Hello Java!

Last week we went to Indonesia for the annual family trip.
Two cities was chosen for their uniqueness.
Yogyakarta is located in the southern part of Central Java, which housed temples of Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu), world heritage sites rewarded by the UNESCO.
Borobudur and Prambanan were built in the 8th and 7th century, respectively, much earlier than the Great Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Entrance fee for Borobudur is USD15 for adult (USD8 for student) while Prambanan costs USD 13 for adult (USD7 for student). Student card must be brought along to get the discount.

In addition, we also visited Mendut Temple (which is near to the Borobudur with the entrance fee of Rp 3000).

The most exciting part was we were able to have a look at the active volcano Mt. Merapi before it was erupted the following afternoon. Mum was disappointed for we were not allowed to go nearer to have a closer look due to the risk.

Here is the Malioboro street, where we can observe the local life and a good place to buy souvenirs.

We then took about 8-hour train journey to Bandung, a city with a cooler temperature located in West Java, Indonesia. We visited Tangkuban Perahu ("upturned boat" in Sundanese), tea plantation in Lembang and saw cute rabbits.

Of course, when we go to Bandung, sure we will not miss the chance to shop since there are numerous factory outlets for us to choose. These area are Dago, Riau, Setiabudi, Cihampelas, to name a few. However, we did not buy much, but still brought home some of our favourites.

Overall, we enjoyed the trip. Indeed, mum was very satisfied. Hopefully to come back again.

~ June in the Netherlands ~

Recently, i had the chance to go to the Netherlands for a week of International Student Congress of Medical Sciences (ISCOMS) and a two-week of ISCOMS Research Fellowship  (IRF) in the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG).                                  

                                                         ISCOMS Presentation
                                                 

      

               Nienoord Castle & Martini Tower in Groningen

                                                                                                                                                               

IRF Programme in Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, UMCG

~ IRF Participants 2010 ~

It was such a memorable trip for me to make new friends from all around the world and an opportunity to present my work to the world in addition to have a taste of doing research in UMCG. Overall, it was truly a fruitful trip and i will come back again to the Netherlands with my loved ones to explore more of the country.

~ Last but not least, I am truly grateful for the guidance of my IRF Coordinators ~

In addition, i had a chance to visit Amsterdam, Volendam and Schiermonnikoog Island. Below are some of the pictures taken during my trips.

Souvenirs

~ Trip to Nature ~

In conjunction with the Thaipusam holiday (30 Jan 2010), we went to Sekinchan and Kuala Selangor which took around two hours of journey to reach there.

Though this was a mini Buddies gathering, we asked him to join as well since he can provide us transport. I am grateful for his kindness, and i am glad to know that he had fun with them too.

We started our journey at 9am. Had our lunch at Sekinchan for RM58 for five persons. Good deal!

Afterwards, we had a relaxing stroll along the beach Redang at Sekinchan... Seashells everywhere and we collected some ...

Next, we went to Fireflies Park Resort - to the chalet and jetty for fireflies viewing. The chalet can accomodate 4 adults, since there were five of us, we added an extra bed. 2 bedrooms and a living hall. For me, it was so-so. Nevertheless, we just took it as a place for sleep. Therefore, nothing much to be expected...

We had early dinner before we went for the fireflies viewing.. The view was fascinating. Unfortunately, no photo allowed. Therefore, the memories shall remain in my heart. :)

Later that night, we had some card games and ate the snacks we brought along. We called it a day at 3.00am. Time to sleep..

The next morning, we went to Bukit Malawati.  The view from the Hill... Far far away - Straits of Malacca

The famous silver leaf monkeys

Overall, Kuala Selangor was hot. I felt sticky most of the time (whenever i left the chalet, except in the car). But, it was good as any rain may prevent us from enjoying the blinking  "Xmas trees" along the river bank...

Coming up next for another buddies trip soon ...