Firmware Time

This entry was originally written in September 2016

The drone had been dormant for almost a month. A new firmware had arrived and since I planned to take the drone up Fraser's Hill, I might as well get things up to date, in fear of not able to fly at the venue.

I decided to use the MacBook to download the software and connect the drone directly after. Alternatively, I could use the DJI Go software on my iPad for the update but the update through the computer was more straightforward and made more sense.

Christmassy Pavilion

As usually the case, Pavilion always came out with the best decorations, be it Xmas, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya or Deepavali. It looked like their effort this year was not too shabby although the constructions at the main entrance made some of the features looked rather awkward.

The new building right opposite was encroaching into their famous fountain making access from the Bukit Bintang entrance not the smoothest. Add to that the poor traffic flow, heading in and out of the mall was not a joy at all.

There were Xmas trees and crystals aplenty, again with Swarovski being one of their main sponsors. It was both stunning and crowded and being a Sunday, the place was completely packed. On the day I visited, I was forced to park at KLCC, walking across via the linked walkway to Pavilion.

The area around the fountain also had a small train taking children for a ride around a tall Xmas tree erected there for the last few weeks. The main lobby on the other hand had a stage - for Santa of course - and a ride for children.

An enjoyable day out although I wouldn’t recommend going there on a Sunday afternoon. The place was just too crowded, plus the small matter of traffic ....

Hot Pot is now Zenith Cafe

One of out favourite restaurant in town from a few years back was the Hot Pot, located at Damansara Damai. It was introduced to us by our friend Malis and Adri who lived around the area during one of our visits to their condo. We frequented there for a number of months until word got out that they were moving. I loved their masak lemak daging salai.

After a number of months, I heard the owners Dino and Fazah opened a joint in town, near a mosque. But since they were musicians, it was kinda tricky opening a restaurant without a live band. So, earlier this year, they moved again, and this time in Puncak Alam which was about 45 minutes drive from out place in Bangsar. The name of their outlet had also changed to Zenith Cafe.

Reserved ....Simple but cozy Instruments were out but nobody playingWhat's on the menu ....

Last weekend, Adri again asked us if we wanted to go. And since I was free - and our maid is away - we decided to go. We made an order upfront as the daging salai was no longer standard in their menu and last Saturday evening, we packed everyone in our MPV - four children and four adults - for a night out. It was a good 30 minutes drive from Damansara Damai but it was worth it.

Dino wasn't in since it was the KL Bike Week that weekend. Kak Fazah was around and we got our fix. The new place did have space to jam, but the house band was away that evening. So, no live music. I got my daging salai - with the same zing as before. Had a really nice time, and the decoration of the restaurant was really great.

The ambiance was cosy with plenty of English feel to it. The breeze outside was really fresh.

Kak Fazah doing the cookingThe daging salai was readyNeatHomelyIt was getting dark outsideThe boys tucking inThe restaurant was located in the new township of Puncak Alam, and there were not that many shops opened at the area yet. Parking was never an issue and I was sure nobody would bother them even if they jam till the morning.

The boys enjoyed each other company and we set down for a chat with Kak Fazah before leaving. They also have grills on certain weekend - which Adri recommended. All in all a wonderful night out. We wished that there was live music though ... so maybe I had to come again soon ....

I guess the best way to get around to the cafe would be through their Facebook page.

Lunch at Katie's Stove

My Dad wanted to have a steak but unfortunately when we got to the door of Victoria Station this afternoon, the place did not have electricity and was not able to take in customers. We ended looking elsewhere when Anita came to the idea of going to another restaurant just a block away - and with electricity.

She planned to have her school reunion later in the week there and we decided to go and visit.

The entranceYou can also sit at patioDream. Believe. Smile.Today's specialThe place was called Katie's Stove, but despite the name, they mainly do local Malay and Johore dishes. Good decision as it turned out in the end as it soon started raining.

The place was an old converted colonial house which was recently renovated. Rather bare and basic to be honest but it served its purpose. The menu was also pretty basic. There was a set of menu for the day - which both my parents went for - which basically was rice, fish and vegetables with drinks. I had nasi goreng kampung and Anita had laksa johor.

Cosy chairsThe inner sectionCooling drink

In the end, the meal was alright. The price was quite reasonable as well and the venue I must saw was not the most strategic.

Definitely worth another go, as Anita said the laksa johor was rather good. Fast service and maybe suitable for those quick lunch getaways.

Back to Jump Street

Idlan had been nagging me for quite some time to take him to Jump Street. The last time we visited this trampoline park was almost a year ago. It had been a while but I must say that I picked a wrong day to go there. The place was packed with children enjoying their school holiday.

Far too crowdedWhere to go first?I was surprised that the owner actually let in such a big crowd, as we actually checked for teh ticket availability on line a couple of days before. Se assumed that there would be a control in terms of number of people being let in on each of their hourly slots. Obviously the system wasn't working and Idlan ended up only managing about 10 minutes on the trampoline and 3 minutes in the dodgeball court in the whole couple of hours that we paid for.

Not much changed outside ....Except for the lack of car parking spaceLet's queue first ....Before we start bouncingBefore we play a bit of dodgeball ....And there was also a matter of car parking arrangements - or the lack of it. We ended up parking across the road, but since we came in a group, I just dropped Anita and the boys by the entrance before circling around to look for a spot to park. I saw many families with small children having to cross the road to get to the entrance from where they parked. Most of the spots that thye had previously was given away to another company which occupied the building in front of the the facilities.

Not such a clever idea.