My Mac Experience

Along with practically everybody else, I grew up learning my way around computers running on Microsoft OS. When a friend got a Macbook, I was actually surprised. My first question was, do you know how to use it? He said, "Well, I dont know how to use a PC either so it really wouldn't matter, would it?" Good point. He was never the one to use computers, nor laptop since he didn't need to. I suppose he just wanted to have a laptop to sync his ipod with and the white color of the previous generation Macbook attracted him like a moth to light. But still, I had my reservations. This was before Mac OS had the capability to run Microsoft Office. When news came out that Mac can now run Word and Excel, I got curious. And somewhat excited. I browsed through some online forums and people who went over to the other side all had good things to say about their Mac. Did I just get myself persuaded? No. But I would go to the Apple website several times each day and clicked on the gallery, examining the clean lines of the Macbook and slowly began to fall in love. Ahh, the full-sized keyboard, the trackpad, the display, and the white apple glowing! So it was only a matter of time before I came up with a few thousand bucks and bought myself a Macbook. It really was the way the Macbook looks like that sealed the deal. I figured if Im unable to use it, or if its way too complex for my taste, I could just sell it off, or give it as a present to my sister. The moment I took it out from the box, I experienced what I can only describe as orgasmic. It really is beautiful. Not that I haven't seen it before. But the thought alone that I own this particular piece of Macbook, what a coup! I went through the simple process entering my name, location and such and then I was good to go. Of course I also went through the initial stage of getting myself familiar with the basics, such as minimizing and maximizing and those simple tasks operated by keyboard shortcuts but after a few days, I got the hang of it. Well, most of it anyway. And to think I havent had the time to watch instructional vids in the Apple website. In short, I managed to discover and explore my Macbook all by myself. Which really goes to show that it is simple. I've always hated the word simple because it is too vague for me, but the Macbook really is. No other words can express how my experience with Macbook is. Now, maybe its time for me to go and watch those Apple vids and for sure, I'll find out more about this little piece of equipment Im now naming my bestfriend. My Macbook would be sure to top my list of three things I'd like to have if ever Im stranded in an island. Go figure.

Malacca Excursion

I was in Malaysia for about 3 days when my friend suggested that we go to Malacca for an overnight stay since he had nothing better to do on that particular weekend. We decided to meet at Johor Bahru, the capital city of of Johor in southern Malaysia, which is walking distance from Singapore, where he will be coming from. Agreeing on the time, 7:30 in the morning, I was there at the immigration office around 7:11 a.m. since I didn't want to be late. And I woke up early so what the heck, punctuality is a virtue. I called my friend to ask him where he was and I was actually surprised when he said that he's just at the train station waiting for another friend who will be coming with us as well. Oh great, now I have to wait a little bit longer than I had to. Initially, it was fine, but an hour went by, then another, still no sign of them. I called them again, and to my shock, they are still in Singapore, waiting to get to the border. Apparetly, there was one hell of a traffic jam because everybody in Singapore suddenly decided to go to Malaysia during that particular Saturday. It was gonna be a long weekend due to the following Monday being a holiday. In all, it was a three-hour wait at the customs office that should have been spent in my hotel room with the AC and a nice warm bed. After that initial hassle, we then took a bus which would take us to Larkin station. The bus ride cost RM1.20 per head and took about 10 to 15 minutes to get there. Once we were at the station, we ate first at McDonald's which I guess is the only McDonald's for miles around judging from the number of people standing there eating since all the seats were taken - some people even had the temerity to let their baggage occupy the seats despite all these people, including us, standing right over them. Some people cant take a hint. After eating, we went around looking for bus companies plying the Johor-Melaka route and we coudn't find any. All the trips were fully booked for that day due to the long weekend, but the optimists that we are, we asked around and luckily, there was this bus which has an unscheduled trip leaving in about 10 minutes. Go! after paying RM19.00 per head for tickets, we were now on our way to Melaka! The ride took around 3 hours, which I honestly didn't expect. I thought it was just about an hour or so, two at the most. It stopped at Melaka Sentral and based on my friend's looks, they too were haggard. From the immigration hassle, then the inconvenience at the bus terminal, and the 3 hour trip - we bought return tickets on the same minute that we arrived there. It was around 3:00 p.m. and the next coach is leaving 7:30 p.m. We booked it and then decided to eat at the mall. We took a taxi and paid RM20.00. Along the way, we saw the historical church, the belltower, and after eating, we rode the revolving tower. It costs RM20.00 for foreigners, RM10.00 for locals. After that fun ride, we walked towards this replica of a Portuguese trade ship and took some pictures there. Since it is a museum, we paid RM3.00 for the entrance fee. They will give you a plastic bag to put your shoewear on since no footwear is allowed inside. It was almost 7:00 p.m. when we were done, so we went back to Melaka Sentral and took the ride back to Singapore. Another 3-hour ride which we slept off. We then promised to go back and enjoy Malacca as it should be enjoyed. Let' see.