Back on Line

I'm back on line after getting my PC fixed at a computer shop. I haven't been able to access my home Internet connection for 6 weeks. The fix was to reinstall Windows XP Pro. On the same night I went on-line, the PC Windows XP Pro crashed again and again. I couldn't even login into my PC. My DIY fix was to install a 2nd copy of Windows but now I cannot access most of my program installed on the original Windows. So much for Windows stability and robustness. Even after 14 years since the 1st Windows came out, Microsoft is still unable to produce a robust and reliable operating system. Enough said.

I have been running more often over the last 2 months. My usual daily run 4 to 5 km each time and about four times a week. I wish I could run farther but I still have to be careful as my right knee injury although it is now better, is certainly far from cured.

I was in Langkawi island last week for an industry workshop (4 days). My last trip to Langkawi was 8 years ago. Eight years later, I could not even recognise the place. The roads are wider. The airport and jetty complex are brand new. There was no time to visit places except for a outing to the Mahsuri tomb. Before there was only the tomb and water well. Now the authorities have added traditional village houses, a building for the drama-pantomine show, restaurant and a place where traditonal "kueh" (snacks) are made. Each kueh cost an astonishing RM 2.00 per piece which is even more expensive than the prices in a 5 star hotel in Malaysia.

I watched the drama-pantomime show. I must say I enjoyed watching the one hour long show. The pace was just right with the dramatic elements at the right time to spice things up. I think the organiser have selected the most beautiful malay girls they could find for the show. It was too bad I was sitting a bit too far from the stage.

Not all of the development was good though. I saw some monkeys sitting by the road side from the airport to town. I guess their home in the forest have been "developed". I wonder where they are going to get food and where they are going to live. A very sad thought for me.

The famous Langkawi eagle statue was built at the new jetty and marina area. The jetty also had an adjacent shopping complex named "Jetty Point". Around the area, there were a number of shops selling mostly malay food. Both the jetty and shopping complex were painted white. I thought the entire place was just too monstrously huge and out of place for a relatively small island.

Uhh - I also managed to run only once in Langkawi. On Tuesday, I hit the hotel treadmill for an easy 3 km run. Langkawi island is actually a fine place to run during the off peak holiday season. During the holiday season, I would imagine, you would be at risk being run over by various vehicles (narrow roads).