So That Means I Can Write Anything Here?

A colleague of mine forwarded these 2 pics showing BK's menu in Indo outlet. Pretty legit to me....slurp!

Labels: Rave

If you ask me what's my choice of non-local burger I'd say Burger King. I remember those sweet times years ago, I always go to BK next to KFC in Melawai, Blok M. Whenever my family goes to KFC, I ran to get my burger and went back to eat with them. But it wasn't for long cause in the 90's, BK stops its operation in Indo. Nobody knows for sure why, but I guess Indo people prefers chicken than burgers. Consider myself lucky cause until now I still got a chance to taste at least one of its menu when I go visiting my wife or business trip abroad.

Now in 2007, one of Indo's leading franchising company brought "the king" back to Jakarta. I have seen the big sign "BK: Opening Soon" in Senayan City for quite some time. And today's the day for burgers lover to taste double whopper or other delicacy there....hmm I sounded like one of BK's guy.

The story goes, this morning few friends claimed "its already open!" Tempted by the juicy BK burger, erm.. we were hungry at the time, me and few guys went down to Senayan City, ofcourse to have some BK yesssssss. Guess what, it wasn't open yet! Well, not until tomorrow. We were too busy imagining what its like to taste BK again and didn't even bother to look at the papers for opening schedule (Kompas put a quarter page of adverts this morning). What a bummer!

After confirming with one of the staff there, we went upstairs to food court. Me ordered that nice fresh noodle (yes the one with 2 chinese natives) with KFC bento as a "desert" :-)
When I was ordering my crispy chicken noodle, I overheard a bunch of girls beside me talking in dissapoinment because they too looking forward to have a bite of BK. Ha! I guess a lot of people didn't read the morning papers today.

What?! I ordered Double Whopper and turns out like this??






Patpat agrees to pose as a model for "safe hungry BK fans" campaign.

Labels: Ehh??

I'm no celebrity but at least I've stayed in Celebrity hotel once :-) "Celebrity" is the name of hotel I stayed for few days in Beijing during IDF Spring 2007. The place situated in a strategic area not far from Olympic stadium which still being renovated. But don't bother calling them for reservation on next year's Olympics cause every single one already booked!

Labels: Rants

Continuing my rants about language difficulties in Beijing, I was beginning to think that if you want to survive in China, you have to speak their language. There was time when I need to reconfirmed my flight home. And I tell you it wasn't easy. With the help of hotel's travel office I managed to get Air China's hotline number. Female voice greeted me in..ofcourse Chinese, I replied back with English but she seems didn't understand. I had to repeat a few times until she panicked and transfered me to her superior, who knows and speaks English fairly well. Thank you for that, if not I'd be stuck in there :-)

That's enough? Noooooooo, the other day I cant find the bike shop right? Well I had some back ups, two shops in fact. "Great" thing was no one in these 2 shops speak English. I was looking for a bike parts and I had to improvised using hand sign so that they understand. Frustrating yes but fun :-D

My experience with taxi drivers is the most interesting parts. Few times they asked me something, maybe direction or what, and they expect me to understand? What the hell should I know? It wasn't like I didn't go prepared. Map, address and even picture of the building were my survival guide but clearly I need more. A practical phrase book will help me a lot!
That night I wanted to see Wangfujing, it was like "the Orchard" of Beijing. Unfortunately for me the road there closed for renovation and the cab driver pulled over 2 blocks before my destination. Yes you're right, again the hand signal came in very handy!

You know what, I think the Chinese who works in vital tourist business should speaks English. Simple words should be Ok. After all, in 2008 they will host the Olympics. And looking at what they have done with the technology, trade and industry right now, I really believe they could achieve more if they embrace this widely known language.

Its not that they don' t try, but they should try harder :-) I saw many funny sign everywhere like:
PLEASE TAKE SAFTY BELT
DRUNKEN DRIVER PROHIBITED TO ENTER
SAFETY INSTRUSION

Silly right?
After those experiences, I wouldn't mind learning Chinese, well..someday when I have time ;-) I was kinda envy with one of the caucasian guy I met in Silk Street market. They speak good Chinese and probably can get lower price too,

Labels: Rants

I always try to find as many information as I can before visiting any country. In case of Beijing China, one important reminder I found is language language and again, language. Despite my coleague's warning, Reza, whom already went to Beijing a month before me, I was a bit skeptical. C'mon it ain't that bad right? I was wrong.
I was confident because I've had experience with "language barrier" at least two times, Hungary and Korea. The thing is, I forgot that the last time in Hungary, people there at least can read alphabet plus I was with my friend. In Korea even merrier cause there were 10+ of us.

Owkay, first in airport. Someone forgot to register my name in the shuttle bus list so I had to take cab. No problem cause I asked the guy there to write down the hotel name in chinese. Short story the driver didn't manage to find the right way, instead he stopped across the hotel. I said (in english ofcourse), "can you drop me there?" Its a simple english but its alien language to him. He pointed out the cross bridge with wishi washu wang I don't know that was that. Anyway I didn't want to debate so I step off the cab and took my bag, thank god it wasn't heavy.

A shed of light appeared when I went out for a dinner that night in KFC, just around the corner of my hotel. Didn't want to end up starving I just pointed to one of the package menu. What a surprise the girl who served me came out with a clear and good English "hello sir may I have your order?" Wow this is great I thought, so I can have dinner whatever I want. This is another hint: If you want to eat without worrying too much about language, just head to KFC or McDonalds ;-)

The next day I wanted to go to this bike shop. Already prepared with mini map, address in Chinese and contact number. The cab driver nodded "Ok" when I showed him those. After 15 minutes we arrived in front of old building. I asked, "is this it?", again some Chinese words came out from his mouth. Funny you know, it was like back to the stone age. We communicate using hand signal.
So I found the bike shop? NO! I was pretty sure he pointed this particular building. I asked around and you bet, nobody can understand me. That was alright until a girl spontaneously ran when I asked "do you speak English"? ....Disaster!

I gave up, not only because it was late already, but the cold wind just cant be compromised.

Labels: Rants

No kidding when someone told me beijing IS the place for bicycle lovers. Everywhere I see is this man-powered vehicle. These are few shots that I've taken on first day. Will add more later on. From top to bottom:
1. Stretch of bicycles parked in front of building construction.
2. Bike lane, no fear of reckless motorcycle nor car.
3. Go park your bike anywhere.
4. Trouble on your way home/work? Be cool cos this bike repairman available almost everywhere
5. Modified bike to carry people or stuff.
6. Public bike park can be found easily. It has its own guard too!

Labels: Rave

Intel Developer Forum (IDF) Beijing will be held next 17th-18th April. No surprise that my publication is the only media in Indo that gets this kinda invitation ;-) Best thing is my boss' sending me there. Though I got a "slight" problem getting a VISA from PRC embassy, finally all set up and I'm ready to go!

The plan is I go there, report and write anything interesting. But its more than that. I need to stay on focus and try to keep up with all the information that Intel will unveiled in just 2 days time. Although this isn't my first experience with IDF (first time circa 2002, IDF San Jose), the level of excitement still high.

Last friday I've discussed with Patpat, our online admin cum "office intern" about the possibilities of streaming the event right on our website. Technically can do, but lets see later for the outcome.

Pat Gelsinger (Senior VP Intel) and several other Intel high chair (my personal fave is matt Dunford, worldwide client benchmarking manager), will be there. Right now I have in my hand 3 "licence to interview" with Pat, Dunford and Anand Chandrasekher (Senior VP General Manager, Ultra Mobility Group). So hope everything goes smoothly!

Labels: Rave