Monday, October 15, 2007
Johor Bahru
At the time when JB is still notorious for lack of law enforcement, I went there last weekend. It must be said that Malaysia holds a special place in my heart, both for the many memorable things that had happened there previously and its indescribable charm which suited me particularly well. I like its rustic simplicity, the lack of polished zing that most cosmopolitan cities like Singapore and Shanghai have. I like the fact that this gives a semblance of what the air smelt like and how things looked during my childhood days.
Although we went there specifically to eat, shop and watch movie, those were the last things I expected to enjoy when I was there. But, surprise, surprise, enjoyed them I did. As if Singaporeans need to be reminded how good JB is for these activities.
For one, the movie "Lust.Caution" directed by Lee Ang, was good. Really good. Even after the cuts made to explicit scenes. I was glued to the screen with its impossibly good cinematography, great costumes, and even better acting by newbie Tang Wei and veteran Tony Leung. Lee Hom showed that he has more than good looks and voice in the movie, too. Being a linguist-wannabe, I particularly doted on the great usage of languages in the movie, Shanghainese, Cantonese, English, Japanese, all with the right diction. Not wanting to be a spoiler at the time when the movie is still screening, all I can say is, for those who have yet to catch it, what are you waiting for!
I never realised that shopping is good in Malaysia till last weekend. The rows of shoes in City Square managed to tickle that temptation bud within me! The prices were reasonable too. Of course, food is usually cheap and good. I never had the desire to try those snow ice thingie till last week. Very nice! The ice is shaved in the most special way so that it is fluffy, and the taste of the icing is even. On whim, we ordered the one with raw egg on top and it is really not as bad as it may sound.
Although we went there specifically to eat, shop and watch movie, those were the last things I expected to enjoy when I was there. But, surprise, surprise, enjoyed them I did. As if Singaporeans need to be reminded how good JB is for these activities.
For one, the movie "Lust.Caution" directed by Lee Ang, was good. Really good. Even after the cuts made to explicit scenes. I was glued to the screen with its impossibly good cinematography, great costumes, and even better acting by newbie Tang Wei and veteran Tony Leung. Lee Hom showed that he has more than good looks and voice in the movie, too. Being a linguist-wannabe, I particularly doted on the great usage of languages in the movie, Shanghainese, Cantonese, English, Japanese, all with the right diction. Not wanting to be a spoiler at the time when the movie is still screening, all I can say is, for those who have yet to catch it, what are you waiting for!
I never realised that shopping is good in Malaysia till last weekend. The rows of shoes in City Square managed to tickle that temptation bud within me! The prices were reasonable too. Of course, food is usually cheap and good. I never had the desire to try those snow ice thingie till last week. Very nice! The ice is shaved in the most special way so that it is fluffy, and the taste of the icing is even. On whim, we ordered the one with raw egg on top and it is really not as bad as it may sound.
Labels: Travel Diary
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