CNY Decoration at Berjaya Times Square

Berjaya Times Square manages to put up a decent Chinese New Year deco this year. The Chinese courtyard at the lower ground concourse has all the main attraction.

At the main entrance atrium, the pathway are beautifully decorated with traditional Chinese architecture at its seasonal best.

At the centre of the Chinese courtyard is a gigantic dinner table measuring 3m in diameter which showcase 15 auspicious dishes often served during the Lunar New Year.

Within the courtyard compound, shoppers can also find ample choices of decorative trinkets to usher the new year.

A lot of photo shooting opportunity too for families and friends. The decoration here might not be the best around but still a pleasurable experience just to be here.

CNY Decoration at Pavilion Mall

Pavilion Mall once outperform itself again against other shopping complexes around the Bukit Bintang area. Themed "Petals of spring, drumming with prosperity", the management launched its Chinese New Year campaign with great festivity and celebration

Cherry blossom trees outside the mall. There is nothing new and fresh here as it was exactly the same concept as last year.

Shoppers will be greeted by a pair of larger-than-life prosperity rabbits standing at 2.4m at the Bukit Bintang entrance.

After entering the main entrance, shoppers will able to notice the Oriental lion head gallery which featuring the second largest lion head displayed in Malaysia, standing at 2m tall and 2.7m wide.

Drums are placed around the lion's head. Each drum signify certain wishes such as prosperity, wealth, peace and health. Shoppers are welcome to beat the drums as a way to usher in good fortune, health, happiness and peace.

As for me, I choose beat the Good Health drum. It is one thing money can't buy.

The main concourse is literally covered with red colour as a result of the various size Chinese lanterns and red carpet. I think the management kind of "recycle" the giant red lanterns used here at main concourse.

CNY Decoration at Fahrenheit 88

It will be the year of the rabbit very soon for the Chinese next month and the rabbit theme has been used by Fahrenheit 88 as their decoration for the very first time. The management had use the tag line "Hopping with prosperity" as their celebration campaign

Visitor will note that the mall atrium has been transformed into a lush green garden with prosperity bunnies hopping about to welcome the Lunar Year of the Rabbit. The mall is still not crowded compare to the nearby malls such as Pavilion, Sungei Wang and Berjaya Times Square.

Beautiful red lanterns can also be seen hanging at its main atrium which kind of amplify the atmosphere.

I just can't wait to go back home for the celebration. I have high hope for the year of the rabbit

Flying onboard MASwings ATR-72

I finally had an opportunity to fly onboard the ATR-72 during my recent Kota Kinabalu to Sibu trip. The ATR-72 had been purchased by MASwings to phase out their aging Fokker-50.

ATR-72 might look quite similar to the Fokker-50 for those who did not pay attention to details. It has more aerodynamic propeller blade and different design rear thruster. Another stark difference to the Fokker-50 is passengers have to board the aircraft via rear entrance.

The ATR-72 interior is way better and spacious compared to the Fokker-50. It has more leg room and I kind of enjoy my flight.

This type of modern aircraft also made life easier for the flight attendants as safety briefing is broadcast via the overhead screen.

Since my flight took 90 minutes, they served every passengers with light snack which consists of sandwiches and muffin.

Nilai Springs Resort Hotel

Nilai Spring Resort Hotel is situated about 30 minutes drive from Putrajaya and about 15 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It is located at Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, within close proximity of the greater Klang Valley.

The hotel is rated 4 stars and is within close proximity to the local colleges set up in Nilai. This place is ideal for a retreat as they are hardly any distraction or attractive places to go nearby the hotel.

I believe most of the guests who opt to stay here are golfers as it has its own golf club and boast a 27 holes championship golf course.

The hotel is also a good place for team building activity. It has a comprehensive obstacle facilities for that purpose.

The lobby is spacious and comfortable. Check in was smooth without much issue.

Fairway Lounge at the lobby is superb to unwind with a long cool drink at a totally relaxed ambience. Guests can relax to the sound of ripping water fountains or at the terrace with water element background.

The room is spacious, clean and comfortable. The room has no carpet and the room floor is made of tiles.

The superior room is equipped with standing shower with no bath tub. Nevertheless, the toilet is spacious.

The standard tea/coffee making facilities.

I was lucky enough to have a superb view of the swimming pool and the golf course from my room.

Another star attraction here is its swimming pool and the Children Water Play Park where the kids can have lots of fun

How to Pour a German Wheat Beer

To really enjoy the maximum potential of a Geman Wheat Beer, you have to pour it correctly. The beer has a character of its own and I had seen a number of people who pour it like any other beer or even drink it straight from the bottle.

First, the Weizen glass must be rinsed in cold water. Hold the Weizen glass at a slant and carefully pour the beer into it.

Do not pour the whole bottle content into it. Pour it until about 85-90% of the 500ml Weizen glass capacity.

With about 10-15% beer remaining inside the bottle, shake up the remaining beer with its yeast contents so that the yeast is properly distributed through the beer.

Finally, add the rest of the beer and yeast mixture by pouring it vertically into the Weizen glass. It should form a decent head.

Now, you can enjoy your wonderfully fresh Weissbier. It definitely tastes different if it was to be poured correctly.