Austrian, German, Swiss Christmas Bazaars 2012 in Kuala Lumpur

If you have missed out on the Christmas Bazaars that were held in November 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, you still have a chance this weekend to attend the Austrian, German, Swiss Charity Bazaar.

Date: Saturday 1st December, 2012:
Austrian, Swiss, German Bazaar at Luther Centre, Jalan Utara, PJ



More info: here: Weihnachtsbazaar 2012

I believe this is the last Christmas Bazaar in KL for 2012.

Best Radio Station in Malaysia: BFM Radio 89.9

I always enjoy listening to BFM radio, 89.9. Great topics, great interviews and a good mix of music. Best of all they are not like other radio stations that play the same music over and over again!

Recently, I found out that BFM's founder Malek Ali was inspired by  Capital Radio 95.8 and  LBC radio in the UK. So now it all makes sense!  These were radio stations I tuned into whilst living in London and loved them.

You may have also seen their bumper stickers around KL with catchy and funny acronyms: a play on the letters BFM.
For example: "Bickering Frustrates Malaysians" , "Bring Forth Money", "Bribe Free Malaysia." and many others...

Tune in and let me know what you think.

More info on their team of DJ's and presenters, have a look here:

BFM Radio 89.9

Where to find second hand motorcycle/ motorbike in Kuala Lumpur.

If you are looking to buy a motorcycle in Malaysia have a browse through this website:

http://www.mudah.my/

To obtain your motorcycle licence in Malaysia have a look here for further information:

Get a motorcycle licence in Kuala Lumpur.

Diwali/Deepavali 2012: How to celebrate in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I was asked this week whether I " have any tips on where to find Diwali/Deepavali public celebrations here in KL?"

In brief, Deepavali is mainly celebrated at home. So once you have settled in Kuala Lumpur and have made some Malaysian friends, you will be invited to their home (which is also known as "open house") to enjoy the festivities with them.
Otherwise Indian temples are your best bet such as Batu Caves or Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in China town.
Most neighbourhoods also have independent firework displays and all shopping malls will display a wonderful, colourful Rangoli/Kolam at their entrances. These beautiful, artistic designs are usually made up of coloured rice. Very intricate and very beautiful, these Rangoli's will make you stop and admire the painstaking detail that goes into them: one rice kernel at a time!
Below is a Rangoli from KL Sentral this year: 2012.



Rangoli at KL Sentral Train station, Deepavali 2012, Kuala Lumpur.

This year there was a Deepavali Carnival hosted at the Bukit Jalil Sport Complex.
Have a look here to find out more:
Deepavali Carnival

Lastly Brickfields and Masjid Jamek are slowly, year on year, beginning to host mini celebrations. This year there were some stalls in Brickfields to mark the celebrations.

If any readers have further tips, you are more than welcome to share them here. Thank you.

Kuala Lumpur skyline: Petronas Twin Towers

Magical images of the Petronas Twin Towers by night. By courtesy of Andy Knight. Thanks Andy!

Image of Petronas Towers at Night.

 

 

Image of Petronas Towers: like two ice sculptures!

 

Malaysia is 10th most friendliest country in the world: 2012

HSBC carried out a survey during May and July this year to find out which are the world's most friendliest countries according to expatriates. 5339 expats in 97 countries took part and the results are:

1.Cayman Islands
2. Australia
3. Britain
4. Canada
5. New Zealand
6. Spain
7. U.S.A
8. Bermuda
9. South Africa
10. Malaysia
11. Mexico
12. Germany
13. Bahrain
14. China
15. Singapore

Malaysians will be very pleased to be in 10th place, 5 places ahead of Singapore!! (There is an ongoing rivalry between these two nations.)

For more information on criteria and how the listing was decided have a look at these 2 articles:

New Strait Times
The choice.my

One of the best steaks in Kuala Lumpur: Suzi's corner

Suzi's corner in Ampang must be my favourite restaurant in KL for steaks. The steaks are delicious and great value for money. The restaurant is not posh and is actually a mamak store but the steaks are better than in some of the most expensive hotels and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.

 

 

 

 

Only open in the evenings and closed on Tuesdays and public holidays, Suzi's corner is located near Ampang Point.

For a map and directions on how to get there have a look here:
Suzi's corner map