, the service centre didn't return my call.
At 13.38, I called another time, and it was picked up, but another guy, didnt record his name down. And he said, the reason being that I didn't inform them that I would be in Tokyo and hence, the transaction was rejected. Then, they asked me to verify my birthdate, and my telephone banking number, which I did. And then continued,apologizing to me, and then continued saying Mr. Choong, reason being that you did not inform us about your coming to Tokyo and kindly let us know how many more days you would be staying in Tokýo. Answer was until tomorrow. And he said, your card can be used within 10 mins from now. Okay, then I finished my meeting at close to 5pm, 6pm Japanese time. And went to buy my train ticket, Narita express, just to make sure. and again, it was rejected. Luckily i have enough cash.
3rd part of this, I rushed back to hotel, feeling very upset, and i called the service centre at 17.15 )a guy called John answered, apologised as usual, guess they are outsourced services, and again, I was put on hold, and he checked with card service centre. And apparently, according to John, my card is still being blocked, read my lips, being blocked. and he said, the card centre needs to verify some private information and I said fine, ask them to call me immediately. he said he was not able to contact the person, as he was not around. And at this moment, it is 6.27PM, and this person or the card centre has yet to call.
Can you imagine this, and the service they provide. Is there something wrong with Malaysians or HSBC Malaysia or what is wrong, can someone enlighten me, the current service level of our HSBC credit card centre_.
Please....................The world
Choong, at Tokyo Metropolitan hotel,
Japan
Today, at 12.50, I went to a shop, wanting to get something for myself, and I used HSBC credit card, because the exchange rate directly from JY to RM is much better than using my Chinese Credit card. And it was rejected, and the merchandiser helped to call their local bank, and they cannot reveal the reason. I was appalled and feel so ashamed, my card was rejected. That is the beginning. Then I went back to my office and called them (record from my bb, I called them using my BB), and they told me to hold on, and for about 10 mins, I stop the call, as I did not get any feedback and funny thing was, the service centre didn't return my call.
At 13.38, I called another time, and it was picked up, but another guy, didnt record his name down. And he said, the reason being that I didn't inform them that I would be in Tokyo and hence, the transaction was rejected. Then, they asked me to verify my birthdate, and my telephone banking number, which I did. And then continued,apologizing to me, and then continued saying Mr. Choong, reason being that you did not inform us about your coming to Tokyo and kindly let us know how many more days you would be staying in Tokýo. Answer was until tomorrow. And he said, your card can be used within 10 mins from now. Okay, then I finished my meeting at close to 5pm, 6pm Japanese time. And went to buy my train ticket, Narita express, just to make sure. and again, it was rejected. Luckily i have enough cash.
3rd part of this, I rushed back to hotel, feeling very upset, and i called the service centre at 17.15 )a guy called John answered, apologised as usual, guess they are outsourced services, and again, I was put on hold, and he checked with card service centre. And apparently, according to John, my card is still being blocked, read my lips, being blocked. and he said, the card centre needs to verify some private information and I said fine, ask them to call me immediately. he said he was not able to contact the person, as he was not around. And at this moment, it is 6.27PM, and this person or the card centre has yet to call.
Can you imagine this, and the service they provide. Is there something wrong with Malaysians or HSBC Malaysia or what is wrong, can someone enlighten me, the current service level of our HSBC credit card centre_.
Please....................The world
Choong, at Tokyo Metropolitan hotel,
Japan
Thursday, October 28, 2010
San Francisco-Sunset
No need to comment much yeah, the pictures tell the stories.
Choong,
Updating from Tokyo
Updating My Blog
Wow, what a hooh-hah, over my previous article. Let you guys guessing, but then you know I miss my writing isn't it? Have been in Tokyo for a few days, and not even have the time to update. Now, back to hotel, and updating a bit here.
1) Went to search for the bag sister Joyce wanted but they do not have the color-orange that she wanted and only one left. So, sorry about that, Joyce. Can't help on that.
2) Lunch, I have taken the following:
It is called soup stock, Tokyo, and you know, it is very simple food.
You can choose rice, bread, different types of soup, and curries. And that's it. I can range from JY 690 to JY 1600 per set, depending on the combination you have.
2) For my dinner, also it cost close to USD 10, a very simple one, but I bought it from Daimaru shopping mall. It is raining today, and just ta-pao and have in back in the hotel.
Pleased to share it here, and guess what it is inside.
Sometimes, it looks simple, and costly, but it actually taste good. And for food in Japan, the taste must be acquired. I love it........cause they take big effort into preparing their food, that is why you have so many good restaurants here in Tokyo........or Japan.
Choong,
Tokyo
1) Went to search for the bag sister Joyce wanted but they do not have the color-orange that she wanted and only one left. So, sorry about that, Joyce. Can't help on that.
2) Lunch, I have taken the following:
It is called soup stock, Tokyo, and you know, it is very simple food.
You can choose rice, bread, different types of soup, and curries. And that's it. I can range from JY 690 to JY 1600 per set, depending on the combination you have.
2) For my dinner, also it cost close to USD 10, a very simple one, but I bought it from Daimaru shopping mall. It is raining today, and just ta-pao and have in back in the hotel.
Pleased to share it here, and guess what it is inside.
Sometimes, it looks simple, and costly, but it actually taste good. And for food in Japan, the taste must be acquired. I love it........cause they take big effort into preparing their food, that is why you have so many good restaurants here in Tokyo........or Japan.
Choong,
Tokyo
Monday, October 25, 2010
Oh Dear....I Miss My Baby
I am finally out of China, and now in Seoul, Korea, and that is why you see me writing now, here. Staying in Plaza hotel, first time for me, but the location is really in city centre, but expensive hotel I think. No choice I have to stay here because almost all hotels are fully booked, G20 if you may recall.
The room, is like to high tech, and once you enter, all are lite up, the curtain will unveil itself, like saying to you, welcome.......and anyway, came late, no time to enjoy my swimming. Hopefully tomorrow, my good breakfast before leaving. For less than 12 hours, this is expensive man.....
Choong, The Plaza hotel,
Seoul
The room, is like to high tech, and once you enter, all are lite up, the curtain will unveil itself, like saying to you, welcome.......and anyway, came late, no time to enjoy my swimming. Hopefully tomorrow, my good breakfast before leaving. For less than 12 hours, this is expensive man.....
Choong, The Plaza hotel,
Seoul
Sunday, October 17, 2010
My name is Khan
Picture taken from Wikepedia
Just watched this movie during my flight back from LA. It is good movie, relates to autism and also on religion, Islam, but it teaches us a lot here, or explains a lot for those who do not really understand the relevant issues.
Choong
Narita airport, Tokyo
Saturday, October 16, 2010
LA airport/Tom Bradely airport
Dear, aim now at LA airport, and just to share since I am first timer here. And luckily I hv my I-pad with me, hence updating is so easy, there us no need to switch on and off my laptop. Just press the button, and that's it, haha.
Coming back to this topic, I flew from San Francisco airport, under domestic flight, and arrived at LA airport, also domestic terminal. And to search for transfer counter or connecting flights counter is really a big problem. Almost none. And you need to ask, only then I know that you need to go out of this main terminal, and look for shuttle bus, they called it the blue bus. And then you have to search for the right bus stop and next for the right bus which is called Bus A, or the A bus, for international connecting flights. What happens if one does not really know how to read or ask in English? Bear in mind, in USA, Not all people speaks in fluent English, and you have many of different origins that pronounced certain words differently. And for my case, I overheard 'a' as '8', imagine that strong accent they hv, but then using common sense sometimes helps for sure.
For international flight, use Tom Bradely International airport, and you have to make you reach the right terminal, which means the final stop with the Blue A bus. Luckily this lady Ms. Saira helps me too. She is the driver, so, to make sure she took care of my needs, I have already found out her name on the bus counter, and when I address her name in a very polite manner, she smiles back and inform me accordingly which terminal to disembark. So, you see, our marketing skills helps, our human touch helps.
And next is my luggage problem, I want it to be a thorough check-in until Beijing, but United Airlines staff was not attentive enough, then do not search or try their best to find out, even though they are part of Star alliances. But as soon as I am at SIA counter, i feel so relief. They immediately took action and will try to locate my luggage to redirect it to the final destination for this trip. Hope it will be successful, as I do not want to bring he luggage out of the airport, too heavy and further more it is not my mistake:). Anyway, whatever it is, I am glad Leo help, by the way, Leo is a Thai origin guy and with SIA behind, I trust this will be done properly. It is always good to know our Asian airlines provide better services and a more professional one. Thanks.
Choong,
Tom Bradely Airport, Los Angeles
Coming back to this topic, I flew from San Francisco airport, under domestic flight, and arrived at LA airport, also domestic terminal. And to search for transfer counter or connecting flights counter is really a big problem. Almost none. And you need to ask, only then I know that you need to go out of this main terminal, and look for shuttle bus, they called it the blue bus. And then you have to search for the right bus stop and next for the right bus which is called Bus A, or the A bus, for international connecting flights. What happens if one does not really know how to read or ask in English? Bear in mind, in USA, Not all people speaks in fluent English, and you have many of different origins that pronounced certain words differently. And for my case, I overheard 'a' as '8', imagine that strong accent they hv, but then using common sense sometimes helps for sure.
For international flight, use Tom Bradely International airport, and you have to make you reach the right terminal, which means the final stop with the Blue A bus. Luckily this lady Ms. Saira helps me too. She is the driver, so, to make sure she took care of my needs, I have already found out her name on the bus counter, and when I address her name in a very polite manner, she smiles back and inform me accordingly which terminal to disembark. So, you see, our marketing skills helps, our human touch helps.
And next is my luggage problem, I want it to be a thorough check-in until Beijing, but United Airlines staff was not attentive enough, then do not search or try their best to find out, even though they are part of Star alliances. But as soon as I am at SIA counter, i feel so relief. They immediately took action and will try to locate my luggage to redirect it to the final destination for this trip. Hope it will be successful, as I do not want to bring he luggage out of the airport, too heavy and further more it is not my mistake:). Anyway, whatever it is, I am glad Leo help, by the way, Leo is a Thai origin guy and with SIA behind, I trust this will be done properly. It is always good to know our Asian airlines provide better services and a more professional one. Thanks.
Choong,
Tom Bradely Airport, Los Angeles
Thursday, October 14, 2010
San Francisco-Yosemite
Last two days were out of San Francisco and with Joyce's recommendation, I went to a Natioinal part in Nevada, and it is called Yosemite. When I see this place, I fell in love with it, and I hope to go back another time, whether Spring or Winter time.
There were many nice things here:
1) We saw a baby bear, which was not usually observable during day time. And according to the tour guide, it was almost 2 years he last saw one.
2) The trees are mostly red wood, and it can live a very long time, close to 10, 00 years old, unless it uprooted by itself.
3) There are many beautiful trees here, and they need good sunlight, water, species, type of land and also occasional fire burning to come with a denser jungle.
4) There are many beautiful scenery here, and one thing is that with stronger sunlight and reflection, the forest is especially beautiful during sunset.
Choong, Daly City
San Francisco
Monday, October 11, 2010
Niece Kate
She is only 3.5 years old, and look at how she pose for a photo shooting. Knows what beautiful is, wanting to use lipstick (though only lip gloss), and wearing nice and beautiful clothes....sun spectacle, not wanting to be fat but wanting to be tall, wanting to be thinker bell.
Choong, Daly City
San Francisco- Pre-Halloween
Visited together with Joyce, James and Kate to this place, they called it Pumpkin patch or depot where you choose or buy your pumpkins. Please refer to all the pictures attached here. And also, the pumpkins, I think, in American slang, are damn cheap........haha.
The thing is that, everybody is just crazy about these Pumpkins and about Halloween, which is quite a nice feeling, but the fact that they are so much into celebrating this activity gives a kind of rather weird feeling to me. But being here, and having the chance to experience this is quite cool and nice too, in a way, after reading, hearing this for many times over.
But according to Joyce, it would be even merrier when all those stay in SF came over to Half Moon Bay city for this Halloween celebration which will be held in two weeks' time.
Wish them all a Happy Halloween.
Choong, San Francisco
Pictures showing Half-Moon Bay city view, where Halloween party will be conducted here.
The thing is that, everybody is just crazy about these Pumpkins and about Halloween, which is quite a nice feeling, but the fact that they are so much into celebrating this activity gives a kind of rather weird feeling to me. But being here, and having the chance to experience this is quite cool and nice too, in a way, after reading, hearing this for many times over.
But according to Joyce, it would be even merrier when all those stay in SF came over to Half Moon Bay city for this Halloween celebration which will be held in two weeks' time.
Wish them all a Happy Halloween.
Choong, San Francisco
Pictures showing Half-Moon Bay city view, where Halloween party will be conducted here.
San Francisco-Part 8 (NAPA Valley)
Valve for pressing the grape skin and seeds, and it has to be slowly done as seeds cannot be crushed otherwise it will be bitter wine.
Wine storage room,temperature has to be controlled, humidity too. ANd all are made from wood, oakwood.
The leave morphology that can affect the photosynthesis, and hence the quality of grapes.
Stones to differentiate the type of grape trees, the grape variety, that is Merlot for this case
Another stone identification
Grapes for wine making are smaller in size compared to those table grapes, and they are 100% with seeds.
Roses are planted next to grape trees, as an indicator of any plant disease attacking the former
Flowers blooming
A view will the grape trees on the background
Another view of the vineyard
Main Entrance to the Vineyard.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
San Francisco-Part 7
Niece Kate and myself at Lake Merced.
Niece Kate playing sands in the playground.
I like the trees in San Francisco, they are beautiful.
They have banana trees here, but according to the botanist here, the banana here is too starchy with too many seeds, and small in size. By the way, saw Hibiscus here too, I mean the flower, which to the locals is quite rare:)
A bridge built in year 1893, in Golden Gate Park.
At Golden Gate Park
At Golden Gate Park
Golden gate park, near a small lake
A picture taken from golden gate park.....very green
A flower which looks like Lotus, I like this.
Another photo, of wild flowers
A type of wild daisy, along the road, which I think is rather beautiful.
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