Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Travel Light and Smart while on Outbound Vacation

The lists that I recommended below are based on my actual real-life experience while on outbound vacation. The suggestions are made based on what I felt as relevant, practical and convenient for those who wish to travel light and smart especially for a long vacation.

Shirts: Bring up to six shirts in a cotton/polyester blend; two long-sleeved collared shirts, two short-sleeved shirts and two singlets to be wore in-door when you are not going anywhere.

Pants: Bring three pairs; One lightweight cotton/linen blend with modest dress codes, lightweight pants-cum-shorts with zip-off legs and a pair of jeans for outdoor outings.

Shorts: Take two pairs; one with pockets and a beach swimsuit.

Underwear: Bring five light types as they dry quicker.

One pair of shoes: Black, cozy, light, cool and a good tread pair of Sneakers

Slippers: Casual and water proofed

Socks:
Two pairs

Fast-drying Towel

Hat

Light luggage bag, small daypack and small pouch bag.

A light sleeping bag/portable jolly-bed and light hammock.

Camera

Mobile-phone & charger

Swiss Army/Leatherman knife.

Tiny LED flashlight

Medical kit (Actifast, Uphamol & Yoko-Yoko)

Toiletries: Hair cream, Deodorant, Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hair Trimmer, Shaver, Scissors & Mirror

Sun-block.

Sprayed Insect Repellent.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Making a Wise Decision by Shopping Online

The existence of Internet has introduced a new way in doing transaction around the globe. Online businesses have become the epidemic of the new trend in doing business. I would consider myself as one of those who have become obsessive with the trend of purchasing goods online. Let me explain the reasons why:

Price: The price of goods offered online are much more competitive and cheaper compared to in-store goods. I have done my research based on my personal experience in purchasing online goods in comparison to in-store goods. I found that products offered online are much cheaper than in-store products of the same brands’ name. The business owner of online business has the privilege to have direct access to the manufacturer’s products. They could order the goods direct from the manufacturer once ordered by the customer. Hence, they would get decent price from the manufacturer as they do not have to deal with the middleman. In conclusion, they are able to charge the customer at lower price based on the price offered by the manufacturer.

Practicality: I figure, it has always been practical to shop online. We do not have to go out from home as we can make order at a click of a mouse. There is no worry about being trapped in traffic and spending all days looking for goods that we planned to buy. Most of my camera’s equipments and accessories are bought online. I loved the idea of not having to go out and shop from one place to another looking for things that we wanted to buy. I would rather stay at home and make up my mind on the online offer. Furthermore, the price is equally competitive as the in-store goods.

Selection: The online store has wide selection of branded items to be chosen on. They have the privilege to publish wide selection of items as they are actually helping the manufacturers to promote their products. The latest products introduced will reach the online market before introduced to the mass market. Therefore, the first customer would definitely be the online buyer. I have never regretted the online purchases that I have made as the decision is made based on comparison of similar items offered online.

If you never purchased goods online, you should give it a try. You will fell in love with the idea of making purchases online and waiting for it to be sent to you personally.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Sacrifices during Raya Korban

Hari Raya Korban is celebrated by Muslims as to mark the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim in offering his own son as sacrifice to the God. The offering was actually an ordeal by God as to test Prophet Ibrahim's loyalty and faith in Islam. The sacrifice later changed with cattles as symbol of Muslim's community devotion to Islam.

The men are grouped in smaller groups as they have to work on two big cows. The meats are cut into smaller pieces so that it would be easier to distribute later. The smell of slaughtered flesh and blood is all over the place. Not a great sight for those who couldn’t stand the smell of blood. The meat then divided equally among less fortunate folks.

The pictures are taken under the roof during broad daylight. Hence, I do not used flash during the photo-shooting as the place itself is well lit. Furthermore, I do not want to distract the men in work. I managed to capture the pose of a man  holding a butchered cow’s head by requesting nicely to him for the shot. All you need to do is a little hospitality when you wanted something from strangers.
I have lots of fun taking photographs of the ritual as I never seen the actual ‘korban’ or sacrifice's ritual being executed live by Muslims’ community. The informative images are worth shared with other communities who are not familiar with the Muslims’ cultures.