Visiting KL Bird Park

Last Saturday, Amanda & I went to Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. It was my second time there (my first time was 2-3 years ago with PL and JQ). It took us three hours to go through the 20 acres park, which was built in 1991.

While tourists are still visiting the park (up to 200,000 a year), the conditions have sadly deteriorated. Ponds are filled with algae or rivers stuck with leaves, and shrubbery and trees outgrow each other until they block a lot of views. The birds seemed fine though, and the park's pathways seem wheelchair friendly, so thumbs up to that!

I don't know what the RM25 entrance fee is going to, but they may want to pump more money into the up-keeping and maintenance. The weeds growing in every direction may be a naturalist approach to landscaping, but even a naturalist approach needs to be organised for a park of this stature.

This pelican is SO CUTE

One of the main features of the Bird Park is the man-made waterfall (30 feet tall). It's my favourite feature of the park because it's huge and takes up a lot of space. LOL. No lah, I just like the way this portion of the park is built - the walkway meanders down the waterfall to the lake. And we spotted a rainbow forming in the falls, so that was nice :D

I may visit this place again, but only if they revamp their offerings to keep up with the times. Singapore has spoilt me.

three songs about God

(I originally wanted to call this post three christian songs, but then it got me thinking, what constitutes a christian song? Does it have to be baptized in the river of harmony? Does it have to take a communion of melody and lyrics? Then I realized that trying to pretend I can make puns might get me in treble, so...)

1. Oh! Great is our God! by The Sing Team

Love love love this song. It's the kind of song that makes you smile for a long, long time. 

2. What Does It Sound Like (Without Words) by Bethel Music 

I love this song. When I hear it I feel like there should be lyrics to it. Then I found out, yeah, this is actually the improvised/made better minus one of a Brian Johnson song of the same name. Heh.

3. How Deep the Father's Love by Page CXVI

I love this band! So nice and mellow! This is their take on a very familiar hymn-ish song which I don't recall whether I performed to it or I saw a performance based on it. Most likely the former.

3 minutes of prayer

Take 3 minutes off the screen you're reading this on and pray for the people suffering from injustices and inhumane things that are happening in three countries you are thinking of right now.

3 OOTDs I'm Digging ATM

*OOTD = outfit of the day

ATM = at the moment

Source

Gary Pepper, aka Nicole Warne - anything she wears is always something I end up liking. Like the above. If I see that dress in a boutique, I'd pass it over because it's just not that me - but here, it looks perfect and like something I'd want to try! I don't know if it's her way of mixing and matching (with a reliable collection of favourites she always uses) or her up-to-date wardrobe, but the deep palettes and wide range of styles she goes after is very aspirational. Simply put - her style makes me happy! 

Source

So pretty and so simple! I love the colour, a pale red, and the textures from the long, sheer skirt with the rough, knitted sweater. The clashing patterns make the picture look somewhat complete in a way I cannot put my finger on! 

Source

Olivia Palermo, socialite, stylista and star of an MTV show got married in the above get-up: a sweater, boyshorts (underneath) and a gorgeous but see-through tulle skirt. Now that's a three-piece worth talking about! What a refreshing change from traditional wedding dresses -  and it looks superb on her. All three pieces from Carolina Herrera. 

Source

Wear what makes you happy! :) 

3 Jaw-Dropping Natural Pools to Check Out

Apparently, the June/July season is summer in US (school's out) and in Europe (that's why many people go to Europe in summer cos it's super nice then, and also US schools are out so more people go there then I guess) as well as in Asia! I remember when we went to Philippines a few years back during this period, it was a sweltering hot week. And this year is no different in Malaysia - hot days and hot nights all the way.

Cool off at bodies of water! Swimming pools are so last season, so I've found a few places with natural swimming pools you have to check out. Such gorgeous places, I can't stop using the word gorgeous. 

Source

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland. A natural lake/spring that welcomes visitors to dwell and melt in its icy blue waters. Looks can be deceiving - it's just-right warm temperatures make it the perfect getaway in the cold weather!

Source Unknown

Cleopatra's Pool in Pamukkale, Turkey. It's named so because apparently Cleopatra herself came here to take advantage of the benefits of this pool. It's s gorgeous! Also a thermal pool, the distinctive mark of this attraction is the many ancient ruins and columns that lie in the water. What a leisurely swim this would be.

Source Unknown

Also in Pamukkale, Turkey (what's up with that place and gorgeous water catchments?!). These natural terraces are created by the sediments of water from a hot spring. Confusing yeah. Anyway this photo is not that stunning cos it's pretty monotonous - check this out for more. 

What other awesome natural pools do you know of? 

Where We Stayed in Bangkok: Centre Point Pratunam Hotel

Centre Point Hotel, Pratunam

- 5 minutes walk from Platinum Mall & Pratunam Market

- Main entrance is not visible from the main road, but has a back/concealed exit to another main road (fronting Platinum)

- I'd put our average stay at RM100/night, for four nights (no breakfast). Pretty okay considering it's at a central location and all. 

Plus points: 

- Connecting rooms (sorry, I forgot whether this was Superior or Deluxe)

- Space for 1 and 2 seater-sofa (so useful! Especially if you're on a shopping trip and need a place to shove all your junk on)

- Kitchenette equipped with microwave, fridge, water flask. 

- Hair dryer and digital safe

- TV with cable channels

- Full-sized toiletries (that are probably refilled but meh better this than tiny-sized shampoo)

- Friendly service & they will help you weigh your luggage if you fear you're overpacked.

- Exit to main road makes it easily accessible

- The hotel is right opposite a pretty good massage place. We went there almost every night!

Meh points:

- Retro and timed design. Room is fine, I like the feel, but the bathroom's dated. Still okay though! 

- Check in or check out might be overcrowded at the small-ish lobby. Perhaps start an option to check-in from the room? 

- Limited hotel dining options - but who's complaining when there's street food to be had? 

Would I come back again: Yes. 

As always, when traveling and staying at someplace new, I like to keep my expectations non-existent so that I can be pleasantly surprised at whatever amenities are available. I find this tip helpful. Hehe.

Find your traits and talents in one simple* quiz

*simple but admittedly very lengthy

Hmmm, this test is not bad. It's a snapshot of your traits and personalities at this moment in time. 

I'm not at all surprised at the high tendency of leading, self-confidence ease in public - I think I've had this ingrained in me for a long time now, at work and out of work. You can call me bossy pants. (on second inspection, these traits of mine seem handy to organise a night out with friends ;D)

Two traits that I did not expect were the low tendency of creativity and determination. I normally consider myself to be a pretty okay person when it comes to creativity and getting stuff done, but I guess when I answered certain questions in the test, I had some troubling things on my mind. Coupled with a low vision, this leads to bad stress management - how interesting! 

A closer look at this would reveal that the creativity here refers to the amount of ideas I can use in my work, as opposed to sticking to a set methodology in getting work done. 

My rough estimate - there's about 100 questions to answer. Might be lesser. Each question comes with two possible answers. 

It's a good test to figure out where you exhibit the most strength and talent. There's also a detailed explanation/summary at the end of the test, which is helpful should you want to have something to talk about yourself at a job interview. 

 www.talentoday.com