Beijing2paris on recumbent - Yes! Malaysia Boleh.....

Sunday, December 9, 2007

From London to KLIA Malaysia and the Parties

My brother -in law Alan Ford trying hard to master the Flamingo music. Thank you for a 2 weeks stay in your house.

Backyard garden,very oriental

Can afford to relex now

My lovely sister have a try on the recumbent

Picture with my elder sister Lan Ying

Have a meeting with Peter Dunning in London who rode a recumbent from London to Sydney

sister's garden

Welcome home dinner with my mountain trekkers.Organised by Remiser Lim & daughter,Decward & Ting,Tan & Vivian,Alan & Cheng Hong,Swan,Florence,Chin,Yong, UC . Sorry for the group foto,too happy!!!

Buffet dinner at Holiday Villa organised by the TTK & Brane

Welcoming reception at the KL International Airport from TTK , Trekkers ,and Terrence Foo,my recumbent sifu on the right . Thank you so much for everything and a wonderful banner

An unforgetable moment at KLIA - What are friends for,TTK pun BOLEH!!!!!!!

Back row from right: Thomas,Kelvin ,CK Lim,TY Chong,Zhong,Vincent Thum,Sim,KH Lai

Front row from right:Chong5,Barne,Woo & Me

A Bicycle gift from the TTKS

Slideshow presentation

Makan time

KH Lai

Brane

Sim

CK Lim

Chong5

Woo

Zhong

Thomas

Kelvin

Vincent Thum

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Sightseeing around London

Broomfield Park in Palmers Green

River bank of Thames

Westminter view at 1630 hr

Oxford Street - Shoppers' Paradise

Closer look at the London eyes - £12 for a ride

Aquarium with 2 star war soldiers

Favourite spot to take photo of the Big Ben

He only move to show "thank you" when you throw in some coins

London Eye

A giant "spider"

Earthquake hit London.... just an exhibition

Sunset on the River Thames

Millennium Bridge

Leicester Square

London Bridge rail station

St Paul Cathedral

China Town in Leicester Square

For my eyes only !!!! £17 for one duck . I can have 4 in Malaysia

How nice if I can place my hands here for the B2L "MISSION POSSIBLE"

A ride on the double Decker red London bus

Underground train - The cheapest & fastest way to visit London's attractions . £5.7 for a day's unlimited rides

Clean and comfortable interior

Underground sign conveniently located almost in every corner of the city

China town in Leicester Square

Sunset at the Finsbury park on my way back to sister's house

Finsbury park

Sister's cooking -Oven baked lamb leg with curry favour ,comparable to the Mongolian lamb rib

Toast bread with onion ,tomato,resin and butter

Palmers Green church, a prominent landmark to my sister's house

Tower Bridge viewed from the River Thames pedestrian path

John Barnes - a famous footballer from Liverpool in the eighties together with Ian Rush

Tower of London

Oldest church in London

Memorial for 12000 navy merchant who died with no burial ground but the sea

Street paintings

Tower Bridge

Monday, November 19, 2007

Overall B2P / P2L and List of casualties

1. Total no. of Days : 218
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 169
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 49
6. Total Money Spent (Rm) : 12547.30 ( excluding air tickets )
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : Rm 57.60
8. Total Ride Distance : 13980 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 65 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 186 km on Day 68 (Kuqa to Aksu )
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 9 hr 32 min on Day 32 ( Wuwei to Shuiquen zi )

List of Casualties:

1. One rear rim cracked due to downhill from 4280m on bad gravel . Replaced in Bishkek
2. One front rim cracked due to wear and tear. Replaced in London
3. One pair of front brake pads due to wear and tear.Replaced with spare
4. One crank bottom bracket due to wear and tear.Replaced in Astrakhan
5. One rear flat tire ( could not find the cause )
6. Two broken side mirrors due to bike fall
7. One bike stand ( buried in one of the campsite )
8. VDO cyclometer cable snapped due to chase by dog. Repaired in Kashi
9. Three broken pairs of sunglasses due to carelessness
10. Handle bar adjustment screw broken used tape temporary
11. Twice chain broken ,fixed with spare links
12. Lost one bottle ,still has one
13. Lost the rear red light
14. Lost my spectacle. Bought a new one in St Quen
15. MSR stove Pump cup worn out ,no spare
16. One front tire worn out . Replaced in London

England - at a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 1
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 1
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 0
4. Exchange Rate : £1 = Rm 6.80
5. Total Money Spent : £19
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : 129.20
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : 129.20
8. Total Ride Distance : 28 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 28 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 28 km on Day 218
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 2 hr 15 min on Day 218
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : At the doorstep of my sister's house in Palmer Green
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Queve under the cold wind and shower rain 1/2 hr for the fery to Dover
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Sister home cooked foods
15. Most Hate Food : non
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: London

France - At a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 14 ( Day 204 - 217)
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 12
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 2
4. Exchange Rate : euro 1 = Rm 4.80
5. Total Money Spent : euro 310
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : 1488
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : euro 22.15 or Rm 106.30
8. Total Ride Distance : 785 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 65.5 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 102 km on Day 209
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 6 hr 03 min on Day 207
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : On top of Eifel Tower
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Twice the chain gave way
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Duck3 hostel breakfast
15. Most Hate Food : non
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Paris

Germany - At a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 8 ( Day 196 - 203)
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 8
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 0
4. Exchange Rate : 1 euro = Rm 4.80
5. Total Money Spent : euro 149
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : Rm 715
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : euro 16.2 or Rm 89.40
8. Total Ride Distance : 598 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 74.75 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 100 km on Day 196
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 5 hr 43 min on Day 199
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Castle View Camp in Honau
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Bike lanes with gravel ad grass
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Hostel complimentary breakfast
15. Most Hate Food : non
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Bad Gerisbach/Bad Peterstal & Oppenau in Black Forest

Austria - At a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 9 ( Day 187 - 195 )
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 6
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 3
4. Exchange Rate : 1 euro = Rm 4.80
5. Total Money Spent : Eur 251
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : 1204.80
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : euro 28 or Rm 134.00
8. Total Ride Distance : 418 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 69.7 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 97 km on Day 190
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 6 hr 07 min on Day 187
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Karen's Farm and her Curly horses in Altmunster
13. Most Disappointing Moment: A day of uncertainty to train or bike
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Hostel complimentary breakfast
15. Most Hate Food : non
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Wien

Slovakia - At a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 3 ( Day 184 - 186 )
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 2
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 1
4. Exchange Rate to Rm 1.00 : sk 7
5. Total Money Spent : sk 1296
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : 185
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : sk 432 or Rm 61.70
8. Total Ride Distance : 169
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 84.5 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 101 km on Day 184
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 5 hr 31 min on Day 184
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Happy hour with 2 Canadians in Patio Hostel,Bratislava
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Can't upload photos in internet cafe in Bratislava
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Vietnamese dish of hot rice with meat & vege
15. Most Hate Food : non
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Bratislava

Hungary - At a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 5 ( Day 179 - 183)
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 4
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 1
4. Exchange Rate to Rm 1.00 : 50 Ft
5. Total Money Spent : 23305 Ft
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : Rm 466
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : 4661 Ft or Rm 93.20
8. Total Ride Distance : 346 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 86.5 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 101 km on Day 180
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 5 hr 47 min on Day 180
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Warm & Hospitality reception by the Malaysian Embassy in Budapest
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Roads without shoulder
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Never eat in restaurant
15. Most Hate Food : No idea
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Budapest

Romania - At a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 5 (Day 174 - 178)
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 5
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 0
4. Exchange Rate to Rm 1.00 : 0.67 lei
5. Total Money Spent : 111.4 lei
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : 166.30
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : 22.3 lei or Rm 33.30
8. Total Ride Distance : 439 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 87.8 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 132 km on Day 177
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 6 hr 51 min on Day 177
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Great scenery of Portile de Fier
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Hostel in Timisoara was closed after 2 hr searching
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Never eat in restaurant
15. Most Hate Food : No idea
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Biled Herculane

Bulgaria at a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 7 ( Day 167 - 173 )
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 6
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 1
4. Exchange Rate to Rm 1.00 : 0.5 leva
5. Total Money Spent : 138.5 leva
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : Rm 277
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : 19.8 leva or Rm 39.70
8. Total Ride Distance : 548 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 91.3 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 132 km on Day 177
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 6 hr 51 min on Day 177
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Autumn leaves camp in Gintsi
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Spent 5 fruitless hr searching for internet in Sofia
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Pizza take away
15. Most Hate Food : non
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Vidin

Turkey - At a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 29 ( Day 138 - 166 )
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 20
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 9
4. Exchange Rate to Rm 1.00 : Ytl 0.35
5. Total Money Spent : Ytl 717
6. Total Money Spent (Rm) : Rm 2008
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : Ytl 34.7 or Rm 97. 15
8. Total Ride Distance : 1618 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 80.9 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 142 km on Day 158
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 7 hr 13 min on Day 158
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Anil's Hostel in Edirne
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Sex harassment by a man while camping in Espiye seaside
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Kebab and Turkish tea "Cai"
15. Most Hate Food : non
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Edirne

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Russia - At a Glance

1. Total no. of Days : 17 ( Day 121 - 137)
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 14
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 3
4. Exchange Rate to Rm 1.00 : Rur 7.2
5. Total Money Spent : Rur 10282
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : 1428
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : Rur 605 or Rm 84.00
8. Total Ride Distance : 1221 km
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 87.3 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 179 km on Day 125
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 7 hr 32 min on Day 132
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Non in my memory
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Twice being harassed by the notorious police
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Roasted chicken
15. Most Hate Food : Bocolli chicken soup
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Elista

Kazakhstan - At a Glance

1. Total no. of Days : 23 ( Day 98 - 120)
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 15
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 8
4. Exchange Rate to Rm 1.00 : Tenge 32
5. Total Money Spent : Tenge 38695
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : 1209
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : Tenge 1682 or Rm 52.10
8. Total Ride Distance : 1700
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 113.3 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 164 km on Day 111
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 9 hr 16 min on Day 111
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Being invited as guest of honour in Kazakhs families
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Train arrived in Atyrau from Aral'sk without our bikes
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Lafman ( noodles in a meat and vege soup )
15. Most Hate Food : Plain hard recycle bread served in a basket
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Kyzylorda

Kyrgyzstan - At a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 18 ( Day 80 - 97 )
2. Total no. of Ride Days: 12
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 6
4. Exchange Rate to Rm 1.00 : Som 10
5. Total Money Spent : 7749 som
6. Total Money spent(Rm) : 775
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : Som 430 or Rm 43.00
8. Total Ride Distance : 748
9. Average Ride Distance per Day: 62.33 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 126 km on Day 84
11. Longest Hour Ride in a Day : 7 hr 54 min on Day 84
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : 3 days stay in Nomad's Home in Bishkek
13. Most Disappointing Moment: Missed the Toktokul Pass downhill due to crack rear rim
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Deep fried trout
15. Most Hate Food : Nan bread
16. Most Beautiful Town visit: Tashkomur with the Blueish green Naryn River

China - at a glance

1. Total no. of Days : 80 ( Day 1 - 79 )
2. Total no. of Ride Days : 65
3. Total no. of Rest Days : 15
4. Exchange Rate to Rm 1.00 : Rmb 2.00
5. Total Money Spent : Rmb 4992
6. Total Money Spent (Rm) : 2496
7. Ave Money Spent per Day : Rmb 62.40 or Rm 31.20
8. Total Ride Distance : 5367
9. Ave Ride Distance per Day : 82.57 km
10. Highest Km Ride in a Day : 186 ( Day 68)
11. Longest Hr Ride in a Day : 9 hr 10 min ( Day 32)
12. Most Enjoyable Moment : Dinner with the Datong Wildcamel Club
13. Most Disappointing Moment : Riding 1452km with a fauty cyclometer
14. Most Enjoyable Food : Deep fried lamb ribs
15. Most Hate Food : Nan Bread
16. Most Beautiful Town visited : Qingtongxia in Ning Xia Province

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Day 218 Nov 13 Tue - Calais ferry to Dover (UK).Train to London and Bike to Sister's House

Close encounter with the Police at the Calais camp
On board the Seafrance Ferry
Seafrance vehicles gates
Nice flower spotted in Calais park
One of the most beautiful church in Europe I had seen

After the ferry crossing to Dover

Famous white cliff of Dover with a castle on hilltop

Now I can afford to smile more often

Train ride from Dover to Charing Cross

Another great smile

Bar & cafe restaurant hotel opposite the Dover Station for a cup of expresso and a bacon sandwich for £4

Asked to park the bike inside the Bar as bike often get lost within minutes as told by the owner

At the Trafalgar Square (wondering why the fountain is not working?)

Lions tower at the Trafalgar Square

Hello,Hello,Hello .....Love from Meng at the Trafalgar Square. See you soon in Malaysia!!!!

Charing Cross Station ,just 5 min's walk to the Square

Can't beat my B2P and P2L bike tour

Glad to be like home with someone so close.Thanks Alan and Lan ying for everything

At the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board with Mr Terrence and Miss Mathilda

Today's Distance: 28 km
Today's Temp: 9 - 15*c
Average Speed: 12.3 max: 29.5
Time on Bike: 2 hr 15 min
Average climb: 2% max: 9%
Trip Altitude: 191 m max: 187 m
Today's spending: 31 eur

Today's spending: £ 19
Total Distance to date: 13980 km
Total spending in Euro: 710.16 eur

What a close encounter!!! as I woke up this morning,I couldn't believe that I was camping just next to a policeman 's house as I saw the patrol car parked just about 15 m from my tent. Obviously he must have not noticed my existence when came back from duty , if not I'll be in trouble. Before he wake up ,I better pack early and leave without bothering to cook my breakfast. This was my 2nd time in Calais as I still can remember some of the buildings and roads especially the tall beautiful church with a huge garden full of colourful flowers . One of the best I had seen in Europe. The ride to the ferry port took half an hour just followed the sign "car ferry". Bought a ticket for 17 eur on Seafrance as last time was on P&O. After the British passport control , I was told to wait at Lane 10. What a miserable,silvering 1/2 hr wait under the strong cold wind and shower rain . I was the only one bicycle in queue while others were sitting comfortably inside their cars. The ship with 8 decks included a duty free shop,bar,cafe & restaurant,children playground,money changer and slot machines etc.. One hour crossing to Dover - a place famous for its white cliffs with a castle on the hilltop. Cycled my way to the train station to Charing Cross in Central London,just 5 min walk to the Trafagal Square. Paid a visit to the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board across the road. Met Mr Terrence Muda from Sarawak and Miss Mathilda C. Stanisclas from Taiping. Thanks for the warm reception and helps given to me especially the heartwarming hot coffee and biscuits made by Miss Mathilda.Once again thank you very much. Night falls early in London , I had to rely on streets and cars light for one and a half hour ride to my sister's house in Palmers Green ,north London . Mind you ,It was just 4 pm !!! I was surprised at my photographic memory as I did not made a single navigation error since last year August when I was on my mtb Europe tour. Arrived sister house at 6 pm for a well deserved rest. My sister cooked a delicious dinner of Indian Tandoori Chicken. Feeling on top of the world.

Day 217 Nov 12 Mon - Camp 5km to Poix to Abbeville & Train to Camp in Calais

Had to remove the front brake pad due to crack on the rim
Morning sun at the camp 5km to Poix
Frost formed on the fly hard like a piece of paper the next morning - A real cold night!

Thought of having a good Chinese lunch while waiting for the train but was closed

Abbeville train station built in 1912

Abbeville town centre

Only bike shop in town as I was told ,closed much to my disappointment or is it a blessing???

Cracked front Alexrim due to excessive wear & tear

Another good idea from the discarded aluminium cans

Sneaked in between the bushes to camp just outside the train station in Calais

Bike parking on train ride to Calais

Abbeville train station

Waiting for the train arrival on Platform no. 2

Today's Distance: 49 km
Today's Temp: 4 - 15*c
Average Speed: 14.4 max: 52
Time on Bike: 3 hr 21 min
Average climb: 2% max: 7%
Trip Altitude: 352 m max: 204 m
Today's spending: 21.14 eur
Total Distance to date: 13952 km
Total spending to date: 679.16 eur

What a day's ride which ended in Abbeville,some 110 km south of Calais. I was forced to take a train to Calais!!My front wheel Alexrim was found cracked from the joint due to excessive wear and tear.And to make matter worst , the only one bike shop in town was closed on Monday when one guy brought me to the doorstep. The very old train station built in year 1912 was just nearby. The bike is still rideable but the risk was rather too high , I certainly do not want to end up in the middle of nowhere where I had to beg for help. I had accomplished the big mission of B2P and this P2L is just an icing on the cake.Take it easy MAN!!! Enough is Enough..... You are not a Superman!!! You are just an ordinary man crazy on bike , even the bike needed a rest!!!!

Yes, felt more relax now as decision make to train to calais .Ticket cost 15 eur ,changed to another train at Boulogne and by the time the train arrived in Calais already 7.00pm . Sneaked myself in between the bushes for the campsite just out from the train station. Cooked the dinner almost 11pm when almost nobody around as I afraid too early people might be alarmed by the smoke from the firewood . This would probably be my last camping , tomorrow I will be resting in my sister's house in London. Hot shower,warm queen size bed and a delicious dinner...What a feeling ,sweet dream tonight!!!!!!

Day 216 Nov 11 Sun - Camp 2 km to Clermont to Camp 5km to Poix

Camp 5km to Poix
Taking a shelter from the rain and wind under a truck trailer

Today's Distance: 77 km
Today's Temp: 9 - 15*c
Average Speed: 12.9 max: 51.5
Time on Bike: 5 hr 57 min
Average climb: 2% max: 8%
Trip Altitude: 611 m max: 269 m
Today's spending: 0
Total Distance to date: 13903 km
Total spending to date: 658.02 eur

The weather continued to give me a hard time like yesterday,not only it rained but also came with a strong head wind blowing directly from the northwest sea coast of Normandy, fortunately it was just a shower rain and still rideable with my raincoat on. Slow but still steady.Started at 9.45 am on Road D929 to Clermont,D916 to St -Just ,Breteuil and Conty on D920. Not really in mood to take pictures under such weather. I had to camp early on a campsite that has firewood to cook. Confirmed the pump cup has worn out and torn beyond repair .No spare part to replace. Set tent 5 km to Poix

Day 215 Nov 10 Sat - Camp 5km to Pontoise to Camp 2 km to Clermont

Back to the basic...... when your MSR stove failed to function
Starting the fire with my MSR petrol fuel

Camp 2 km to clermont

Today's Distance: 59 km
Today's Temp: 8 - 13*c
Average Speed: 15.3 max: 54.5
Time on Bike: 3 hr 49 min
Average climb: 2% max: 6%
Trip Altitude: 430 m max: 198 m
Today's spending: 24.14 eur
Total Distance to date: 13826 km
Total spending to date:658.02 eur

A day nothing went right!! I lost my spectacle yesterday,and then my MSR stove fuel bottle cannot be pressurised,suspected the pump cup worn out,can't read the instructions without my spectacle.Bought a new one in St-Quen for 19.9 eur.Precious time lost in searching for camping shops failed.To add salt to a miserable day, encountered very bad weather with shower rain almost the whole day,whats more even the wind wasn't in my favour.For the first time,I felt so helpless,so down and almost wanted to cry in the rain.Worried about the dinner tonight without my MSR stove,certainly one of my worst day! Perhaps the only consolation was I still managed to cook up a good and satisfactory dinner and hot coffee at the campsite by using the firewood around and to start the fire with my MSR petrol fuel.

Day 214 Nov 09 Fri - Paris to Camp 5 km to Pontoise

A souvenir cap from Encik Khazali , 3rd Secretary of the Malaysian Embassy in Paris

Ready to leave Paris at the Duck - 3 - Hostel

With Encik Khazali in his office

At the gate

Camp 5km to Pontoise

Today's Distance: 37 km
Today's Temp: 9 - 15*c
Average Speed: 12.3 max: 33.5
Time on Bike: 3 hr 01 min
Average climb: 1% max: 6%
Trip Altitude: 234 m max: 91 m
Today's spending: 4 eur
Total Distance to date: 13767 km
Total spending to date: 633.88 eur

Today just managed to ride out from the many busy roads of Paris - A real big city! The ride was also delayed by a morning shower rain which lasted for almost an hour but was happy to see the sun after that.Armed with a city map,following the road to the Concord and the Arc de Triomphe Etoile. The Malaysian Embassy was just next to the Porte de Malloit.While our Mr Ambassador was busy in the meeting , a very friendly Encik Khazali ( 3rd secretary ) was there to welcome me from his busy workload.He brought me to a nearby restaurant for a chicken sandwich and a hot coffee.He also presented a cap,2 souvenir pins with the flags of Malaysia & France and also a very special heartwarming gift.Terima kasih Meng ucapkan atas kehospitaliti anda. Not forgetting also Cik Rogayah and Major Fadzilah, once again Thank You very much!!!!!