Harnniann and his music

Temperature: 16 c

Weather: Fog

Steve, thanks for reminding and resurrecting a part of me which has died for quite some years now. Until you mentioned about Marilyn Manson, I have totally forgotten I was once a fan and worshipper of hardcore metal rock. Now, it looks kind of silly for me to question people who dance on the dance floor near the speaker, when years ago I was banging my head against the speaker of my electric guitar and enjoying every moment of it.

I was so crazy about music then that our class organized a concert and all the songs in the concert were composed by us. Thanks Stella for sending me this long forgotten picture, “SISA” which stands for Senior 1 Science A, my class. The logo was designed by a classmate who has left us in this life. It brought back a lot of great memories. But, I don't remember seeing Bom sang in the concert, I think he was in charge of ticketing and ushering. : )


I even had a band called “Winnie”. Despite all the adversities (mainly lack of cash), we managed to set up a band room and purchase all the basic musical instruments to jam. It was a burning passion then. The band members could cycle a few kilometers thus risk lives in the crazily dangerous traffic just to be at the band room to jam our music. We even made a pact: in future, when we have our own house, we will reserve one room to be renovated into a band room. Of course, none of us keeps the promise.

The burning passion did die. Fortunately, before this band was dissolved or died of a natural death, we had the one chance to perform on a proper stage. It was our only chance. The song we sang then was “Bitch”. I still remember me holding the microphone, shouting “I'm bitch, I'm a lover, I'm a child! I'm a mother, I'm sinner, I'm a saint...” Those were the days. Many of you who knew me only after I have started working may not have seen that side of me: a skinny rock punk who plays an electric guitar with a lightning stripe.

It was not surprising that someone was expecting me to pursue my career in music. My teacher even advised me where to further my study in music. Of course, I didn't 坚持. Somewhere between college and university, the passion for music just naturally faded away.

My point is: I was once very “dreamful”. Now I am not too sure whether I still have a dream. One day, my father called me for a chitchat, he told me “有梦最美”. He told me not to give up hope in China, because hope is what drives us, pushes us, motivates us and gives us a reason to continue with lives.

This brings me to a statement made by my former boss Eric. There is a difference between chasing a dream in China and living a dream in Malaysia. I am 27 this year, is it too early to “live” a dream in Malaysia as opposed to “chasing” one in China? Malaysia may have all I want now: a job, a car, a house, a wife, a family, a group of friends, etc. But Malaysia might not be able to offer what I really need: a future.

One must walk out of the comfort zone to realize how comfortable the comfort zone is. Because staying too long in a comfort zone may eventually diminish what potentials you didn’t know you have until you are thrown into the sea and have to learn how to swim in 60 seconds before you are drown. If you survive, you will know how to swim. If you don’t, don’t get drown: walk to the edge again and wait for someone to push you back into the sea: that way, you get another chance of learning how to swim.





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First ever Halloween Party

Temperature: 17 c
Weather: Cloudy

I wasn’t too sure whether I did enjoy yesterday’s Halloween party. The admission fee was RMB 100 per person. Once entered, they served drinks such as coke, sprite, whiskey coke etc free-flow.

Ironically, the name of the pub was “Neo Café”! I was thinking about wearing like Neo! But on second thought, a fake Neo appearing at Neo Café would be quite embarrassing: especially a skinny Neo who wears cashmere overcoat to an indoor party for no apparent reason.

As usual, I am not a party animal. I always felt I have come to the wrong place whenever I go party. I really can’t enjoy dancing on the dance floor near the exploding speakers. I was wondering whether these party queens and kings would have problems with their eardrum after hours being blasted by the speakers. I am too old and too healthy for this kind of techno music. I listen to Linkin Park and Eminem from time to time, but that’s almost my limit to “loud” music.

However, the rest of the Malaysian gang seemed to have really enjoyed themselves. Please refer to the following pictures to judge for yourself whether this party was really cool.

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Annoucement: Halloween Party

Temperature: 20 c
Weather: Fair

Dear all,

A quick announcement: I will be going to a Halloween Party tonight with my Malaysian Gang. My brother Stevo, please don’t have nightmare. This will be my first ever Halloween Party because until now, I still don’t know why the Westerners celebrate Halloween and why the pumpkins are made into scary faces. I hope I could find out tonight. If the party turns out to be a cool thing or a complete disaster, I will surely blog about it here.

Right now, at this exact moment (Beijing time 2.30pm 27 Oct 2007), Bom and the gang are happily shopping for funny costumes. Unfortunately, I could not join them because I am stuck in the office for OT. I can only join them later this evening. So, I will not have anything funny on me.

Bro Steve, I will not be doing the Matrix Neo stunt for 3 reasons:

1. I really do not want to wear a cashmere overcoat in an indoor party; I will be soaked with sweat just for the fake of looking good;

2. I do not have a “煞” sunglasses;

3. Pretending to be someone who is so good looking is too much pressure, much more than I could handle.

Engtee and I will just go to the party with our normal clothes on, maybe with a mask of a pig or a Dracula. Have you seen a Ah Pek going to Halloween Party? Well, you will see one tonight, it will be like 阿牛出城 …

Enjoy your weekend!

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Mr. Toh, My friend wants me to ask you about divorce, can ar?

Temperature: 17 c

Weather: Mostly Cloudy

Since I came to Shanghai, I was asked for legal advice by friends in Malaysia not less than 5 times. One lawyer asked me about some procedural issues (you know who you are), which I was glad to help, because the question reminded me of legal practice in Malaysia, it made me not to forget things like summary judgment application, substituted service (aka SS) application, striking out, amendments, garnishment, etc. These are things that I did on a daily basis in Klang, but after almost 4 months since I quitted practice, this knowledge on civil procedure slowly faded away. I guess when I come back to Malaysia next year, I may not even remember what is the minimum threshold to make a person bankrupt.

But more commonly, I was asked about issues regarding divorce. Even when I have hung my practicing certificate and “bungkus” to China, some people in Malaysia still smell my special interest in matrimonial matters.

Well, not to say that I want to blow my own trumpet, but I was really good in handling divorce cases. My parents may not approve my practice in this area, but nevertheless, I didn’t feel an ounce of guilt when I accepted a brief on divorce.

Divorce cases must be handled differently. In business transactions, you, as a lawyer, ask for certain documents/information from the parties, then verify it, analyze it, and advice your clients on the feasibility of transactions and the risks involved. Divorce matters are different.

You will definitely lose a client (especially a lady client) if you treat the client who is going through matrimonial crisis like any other business clients of yours. These clients (again, especially the ladies) come to the legal firm with burden, problem, heartache, hatred, anger, disappointment, disillusion and whatever negative emotions. Right from the beginning, the case is meant to be personal and emotional. Most of the clients couldn’t think straight for themselves. Their judgments are often clouded by emotions. Most of the time, they don’t come to seek solution; they just sense that their marriage is over and they need to see a lawyer. But, if you ask them how a lawyer can help, they don’t have a clue.

So, instead of saying “what can I do for you?” (as most lawyers say to their client to start a conversation), I have learned to say “any problem?”. Because, they really don’t know what you can do for them; they only know they have problems and they want you to know their problems. Don’t behave too “lawyerly” at the beginning. They are not interested to know the legalistic of their case. Rookie family lawyer will say, “according to the 1976 Act, you should blah blah blah…” or explain to the client the civil procedure regarding divorce. That will surely cut the mood for further conversation.

I only checked for 2 things at the beginning: (a) have you registered your marriage? (b) how long since your marriage was registered. These 2 things are fundamentals; the rest, I could dig out later when the timing is right. Once the client feels comfortable to spill out her misery, she will shoot her stories at you non-stop.

At first, I was shocked by the client’s horrible experience. But day after day, case after case, these stories are almost similar and have the same pattern: a jerk husband who doesn’t know how to support his family financially, or a rich husband who commits adultery; or problems with the mother in law.

Unless you have something really urgent going on, you should not interrupt the client by telling her: no, I don’t need to know that, I just want to know this, this and this. You must be patient and sincerely show interest and certain degree of sympathy towards their stories. If the client loses control of her tears, it’s good to extend her a packet of tissue: it shows you are considerate and gentle. Now, you have earned the client’s trust.

When you sense that the client has thrashed out the painful past, and is ready to talk business, then only you begin with the “legal” part of your job. Explain to them the procedures involved, what is the difference between joint petition and contested petition, who will have custody of the children etc. They listen better once they trust you. Bear in mind that many clients have “shopped” around looking for lawyers before they come to see you, so they could compare. Some of them already know the basics, such as you need 2 years before you could file a divorce petition, what is the definition of matrimonial property etc.

When you have briefly touched on the procedural issues, normally the client will ask about the cost. It will cost thousands, I told them. They will open their mouth wide and appear in shock. At this exact moment, I will forcefully assure them that the legal cost will be the last thing they should worry about, because if they don’t have the money now, they can always save until they have sufficient then only file the petition, a divorce can always wait. But other issues, such as whether the husband agrees to sign the petition (I may want to blog another article regarding why always the young wives seek for divorce), who will have the custody of the children, what happens to the matrimonial property etc, are much more complicated and could not be easily resolved within a short period of time.

If you feel that you have spent too much time on this client, say this: “is there anything else I could help you?” Because they don’t know the answer, so they would normally reply: “I guess that’s all.” Stand up and escort them to the main door.

If the client turns around and says, “Thanks, you are very thoughtful and helpful” before she leaves the firm, chances are, you have already had the client in your pocket.



p/s:-

Today, the Malaysian gang met again. This time, we had cantonese food. Not bad. Though these guys are professionals, they nevertheless love to show their middle fingers when taking photos. Ai... this shows the quality of our young professionals (oops, they have no idea I am going to publish their photos in this blog!)

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First day at work, again?

Temperature: 19 c
Weather: Fair

This morning was my first time having the opportunity to say goodbye to Engtee and then go back to sleep. Usually, it was Engtee who said goodbye to me as I walked out of the apartment. But this morning was different: I was woken up by Engtee at about 7 am, then I tiredly said goodbye to Engtee and continued with my sleep while Engtee quietly left the apartment. I slept until 8.15 am. When I woke up, my breakfast was already prepared by Engtee before she left the apartment.

Maybe you still haven’t had a clue what I am talking about. Today was Engtee’s first day at work. Yes, she has found a job. Big deal, for a jobless lady who spent half the day on DVDs and the other half on either learning Japanese or joining charitable organization while send out CVs every now and then, it was really a big deal to secure a job in Shanghai. Ha ha!

As usual, Engtee’s reaction when she received the job offer via email was not so normal, she was not excited or happy, in fact, she was exactly the opposite: unenthusiastic and angry. She was angry at herself for being itchy backside in looking for job. Now she already found one, she has no reason not to go to work and terminate her jobless life (which is quite enjoyable).

The way Engtee applies for job is almost like a monk shooting at a flock of birds i.e. hoping that none of the birds will get shot.

Well, after a couple of days of grumbling and losing sleep, finally Engtee has to face with the real fact that she has to get up very early to squeeze herself in the public bus twice and walk half a kilometer before reaching her office. The whole journey takes about 1.5 hour. Which means, she has to leave the apartment at 7.30am if she were to reach her office at 9am. No more driving her BEW 20 Iswara while enjoying the music played by MY FM. Those were the good days in Klang. Now, it is the smell of some other’s armpit or rough pushes of the rude Chinese aunties. This is part and parcel of public transport, especially in the morning.

Engtee’s first day at work also mark the first day of Ivy’s joblessness. Ivy, a Penangite who worked in KPMG, has recently resigned from her company. Yesterday was her last day. Coincidentally, Alice (my Hin Hua mate who now works as a tour leader in a reputable tour agency in KL) was in Shanghai for business yesterday. So, at around 10pm, Bom, Ivy , Alice, Engtee and I went to have drinks at a Hong Kong restaurant to celebrate 3 things:- (i) Engtee finally found a job, (ii) Ivy’s last day at work and (iii) we were able to have the time to come out on a Monday night.

Although our intention was to have drinks (yum cha), Bom, being himself, could not resist the temptation, ordered 2 roasted pigeons (乳鸽). Do not trust Bom when it comes to food, he can never resist it.

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My Neo Overcoat

Temperature: 17 c

Weather: Fair

As mentioned in my earlier entry, last week, Bom and I went together to tailor-make a blazer and an overcoat respectively.

Today, after we had dinner together at Carrefour with Bom, Ryan, Ivy, Engtee and Lantat (all Malaysians currently working in China), all of us went together to the tailor mall to collect Bom’s blazer and my overcoat.

The mall was busy, as usual. It was full of foreigners. We did the calculation, if we were earning pound sterling in UK, we only need to spend 30 pound to get a tailor-made coat, i.e. if the English stops eating KFC twice, they would have the money to buy a tailor-made coat of reasonable quality. Just imagine if you are Angmo, your currency (pound sterling or USD or Euro) is so valuable in China.

We tried our new coats on to see whether they fit. Engtee complained mine was a little too tight and too small. I disagreed. I told her, Neo’s overcoat was meant to be like that. It would not look nice if it was too “longgar”. I was quite happy with my Neo’s overcoat. It was made of cashmere, so it was quite light and smooth. I told the tailor I was happy with my overcoat, but if I find any problem with it, I will come back and request them to do something about it. The tailor said no problem, they will adjust it for me without extra charges if there is any problem. I paid the balance RMB300 and collected my Neo’s overcoat. With about RM280, I managed to pocket an overcoat home for winter. I think I would not have been able to buy one in Malaysia.

Well, this is how I look with the overcoat on (photo taken by Ivy with her Sony Ericsson handphone):

Bom complained that his blazer was too big for him. The tailor re-measured his size and promised to do the necessary adjustments. Bom could then collect his blazer next Thursday. Ryan, who is Bom’s housemate and an accountant in Ernst & Young, was too tempted by the blazers and overcoat we bought. He, on the spot, decided he wanted to buy one too. So his measurement was taken by the tailor and he happily paid the deposit. Lantat, who also bought one for his wedding, wanted the tailor to adjust the waist part to make him looks fitter. Ok, he will also collect his together with Bom’s.

Once we were done with the tailor, we were joined by Alfonso (another Malaysian accountant who works in KPMG; want to talk about Malaysia’s brain drain issue? I will deal with it again in due course). We decided to have steamboat for dinner.

At the restaurant, we were joined by Hong Seek (satu lagi Malaysian who also works in KPMG, in other words, at this small dinner table, Malaysia has lost 1 engineer, 6 accountants and 1 lawyer, but it’s ok for Malaysia I am sure, because Malaysia still has a lot of non-bumi professionals to spare).

This routine Malaysian fellowship normally takes place once a week in the weekend. It’s getting more systematic by the days. My father suggested maybe we could start a “MCA” in Shanghai: Malaysia Community Association. I think that is a great idea. After all, Rotary International was formed under a very humble background similar to ours.

Ok, it’s midnight now, tomorrow is a Monday. No one loves Monday, so I’d better get some sleep to have the stamina to handle another week-cycle of works.

Good night!

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An open letter to my former boss, Eric

Temperature: 19 c
Weather: Fair

Hi Eric!

I know you are a fan of this blog, so I have no doubt you will be reading this. I just hope that you are ok with my decision to publish my letter to you here. Like they always said, there should not be anything between 2 gentlemen which could not be exposed under the sunlight. If there is, both of us will be the invited to act in “Broke Back Mountain 2”.

I must say that I really appreciate your timely and thoughtful email which was sent to me on 19-9-2007. I use the adjective “timely” intentionally because it was sent to me at the time I needed it most: I was quite depressed and disillusioned during that period. It was the transitional period of my life, from one phase to another. I was losing strength to keep me going. I missed home.

Your email began with “Keep your chin up. Life is full of adventure and in my adventure, I am blessed to meet you along the way and walk with you before we move on to our different path”. How thoughtful!

I have printed out your email and stick it on my notice board. My Australian colleague read it the other day, and asked “Who is this Eric Yap?” I said he was my boss in Malaysia. He was impressed that a former boss would take the initiative and effort to drop words of encouragement to his former employee. “How many of us could receive emails like this from our former boss?” Truly, not many, and I am the lucky few.

Eric, I must apologize for not being my best while working with you. I know there was times which I could have done better or more. I should have involved in many other areas of the law, but I lazily and naively chose not to. But, somehow, you have tolerated my nonsense. You did give me hints from time to time, I was fully aware of that, but, I was a master in maneuvering my way out by ignoring your hints or hidden threats. Now I painfully realized I did all that at my own expense.

I know I will not meet another Eric in China or in Malaysia for that matter. No one will be stupid (or kind) enough to be nice to someone whom he pays to work. In the real world, the logic is simple: you are given this amount of money because we want you to generate many times more than that amount of money for us. You either deliver or crawl back to where you came from, because there are many people who are waiting in line to take your place.

Before I end this letter, I wish to thank you again for the guidance and advice (which are always practical and workable). I might have got cold feet to get married if not for your constant encouragement (for this part, I am still not so sure whether to blame you or to thank you, we shall see).

I will remember the lunches we had together with Chia, and the dirty conversation and fantasy. I will also remember our plan to do something naughty but exciting in KL (which has yet to be executed, so Dorothy please do not punish him for a crime he only desires to commit).

And to all the colleagues in Eric Yap & Associates: thanks for the wonderful memories.

Until we meet again, bye!

Yours truly,

Toh
Shanghai, autumn of 2007

We are getting poorer by the day

Temperature: 16 c

Weather: Fair

I was browsing the net aimlessly until I found this letter written by a Malaysiakini reader.

Please click the link and read the letter if you have the time. The letter is very well written and covers almost every part of Malaysian lives which desperately feels the pain of “money not enough”. From the tone of the letter, you can feel the frustration, hopelessness, and disappointment of the author.

20 years ago, the starting pay of a young lawyer in Malaysia was RM1800. 20 years later, though the petrol cost is reaching RM 2 per litter and there are more tolls to pay, the salary of a fresh lawyer is still RM1800. What has happened? Have the country progressed? When the ringgit in your pocket is shrinking day by day, I find less evidence that the country will do well going forward.

A couple of months ago, I had little idea what Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is all about. Ironically, FDI is part of my portfolio now. I am expected to advise client on FDI. Which is why I find my current work challenging. I am going into the uncharted waters (as far as I am concerned). This is where the real global players are, the platform to see real actions, to learn how the game is played. Of course everyday, I am learning new things. I feel like a little kid again. I explore new adventures on a daily basis, picking up pieces of knowledge along the way.

During the course of my work, I noticed: people around the world are bringing moneys into China, to such an extent that China is now in a position to tell the foreign investors: if you want to come here, you have to play by my rules! If the proposed factory will cause environmental pollution, it is not welcome. If the proposed investment will not introduce advanced technology into China, it is not encouraged. Assisting these big fat thirsty foreign investors who could not wait to bite the ever increasing economic pie of China with setting up companies in China is the main bread and butter for the legal firms here. It is much more lucrative than completing a sale and purchase of house back home.

I wish I could blog more on China’s economy but my knowledge in this respect is rather shallow. Since when you saw me reading The Edge in Malaysia? Ok, time to buy Forbes magazine now.


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秋天来了 冬天还会远吗？

Temperature: 17 c
Weather: Cloudy

Yes, the autumn is here.

Ever since Typhoon Krosa hit Shanghai about a week ago, the temperature has declined steadily. Tonight, the temperature drops to 17 c and the cool wind is blowing into my room like when you open the window in Genting Hotel.

I am so used to wearing my “standard uniform” in Shanghai. Those of you who disapprove my sense of fashion, let me tell you this: I have none. I wear what I wore in Malaysia (because I have not started shopping on clothing yet, all my clothes in my wardrobe are brought from home). However, as a slight consolation, I dress better in office. I use perfume and I have G2000. My hair is better groomed with Gatsby hair gel (wet look & extra hard).

I went out this evening to buy “mee hoon” at the grocery store nearby. I forgot that the weather has changed, it is no longer summer. I nearly went out with only my singlet and short Apek pants. If I did, I would have died half way. When the freezing wind blows into my lung, I really have tough time breathing.

Mind you, this is just the beginning of the autumn. And it is nothing compared to the imminent winter. I came to Shanghai more than 2 years ago with my family during the Chinese New Year. It was spring then. Though it was spring and supposed to be comfortable, I could not stand the chilly temperature. I remember all my family member had to wear long john, and a few layers of clothes. On top of that, gloves and hats were also necessary. It was that cold.

Now, I do not need to switch on the air-cond. Just imagine, more than 1 month ago, when Engtee and I moved into this apartment, we had to turn on the air-cond every night, because the air was too humid and hot. I may need to turn on the air-cond later, not to get cold air, but hot air. That’s why in China the air-cond is called 空调 and not 冷气. It makes more sense. The air-cond in Malaysia only blow cold air (who in the right mind will buy an air-cond that blows hot air in Malaysia?). Here, the air-cond has dual functions. It suits both summer and winter.

Lastly before I sign off, I would like to talk about what I did yesterday.

Since the winter is coming and we have to get some proper warm clothing. Bom and I went to a mall filled with tailors. He wanted to buy a blazer and I wanted something like a “Mark 哥捞” i.e. a blazer but it is longer to the knee level, I don’t know what it is called in English.

Yes, we wanted to buy tailor-made blazer. Of course there are ready made ones but we prefer to treat ourselves better. You think we are wasting our money? Listen carefully, a tailor-made winter blazer made of cashmere (more superior and lighter than wool) with slacks only costs RM250. And if you are good negotiator and have extra time, you may get a better price. Try and see whether you can get that bargain in Malaysia.

I chose one that looks like Neo in Matrix. I hope you know which one I am talking about. The one Neo wore when he acrobatically dodged bullets. I always wanted to have one. Now with RMB 600, my dream is almost realized. I am getting the blazer next Sunday. If it really turns out to be like Neo’s, I will take some photos and post them here.

Ok, time to sleep. To Muslim who reads this blog, Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin.

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First Malaysian in space

Temperature: 20 c
Weather: Cloudy

On 10^th October 2007, (by the way, 10^th October is the “National Day” of Taiwan) first Malaysian “astronaut” (I used this word reluctantly because I still think he is just another space tourist like the earlier filthy rich American who paid USD20 million to go into space. However, Malaysian government insisted that he is not mere passenger but a researcher who will conduct a series of space experiments with his Russian counterparts, so I have to change my thought and think that he is a real astronaut, after all, our government can’t be wrong right?) was blasted into the space. The Malaysian Islamic authority even came up with “How to be a good Muslim in space” guidelines.

I didn’t really follow this news. I just noticed it on the 10^th when I browsed through some Malaysian news websites (it is strange that even though I am in China, I seldom read news about China but spend more time knowing Malaysian news. Not only me, other Malaysians here did the same too. Patriotism? I guess not).

When I read that the whole Malaysia was partying over this “successful” space project, I really doubted the accuracy of that report. I am not sure about you, but when I saw the spaceship blasting into space, I didn’t see a Malaysian going into space: I saw tons of good money being burnt into ashes. Of course, our government said no money was paid to the Russians as this is part of the arms deal with the Russian. Ok, am I going to believe that the Russians will send a Malaysian up into space FOC? Not when I know that even eating Char Kuey Tiao at the roadside costs you around RM4.00. Free space trip? Fat chance!

Ok, back to every Malaysians partying over this space thingy. I couldn’t really comment much since I was not in Malaysia at that time, but I am sure Malaysians were already too burdened to celebrate about it: the Lingam Tape fiasco and the absolute silence by the parties involved, the imminent toll hike and the ever increasing cost of living etc.

Talking about being proud because now Malaysian have been into space, (after all the main spirit of this whole space project was to boost the morale and confidence of Malaysian youths), I asked my Chinese colleagues about 杨利伟 (the first Chinese astronaut sent into space in a Chinese spaceship launched in China using Chinese technology, as opposed to the first Malaysian “astronaut” sent into space in a Russian spaceship launched in Russia using Russian technology). What were their feelings when Yang safely returned to Earth after spending hours in space? They said they were proud and 激动. One even said her father actually cried when he saw Yang displaying China and UN flag in space before the camera. The whole China went crazy about this successful project.

China is the 3^rd country which has the technology and facilities to send human beings into space, after Russia and USA. Though China only managed to send her own astronaut into space almost 50 years after Russians had done so, it must nevertheless still be considered a great achievement.

Sorry, but I do not share the same sentiments as my Chinese colleagues over this first Malaysian astronaut. I just hope he will safely return to Earth and if the government decides to send the second one into space, they will first use the good money to eradicate problems like squatters, upgrading public facilities, increasing teachers’ salaries etc.

大闸蟹 (Part 2)

Mom, I read your comment about me eating the crab’s yoke. I will seriously consider your suggestion that I vegetarian for a day to wash out my sin.

To further kill your appetite of eating hairy crabs here in China, let me say something here which I have learned from my Chinese friends.

According to them, the hairy crabs are bound tightly (yes, if you go to the market or Carrefour here, you will see that most hairy crab are tied so they can’t move. Unlike in Malaysia where they only bind the crabs’ claws so they are harmless but could still move freely, here the crabs are completely bound) because the crabs will lose weight if they move too much. Just imagine, being bound alive and put on ice while waiting for your chance to be steamed.

When they steam the crabs, the crabs are put into a pot while still alive (I told you before). You can hear the sound of the crabs crawling desperately to get out of the hot pot. After a while, these crabs will not make any noise anymore.

I asked the Chinese friend if they find it very cruel to animal, their reply was: if the Japanese can do that to Chinese during World War 2, why can’t we do that to crabs?

No comment.

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大闸蟹

Temperature: 17 c
Weather: Cloudy

I will drop a short entry today because it is late now and I need to wake up very early the next morning.

I was fortunate to be invited to dine with my boss and a client just now. Though only 5 of us , we managed to eat RMB1,300 worth of food.

The most special delicacy ordered was 大闸蟹 or hairy crab. Now is hairy crabs season and everyone is eating it. In Malaysia, of course we do eat crabs in seafood restaurants but the way the Chinese here eat it is very different.

First, the waiter brought the crabs (alive and kicking) to our table for us to inspect and approve. They said: are these crabs ok? Once we said yes, these crabs were steamed (without first being killed).

I lost my appetite after seeing these crabs. My mother once told me not to eat anything that was alive but had to die because I wanted to eat it e.g. the live fish swimming in the tanks of the restaurant. That concept was heavily implanted inside my brain.

Further, knowing that these crabs are steamed alive 活活蒸死 really made my sick. When these steamed crabs were served, they come in one whole piece intact (unlike their Malaysian counterparts which was chopped into pieces and fried with tomato sauce or spices).

The people here don't eat the crab meat. They pulled open the shell and attacked the eggs (or yoke), here they call it 膏. That's why only female crabs are eaten now. Once they are running out of female crabs then only the male's turn to be steamed for its meat.

Everyone was served with one hairy crab. I did not really enjoy my hairy crab. Though the crab's yoke was quite nice, I was not so used to eating crab that way. I felt like I was in Fear Factor show.





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Holiday is over

Temperature: 19 c

Weather: Storm

Yes, the golden week holiday has ended last night. Everything is back to normal.

Today’s article is about what I did on the last day of the week-long holiday.

I didn’t have grand plan for the holiday. Part of it was because I wanted to preserve some funds since I just received my first month salary and I needed the money to buy some winter clothing. The other part of it was because I am not fond of traveling. Staying at home watching my DVDs and reading books are much better and economical.

Ok, back to the last day of the week-long holiday. We woke up relatively early that morning (about 8.30 am). We had an appointment with a Malaysian friend named Denning (what a name for a lawyer!) who is also a Malaysian lawyer currently working in Shanghai and my ex-classmate in UM: we were going to IKEA!

We were meeting up at IKEA at 11 am. Since taking cab is prohibited (not by China law but Engtee’s law), we had to leave the house very early to walk almost 1km to take the subway. Taking subway during holiday was not too bad so I did not protest.

After less than an hour, we were in IKEA already! Denning smsed me telling he would be late because he needed to finish a very exciting episode of 24. So Engtee and I explored IKEA without Denning.

We attacked the IKEA hotdogs first because we were dead hungry and it was so cheap! RMB5 for a hotdog set: 1 hotdog and 1 soft drink (refillable). The hotdog was not bad.

The design of IKEA Shanghai is similar to Malaysia’s albeit smaller. We took the elevator up to the second floor (in China, there is no ground floor, it starts with first floor) to begin our IKEA journey from “living room” department. We actually have no plan of buying anything. We just wanted to look-see look-see. Denning joined us when we were in the “sofas” area.

Denning was a lonely man that day because his wife (who is also a lawyer and my ex-classmate in UM) flew to Beijing and will not be back till this coming Thursday.

We roamed IKEA section by section until we reached the cafeteria. It was lunch time then. I ordered spaghetti, Denning and Engtee had Swedish meatballs (which were excellent!). Denning bought a good quality “chairman” chair for his wife because his wife complains of back pain. What a nice guy. If Engtee complains about back pain, I think I would buy her “tiger balm” or “yoko yoko” only. Oops!

After the IKEA trip, we went to Denning’s place. There we spent some time chatting and looking at his fish (he rears Discus). But the main idea of going to his place was to “sweep” some DVDs. He he.

Around 6pm, Bom called for dinner. I was not surprised at all, whenever it is time for food, you will see Bom popping up out of nowhere.

We went to 吴江路 (which is a food street) to have dinner. Another Malaysian named Ivy (a Penangite who works in KPMG Shanghai) was there too.

We went home around 9.30 pm, took a quick bath, watched 1 hour Japanese drama and fell asleep.

p/s:-

Typhoon Krosa (which was downplayed by the media compared to Typhoon Wipha) hit Shanghai today. And it hit hard. Last night when it was on its way to Shanghai, we could feel the strength of the wind. This morning, my barbeque sticks umbrella was pushed to its ultimate limit: it transformed into barbeque sticks many times before I reached office. The wind was so fast that I felt the rain hitting my face like little rocks. In the office, the rain and wind were attacking my windows like it wanted to break it badly. Ooh, I finally got to taste the force of nature. But I dare not challenge it. We must respect the nature.

It is worthwhile to mention that Shanghai was not flooded at all despite this typhoon. If this typhoon hits KL, G knows what will happen.

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Our Apartment

Temperature: 29 c
Weather: Partly Cloudy

Vivien and the rest who are curious about our apartment in Shanghai, here are some photos of the apartment. Like I said, it is a small apartment, only 55 meter square, so it only takes a few shots to cover almost everything.

Enjoy!

The lift area

The Corridor

The Entrance

The Bedroom

The washing machine


The Shower

The toilet

The wardrobe

The workstation

The sofa bed

The TV and water dispenser

Internal air conditioning system

Dining table

Kitchen


The Balcony

p/s:-

As a follow up on my earlier article "Hey MB, Welcome to China!", you may want to see this.




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Am I on Chinese Idol Reality Show?

Temperature: 29 c
Weather: Fair

I want to share with you some of my pasts.

When I was in high school, I was never a good student. I slept in class, missed home works, challenged the authorities of teachers, and was full of myself. Most of the time, I stubbornly thought that I was better than the teachers so why did I have to listen to them? I seldom studied or did revision. I spent a lot of time engaging in non-academic related activities, such as jamming guitars, organizing concerts, lion dancing, play acting etc.

Understandably, most teachers despised me. I was never their pet student. But, they could do little to me. They could not punish me for sleeping or not paying attention in the class though they would love to, because I always delivered in the examinations. Strictly from the standpoint of result cards, I was an excellent student. I scored high and produced good results. If you randomly add up my results of any 2 subjects (e.g. Biology and Geography), chances are you will get a figure very close to 200. That was me in High School.

After High School, with the encouragements from my parents and against the background of “Reformasi”, I went to read law in HELP Institute. As you may already be aware, I came from a Chinese School. I am 100% product of Chinese School and proud to be so. Though I do not necessarily agree that Chinese School equals to poor English, I must admit that I had a tough time adjusting and adapting to an English speaking environment. Moreover, I was reading law books as thick as phone directory, and I could only understand 10% of its contents.

I still remember when I asked the classmate sitting next to me, what is “constitution”, she was shocked and thinking I must be pulling her legs. The truth is: I didn’t know what constitution is until I bought the “Federal Constitution” at RM7.50.

Then 2 or 3 months later I had my mid-term exam. As usual, I went to the exam hall with minimal preparation but full confidence. I thought I did quite well in the exam but not until my results were released a week later. It was a disaster. The scores of all my 4 papers added up together were not even close to 100. I felt a punch in the face. My ego was blown into pieces. I immediately sensed a wakeup call. Something drastic must be done.

The rest, as they always say, are history. I finished my study and was called to the Bar in 2003.

Now I would like to talk about a popular reality show called “American Idol” or in Malaysia we have our own “Malaysian Idol”. This show is so popular that others have mimicked the format and formula and come out with a string of other similar shows. Basically there will be one aspiring singer singing in front of a group of jokers (or experts) and thereafter these jokers will start criticizing the singer about his skill, body language etc.

If you have followed the show, you would notice that these so-called criticisms are normally very acidic and bordering on insult and humiliation. Sometimes the remarks made were way below the belt. Never expect mercy from these jokers as they are not paid to be nice to you. Can you imagine the pressure of singing in front of a big crowd on national television and then standing on the centre of the stage waiting for the verdict? One brainless fellow may open his mouth and say, “I don’t know why you are here tonight. I only have 3 words for you: YOU CAN’T SING!” or “The only living persons on this earth who will not go into a coma after seeing your performance are those persons who already in coma.”

I always wonder why these contestants bother to go on stage in the first place. Why participates in this kind of competition when you know very well there are a group of morons out there, waiting to peel your skin off and make you feel naked in public. Just because you want to be a star?

I always laugh at these contestants who could not take the malicious criticisms and broke down. I would think: you asked for it!

Now my karma caught up with me. Coming to China is a new adventure for me. I am switching to a new environment just like when I was a Chinese School Student studying law at HELP Institute. I almost drown then but somehow I survived.

Sometimes I felt like a contestant, standing on the stage, facing the panel of juries, being insulted, humiliated and embarrassed. My ex-boss Eric will never insult, humiliate or embarrass me. The first day I worked for Eric, he told me that I have a practicing license of my own, and he respects me as a professional and an individual. That was his outlook against his fellow employees.

I knowingly walked out from the protective net of Eric Yap & Associates and walked up the international stage called China. I will face the merciless, cruel and brutal juries and be judged.

I am thinking: if a star wannabe could take those insults, humiliations and embarrassments before millions of television viewers, why couldn't I?

All these contestants who voluntarily stood on stage, swallowed their pride and withstood brutal attacks have one thing in common: they are chasing for their dreams.

Am I? Yes.


p/s:-

Vivien: Nice to see you here. Pictures of my apartment? Sure I will publish some next time but it is a small apartment so I guess a few shots would pretty much cover everything.

Harley: What is a "vegetarian statement"?

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Nightlife in Shanghai

Temperature: 27 c
Weather: Fair

Some of my readers have expressed their curiosity about my night life in Shanghai. They firmly opine that there must be something interesting and erotic at night which I choose not to blog about. After all, isn’t Shanghai a city that never sleeps 不夜城?

Unfortunately, contrary to most beliefs, though Shanghai never sleeps, I do sleep every day. And I sleep very early. If I have to stay up late, it is definitely not due to women, music, neon lights, alcohol, dance or entertainment; it must be work related.

Using the words of my brother, I am living an Uncle’s life. What I normally do after 9pm is quite routine (or some may say boring): watching tv, reading books, surfing net or talking to my wife. I have unintentionally put up a hidden veil between myself and the night life of Shanghai. Though my office is just 10 meters away from one of the most happening areas of Shanghai i.e. 新天地, I must shamefully admit that I have never stepped into any pub of 新天地. 新天地,to me, is so near yet so far.

Do I purposely choose to live an Uncle’s life? No, I don’t. Then why not enjoy and experience the other side of Shanghai while I am at it? Well, let’s do the analysis here. I think, for anyone to enjoy going to pubs, dancing on the floor, boozing, womanizing or anything for that matter, you can’t escape from these important ingredients: interest + opportunity + ability.

Interest

When I was in Klang, on and off, I did get invitation from friends to go to the pubs or nightclubs in KL. When I knew I had to go to KL pubs or nightclubs, I usually will not immediately think of the music, the dance floor, the hot girls or the drinks; what popped into my mind were traveling to KL, petrol costs, toll charges, cover charges, road blocks, police raids, and sleep deprivation. Especially when I started practicing law, I became very practical.

Once in a blue moon I did enjoy the music and the drinks (mostly when I was a little “high”). However, unlike my brother Stevo who can dance like LA Boyz or Rain, I had developed back pain and had problem doing the most basic moves of Yoga. So dancing is out.

I love to drink a few small glasses of beer with good friends or my father in law over dinner. But that’s about it. Anything more than 2 to 3 cans of beer, you will see me flirting with the toilet bowl. My dad can get drunk even with just a can of Anchor Beer, so you know I don’t have the alcoholic genes in me. Boozing is out.

What about the hot chicks? Well, all I can say is I am a married man. I could only look at the menu but have to eat at home. Sometimes even looking at menus which serve exotic cuisines is prohibited. My house has a “see and no touch; think and no action” policy. I better stop here before I get into domestic trouble.

So, if I can’t dance, can’t drink, can’t flirt, what’s the point of going to the pubs? Seriously, do you want to spend money going to pubs with your lips sealed, hands tied and a backache?

Opportunity

One must have extra free time to go to pubs. Better still if you don’t have to work the next morning, because that will allow a buffer for the hangover.

Other than time factor, there is still a “wife” factor. Engtee is monitoring me like an eagle looking at its prey. She knows what time I go to work and what time I am supposed to come home. If I spend an extra half an hour at 新天地before I walk home, she could smell it half a mile away.

Hence even if I am interested and tempted to have a taste of what Shanghai offers at night, I still need an opportunity to sneak out.

Ability

Having fun is not cheap in Shanghai. Everything from booze to girls has a price tag to it. Unless you are ready and willing to spend at least a couple hundreds of RMB, you had better stay home and watch tv or read novels which is way cheaper.

That’s why I say “ability” is an important ingredient in having fun at night. Because without the ability to pay for the cover charge, the beer and the girls, even if you are a party animal and have plenty of spare time to kill, you still could not set foot into the nightlife of Shanghai. No money no party. Fair enough.

Maybe you would think, “hey, for experience sake, spending a couple of hundreds won’t kill you, right?” No, you are wrong. It will kill me especially when Engtee is guarding the money like how a squirrel guards its nuts. She will never take a cab from Carrefour to our apartment even though she is carrying loads of heavy things; she would rather squeeze herself in the bus and walk a few hundred meters, just so that she could save RMB20 of taxi fare.

Against this background you think I would be stupid and ambitious enough to spend RMB200 in a pub in 1 night? Fat chance! I will be hung in front of the gate of my apartment before I could taste my first beer.

Conclusion

Ok, I guess that pretty much sums up my nightlife in Shanghai. But Bro Stevo, for you and for you alone, I will take up the challenge to explore the nightlife of Shanghai despite the adversities (e.g. explaining to Engtee why I have to spend the time and money with other hot chicks in the name of experiencing life).

However, I will not be going to the rave parties (because I still have no idea what rave is) or the naughty nightclubs. So mom, no need to hold your breath, your son will not risk his marriage just to write good stuffs in the blog.

Probably I will just go to a brightly lit bar, order the cheapest beer (Qingtao 青岛) and sit there for an hour observing the people, the activities, and of course, the hot and beautiful young girls.





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