I’m not an expert but I know this…

Say you like this girl but you have no idea how to talk to her, what you want to say-what you want to expect.

Or, maybe you just want to know her name. But, how can I ask her, or as simply as how do I know her phone number. By asking somebody else such as her good friend it would be awkward right?

According to social psychology, if a guy who like a girl, she wants to hear good things from you.

To please her, you need to show her what type person youare. You could be a funny and sociable person or you could be a smart and trustworthy person.

Funny and Sociable

But, here’s the thing. Funny and sociable person only work if you are attractive person, however, if you not that attractive person you still can use this as a starting point.

• Shall we talk or continue flirting from a distance?
• Can I get a picture of you so I can show Santa what I want from Christmas?
• Do you have any sweets? No? Well, then how about a date?

Smart and Trustworthy

Girls love praise and sincerity, direct and honest are for smart and trustworthy person.

• I feel a little embarrassed about this…but I’d like to meet you. What’s your name?
• I saw you across the room and knew I had to meet you, What’s your name?
• Hi, I saw you and thought, “I’m going to kick myself all night if I don’s at least say hi”. So…hi. What’s your name?

There two pick up line you can selects. Above anything and all, you need to be a good guy.

The easy way to go to Nán luógǔ xiàng lù 南锣鼓巷路 is using subway line 5 stop at Zhāngzìzhōnglù 张自忠路. When arrived go straight to exit A, do not forget to insert / tab off your card otherwise you can not go out. After exit, in front of you should be high road, turn right. Walk about 6-8 meters, you will see the first bus stop.

Exit A - Zhāngzìzhōnglù 张自忠路

1st Stop and 2nd Stop - Zhāngzìzhōnglù 张自忠路

The stop calls Zhāngzìzhōnglù 张自忠路, it has 701, 42, 623, 113, 90. Walk more further you will see the second bus stop, it has 13, 758, 115, 118. DO NOT TAKE bus number 113, 758, and 115, or you have to change buses or walk too far or you stop at different alley/entrance. TAKE bus number 623, 13, 118 only, any of them how comes first will do.

I suggest you go to the second bus stop, take bus number 118 or 13, it comes more often. Its only take 2 stops, and you will not wait too long, soon will be arrived at stop calls Luógǔ xiàng 锣鼓巷.

From stop Zhāngzìzhōnglù 张自忠路 to stop Luógǔ xiàng 锣鼓巷 is about 1 Km.

Get off from the bus and walk about 5-7 metrs, you can see big gate and old looking building from the far. A group of people enter the gate. That is it, you finally have arrived.

This is a place of tourist area. Unique and different. I suggest you visit this place. Follow by this post, my story on what I saw at Nán luógǔ xiàng lù 南锣鼓巷路.

Recently, I bought a DIY film camera at PageOne an international book store (hint: English Books) in China World Trade Center, Guómào 国贸 subway line 1. Here’s my walkthrough post to go there.

The creativity is coming from this www.superheadz.com team and its main company is http://powershovel.co.jp/en/about.html. Yes, it is a Japanese company, a Japanese product. Why does cool and unique camera manufacture always Japanese people ? One thing in my mind is Japanese products is great and their price always reasonable.

The camera is called 135 Camera 28mm lens. It is plamodel camera, plastic mold and clear plastic lens.

The good thing about this camera is I can see the camera mechanism’s, how the shutter window works. I recommended this camera for photographer and hobbyist. This camera also can be a gift for a friend.

Here is some pictures I built the camera. Takes me about 2 hours to finish it.

The bad thing was I do not like this plamodel camera because I had to be careful cut and break the pieces. Clean the left over plastic so it can fit with other piece. I have not test the camera yet with actual film, but I am sure it will be work fine. It only has 28mm lens equivalent with 35mm (it is full frame). The last thing is when capture a frame, the subject has to be about 1 meter  away in distance and no flash – I have to find good decent light when capture a frame. The result might be out focus, overexpose or underexpose. Overall it is a play camera, cure and for fun only.

Beijing Wildlife Park or 北京野生动物园 is located in south part of Beijing. You can go there by taking Subway line 4 stop at TianGongYuan station and your journey have not stop here yet, you must take public bus number 556 or 377 pass 26 stops or you can take unlicensed taxi will charge you between 30 to 50 Yuan.

Finally, I arrived at front gate, I am so exited. I hoped I will find funny looking animals in this park. The ticket price is 50 Yuan per person if hold student identity card and 80 Yuan per person for adult. I think, children with 1.2 m height, elderly and disable people are free of charge. From the main entrance door, we can take electric car or by foot. The electric car costs you 200 Yuan per hour includes driver and guide explains about the park. I prefer ed by foot because I do not want to miss in-house animals.

The first in-house animal that makes me amazed is Golden Monkey.

Golden Monkey is one of extinction animal and very rare existence in another zoo.

Golden Monkey is one of endengared animal

A wide range types of animals in this park. But things make me sad is their cages are not decent, dirty and infrequently clean by the officer. For animal lovers must be very regret this. Even the drinking water was dirty. I looked one of sick female lion, a lot of her furs are loosen.

There is also an animal performance show. After saw some bad condition of animals, I felt something odd about this show. Well, it is true. in the show, there was four bears with neck tied up. Base on my experiences, I never sees animal performance with neck tied up. In Indonesia, all animals are free to move around. Once before I saw bear performance riding a bike. when the instructor told the bear to ride a bike, the bear did want to, but with patient the instructor waited and feed the bear until he wants to ride the bike. In contrast, I saw different scene here, I watched the show, the bear was kicked because he not obeyed the instructor and the feed him. My heart was hurt to see that kind of attitude. Maybe I have visited nice and good looking zoo in Singapore and Perth, the instructors have decent education and qualified to train and work with animal, But I do not know in China, do they have standard and qualified to train animals ?

After the performance show, I walked to bird cages. I saw unique birds feed with decent good food. But after walked for a while, there was a small yellow bird squeezed behind the wire’s cage and it looked like had dead long enough, but no one cared, I am so pity.

My hoped was to see funny animals and having fun in this park had gone. I went back with hurt and pity with bunch of questions. Why they do this to the animals? Where is Animal Protection Rights, Animal Welfare ? Why the do not fix this problem ? Would these animals survive in such extreme conditions ?

There has been a debate for me about what tablet should I used, which tablet should I buy. I was thinking to get iPad 2 from Apple, but the price is..too much…for me, then I found that Samsung has a Galaxy Tab 10.1 which in fact I think it pretty much like iPad 2 has offered and the price about the same. And then I saw that ASUS came out with Eee Pad Transformer TF101 and Eee Pad Slider SL101. Also I wanted to mention there are still some other tablets or pads to be considered as well such as Motorola XOOM, DELL Streak, Lenovo IdeaPad and Lenovo ThinkPad.

Do I Really Need A Tablet ?
Well…sometimes I think I need them, sometimes I think I do not really care, I can it all on Macbook or notebook PC.
Big answer YES; I need it because I need a device, other than my Iphone 3G, that I can do internet browsing, play some games, do my blog, take photo, listen some musics, read pdf or book like Kindle Amazon and much more. Also who does not want a lightweight, slim, bigger screen, touch-screen, and desktop grade operating system. These are what I get from a Tablet or a Pad, in short this can replace a notebook.

So, basically, I need a tiny mini computer to take it with me to the jungle.

iPad 2

iPad 2 from Apple.
I think everyone already know this high end product, iPad 2 is the best and favorable product in the market. Its slim and seamless design, lightweight, and easy to use interface. Nothing more to say.

Tech Specs for iPad 2
iOS 4 (iOS 5 coming soon)
Width: 185.7 mm Height: 241.2 mm Depth: 8.8 mm Weight: 601 g
9.7 inch (diagonal) LED Multi Touch display with IPS Technology
1024 x 768 pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch
1GHz dual core Apple A5
HD video recording 720p up to 30 frames pre second

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
What I can say this. This pad pretty much has same similarity with iPad 2 in term of design. However, I doubted in term of hardware and OS. While iPad 2 equipped with 1GHz Chip A5 and iOS 4; Galaxy Tab 10.1 equipped with 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 and Android Honeycomb 3.0. I could say both of them are powerful enough for multimedia, games or other applications.
At Samsung website, they say Galaxy Tab 10.1 is better, everything better from inside to outside and I agreed. What we need from a tablet, Galaxy Tab 10.1 has all of them.

Tech Specs for Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Android Honeycomb 3.1
Width: 175.3 mm Height: 256.7 mm Depth: 8.6 mm Weight: 565 g
10.1 inch widescreen
1280 x 800 WXGA TFT LCD 149 pixel per inch
1GHz dual core NVIDIA Tegra 2
HD video recording 1080p up to 30 frames pre second
Back camera: HD 720p video recording, 3MP auto focus camera with LED flash, Front camera: 2MP

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101
My first impression is awesome, A tablet has a keyboard dock – just what I had been thinking off. From the demo video and its tech specs this Eee Pad Transformer TF101 will be replace mini notebook and this is suitable for collage student.
The thing is about this pad I can not compare this with others. In my opinion, this product is between half mini pc and half tablet, because it has card reader Micro SD and in the keyboard dock it has more interface such as usb and card reader too. In additional, the cost is same as mini notebook pc.

Tech Specs for ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101
Width: 171 mm Height: 271 mm Depth 12.98 mm Weight: 680 g
10.1 LED Backlight WXGA 1280×800 IPS Panel
1GHz dual core NVIDIA Tegra 2
HD video 720p
Back camera: 5MP, Front camera: 1.2MP
Mini HDMI
Card reader Micro SD

ASUS eee Pad Slider SL101

ASUS Eee Pad Slider SL101
Other different product offering from ASUS. A tablet that has keyboard built in under the pad – Slide.
This is a new product from ASUS and have not come yet. One thing in my mind is this pad is for traveler. It has usb port, micro sd, 5 pixel camera and many more good features that I think useful and a tablet should have. In contrast, beside have a lot of good features and equipped with Android Honeycomb 3.2, this tablet is heavy and bulky. I say, this is a table that will replace a mini computer.

Tech Specs for ASUS Eee Pad Slider SL101
Width: 180.3 mm Height: 273 mm Depth 17.3 mm Weight: 960 g
10.1 LED Backlight WXGA 1280×800 IPS Panel
1GHz dual core NVIDIA Tegra 2
HD video 720p
Back camera: 5MP, Front camera: 1.2MP
Mini HDMI
USB port
Card reader Micro SD

So finally, in my opinion, regardless if it iOS or Android – both of them have their own league, I still considered iPad 2 from Apple or Samsung Galaxy Tab in term of their thin and lightness but in market both of them have the same price tag. However, ASUS Transformer can gives me  features of half pad, half mini computer and with add extra little bit of money I can get the keyboard.

Má là tàng 麻辣烫 is one of street food in Beijing. First time in Beijing I did not like this kind of food. It looks weird, tastes weird and I knew it is not my usual type of food. But It was winter cold late night, all restaurants were already close, only malatang was the only option I had, so that night was first time I ate malatang. How was it? It was yummy taste is so nice.

After that time, I always always coming back. Malatang is midnight snack for us…

Winter cold is the best time to eat malatang and sit next to the hot pot stall, why? because behind in that hot pot stall is a stove, 2 buckets full of coals with fire on, like a furnace. You can imagine when cold  and hot become one…cold weather and hot food. nice one!

Malatang - Pour Stock

Má là 麻辣 means hot and numbing and tàng 烫 means hot soup (boiled soup).

Added some sesame thick paste or 麻酱 Májiàng to make it delicious but some of my friends like it very HOT so they added more Làjiāo 辣椒 and little bit chopped garlic or suàn róng 蒜蓉.

Malatang - Serve in plate covered with plastic

Malatang - The vegetable

While in there, I like to eat dumplings (Jiǎo zi 饺子), tianbula (Tián bù là 甜不辣), tofu/bean curd (Dòu fu 豆腐), sausages (Cháng er 肠儿), fish balls, meatballs (Ròu wán zi 肉丸子), golden mushrooms (Jīn zhēn gū 金针菇), and noodle (Fěn tiáo 粉条)…other else, they also have shrimp, chicken, beef, frozen blood, cabbage, broccoli, morning glories veggie/water spinach, and much more.

Malatang - preparing the food

Malatang is served in plate covered with plastic, so they no need to wash the plate, and if someone want to a take out, they use plastic as a container – bag.

Malatang is cheap, it is only between 7 – 8 máo 毛 per skewer. Until now, mostly I eat 18 skewers. Sometimes I have about 15 to 18 skewers.

Malatang - Stuff...one of happy customer

Dad called about the usd he sent a month ago already received by Bank yesterday, I must go check it out. I just wanted class finish now now now so i can go to bank, do washing and back to bed have a nice afternoon nap. From 8.30 to 12.00 it takes so much calm heart, I preferred company a female friend(s) shopping rather then wait time running slow in class. Two different lessons with same materials, they just repeat what in the morning. Finally at 12.00… I get up and my first step was go to male wash room…

I didn’t know i was a lucky or one of my unknown wishes wish come true or maybe someone try to surprise me again for the third time. However, this time, In male wash room after I done with my thing, i turned around to wash hands…I saw red paper on wet floor, it’s YiBai Kuai or 100 Yuan and my thoughts are… (and I forgot to wash my hands).

1. This is a another surprise…
2. Someone try to trick me…
3. Don’t touch or take it, it’s somebody else…
4. It’s fake…but looks real one to me…
5. Someone try to make my day
6. Lucky Draw ! Real Deal !
7. God is Goooodd…

Lucky 100!

well…I did not think that much, my eyes are rolling money…cling ciing…Y Y. I took it, smile, fold it nicely and put it in my pocket. I just can’t believe that I found money in male wash room. Thank You for being kind with me all this time. After two surprises, now I found money…Hoorreeey…This is not a simple, found a BIG money is a real deal, a Lucky Draw Head-Shoot. This maybe only happened once in life time…in my life time. (I wished it was USD dollar. LOL)

I wished everyday like this.

Lastly, I went to bank and money that my dad sent me in the beginning of March, I have received them in the end of March…meaning I’m back in business…LOL…wrong….meaning, every single thing has its time.

What a day.

P.S. Later at night, I spent the money on dinner with friends, 87 Yuan I think. (updated 2nd may ’11)

87 Yuan

We ordered:

• Japanese Tofu
• Meat Balls
• Sweet Sour Pork
• Chicken
• Broccoli
• Fried Mushroom
• A bottle of beer
• Tea

It was good night with friends.

24th Birthday

3 days ago on Saturday, March 26th was my freedom day, the day I was born. This year is the best 24th birthday surprise ever that i did not expect from friends…and I’m in Beijing, far away from home; my sis, bros, mum and dad – i miss them so much – also i pray for my sister’s pregnancy, my little nephew/niece, soon i’ll be uncle. Anyway, on sharp 12.00 when i was sleeping, i got unexpected birthday surprise from good good and best friends. That I never never ever expected they would come that night. They shouted and singing happy birthday with small cheese cake and 4 strawberries on top. It was delicious cake that i wanted two weeks ago. I was half sleep half awake, I felt happy but sleepy, if i could cry i would but my eyes were half open and i can not feel a thing after they told me to hold the cake and make a wish, cut the cake and give to someone. Those made my eyes wide open. They  also made a birthday card. It is not fancy but a piece of paper with drawing and writing, I can feel the friendship, happiness and wishes – they are just know me in 3-4 weeks…enough said, I love the card so much !!! heaps thank to all of you !!! i meant to all of you. I can’t forget this 24th surprise.

on Monday, 28th. I know we are all hate Monday. I have 3 lessons and that day i simply felt sleepy and tired, I wished no class with reasonable reason like a fire on teacher office or mini earthquake strikes study building or broken water pipe that make study building floods or  my biggest last wish is all teachers are hate Monday, but unfortunately, none of above wishes come true. Time move so slow, teachers keep talking while I’m listening music on Ipod. But Great God Lord, afternoon class finish at 12.00, quick back to dorm and have good sleep before next class start at 2pm.

Still 2 hours sleep not enough. I was late…well…i do that in purpose. LOL. This class is about learn Chinese character. I didn’t do much in this class. Basically, I already learn all this back in Bali…I have the basic. well…it’s 3.30 go back to dorm and back to sleep…but I really did expect another surprise from classmate and class teacher. She brought a box of cake…What !! another one…yes Thank God, You are Awesome! i got another surprise, this time from classmate and teacher. I say, 24th is the best birthday ever. Never can beat this 24th.

Wishes and Presents

24th was around a corner and past. I was happy with surprises, cakes, joys and laughs, but one thing still missing…no present…except from Tomo-kun my Japanese friend and classmate (class photo: second from left) gave me a bottle Chinese Vodka 56% alcohol…I wondered how am I gonna taste it…I’m not gonna drink all of it…and an Oreo from Che a Dutch with Chinese background. Pretty sure, an alcohol and Oreo did not mix. FIY: Chinese beer is cheap here and taste so light.

Present from Her…I expected something from Her but she did not give me anything…well…I’m waiting, maybe next birthday. but…Your time, our, and together is far more enough.

Wishes…not all are wishes, i just wanted to spoil my self. Here is the list. I wanted…

• Canon lens 16-35 L 2.8.
• Canon lens 70-200 L II 2.8 IS.
• Nikon Camera D7000 or D300s, with 17-55 lens or wider.
• Olympus E-PL2 with pancake lens but standard lens is fine.
• I’m sure I need new laptop, powerful one. New Macbook… PRO.
• New iPhone, the 4 in good but the latest one is better.
• Bluetooth Logitech mouse.
• A jacket (got it *updated on 27/4) and a ‘Green’ Converse shoes.
• VPN member to access blocked websites in China. (got it *updated on 27/4)

I think now, my most biggest and wanted wishes would be so I can speak and hear Chinese well by now now now.

On September 2010, my parents went travel to China. They took couple pictures that amaze me, make me want to go travel to China. For me China has different environment-atmosphere, they have very unique culture and people.

Chinese Traditional Opera

The costume, the movement, the dancing, The ornaments and make up, The stage-set and adding up with bright strong colours somehow give me an impression that the drama (the opera) is alive.

Four Faces Bodhisattva

My question is Who and How they built this statue. The thing I know, some areas in south of China influences by Buddhism teaching. The Elephant must be represent something important to the Buddha, I guessed it is maybe Buddha use to be ride an Elephant, similar like in Thailand.

Stair of Locks

Mum told me the lock represents happy ending to the heaven. Dad told me it represents unbreakable love for a couple. I don’t know which one is true but I think the lock is the symbol of wishes.

The Leshan Giant Buddha.

Amazing! I called this Wonder. How on earth human could built (curving) that The Leshan Giant Buddha…in China, i guessed still more of human wonder that world have not seen yet.

China has amazing places, urban stories and even things that we can’t imagine. I put China as one of my travel photography destination and I say, China is World Full of Wonders.