About things of and around me.

Follow your instint.

2010-02-04T05:11:00.001+08:00

Yesterday I learnt that I sometimes must follow or heed my instint or gut feel when come to doing something.
I knew what to do, but I doubt my own judgement. I worry about the consequences.

Points to note and lesson to learn from a forwarded email for a particular requested survey.

Check credibility of the organisation that request the survey. Find out More!
Check the sensitivy of information requested.
Write a summary and propose action plan - organisation background, action taken, should we participate? etc etc

Boss beats me to it. He did all those things right after receiving the email.

Blogging again in 2010

2010-01-01T10:36:00.002+08:00

I will try.
No promises.

I want too but sometimes I get carried away by other things :)

Yeah excuses.

Happy New Year, folks!

Locked out

2009-06-02T22:04:00.002+08:00

I tried to access my blog today and realised that it has been locked out to public. I don't remember doing that. I wonder how did I blog that day? I don't remember that it was locked.

I must be getting really forgetful.

And gee, my blog is quite full of shit. Emo stuff. Urgh.

I wonder where is that part of me has gone? Never knew it was there now.

Welcome back to me.

Testing

2009-05-21T14:36:00.001+08:00

Long time no post.

Just testing.

Today I met Dato Zaid Ibrahim.

He said I will be famous after this :)

A song for you

2008-06-06T17:05:00.002+08:00

Here's a song for you who...
... cut and bleed for me
... hurt me with your words
... made empty promises
... love me

That's What Love Is For

Sometimes we make it harder than it is
We'll take a perfect night
And fill it up with words we don't mean
Dark sides best unseen
And we wonder why we're feeling this way.

Sometimes I wonder if we really feel the same
Why we can be unkind
Questioning the strongest of hearts
That's when we must start
Believing in the one thing that has gotten us this far.

That's what love is for
To help us through it
That's what love is for
Nothing else can do it.
Melt our defenses
Bring us back to our senses
Give us strength to try once more
Baby, that's what love is for.

Sometimes I see you
And you don't know I am there
And I'm washed away by emotions
I hold deep down inside
Getting stronger with time
It's living through the fire
And holding on we find

Believing in the one thing
That has gotten us this far
That's what love is for
To help us through it
That's what love is for
Nothing else can do it.
Round off the edges
Talk us down from the ledges
Give us strength to try once more
Baby, that's what love is for

That's what love is for
Melt our defenses
Bring us back to our senses
Give us strength to try once more
Baby, that's what love is for.
That's what love is for.

Thank you for the song

2008-05-29T18:04:00.004+08:00

This is so beautiful and very touching. It just brighten up my day. Thank you once again.

For Baby

I'll walk in the rain by your side
I'll cling to the warmth of your hand
I'll do anything to keep you satisfied
I'll love you more than anybody can

And the wind will whisper your name to me
Little birds will sing along in time
Leaves will bow down when you walk by
And morning bells will chime

I'll be there when you're feelin down
To kiss away the fears if you cry
I'll share with you all the happiness I've found
A reflection of the love in your eyes

And I'll sing you the songs of the rainbow
A whisper of the joy that is mine
And leaves will bow down when you walk by
And morning bells will chime

I'll walk in the rain by your side
I'll cling to the warmth of your tiny hand
I'll do anything to help you understand
And I'll love you more than anybody can

And the wind will whisper your name to me
Little birds will sing along in time
Leaves will bow down when you walk by
And morning bells will chime

Pondering on love

2008-05-27T18:34:00.002+08:00

There would be no passion in this world if we never had to fight for what we love.

I always lose.

The most painful life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul

In this I dwell in my fears and weakness.

Pleasure of love lasts but a moment, pain of love lasts a lifetime.

I wonder will it ever go away, or merely pass down from one lover to another?

Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.

Dark Road

2008-05-27T18:11:00.004+08:00

Sometimes we feel down. Sometimes we lose the direction in living. Sometimes we feel dejected and hopeless. Sometimes we see no hope. Sometimes we see meaningless everyday.

I wish I can tell you I know how badly it feels, how deep it cuts and how empty is being lonely. But the more I tell, the deeper it gets and I am afraid it will drown you.

Well, here is a song to let you know that I understand.

*** *** ***

It’s a dark road
And a dark way that leads to my house
And the word says
That you’re never gonna find me there,
oh no I’ve got an open door
It didn’t get there by itself

There’s a feelin’
But you’re not feelin’ it at all
There’s a meaning
But you’re not listening anymore
I look at that open road
I’m gonna walk there by myself…

And if you catch me
I might try to run away
You know I can’t be there too long
And if you let me I might try to make you stay
Seems you never realize a good thing til it’s gone…

Maybe I’m still searchin’ but I don’t know what it means
All the fires of destruction are still burnin’ in my dreams
There’s no water that can wash away this longin’ to come clean…
Hey yea yea…

I can’t find the joy within my soul
It’s just sadness takin’ hold
I wanna come in from the cold
And make myself renewed again
It takes strength to live this way
The same old madness every day
I wanna kick these blues away
I wanna learn to live again

Hey hey hey
It’s a dark road
And a dark way that leads to my house
And the word says
That you’re never gonna find me there,
oh no I’ve got an open door
It didn’t get there by itself

Lately is blue

2008-05-08T20:36:00.002+08:00

Maybe it's because there is too much to do.
Maybe it's because of what's been happening around me.
Maybe it's because I have just been to a funeral of a good person.
Maybe it's because it is rather lonely and empty.
Maybe it's because I kept wondering why.
Maybe it's because I am not very healthy lately.

Maybe it's because I am just tired.

Maybe it's because of all the above, I am feeling a blue.

I wanna go away.

12th Malaysian Election (2008)

2008-03-10T15:09:00.004+08:00

It is a new dawn in Malaysia.

It has never been so exciting in the history of Malaysia, it may be uncertain, but I got a good feeling that it is for the better. After all, it prevents us from getting complacent, ignorant and care less about what is going on in our country.

It is time to stop tolerating corruptions, ineffectiveness, poor governance and mediocre leaders.

Demand equality, justice, transparency and accountability. We have the rights to do so.

I shall watch in anticipation for the next 4 years.

From the movie Stardust

2007-11-06T14:03:00.000+08:00

"You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn't true. I know a lot about love. I've seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars. Pain, lies, hate... It made me want to turn away and never look down again. But when I see the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I'm trying to say, Tristan is... I think I love you. Is this love, Tristan? I never imagined I'd know it for myself. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it's trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange - no fits. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine. "

~ Yvaine (Stardust)

The salt of life

2007-09-05T10:39:00.000+08:00

From now on, this is my job description...
my ass, specifically.

Any aids?

Paintball

2007-08-20T18:41:00.000+08:00

I am against war and violence. I dislike guns although I have toy guns with the sheriff badge when I growing up. When I see young kids, I will make the shape of guns with my fingers and pretend to shoot at them - "peow! peow!" Some love it, especially boys.

On Sunday I was invited by Asther and her friends to play Paintball at Kuang, somewhere a bit further than Sg Buloh. I didn't know what to expect and what to bring but I just knew that it is quite painful when the paint pellet hit you.

The bad news is true. It is painful. It bruised you and leave you with nasty blue blacks.

The good news is that it is actually very fun. It is like almost like a battlefield except that you won't get kill and each game only last about 15 minutes. If you don't feel well or your marker (the gun) don't work well, you can stop. Raise your hand and move away to safety zone.

Sorta like those war type of computer games too but on physical world. You get dirty, you have to crawl, you hide behind broken walls, trees, bunkers, you have to run and peek. Very physical. Very challenging.

Ifyou are serious about Paintball, there are strategies and planning involved, special markers and equipments and you can even dress up like a soldier. Very expensive sport, as always.

But for me, it is all about not getting shot (coz it is painful) and trying to bring down as many members of the opponents. I chose to hide in the bunker to defend our team's flag. Even that, I get shot.

Playing this game make me realise that it is really really ultra scary during an actual war. And you are actually sending yourself to death. If you don't die now, you'll die later. Now I know why soldiers are given awards after they returned from their postings. And why "purple hearts" when you were injured during war.

I never felt more female until I was being briefed before the game. I just find it repulsive to start killing people (although not literally or really killing) with a gun (although it is just a marker).

But during the game, it was actually nice to start shooting and bringing down your opponents. I actually enjoyed that. I was shot many many times but I only managed to bring down one opponent. Totally useless of me.

Some other players are really good. Their hands are steady when shooting. They move calmly. They seem to understand how to distract and move to protect themselves from being hit.

Now I also know how a seemingly nice and quiet person can go berserk when they are given the opportunity to kill or when they are engrossed with their computer games.

Very good stress reliever too. But if you someone that are full of anger and very bitter, I suggest not playing this coz you might hurt people and go overboard when you are too consumed.

Well, frankly I don't know much about Paintball, but what I wrote here are what I have observed.

I don't mind the pain and the bruises, but the only thing I dislike about the game is wearing the mask. It is very suffocating, hard to breathe and smell of smelly plastic.

Give it a try, at least once in your lifetime. Glad I went. Thanks Asther, Mike and Francis for taking me there. Thanks too for meal at Kanna. Love the banana rice dishes there. Yummy!

Tom Ford

2007-08-02T16:56:00.000+08:00

If you wonder who he is - He is a fashion designer who gained international fame for his legendary turnaround of the Gucci fashion house and the creation of the Tom Ford label.

A bit of Dr Christian Troy of Nip Tuck, but more charm.

Check out his photos. He is so darn gorgeous. I heard he is gay. Sigh!

Britain Got Talent - Paul Potts & Connie Talbot

2007-08-01T19:11:00.000+08:00

You gotta watch these two YouTube clips. They are so amazing and brilliant! I am so impressed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnUOJonRcCw

FYI, Britain Got Talent is a tv programme to search for Britain's next best amateur talent act, featuring singers, dancers, comedians, variety acts, and other talents of all ages. The winner of the show receives GBP100,000 and will perform at the Royal Variety Performace in front of the Queen and members of the Royal Family at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool.

Hope you enjoyed them as much as I do.

Unsafe Malaysia

2007-07-31T19:10:00.000+08:00

Almost everyday, I hear something about petty theft, snatch thief, burglaries, stolen cars and smashed car. It is scary but doesn't affect anyone until it happens to oneself. And I seriously hope it won't happen to me coz I don't have much money already and I hate the trouble of reporting stolen bank and ct cards, MyKad, etc etc.
Parents are afraid to let their kids (even tho they are already teenagers) to go to school by school buses. Ladies are afraid to go anywhere alone especially at night or lonely places like car parks.

I am afraid to withdraw money from ATM or fill petrol at night.
I am not sure about you guys, but I really feel that Malaysia is really becoming so unsafe everywhere. If you don't have money in your wallet may also pose a big problem, coz if a thief come to you and find you without money, he might just slash you. It seems like Singaporeans fears of Malaysia are becoming facts of life and a reality.

I am thinking of drafting a letter to Pak Lah, Ketua Polis Negara and Menteri Dalam Negeri to express how we (the rakyat) feel. I believe they need to really look into this matter seriously and actually SOLVE them. We must stand up and express our fears and worries.

Otherwise, soon enough, we might as well stop mentioning that Malaysia is a safe and peaceful country. Or is this a lost cause already?
So friends, will you be interested to participate in this letter writing? Let me know your thoughts. If you have anything you wanna express in the letter, let me know too.

Shall I or not? (to continue blogging here)

2007-07-30T15:05:00.000+08:00

Hi there everyone,

Hope all of you had a great weekend. Mine was good coz I spent a nice weekend with my family in Singapore. The weather was nice as it wasn't hot. It rained on Sunday though, but we was indoor in the mall.

However, I am pretty sad coz I have just received news this morning that my dear friend Asther's dad has passed away a few days ago. My deepest condolences to Asther and her family. Take care Asther. Hugs!

Anyway, I am kinda unsure where I should be blogging. Where do you think I should blog? Should I move to my new blogging place or continue as usual back here at blogspot? You gotta let me know if you like me to maintain this blog.

Hope to hear what you think :) Take care and have a great week ahead!

First post elsewhere

2007-07-26T17:10:00.000+08:00

As part of my research about social networking site, I created a blog and start doing stuff in somewhere else to see how it works. So I decide to copy and paste my posts from there to here, since I don't have much time to blog anyway.

*** *** ***

To start the first blog is always the hardest.

Most of you already know I've got another blog in blogspot, which I barely update these days.

If I blog, it will be nothing but about work and sleep. These are what I do lately. Gone are my days of gallivanting around - climbing, diving, sneaking away to neighbouring countries , tv tv tv and plentiful of dinners and meet ups with friends.

Anyway, am going to Singapore tonite to meet my dear sister whom has not been back here for a while now. My whole family going too. Nice!

Hopefully there will be a next post in this blog section. I am lazy.

Updates from me again

2007-07-09T10:17:00.000+08:00

So many books to buy each time I step into a bookshop. It is scary to be in Kino. It is so tempting. There are tons of books I wish I could buy. The only problem is that I don't have that much of money to buy them. And of course, the time to read.

This is a book I wanna get for the longest time : Chasing Daylight: How My Forthcoming Death Transformed My Life by Gene O'Kelly. Somehow I always fail to remember the name when I am in a bookshop.

I have been coughing for about month now. It is so irritating. It disrupts my sleep. I am medication now, hoping it will go away real soon. No ice creams, no fruits and no cold drinks for me for now coz it seems that each time I ate or drank one of those, I cough more.

I ate too much "pan mee" these days. I love this noodle, but been eating it almost everyday. I still love my mom's pan mee the best.

My tummy is still bulging. Darn. It is awful esp when I wear baby tees. Must be too much "pan mee". Haha.

I must say that my teammates are bunch of bright, smart and progressive people. They are quick and assertive. Nope, they are not reading my blog, so I am not apple polishing. It is kinda intimidating for me. I kept doubting if I am cut to do this job. But it is good for my soul coz it is sorta like a wake up call and to stop my brain from rusting.

I am learning a lot from my current workplace too. Almost everything is teaching me something. And almost everyday is a learning process.

I miss climbing. I have not climb for ages. I must make time to climb. I must! I must! I must! My new resolution for the last 2 quarters of this year.

I finally watched Season 6 of The Shield, but only up to episode 5. It is really good, the plot is getting thicker. Just another 5 more episodes to go. Then I will start on Criminal Minds, which I have stopped for a long while.

I finished The Earl Season 2. It is such a feel good tv series. It make you laugh too.

I am writing these from work since morning. So, that's it folk. Time for me to pack my bag and go home.

p/s: Hi my dear Arizona, I got your email from Delphinus. It was sent to my old email id. I changed my job, so my email has changed. Luckily she forwarded it to me. I hope you'll know what I have been up to from my last few postings in this blog. And I miss you too. The wed gatherings is missing your presence. Send my best regards to your hubby too :)

Me randomly

2007-07-06T05:47:00.000+08:00

Shardy and Patrice are away in Cairns diving. Oh I am so so jealous.

I dunno them, but I sure like reading their blogs. Their writing always brighten up my days - karencheng.com.auand kennysia.com

I can't wait to the end of today. It has been my team's main priority to make today right and perfect since the first day I joined this company. I pray it will go well and we will get the approval.

Everything in life is bittersweet. You just can't have it all. It sure seems some have it all. Or maybe bitter don't bother them. I guess every bitterness we faced in life is a little step to build courage and agility, a time to acknowledge the blessings of sweetness around us and a moment for us to reflect on ourselves.

I forgot who has my "Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hoseini. I forgot who I lent it to. If you are reading this and you are having it, just sms me, k?

It may sound absurd...but don’t be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed...but won’t you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
It’s not easy to be me
I’m only a man
In a funny red sheet
I’m only a man
Looking for a dream
~ Superman by Five For Fighting

Maybe, sometimes, perhaps always, we want people around us to be a little more forgiving, a little less judgmental, a little more accepting of who we are. There is often more to us that what meets the eyes. Take a little time to discover or are we too distracted or too occupied to do so? Or is it the world we are living in now moves so fast that we keep running along and lack of time to dwelve in depth.

Sometimes I think I am weird. When I do, I feel I am all alone. I try to understand the whys and hows. I try to accomodate but inside me, it don't feel right. But I have no answers to the puzzles and I think I am weirder more than ever. Does it make me a freak if I often think and perceive things differently and that I have different aspirations from others? Maybe I am a really weird.

Are you reading or listening to anything nice at the moment? Care to share with me?

I bought a Mitch Albom book - For One More Day in the airport the other day. I almost finished it but I left the book in the plane. I am too careless.

These days, I kept missing everyone around me. I miss my dad, my sister, my mom, my ex colleagues, my close friends, my friends overseas, my climbing buddies, my diving buddies and my cousins. I will try to catch up with you all. I will try to call. I will try to write. And it would be really nice if you could call or write to me once in a while too.

About Web 2.0 and Online Social Networking

2007-07-05T05:40:00.000+08:00

Thought I share this in my blog too.

My new immediate boss emailed me this - "k*a, can you please provide some background info on social networking sites, what web2.0 means, what the latest developments in the online world are etc to CFO and COO please?"

So, based on what I have read and am reading now, as well as from the resources of the Internet, I mashed all the infos up and wrote the below for my bosses. Hope you'll enjoy reading it too.

*** *** ***

These 2 articles are pretty good to explain how the term web 2.0 is derived, what web 2.0 means and what it is all about. I needn't explain more :-)

http://www.paulgraham.com/web20.html
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html

This is my illustration of what is Social Networking Sites. Happy reading!

Social networking is an everyday thing which we human have been doing all along. We go to gatherings or parties or even business meeting to meet other people, meet our friends or make new friends. We call our friends or family to update about our lives or to keep in touch. We go on holiday, we take photos. When we are home again, we write to our friends to inform them about our trips. We send photos too.

Now everyone can perform all the above through the Internet. That is what social networking sites are all about. There are specific social networking sites for specific activities such as blogging, photos, favourite links, videos, etc. And there are social networking sites that provide all these functions for its members such as MySpace, Friendster, MSN Live Spaces, etc.

For e.g. Flicker.com is a site where people store, share and organize photos. It is so simple. With the advancement of digital camera and cheap yet huge storage card, everyone can be a pro in photography. We no longer worry if we have sufficient film rolls. We are not limited by the 36 pieces per roll. So we tend to be trigger happy, camera that is.

We often have hundreds of photos after a holiday trip. Isn't it so convenient that we can just post them all up online and share with all friends and family? We save money from printing hard copy of photos, which are to be given away or burning them ito CDs for our friends or family. Through these photos sites, we can easily allow access to view the photos only to people we know. We can even sell some of our artistic shots online and make some money.

One of the biggest social networking elements is Blog. Blogspot.com and Wordpress.com are examples of sites where people can write about almost anything. Let me illustrate how big is Blogging in this current time.

Blog is such a mania. People are blogging shamelessly about their private lives. It is like an online diary for some. They blog about what they eat, what they see/hear, what they think, about their dreams, their hopes, their fears, their lack of lives, their anger, their frustrations and about their alter ego.

It is speculated that a blog is created in every second. At this moment, it is estimated that there are 60 mil blogs in the cyberspace and by 2010, there will be 500 million blogs. They have become authority in opinions from arts, politics to health and culture. Blogs have became so infinite that it blurs what's true and what's false Most kids are unable to differentiate between credible news written by professional journalist than what they read on kennysia.com. Kenny Sia is a celebrity blogger and he resides in Kuching. He is such a hit and most blog readers love him. I think people might have withdrawal symptoms if he stop blogging.

Another big Web 2.0 thing is Wikipedia. It is an online encyclopaedia where anyone can publish just about anything from apple to zoology. It is estimated that more than 15,000 contributors have 3 millions entries in over hundred over languages. Mind you, none of these are vetted or edited for accuracy. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are estimated to surf to Wikipedia for information. The contents of Wikipedia is trusted by readers, although it has no experts or editors.

And let's not forget You Tube. All of us have, one way or another, view at least 1 video clips from You Tube. The video (via a hyperlink) could be sent to you through email by your friends. You Tube is definitely a haven for amateur videos. It is estimated that 65,000 videos are uploaded to You Tube and 60 mil video clips are being watched per day. Most of the videos you get through You Tubes are absurb and it is again an infinite gallery of people showing off themselves. Well, actually you can almost watch anything through You Tube.

Through a more diverse social networking sites such as Friendster or Mutiply, users can easily do all the above and store them in one area, in their own personal pages, created by themselves for themselves. And share all of their blogs, photos, videos, music, etc with friends or anyone they want.

It is pretty common these days, if you asked someone how his /her holiday trip was, he/she will reply - "Hey just go to my blog or my Mutiply to read about it. Oh btw, I have posted up my photos too. Go check them out!"

That's what online Social Networking is like these days. It is no longer just about publishing, but it is participation. It is not about what the experts say anymore, but it is about you, me and everyone - all free to express ourselves, free to share, to connect, to comment and to communicate - all through the Internet, quite easily too. It is an extremely democratic ecosystem.

Alright, that's all folks, think I will copy this and paste it to my blog and share it with my friends :-)

*** *** ***

I didn't mention all the virtual world sites that are mushrooming these days. A place for you to escape, to do things you can't in your real life. A second life for you. And there is a site called Secondlife.com. Really, you can do almost anything you want there - further your studies, be a pop idea, run a succesful business and even fulfil your wildest sexual fantasies.

Anyway, wiki away anything you want to know ;)

My post on my trip to Hanoi

2007-07-04T05:21:00.000+08:00

This was an old post which I saved as draft since 25 May 07. It is unfinished, but I doubt I remember much about my trip now. I am a goldfish. Besides, all the photos which I took in Hanoi are no longer in my pc and they were stored away in another storage area.

I know that I have not been blogging, sorry again. I am not on a hiatus or having any blogging block. Just that I have been too busy with new work and when I am free, I want to be away from my pc.

But I really miss all my friends, family and my carefree days - I have so little time to go around and keeping in touch. So I guess blogging is even the better way to update all my friends about me and my thoughts.

-----

Before I move on to a new work, I cleared all my leave in the current company. 6 days to Manado in Feb. Another 6 days to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Here are some photos to share with you.

Under the blazing sun, on a steel boat rowed by the local, with the companion of ducks, along the canal to Perfume Pagoda. Took a day tour to visit Perfume Pagoda. It is about 2 hours bus ride outta Hanoi city, then another hour via this steel boat and a 15 mins ride on a cable car - all just to visit a temple in a cave and the Perfume Pagoda.

Junks resting in the calm Halong Bay

The gold sky illuminating the tranquil emerald bay of Halong. The 2days/1 nite tour to Halong Bay, where you can stay in a self-sufficient junk on the calm bay, is good for the soul. Nice break away from the honkings and messy streets of Hanoi.

The rather fascinating interior of the Song Sot Cave in Halong Bay. Huge cave with really nice formations. Nice and cool inside. This photo do no justice to the view you behold in the cave

We are being rowed into 3 caves through the boat ride in Tam Coc. It was another day tour to Tam Coc and Hua Lu. Another 2 and half hours bus ride outta Hanoi city. The the boat ride was really pleasant, due to the nice cool breeze and sunless sky. It seemed like it was going to rain but it didn't. The scenery is nice coz the canal is surrounded by green padi fields on both side. But the boatmen harrased you to buy their goods, mostly embroidery products

Vast green padi fields in a Thai decesdant village.

At the border between China and Vietnam. Apparently this crossing between these 2 countries has just been recently opened, which has helped to forge a strong trading ties.

A group of Black H'mong ladies with children near the marketplace in Sapa town. They are very enterprising - persuasive in selling their crafts and silvers (the cheap stuff are actually steel that are made to look like silver). Some even can converse in English.

Playing football at a square in the middle of Sapa town. It wass pretty cool weather during my visit there>?

Sapa is breathtaking. Everywhere you'll see valleys and hills.

Up the wall and down in the sea

2007-04-19T15:11:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, it was an adventure weekend.

Some of my friends were roasting themselves under the Sunday sun while molesting and grabbing the Damai walls in Batu Caves.

Eileen, the power girl on the rock
Very agile Renee, up up and away
Them climbing. Nice wall. One day I wanna try too

Meanwhile, across the Banjaran Titiwangsa, I was breathing O2 while going in and out of swim-throughs in the waters of Tioman.

Patrice and me posing underwater
Shardy and Patrice - the air guzzler :D
Shardy got whacked by me :P

I have no idea when is my next diving trip. Sad :(

And I have yet to be able to lead. And nowadays, not even able to do a 6a route.

Feel good profiler

2007-04-18T10:17:00.000+08:00

Renee and Delphinus did this. I like what I read bout them. So I tried too. Here is mine.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Go try create yours too and share it with me and your friends :)

p/s: This is not an ad ;)

Dearest Arizona and David - Congratulations!!!

2007-04-10T09:46:00.000+08:00

Over the weekend, my dear friend, Arizona got married to her Prince Charming, David. If you see both of them, you would agree with me that they are a match made in heaven. Love kinda sizzles around them when they are together.

Arizona and David - A very huge congratulations to both of you! May your love for each other grows deeper and more everyday. May you find peace and joy among each other, in good and bad times. Take good care of each other!

I miss you both dearly and hoping that one day our path will crossed again.

Here is a pix of them...

Rainbows, The Holiday and Jude Law

2007-04-09T05:07:00.000+08:00

I promised to upload these last week. But I didn't. My bad. Anyway, here they are...

It was drizzling very lightly as we are leaving the village around the jetty to Lembeh Straits towards Manado town. And we spotted the rainbows. Can you see both of the rainbow?

A quote from the movie "The Holidays" starring Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black and Cameron Diaz.

"I've found almost everything ever written about love to be true. Shakespeare said "Journeys end in lovers meeting." What an extraordinary thought. Personally, I have not experienced anything remotely close to that, but I am more than willing to believe Shakespeare had. I suppose I think about love more than anyone really should. I am constantly amazed by its sheer power to alter and define our lives. It was Shakespeare who also said "love is blind". Now that is something I know to be true. For some quite inexplicably, love fades; for others love is simply lost. But then of course love can also be found, even if just for the night. And then, there's another kind of love: the cruelest kind. The one that almost kills its victims. Its called unrequited love. Of that I am an expert. Most love stories are about people who fall in love with each other. But what about the rest of us? What about our stories, those of us who fall in love alone? We are the victims of the one sided affair. We are the cursed of the loved ones. We are the unloved ones, the walking wounded. The handicapped without the advantage of a great parking space! Yes, you are looking at one such individual. And I have willingly loved that man for over three miserable years! The absolute worst years of my life! The worst Christmas', the worst Birthday's, New Years Eve's brought in by tears and valium. These years that I have been in love have been the darkest days of my life. All because I've been cursed by being in love with a man who does not and will not love me back. Oh god, just the sight of him! Heart pounding! Throat thickening! Absolutely can't swallow! All the usual symptoms."
~ Iris (Kate Winslet)

"It doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. and how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. and you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little peices of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade."
~ Iris (Kate Winslet)

I think Jude Law is really cute. Aww...

Updates from me

2007-04-04T10:27:00.000+08:00

Hello.

I was silent. Sorry. I was hit by the no-mood-and-no-inspiration-blog syndrome again. I have no idea on what to write. I have nothing significant or exciting to post, while some of my friends are making money outta blogging.

I shall rewind my life from today to last month and share what I can still remember. It is gonna be boring and long. It is about non-important things I did. Be patient or click x at the top right.

Today
My boss' birthday too. Bought books for him from all us. Other than that, I don't care.

I had migraine again. You've heard this from me way too many times. Others report about their PMS. I report on my migraine. Which is worse? Migraine or PMS?

Shardy, the dark lord. Been a long time since I seek wisdom from him. I gotta meet up with him soon. I am not avoiding you, Shardy. You've got my stuff and money. I am a chinese, I will get 'em from you, that's for sure. LOL.

Am meeting with Chinoz and Bobo tonight for dinner at Angel. Very Charlie's Angel. 3 females.

And talking about meeting ups, I miss my Ting Ting. Hope to catch up with you and everyone at home real soon!

Yesterday
Had dinner with Delphinus, Orion and Laura at Orion's place. Orion cooked spaghetti with pesto sauce, made salad with balsamic vinegar/olive oil dressing. Very nice. Very Sex in the City. 4 females. Not desperate housewives!

Smewwy gave me a really nice fish keychain for a special day. I like it very much. Thanks very much. It is a regal angel fish, I reckon, which mostly found commonly among reefs.

Witness a very rude customer towards a customer service at Kinokuniya, KLCC. Story below...

CS wrapping books I bought for my boss.
A guy, big chinese guy, with messy beard, threw about 8 thin books of children's story books onto my books.
So I turned around, wonder who the heck is that. CS stopped wrapping, lightly jolted, looked up and asked, "Open?"
Big guy said, with irritation in his voice, "Yeah, you got a problem with that?"
CS looked confused and replied, "No".
CS teared away all the shrink wrapper around the books and passed all of them to Big guy.
Big guy snarled rudely, "If I am white, it will be different treatment, right?"
CS already very confused, get more confused, "Huh? .... No."
Big guy snarled again, louder and ruder, "If my wife is here, different treatment"
CS really really confused, "What?"
Big guy said, "White skin are treated better, right? You are so rude!"
CS was shocked and confused. Me there stood in perplex, "What the..." ringing in my head. He is the rude one, a unreasonable rude person.
CS turned to her fellow colleagues and asked, "Eh, apa dia cakap ni? His wife, apa?"
Big guy already moved 2 metres away, turned around and shouted, "What are saying about me?"
CS bravely replied, "No, I didn't say anything" and continue wrapping my books.
I spoke to CS and asked if it is common to have rude customers. Big guy glared at us. I looked away.

He probably thought he was superior and that we were afraid and CS was rude. Honestly, I just hate to create trouble especially with a prick like him. All this happen with his son and wife around. Gosh, what is happening to us?

Last weekend
Had a wonderful getaway over the weekend with my LP8 friends in Palace Beach and Spa Resort. We rented the Royal Suite. The toilet was huge, it can fit 2 Mahjong tables.

On friday nite, ate and sang all night long with climbing buddies organised by the two sweets - Rene and YJ. Hamtaro aka Totoro was funny, as usual, in our group. One person was very enthusiastic. Rene has a really cute voice when she sings. Many can sing, I am impressed. I can't sing but I can eat :P

In March
Was busy with work for about 2 weeks, lotsa deskbound work. Very mundane.

Been in and out of a chinese physiotherapist for about 3 weeks to treat the numbness on my thumb and first finger. He said it was Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Sounds like Karpal Singh. It is still numb and I have gotten used to it.

We celebrated the birthdays of my niece, Amanda and her little brother, Dylan. Nice food from Pelita Nasi Kandar.

It was also Asther's and Delphinus' birthday on this month (March). Very Happy Birthday to both of you.

Other than that, I don't remember much what has happened in March.

In last week of Feb
Went back to Melaka for CNY celebration with my family. I am still eligible collected angpaus. That was nice. I didn't collect much though, only around RM500 something. The most important was to able to spend time with my family. Luckily my sister is married to someone who lives very near our home in Melaka, just 10 minutes drive away.

Right after CNY, I went to Singapore to fly to Manado, North Sulawesi to dive in Bunaken and Lembeh Straits with Shardy, Asther and Raymond. The trip was 8 days and it wasn't expensive. The accomodation was very basic and to some, might not be pleasant.

I simply love the breeze in Lembeh Island that passed through the straits. It was very relaxing like lullabies. The wind was cooling too, all these explain why I am always sleepy there. Hats off to the friendly staff. The dive guides put extra effort to find us stuff to see.

It was muck diving in Lembeh and I must say, the straits was brimming with life. Critters everywhere, despite the dark dirty sandy bottom with no corals or reefs, but rubbish as it is nearer to the shore of the main land. Diving there was amazing. Every dive was excellent, with lots to explore.

We then transferred to Bunaken. There, it was wall diving. Beautiful, abundant and unspoilt colourful corals, but very little marine life. The dive guide showed us turtle and we weren't excited. The weather in Bunaken was hot and we were sweaty all the time.

Anyway, we decided to leave Bunaken earlier and went back to Manado to pamper ourselves with spa and massages. It was a great trip coz I saw so many cool stuff underwater - it is all worth it! Thanks to Asther whom had organised this. She was often worried if we are unhappy and dissatisfied. But rest assured, it was great diving there.

To see pix of all of the cool stuff we have seen there, mostly in Lembeh Straits and Bunaken, click on this : Asther's Blog and Shardy's Photo. The took amazingly beautiful photos. I love 'em.

Alrighty, that's all I can think of for now. Tomorrow, I will update a pix of double rainbow I took in a village as we are driving away to Manado. And also some quotes from the movie - The Holiday which can be quite truthful.

Songs for V Day :)

2007-02-14T15:33:00.000+08:00

Here's a dedication for those hopeful and looking singles...

Let there be him,
Let there be you.
Let there be oysters
Under the sea.

Let there be wind,
An occassional rain.
Chile con carne,
Sparkling champagne

Let there be birds
To sing in the trees,
Someone to bless you
Whenever you sneeze.

Let there be cuckoos,
A lark and a dove,
But first of all, please
Let there be love.

*** *** ***

And from Tina Turner for those who think love is overated...

What's love got to do, got to do with it
What's love but a second hand emotion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
What's love but a sweet old fashioned notion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.

Toilet white lies

2007-02-14T14:38:00.000+08:00

From the next toilet cubicle from mine.

I could hear a mobile phone went off.

Woman whispering loudly, "Hello...I am in a meeting. Call you back later"

A brief silence.

Woman whispering loudly again, "Ya, same to you. Bye"

Some bustling sound of clothing material, continued by a toilet flush.

Door clicked. I guess she l left.

Oh, I wanted to laugh so badly but nobody knew I was there, so invisible, I stayed on.

As I maunder...

2007-02-06T09:56:00.000+08:00

~ I love Kurmas ~

I ate a lot of kurmas the past 2 days.

They are so yummylicious and sweet. I like. My colleague bought it from Mekkah.

If you like dates, next time anyone you know go to Mekkah or Saudi Arabia, ask them you to get Ruthab Sukkari kormas. You can get these from Bin Dawood supermarkets.

*** *** ***

~ Twitching Eyes ~

My eyes twitched both sides. Superstitions says that if your eyes twitched that means you will meet friends from afar and not seen for a long time. Voila! Banker, Paul and Gary called today. Co-incidence or is the superstition true?

*** *** ***

~ Angel : New Eating Place in Bangsar ~

If you think eating in Bangsar Baru is expensive, I agree with you. Eating a simple dish of briyani rice with fried chicken and sirap rose in Nirwana Maju can blast your wallet.

Delphinus and I stumbled into a quiet cafe and bakery called Angel last week. It is at the same row with Nirwana Maju. There is only 2 customers and we didn't have high expectations.

However, I am glad to say that the food is pretty delicious and not expensive. They serve dishes like Spaghetti Aglio Olio with mushroom, Mushroom Bruschettas, Burgers, Rice with choices like Black pepper chicken/Honey Mayo Chicken and Nyonya Curry Laksa, ranging from RM 6 - 8. They also have dessert like chocolate fudge cake with ice cream which cost only RM5.50.

*** *** ***

~ Movies ~

Cinta - a must watch movie. It is a story bout 5 types of love - Unggul, Romantis, Abadi, Sepenuh Jiwa and Tulus. In my humble opinion, it is a pretty good movie. It made me cry or it could be that I easily cry. You might somehow associate yourself to one of the 5 love stories.

Watch Blood Diamond even if you dislike Leonardo DiCaprio. And maybe, it will make you more aware when you buy diamonds. In America and those who can afford diamonds, it's bling bling. But out there in Africa, it's bling bang. People die, villages destroyed and children go into war.

*** *** ***

~ Eat, eat and Eat ~

Lotsa dinners/lunch gathering whole of this month.

From Pulau Ketam to Bangsar Seafood, La La Chong, Cyberview Lodge Resort, Overseas Chinese Restaurant and Maju Palace.

My tummy is just gonna be fatter and my wallet thinner. But I can't resist Yee Sang.

*** *** ***

~ Surech, U r de Man! ~

My climbing friend, Surech is in the news. He is the first Malaysian to climb Ama Dablam, which is a very difficult route – even more challenging than the ascent of Everest itself.

Read more here

Hey Surech, we are really proud and amazed by you!

*** *** ***

~ My dream ~

I want to join Amazing Race Asia. But can't think of a right partner. My biggest weakness - I can't read maps. But I will jump despite my fear of heights.

I wonder if my boss will approve my leave of 13 weeks. Hmm...

Tagged by Delphinus

2007-01-25T13:17:00.000+08:00

Tagged by Delphinus. I think I did this before, or maybe I read it from other people's blog, ain't sure.

I thought of not doing it at all, until I saw Dark Lord's blog. He did it so I better not let Delphi down. So here it goes...

Part 1: On the Outside
Name : Lee Cheau Lin, Jennifer
Date of Birth : 30 July 1971
Current Status : Migraine & blocked nose on the right side - feeling like crap :(
Eye Colour : Dark brown, almost black
Hair Colour : Dark brown under the sun, otherwise black
Righty or Lefty : Righty
Zodiac Sign : Leo

Part 2: On the Inside
Your Heritage : Chinese
Your Fear : Lizards
Your Weakness: Very old people begging for money or doing labour job
Your Perfect Pizza : Thin crust, mushroom, pineapple and bacon bits.

Part 3: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
Your thoughts first waking up : Ok, that's just a dream
Your bedtime : 11pm - 12.30pm
Your most missed memory : B

Part 4: Your Pick
Pepsi or Coke : Neither. Ribena.
McDees or Burger King : Burger King
Single or Group Dates : Single
Adidas or Nike : Both
Lipton Tea or Nestea : Neither
Chocolate or Vanilla : Neither
Cappucino or Coffee : Neither

Part 5: Do You...
Smoke : No
Curse : Sometimes

Part 6: In the Past Month
Drank alcohol : No
Gone to the mall : Yup
Been on stage : Nope
Eaten sushi : No
Dyed your hair : No

Part 7: Have You Ever?
Played a stripping game : No
Changed who you were to fit in : Yes

Part 8 : Marrriage
Age you're hoping to be married : 28 or 30

Part 9: In A Guy/Girl
Best Eye colour : brown or green
Hair colour : Dark
Short or long hair : Short

Part 10: What Were You Doing?
1 minute ago : Answering this
1 hour ago : Eating lunch
4 1/2 hours ago : Multitasking - chatting to my sister on yahoo and working
1 month ago : Missed Christmas mass, went to Leonard's home for Christmas lunch & met the climbing gang in Ikano
1 year ago : At work. Chatting with Lady Luthien.

Part 11: Finish The Sentence
I love : diving, travelling, movies and tv series
I feel : bland
I hate : ciggies smoke
I hide : my depressive moments
I miss : B
I need : money

OK - here comes the inevitable mind virus part...

Part 12: Tag 5 People
1) Renee of The Infamous Silly(s)
2) Chinoz of Ramble
3) Bobo of Insights to a Bimbo's mind
4) Heavenly Sublime of Here on Earth
5) Mat Keropok of *Dish* *Bish*

For Asther

2007-01-23T14:39:00.000+08:00

May this moment of despair fade away,
replaced by blessings, trust and hope...

Blessings that brings love, unity and strength
upon you and your family,

Trust that God will make all things
right if we surrender to His Will,

Hope that is seed to all glad tidings and
miracles,

May serenity, courage and wisdom
be with you and your family.

May all of our prayers be answered and granted.

May your daddy be well again.

Tapestry of Faces

2007-01-17T17:47:00.000+08:00

Tapestry of Images out of Siem Reap

2007-01-17T15:55:00.000+08:00

Orion recommended to visit Banteay Srey. It is indeed beautiful as she mentioned, see pix below. The Apsara authorities (the ones managing the entry to all the ruins all over Cambodia) are planning to impose a timed visit for each tourist due to the size of the ruins. It is very small compared to the ones in Angkor Area. It took less than 2 hours to arrive here from Angkor Wat. It was a scenic journey, passing through villagers and padi fields. The tuk tuk had to stop to let a big pig with black and white patches like dalmations to cross the road. I thought that was funny. The pig strided away really quick.

It was a super dusty road to travel from Banteay Srey to Kbal Spean, just like cowboy town. It is about 2 hours trip with tuk tuk. It could be the longest trip of your life due to the constant brown cloud of dust whenever a car or lorry passes by. I was brown all over when I reached the hotel at the end of the trip. When I sneezed, it was brown phelgm. When I showered, the water was brown. I showered twice. Orion suggested taxi but tuk tuk was cheaper. Frankly, take a taxi, now that I know better.

From Kbal Spean, you can trek through a jungle about 40 mins to the River of Thousand Lingas where the river beds and rocks around it have carvings, There is a small waterfall with clear clean water. It was a nice and easy trek. Two Koreans and a Indochine tourists wore heels to trek. I was so impressed.

On the way back from Kbal Spean, a detour to Banteay Samre. After a while, most ruins look pretty alike, or they just become a bunch of rocks or rumbles. In fact, the design and architecture of all the ruins are very uniform, as if they have to adhere standard code.

Visit the Water Village on Tonle Sap if you wanna see how some of the Cambodians live. It is a boat ride which cost USD15 per pax. I think it is expensive. The boatmen is only paid USD10 per month. So, if you have a dollar to spare, you can tip him. It is very depressing there, watching the lives of the villagers. People live in very small hut made of attaps. I mean it when I say small. It is so small, like the size of a bathroom of an condominium.

The water of the river is very muddy (brown) and smelly. This is the water the villages used to drink, bathe, wash and fish. The boat trip will stop at a place where you can eat, see crocodiles, visit a pathetic fish museum which showcases the fishes that can be found in the lake and also watch a girl feeding small fishes to a bunch of vicious huge fishes.

On the boat, along the muddy river.

A home. This is one of the better and bigger ones.

Villagers buying and selling vegetables and supplies.

The hut. Isn't it small? It is very sad to see the condition. It is really bad and poor.

A school. Most school here were built through donations for e.g. from the Japanese or Korean or French government.

Fishercouple beating the net to remove some small silver fish. Not as small as ikan bilis, maybe the size of a gold fish, but flat.

A Catholic Church. Must be one of the missionary churches.

Moving house. Literally moving the house, no kidding. Note the entire frame of house on the lorry. I guess they don't much, do they?

Truly, it was a pretty adventurous trip, which I did walk a lot everyday. It was enlightening too. It reminded me how lucky and blessed I am. Most of us here are. Here, we don't see ten or twenty kids without shoes and dirty clothes begging you to buy knick-knacks from them. Or eating too much bons bons from tourists when they hardly ever know about dental hygiene. There, this is their life when they are suppose to be in schools.

Tapestry of Angkor Wat

2007-01-17T14:46:00.000+08:00

Part Five : The Angkor Wat.

When you arrive to the Angkor Wat, you will understand why it is so famous. It is very impressive, very huge and grand. It is still very well preserved, perhaps because it is the last few ruins of Angkor Area.

The famous pinnacles of Angkor Wat. I think there are 5 of them, but if you looking at them parallel, you can only see 3 of them.

Can't get a panaromic view of Angkor Wat. Look at the amount of tourist there!

A view from the top of Angkor Wat. Note the outermost wall. That's how far to walk from the entrance up to here. This is place is huge.

The bright moon over the darkening sky above Angkor Wat. I was happy to see it gleeming brightly coz moon is always special to me.

Bas-reliefs of Apsaras (what else?!) on walls.

Waiting and watching the sunrise over the Angkor Wat among hundreds of Japanese and Koreans tourist from 5.30am. The locals will bring if you a chair if you buy a glass of coffee from them for USD1. Otherwise, you can just stand. The chair is pretty useless if you are not sitting on the first row. But the coffee will keep you awake.

Waterlilies blooming as the sunrises on the pond outside the wall of Angkor Wat.

The sun shining brightly. Time to leave Angkor Wat as the next destination from here is to Banteay Srey, about an hour and half away.

Between watching a sunset and sunrise over Angkor Wat, I prefer sunrise. Don't miss it if you are there although you might need to wake up really early.

Next 2 posts will be pix of people and from all over Siem Reap. But as for Angkor Area, that's all of the 5 parts and I hope you enjoy reading and viewing the photos.

If you wanna know more, let me know. Otherwise, the Internet has pretty good resources and information on visiting all the ruins and Siem Reap as a whole.

Tapestry of Sights of Tah Phrom

2007-01-17T13:30:00.000+08:00

Part Four : Which is more famous - the enveloping trees or the ruins of Tah Phrom?

Here at Tah Phrom, the trees are the highlights. Actually to be accurate, it is the roots of the trees that people will wanna look at and take photos of. I am one of them!

Enjoy the trees against a bright blue sky, before we see roots and more roots.

Here come the roots - swallowing/enveloping/embracing/chocking/strangling the ruins.

This gotta to be the most famous tree/roots in Tah Phrom, and prolly most photographed object too of Angkor area besides Angkor Wat.

This root, according to the tour guide to a bunch of tourists from Taiwan, which I overheard, is like the body of a snake but without its head.

More roots again...

Something different than roots found in Tah Phrom. Something that looks like "batu giling" (grinder) which my grandma used to grind soya bean to make soya bean juice, or rice to make rice powder.

And a nice carving on the wall which I like, of which you can see everywhere as well.

So enough proofs to show that roots are the main actor in Tah Phrom. I like this site too. You can walk around its perimeter which is pretty serene and it is quieter as there are less tourists. Perhaps, you can catch an occasional tired tourist taking a break or an artiste sketching away.

Next post - Angkor Wat! (the name speak for itself)

Tapestry of Sights of Angkor Thom

2007-01-17T11:42:00.000+08:00

Part Three - Inside Angkor Thom

The largest complex consisting of several famous ruins - Bayon - Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Prasat Suor Prat and many more.

You could spend half a day here or simply two hours depending on your interests. If you love photography, probably you will like it here. Needless to mention, there are too many tourists here, so that could be a hassle when it comes to photography, unless you love photographing people.

Outside the ruins, there are stalls selling sourvenirs, paintings and the everywhere-you-can-get Angkor Wat t-shirts which cost USD5 for 4 of them. You can find lotsa food stalls too where you can have a lunch break. Don't forget to treat your tuk-tuk driver to lunch or drinks coz they will spending the entire day waiting while you explore each ruins and driving you from one ruins to another.

Here are some photos...

Entering the Bayon... this is where Delphinus reminded me to take lotsa photos of the Buddha heads. Delphi, I dedicate all photos of Bayon and the heads to you :)

Long corridor with low door frame creating a sense of maze around the ruins. It kinda make the explorations of the ruins really exciting.

Ruins at Bayon. Note the headless body on the left.

Very well preserved bas-reliefs of Apsaras (celestials nymph) dancing on pillars of Bayon.

A close up face of Avelokitesvara of Bayon. Too many heads in Bayon and after a while, they get a bit too much.

The carving of Apsaras statues here and everywhere, at most ruins of Angkor areas. Note the statues are bare-chested :P

4 faces of Avelokitesvara peering through every nook and corner of Bayon.

Into Phimeanakas and steeps steps up.

Walls surounding Baphuon. Entry is not allowed on weekend as it is going through restoration works.

Out of Phimeanakas, you will come to an open space overlooking to the Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King as well the Prasat Suor Prat (12 Towers) across the road. It can be a bit hot as there is no shade. And coz by the time you explored and reach here, it is almost early noon time.

From here you can exit through the Victory gate to explore other ruins around Angkor area. From here on too, you will prolly find most ruins kinda look a like except for the ever famous Angkor Wat.

Next post : Which is more famous - the enveloping trees or the ruins of Tah Phrom?

Tapestry of Sights of Angkor Area

2007-01-17T10:21:00.000+08:00

Part Two - Wonders of the Angkor Archaelogical Park: Entering Angkor Thom

You have not come to Siem Reap if you do not visit the temples. There are many temples but if you are there for 3 or 4 days, I guess you gotta see some of the "Must-see" temples such as Angkor Wat (what else), Bayon and Tah Phrom.

Passes are required to enter the Angkor area for foreigners. You can buy it at the entrance for 1 (US$20), 3 (US$40), or 7 (US$60) consecutive days. Bring a passport size photo of yourself coz you'll need it for the 3 and 7 day passes. You can have your photos taken for free but why waste time queing to take the photo among busloads of Japanese or Koreans tourists. You gotta carry your pass with you at all times coz they will check before you are allowed to enter the ruins sites.

Below is a pix from a tuk-tuk, on the way to Angkor Thom on a pretty cold morning and well shaded by big trees on both sides of the road. Note that every tuk tuk driver has a number. Make sure you get a tuk tuk driver that can speak English otherwise, you'll get a grinning driver whenever you talk to him.

Here's a map where you can systmatically visit most of ruins in the Angkor area in a day from sunrise to sunset. Maybe very tiring but hey, it is an adventure. It is very simple to read. Just click on it to a bigger version.

The routes taken to visit the ruins :
Entering Angkor Thom through South Gate (Visit Bayon - Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Prasat Suor Prat).

Exiting Angkor Thom through Victory Gate - Chau Say Thevada - Thommanon - Ta Keo - Tah Phrom - Banteay Kdei - Sras Srang - Pre Rup - East Mebon - Ta Som - Krol Ko - Neak Pean - Preah Kahn - Phnom Bakheng - Angkor Wat.

Entering Angkor Thom through the south gate.

As you ride across the bridge which crosses the moat surrounding Angkor Thom, check out both sides of the bridge - big stone carved mens carrying Naga's body, I guessed only.

You can choose to ride the elephant from the south gate to Bayon which is inside the Angkor Thom complex. It is USD10 per pax.

Once inside the complex, you can explore several ruins which I wrote above. Click on the map below for enlarged view. You must visit Bayon at least. One of my favourite ruins and also very photogenic site. If you have seen the photos of the Heads of Buddha (actually Avelokitesvara heads facing NSEW with 4 different expressions), that's Bayon!

Next Post - Inside Angkor Thom

P/S: Those 2 maps of Angkor area are from Canby Publications which I took from the Internet. They are really useful to help tourist to explore the area.

Tapestry of Sights from Siem Reap

2007-01-17T09:18:00.000+08:00

Part One - In the heart of Siem Reap

If you wonder where is Siem Reap, here is a map of Indochina. Most time, just say Angkor Wat and most people will know where Siem Reap is instaneously. Siem Reap means "Defeated Siam" by the Khmer? I think that's what it meant.

The streets of Siem Reap...a bit like Haatyai. Eer, maybe Haatyai is bit more advanced. Most shops along the road are tourist related. Cafes, Pubs, Tours Operators, Internet Cafes, etc.

The popular Psar Chas (Old Market), where you can buy artifacts and tourist junk. Or even antiques, which may be fakes. If it is real, it could be stolen. On one side of the Psar Chas is wet market, a bit like Malaysian wet market. BTW, watering holes are near the Psar Chas. Sitting and drinking in one of the cafes or pubs while people watching can be quite fun too.

Alternatively, you can shop in Psar Kandal (Center Market), where you can find an eclectic collection of clothes and trinkets which of course you have to bargain down to only 35% of the prices. Most shops/stalls sell the same stuff, so move on to the next if the price does not meet what you wanna pay. I don't have a pix of Psar Kandal, sorry.

Tuk tuks waiting near Psar Chas. You can hop in and out anywhere easily. Just make sure the fare is fair. The seats can be pretty comfy for short distances.

Besides shopping, you can watch the Apsara dance - the Khmer Classical Dance, while enjoying a buffet dinner which may cost USD12 per pax. Some 5 stars hotel charges USD25. Apsarases are celestial nymph. For more information of the Apsara dance, click here

Next post - Wonders of Angkor Archaelogical Park

My 2 weeks into the new year

2007-01-16T11:05:00.000+08:00

It is half a month into the new year. Happy New Year everyone! Hope things have been great with everyone.

As for me, so far so good. Can't complain at all. At least I am dry and not sitting in a big pool of muddy water! Talking bout that, please pray for the flood victims and please donate to them. Even a little from everyone will be a lot combined.

I haven't blog for a while. I blamed the slow Internet. And a bit of me being lazy. And a wee bit due to being busy at work. And maybe, a bit outta juice and mood to blog.

2 weeks into the new year... 2 silly incindents happened to me. They say these things come in 3? Yikes! Touch wood.

First I dropped my little pouch that consists of my name cards, my RHB dot com card and my office door touch card into the toilet hole one late evening. I tried to retrive the pouch but to no avail. I shall not disclose the process, coz it might gross you out. Everyone has gone home. Thus, I was locked out of the office, with just the toilet key! No phone, no money, no nothing! I could only remember 3 tel nos - my home, my Melaka home and B's. Luckily Smewwy save the day! Good thing is that I could laughed at myself.

Secondly, my sandals broke this morning as I was walking to work. I nearly had to walk barefooted! Luckily I had a piece of wire (those you find on cables when you unpacked, say a pair new speakers or headphones) in my bag, which i tied my shoes up. Voila, I could walk, at least to my office! Luckily again, I got a pair of slipper in office.

Meantime, my office's spoons are vanishing every other day. The cleaner said she don't know where they are. I think we are having the same problem like those airlines are facing.

Have not dived (or dove, not sure which is correct verb to use) since Oct last year. Have not climbed either. Haven't watch any tv series too. After a while of not doing any of these, I kinda feel ok now, not missing them much anymore.

Anyway, I booked my flight to Manado last nite to dive there in Feb after much harassments on Shardy - the Dark Lord. I was desperate to get him to go as well so that I can buy cheaper flight tix on Silk Air, coz if you buy tix for 2 before today, you save RM500 each!!! Seems like I want him to come so that I could save money, but hey, he can fly cheaper too, try out his new macro lens and I am his caddy above land and underwater. So pretty good deal for the Dark Lord.

After watching the gang climbed last nite, I am so far behind now. I can't even lift my feet up while hanging on the holds! Am back to square one now! Meanwhile, I shall admire my palm without callouses for a bit now.

This morning I found a really long strand of hair on my bed. I have short hair. I matched that strand of hair to my hair on my head, and it is much longer. No one with long hair was in my room since a long time - I can't even remember when. I wonder whose hair is it. Scary, innit?

Next post I will put up photos from Siem Reap.

Snap shots - Dec 06

2006-12-26T14:53:00.000+08:00

Christmas @ 1U

Big tall trees. If I could have one of this at home.
Colourful and shining baubles. I can be vaguely be seen on it.
Mickey & Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck were around too, spreading joy to kids.

Candidates for Santa's reindeers
(Delphinus was the red horn supplier)

Random pix

Orangy Bronzy sky after a shower during dusk
Two of my closest friends - Delphinus and Shardy (now prefer to be called as The Dark Lord?!?!)

Snap shots - Nov 06

2006-12-26T11:27:00.000+08:00

Lil' sis' big day :)

The fruit cake baked and decorated by mom. Very yummy so rich with rum and dried fruits. Peek closely on the photo frame to see photo of my sister and her hubby.

The wedding car. Decorated by the groom himself. Simple and nice.

My nephew, Dylan at 8 mths old

He is affectionally known as 'Chubby'. If you see his thighs, you just wanna squeeze him. Very geram...

LP8 gathering at Chin Nan's wedding

Well done Chin Nan. This is the biggest turn up of LP8 members, well, unfortunately, not everyone that came is in the pix. Nicest food of all the wedding dinners I have attended!

Blue Melaka sky

Clear blue sky of a late morning in Melaka. Check out the high antenna - many many years ago, we need that to watch Singapore's TV channels.

Logan & Megan's 1st birthday

It's Logan & Megan's birthday, but I think the adults had more fun. Really nice Thai home cooked dishes!
This is Megan! So cute
Logan. You can melt at the way he look into you. BTW, Megan & Logan are twins.
The double twins at the birthday party. Megan & Logan. Octave & Cyprine.
A pix which I like

There! Hope you enjoy these pix. Next post will be snap shots for Dec 06.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

2006-12-24T08:29:00.000+08:00

Good tidings and wonderful holidays to all of you this season. May love, happiness and prosperity showers you everyday!

p/s:

This Christmas, take a little time to pray for all the flood victims all around Malaysia. Down South in Melaka and Johor, as well those in east coast, there are many families who do not have this luxury — stranded and isolated, involuntarily cut off from aid centres, their food and medical supplies are running low, and for some of the more unfortunate, non-existent.

If you are able, kindly donate basic needs such as below and money to the victims. A little will go a long long way.

They need BLANKETS, TIKAR, DRY FOOD, CANNED FOODS (CAN OPENERS TOO), BISCUITS, DRINKING WATER, CLEAN WEARABLE CLOTHES, UNDERGARMENTS AND MANY ESSENTIAL ITEMS LIKE PAMPERS, and more.

You can send your donated goods and money to the following collection centres:

- Puteri Umno headquarters at Putra World Trade Centre
- Kontena Nasional premises in Seri Setia, Petaling Jaya (full address: Batu 9, Jalan Klang Lama, P.O.B. 6503 Seri Setia, 47307 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan)
- Multipurpose hall at Parliament House

The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd has set up a fund to help flood victims in the southern peninsula.

Donations via cheque, bank draft or postal order made out to ‘NSTP Flood Victims Assistance Fund’ (Tabung Bantuan Mangsa Banjir NSTP) can be sent to: The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, c/o Finance Department, 5th Floor, Balai Berita, 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur (Attention: Ms Aidah Nordin).

Kindly write on the back of the cheque donor’s name, address and contact number.

Donations to the fund can also be made at NSTP branches in Johor Baru, Klang, Alor Star, Batu Pahat, Ipoh, Kota Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Kuching, Malacca, Muar, Penang and Seremban, or its regional printing plants in Shah Alam, Prai, Senai and Ajil.

Thank you!

Los Angeles

2006-12-14T16:46:00.000+08:00

"Death - it's one of the hard ones - one of the big ones, too. Possibly it is the attribute that is defining the Creation for the Created: If not for Death, they'd be content to simply exist, but with Death, well, their lives will have meaning - a boundary beyond which the living cannot cross."

"Love - it's a feeling of deep affection and attraction for another being, often combined with passion or desire - a need to be with another. Love will be an impulse that will inspire and ruin in equal measure. We are proud of it."

*** *** ***

"We became lovers. We would touched each other, held each other, whispered endearments and protestations of eternal devotion. His welfare mattered more to me than my own. I existed for him. When I was alone, I would repeat his name to myself and think of nothing but him. When I am with him, nothing else mattered."

"I killed him because he would not longer love me. When we started to work on Death, he... he lost interest. He was no longer mine. He belonged to Death. And if I could not have him, then his new lover was welcome to him. I could not bear his presence - I could not endure have him near me and to know that he felt nothing for me. That was what hurt the most. I thought... I hoped... that if he was gone, then I would no longer care for him - the pain would stop.

So I killed him. I stabbed him, and I threw his body from our window in the Hall of Being. But the pain has not stopped."

Christmas soon

2006-12-12T17:57:00.000+08:00

Christmas is coming soon, less than 2 weeks.

It usually reminds us of good ol' Santa Claus, shimmering Christmas tree and colourful presents.

To me, Christmas reminds me of angels. That's coz I like angels :P

Here is a contemporary illustration of an angel I picked up from the Internet...

I am being very thick skinned here.

If you are feeling very generous and think that I deserve a present this Christmas... will you be my Santa and stuff my stockings with any of these, please...?

RECEIVED! - Crocs' Mary Jane. (Thank you, thank you so much dear!)

Michael Crichton's new book - Next
Story about a serial killer - Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Linsey
RECEIVED! Thanks so much!Five For Fighting's latest album

I'll be ever so thankful!

An early Merry Christmas wish to everyone!

DVDs that will make your kids smoke

2006-12-11T13:33:00.000+08:00

For the holiday season, American Medical Association Alliance has released a blacklist of no-nos for parents to consider as they are loading up Christmas stockings with DVDs.

The following recent films, according to the American Medical Association Alliance, contain an excessive amount of smoking:

* The Ant Bully (PG: Time Warner, animated)
* Material Girls (PG: Sony)
* Talladega Nights (PG-13: Sony)
* Pirates of the Caribbean 2 (PG-13: Disney)
* Stay Alive (PG-13: Disney)
* Superman Returns (PG-13: Time Warner)
* You, Me and Dupree (PG-13: General Electric, Universal)

"Movies deliver billions of glamorized pro-smoking messages to adolescents in this country (America)," says James Sargent, M.D., a Dartmouth Medical School professor who researches the impact on children of movies with smoking scenes.

Here, everywhere you go, you see people smoking. No need to watch movies or TV. Hmm, habis lah all the kids in this country!

New spanking climbing shoes

2006-12-07T13:45:00.000+08:00

This is my new climbing shoes. My christmas present to self :D

Brand: Evolv Model: Defy

When I tried it on last nite, it is a very comfortable to the feet, comparing to my previous pair - Saltic. This shoe has lining inside so it is a bit cushiony.

but...

I wonder when I can climb again :(

This shoe is some kind of hope, that I will climb again, soon, real soon.

Here is a pix of a climber wearing this shoe on a lead climb.

Tis' the season to be shopping...

2006-12-06T13:52:00.000+08:00

Falalalalalalala...

Y.E.S!
(Year End Sales)

It's back on all malls again!
Now is the time to grab your wish lists on discounts!

But it's a...

N.O.

for me :(

Seahorses

2006-12-05T17:04:00.000+08:00

Bobo said her hubby is skinny but got tummy, like a seahorse. I thought that was cute.

So, I said I will send them pictures of seahorses which I saw during my dive in waters of Bali.

Then I thought I might as well share these pix here coz these are the only 2 seahorses I've seen out of all my 109 dives.

Seahorse actually look very sad and they just bobbed in the water especially when there is strong current.

Maniac 2006

2006-12-04T15:07:00.000+08:00

I've stopped climbing for more than a month now. And my hands are smoother with no hard callouses. Those little muscle on my arms dissapeared too.

Anyway, just for fun and for the first time I went to a climbing competition at Delta Rovers in Kepong on last Sunday. It is sorta a big warehouse/factory turned into a climbing gym, mostly with bouldering walls. It is a bit dark and dingy but pretty good for boulderings. Very cheap membership compared to Camp5. Here's a pix of the gym taken by Renee.

I went to cheer for my friends (YJ, Renee, Paul & gf, Andri, Andrew, Sean, Kim and Kent) and smewwy who were participating in the competition. But Renee appointed me as the cameragirl. See here - a pix of Renee and Paul (guy on the right in spiderman pose) in climbing action.

There were a lot of other climbers that day. Most climbers were from Delta Rovers and Summit are very good and terror in bouldering. There was a skinny lanky girl with pretty big boobs and all made up like a doll. Don't be fooled by her. She can climb! 7A climber somemore. From far she looked pretty, near near ok ok lah.

In the competition, the participants have to complete as many routes as possible and play the compulsary 5 games in order to gain the most points within 5 hours. There are 30 routes to climb which rated from 200 points (easiest routes) to 1000 points (hardest routes).

And I was happy, actually still happy that 2 of my friends won. Kent won the first place of the Man Novice. He is Superman Kent. Kim, who is only 12, won the first place of Woman Novice. She is gonna be a champion when she is 14 if she continues to train. The Double Super K. Here are Kent and Kim climbing those nasty walls. Congrats champions.

Smewwy did pretty good despite lack of practice. Finished 12 routes and gained half 4600 points. Renee who thought she couldn't finish any routes, completed 5 routes, I think. YJ did some tough routes - very determined. Very proud of you guys.

My favourite shot. Renee looked like an expert. Most pix I took of my friends are from the back like Kent's and Kim's pix above. Sorry guys.

Pretend

2006-12-01T14:32:00.000+08:00

Dexter says, "I'm empty. But I found a way to make it less bottomless. Pretend. You pretend the feelings are there, for the world. For the people around you. Who knows, maybe one day they will be."

I like him. He put up the right words.

Rain like pennies.

2006-11-30T11:54:00.000+08:00

It has been raining a lot these days, on the November afternoons.
I just love the greener and glistening leafs after a rain shower.

Rain falls like pennies from the sky.

Will the grey skies pursue and pennies fall on December?

Is there an angel for me?

2006-11-28T09:12:00.000+08:00

Waiting on an angel
One to carry me home
Hope you come to see me soon
Cause I don't want to go alone
I don't want to go alone

Now angel won't you come by me
Angel hear my plea
Take my hand lift me up
So that I can fly with thee
So that I can fly with thee

And I'm waiting on an angel
And I know it wont be long
To find myself a resting place
In my angels arms
In my angels arms

So speak kind to a stranger
Cause you'll never know
It just might be an angel come
Knockin' at your door
Knockin' at your door

And I'm waiting on an angel
And I know it won't be long
To find myself a resting place
In my angels' arms
In my angels' arms

Waiting on an angel
One to carry me home
Hope you come to see me soon
Cause I dont want to go alone
I don't want to go alone
Don' t want to go
I don't want to go alone

~ Ben Harper

Halt to my fav activities!

2006-11-10T17:02:00.000+08:00

No climbing, no trekking, no diving for the next coupla months.

Darn!

I dreamt of diving in some private island that nite.

Last nite, I dreamt I went trekking to some waterfall.

I am having a withdrawal symptom, aren't I?

Sigh!

Random soliloquies

2006-11-06T15:58:00.000+08:00

Longest migraine spell I ever had this time around. Spanned around 6 days. Pain aside, it was maddening. I was almost a nut case. The after effects as of now - I am so exhausted!

When I am bored, I read my friends' blogs and some other strangers' blogs which I like. So thanks to all my friends who blog. You know who you are. Reading your blogs does make me feel a bit closer to you even tho' it could possibly be about some red football team I don't care about.

When I think of climbing again, I get cold hand and feet. Last proper climb was on 11 Oct. When I climbed again on 23 Oct, I can't even do a simple 5c route. My arms hurt. My fingers went wobbly. Darn it! I am back to square one again. This is simply horrendously torturous to my body and to my weak mind.

And definitely now, no lead climb course for me. To my two "Sweets", good luck and have fun. Maybe both of you can be my sifu and teach me how to lead climb.

Saddam was found guilty and has been sentenced to death yesterday. I don't know if this the right verdict, who am I to judge. I have never lived a second in Iraq to know the kind of life there. Everything I knew about Saddam and Iraq is from the media and people around me lawyer buruk-ing on this issue. Well, everything he had, have been stripped off him. Now, even his life is not sparred. He might have been a cruel tyrant and dictator, so for that, he must pay with his blood. He is already so old, what can he possibly do if he is alive and living in a cell hole. Maybe if he die, that will save his sanity and end his sufferings, humiliations and the continuous loss of dignity.

boy: why so quiet? no mood to talk arr?
girl: nope. just sleepy *yawn
boy: poor thing :(
girl: err, actually lazy thing :P
boy: u dont talk so much when ur sleepy
girl: duh! already hibernating de.
Being sleepy and able to sleep - this is a blessing for insomniacs. I am not sorry for zoning out.

A lot of girls are into beadings these days. You can see lotsa beadings handiworks being sold in shopping malls and flea markets. At least 4 friends of mine are into beadings. Some of their handiworks are very nice and impressive. If you are interested, just le me know, I will send you their links. As for me, I can only admire those pretty necklaces. Can't tempt myself to buy any of them as I am resolute to save.

A note to Delphinus.

2006-11-05T09:43:00.000+08:00

Delphinus, I have a confession to make.

Firstly, I am very sorry.

Please don't be mad at me.

I didn't know how to reply to your sms last night.

The truth is that I didn't get the chance to taste the cous cous with the chicken and vegetable stew you made for me. I left it at Lecka Lecka. It was starting to rain so I left there in a haste and forgot about the cous cous and stew until I was already driving away from Jalan Tun Razak.

I was really looking forward to taste them today. I appreciate your effort bringing them to KL for me.

I am so forgetful, as always and it has worsened lately. You already knew this.

So sorry again.

p/s: Err, will you cook for me again?

Saving $$$ to save myself

2006-11-03T13:46:00.000+08:00

I am a pauper :(

I am sad and ashamed that I don't save. I have been harping and being harped for ages to save, but I never did it. What a loser!

After some comparisons with friends, I am the most hopeless in my financial management and poorest in the lot (most likely)

From next month onwards, I MUST save.

This means, diving will be lessened tremendously!

I am no Superman

2006-11-01T15:45:00.000+08:00

I can't fly
But my mind can

I am no superman
But you are my kryptonite

I've got no super power
But for you I do the impossible

I am no superhero
So I don't need any super villain

I am like Clark Kent
We can't be with the one we love

I don't want to be a superman
Coz the world don't need saving but me

I am only a human
Love me and hurt me not

~ k*a

OH-tober!

2006-10-31T11:10:00.000+08:00

Today, it's the Halloween Day. Happy Halloween everyone!

It's the last day of October today. Two months left to the end of 2006.

This month has been very eventful. I've got some stats.

4 weddings - Eve. CK. Ivy. And a couple in Bentong :)

1 funeral - A distant uncle :(

2 major festive holiday - Deeparaya!

Many birthdays - Agnes, Schrene, Joachim, Prudy, Sophia, Donny, Kent, Celine E, Metria, Ganesh, MC. And many other friends! Happy Birthday to you all!

1 dive trip - RRR. 8 dives. 1 cranky reg. 1 loan dive comp.

17 pimples - And still popping. Darn awful :(

0 movie - Cis!

Bye October with empty wallet. Hello November with empty wallet. This is not good at all.

Copy and paste

2006-10-19T17:08:00.000+08:00

Tried to blog. But I stare blankly at screen. This blog is gonna die soon.

I gotta do something about it.

Sigh!

Anyway, here is something I read.

"Sometimes sickness, calamity, or tragedy can bring us to our knees so we will turn to God. And if that is what it takes, then it would be better that we were sick and right with God than healthy without Him."

True, isn't it?

Out of Juice

2006-10-18T16:03:00.000+08:00

There was no post from me for a while. Sorry. I tried to write, but it went all blank. All the time.

............

Just like that.

I will try again tomorrow.

Maybe the bulb above my head will light up again.

Intresting Cherating

2006-07-30T23:39:00.000+08:00

Quoting Orion on our short trip to Cherating over the weekend...

"I had so much fun with the boobies and bhangra performance, swimming at night session and the truthful answers received after taking one too many swigs of whiskey by the beach and our 3 girls to 1 guy beach wrestling competition"

I shall say no more. That's a very good summary by Orion.

I am sure whoever went to this trip couldn't have agree more. Unless you have something else/more to say, send it your comments.

And well, I slept a lot, ate a lot, watch 2 movies and read some of a good book. That was how I grew older. And, no alchohol in my vein.

This and that

2006-07-26T10:42:00.000+08:00

As they continue tearing down the wall, they are driving me up the wall.
It is really affecting me. It is nerve wrecking.
It sound like when I am having a bad migraine.
It does seem like we are in a war zone.

I am listening to Jay Chou's old CD. Very nice. I like David Tao too and Michael (one of the duet of Michael & Victor/Guang Liang Pin Guan). I want to go to David Tao and Michael's concert but not many people listen to chinese songs. Can one go to a concert alone? Sigh!

I am watching 24 Season 5. So far so good, at least it is realistic. And people dies, that's good, because sometimes, it is ridiculous that characters don't die, for e.g. after an explosion. But Jack Bauer can never die. He is invicible, like Super hero.

I still can't overcome the red route of one of my wall projects. Ahh, frusfrating. It is a 6a+ route with a overhang. I wish I could pull myself up to the next hold. And I am gonna abandon it and work on another 2 easier routes, which are both 6a.

"One man I can never meet. Him, I would like to give my whole heart and soul to" quoting Kate Forster from the movie, The Lake House. How very true.

The roti canai pisang in Lotus mamak restaurant next to PNB Darby Park, opposite Ampang Park taste lousy.
However, the roti canai and capati sardin in a nasi kandar/mamak restaurant, next to Rasta in TTDI taste very delicious.

Diving. I want to dive. I wonder when is the next trip. I need to find time and money.
My dream places to go diving - Komodo, Galapagos and Tahiti. Ahh...continue to dream on.

Perpetual Maddening Sound! Arghh!

2006-07-25T10:18:00.000+08:00

The bloody hacking sound on the construction site next to my office building is driving me NUTS!

Aaarrrggghhh!!!

I am feeling so irritated that I could smash everything around me.

How long is this bloody racket going to last?

Oh blardy hell, I am swearing so hard in my head!

@#$%&*()&%@@^&&**^%$^&#@%&*@!$!@%(&*^%$

Trekking at Bukit Gasing

2006-07-24T10:51:00.000+08:00

Finally I went trekking at the Hutan Pendidikan Bukit Gasing which I have always heard about but never knew its whereabout. Thanks very much to Aishiteru for organising the trekking trip yesterday morning. 5 of us went, Aishi and 2 of her friends, Shardy and me.

I enjoyed the trek very much. I love the smell and sound as I was walking through it. It was very warm, but the humidity there was kinda refreshing. I am impressed by just knowing that there is a nice little jungle right smack in hustle bustle of Klang Valley.

There is a hanging bridge where some parts were patched with some ropes that don't seem safe enough, a high watch tower with lotsa grafittis created with liquid papers - mostly "who and who are here" or "He loves she" stuff, and a small river which we did not explore that day.

People are very friendly and you will be greeted with many chirpy "Good mornings" as you walk pass other trekkers/joggers/brisk walkers/dog walkers. For those who are prone to mozzies bites, protect yourselves. Huge mozzies there, which is normal in any Malaysian jungles.

I was so tired especially walking uphill. My knees! Aishi and her friends are very fit. And I totally hats off to the elderly uncles and aunties that didn't seem tired at all. I guess it is just one of their daily routines walking through the trails.

I think Bukit Gasing trek is extremely good to build stamina and endurance, and most importantly it is free. The trek only take around 1 hour, just perfect for a good walking workout. And if you are into nature photography, here is the place for you.

After burning those calories, all of us went to Raju for breakfast to reward ourselves and generous Aishiteru treated us to that wonderful roti canais. Thank you to her once again!

If you are interested, here is the direction to get there...

Firstly you need to get to Gasing area in PJ. You can get there from Federal Highway. If you come from KL, exit to left road right after KWSP. You will pass Satellite Chicken Rice restaurant on your right. Drive ahead and you will see a Chinese Temple on your left and immediately a junction to the left. Turn left. Drive ahead for about 200/300 meter and you will see a playground. Park your car along the road. Here you can see a signboard that says : Tmn Pendidikan Bukit Gasing.

Praying for Zion

2006-07-23T10:26:00.000+08:00

I received an email, forwarded to me through someone mailing list, which happen to have my email id. I don't know the sender. The email well, basically asked people to pray for the safety of Israel, the land where God has said in Bible to protect her. The email also mentioned that how can be Israel be safe if other countries have nuclear weapons.

Sigh.

How could I pray for the safety of a country which attacked another country? Ok, right, maybe a war doesn't start just like that, for no reason, but the act of war itself is not acceptable. War destroys a country and the livelihood of the citizens.

How could I pray that other nations (so called Israel's enemies in the email) that have nuclear weapons be destroyed when Israel has its own nuclear weapon?

I replied the email and stated my humble opinion.

I won't pray for Israel. But I will pray for world peace. It is too idealistic, I know. But war is not the solution.

If God is as what I know - ever loving, ever merciful and ever forgiving - He definitely not like what we humans are doing to ourselves, especially war. What more, war against nations in His name.

While the war between Israel and Lebanon continues... there are wars too in other countries, where most of us are too ignorant to know or perhaps there are too many wars that we could not be bothered to remember. And of course, bombing attacks or terrorrist attacks here and there, as and when it tickles their fancy.

What has the world become? Sad isn't it?

Not forgetting natural disaster like Tsunami, volcano eruptions and earthquakes that destroyed lives.

Meanwhile, here in Malaysia, where we are complacent with the nice hot weather with occasional rain, after the euphoric World Cup, we are obsessed with Dato K marrying Siti Nurhaliza. Sweet.

Cancers & Leos

2006-07-19T00:34:00.000+08:00

Hey you, if you see yourself in the pix below...you've been spotted!

Celebrate, Laugh, Enjoy, Wish, Dream
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays.
The July birthday boys and girls clockwise: Ismail, Javana, Arizona, Patrice, Meloncrap, Chanyw & CK. Right in the center is baby MCTM.

To my dearest Papa, here I am sending him a really special birthday wish with love from the bottom of my heart. Take good care of yourself, Papa.

And not forgetting Belly too! Don't have the pix of Belly just yet, but he is gonna make an appearance this July. Here wishing Belly all the happiness, love and good health.

Once again, Happy Birthday with lotsa love and a big warm hug.

p/s: k*a thanks allyfeel for creating the wonderful pix above. nice :)

I read this...

2006-07-18T18:18:00.000+08:00

... is this what unrequited love about? :(

"Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life...You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love.”
~ Neil Gaiman

“The love that lasts the longest is the love that is never returned.”
~ William Somerset Maugham

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”
~ Mother Teresa

“You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

~ David Harkins

Quiet

2006-07-18T14:24:00.000+08:00

I have been quiet in my blog.

Don't worry. I am just exhausted physically and mentally. And honestly, I am feeling melancholic lately, nothing serious, just one of those days.

Twins?!

2006-07-06T13:51:00.000+08:00

Lost and found finally....

This is Luiz Felipe Scolari
This is Gene Hackmen.
Don't they both look alike?

Click the image for bigger view of the printed words.

Translation: Meet Ronaldinho. Sodikin, 32, from Bajaran Kabupaten Bandung, Jawa Barat, has a dream to meet with the Brazillian star, Ronaldinho. Having a similar face with the Spainish Barcelona striker, Sodikin also has a nickname of Ronaldikin.
Long lost twin brother to Sodikin a.k.a. Ronaldikin!

Yum Yum Ball!

2006-07-05T13:09:00.000+08:00

Sedapnya bola ni... I want to eat!

Slurp!!!

Anyway, the Italia beat the Germans at the eleventh hour. I know many out there are crushed and dissapointed. Sorry.

But I am glad I supported Italy in this game altho' I just chose Italy blindly. Maybe because I like their gondolas cruising along the canals :P

Ok, move on, next game, Portugal, please win! Don't tarnish Scolari's good records!

Brazil is destructible

2006-07-02T15:32:00.000+08:00

Arghhh... Brazil lost!

The four "R" quartet can't even bring glory to samba-land :(

Zidane and Thierry - well done! Zidane had not played like he is leaving the sport. And France had played well early this morning.

Who shall I support now?

French? Maybe becoz I can speak more than Comment t-allez vous? and Parlez vous Anglais?

Germany? Coz I think they stand a big chance to bring home the World Cup?

I don't really care...

The all time fav superhero - Superman!

2006-06-30T15:50:00.000+08:00

Superman Returns was entertaining. I enjoyed the movie, kinda reminded me when I just a kid. My dad took me to watch the old Superman movie in the cinema when I was a kid. It was like a big treat for me back then.

I like especially the part where the bullet crumpled up when it hit Superman's eyeball. How cool is that?

And the new star of Superman, Brandon Routh, who has the similar look like our good ol' Superman - Christopher Reeves, is pretty cute.

Ok, Hollywood entertainment of 2 hour of Superman saving the world being destroyed by the villain aside, this superhero is uncannily seems like a potrayal of Jesus Christ. Funnily, the Catholic church did not make any noise about this, like how they did for Da Vincci Code.

Well, the movie tell us that Superman was sent to earth by his father. In the bible, Jesus was sent to earth by God, whom is the Father. Superman has super ordinary strength. And Jesus can perform miracle powers.

And the names...
Martha, name of Superman's mother starts with M, like Mary
Lex Luther, the evil villain, starts with L, like Lucifer

And there is this part in the movie where Jor-El says to Clark, "Even though you've been raised as a human being you're not one of them. They can be a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son"

Doesn't it sound like what we have been taught in Christianity where God send His only begotten son to us?

Clark, with his Superman front, says to Lois in one nite... "You wrote that the world doesn't need a saviour, but every day I hear people crying for one."

Did I hear Saviour? Isn't Jesus the Saviour too?

In the movie, Superman died for brief time and was alive again. Jesus died too and was resurrected.

And the movie poster, where Superman is floating has the same kind of pose like some pictures of Jesus. Well, it kinda reminded me of Jesus. See below...

Anyhow, I would still suggest that everyone free some time to go watch Superman Returns. For me, I felt like a kid again, cos Superman was the "IN" superhero during my childhood. It is also a nicer experience to watch this movie on the big screen.

And they dedicated this movie to the late Christopher and Dana Reeves. Nice, isn't it?

One Post Fame in k*a's blog ~ Seanie

2006-06-29T10:41:00.000+08:00

This is Sean. I call him Seanie. This is a picture of Seanie being naughty or a monster he saw in Ultraman.

He is 3 years old. He is very cute. I like the way he call his Mommy, very nice to hear. And the way he speaks is very interesting too, with an accent not quite Malaysian.

He is the most caring and thoughtful 3 y.o. I ever know. Yes, he is very thoughtful, like an adult kind of way. Remind me to tell you the story of him in a Taxi, the instant noodle and when I was sick with gastric, if you are interested.

He is friendly. Very friendly. He is friend with all his mommy's friends.

He can't pronounce some words that start with L but he pronounced them like W. For e.g. Lynn will be Wynn.

He has a small mechanical dog (broken now) which he carries around. I think this is his favourite toy although he seems to like his purple Ultraman figurine too.

He loves swimming and swim like a fish and he swims in adult pool without floaters.

He thinks money can be bought. So are boobs.

He waves goodbye to his daddy each time the aeroplane flew across his home. He would run to balcony and shout to his daddy, who works elsewhere.

I like dancing with him. He loves being twirl around.

He is Juni's son. Now, meet Juni and Seanie in his monster act. (In fact, I believe the thoughtfulness, friendliness and caringness in Seanie come from Juni)

Seanie, the little monster who thinks he is a huge fiesty monster, is tearing Shardy apart, like how a monster will stomp Tokyo city into pieces in Ultraman tv shows.

Debut appearance - One Post Fame in k*a's blog

2006-06-29T09:41:00.000+08:00

I am starting a new thing to my blog - One Post Fame in k*a's blog, where I post up people I meet, can range from friends to family or even strangers or perhaps people that passed by or through my life.

I will post up a new personality for the One Post Fame today, right after this post. He is a charming and cute boy, so make sure you check him out.

If you wanna be featured, let me know. Would gladly post you up :)

Or let me know if this is a good idea. And please give me suggestion if you have any, need that to improve.

Brazil is indestructible!

2006-06-28T10:34:00.000+08:00

Brazil 3 - Ghana 0 last nite. What a game! Favourite against Underdog. Would be even more interesting to see Brazil against France this Saturday morning. The worry is that Brazil has 3 unfavourable records against France. They lost to France in 1998 Finals and 1986 Quarter Finals.

But I am so keeping my fingers crossed that Brazil is gonna beat France this Saturday.

Some trivias on Brazil

Ronaldo became the World Cup's all-time top scorer by netting his 15th goal in the finals. He thereby surpassed Gerd Muller's tally of 14, in his 18th successive World Cup match, the longest streak by a current player.

Cafu set a Brazilian record by playing in his 19th game. The competition record is 25 World Cup matches by Lothar Matthaus.

Adriano's goal was Brazil's 200th in the World Cup. They are the first nation to reach this milestone.

Ze Roberto became the seventh Brazilian goalscorer at the 2006 World Cup. No other nation has more than six different goalscorers.

Brazil won their 11th straight World Cup match, extending their all-time record. They're also on an 11-match unbeaten run, which is two shy of their own competition record set between 1958-1966.

Brazil is the only country to win the World Cup outside its own continental territory, which it achieved on three occasions, in 1958 in Sweden, the United States in 1994 and four years ago in Japan/Korea.

Brazil is the only nation to have played in every FIFA World Cup tournament and the first to win it five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002). Because of this status, Brazilians often refer to the national side as the Pentacampeão, literally meaning "five-time champion." Considering the two second places (1950 and 1998) and the two third places (1938 and 1978), as well as many other honours, it is considered the most successful national football team in the world.

The Royal Couple

2006-06-25T21:49:00.000+08:00

Awww...

Princessy Wedding

2006-06-25T14:04:00.000+08:00

My dear good friend whom was an ex-colleague, Bobo tied the knot in the most double R way...that is Royally Romantic!

She was gorgeous all day and nite. It was really heartwarming to see her and her hubby looking so happy and glowing on their big day. This gotta be my Top 3 weddings I have attended.

I must also say that the Heng- tais and groom had been very sporting and participated in all the "torturing" session in good spirit, in fact, did very well in all the tasks given by the Chi-muis.

I took a lot of photos with Miki-C's camera. I was hogging her camera all the time :P Will share some of the pix when I got them from her. Meantime, enjoy the wedding photos I posted here, which Bobo sent me.

What I love most were all the slide shows shown on the big white screen. They were so nicely done.

Her wedding theme song was by Jennifer Avalon - Two Hearts that Beat as One. Her friend sang this song and another strummed the tune during the church service and the banquet. It is a very meaningful and lovely song. Click to this link to listen to the song :)

And to Bobo and Hubby, here is a special dedication from me to both of you...

Your wedding... more than a long-awaited day, it is the beautiful beginning of all the days of your life together.

Your vows... more than solemn words spoken before family and friends, they are promises made and kept within your own hearts.

Your love... more than just a wonderful feeling, it is a bond that deepens with time, growing stronger and surer from this day forward.

As you celebrate your wedding, your vows, your love, know that others share in your joy and in the hope that all your married days will be as happy as this one.

And remember, the best stories are the one you write together with love.

How are you, k*a?

2006-06-23T17:24:00.000+08:00

If you are wondering how have I been these days...

- My body is aching. Every muscle seems tight. Too much monkeying around the wall and splashing in the water.

- My face is infested with pimples. Maybe too much saltwater, maybe too much sunblock, maybe no more Refine drink, maybe too much chocolates.

- I am dark :( Some people love to be tanned, but I don't like it at all, but I can't help it. Things I do keep me under the sun always.

- I still attend my F language class but it is the end of the term. No class for the next 3 weeks. Yay!

- I wish I had more money! Who wouldn't, eh?

- I miss my family a lot. I do, really, altho' I seem so carefree and care-less.

If you still want to know more, oh well, call me lah :) or treat me to a dinner.

KL is rude :P

2006-06-22T14:33:00.000+08:00

In the local News Straits Time today...

...go read about a survey on common courtesy conducted by Reader’s Digest in 35 of the world’s capitals.

An excerpt...
"It wouldn’t surprise anyone who drives, parks, shops or uses public transport here, but Malaysia’s capital city has emerged the third-worst in the world for sheer rudeness.

Apparently Reader’s Digest magazine sent reporters into the principal city of each of the 35 countries in which it publishes to conduct a survey of local politeness. Three tests were employed: Dropping papers in a busy street to see if anyone would help; checking how often shop assistants said "thank you"; and counting how often someone held a door open.

And they found that Asian cities generally fared poorly in these rankings, eight of nine of them in the bottom 11, raising the notion that what is considered courtesy in the West — holding doors, helping strangers, service with a smile — is culturally alien in Asia.

Of course it is of different culture here in Malaysia in terms of courtesy. If so, how to compare one city to another.

Want to find out more, go read NST today or click here to read online.

So fellow KL-rians, u may choose to open doors and smile beginning today. Start greeting someone in the lift, for a start.

Good ol' Sunny

2006-06-21T15:32:00.000+08:00

The ever constant experience...

the sun rises and the sun sets...everyday.

Just so beautiful, just like how each day suppose to begin and end.

Serene sunrise at the busy Dungun jetty where fishermen were busy with their catches. Pix taken by Shardy :)

Sunset in Tioman. Photo courtesy of Ismail. I wanna go there

Sunset by the beah somewhere in Australia. Photo taken by CP, my childhood best friends. Can't see the sun but you know it is dusk.

Sunset somewhere in Thailand, captured by Gary

Bintang

2006-06-09T10:02:00.000+08:00

Kelesuan dan kemengantukan
Namun masih terjaga
Berbisik dalam gelam
Perjalanan sepanjang malam
Pabila mendongak ke langit
Kelihatan berjuta bintang
Bertaburan dan berkerdipan
Keajaiban yang hilang di kota
Ku menatap anugerahNya
Bukti masih ada harapan

*** *** ***

Terbaring diriku di atas pasir-pasir halus
Dapat ku rasai kedinginan dan kelembutannya
Di dalam malam bulan makin menghilang
Ku lihat terpegun dihadapanku
Beribu bintang menghiasi angkasa
Aku tenang sambil ditiup angin laut lembut
Bersama lagu ombak menghempas ke pantai
Aku mahu senantiasa begini
Dimana diriku hanyut ke mana langit dan laut bertemu

~ K.A

The happy bunch

2006-06-08T16:32:00.001+08:00

Girl power on a early Friday morning

The Allo gang in Perhentian

Away on a boat, all ready to dive

In rubber suits

Our baby. Freddy Kruger's Pétale

Highlight of every nite in the island. Thanks, Pele for the portable Mahjong set

The 3 monkeys. Hear, Speak and See No Evil

Mosquitos feeding time

Isle of Stop

2006-06-08T16:03:00.000+08:00

Perhaps this is a stop or a place where one transit or simply just a station...as its name implies...or it could be simply just a name.

An isle not too far from the hustle-bustle of the city, where one can walk bare foot on the pristine soft sand, surround oneself in the bluish clear water and under the gentle wavy trees...

Pulau Perhentian.

This is where I came before several years ago. Where my life has changed since, taking me into one after another roller coaster rides of my life.

These amazing photos are taken by talented Delphinus :) Thanks so much for letting me upload them in my blog. Click on any of the pix to view it bigger.

Baby Dylan a few months later...

2006-06-08T14:28:00.000+08:00

For CP, the small koko and Uncle Mao...

Don't you just love his smile? So cute and lovable!

Bye-bye Fish :(

2006-06-08T01:45:00.000+08:00

Mon poisson rouge est mort hier soir. Je suis tres triste.

Au revoir, mon petit poisson.

Bar Shiori

2006-06-07T12:24:00.000+08:00

To Shardy, Kaiserin, Banker and of course, myself...
An accidental place, stumbled upon by us, on a slow quiet nite...
Our little secret place, where laughter starts and never ends...
It's the Bar Shiori, a place that is not what it seems to be...

And Rajulkabir wrote this, how apt...

"Wherever people are laughing, sharing, and having fun, that is Bar Shiori.

Wherever dreams come true, that is Bar Shiori.

Wherever the spirit of humanity reigns over darkness and despair, that is Bar Shiori.

There is Bar Shiori inside each one of us. Be true to yourself and you too will find your way there. Now that Shardy has reached his own inner Bar Shiori, his guiding light can be a beacon to all lost and searching souls."

Shardy, Banker and Delphinus, may we dwell in our little Bar Shiori eternally. Cheers and to Bar Shiori forever.

Boxfish

2006-06-06T16:42:00.000+08:00

They are such cute lil' buggers. They are small. They are squarish. They are super fast. They have polka dots. They come in various colours. They have tiny pouty mouth.

They are my favourite marine life. Box fish!

I just simply love 'em.

Patrice found this photo of a cute yellow polka dotted box fish for my new avatar. Here it is, take a look. Hope you'll like 'em too.

p/s: I think you can see 'em in action in Aquaria KLCC!

Not forbidden place anymore.

2006-06-01T15:30:00.000+08:00

For a while ago, this place could not be mentioned, and was off limit to me. Back then, I never thought I will ever visit this place again. I had not wanted to come back to this place again. I had wished that this place never existed in my memories.

But now, who cares if I went to this place again for a million times.

I am going back there again. I am leaving on a bus tonite, to this place, which I told myself that I never want to set my foot there ever again.

I had a weird feeling. Some part of me feel guilty of going, but I know I am free to go. Like a chain, I am bound to it, without me realising it, without anyone actually doing so. How very weird. Scary, isn't it?

Yummy Snickers bar

2006-05-24T02:41:00.000+08:00

I am pigging on Snickers Almond bar at 2.15am.

How sinful!

Yummy snickers will be deposited on my tummy.

I was hungry. I tried to resist the Snickers bar but the moment I saw Dr Miranda Bailey ate a choc bar, I knew I had to eat mine.

Yeah, I am tv binging on Grey's Anatomy too... and House M.D. and Desperate Housewives and The Shield and Lost and ... and ...

I am addicted to addiction :Z

Bimboz gathered once again

2006-05-23T13:06:00.000+08:00

I wish Metria is still here in Malaysia. If she was here, the bimboz group will be meeting very often. I missed those meet ups in Spicy Kitchen at Sri Hartamas.

Last evening, I was happy to be in the company of my good friends - Miki C, Bobo and Meloncrap, whom I barely meet these days. It was really nice to see you girls again. May our friendship last forever.

Well, we missed Cherub, Wan and Chinoz.
And Ah Beng too, yes, your fans miss you heaps and was dissapointed not able to take any photos or get hold of your signatures.

Nevermind, we will all meet again in Bobo's wedding next month.

And I hope that we can meet frequently, perhaps at least once a month. OK, girls?

The Prayer for my friends

2006-05-20T05:29:00.000+08:00

A song from my heart for Juni...

A dedication for Banker...

A comfort for sweet Sweety...

A pillar for Chinoz...

A light for Justin...

*** *** ***

The Prayer

I pray You'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with Your grace
To a place where we'll be safe

La luce che tu hai
I pray we'll find Your light
nel cuore resterà
and hold it in our hearts.
a ricordarci che
When stars go out each night,
eterna stella sei

The light You have
I pray we'll find Your light
will be in the heart
and hold it in our hearts.
to remember us that
When stars go out each night,
You are eternal star
Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
quanta fede c'è
when shadows fill our day

How much faith there's
Let this be our prayer
in my prayer
when shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place, guide us with Your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

Sognamo un mondo senza più violenza
un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternità

We dream a world without violence
a world of justice and faith.
Everyone gives the hand to his neighbours
Symbol of peace, of fraternity
La forza che ci dà
We ask that life be kind
è il desiderio che
and watch us from above
ognuno trovi amor
We hope each soul will find
intorno e dentro sé
another soul to love

The force its gives us
We ask that life be kind
is wish that
and watch us from above
everyone finds love
We hope each soul will find
around and inside
another soul to love
Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer, just like every child

Need to find a place, guide us with Your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Need to find a place, guide us with Your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

È la fede che
hai acceso in noi,
sento che ci salverà

It's the faith
You light in us
I feel it will save us

Illusions

2006-05-18T17:12:00.000+08:00

When loneliness is your only motivation,
When leaving is your only choice,
Isolation can seem like freedom,
Contact can seem like comfort,
Talk can seem like intimacy,
Attraction can seem like love,
And nowhere can seem like home.

Roughing it out at Sepayang Dam

2006-05-16T12:36:00.000+08:00

Over the long weekend, I spent 3 days 2 nites at a reservoir in Endau which is called Empangan Sepayang where a group of 8 other people (minus me) went fishing for Tomans. I just doesn't like the idea of killing or hurting any other living object, so no fishing for me.

It was indeed an experience for me to be there. The weather was really hot and staying indoors equal to a sauna room meanwhile staying outdoor will risk a sun burn. The huts on the rakit (raft) is very basic, with no electricity or clean waters. Besides building a camp, our lifestyle for the 3 days stay there was exactly like camping. I bet you can imagine what it was like. It just reminded me of my scout days back in Uni.

Lucky Samurai did feel so bad asking me there. And I am sorry for making him feel that way. I did not whine, but I guess from the perpetual frown on my face, everyone can sensed that I wasn't enjoying myself there. Actually I did, but just the heat and the dirty-ness bothered me. Other than that, I was quite happy to be there and am proud of myself that I actually managed to cope being there.

Yes, the place is beautiful. Nice scenery and nice sunrise. Here are the pictures, guess they speak a thousand words.

If Layang-layang has beautiful sunset, then here has the most vivid sunrise. I watched the sun rised slowly from the horizon of calm water, partly hidden behind clouds and then to its full glory.

Perfect full moon, glistening like a strip of gold on the surface of water. The nite was so bright and alive. Full moon just bring back so much memories of someone.

The hut that me and 3 other guys lived in. Pathetically, it looked and actually felt very much like a rumah setinggan. I was actually worried that it might just fall apart. Sigh!

Inside the hut. Not very appealing either. Loads of lizzie's shit everywhere. I was traumatised when I first stepped in. But that blue camp bed was very comfortable to sleep in.

Early in the morning. Mist over the mountains. So peaceful.

Rays from Heaven. Very inspirational.

The view from the toilet. It was very picturesque and calms you down while you do what you need to do. The so-called toilet is in the open, with a big square hole in between the wooden planks where you release the unwanted into the water. Yup, the same water where you bathe, swim, wash and fish in.

Live on Raft

2006-05-11T16:00:00.000+08:00

Like what you see in this photo. I am heading off to this place for the long weekend. I will tell you more when I get back. This time, it is really no electricity at all, which means no telephone line and no internet. Total cut off to the outside world. And I have no freaking idea where it is. All I know I am going to live in a raft either in a river or a dam.

Love

2006-05-03T15:27:00.000+08:00

The Bible tells us again and again that we should love one another. Love is like the glue that holds us all together. The apostle John wrote, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7).

Well, don't focus so much on what love is, but on what love does and does not do. The love that we are to demonstrate toward one another is not merely feeling or emotion. Nor is it abstract or passive. It is active. It engages. It works. It moves. Love does not merely feel patient; it is patient. Love does not simply have kind feelings; it does kind things. Love is fully love only when it is active. Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Finally, as we all have already read many many times, I am putting it down again, in this blog, verses from 1 Corinthians 13...

Love is patient, Love is kind and envies no one.
Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude;
Never selfish, not quick to take offense.
There is nothing love cannot face;
There is no limit to its faith,
Its hope, and endurance.
In a word, there are three things
That last forever: faith, hope, and love;
But the greatest of them all is love.

Pix from midst air

2006-05-01T15:05:00.000+08:00

The Plane! The Plane!

The French couple on the same flight back to KK - Karine and Christophe

The blue sky

A nearby island from Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu from the top

From midst air

2006-04-30T18:15:00.000+08:00

Right now I am in KK. My flight back to KL was delayed as expected from Air Asia for an hour. They won't let us enter the departure hall so I have to hang out in an open air cafe facing the carpark. It is very hot here. I am sweating buckets since I came to this part of the world, kinda like sauna.

As I flying back from Layang-Layang on a really small plane that can only fit 8 passengers, I must say that the view from the window is nice. There were only 3 of us in the plane, me and a friendly French couple that I have made friends with. They were also on the same diving boat as me during the past 5 days.

Sometimes, as I looked out the plane window, the sea merged to the sky and clouds, forming a beautiful bluish gradient as you look up and into fluffy white clouds.

At times, I can see the orangy shades or even purplish shades over the horizon, with soft cottony clouds hanging in the sky, creating interesting hues as the lights sneaking on the side of the clouds.

As the plane flew across the South China Sea, it is rather comforting to see speckles of boats and ships on the sea, knowing there is life going about the surface of the sea. I saw 2 oil platforms too. And straight lines across the sea made by speed boats, kinda like patterns made by plane across the sky.

Patches of coral beds underwater can be seen, where shallow waters are in soft and lighter blue, where no divers go to and these are peaceful and undisturbed sanctuaries for the marine life. I wonder what are swimming in there and what treasure can you find.

Although It was sad to see oil spill as we are nearing to the main land. The colourful metallic gradient on the surface was very worrying, and I wonder how do one clean up this mess. I wonder how many marine life has been affected :(

And you know you are leaving all the slow easy happy moments behind as you approach the mainland, leaving the blue sea below and behind you and looking at roof tops and maze of roads.

But of course, the touchdown. The little aircraft door opened, the hot humid air gushed in, and the lowering noise of the aircraft engine...and stepping on the hard landing strip, oh well, back to reality again in the next few hours. Back to work, back to the traffic jam and back to classes.

Till the next island, and the next diving trip...

P/S: Will post photos of sky taken from the plane windo in my next post :)

More Pix from Kite Kite

2006-04-29T20:14:00.000+08:00

From the jetty

Birds on the little isle

View of the pool in the evening

The diving gang over the past 5 days

Last nite at Kite Kite

2006-04-29T19:29:00.000+08:00

My last nite in Kite Kite. It was quite sad to clean up my gears this afternoon, after my last dive. Anyway, I did 2 dives this morning and in my first dive, I was lucky to see a school of hammerheads passing by us. It is estimated to be 40 of them. I can only say WOW! Asther said she had good dream last nite and she could feel good vibes. And yeah... it was indeed good karma.

Only no mantas to be seen. But never mind. I am happy. Also saw a big fat grey reef shark, a cute box fish (black with yellow polka dots) and I was right smacked in the center of a big school of Jacks. I float among them for a bit. That was amazing.

Visited a really small island where the birds migrated there during this time of the year to lay eggs and nurture their youngs. It was stinky due the birds' droppings and it was noisy as there are so many birds. But it was beautiful to see nature at its best.

Last nite, I was thrown into the pool by a French diver unexpectedly. It was their last day today for all the 30 divers from France. That's the only time I actually swam in that pool. Luckily, the water was warm. The only problem is my wet hair and I went to sleep with wet hair. Anyway, I impressed the French with Maxime de la Forrestier's songs, which was given to me by Pele.

Tonite, we are having a big BBQ dinner. Now just hanging out at the bar, with some DMs and divers, while blogging. It is so humid and warm here and I am sweating.

And overlooking a beautiful sunset, I sat next to a Japanese lady with really short hair that came with me to Kite Kite on the same day and found out that she came here alone too. She has been diving with her husband all these while until he passed away in January this year. Since then, she has been diving alone. She told me that she sometimes get lonely. I could sense that she was missing him so much as she gazed into the horizon. I wonder how many sunsets they have watched together over the years during their diving trips. All I did was said sorry and gave her a hug. And she gently said "Arigato".