Travel and Run: Doha-London - New York - Los Angeles - Las Vegas - Grand Canyon in 8 days

New York, New York.. I have dreamed about it for sooooo long. And many of my attempts to visit it failed.. until 2015, when I tried my luck to enter the TCS New York marathon draw... I didn't thought I'd get in! And to make it more fun, so was my husband! So off we went, both of us.

New York captured from the top of Empire State building

Well I'm not gonna explain all about the marathon part, as I have explained it in our other blog. But I will share our journey through Unites State of America, crossing from Qatar - London - New York - Los Angeles - Las Vegas - Grand Canyon and backin 8 days. Man, it was super awesome.. but surely it depends on what type of travellers are you. If you are the kind that need a good night sleep with a long relaxing dinner and a scroll on every corner, then this itinerary is not for you.

Travelling to New York (29th Oct - 2nd Nov 2015)

We've booked our flights all through Orbitz.com, where you can choose multi-city option and it will give you plenty of choice that can suit your budget and time. I took below flight;

Oct 29 2015 Doha - London (3 hours transit) then London to New York (arriving at the same day at 6PM)

The reason that I took a transit flight is because I can't even stand thinking of the longggg direct flight to New York for 13-14 hours without some fresh air! But I then regretted the decision, our flight got delayed and we nearly missed our connecting flight from London to New York, because of the security process in London airport, plus, the change of terminals. And can you believe that, for every time you change a terminal (even if you didn't go out from passport control), you have to scan your hand carry all over again. So yeah, we've done that - long queue and everything.

Once we arrived New York using British Airways, the minute we step out of the flight, there was already a longggg queue for the passport control! Man.. I can't breathe! and I was kinda lucky for being slightly mabuk, I gotta cut some queue to go to the loo. I seriously recommends that you try Etihad Airlines, as they do the passport control in Abu Dhabi, so once you arrived New York, you simply go out and pick your luggage! No more queuing!

From JFK Airport, New York we took GoAirLink transfer to our hotel. First 2 night we are staying in Edison Hotel - right in the middle of Time Square. So you can guess how much it had cost us! But, anything for the sake of my dream city, New York aye?

So, as I told you, we are there for the TCS New York Marathon. So, as per training plan, we had to do a short run, so that basically what we did first thing in the morning! Run straight from our hotel to the Central Park! Man.. I just can't believe that I'm typing this up. The experience is exquisite. I still felt the cold breeze of New York city air that very day.

Ok, to cut the story shorts, whilst we are in marathon mode in New York, pre race, we basically didn't walk much, but opt for hop on hop off bus, which is the best option to see the city for few days (believe me it's not enough to do it in a day!). Then the night before the race, we moved to Staten Island, where the running starts. And we finished the race together awesomely in Central Park hand in hand (despite my near mental break-down because of the lack of training! thanks to mr.hubby who sweetly run along to ensure I reached the finish line :).

That night, we moved to an apartment near Perry Street, just so I can have the feel of being Carrie from SNTC, hiks. The apartment was soooo pretty, and it was owned by a guy! man.. he can decorate. I love every little corner of it.

Konon2 cari idea for my next post

Berangan depan entrance

Berangan lagi

So, that morning, we continue to stroll around New York, this time bringing our medal out and about! Including flashing it off on top of Empire State buildings :D. With our limited time, we still managed to take the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Ok I've seen what I've always wanted. Even got to go to the spot where they shoot 'Friends' infamous opening song!

Look.. is it familiar? It should be familiar if you are as a crazy fan like me. haha.

That evening 2nd of Nov 2015, we went to the airport for our next flight leg, New York - Los Angeles. With a heavy heart, I bid New York good bye. It's ok.. I have 10 years visa now.. I could come and visit anytime!

2nd Nov 2015: Flying from New York to Los Angeles

We flown, it was almost 7 hours, but we gain few hours ahead, so it's as if we haven't travelled long. Stayed near to the airport, woke up to variety of choice of pancakes! Yumm. Ok I will continue this entry later.. below is for my reference.. tunggguuuu...

3rd Nov 2015: Los Angeles must visit

4th Nov 2015: LA to Las Vegas

5th Nov 2015: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

6th Nov 2015: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas to London to Doha

Kuching Marathon Aku datang!

15 August 2014.. Me, my husband, 3 kiddos and their nanny together with Tok Mi, Tok Di and cousin Arif flewn to Kuching via AirAsia. Our short trip there mainly for the Kuching Marathon on 17th of Aug, which happen to be my husband's birthday. 

When we first arrived in KLIA2, our expectation from all the negative comments received from friends went up once we entered departure area. Nothing fit their comments. Everything is new, clean and excellent. There are walkalator too. In overall, we love it. The flight took off and arrived safely on time despite a slight bad weather that the captain professionally managed to re-route and avoid.

Once we came out from the immigration, we went straight to get car rent. Driving was no problem at all. We checked into Hilton, and lucky enough being given the waterfront view.  

We then went to collect our marathon pack in Plaza Merdeka, where we ate our dinner. The price of foods were slightly expensive in compare to Peninsular. 

The kids are all exausted and already asleep. So we (my husband and I) left them with the nanny and go for a walk near waterfront. Amazingly Hilton hotel is strategically located.. everything is very near and within walking distance. Our first destination is to cross the Santubong river to check out the other side's food court. We took the 1 ringgit boat and crossed it within less than 5 minutes. At 9 pm, the crowds seems plenty. We just browse around to seek for special and interesting food to try. Frustrated with the food court, we head back to Waterfront, as we have past by people who are enjoying set of crispy banana fritters cheese being served by one of the stall there.

We too decided to try the banana set. And the looks and smell are as delicious as the taste! We called Tok Di and co to join us, and within minutes they arrived. We even ordered sate set.. Which cleverly came with green lemang and few pieces of breads. The sate even taste better than in Semenanjung! There's no burn on the beef at all, and it is very soft. So like you've guess it, we ordered our second set. Full tummy and happy, we head back to our hotel to rest.

Kuching special sate

Next morning, we head to Kuching Cultural Village. The entry ticket for adult is RM60 and kids is RM30. But you can get a cheaper bargain if you took van transportation along with the ticket. You can ask the hotel you're staying with.

There are cultural performance twice daily at 1130 and 4pm. The performance is worth your time, funny.. And entertaining. It also plays like a short course history lesson, where they introduced all different races of Sarawak in musical. After we've done with the performance, it's time to walk around the village. Oh yes, I almost forgot.. When entered, you'll be given individual passport that you can stamp from one long houses to another. In each longhouse, you got to learn more of each culture from the place they live, clothes and activities. 

An interesting bridge to try

We ended our tour with lunch at the restaurant. I for once braving myself to try the local dish. The lunch set consist of Umai, Assam ikan, Manok Pasoy, pumpkins and rice folded in banana leaf. Honestly I can stomach Manok & pumpkin dish and not the other two. Not my kind of taste I guess. 

Rent out costume for Rm10.

At night, we went to try seafood dish in Top Spot food court. The place is crowded, but there are plenty of tables around. The services is fast and the taste is delicious. When it comes to the price, I was shock that off all our order consist of big prawn, squid, kerapu, crabs, veges, rice for 9, It didn't even reach RM200! Maybe becoz I was used to Qatar's price, which are all super expensive. Hehehe. Overall, we are all very satisfied with Top Spot. A must-go place to dine! We head back for an early rest, as the next day we'll join the marathon as scheduled to start from as early as 3am for full marathon. My hubby took half marathon which starts at 5am. I just signed up for 10km which starts at 6am. Overall, we love the event, race starts on time, water station every few kilometres and the route took us through friendly neighbourhood. Many makcik2 came out from their house and stand by the road cheering all the runners sportingly. And whilst running through the transition from dark to light.. we were welcomed by rooster's loud and proud calling. It is simply amazing. 

As expected, I did my worst this time. With no training for almost 2 months (I blame Hari Raya the most), my body was not ready. I couldn't go as steady as I could before, but thanks to coQhealth Shaklee, I could still finish the race, it could have been worst! I told myself, this is like training.. Walk run all i can, until I reached the finish line.

There were 6 of us from Qatar who came to Kuching just for this event. All of us are actually together in this small group of Malay runners in Qatar that we called PelariStyloYo. The founder and captain, Syafie Ahmad did his 7th Full Marathon there in Kuching. I am nowhere half of his achievement. Everyone was happy and satisfied to run our first Malaysian run together, even it is during holiday season, where everyone is still in the mood for ketupat and rendang, with none or minimum training. At least we've done it and not backing out :). 

Qatar PSY: Running Kuching Marathon 2014

After breakfast, my family and I heads to some adventure.. Seeking to watch Orang Utan. But unfortunately, we arrived during the break hours. And the note also said it is not recommended to see during this fruit season. So we opt for second best - Jong's Crocodile farm & Zoo. It was amazingly big, with lots an lots of crocs! I think it is actually a much better activities than looking for the Orang Utan to be honest. What make Jong's Crocodile and Zoo farm special are the way they landscaped the area, you will pass by some big lakes, then going through jungle using hanging bridge made out-of wood whilst the crocs waiting patiently right underneath. Just imagine when the bridge breaks! :D

After our accidental-yet-amazing tour around the place we head back to Kuching for lunch. Restaurant Nusajaya is simply the best in town! Had nasik goreng ayam masak merah and I literary licked the plate! heh..

That night, was my husband's 33rd birthday. I have planned to make a simple surprise celebration for him with whoever available in Kuching, and of course, the running buddies are all there to celebrate. Our plan worked out perfectly, with Mr Ai, looking touched and slightly red hehehe. After the small celebration at our hotel room, we head to cross the Santubong River (i:e Waterfront) to chill at Barok Cafe, which is a cool surrounding to be at. The slight raining adds to the amazing atmosphere.  

The next day, its time to head back, making one final stop at the Kek Lapis factory then we go straight to airport. Flewn safely with Airasia with thousands of happy memories. 

Kuching.. will we come back? 

Yes of course!

-Yeen -

Semi Marathon de Paris 2014

My super special birthday this year. Not only I received blessing to enjoy myself with my friends in Paris, but I got to buy just the thing I once thought impossible.. still thought that I was dreaming.
Anyway, let's not keep you bore with my yada yada.. and go straight to my story of the above mentioned right?

Enjoy!

We were all excited to join Paris Half Marathon which coincidently fell on my birthday. 
We've registered several months before, wayyy before our first half marathon in Chiang Mai. 
Determine to make a trip of the year.. with 7 of us, running towards the finish line together (in spirit at least). 
But like wise man says, we can only plan, but HE is the one who'll decide in the end. 
No matter how hard or consistent we've trained, no matter how firmed our booking is, 
at the end of the day.. only 2 of us made it to Paris HM..

It was funnily enough that each one of us suddenly caught with some obstacles. Started with H, 
she got pregnant (not that it could have slowed her.. she ran her first HM in Dubai while being pregnant too). 
But due to doctor's advise.. it is better not to join any race.. jogging on its own is ok, but not a race, 
as she might have push herself too hard, plus she is in her 5th months of pregnancy (I know right? WHAT?! 
5months and not showing at all? :)

Then it's L's turn.. she just started working at a new company. In her interview, she already mentioned her plan 
for HM Paris and her boss is ok. But nearing the time, her boss did not fulfilled her promise. She didn't provide
her full support and back L's plan to go on with her planned holiday when COO rejected her leave request .
So she had to cancel and withdraw from our trip. :(

Then,  more and more of us faced obstacles. I was hesitated too. I do not have anyone looking after my kids 
from 5th to 7th. My new housemaid are schedule to arrive on the 2nd.. and I do not know her capabilities. 
Will she be good with kids? But since my husband insist that I continue with my plan, I carried on.. 
And so the drama begins.. few weeks to the actual travel date, more and more drama arised.
One with housemaid issue, one with a sick mother-in-law, one with a sick father, all had to withdrawn from the plan, although all paid for the registration. And the last was A, 1 day before the race, she just can't get into any flight.. all flight were fully loaded. So that's that.

Off the 4 of us go:- yeah.. luckily there's 2 more friends still joining for the trip but not for HM; 2 with a pure shopping mission and 2 with half-hearted HM mission AND a little bit of shopping mission (yes, it did started small- honest to God! :D). We took Pegasus airline, it was dead cheap when we booked it, QR1400 to-fro with a day stop over in Istanbul on the returning route. The flight was smooth, just a small delay due to some 'technical' problem - whatever 
it was. Our 3 hours transit in Istanbul was fun, even it was just around the airport. Few hours later, we arrived Paris- Orly airport. Took a brilliant pre-booked shuttle to pick us up and drove straight to our hotel in de Porte de Vincennes. Click here for the shuttle website. 

First stop after check in: Race Bib pickup! And there goes our touristy story. Been here, done that.. yada yada.. now let's go straight to the race shall we?

2nd of March 2014,  waking up a year older. I was not that excited to run. Maybe because half of me, still can't 
adapt the fact that I'm now running on my own without my husband-my mentor, my motivator AND most of my 
running buddies - which are my reason to stay strong. I was a bit scared, but not as scared as I was when I did 
my first HM. This time, my mindset is already thinking - do not push your limit.. run as you please as long as you finished. I know.. not the kind of motivation that one should share in the story of running. But to tell you the truth, 
I could not feel the same eagerness that I had when I did my first HM anymore. Maybe it was Paris - too beautiful 
and so much to do that we somehow 'unintentionally' diverted our intention. yes.. we were lack of discipline indeed.

We did however enjoy the ambience. It surely was different. It started as early from our journey from our hotel- 
waiting for our lift down, few of other runners are also there- ready to run. From top, they completely looked 
normal in their winter jacket, but when we look down, only we realised- they are in the same mission - in their 
running shoes. All the way to metro station, we'll find more and more runners. Our trip via metro was a bit of a challenge too, we didn't get to ride it until the 4th train came by. All others were packed with runners. 
It was awesome. Me and N felt so tiny compare to all mat and minah saleh's runners.

Our journey to the start point was challenging enough- it almost felt like my Hajj experience, with thousand of people pushing their way on the opposite. Due to some miss-communication when dropping our bag, me and N got 
separated. I felt lost. Darn it.. Calling/ Whatssaping didn't help- all line were too busy. After 15 minutes, I decided to 
wait for N in our curfew area- Alhamdulillah, I saw her. The joy, was like a kid who got lost and found by the parents! We briefly hugged. It was an emotional moment, we needed each other at the start point. At least with each other, 
we'll forget all those obstacles and could enjoy our little run.

10 am..but... we were kept waiting.. and waiting. and exactly 1 hour after the supposedly start time of the race, we, 
the idiots who were honest enough to chose our target time to be more than 2hour were being 'released'. 
Yes, we were divided into 4 categories: Smart, dumb, dumber and dumbest. We were obviously the dumbest. 
(Lesson learnt: NEVER EVER take the last categories, lie and just take the fastest target time, you'll know why 
if you keep reading my story).

I ran alongside N, just so we'll motivate each other, at least for the first 3km, after which, we got separated. 
Sorry N! I honestly wanted to run with you until the finish line- but that darn coQ health made me go a little faster although not as fast and as determined like I was in ChiangMai. But as I admit before, my target was made lower.

But the good side of this HM, along the way from start to finish, I think not even 100 meter apart, 
there's always people cheering or people entertaining the runners; band, singers, you name it. They were all high spirited, and the song that they sang or the drum that they pounded were amazing. These was something new 
for both of us. It keeps us energized. Felt like an on-going parade.. and we were really celebrated.

5km- the first water station; I was ready to replenish myself, but what do you know? No water anymore.. demmit.  
This is when the 'dumbest-group' story begins. Remember we were released 1 hour after the race started? So, 
this is expected. Of course there not gonna be anymore water for us losers. We were just the idiots who thought 
we could participate in such a big event to get some sort of accomplishment for ourselves. We were the idiots who thought 'doesn't matter how slow you go, as long as you finished' when the race organizer didn't even consider us loser, let alone our need to keep going by hydrating ourself. Yes, we were that stupid.  I saw people going through 
the garbage tank for water. It was sad and humiliating. Although I started to feel thirsty, I couldn't bring myself to 
do the same. I try my luck by asking other runners who I saw have a little spare of water, (which come to think of it, might have got their water from that pile of garbage too haha whatever). N said, she took her water from leftover 
bottle she found lying 'near' the garbage tank. Pitty her.

8km, the route is getting harder- it was a steep road all the way- I kept my slow-jog mode until a lady past me by walking. Demmit! I was too slow! Might as well walk.. so I did. (mistake no 2)

10km- I  thought my luck will get better- but now, same story for water. Nada. So I had to beg from other runners 
again. Putting aside any shame.

15km - now at least there's some energy drinks, not much.. but there was, and some oranges too. Finally some 
sense of decency.

19km- After the up and down route, I was no longer in the mood of constant running, yes..I walked most of my way 
up a hill and run the rest of the other 'flat' route. The most challenging was that last few kms .., I was de-motivated, 
or what us runner call it 'the wall'.. I was past by other motivated runners, one by one. I can even see a very old 
man in front of me- my guess he was pushing his limit- poor him. Did he got any water  along the way, I wonder? Suddenly I swear, I heard my husband's voice 'You.. sikit lagi you..' , I broke to tears. Oh my god.. it felt so real.. as 
if he was running besides me. It motivates me to run a little bit faster.
Not long after, I ran past the old man, and kept running to the finish line. Arrived after 2hours and 44minutes to be exact.
At least there's still people there, and there's a host with his microphone- trying to cheer all the finisher, interviewing them.  I runner who arrived shortly after me broke to tears. She must have push herself so much to be that 
emotional. Yes, running was emotional, when you cross that finish line, with the sought-after medal awaiting for you, you will feel all your efforts are paid off.

But I can't see any medal. No one was waiting for us with medal at the finish line.

I felt strange, where is my medal?

Maybe I have to walk to some desk to get it? So I thought, fine I'll wait for N to finish, and go and get it together. Approximately 17 minutes later, N arrived.

We walked and walked but nobody is around, we found some guys who looks 'official' and ask about our medal, but sadly he responded 'Sorry, all finished'. 'WHAT THE ??!'. That's it, the medal, which supposed to be, my 'birthday present' and the symbol of our small victory.. is no longer available. I seriously didn't get it. How can they not understand the feeling of being let down like this? I can accept if we were told upfront that the first xx runners will 
get medals, and none for the rest. But, how can you assume that everyone who ran this HM don't mind the medal 
part? We've flown thousands of kms to be here, just to be let down?. How simple and easy for them to do that and claim as one of the best event in the world. Did you purposely prepared medals lower that the numbers of 
confirmed registration? :( How aweful.. I felt cheated.
We left empty-handed and heart broken. We no longer have any mood for any other activities- let alone for any 
picture. We went straight to hotel to rest.

That concluded our Drama to Semi Marathon de Paris 2014. Not only the drama started from before the trip, but it somehow cursed us until our return. Somebody is in need of 'mandi bunga' for sure.

xxxxxxx
Dissapointed,
BIB 50502, Semi de Marathon Paris 2014.

Chiang Mai aku datang!

Almost a week ago, me and hubby went to Chiang Mai, Thailand. A place that we have never considered in our to-go list. But because we are now into joining marathon and have our aim and training schedule and all, even when we are back to spend a month holiday in Malaysia, we opt to join any marathon race just so we are on the right track. Especially for my husband, who has less than a month to do his full marathon run in Dubai.
So, in December, since no half marathon run is scheduled locally, he started looking for races near Malaysia. And the only race available is happening in Chiang Mai, the neighbouring country. So, what the heck. We can just go, so we can do race and at the same time, enjoy some tourist activity. Besides, Chiang Mai seems nice. Click here to read all about our first half marathon experience.
As expected, we loved Chiang Mai.. it is far different than Hatyai. Yes.. that's the only place we ever been to in Thailand. People are friendly, weather is cool and calm. Not so big and not so small of a town. Plenty of halal food around, especially near Night bazaar street. You can simply ride tuk-tuk to go anywhere. Tuk-tuk is a local 3 wheeler ride. It is inexpensive, and best to get around. Just make sure to agree on rates before riding anywhere. But then again, Chiang Mai people are generally honest and kind. So don't worry too much.. just explore and enjoy!
Since our main objective in Chiang Mai is for the half-marathon event, we didn't quite go to many of the must-go-and-do. We waited until after the event to enjoy the city tour. But considering the hurting legs post the running, we opt for Segway city tour. Which is super fun fun fun! Tuns out, Segway is a sensituve machine that works only by detecting our body moves, there's no pedal or break to control. All you need to do is sway! Such a joyful experience!
Chiang Mai is also generally cheap. From accommodation to food, and right to services. The best is their massage and spas. They are cheap and great! We went to 3 types of massages in the three days we were there. Yup.. we massage and massage until our hurting feet recovers!
So, if we ever have an option to come back, will we ever take it? Absolutely YES!
Chiang Mai.. I'm in love.