**Top 8 advantages that I get from PokemonGO**

It has been few weeks' now since the launch of PokemonGO in Malaysia. 

I did not download the app when the craze hit Malaysia back then. I was living in my comfortable zone, doing mundane tasks while friends were getting crazy to catch Pokemon. It was the seventh month according to Chinese calendar in which we celebrated Hungry Ghost Festival. Despite that, many were strolling and walking around even after work and late night at parks, gardens, malls and you just name it.

The idea to catch Pokemon was rather silly to me initially especially when we have to walk around to hunt the insects and animals by just holding on to our smartphone. 

Why people are crazy about this PokemonGO? I asked.

I went ahead and asked my best friend, Google. My view has totally changed ever since then after reading the story behind the app, the effort that has been put for years to develop this and most importantly, the belief of a young boy who has now become a reality.

From then onward, I am a fan of PokemonGO. It changes my perception and life, not only affecting my family members but also, my friends, colleagues and even, strangers.

1.     Strong bonding session with siblings

This is typically true when my younger brother is also a fan of PokemonGO. We have shared on some tips as in how can we advance to the next level easily, we have random PokeDATE during the weekends and also, we have competed in a few gyms. At some occasion, we would purposely drive around to visit PokeSTOP to collect potions and pokeballs.

2.     A talking topic with colleagues

With the amount of work that we have, it is quite difficult to spend time with our colleagues especially those from other departments. However, with the introduction of PokemonGO, all colleagues have come into one. Meal time has become shorter during lunch hour and more time is spent to stroll around the office area to catch Pokemon. 

3.     PokeDATE

Bestie and I are really tight up with work for the past few weeks. It is nearly impossible for us to have the luxury to meet during the weekends. And if we have time to meet during the weekdays after work, it would be just an hour or probably an hour and half. To go for a proper dinner, it would be a bit rush unfortunately hence, we rather take the time to walk around (with the mindset of exercise) while PokeDATE for that one hour. While hunting for Pokemons, we would catch up and talk about our days to one another.

First Pikachu caught in Taman Jaya! 

4.     Just Go, and Go, and GO!

Yay, this is a good point! As much as we love PokemonGO, it is not advisable to play while you drive. Though we may be wanting to catch rare Pokemons especially, I suggest not to even turn on the app when you drive. Imagine the sudden adrenaline rush that urge you to do silly things like quickly grab the phone and throw your Pokeballs in the middle of your driving path - this is absolutely no, no. Instead, take this opportunity to enjoy the scenic view around you.

5.     A good stress reliever

Whenever I bump on to some hurdles, I always turn to PokemonGO. It's not that PokemonGO will provide a solution to my problems but at least, it allows my brain to destress for a minute before going back to work. 

6.     Get to know new friends

This is absolutely true when I was on a mission to hunt for Pikachu at Taman Jaya. To my surprise, there was a lot of people at Taman Jaya particularly at late evening on the weekdays. Many were on the mission to get Pikachu and we literally helped one another. When there was a sighting of Pikachu, people would buzz one another and soon, all of us would flock to that respective area to catch Pikachu. 

7.     Knowledge about PokemonGO increase

Can you imagine that I have a specific Whatsapp group called 'Pokemon Centre' created by my LEOs? In that centre, we discuss about Pokemon and share tips about PokemonGO. 

8.     Confirm GEN-Y baby! 

I only know about Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, Psyduck and probably a few more when I was a child. But now, I know more...Ekans, Weedle, Magikarp, Poliwag, Bulbasaur and many many more. So, I can proudly declare myself a Gen-Y baby.  

I don't see how PokemonGO brings a negative impact to one's life and instead, I enjoy numerous benefits from it; from having new friends to strengthening a relationship and increasing our knowledge.

And in case if you share the sentiment as I am, then let's continue to Poke-Poke-DATE and SPIN but please, please bear in mind that safety should come first regardless what.

Happy Pokemon-DAY!

Regards,

Foodiestravel

Chapter 104 - Congratulations Malaysia + Dinner date at Village Roast Duck, The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur

Eyes gluing to the television, fist clenching hoping that Malaysia could walk away with a gold medal at least and in this very moment, Malaysians were all united, watching the mixed-doubles badminton game.

Although Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying took home a silver medal, they had indeed brought pride to Malaysia. While we now put ourselves in a calm state, anticipating another final game tomorrow, why don't we call for an early celebration first? Instead of just celebrating the accomplishment by our athletes, we too should pat ourselves for an accomplishment done at work by pampering ourselves with something good to end the day by having a proper yet delicious Chinese dining food at Mid Valley.

Previously, I was reluctant to go to any shopping malls during the weekdays. But now, things have changed. The urge to visit a shopping mall accelerates with the PokemonGo game. 

While catching a number of Pokemons and visit a number of Pokestop seems to be a valid reason for your visit to Mid Valley lately, my other intention to the mall is to pamper my beloved tummy at Village Roast Duck, The Gardens Mall. 

                    

Located at the Lower Ground Flood where it is situated beside Canton-I, the restaurant was quite packed on the day that I visited. Got ourselves seated and we then browsed through the menu. Looks tempting in fact!  

3 Combos Noodle (Dry) (RM 20.90)

When it said 3 combos, it meant that the noodles come with 3 different types of meat namely char siew, roast pork and roast duck. While it may be difficult to choose what type of meat to have, you can either order a plate of noodles that comes with all these 3 meat or a plate of rice to go with it. Certainly, my opting did not go wrong. I got to try all the 3 meats.

Char siew is absolutely good! Soft in texture and melt in the mouth. In comparison with the ones that I had lately, I prefer the char siew sold in Char Siew Yoong, Pudu. The drawback for the char siew at Village Roast Duck is that most of the outer layer is burnt so at some point, it carries the burnt taste.

Roast port on the other hand is good! Juicy in nature and the proportion of the pork is just right. Roast duck is actually the signature dish for that restaurant itself. I find the duck meat is a bit dry. Despite all that, it is a good combination of all these 3 types of meat.

Can you see the duck meat clearer here?

Chicken Fried Rice with Salted Fish (RM 18.90)

Besides the noodles, a plate of fried rice was ordered too. Comes in a huge serving which I believe it can be shared between 2 to 3 people, the fried rice is fragrant in salted fish smell. The fried rice tastes good with enough "wok hei". I wish that the long beans could have been given more. Nevertheless, the fried rice tastes absolutely yummy if it is being eaten with chillies, giving both spicy yet sweet taste to the tastebuds.

HM Beancurd with Minced Pork (RM 18.90)

Adding to our dining palates is a plate of HM Beancurd with Minced Pork. By the time we had the noodles and a plate of fried rice, we were actually quite full. Thankfully, a plate of beancurd is just good enough to complement our dinner. 

Soft and smooth in texture, the tofu itself is quite tasteless. But having it with minced pork, it gives a kick to the tastebuds itself. I believe they make the beancurd because they are very very smooth. Despite all that, this dish is indeed a known dish among the Chinese.

In total, the bill came up to RM 75.40 including a glass of Lo Han Gor and all the taxes (GST and service charge). A rather pricey dinner I would say for two people so, you can have it once a while or whenever you find a good reason to reward yourself. Haha! Nevertheless, I would say that the price is rather reasonable for a plate of noodle that comes with 3 types of meat. I remember I had to pay RM 18.00 once for just a plate of char siew rice at Jalan Pudu (not char siew yoong).

Ambient: 7/10 

Price: 3.5/5 (reasonable)

Food: Chinese food, non-halal

Service : 4/5 (very good. The minute when you were seated, they served you a bowl of hot soup)
Verdict: You must try the 3 combos meat (roast pork, char siew and roast duck)! 

So, what are you waiting for? While your life may face some challenges and hurdles, just remember that you deserve something better and more than that! 

Village Roast Duck,
LG-205, LG Floor, The Garden Mall,
Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra,
59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 03 - 2201 5095

Regards,
Foodiestravel