Gardens Centre: May 2011

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Kitchen Gardener: growing and cooking peppers & eggplants

Check out the latest issue of the Kitchen Gardener!
http://conta.cc/kcZ1BC

Getting Lost in KL?

Why is it so easy to get lost in KL?
I have to admit that I find Kuala Lumpur very dis-orientating and yet it is a fairly relaxed and organised city. So what is it about KL that has so many of us cursing at our Satellite navigation systems or going round and round in circles?

Well there are a few things that all add up:

1. Ring Roads: made in such a way that you can approach one place from 2 completely opposing directions.
Example: Getting to Mont Kiara from both KL Sentral and Bangsar

2.Places with similar names: KLCC versus KLGC, Petaling Jaya or Putra Jaya (careful when you ask for PJ)

3. Streets with the same names but different numbers both before the street name as well as after.
(E.G.) 11 Jalan Setiakasih 5.

4. The length and the pronunciation of street names. Try saying: Desa Sri Hartamas

5. Last but not least the rapid rate of building and development; simply put the Sat nav cannot keep up.

Solution:
If you are tired of getting lost!
If you are tired of the taxi driver either not knowing where he is taking you or pretending not to know!

Why not check out these clever maps online and plan your journey before you set off? These are really helpful. Have a look:
Maps of Kuala Lumpur

If all else fails and you have money to spare: Hire a driver!

Looking for a Birthday Cake in KL?

One of the most delicious birthday cakes I have ever purchased was called "Death By Chocolate".
Now I am not much of a fan of chocolate cake but my husband is. So I was pleasantly suprised when I had a taster slice during his Birthday last week. I soon grabbed my own piece to devour.

Where can you buy such a cake? At Bangsar Shopping Centre in their Gourmet section in front of Cold Storage super market.

There is also a bakery attached that sells all sorts of breads and pastries as well. Both are rapidly becoming my favourite pastry shop in KL.

Another favourite of mine is The Loaf. Further details found here:
The Loaf and Other Bakeries

One to also check out is The Breadshop at 11 Jalan Setiakasih, Damansara Heights.

Happy tasting!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Cost of Alcohol in Kuala Lumpur

Alcohol is heavily taxed in Kuala Lumpur and therefore, more expensive than back home. If you are planning a party and need to get some reasonable priced booze then head for the Malaysian Island of Langkawi where alcohol is sold tax free and have your party there. (About 1 hour's flight with Air Asia). You can bring back alcohol from Langkawi but you are of course limited.

If a trip to Langkawi is out of the question then have a look at the attached spreadsheet comparing alcohol prices in several KL supermarkets.

Alcohol Prices in Ringit

Internet providers

Looking for internet service for your new home in KL? There are several suppliers to chose from and they are listed on the following sites below:

Maxis, Digi and Celcom provide internet services as well as mobile phone services.
We currently use Streamyx for our internet.
Telecom Malaysia are promoting Unifi, high speed broadband and I am looking to hear what people's feedback is on this service.

Explore these sites for more options:

One Stop
Allo Expat
Unifi

Post offices in KL

According to the official post office website there are 63 post offices in Kuala Lumpur.
In addition to sending mail and parcels, you can also pay your bills at post offices but check if they accept credit cards. The one at Plaza Mont Kiara only accepts cash.

A quick glance at where some of the post offices are:
Ampang Park Shopping Centre, Berjaya Times Square, Midvallley Mega Mall, Plaza Mont Kiara (old buildings), Suria KLCC.
For more locations and exact addresses please have a look here:
Post Offices