France
Travel
Delving into an entirely different culture and way of life can sometimes be a little harrowing. Growing up in Asia my whole life, the Western world is undoubtedly very foreign to me. This unfamiliarity has made my travel experience strikingly contrasting with the rest, because I did not have the slightest knowledge of what to expect, nor was I able to find a single likeness in the language and customs in this part of the world.
Side view of the Arc de Triomphe
Eiffel Tower
Paris: The City of Art
It has been more than a year since I was in Paris, yet I could never forget how it felt like when I took my first step onto the French soils.
I was really eager to share the experience with my readers, but I was concerned that I was not able to fitly convey in words the grandeur and splendor of this city. You see, Paris is the city of art, and it's almost illegitimate if I do not give it the full glory it deserves.
The Parisian streets at twilight
Delving into an entirely different culture and way of life can sometimes be a little harrowing. Growing up in Asia my whole life, the Western world is undoubtedly very foreign to me. This unfamiliarity has made my travel experience strikingly contrasting with the rest, because I did not have the slightest knowledge of what to expect, nor was I able to find a single likeness in the language and customs in this part of the world.
Cruising along the river Seine
France is a pleasant change. The 13-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur to Paris is a total transfiguration from an urban sprawl that is fast-paced, sweltering, and agile, to a dreamy town-like metropolis that is always composed and calm, yet exceptionally dignifying. I could never admire enough how adept the French are in appreciating life, and the way they manage to seek pleasure in every facet of their existence. They certainly know how to make the most out of everything, and living a life of pressure is a serious taboo.
Side view of the Arc de Triomphe
Eiffel Tower
The Louvre, many pairs of feet, and very tainted water
The French are very proud. They are proud of their language, their sophistication, their culture, and their Frenchly ancestry. Very frankly, they have all the right to be. Through my observation, I have come to realize that these people are always brimming with confidence and self-respect. Keeping up one's image is of the essence and they are dressed to the nines even if it means getting groceries at the hypermarché across the street. It is as though people get fined in this country for being distasteful.
Fresh produce sold at a mini market in Neuilly sur Seine
The best baguette I have tasted in life
An Italian dinner in France, because why not?
France is a country of beauty and sophistication. Though not everyone speaks English (or to you), flashing a smile can definitely ease the tension and break the stereotype. The French could get pretty appalled to see certain unruly behaviors from people of the antipodal lands and foreign immigrants, so always be well-mannered and tasteful while mingling with them.
There is something about the clouds here...
Self-order kiosks in McDonald's
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées - a shopping haven for tourists
The red light district of Paris, where one can find bars, night clubs, drugs, and lots of sex motels.
Taking a stroll around this beautiful lake in the evening
There are so much more to this beautiful place and one post is definitely not enough to cover it. Part 2 is on its way.
Events/Products
Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
The annual Sepang F1 and MotoGP races are held in none other than the esteemed Sepang Circuit, located about 80km south of Kuala Lumpur. This famous Malaysian landmark has been an international limelight for more than a decade now, hence it was an honor to be able to see the circuit and all its facilities to the fullest extent.
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Picture taken from the iconic Hibiscus Tower
The purpose of this tour is so that the public would be informed that the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is not just built for auto racing. Instead, it houses some of the most spectacular amenities that could accommodate anything from weddings to concerts. Whatever the occasion may be, SIC will have a solution, be it for motorsport or non-motorsport activities.
The pleasant day started off with a brief introduction of the circuit, before the bloggers were being brought to the paddock for an unforgettable experience.
And as though that wasn't exciting enough, the organizers had also arranged for us to...
...Go on a track tour!
We were briefed on each corner, hairpin and hander of the track. We also got to see the exact location where the unfortunate accident which killed Italian motorcycle racer Marco Simoncelli took place.
Luck was definitely on our side that particular day as the bloggers were able to witness the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race. It is indeed very interesting to observe the procedures taken by both the participating teams and SIC in managing the race.
Marshall, technicians, mechanics and spectators were all gathered during the formation lap before the big race
Safety car driver being cheeky
Took a selfie with Tengku Djan Ley, Malaysia's best professional drift racer
Once the race had started, we were brought to the Perdana Suite
The Perdana Suite is usually reserved for royalties and VVIPs and is located in the Pit Building. It offers the best view of the race and can accommodate up to 150 guests. This noteworthy space can be booked for private functions such as receptions, parties, meetings, private screenings of exclusive products such as watches or jeweleries, rooftop events or conferences.
Walked in and was greeted by attendants and readily graced tables. Definitely felt like a VVIP
Awesome view from above
Food were great and so were the companions. It was definitely a very unique dining experience - al fresco, perfected with reverberating sound emanated by the speeding cars. I personally find these combination oddly pleasing.
Chilling in the suite after the big meal, before being guided to other parts of the building:
Race Control Room
Time Keeping Room
The Media Center, with 430 seats and tables equipped with individual internet cable and power option. This space can be booked and is ideal for conferences, corporate presentations, symposiums, product demonstrations, launches or even examinations.
One of the four Paddock Clubs that can be rented for various sizable functions such as conferences, exhibitions and showcases, wedding receptions, company annual dinner and galas, fundraising, trade shows, launching or even fashion shows.
National Automobile Museum, another must see spot on the premise.
Posing on a Vespa, wishing I own one
The experience was all in all a very insightful and memorable one. We were being brought on a tour which gave us the opportunity to see SIC from the inside and to understand better the mechanism of a racing circuit. I was here a few years back on a sponsored trip to both the Formula 1 and MotoGP races which were concurrent, but it was only until this tour that I got to know SIC in depth.
It was indeed eye-opening to learn of the transformation of a homegrown circuit which initial focus was only on motorsports, to its recent heightening vision of enhancing this world class circuit into not just a racing site, but also as an entertainment hub. For further details on the type of facilities available for booking and quotations, contact Sepang International Circuit with the information here.
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