Auscultating : Course Take in Semester 10

Finally had the mood to sit(or rather lie) down to complete this post!

Completing the first clinical year was somewhat an instant swoosh, but definitely one year which is very much enjoyable. The second semester took our journey towards a much more medicine based curriculum, which we focused a lot more on seeing cases, diagnosing, treating, controlling and preventing them.

1) Veterinary Epidemiology

The course took us a little more on knowing how to look at disease pattern affecting a population more than an individual; and how statistics would help us in knowing efficacy of various testing methods in the market in confirming a disease. An example would be how positive a HIV test kit can be? All tests man made are subjected to errors, and the tests some way or another would have a high false positive or high false negative. Would HIV test kits be a better tool in ruling in or ruling out the disease? If the test has a much higher false positive; would be it more beneficial than it being with a higher false negative? Having higher false positive would give a false sense of infection in a person, while for those who can't really take the blow might just commit suicide upon testing. Having higher false negative would on the other hand give a false sense of security, for those who are more promiscuous and active in sexual lifestyle might not pay too much attention in safety precaution. So yes, apart from animal disease we too study a lot on human diseases this way too.

2) Public Health

This course was orientated a lot by the OiE(Officio Internationale Epizootic) for which veterinary graduates should or need to know about the food safety delivered to the public. It is an inevitable fact that our work encompasses providing viable protein sources to the population, in this case animal protein source which comes under our jurisdiction. We need to know protocols from pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest safety of the food we produce, including all animal products like meat, offal, milk, cheese, seafood, eggs, basically anything made from animals. Pre-harvest would include the disease status of the animals providing products like raw milk; harvest would be the procedures and equipments in collecting the milk, while post-harvest includes the protocols and procedures in transporting and storage of milk up till processing; for which pasteurized, sterilized and ultra high temperature treated milk are 3 of different kind of milk available by law. It was a heavy subject, but an interesting one too. On top of that, we were too exposed to a lot of one health concept, to combine the idea of medicine as a huge umbrella with human, veterinary, environment and plant medicine as one.

3) Swine medicine

A species specific course, we learn about most of the common diseases affecting the pigs in the market, from newborn piglets, weaned pigs, growing pigs, sows and boars; how these diseases affect the production and economy; how we need to diagnose them from the clinical signs and post mortem lesions or even lab tests, treating them and prevention using various commodities. You'll be surprised on the type of disease affecting these little piggies; as well as the disease which they are able to transmit to us as well such as Nipah virus.

4) Equine medicine

Another species specific course, we learn more about the common diseases affecting the horses from reproduction, respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological diseases. Most problems horses have are respiratory or musculoskeletal related due to their working nature as race horses or show horses; while sadly most retired horses who aren't able to perform usually will be put down due to the cost they inflict on the farm. Nevertheless, it was great to know more about the diseases which affect these majestic giants.

5) Population medicine

As cool as the course sounded, basically this course encompassed on managing how a disease outbreak in a population would look like; as well as the common diseases would require aggressive control within the country. Various issues on how the immune belt in borders should be managed, quarantine protocols, control measures to prevent or suppress an emerging or re-emerging disease in the country.

6) Feline Canine Medicine

Taking about 50% of the bulk of notes in the semester, I paid extra attention to this subject because of its infamous reputation of high failure rate. To my surprise, I've managed to secure a safe A throughout the 2 tests; let's hope it stays that way in the finals. The course is also a species specific course, targeting the common diseases affecting companion animals like dogs and cats; ranging much to very human-like diseases which are lifestyle related such as hormonal diseases-diabetes mellitus; cardiovascular diseases- congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy as well as various cancers from prostate to bone. I thoroughly enjoy this course because I could apply the most in the wards and surgery rotation course in my cases and patients; unlike other courses which barely touched any of the cases or patients in large animal wards or even during rotation. The course brings us on a trip down on relevant history, physical examination, clinical signs, appropriate diagnostic tools, treatment symptomatically, supportive, and long term management of the disease. I guess I am much more inclined to practice companion animal medicine than farm animal medicine?

7) Rotations

Everyone would be wondering how on earth I can be this busy. Well, when you need to attend to warded cases everyday at 7am and be at home only at 9 or 10pm; you barely have the time to even go for gym to look great to fit into clothes or get a date. The rotation pushed us through 12 different departments in 12 weeks, including ruminant 1 and 2, equine, theriogenology, avian and lab animal; then small animal clinics, small animal medicine, small animal surgery, pathology, radiology and last but not least ICU. I've definitely learned a lot from the rotation; it's the only gateway for us to have hands on and learn how to do stuffs under supervision. It's somewhat like a Housemanship for vet students, just that we do it while needing to study and take tests plus joining events like Vetsport or M.Silaturrahim. The last week of rotation was rather most memorable because of us having the whole ward for ourselves without any seniors guiding us while we get the privilege to do most of the treatment and procedures to the vets' disposal. The experience allowed us to do more and learn more for sure.

Now that I've completed the 2nd semester for DVM 4, I'm officially a final year student. Man, that was a long ride wasn't it? It didn't feel like just yesterday I've stepped in as a first year, but it sure didn't feel that long till it come to the day I say I have one more year till I pop into the market. MY family is probably counting the years, but hey why bother when I've only just spent RM17,000 in my 5 years education right?

For now, Finals call!

Auscultating : Dogathon 2015

It happened in 2016 this time round due to a rabies outbreak last year, leading to a ban in dog activities by our dean in September.

However, the spirit still remains and the crowd we had this year was rowdier than ever!

Being my 5th year in Dogathon, I've finally jumped out the force labor bandwagon and get into skilled labor this year instead.

Medieval called this year with our furry friends, for the theme revolving all elements to make Dogathon 2015 a success; bravo to all decor, promotional leaflets, videos as well games!

Being the skilled labor, I volunteered in the Physical Examination booth for the event in the earliest slot. Plenty of people do not understand why I had to wake up at 5.30 am in that morning to help out; because I had to attend the shift for dog race participants come at 6 am!

I had to pair with a 5th year senior for her to guide me through the PE since she was the experienced one, but I basically work well with all DVM 5s so the whole day was a breeze~What we do as volunteers there basically is to check on the basic health of the dogs participating Dogathon to see if they are fit with criteria such as:

- not severely infested with tick
- puppies unvaccinated completely
- bitches on heat
- overly uncooperative dogs.

It was really fun being the PE labor because I get to see a lot of different owners and dogs, communicating with them as well as practicing history taking. While I need to be extremely careful to not make any suggestions to the owners as I am yet a licensed vet, I enjoyed the whole process despite the sweat and a dog bite from a 30kg German Shepard Dog.

This year, I even had the chance to help out in performing the PE for Malaysia's Fire Fighting Squad dogs, for they are the sweetest dogs around! They were Cockerspaniels and Labradors trained in UK to scent out flammables like kerosene when they work with their partners in missions. I didn't realize I was being filmed, despite that my senior managed to mask my face.

I only had till 10.30 am around the event bec

ause I had to attend cases in the Large Animal Ward under my ruminant rotation, but it was good enough for me to make a good stroll to meet people I know.

The event is a noble and fun one, hopefully it doesn't stop after this year's!

Auscultating : Ending 2015

I can't believe this is the last day of the year already! One more year's ending to welcome another year's beginning; by the time this happens in another 365 days I would be in my last year of undergraduate vet school! Hopefully by that time I would be able to secure a good post-graduate program.

Yet, as they say, keep your hopes there but never too high.

Let's see what 2015 have been all about:

January 2015:

Most of the time was actually spent on practicals and gaining weight I would say. The mediocre week in Penang for equine rotation and 2 awesome weeks of small animal rotation in Healing Rooms went by extremely fast, I barely have had enough time to digest everything. With finals end and stepping into immediate extra-mural practicals, I have little to no space for any personal development. Yet, time was indeed well spent.

February 2015:

I finally fulfilled one of my teenage dream to step into Japan as a conference participant of Vet Youth Summit Japan. It was literally the best decision I've made in my life, as the whole trip there literally opened up my horizon of views, thoughts, perception and decisions; allowing myself to actually feel it in my blood that the road I've paved for myself up till today was worth while. Meeting new friends from all over the world and making a point that I'm pretty much a natural attention seeker wherever I go, I fell in lover over and over again in Japan when I had the short 10 days stay. While spending the first Chinese New Year away from home and alone was a different type of undertaking, I'd thoroughly enjoyed my walk down the different path.

March 2015:

Stepping into the clinical years of veterinary school surely have taken its toll on me. The subjects now require extensive understanding and much more memorization of details and bits which I've not dealt with before. Plenty of skill-related development was also required throughout the attainment of knowledge at this phase, but I sure have enjoyed all the moments, despite the late night sleep and tiredness after a whole day of lecture or surgery class.


April 2015:

While we have had intensive classes back to back, the best thing about our faculty is that we make the effort to put ourselves into the whole "Holistic" category kinda thing. I'm pretty sure we are the only medicine or science based faculty which organizes annual sports and drama event to instill the organizational abilities, sportsmanship and creativity skills in all our faculty members, including the lecturers. Majilis Silatrahim this year was all about Crime and Justice, and all I need to dress up as was my dad's retired police uniform. While most seniors complained that I was the fattest and most corrupted policeman they've seen; I sure have had fun in getting the attention I needed


May 2015:

While most people died trying to stay in the class, I died trying to get out of the class. This time of the year marked the 2nd time for me to fly out of the country to Bangkok as a volunteer under IVSA in the 2015 WSAVA Congress. My semester results might have screwed up big time because of this, but I did not once regretted my decision to do this because I've met so many people and veterinarians all over the world, not to mention make a huge declaration to the Malaysian community that I exist.

On the other hand I've finally stepped down as my last stint of organizational position as the PEC President of the university, not like I've done anything great, and continued with my studies full time.

June 2015:

June marks the end of the 2nd academic semester of the year and one step close to nightmares like practical tests, oral tests and finals. I totally went through a nightmare this semester because of all the extra-faculty activities I put myself through. Despite my results turning out to be pretty much the worst in my whole DVM life, I'd still say I've survived the semester well. All I wanted was the semester to end fast and for me to continue with my practicals I've been dying for in Thailand and Japan.


July 2015:

Stepping into another country for practical for the 2nd time and my 3rd flight of the year, Mahidol University in Kanchanaburi was the bomb. I had the chance to be part of the wildlife rescue team to go into the forest reserve, had great time over the weekend in the natural forest, draw blood from elephants, monitor the anesthesia of a tiger, draw blood from a horse, vaccinate 100 to 200 sheep and goats, deworming flocks of chicken and geese, explore Kanchanaburi a little bit more in the Tham Ma Sae gorge and railway station, and the best of all; made friends with so many Thai friends plus a Spanish or two. Mahidol University have offered one of the best rotations I've ever had. I'm forever lucky like that. The only downside I had throughout the placement here was the weakness I gave in to hope for a 2nd chance with T; only to know that in fact T and I were just over for real. I was so done with the answers T have given then. T unfriended me on the social media once to allow both of us to move on at one point, only to readd me again later on while we have yet to spoke to each other since then. On the other hand, N began to have advances when I was shown to have a few Mahidol acquaintances.

August 2015:


Do I have to say more? This was the BEST month of my life this year. Why? Japan, JAPAN, JAPAAAANNNNNN. I've spent 6 months planning the whole up to 30 days stay in Japan with budget of RM6K, and experienced Japan throughout the whole Island.

Before my practical, I went to Osaka again to finish up my unfinished trip back in February.

After that,  I've managed to conquer the South Japan Island;  Yamaguchi for 3 weeks as I was having my laboratory practicals there. I've learned a lot on lab skills including first hand PCR, immunostaining, immunoblotting, ELISA test kit using, anatomical slides staining, post mortem on a horse as well as first hand experience of clinic consultation plus surgery practices in Yamaguchi University.

Apart from that, I was extremely luck to have great friends to bring me to Hiroshima, Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu, while I explored Hagi, Tsuwano and Yamaguchi myself.

With a good ride to Ube-Yamaguchi, I again had great friends in the North Japan Island; Hokkaido for 5 days around Sapporo, Arakwa and Otaru.

Before I end my trip; I had a great 6 days tour around Central Japan of Tokyo with a bit of help of Tokyo friends around Tokyo vicinity and relived all my childhood dreams with Digimon.


September 2015:

Finally the real clinical years have begun! Stepping into the faculty again at this point was super exciting because it simply was just so fun! New subjects with a combination of old ones plus complete freedom to practice our skills and knowledge on veterinary medicine at this point was just simply amazing! Stepping into DVM 4 was definitely what all vet students have been waiting for in their lives. I've not been enjoying studies as crazy as this since STPM!

October 2015:

I finally stepped into small animal rotations in the wards! I've never had so much fun before, despite the fact that I need to wake up at 6 am in the morning and reach home only about 10pm at night; I thoroughly enjoyed my rotation in wards learning about the medicine and surgical protocols I will be using in the future to treat my patients! Despite all odds of having my original last Course Night in my last day of rotations, I've managed to make it to the course night with my Yukata piece I got from Osaka!


November 2015:

The whole November just went on and on with numerous numbers of tests which I do sulk a lot about, but still adamantly enjoyed the torture my lecturers put me through. While maintaining a considerable busy life schedule and sufficiently standard in my academics, I'm pretty happy I've managed my time well and not stumbled in my academics like I did in my previous semester. Being more attentive and high in attendance in class do have its perks in getting better results.


December 2015:

As the year mark its end with my semester ending as well, I've finally settled down with my new home with certain tolerable amount of furniture to throw a small welcoming party in the last day of the semester. People from my both academic years turned out and they enjoyed each others' company very well, I have never been more blessed to get the best of both worlds from Vetsouls and Kakijalan. I might have been cursed with the split identity, but I'm definitely blessed with different pots of good soup for the soul.

Stepping into 2015 means, stepping into another year of reality and adulthood. I will begin taking in tenants for my new home while I continue to hone skills to be a full-fledged veterinarian.

It's somewhat exciting yet intimidating, but I'm sure my bold and brawns will conquer all.

On the other note, thanks to Alex and Jboy's recommendation I've finally got myself hooked up with one of those apps they have for dating. I guess I need to broaden my horizons, despite a few surprises of faces I've seen around.

Have great new year people.

Auscultating : Courses taken on Sem 9

Finally, the 14 weeks of craziness came to an end!

No more waking up at 7 or 6.30am,
No more ending classes at 7pm on Tuesdays,
No more weekly tests!

I'd swear I have had the most test in this semester compared to any other before. Literally every week we have had tests waiting.

While it was extremely tiring to anticipate all the tests, I have to say I've enjoyed the semester thoroughly.

The subjects taken this semester were:

1- Clinical Medicine
2- Avian Medicine
3- Applied Statistics
4- Theriogenology
5- Surgery of the body systems
6- Clinical rotation

1-Clinical Medicine:

Clinical medicine basically was a sequel to Clinical Skills we had last semester, by its name on clinical medicine, we dabbled a lot on various body systems and the common diseases which had high prevalence in our country. From cardiovascular to ocular system, we take a basic tour on what clinical signs we could see, the way to diagnose and confirm the disease as well as the first line management and treatment to improve the quality of life of the patient. I loved this subject a lot because its very medicine based, and I could relate a lot more. I wouldn't say I was the best scoring student, but I'm sure I will be able to make wise judgement in various approaches to the medicine.

2- Avian Medicine:

Among all subjects, I would say I have the least affinity for this subject. Probably because I knew I wouldn't be venturing into the avian industry in the future. Nevertheless, my marks for the subject turn out to be pretty much a huge surprise, despite the fact that I put the least effort in it. Avian medicine covers all infectious and non-infectious diseases affecting the domestic birds like chicken, ducks, pheasants, geese and turkey, with a little touch and go on the pet and wild birds like humming birds, parrots, cockatoos and love birds. The diseases in birds are intimidatingly vast with much in depth research explored thanks to the effort of various industry players all over the world. Let's see if I can score an A for this subject after the finals

3- Applied Statistics.

Everyone literally was dumbfounded when they saw this subject in the list. Why on earth would veterinarians need to learn about statistics? Does medical students actually have a course in this as well? Apparently, statistics is indeed important, in so many ways I couldn't have imagined before taking the course. From comparing effects of treatment between sample groups to the epidemiological status of a disease, the application of statistics is just limitless. I enjoyed the subject throughout, though I would say I should have invested a bit more time on it

4- Theriogenology

I'm not too certain if human medicine does this, but basically this course encompasses the reproductive cycle in various domestic animals. The estrus cycle, the gestation period, hormonal cycle, methods in inducing and maintaining the pregnancy, care post-partum as well as various ideas in improving reproduction efficiency of domestic animals. Plenty would probably think that we are playing god, but we are actually optimizing reproductive cylcles, which even human medicine can employ. I enjoyed this subject basically because it dealt a lot with ruminants, which I have had a lot of chances to relate to.

5- Surgery of the body systems:

A continuity from the surgery and anesthesia course last semester, the surgery this semester focused more on different body systems. There are usually diseases which indicate the surgeries' necessity, which we will need to look into the clinical signs, make a conclusive diagnosis of the diseases and employ the approaches towards the surgery. Surgery indeed is an art, literally. We were anesthetists, tailors, carpenters and veterinarians all in the same package; because everything we do in the surgery affects the outcome of the surgery and the subsequent lifespan on the patient. I would say surgery is probably not my turf, but I indeed enjoyed the part as anesthetist a lot.

6- Clinical rotation

This is probably the best among the bunch. Clinical rotation marked as the most taxing subject and the closest we can get to practicing as a veterinarian. Entering different departments in the faculty, we participate either a whole week's course or a one day course in the designated rotated department from small animal medicine, surgery, diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology, small animal clinic, parasitology, virology, bacteriology, post mortem, ruminant and equine rotation to learn on various cases and practice what we have learned in class. Plenty of the seniors said that rotation is extremely tiring and stressful, but I would say I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process , despite the ups and downs in each rotation. In fact, I would say its the most fruitful course.


Basically, I loved the semester and I am looking forward to the next! I'm doing so many clinical work right now I feel like I'm one step closer in becoming a full-fledged vet. However, I still lack many important skills, which I strongly think I should get more experience. I am still torn between going to Mahidol again for placement or Hokkaido University for good 10 weeks to know for sure if I'm really into small animal medicine for now.

So much have happened this semester, good stuffs and bad stuffs. Supposingly this was my 2nd last semester if I didn't go to med school, but thanks to that I have ample time to build my skills where I need them most.

I'll probably post a little on the drama I dealt with lately, and I should do that tomorrow after I've met one of the drama queens.

Buffetting : Relaunch

People have personally contacted me on why the sudden privatization of the blog; because it simply needed a revamp.

I was tempted to make a big makeover, but I'd figure it would be wise and time saving for me to opt for a smaller scale shift.

Now that I've relaunched, this will be a good new space for me to discuss about various things happening in my life again; this time without a mask.

For years I've came with the name Tempus, now I relief the alias and proudly present to you, Robinn.

Welcome to my little piece of haven, and the space I explore more about myself when I sit down calmly to type away.

PS: On another note, T decided to make contact and added me as friend in the social media again. It took me 5 seconds to approve it, simply because I'm really over T right now.

Clinical year is extremely challenging, and now I'm stepping into one of the hardest rotation ever- medicine ward for the next 8 days. Hours are crazy with 2 tests in between, but the new house and mid semester break is definitely something I look forward to.

Till we meet when November begins.

Buffetting : Little Updates

Life has been extremely fulfilling for me;

1- I'm stepping into clinical years, for which things now begin to get serious. I need to know things about medicine very comprehensively from A-Z like history taking, knowing clinical signs, coming up with differentials, confirming diagnosis, eliminating possible differentials, assessing the condition, as well as treatment. It's a long step, but I digg this a lot

2- N and I are back into the bandwagon. It's more like being attached rather than a relationship now. But I'm telling myself to keep my options. At one point I almost resorted to apps, only realizing I should delete them because its really pointless. My aim is to get good grades now.

3- Rotations now begin in clinical practice, for which I will enter different departments in the faculty including small animal surgery, ward, ICU and emergency care, labs, large animal wards including ruminants and equine wards. I enjoyed a lot working with large animals, despite the risk of getting fractures and summersaults like some of the juniors have gotten; maybe I really do enjoy working in the wards! I'm definitely tired because I'm staying so far from the university, waking up every day at 6.15 am to attend to patients at 7am is no joke; its very tiring throughout the day. But I like it. Things should change once I move in.

4- I'm moving out from my parent's into my own place soon. I'm lucky enough to have the house under my dad AND my name; making it an official house for me. It's a lot of responsibility, despite the fact that my parents are the ones investing the money in it. It definitely means my parents do love me a lot, and I need to work harder so their investments actually do make sense.

5- I will need to pay a lot more attention to my grades now. The first 3 weeks have been slow and I am lack of adrenaline. But I managed to do some serious revision today with surgery; hopefully my weekends will get me more adrenaline to complete my studies on my tests next week. Oh yes, I'm having tests already soon.

6- Japan will be my current target for post-graduate studies. I'm looking forward to an exciting PhD title, probably I should start with my Final Year Project as I will need to get a supervisor soon.

Things are moving pretty quickly once I've stepped into clinical years. It's a lot to digest, but damn I missed this adrenaline.

PS: I'm typing this 1 minute before it hits 1am. I need to wake up at 6.15am tomorrow. I shall survive.

PPS: Weight management have been an issue. I need to get into a serious healthier lifestyle

Buffetting : No break

I'd really wish I had the time to post more on my experiences, but bad test results and upcoming tests pretty much just take up all my time.

I'm safely back from Bangkok, just to realize I'm heading over there again in a month or so.

Cross fingers for more time!

Buffetting : No breather

I was hoping I could post on Day 2 of Kyoto but no avail even during the mid semester break. So much is going on right now and I literally have to slash of all these before the long post comes:

1- Annual General Meeting for Equestrian Club 2015
2- Radiology Test 2
3- Surgery Test 2
4- Clinical Pathology Test 2
5- Clinical Skill Test 2
6- Pathology Test 2
7- WSAVA Conference in Bangkok

Gosh there is REALLY a lot going on!

On the side note, surgery went well with my great team mates! I couldn't have done better without anyone of them; or other coursemates for that matter! They were literally MY angels in the OT!

On another note, housing loans and legalities are now finally done! Time to plan for a new house renovation soon to move in next semester, in my own house.

Buffetting : Mammary Glands of Cow

I've been receiving a lot of hits for it, so I guess its time for the real hand-drawn mammary glands aka breasts of a cow here:

All veterinary students out there, feel free to make reference out of this!

Buffetting : Hectic

As much as I want to flaunt great looking pictures, my schedule doesn't permit me. What's scary is test 1 is in just 2 more weeks while I'm freaking out!

Maybe this can just be one of the teasers:

These are the multiple shrine structures named Torii( 鳥居) only found in the Fujimi Inari Shrine in EastSouthern Kyoto, accessible via the Keihan Line right infront of the shrine itself. The main reason this place is filled with these is due to the worshiping of corporations, including famous ones like Uniqlo to the Inari mountain to get the blessings from the God.

This is my first majestic view of the Fujimi Inari prefecture from the top of the Mount Inari. It was a long climb, it literally took my breathe away; but it proved my love for Japan 7 years ago was never wrong.

Now that we are done with the teaser, time for me to get back to renal pathology.

Buffetting : Back

Dear Blog and readers,

You have been missed. As much as I wish I can update I'm pre-occupied with the new semester and unpacking from Japan.

Maybe next week.

Best wishes,
Tempus.

Buffetting : Language Mastery

Throughout the 2 weeks of small animal rotation in Healing Rooms, despite the fact that I should be impressing my attending veterinarians that I'm a competent veterinary student, I somehow manage to impress them with my language mastery instead.

As for Mandarin, there are Chinese PRC customers who are here as foreign students coming by our doorsteps for treatment. Being one of those who had the background, I became the interpreter.

As of English, an attending vet who was my senior before he graduated, too applauded my posts on various issues in the faculty group, stating that he'd wish he could write like me.

I am pretty flattered because its not easy to get applaud like that, let alone a working veterinarian in a professional practice.

I'm a Leo, I advance by applauds and accomplishment.

A simple gesture like they do in the clinic would at least allow me to know I'm working towards a right direction.

Unlike other places, which prefer spartan training and putting students down; even though it was for the betterment of the students.

Buffetting : Penang Eating Out

The only thing which I look forward to every night in Penang is the eating out experience! Thanks to Lady Boss and her new Iphone 6 Plus, we are only few clicks away from renowned good food in the island!

PS: did I mention Lady Boss and Sea are now a couple? Add that to another pair of Stubby and Monkey I'm literally the largest and most annoying light bulb existed in romance history.

PPS: The feeling of missing T is back lately. I concluded its because of the free time I have without the need to study.

Sunday 11/1/15
We began our day in Bukit Mertaham for the famous Sentosa Portuguese Tart with Yam Rice and Pork Confetti Soup. Lady Boss has been in BM long enough to know how to go without a GPS, and the food is indeed, tantalizing.

The Portuguese tart was my personal favorite because the caramel custard was extremely thick while the tart base had butter oozing out every bite. Worth the travel if you can get into BM in an early morning travel!

Our dinner wasn't memorable or fantastic so I've decided to skip it. Actually I forgot to snap photos but it was a failed Pasar Malam and a dai pai dong nearby.

Monday 12/1/14

Lunch was at Queensbay Mall because we had to run some errands for the week as well as getting formal attire; we weren't pressed on about how important dress code is in the turf club. Dave's Deli served a great array of good western food, while I ordered something called Chicken Schilner(very German name). The mash potato was AWESOME, and getting an extra side is definitely a good idea, but the chicken and the sauce weren't all that great to begin with.

The chicken actually tasted like KFC nugget Their mushroom pasta was uber good as well, while their salmon grill retain a high quality of oceanic juiciness. 

Qbean may seemed to be over-rated with its retail, but its extremely good! The milk itself was so so, but the ice cream and curd were a BOMB. Must try if you have about RM5 to spare for a good dessert experience before or after food!

Night was fun tonight, exploring Penang using GPS and all. We managed to find a place, which I don't really remember but their food was just really so so, hence I didn't really remember the place. The safe bet is one of the places near Air Itam with Shell. I honestly don't remember the area because it was night and I just have a fuzzy memory. It was the first time I tried Laksa Siam and damn it was so good because of the santan and closeness to green curry.

Tuesday 13/1/15

Lunch was pretty simple because we had it from the food court below the guest house, but what was good was the cheap Lok Lok near the padang around Chung Ling High School after working hours for tea time. The best part was, the cockles were really cheap for RM0.70 only where other places go up to RM1.50 per stick. This was Lady Boss' dad's childhood memory so we've decided to have a go to honor his memory

The lobak at the same place was okay, but I have definitely had better ones.

Dinner was the ultimate conquest for today. We headed to 888 for the hokkien mee in Georgetown opposite First Avenue and it was awesome.

What is a must is the add-ons apart from the thick broth along with the noodles which includes the roasted pork, bbq pork as well as the pork trotter. Each add on is about RM2 which sums up the meal to RM6 for a large bowl. To me I have add thicker broth with a more concentrated prawn stock before so the soup was so so to me, but it was still quite good with the pork add-ons. The ambarella juice was as good as well, while the shared Ais Kacang (aka Red Bean Ice) totally ended the meal perfectly, because the atapchi(aka pine-seed) was something I really missed a lot.

The night didn't end because we were still hungry thanks to my black hole activation button on everyone, hence we headed to Lebuh Kimbery for Kuey Chap.

The simple RM 8 bowl was pretty decent for 3 persons' share after a heavy dinner, with all the goodness of pork blood, pork inlets and porky stock to warm us up in the night.

The dessert shop beside too offer a wide variety of Chinese traditional dessert, while the red bean soup just managed to satisfy my sweet teeth for the night. This night has certainly exceeded my quota for food by multiple folds.

Wednesday 14/1/15

Today was pretty mellow on the picture side because the attending vet brought us out for a simple lunch near the turf club, but the recommended dish is the wan tan mee in the food court because it has been there for a long while. The catch is to only order small, not medium or large because the soy sauce proportion for the small size is best calibrated, not the other sizes. Just head straight from the exit of the Penang Turf Club into Jalan Lumba Kuda and you will see the food court on your left. 

Dinner was at House of Steamboat, which is pretty much very common. Students probably will find it good because it offers buffet bellow RM20, with even dim sum available.

Straits Quay was a quaint place to go, definitely a great place for couples who want to have privacy from the bustling places because its pretty dark and low in human density as it enters 11pm. I would totally get hanky over here because of the shades it offers, but probably anything beyond kissing requires a room.

This is probably the only group picture we had in the whole trip, and man I don't like to be a freakin light bulb.

Thursday 15/1/15

Today was probably the craziest day among the week. So that the unfortunate thing happened today. It happened after lunch so lunch was still fine. We had mee goreng mamak in Bangkok Lane. They offer Nasi Kandar, Mee Goreng, Mee Rebus and Pasembur. 

But I would strongly suggest just go for the Mee Goreng and Pasembur because the Mee Rebus really sucked. I didn't try Nasi Kandar but from an order beside us it looked really good.

Dinner was really tasteless because of the drama from our ignorant. But there's this place with an awesome pancake (aka ban jan kuih in hokkien) stall. 

We had peanut butter, egg, corn and butter varieties and they were all good while digging in fresh out of the pan. Definitely worth the money and try if you managed to come by!

Friday 16/1/15

Friday noon was pretty good but we managed to locate everything close to our hostel in Air Hitam, hence we went for the typical Air Hitam Asam Laksa as well as Sister Curry Mee. The Air Itam Asam Laksa wasn't as good as I thought it would be, but its still the okay one considering the vast option we have on the island.

The sister curry mee was an exceptional experience because the type of broth was different from the curry mee I had. The curry mee I had in Penang mostly had a thick santan stock base which heavily depends on the sambal to churn the curry flavor out, which I didn't like. 

Sister Curry Mee had the curry stock by its own with a very easing curry flavor, while the oil content retained at minimal unlike conventional curry mee with extremely thick layer of curry oil. It's simple, cheap yet the taste still stains the mind and brain vividly. Arm yourself with decent over-the-counter Hokkien as they ain't young anymore!

We spend the evening in Kek Lok Si for a short visit since we haven't been there for a long time, while making some wishes over the drama we had. As for dinner, we had a great night out in James Foo Westerns

The portion ain't super huge but just nice, while the quality is of typical family restaurant. Most of the selections we had on the table were good for a simple night out, yet not posh enough for an impressive date; unless the date is all you need.

Potato salad is a must order side because it totally prepares you for the main course while chat over how creamy and well the onions go with the peas and potatoes is simply homey.

I had dilemma over either choice, but the mixed Lamb and Chicken grill was good. It's simple, yet its still better than the cheap alternatives in food courts outside with the same price. The fries are made of real potatoes while the green peas, ain't frozen in the inside. The other selections in the menu including salmon, chicken cordon blue and fish with chips were equal scrumptious as well!

Get your hands on the jumbo size fresh fruit juices because they are only RM8 each with pure juice in there! The watermelon and carrot with milk are both good, and its definitely a good excuse to share the drink with your date!

Lady Boss suggested a dessert night out with a stroll down Gurney Drive near Gurney Paragon in Caffe Bene for the famous Bing-Su everyone is hoarding for. 

The caramel french toast was really good because the cream, toast and maple syrup all blended in well without an overwhelming sugary surge. Definitely a good recommend!

We had the green tea and cookies & cream Bing-Su, but Stubby was really upset with the red bean in the Cookies and Cream. I was pretty dumbfounded too; why not replace the red bean paste with cookies and cream? The green tea was okay, but I really wanted to try something which ain't offered yet in the store, the triple choc fondue. 

Saturday 17/1/15

Today was the ultimate quest for food spanning over several different places for different dishes. But our main central was Balik Pulau, a hefty 45 minutes drive from Georgetown. A great area secluded from the bustling town with great greenery and ample space fro agriculture yet with ample modern facilities to sustain the growing population. .

Stop no.1:

 Laksa brothers in Nan Guang near the old pasar. Just look for Ceria 99 mart and you will see the shop. Closed on Wednesdays and opened from 11.30am onwards, the place offers 3 variations of Penang Laksa of Asam, Lemak and Mixed.

The original was so so, but I strongly suggest the Lemak Laksa which actually taste like Siam Laksa. But this one is indeed the BEST Siam Laksa I had in Penang Island, hence this is a MUST try if you have time to spare in Balik Pulau. 

The cafe's signature nutmeg juice is also worth the try because it ain't as sucky as the conventional ones!

Stop No: 2

Across the parking lot with Ceria 99 in between, here comes the next Balik Pulau legend, the BP Hokkien Mee and Asam Laksa. The asam laksa in this place offers a much authentic taste due to the addition of the flower shreds on top with a much satisfying broth, hence I gave this the best asam laksa on island. But the best Lemak Laksa still goes to Nan Guang.

The stall also offers my pick of the best hokkien mee on Island, because the broth has the thickest prawn taste among all Hokkien Mee I had. Add that with the sambal they had man I just popped into Janna for few seconds for that good Hokkien Mee.

I liked them both probably because they both tasted closest to home-cooked ones my grandma make; without any economical or ingredient restraints.

Tea time was actually the main reason we came to Balik Pulau. Apparently there is this very famous Brown Sugar Bun, extremely popular even among the locals. People would just call 3 days before to book their buns so that they wouldn't be disappointed on the day itself. 

Located at the same parking lot off the road, look out for the lorry with the car plate below for the hot buns for sales! They come usually around 2pm daily, so be there around 1.30pm to get a good spot behind a long line! If you want more, or wanna play safe just get the number from the locals, or email me for the number!

The brown sugar buns are definitely worth the wait and hassle because they really smell and taste good with the brown sugar, dissolved and spread over the bun surface to give a puffy, brown sugary aroma.

Our escape for the afternoon was by the unknown beach in Balik Pulau, just look for Kem Bina Negara Balik Pulau for the access to the beach. Unknown to the public with minimal human density, any couples or quiet gathering outings here will do good. It somehow can even be like a private beach for yourself with the small amount of people along the coast.

See, there were really only 6 people along the banks including me, Sea and Lady Boss.

Dinner on Saturday was pretty random, but we somehow got ourselves an unorthodox Penang food, Pi Pa Roasted Duck in Restoran Chu Yoke Weng near Air Itam medical center.

I highly recommend the yam puff from the hand made dim sum in the shop because it was damn good. It's really indescribable so you really need to try for your own.

The Sai Dou Fish Ball noodle from the stall across the tar road was pretty good as well. The soup was pretty tasty without being too oily, but the duck slices were really not generous.

The Pi Pa duck now, is really good! RM44 for the whole duck, we whacked the whole duck off within minutes. It's probably a little too much for the 5 of us, but we came prepared and we had really minimal main course so it was suffice. The sauce was really sweet and special, while the duck was roasted to a good glossy tinge without losing its meat juiciness.

If you have stomach space to spare, try out the dim sum stall's home made buns as well! I liked the Big Pau, but barely had any space left for others.

So that was the eating out of the whole Penang trip in a week. We probably covered most of the good food. No char kway teow for me simply because its too oily and overrated. I'd like to go for more soup-based. Nasi Kandar was off the list too because I find banana leaf rice near my house more appealing.

Next post is probably on the Klang eating out!