Visit to Cardiff 2013

Just came back from Cardiff. I had gone there to attend the Academy of Marketing annual conference which was hosted by the University of South Wales this year.

I stayed at the Park Plaza Cardiff, which was about 5 minutes walk from the conference venue. It is the only 4 star hotel in the city but I was not really impressed. No free water bottles, no free newspapers, tiny holes in the bath tub, tear on the bed sheet, limited channels on the TV and room facing the main road and NIGHTCLUBS. I could not sleep till late because of the noise. I think they should take the manager for a tour of some 4 star hotels in Malaysia or Singapore to see how it is done over there. Next time I will stay in Premier Inn - at least I will get free water bottles. Positives: the lady at the reception was warm and friendly, hairdryer, ironing board and iron in room. They apparently have a great restaurant, spa and swimming pool but did not get the chance to use them.


An interesting sculpture in my room

Here are some pictures from my short trip:




Cardiff Castle. Unfortunately it was closed by the time I freshened up and went for a bit of sightseeing.













The best part of the conference was the reception at the National Museum Wales. They have an amazing collection of artwork by some of the greatest masters including, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, etc.









Will definitely be visiting again.

Note: The pics here were taken by either my Samsung Galazy SII or my Nokia Lumia 900 and hence the quality which is actually not that bad. Definitely need to get my hands on a Nokia Lumia 1020.

Avatars

My avatar...

Thanks to my sis Diana.
I think she really captured my personality - though I am more of a PC person. I hate laptops.

Following his Dreams - Khairzul

How many of us have dreamt of leaving our 9-5 jobs, travelling around the World and doing something we really loved.

Well, meet Khairzul my friend who did just that - an engineer by profession, he gave up his job in one of the biggest telecom companies in Malaysia, moved halfway round the World to the Netherlands and started painting.

Koi

Looking at his paintings, it is hard to believe that Khairzul has not received any formal training - he is a self - taught artist. I have watched him evolve as he tries to find his own "style". Initially I could see the influence of Van Gough - I guess it is hard not to be when you stay in the Netherlands, but over time I can honestly say that he has matured with a style which is uniquely Khairzul.

One of his earlier paintings in water colour, also of Koi and now hanging in our house.

Can you believe that this is a letter that he wrote to his two best friends - one of whom happens to be my wife.

Check out his paintings on Khairzul's art blog and his Facebook page.

Angels and Demons Coventry

Nothing to do with the new movie starring Tom Hanks based on the novel by Dan Brown.

This is a sculpture on the walls of the Cathedral Church of St Michael’s at Coventry depicting the archangel Michael and Satan.




Close up

BTW, has anyone seen the movie?

First commentator:
MuzEju