Surviving Comic Fiesta: Tips for All

Whether you are a first timer or a long time attendee of Comic Fiesta, each year is a whole new experience all together. For many all anime, manga and game fans around Malaysia, Comic Fiesta is the ultimate convention of the year. Comic Fiesta was even moved from previous smaller venues (Sunway Pyramid and Times Square) to the huge Kuala Lumpur Convention Center to accommodate the ever-growing crowd and has even become an event for outstationers and tourists to visit.

Last year saw an astonishing 39,8555 visitors for the two days event. That means a packed and crowded hall that looks something like this.

Now before you freak out and wet yourself, there are ways for you to make it an enjoyable experience whether you are a reasoned attendee or a newbie. Here are some tips to help you survive Comic Fiesta.

SCKL 2014: My First Half Marathon

Remember my earlier post in May announcing my intentions to attempt my first ever half marathon? (You can click here to read it)  Well, on 12 October 2014, I did it. My first 21KM of pure road running.

It was surreal arriving at the start 4am in the morning to accompany my mom the marathoner and watching the full marathoners flag off at 430am. As I waited for my turn to flag off, I could hear the emcees announcing the ongoing positions for the full marathon.

"Kenya, Kenya, Kenya, Kenya, Morocco, Kenya, Kenya, Kenya, Ethiopia... this sounds like a rap song."

At some point, I found a bootcamp friend and we positioned ourselves near the start to avoid the backlog but as a result, nearly suffocated myself from accumulated BO.  By the time we started, I was relieved for the space and 'fresh' air.

Japan 2014: Portable Wifi Router Japan Wireless

For a very modern country, wifi sure comes sparingly in cafes and hotels around Japan. During my first trip to Japan in 2013, I got lost and couldn't find my bearing without wifi. So knowing how hectic our schedule was going to be, I opted to rent a portal wifi router from Japan Wireless.

Honestly it was all Cousin's hardwork because he did all the research being the tech geek that he is and so I left him in charge of it. And he suggested the Mobile Wifi Router LTE (75Mbps). For a 9 day rental, it was 5,650yen (RM170). That came up to about RM18 a day.

 The order was made online through the Japan Wireless website and paid through Paypal. A 500yen shipping fees was added on top of the total price as the company would ship it to our first accommodation in Japan upon arrival which for us was Yume Nomad in Kobe.

Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee, SS2 review

I never used to be a fan of Pan Mee. I never understood the appeal of a soggy, not-thin-nor-thick noodle with ikan bilis and minced pork or chicken. Until two years ago when my sister introduced me to Jojo Pan Mee in SS2 and to its Lat Jiu Pan Mee and century egg dumpling.

Only recently I stumbled upon a new Chilli Pan Mee hunt, also in SS2. Well, new to me as this place has been in business for a long time now. Super Kitchen Chilly Pan Mee is located in Chow Yang along the same row as the Original Kayu Nasi Kandar, SS2. Parking is easy to come by compared to the main SS2 area.

Gold Coast 2014: Grande Florida Resort Apartment

"Spacious unit with a balcony overlooking two swimming pools, one cool, one heated."

"A hideaway amidst lush tropical palm trees and greeneries that provides the illusion of privacy."

"A minute's walk to the pristine unspoiled Miami beach with a stunning view of Surfers Paradise and within walking distance of shops, a tennis court and a Coles supermarket."

These were the common reviews I kept reading online when researching the resort. A friend had secured resort vouchers for our trip at about 469AUD for a two bedroom apartment for 6D5N. We booked five units for our trip. When we split the cost of the apartments amongst our group of 22, it became a freaking steal.

Japan Kit Kat Flavours - That Yummy Weird Treat

Most of us enjoy a good bar of Kit Kat now and then. And even if it's not your utmost favourite chocolate wafer biscuit in the world, I am sure you would have at least heard of it or even snacked on it on one of those hungry days. But there is no other country out there than loves Kit Kat more than Japan.

The Japanese, the wonderful bunch of people that they are, has taken their love for Kit Kats to a whole new level simply because Kit Kat sounds close to Kitto Katsu, a term in Japanese that translates to 'surely win'. For a country where gift-giving was a customary ritual, presenting someone with the gift that wishes good luck is just ideal. Kit Kat is in fact the No. 1 brand confectionery brand in Japan.

Fashion Overhaul at the Rakuten Super Sale!

My family and friends know that I am a sucker for a good sale and bargain. I like finding clothes that suit my style and comfort without breaking the bank. And ever since hearing about Rakuten, Japan's largest online shopping mall, I have been ordered clothes from them once every two months at least!

Because their shops and brands have just so many things to pick from! Personally, my favourite Rakuten outlet to surf on was Luvclo. Got quite a number of my tops from there and at decent prices too. Like this one here:

Japan 2014 - Kobe, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka Itinerary (10-days)

So I've gotten a lot of email requests asking for my Japan itinerary as a guide to help them plan out their trip. So here it is!

Mind you, my itinerary was rather pack as we wanted to make the most out of our trip. There was a lot of walking and public transportation involved as those were the best, cheapest and most efficient way of moving between three main cities of Kansai (well, four if you count Nara).

To get around, everyone in my group had two 3-day Kansai Thru Pass and an Osaka Unlimited Pass which is available for purchase at the Travel Desk at the information counter of the Kansai International Airport  are only activated once they are swiped at a subway entrance gate. For a more in-depth post on their prices and benefits -----> here

Star Wars Miniland Lands in Legoland Malaysia, Johor Bahru

Dum Dum Dum, Dum-te-Dum, Dum-te-Dum..

Suit up in your Storm Trooper outfits, Star Wars fans because Star Wars Miniland has finally opened up on Legoland Malaysia down south. The launch was officiated by Mark Germyn, General Manager, LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort and Dato’ Dr. Ong Hong Peng, Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and was attended by Malaysian media and bloggers as well as our Singaporean counterparts.

Japan 2014 - Day 10: Osaka - Bye Japan :(

Leaving Japan after a magical 9-day holiday in the beautiful and culturally rich country, I was depressed and the dark morning clouds on my last day of the trip made it feel as though that the country was depressed that I was leaving.

Due to Malaysian Airlines not allowing us to do mobile check-in, we had to get to the airport by 8am to check-in. With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to our Osaka host, Saito whom we bumped into on the way to the train station. Staying Nul-Live Guesthouse a.k.a Namba Guesthouse was wonderful and I will miss Saito, Hyun and of course, Hanamizu. Anyone looking for accommodation in Osaka, do consider Namba Guesthouse and can check out my review of the guesthouse here.