Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show

Went to this water puppet show with excitement, but a bit disappointed as the show is conducted in Vietnamese language, but I bet that 60-70% of the spectators are foreigners. After 10 minutes it will become boring as i cannot understand the story, but i guess it is about their folklore. be prepared if you sit at the first 3-4 lanes as during the show the dragon puppet will spit water to the audiences especially those brought their expensive cameras.

Ho Chi Minh City Map

Click to enlarge the map

PARIS

So far if u ever think to go backpacking to France i think it should be no problem in term of transportation, all u need to know is the nearest station to your destination.

There are lots of metro and RER line in Paris, click the above image and you will be redirected to the Metro and RER map website.
to save your money you can plan your journey up front by studying target destination as in Paris you can buy the ticket in piece or bulk. one piece of METRO or RER ticket for journey inside Paris zone 1 will cost you 1.60 euro but if you buy in bulk of 10 pieces (it is called carnet) it will only cost you 11.60 euro. the ticket(s) can be be bought from the vending machine located at the entrance of the METRO or RER station. but be prepared with coins as some machine do not accept notes for ticket transaction. most of the tourist attraction is located inside zone 1 and the ticket is valid for 90 minutes from the first time usage. there are certain rules for the ticket

• valid for 90 minutes from first time usage
• can be use for transfer from Metro to Metro, RER to RER, Metro to RER, RER to Metro, Tramway
  
• can be use for Monmarte Funicular
  
• but it is not possible for transfer from Metro or RER to BUS or vice versa (just train to train or bus to bus)

For your info, there is RER linking the CDG airport to Paris and it will cost you about EUR8.50. If you are carrying lots of bags i recommend you to take the bus, if not the RER is a lot more cheaper.

Buying Foreign Currency Notes

For those planning to go to foreign country it is advisable to check on the currency exchange, preferable to know how much to keep as pocket money. Keep it at minimal level as bringing lots of cash will bring bring more problem than benefit. Minimal is very subjective and you need to know and assess your needs, better still if you can ask your friend who had been to that place.

You can check this website as a benchmark, WAWASAN SENTOSA a local money changer located at LG floor near KFC, Mid Valley. Their website is updated daily, except on weekend. This is just for a benchmark as the rate offered is better than average money changer and you can check the rate online.

As not all foreign currency are sold at the money changer, it is recommended for you to buy US Dollars or Euro currency which are widely accepted by other money changer oversea. For example if you want to go to Egypt and it is difficult to find a money changer that is selling Egyptian Pound in Kuala Lumpur, the best bet is to buy either USD or EUR currency and to buy the egyptian pound in Egypt.

Buying Travel Insurance without going to agent

AXA Travel Insurance

Applicable for Malaysian ONLY

1. go to AXA website
2. download the proposal form
3. fill in the form
4. pay via MBB (514105206919) or CIMB
5. email or fax (03-20317282) the proposal & proof of payment to AXA
6. wait for their respond
7. normally they will contact you and will email a copy of the certificate
8. the actual certificate and policy will follow in few days