I woke up at the ungodly hour of 4am to finish packing (read: rushing and dumping everything I think I may need into my luggage) before the start of the journey to Tg Jara Resort inKuala Dungun,Terengganu.
Below: Laptop bag, camera, tripods for the camera, clothes, some books.all into the boot of the Volvo XC60.
I was anticipating a LONGGGG ride, since it was supposedly a minimum 5 hours ride from KL. I started my journey as early as I could, since I was leaving KL on a Monday morning, and getting stuck in traffic prior to a get-away is not my idea of fun.
Sunrise. Always captivating.
Though I picked up the Volvo XC60 2 days back, I didnt get the chance to drive it around much. But the thru and fro trips to the mall were satisfactory enough, and the elevated driving postion did marginally assist short petite girls like me for an advantageousview of the road.
Below: See how much taller I am standing on the side step into the drivers seat!
A common perception among ! all is t hat driving an SUV is safer; most likely due to its size and thus the associated sense of security since other cars on the road would rather not mess with you. But do note that Im making this statement just based on my chatter with friends and should not be taken as a fact.
But what is a FACT is the Volvos XC60sfuel gauge seems to be moving towards E a bit too fast for me!
Below: An average of 8.0 km/litre, and when I got speed happy along the highway, I got about 7.0 km/l.
My trip to Tanjong Jara and back took 2 full tanks (an approximation since we refuelled a few times along the way without waiting for it to go empty), covering a distance about 500km (each way); with detours in between for food. Other than the initial full tank courtesy of Volvo Malaysia, I pumped another RM150 worth of fuel, Ron97.
Hmm so what do you guys think of the fuel consumption?
But of course, IT IS a heavy and powerful car
Anyhow, with such a long journey ahead, I made MANY pitstops for FOOD, starting with breakfast at McDonalds.
One thing constant about McDonalds is the uniformity of their menu. The only item I been wanting to sample was their NEWChicken Muffin and I was worried that smaller outlets on highways may not offer them. But McD addicts assured me that every McDonalds would have it on their menu.
At RM2.50 each (now its RM4.50), I grabbed 2!
First impressions? 100% chicken meat= YAY!
At RM2.50 (do note that its RM4.50 now) for a patty this size, I was already thinking of making daily visits (4am 11am) at a McDonalds near me!
Thats until I saw the amount of mayonnaise. Heck no. First and last McDonalds Chicken Muffinfor me!
Or maybe NOT!
Because it was really GOOD actually. Think of the McChicken patty in a McD muffin.
And there you have it, the McDonalds Chicken Muffin!
Stomach appeased momentarily, I took the wheel again and braced myself for the rest of the journey. Honest to god, I hate long distance driving. I was hoping that the Volvo XC60 would be snuggly and comfortable thus that will take the edge off the tiring journey.
So was it a comfort! able jou rney?
Hint: Stiff suspension!
Anyhow, next up more FOOD during our pitstops in Kuantan; namely the famous Nasi Lemak Zaman and the Ho Yin Curry Mee!