Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Heathrow nightmare
2 hours prior to boarding my London-Doha flight, I was ready to rave about how great my experience at Heathrow had been.
I arrived without much fuss, many thanks to dear Cui for accompanying me on the tube. There was NO QUEUE at the check in counter, my baggage was 27.6kg, not overweight as I feared, and apart from the usual expected fuss (and queue within reason) for the liquids (I even had to do a liquid testing, which didn’t take a lot of time and in a weird way, quite cool) and shoes check, it was quite a breeze really. The final bits as I started my 20 mins walk to my gate and there was a buggy offered to me for my gate thanks to some nice old people, I couldn’t believe my luck! I was thinking, wow, thank you Heathrow, for making my England exit such a pleasant one.
And then it hit. They announced my flight will be delayed for approximately ½ hour – no drama. So I said there patiently with my Nick Hornby book and Glamour magazine. ½ hour later, they said the delay will be much longer – the flight had problems and they are not running the plane but wait for the next one to arrive in LHR and fly that one instead, so it’d take off at 1930 instead of 1505.
The rage. I knew I was going to miss my connecting flight to Singapore and there is only one flight per day, which means I will be stuck in Doha for a day. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I was with someone, but I’m all alone! Stuck in the Middle East all by myself for 24 hours?!
I spent the £10 refreshment voucher at the Japanese restaurant where the sushi was so badly made it doesn’t hold itself and falls apart when I pick it up with the chopsticks. Anyway, four hours later I board the plane, watched 2 movies in a row, slept for 2 hours and got to Doha.
Nothing of the promised ‘the ground staffs in Doha will know exactly what to do Madam’ was really felt when I arrived. We queued for ages, but finally got sent to a hotel.
The room is really NICE. I’m not going to ignore the fact that missing my flight back home pisses me off big time, but the fact that I’m in a swanky hotel in the middle of the West Bay Area (whatever that means) of the centre of Doha does help a little. I’ve got a fantastic huge flat screen Samsung TV and I’ve been channel surfing since. I think the wireless internet should have been free, but besides that, everything was great, like the three free meals had been great.
So I checked in at 6 in the morning, had some breakfast, and slept through till two, had a nice warm bath, went to the restaurant for lunch, had a walk around (literally one round around the hotel). There is just NOTHING in Doha. Well, nothing around that round around my hotel, at least. It is so warm, at least 35 degrees of dry heat, and so after 5 minutes I was ready to go back to my big luxurious king size bed and four pillows. Zoned out after being on the computer for a while before my new found friend who also got stranded in Doha with me came to my room and woke me up for dinner.
It’s 5 to 9 now and my bath is running as I am typing this (it's not real time as I posted it later). I’m going to enjoy my second and last bath (for a while) before getting ready to be picked up by the airport transfer at half 10.
I’m glad my Doha (or what I made of it) hasn’t been as nightmarish as I’ve imagined it to be. I’m refreshed and ready for tomorrow, although my biological clock was knocking my head asking what I am doing to my own body.
So yes people, I’ve actually been to the Middle East, with a stamp to prove it. Not a lot of people can do that, right? (Okay shut up Dubai).
I arrived without much fuss, many thanks to dear Cui for accompanying me on the tube. There was NO QUEUE at the check in counter, my baggage was 27.6kg, not overweight as I feared, and apart from the usual expected fuss (and queue within reason) for the liquids (I even had to do a liquid testing, which didn’t take a lot of time and in a weird way, quite cool) and shoes check, it was quite a breeze really. The final bits as I started my 20 mins walk to my gate and there was a buggy offered to me for my gate thanks to some nice old people, I couldn’t believe my luck! I was thinking, wow, thank you Heathrow, for making my England exit such a pleasant one.
And then it hit. They announced my flight will be delayed for approximately ½ hour – no drama. So I said there patiently with my Nick Hornby book and Glamour magazine. ½ hour later, they said the delay will be much longer – the flight had problems and they are not running the plane but wait for the next one to arrive in LHR and fly that one instead, so it’d take off at 1930 instead of 1505.
The rage. I knew I was going to miss my connecting flight to Singapore and there is only one flight per day, which means I will be stuck in Doha for a day. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I was with someone, but I’m all alone! Stuck in the Middle East all by myself for 24 hours?!
I spent the £10 refreshment voucher at the Japanese restaurant where the sushi was so badly made it doesn’t hold itself and falls apart when I pick it up with the chopsticks. Anyway, four hours later I board the plane, watched 2 movies in a row, slept for 2 hours and got to Doha.
Nothing of the promised ‘the ground staffs in Doha will know exactly what to do Madam’ was really felt when I arrived. We queued for ages, but finally got sent to a hotel.
The room is really NICE. I’m not going to ignore the fact that missing my flight back home pisses me off big time, but the fact that I’m in a swanky hotel in the middle of the West Bay Area (whatever that means) of the centre of Doha does help a little. I’ve got a fantastic huge flat screen Samsung TV and I’ve been channel surfing since. I think the wireless internet should have been free, but besides that, everything was great, like the three free meals had been great.
So I checked in at 6 in the morning, had some breakfast, and slept through till two, had a nice warm bath, went to the restaurant for lunch, had a walk around (literally one round around the hotel). There is just NOTHING in Doha. Well, nothing around that round around my hotel, at least. It is so warm, at least 35 degrees of dry heat, and so after 5 minutes I was ready to go back to my big luxurious king size bed and four pillows. Zoned out after being on the computer for a while before my new found friend who also got stranded in Doha with me came to my room and woke me up for dinner.
It’s 5 to 9 now and my bath is running as I am typing this (it's not real time as I posted it later). I’m going to enjoy my second and last bath (for a while) before getting ready to be picked up by the airport transfer at half 10.
I’m glad my Doha (or what I made of it) hasn’t been as nightmarish as I’ve imagined it to be. I’m refreshed and ready for tomorrow, although my biological clock was knocking my head asking what I am doing to my own body.
So yes people, I’ve actually been to the Middle East, with a stamp to prove it. Not a lot of people can do that, right? (Okay shut up Dubai).
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Giving a shit
It's all about whether one is deserving of it or not.
The level of happiness and quality of life has nothing to do with responsibility towards others. One should never step on another's head, especially when they have once lent a shoulder to step on to lift you up.
Escapist is so yesteryear.
The level of happiness and quality of life has nothing to do with responsibility towards others. One should never step on another's head, especially when they have once lent a shoulder to step on to lift you up.
Escapist is so yesteryear.
Friday, August 24, 2007
reed.wot.u.tynk.tis.mins
desishens.r.hart.tu.mayk.
choisis.confews.u.
bud.i.m.at.peese.wif.mysef.
i.m.cumin.homm.
(inspired by a rather annoyingly hard to read poem on the wall of cafe1001 in bricklane whilst having a cuppa with eiliang the baker)
yea, i've decided. n done the necessary.
choisis.confews.u.
bud.i.m.at.peese.wif.mysef.
i.m.cumin.homm.
(inspired by a rather annoyingly hard to read poem on the wall of cafe1001 in bricklane whilst having a cuppa with eiliang the baker)
yea, i've decided. n done the necessary.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Up north where the scots dwell
There is always this thing that I have never done and strangely always got away with when it comes to travelling - and that is planning and budgeting. And my trips always happened to turn out just fine and brilliant. Perhaps good things happens simply when you least expects it -
I just sort of decided to go to Edinburgh because I heard about the Fringe, and that I shouldn't miss it since I'm here in Europe. So a few days beforehand, I wrote some emails to some people, looked into gumtree and found a cheap train ticket on the 13th - and I just packed 5 different set of clothes and left (without getting a return ticket).
So on the very beautiful scenic 4.5 hours train ride from King's Cross (where I saw the Platform 9 3/4 from Harry Potter movies) I listened to the song 'It's the sun' from the soundtrack of The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind as the train sped through the countryside in the occasional glorious sunny weather, and this sight greeted me just as the train came to a stop at the final stop in Edinburgh Waverly Station - the Edinburgh Castle over the hill
Upon arrival I met Jeff, my friendly host who opened the doors of his humble abode to me and there in his lounge on his super comfortable leather sofa, I slept for 5 days. And there on the other couch of his, I met Milena, a Polish medical student on holiday at Edinburgh. We hit off straight away and hung out for the rest of my stay in Edinburgh with many many ciders, mojitos, coffees, hot chocolate overdoses. Trips are often defined not just by the destination but by the people you meet and travel with. I made her trip by introducing her to the world of Irish Ciders, Guiness, Irish pubs, Fish and Chips, Haggis - everything British-ish (although it is indeed generalisation and the Scots and Irish will be quite mad if I may say so), and other things foreign like bagels and the English cold sandwich lunches and smoothies. And even a carousel ride!
This trip up Scotland has been the most fantastic in terms of the people I've met and travelled with. Absolutely brilliant.
Morning of Day one I met up with a fellow CS-er whom I randomly met at the train station to the Rosslyn Chapel. To be honest it'd been much nicer had it been one of the first few chapels and churches I've visited, for it is a sight to behold, except that after churches like St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, there isn't any other churches that could hold up against in comparison and so, you know, it's a bit of a shame that I'd say, in short, it's nice, full stop. It is the Da Vinci Code chapel, by the way.
Then the afternoon and the afternoons of two days after were spent roaming around the beautiful ancient city where the buildings are all hundreds of years old with so much character, and streets were filled with tourist, fringe visitors and performers. Performers who were trying to promote their shows later in the night, street performers amusing kids and adults alike, free comedy acts, tons and tons of things to see and you just get so carried away just by your own presence. All the sights and sounds to absorb, the atmosphere to experience - it's really unbelievable. I just lose track of time wandering down the Royal Mile. I know I'd take my kids here to the festival just because there's so many things to do for the kids and they just love it. Maternal instinct huh? Not in years to come, but it'd happen.
I watched:
Escape: A one woman black comedy act I caught out of chance as me and Milena were caught in the rain and the manager asked us into the show. It wasn't too bad, although the location was a bit shite to be honest, I feel sorry for the actress, whom was really not bad.
Into the Hoods: A hiphop/ breakdance show that incoporated a storyline based in (of all places) Hackney, London! Very entertaining, very enjoyable, well deserved 5* review
Absinthe monologues: Ahh the green fairy. A black comedy based on the hallucinating effects of absinthe, and the ticket came with a shot of Absinthe. I say nice work on the free drink, although some bits of the Scottish humour was too, erm, local for me to get, as people laughed at something I didn't. But it happens and I get over it.
In conclusion? There was just too much things to do and choose from. Hundreds of acts literally going on every single day, but I managed to do it in my small way. More importantly is the fact that I truly enjoyed it.
4 days of hanging around the city of Edinburgh and I was off to the Highlands. Just decided to go for a 3 day bus tour randomly on Day two in Edinburgh and even managed to get 20% off many thanks to Thomas. The two days in the highlands was a little too touch and go like most tour groups are, and we spent quite a bit of time on the bus. There was another 6 day tour which had almost the same itinerary, only that you get more time, but I didn't really want to spend the extra money - my £100 could go much further elsewhere - and besides, I'd need to pay for the hostels as well. Despite that, I had the best time in my life. I covered so much of the Highlands - visited Stirling, Kilmahog, Glencoe, Fort Williams, Glenshiel, Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness (amongst other lochs we drove past) and best of all - the Isle of Skye. BEAUTIFUL.
The Spanish trios were the best people I've met. They only reaffirmed the wonderful image I have of Spanish people - lovely, passionate, fun and just so so so nice! If I travel with 2 other friends, chances are, I'd stick around with them and not mingle SO much with the rest (whilst of course still be friendly and all). But the Spaniards, they just took me under their wings and treated me like one of their own and we just had so many silly pictures, nice walks, (trying to get) conversations (because of the language barrier). The only thing I wish I could change was that my Spanish was much better, and their English was much better. We could've communicated a lot better that way. Still, we managed to have such good laughs. At the end of the trip, they invited me to visit in Spain, and said the one thing that made my heart melt -
mi casa es su casa
(my home is your home)
And then there was the team Taiwan/China, who were really fun too. At the beginning when I was blabbering away in my (apparent rather perfect) English with the rest of the white folks, they weren't sure if I were an ABC or BBC and so started talking to me in English. But it was just cool that they warmed up and I tried to warm up my Mandarin so that I could become their translator (believe me, it's not easy trying to explain the whole history between the feud of the English and Scottish in Mandarin). At the end of the trip, these boys had dinner with me, carried my luggage around, walked me to the bus station, put me up the bus and sent me off back to London on my grueling 9 hours bus ride like 4 gentlemen would do.
Good times man, good times. For more pictures, ask me.
I just sort of decided to go to Edinburgh because I heard about the Fringe, and that I shouldn't miss it since I'm here in Europe. So a few days beforehand, I wrote some emails to some people, looked into gumtree and found a cheap train ticket on the 13th - and I just packed 5 different set of clothes and left (without getting a return ticket).
So on the very beautiful scenic 4.5 hours train ride from King's Cross (where I saw the Platform 9 3/4 from Harry Potter movies) I listened to the song 'It's the sun' from the soundtrack of The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind as the train sped through the countryside in the occasional glorious sunny weather, and this sight greeted me just as the train came to a stop at the final stop in Edinburgh Waverly Station - the Edinburgh Castle over the hill
Upon arrival I met Jeff, my friendly host who opened the doors of his humble abode to me and there in his lounge on his super comfortable leather sofa, I slept for 5 days. And there on the other couch of his, I met Milena, a Polish medical student on holiday at Edinburgh. We hit off straight away and hung out for the rest of my stay in Edinburgh with many many ciders, mojitos, coffees, hot chocolate overdoses. Trips are often defined not just by the destination but by the people you meet and travel with. I made her trip by introducing her to the world of Irish Ciders, Guiness, Irish pubs, Fish and Chips, Haggis - everything British-ish (although it is indeed generalisation and the Scots and Irish will be quite mad if I may say so), and other things foreign like bagels and the English cold sandwich lunches and smoothies. And even a carousel ride!
This trip up Scotland has been the most fantastic in terms of the people I've met and travelled with. Absolutely brilliant.
Morning of Day one I met up with a fellow CS-er whom I randomly met at the train station to the Rosslyn Chapel. To be honest it'd been much nicer had it been one of the first few chapels and churches I've visited, for it is a sight to behold, except that after churches like St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, there isn't any other churches that could hold up against in comparison and so, you know, it's a bit of a shame that I'd say, in short, it's nice, full stop. It is the Da Vinci Code chapel, by the way.
Then the afternoon and the afternoons of two days after were spent roaming around the beautiful ancient city where the buildings are all hundreds of years old with so much character, and streets were filled with tourist, fringe visitors and performers. Performers who were trying to promote their shows later in the night, street performers amusing kids and adults alike, free comedy acts, tons and tons of things to see and you just get so carried away just by your own presence. All the sights and sounds to absorb, the atmosphere to experience - it's really unbelievable. I just lose track of time wandering down the Royal Mile. I know I'd take my kids here to the festival just because there's so many things to do for the kids and they just love it. Maternal instinct huh? Not in years to come, but it'd happen.
I watched:
Escape: A one woman black comedy act I caught out of chance as me and Milena were caught in the rain and the manager asked us into the show. It wasn't too bad, although the location was a bit shite to be honest, I feel sorry for the actress, whom was really not bad.
Into the Hoods: A hiphop/ breakdance show that incoporated a storyline based in (of all places) Hackney, London! Very entertaining, very enjoyable, well deserved 5* review
Absinthe monologues: Ahh the green fairy. A black comedy based on the hallucinating effects of absinthe, and the ticket came with a shot of Absinthe. I say nice work on the free drink, although some bits of the Scottish humour was too, erm, local for me to get, as people laughed at something I didn't. But it happens and I get over it.
In conclusion? There was just too much things to do and choose from. Hundreds of acts literally going on every single day, but I managed to do it in my small way. More importantly is the fact that I truly enjoyed it.
4 days of hanging around the city of Edinburgh and I was off to the Highlands. Just decided to go for a 3 day bus tour randomly on Day two in Edinburgh and even managed to get 20% off many thanks to Thomas. The two days in the highlands was a little too touch and go like most tour groups are, and we spent quite a bit of time on the bus. There was another 6 day tour which had almost the same itinerary, only that you get more time, but I didn't really want to spend the extra money - my £100 could go much further elsewhere - and besides, I'd need to pay for the hostels as well. Despite that, I had the best time in my life. I covered so much of the Highlands - visited Stirling, Kilmahog, Glencoe, Fort Williams, Glenshiel, Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness (amongst other lochs we drove past) and best of all - the Isle of Skye. BEAUTIFUL.
The Spanish trios were the best people I've met. They only reaffirmed the wonderful image I have of Spanish people - lovely, passionate, fun and just so so so nice! If I travel with 2 other friends, chances are, I'd stick around with them and not mingle SO much with the rest (whilst of course still be friendly and all). But the Spaniards, they just took me under their wings and treated me like one of their own and we just had so many silly pictures, nice walks, (trying to get) conversations (because of the language barrier). The only thing I wish I could change was that my Spanish was much better, and their English was much better. We could've communicated a lot better that way. Still, we managed to have such good laughs. At the end of the trip, they invited me to visit in Spain, and said the one thing that made my heart melt -
mi casa es su casa
(my home is your home)
And then there was the team Taiwan/China, who were really fun too. At the beginning when I was blabbering away in my (apparent rather perfect) English with the rest of the white folks, they weren't sure if I were an ABC or BBC and so started talking to me in English. But it was just cool that they warmed up and I tried to warm up my Mandarin so that I could become their translator (believe me, it's not easy trying to explain the whole history between the feud of the English and Scottish in Mandarin). At the end of the trip, these boys had dinner with me, carried my luggage around, walked me to the bus station, put me up the bus and sent me off back to London on my grueling 9 hours bus ride like 4 gentlemen would do.
Good times man, good times. For more pictures, ask me.
Monday, August 13, 2007
the weather is so sai i have nothing to say
so i finally realised that i have been lucky last year. apparently, this sort of really shitty weather is quite normal.
well.
okay, united kingdom may be a great country and all, but i honestly do not understand how the hell people can live here forever. they are so weird they run around in the rain thinking it is genuinely okay.
well, what can you do? if you don't want to look sissy and carry a brolly, then you have to be man and have wet shoes.
anyway, having said that, i'm leaving one shit weather to another even shittier weather place up north. but it should be fun!! to scotland!
p.s. scotch whiskey!
well.
okay, united kingdom may be a great country and all, but i honestly do not understand how the hell people can live here forever. they are so weird they run around in the rain thinking it is genuinely okay.
well, what can you do? if you don't want to look sissy and carry a brolly, then you have to be man and have wet shoes.
anyway, having said that, i'm leaving one shit weather to another even shittier weather place up north. but it should be fun!! to scotland!
p.s. scotch whiskey!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
My boyfriend left again.
Technically, if you look at the map, we have made some improvements in terms of real distance. We shaved off a couple thousand miles, so we are 'nearer'.
But distance is distance man. I remembering exclaiming 'I'd never do long distance relationship - pui pui pui' just a while back. Poo. I think I'm in the longest long distance (in terms of distance travelled both of us added up) relationship in the world.
Before, we were an Indian Ocean + Middle East away. Now, we are an Atlantic Ocean, and the entire N.American continent away.
Sigh.
But distance is distance man. I remembering exclaiming 'I'd never do long distance relationship - pui pui pui' just a while back. Poo. I think I'm in the longest long distance (in terms of distance travelled both of us added up) relationship in the world.
Before, we were an Indian Ocean + Middle East away. Now, we are an Atlantic Ocean, and the entire N.American continent away.
Sigh.
Friday, July 27, 2007
The peculiar Europe weather
Greece is sweltering at 45 degrees, with forest fire breaking out. Yet 3 hours away (by flight) I am feeling dulan that the summer is NOT here at all raining freaking everyday and temperature being high 10s. Then other parts of England are flooding (like Oxford is completely flooded)
This is the right moment to exclaim,
WAH RAU EH, SIMI SAI!
On other news, I'm going to the Tate Modern today to see Salvador Dali!!
I totally regretted not going to Figueres when I was in Barcelona (at least I was only in BCN for 09 days. Dunno why Mr Tang didn't bother to take the 1.5hr train). But now, the mountain has come to Muhammad!
I'm a happy girl.
This is the right moment to exclaim,
WAH RAU EH, SIMI SAI!
On other news, I'm going to the Tate Modern today to see Salvador Dali!!
I totally regretted not going to Figueres when I was in Barcelona (at least I was only in BCN for 09 days. Dunno why Mr Tang didn't bother to take the 1.5hr train). But now, the mountain has come to Muhammad!
I'm a happy girl.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Guess what came through the post today?
Tell me how to not love a man who knows exactly what it means by
The way to a woman's heart, is through her stomach (even when 6,900 miles away)
Mr Tang, you good, you good.
Anyway, speaking of which, I used the fantastic sambal chilli sauce which he claims "will make us feel like we are back at chomp chomp" (IT DID!) and had a feast on the biggest fish we had seen thus far in London. With a sauce like this, we need to splurge on a real fish right? So, we went to the smelly fish store to buy a FRESH SALTWATER FISH - but I duno what fish it is, the fishmonger's Eastern European accent was too strong.
zees one for you darrrrling? no? too small? 'ow aboot zees one? you want ze squid?
Anyways,
Muchos gracias mi chico! Me gusta la presente! Te echo menos! Con amor y muchos besos. xx
Gross gross a bit you all also don't understand what. BLEH BLEH BLEH
The way to a woman's heart, is through her stomach (even when 6,900 miles away)
Mr Tang, you good, you good.
Anyway, speaking of which, I used the fantastic sambal chilli sauce which he claims "will make us feel like we are back at chomp chomp" (IT DID!) and had a feast on the biggest fish we had seen thus far in London. With a sauce like this, we need to splurge on a real fish right? So, we went to the smelly fish store to buy a FRESH SALTWATER FISH - but I duno what fish it is, the fishmonger's Eastern European accent was too strong.
zees one for you darrrrling? no? too small? 'ow aboot zees one? you want ze squid?
Anyways,
Muchos gracias mi chico! Me gusta la presente! Te echo menos! Con amor y muchos besos. xx
Gross gross a bit you all also don't understand what. BLEH BLEH BLEH
Monday, July 23, 2007
Hello Muggles!
I'm off in my wizardy world for the next few (twenty?) hours. After that, I'm thinking of going to Central London and hold up a sign with the spoiler to the end of the book. That'd be quite funny. But then again, I risk people throwing sai at me. So better not.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Growing up
You really realise you have grown up when you...
1. Look at someone and see them commit the same mistake as you did, and realise how painful it is to watch, but yet nothing can be done but to let them go through it too, for no matter what you say, they can never get it till they reach that point.
2. Look at someone say something really stupid and instead of complaining how stupid that person is, realise that it is because of the lack of worldly experiences and plainly say '(s)he's still young lah, that's why'.
3. Start thinking about how your future home is like (in a very realistic way)
4. Really realise what your mum said was true.
5. Start doing domesticated things and actually enjoying it.
6. Realise that the world is too big to save. Find a little corner of it and help that bit. That will be enough.
(to be updated)
1. Look at someone and see them commit the same mistake as you did, and realise how painful it is to watch, but yet nothing can be done but to let them go through it too, for no matter what you say, they can never get it till they reach that point.
2. Look at someone say something really stupid and instead of complaining how stupid that person is, realise that it is because of the lack of worldly experiences and plainly say '(s)he's still young lah, that's why'.
3. Start thinking about how your future home is like (in a very realistic way)
4. Really realise what your mum said was true.
5. Start doing domesticated things and actually enjoying it.
6. Realise that the world is too big to save. Find a little corner of it and help that bit. That will be enough.
(to be updated)
Transition
I think I have changed my mind more times in the last few months than I have ever did, added together for the 24 years since.
First I decided to come back, then decided not to come back, then decided I should still come back and came back. Then I decided to find a job, then decided not to, and just go home after I've played enough, then decided to, then decided not to, then decided to, and went for an interview, then after not getting the ONE job that I applied for (of course, amongst some other emails I've sent out), decided not to again, then decided to just try again, try until I don't feel like trying, just for the sake of trying.
This has of course frustrated the boy, who first was really happy that I decided not to leave Singapore, then one day I informed him I'm still going back to London, and he took it well. After a week of being in London I told him I cannot bear to be away from him and decided to go home, but a day after told him otherwise. Then I tell him I'd be back late August, then suddenly there are exciting events coming up in early September and so I decided to stay till September. When I went for the interview thinking okay maybe I should work here for a while I told him I'm not coming back till end of the year but maybe before my birthday, then after that I told him I changed my mind again and want to be back after he returns from Alaska.
Well, if I am him, I also how dulan. But he is never angry. How nice.
Anyway, there is no conclusive decision at the mo, as I shall not write down something in black and white until I have decided confirmed guarantee chopped.
So yes, this is the update of my life thus far.
First I decided to come back, then decided not to come back, then decided I should still come back and came back. Then I decided to find a job, then decided not to, and just go home after I've played enough, then decided to, then decided not to, then decided to, and went for an interview, then after not getting the ONE job that I applied for (of course, amongst some other emails I've sent out), decided not to again, then decided to just try again, try until I don't feel like trying, just for the sake of trying.
This has of course frustrated the boy, who first was really happy that I decided not to leave Singapore, then one day I informed him I'm still going back to London, and he took it well. After a week of being in London I told him I cannot bear to be away from him and decided to go home, but a day after told him otherwise. Then I tell him I'd be back late August, then suddenly there are exciting events coming up in early September and so I decided to stay till September. When I went for the interview thinking okay maybe I should work here for a while I told him I'm not coming back till end of the year but maybe before my birthday, then after that I told him I changed my mind again and want to be back after he returns from Alaska.
Well, if I am him, I also how dulan. But he is never angry. How nice.
Anyway, there is no conclusive decision at the mo, as I shall not write down something in black and white until I have decided confirmed guarantee chopped.
So yes, this is the update of my life thus far.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Buda? Pest?
It's 2ish in the morning and I am in the swanky Intercontinental Hotel Budapest. It has been 05 fun filled days, with the first 3 being (too) hot and sunny, but now I'm wishing for the sun to come back. All of the sudden, many thanks to global warming, the temperature dipped from 32 to 17 in a flash and my bikinis and summer dress are back in my luggage and out comes my jumper and jeans. And umbrella. At least the weather forecast says it's going to be sunny, albeit cold, for the next 2 days, so I am happy. So much for the fucking summer.
It has thus far been a good trip. Hanging out with a whole contingent of people on the road to their PhD who are here in Budapest to present their dissertation has been a great experience - very stimulating and actually, great fun. Jason thinks hanging out with too many smart people makes him feel stupid, but I tend to disagree. In fact, hanging out with these smart asses makes me realise that I am honestly quite smart too (I don't give a shit if you think ya right, as if - I think so can already), and it helps to reaffirm that I can do it too, if I want to. I hate that Shaun is always right, and there was this moment today where I heard his voice ringing in my head saying what he said to me a while ago, 'You know you have so much more potential in you, I am so disappointed you did not push yourself.'
And indeed I didn't. And did not graduate with the honours I (genuinely believe) could have gotten and settled for the very general degree, because 5 years ago honours didn't seem to matter and having fun seem to be the most important thing at that mo.
But it's not. And it's not whether or not people without the 1:1 or 2:1 honours succeed in life or not - at this moment I just feel like I've let myself down, academic-wise.
There is always the other side of the argument where people have achieved academically and felt that they could have done more with their lives during those period of time, or that it isn't as big a deal as everyone makes it, apart from the fact that they make more money than everyone else and make their parents proud during their convocation.
Shrugs.
Anyhoo, all's been said and done. One thing I've learned from this going-away-from-Singapore is, once you made the decision, just move on in life. Once in a while it's okay to look back and reflect, for such reflection helps one grow, but don't regret, mope around feeling sorry. Just accept it as a mistake in life, as all man err, and make the best of now. Just be able to look at yourself in the mirror and be able to answer to yourself.
So what is my mid term goal to make it up to myself? Play enough in Europe, come back to Singapore, get a decent job, be in managerial position within the 4, 5 years so that the university that will accept my 1:1 boyfriend may accept me too, into their MBA Executive programme, then we can live happily ever after.
It has thus far been a good trip. Hanging out with a whole contingent of people on the road to their PhD who are here in Budapest to present their dissertation has been a great experience - very stimulating and actually, great fun. Jason thinks hanging out with too many smart people makes him feel stupid, but I tend to disagree. In fact, hanging out with these smart asses makes me realise that I am honestly quite smart too (I don't give a shit if you think ya right, as if - I think so can already), and it helps to reaffirm that I can do it too, if I want to. I hate that Shaun is always right, and there was this moment today where I heard his voice ringing in my head saying what he said to me a while ago, 'You know you have so much more potential in you, I am so disappointed you did not push yourself.'
And indeed I didn't. And did not graduate with the honours I (genuinely believe) could have gotten and settled for the very general degree, because 5 years ago honours didn't seem to matter and having fun seem to be the most important thing at that mo.
But it's not. And it's not whether or not people without the 1:1 or 2:1 honours succeed in life or not - at this moment I just feel like I've let myself down, academic-wise.
There is always the other side of the argument where people have achieved academically and felt that they could have done more with their lives during those period of time, or that it isn't as big a deal as everyone makes it, apart from the fact that they make more money than everyone else and make their parents proud during their convocation.
Shrugs.
Anyhoo, all's been said and done. One thing I've learned from this going-away-from-Singapore is, once you made the decision, just move on in life. Once in a while it's okay to look back and reflect, for such reflection helps one grow, but don't regret, mope around feeling sorry. Just accept it as a mistake in life, as all man err, and make the best of now. Just be able to look at yourself in the mirror and be able to answer to yourself.
So what is my mid term goal to make it up to myself? Play enough in Europe, come back to Singapore, get a decent job, be in managerial position within the 4, 5 years so that the university that will accept my 1:1 boyfriend may accept me too, into their MBA Executive programme, then we can live happily ever after.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
London can be green
Since I am at home and free most of the time, packed my bag for Budapest and it's still broad daylight, I should just post a bit more about London. Because I never do.
So I went to the Hackney marshes. It's a nice big park with marshes (duh) and lots of open space and greens. It was a nice day - no rain, great wind, I struggled a little wearing not too much for the 18 degrees (not counting wind chill). But, it was great and one of the few times I've seen the beautiful greeneries of London.
There I had a great walk of about an hour or more thinking about life, as such. Lots came to my head, lots brushed aside, lots to be pondered, lots.
It was a good walk. I liked it. And here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.
So I went to the Hackney marshes. It's a nice big park with marshes (duh) and lots of open space and greens. It was a nice day - no rain, great wind, I struggled a little wearing not too much for the 18 degrees (not counting wind chill). But, it was great and one of the few times I've seen the beautiful greeneries of London.
There I had a great walk of about an hour or more thinking about life, as such. Lots came to my head, lots brushed aside, lots to be pondered, lots.
It was a good walk. I liked it. And here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.
Friday, June 29, 2007
The London's answer to Bah Chor Mee
Right at home in the cosy East London pad.
Cooking courtesy of Cui and Hui. Photo of Barney's bowl of noodles, using the 'man bowl' that only he uses to eat.
Doesn't it look authentic?
Thank you baby, for reminding me that everything is a mixture of soya sauce, chilli, oyster sauce and sesame oil. This is too :D
Cooking courtesy of Cui and Hui. Photo of Barney's bowl of noodles, using the 'man bowl' that only he uses to eat.
Doesn't it look authentic?
Thank you baby, for reminding me that everything is a mixture of soya sauce, chilli, oyster sauce and sesame oil. This is too :D
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
My first dinner in London - Emperor Chicken!
My first ever Emperor Chicken. Spices complimentary of my Clifton. It took one halal chicken (which the English thinks is better because they somehow had this idea that it is free-ranged, which is not possible cos they are like SO FAT, and I explained to wide eyed Barney that it's just the way the kill it).
It may not look much, but it's actually super duper delicious. It took 2.5 hours of steaming, which we do not have like a deep enough pot, so I innovated and covered the lid with Aluminium foil. Hehehehe.
Yum. I'm happy.
It may not look much, but it's actually super duper delicious. It took 2.5 hours of steaming, which we do not have like a deep enough pot, so I innovated and covered the lid with Aluminium foil. Hehehehe.
Yum. I'm happy.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Of birthdays
It's funny how in a recent conversation with a friend when we talked about birthdays did I realise that it is not that birthdays have never been a big deal to me. I reckon it could be just sour grapes. Whilst I don't recall having any miserable years of crying in bed because no one celebrated my birthday for me, there had never been an explosive surprisingly I'd-remember-this-my-whole-life sort.
Yet at the same time, I seem to be spending my entire life trying to make others' birthdays as good as possible.
This post isn't about 'what's the deal about Birthdays?'. Surely the day you were born is just another freaking day, but everything can be used as an excuse anyway. It's more like, if I, and many other people have been trying to plot good birthdays for people, how come I don't see that many good memorable parties?
On a separate note, it has been reminicising times. I was reading Ping's archives from 2003 (when we were young and silly, really) and this just caught my attention:
If I could wish for a perfect life, it would be tempting.
But I would decline for there is nothing to learn from life.
At the tender age of 24 going 25, after about 20s of pondering, I've decided:
I will accept the perfect life.
Life is a journey, but I will be happy not learning and enjoying it for the rest of the few decades I have in the perfect way with the perfect guy and all my wonderful friends. That is tempting enough.
Yet at the same time, I seem to be spending my entire life trying to make others' birthdays as good as possible.
This post isn't about 'what's the deal about Birthdays?'. Surely the day you were born is just another freaking day, but everything can be used as an excuse anyway. It's more like, if I, and many other people have been trying to plot good birthdays for people, how come I don't see that many good memorable parties?
On a separate note, it has been reminicising times. I was reading Ping's archives from 2003 (when we were young and silly, really) and this just caught my attention:
If I could wish for a perfect life, it would be tempting.
But I would decline for there is nothing to learn from life.
At the tender age of 24 going 25, after about 20s of pondering, I've decided:
I will accept the perfect life.
Life is a journey, but I will be happy not learning and enjoying it for the rest of the few decades I have in the perfect way with the perfect guy and all my wonderful friends. That is tempting enough.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
a friendlier to myself tell me about you
"hi my name is hui. there are a couple of things i love. in no particular order. i love yoga. it gives me an inner sense of peace and allows me to listen to my body. besides, i find it cool to be able to do inverted poses. if only i am not so lazy, i could be much mroe consistent at it, be better and fitter. i love food. i never really appreciate the wonderful food culture singapore possesses, where people think of food as a religion and will travel miles and miles (technically, not really, since singapore is quite small) just to get their favourite food. i love random discoveries of food havens. one of my favourite dish is frog leg porridge, which makes many of my ang moh friends cringe and ill just by the thought of it. my absolute love is curry vegetable, but i don't know how to make it. i love my friends, especially those who loves to eat just like i do. i like people who doesn't gasp when i suggest eating the buy3get2free+freeporridge deal even though there is just two of us. i never knew how to cook but realised to be able to cook is not hard - to cook well is an art. i love art. i like going to bras basah and pretend to be one of the art students and buy canvases and brushes (even though i don't know which brush is good for what) and acrylic paint. i paint, or try to, and hope to attend an acrylic painting class so i can do it properly. i've painted a few paintings and thankfully, i think i'm getting better each time. i have bravely given away the paintings as presents, but i need to build up my confidence and practice more often. i enjoy musicals, and have seen six broadway musicals in my lifetime, of which two are seen in broadway itself. my absolute love is phantom of the opera and i can memorise all the songs since i was 16. i am addicted to travelling. to me travelling is not getting to a place and enjoying the scenary. it's an entire journey a process from researching what to do where to go to contacting random locals to either ask for tips or meet up with them so that i can truly immerse into their culture. i've been fortunate enough to have met so many travellers - some travelling like i am, some taking a break from travelling but actively meeting up with random travellers who pop by their town and take us under their wings and show us what to do. it's really cool to meet these people and hear of their ridiculous travelling tales. i have some of my own too. this is the world of travellers, not tourist. i am part of that culture. i like to think i am a traveller. i found a man that shares the same passion and dream, but too bad he is stuck in singapore for the next six years. one day we will conquer the world with our map pins. in the meantime, i will have a headstart. :) i love fashion and clothes and am glad i am a girl because being a guy, you can't do that much. or have thirty six pairs of shoes and get away with it. i cannot resist dresses because they are so feminine. i love being feminine and fashionable yet geeky at the same time. i love gaming and is given a playstation portable to play with while i am in london. yay. i always smile for some reason, although i don't think i am inately a very happy person. it's nice meeting you anyway."
(jz i stole it from you again)
(jz i stole it from you again)
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Honestly, can travelling be any cheaper than this????
P.S. Dowan to tell you all when I go leh!! Bleh!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
"Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, Choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol and dental insurance. Choose fixed- interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisure wear and matching luggage. Choose a three piece suite on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who you are on a Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing sprit- crushing game shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pishing you last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked-up brats you have spawned to replace yourself. Choose your future. Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that?"
Trainspotting.
Trainspotting.
Ever so often I will chance upon some random blog of random people I met throughout my travels and read about their absolutely different bizarre lifestyle they have as compared to mine. Ever so often I will look back and wonder about all the what ifs, even though one of my favourite lines to tell people is that once you chose something bloody hell stick with it and stop wondering about the what ifs. Live with your decision and make it happen.
Like it is so easy.
I know that lots of people spent 3, 4 years overseas and should have 'immersed deeply' into the culture of wherever they have been. But experience has told me that many of them are living like a Singaporean with other Singaporeans (or Southeast Asians), just that they are somewhere else. So when these people return, they are not even really back to square one, because they have not left square one.
I don't wish to compare myself to them. I'm only saying this because some people wonder how a few months can affect one person this much. But it does.
How I am feeling now even though my travelling was all of 10 months before I came back to Singapore is that I am missing out on something I could have been doing. So many more exciting things. People who take 1 2 years off doing whatever they like, like Sandro, who is just climbing throughout North America, living in the desert, driving around in his beat up car but meeting so many awesome, wholesome bizarre people who gain so much spiritually and mentally living it up like that.
What am I missing in life?
I'm sorry, but it's hard not to feel this pang of loss even though I have the perfect relationship with you. It's just too bad that I've been 'out there' and its never the same again.
I'm here, still.
Like it is so easy.
I know that lots of people spent 3, 4 years overseas and should have 'immersed deeply' into the culture of wherever they have been. But experience has told me that many of them are living like a Singaporean with other Singaporeans (or Southeast Asians), just that they are somewhere else. So when these people return, they are not even really back to square one, because they have not left square one.
I don't wish to compare myself to them. I'm only saying this because some people wonder how a few months can affect one person this much. But it does.
How I am feeling now even though my travelling was all of 10 months before I came back to Singapore is that I am missing out on something I could have been doing. So many more exciting things. People who take 1 2 years off doing whatever they like, like Sandro, who is just climbing throughout North America, living in the desert, driving around in his beat up car but meeting so many awesome, wholesome bizarre people who gain so much spiritually and mentally living it up like that.
What am I missing in life?
I'm sorry, but it's hard not to feel this pang of loss even though I have the perfect relationship with you. It's just too bad that I've been 'out there' and its never the same again.
I'm here, still.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
I'm 72% blonde
[x] You have screamed at an inanimate object for 'hurting' you.
[x] You have run into a glass/screen door.
[ ] You have jumped out of a moving vehicle.
[x] You have thought of something funny and laughed, and then people gave you weird looks.
[] You have run into a tree/bush ...
so far: 3
[x] you know that it is not possible to lick your elbow.
[] You just tried to lick your elbow.
[] You never knew that the Alphabet and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star have the same rhythm.
[] You just sang them to make sure.
[x] You have tripped on your shoelace and fallen.
[x] You have choked on your own spit.
so far: 6
[x] You have seen the Matrix and still don't get it.
[ ] You've never seen the Matrix.
[ ] You type only with two fingers.
[x] You have accidentally caught something on fire.
[x] You tried to drink out of a straw, but it went into your nose.
[x] You have caught yourself drooling.
so far: 9
[x] You have fallen asleep in class
[x] Sometimes when you are telling a story you forget what you were talking about.
[x] People often shake their heads and walk away from you.
[ ] you are often told to use your "inside voice".
so far: 12
[ ] You use your fingers to do simple maths.
[x] You have eaten a bug accidentally.
[ ] You are taking this test when you should be doing something more important.
[x] You have put your clothes on backwards or inside out, and didn't realize it.
[x] You've looked all over for something and realized it was in your hand/pocket the whole time
so far: 15
[ ] You repost bulletins because you are scared that what they say will happen to you if you don't.
[ ] You break a lot of things.
[x] you tilt you're head when you're confused.
[x] You have fallen out of your chair before.
[ ] when you're lying in bed, you try to find pictures in the texture on the ceiling.
[x] The word "uhm" is used many times a day.
[ ] You had to use a calculator to add this up.
Score: 18
NOW, take that number and multiply it by 4 and REPOST this as "your total in percent, blonde
which means.... I am 72% blonde.
See, I knew it. I'm not very clever.
[x] You have run into a glass/screen door.
[ ] You have jumped out of a moving vehicle.
[x] You have thought of something funny and laughed, and then people gave you weird looks.
[] You have run into a tree/bush ...
so far: 3
[x] you know that it is not possible to lick your elbow.
[] You just tried to lick your elbow.
[] You never knew that the Alphabet and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star have the same rhythm.
[] You just sang them to make sure.
[x] You have tripped on your shoelace and fallen.
[x] You have choked on your own spit.
so far: 6
[x] You have seen the Matrix and still don't get it.
[ ] You've never seen the Matrix.
[ ] You type only with two fingers.
[x] You have accidentally caught something on fire.
[x] You tried to drink out of a straw, but it went into your nose.
[x] You have caught yourself drooling.
so far: 9
[x] You have fallen asleep in class
[x] Sometimes when you are telling a story you forget what you were talking about.
[x] People often shake their heads and walk away from you.
[ ] you are often told to use your "inside voice".
so far: 12
[ ] You use your fingers to do simple maths.
[x] You have eaten a bug accidentally.
[ ] You are taking this test when you should be doing something more important.
[x] You have put your clothes on backwards or inside out, and didn't realize it.
[x] You've looked all over for something and realized it was in your hand/pocket the whole time
so far: 15
[ ] You repost bulletins because you are scared that what they say will happen to you if you don't.
[ ] You break a lot of things.
[x] you tilt you're head when you're confused.
[x] You have fallen out of your chair before.
[ ] when you're lying in bed, you try to find pictures in the texture on the ceiling.
[x] The word "uhm" is used many times a day.
[ ] You had to use a calculator to add this up.
Score: 18
NOW, take that number and multiply it by 4 and REPOST this as "your total in percent, blonde
which means.... I am 72% blonde.
See, I knew it. I'm not very clever.
Friday, April 27, 2007
17th June
There are few perks working where I am working. First is of course all the free hotel stays. Second, is to be able to look through the system for the lowest fare possible and buy it at net rate.
Not the most exciting perks of them all, but it's not bad at all is it!
So finally after thinking of all the different criteria I have, eg. No budget airline, no dodgy airline, 30kg baggage, no stopover (or minimum time), cheapest in the world etc, I settled to block a seat for Qatar, which isn't a direct flight, stopover is 1.5 hours only (at Doha! One more cheaterbug place to map-pin), allows 30kg of luggage and gives me 6 months to come back. And my boss, who is very picky when it comes to flying thinks Qatar is okay. So it should be okay.
So the boy (and everyone else who loves me!!!!!!!!) will be quite happy to know that I will be returning home no later than 17 Jan 08. And no matter how cham the situation is or will be, I got a return flight, so I am able to come home no matter what.
Good lah. Life has a little bit meaning again. As in, a little bit direction. Now I can do up a mental timeline and decide when to start looking for jobs online, what to buy to bring there and get prepared and hyped for my EU domination Round 2.
Money woes. But I cannot let it bring me down. That's just wrong.
Mood: A little odd
Not the most exciting perks of them all, but it's not bad at all is it!
So finally after thinking of all the different criteria I have, eg. No budget airline, no dodgy airline, 30kg baggage, no stopover (or minimum time), cheapest in the world etc, I settled to block a seat for Qatar, which isn't a direct flight, stopover is 1.5 hours only (at Doha! One more cheaterbug place to map-pin), allows 30kg of luggage and gives me 6 months to come back. And my boss, who is very picky when it comes to flying thinks Qatar is okay. So it should be okay.
So the boy (and everyone else who loves me!!!!!!!!) will be quite happy to know that I will be returning home no later than 17 Jan 08. And no matter how cham the situation is or will be, I got a return flight, so I am able to come home no matter what.
Good lah. Life has a little bit meaning again. As in, a little bit direction. Now I can do up a mental timeline and decide when to start looking for jobs online, what to buy to bring there and get prepared and hyped for my EU domination Round 2.
Money woes. But I cannot let it bring me down. That's just wrong.
Mood: A little odd
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Hillman Wonders of the World
Pyramids of Egypt
Great Wall of China
Taj Mahal India
Serengeti Migration Kenya/Tanzania
Galapagos Islands Ecuador
Grand Canyon USA
Machu Picchu Peru
Iguazu Falls Argentina/Brazil
Bali Indonesia
Amazon Rain Forest Brazil/Peru
Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania
Great Barrier Reef Australia
Angkor Wat Cambodia
Victoria Falls Zambia & Zimbabwe
Forbidden City China
Bagan Myanmar
Karnak Temple Egypt
Teotihuacan Mexico
Banaue Rice Terraces Philippines
Bora Bora French Polynesia
Acropolis & its Parthenon Greece
Potala Palace at Lhasa China
Jerusalem Old City Israel
Qin Terra Cotta Warriors China
Chichen Itza Mexico
Petra Jordan
Nile River Cruise Egypt
Easter Island Chile
Cappadocia Turkey
Colosseum of Rome Italy
Fjords of Norway
St Peter's Basilica Vatican City
Egyptian Museum Egypt
Borobudur Indonesia
Valley of the Kings Egypt
Hong Kong Harborscape China
Sistine Chapel Vatican City
Alhambra Spain
Louvre Museum France
Canals of Venice Italy
Versailles France
Carlsbad Caverns USA
Mecca Saudi Arabia
Kathmandu Valley Nepal
Metropolitan Museum of Art USA
Mt. Everest China & Nepal
Antarctic Cruise Multinational
Temple Emerald Buddha Thailand
Hagia Sofia Turkey
Pompeii Italy
Kashmir Valley India
Prague Old Town Czech Republic
Golden Temple India
Amalfi Coast & Drive Italy
Meenakshi India
Chartres Cathedral France
Mezquita of Cordoba Spain
Damascus Old City / Umayyad Syria
Dubrovnik Croatia
Uffizi Gallery Italy
Rio Panoramic Views Brazil
Golden Pavilion Japan
Delphi Greece
St. Basil's Cathedral Russia
Abu Simbel Egypt
St. Mark's Basilica/Campanile Italy
Florence Cityscape Italy
Kremlin Russia
Varanasi & the Ganges India
Li River Cruise China
Shwedagon Stupa Myanmar
Sahara Desert Multinational
Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy
Baalbek Lebanon
Mont-St-Michel France
Topkapi Palace Turkey
Carnival in Rio Brazil
Stonehenge England
Angel Falls Venezuela
Yellowstone USA
Santorini Greece
Petronas Twin Towers Malaysia
Matterhorn Switzerland
New York Skyline USA
Marrakesh Morocco
Eiffel Tower France
Ladakh India
Niagara Falls Canada
British Museum England
Burj Al Arab Dubai, UAE
Yangtze River Cruise China
Yosemite USA <-- Almost been, but my trip got cancelled cos of snow IDIOT Ayers Rock Australia Hermitage Museum Russia Chambord Chateau France Lijiang / Shangri-La ChinaNeuschwanstein Castle Germany
Banff National Park Canada
San Francisco USA
Portofino Italy
13 only! :(
Purple = got chance within this year. :)
Blue = really want to go (I stopped halfway because it became too tiring to decide if I really want to go or not. - To be updated)
Great Wall of China
Taj Mahal India
Serengeti Migration Kenya/Tanzania
Galapagos Islands Ecuador
Machu Picchu Peru
Iguazu Falls Argentina/Brazil
Bali Indonesia
Amazon Rain Forest Brazil/Peru
Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania
Great Barrier Reef Australia
Victoria Falls Zambia & Zimbabwe
Forbidden City China
Bagan Myanmar
Karnak Temple Egypt
Teotihuacan Mexico
Banaue Rice Terraces Philippines
Bora Bora French Polynesia
Acropolis & its Parthenon Greece
Potala Palace at Lhasa China
Jerusalem Old City Israel
Qin Terra Cotta Warriors China
Chichen Itza Mexico
Petra Jordan
Nile River Cruise Egypt
Easter Island Chile
Cappadocia Turkey
Fjords of Norway
Egyptian Museum Egypt
Borobudur Indonesia
Valley of the Kings Egypt
Alhambra Spain
Louvre Museum France
Canals of Venice Italy
Versailles France
Carlsbad Caverns USA
Mecca Saudi Arabia
Kathmandu Valley Nepal
Mt. Everest China & Nepal
Antarctic Cruise Multinational
Temple Emerald Buddha Thailand
Hagia Sofia Turkey
Pompeii Italy
Kashmir Valley India
Prague Old Town Czech Republic
Golden Temple India
Amalfi Coast & Drive Italy
Meenakshi India
Chartres Cathedral France
Mezquita of Cordoba Spain
Damascus Old City / Umayyad Syria
Dubrovnik Croatia
Uffizi Gallery Italy
Rio Panoramic Views Brazil
Golden Pavilion Japan
Delphi Greece
St. Basil's Cathedral Russia
Abu Simbel Egypt
St. Mark's Basilica/Campanile Italy
Florence Cityscape Italy
Kremlin Russia
Varanasi & the Ganges India
Li River Cruise China
Shwedagon Stupa Myanmar
Sahara Desert Multinational
Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy
Baalbek Lebanon
Mont-St-Michel France
Topkapi Palace Turkey
Carnival in Rio Brazil
Stonehenge England
Angel Falls Venezuela
Yellowstone USA
Santorini Greece
Matterhorn Switzerland
Marrakesh Morocco
Eiffel Tower France
Ladakh India
Niagara Falls Canada
Burj Al Arab Dubai, UAE
Yangtze River Cruise China
Yosemite USA <-- Almost been, but my trip got cancelled cos of snow IDIOT Ayers Rock Australia Hermitage Museum Russia Chambord Chateau France Lijiang / Shangri-La China
Portofino Italy
13 only! :(
Purple = got chance within this year. :)
Blue = really want to go (I stopped halfway because it became too tiring to decide if I really want to go or not. - To be updated)
Lighting up lives.....
I seek to compare the level of happiness of children receiving these to me receiving a PSP. :P
I'm truly excited about the trip. So happy!
Presents part one.
I'm truly excited about the trip. So happy!
Presents part one.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
An unneccessary rant
We are nobody to judge, so well we do what we can.
I have already told the people I sent the email to, that there is no pressure. I will not think any less of you.
But I am disappointed. And I am disappointed at myself for judging people.
Like Ping said, we are nobody to judge. But I thought we could do better.
First of all, thank you. You know who you are. Thanks for supporting me. Thanks for supporting my cause.
I am disappointed because I did not do this to get acknowledgement. To make people think, wow she's way cool. Wah, look at what she is doing. There is nothing to brag, there is nothing to be proud of. I'm just doing what I feel, is right to do. I am just disappointed. Because I thought there would be words of encouragement, or even just simple replies like, hey have a good trip. Like how some of you will probably not be meeting up with me even till June when I head back, but replied my I'M COMING HOME email and greeted me Happy New Year and that we should try to meet up. That made me happy enough. So why couldn't you have acknowledge this email the same way you did?
No. You didn't. Cold hard no replies. The way you reject the people who gives out flyers without looking at them in the eye. The way I know you are online on MSN and I say hi, not because I want your bloody money, but I want to say hi, but because of my email to you, you do not reply me.
I know it's hard for people to share my passion. The same way how I cannot bear to give my life up and join some missionary. I guess, I should think like them and feel content that whatever happened to me has changed me and helped me in my own way. That if others don't get it, then too bad.
Fine. But don't avoid me like plague.
It is utterly disgusting.
I have already told the people I sent the email to, that there is no pressure. I will not think any less of you.
But I am disappointed. And I am disappointed at myself for judging people.
Like Ping said, we are nobody to judge. But I thought we could do better.
First of all, thank you. You know who you are. Thanks for supporting me. Thanks for supporting my cause.
I am disappointed because I did not do this to get acknowledgement. To make people think, wow she's way cool. Wah, look at what she is doing. There is nothing to brag, there is nothing to be proud of. I'm just doing what I feel, is right to do. I am just disappointed. Because I thought there would be words of encouragement, or even just simple replies like, hey have a good trip. Like how some of you will probably not be meeting up with me even till June when I head back, but replied my I'M COMING HOME email and greeted me Happy New Year and that we should try to meet up. That made me happy enough. So why couldn't you have acknowledge this email the same way you did?
No. You didn't. Cold hard no replies. The way you reject the people who gives out flyers without looking at them in the eye. The way I know you are online on MSN and I say hi, not because I want your bloody money, but I want to say hi, but because of my email to you, you do not reply me.
I know it's hard for people to share my passion. The same way how I cannot bear to give my life up and join some missionary. I guess, I should think like them and feel content that whatever happened to me has changed me and helped me in my own way. That if others don't get it, then too bad.
Fine. But don't avoid me like plague.
It is utterly disgusting.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Blessed are the forgetful: for they shall have done with their stupidities too.
Joel: [In the house on the beach] I really should go! I've gotta catch my ride.
Clementine: So go.
Joel: I did. I thought maybe you were a nut... but you were exciting.
Clementine: I wish you had stayed.
Joel: I wish I had stayed to. NOW I wish I had stayed. I wish I had done a lot of things. I wish I had... I wish I had stayed. I do.
Clementine: Well I came back downstairs and you were gone!
Joel: I walked out, I walked out the door!
Clementine: Why?
Joel: I don't know. I felt like I was a scared little kid, I was like... it was above my head, I don't know.
Clementine: You were scared?
Joel: Yeah. I thought you knew that about me. I ran back to the bonfire, trying to outrun my humiliation.
Clementine: Was it something I said?
Joel: Yeah, you said "so go." With such disdain, you know?
Clementine: Oh, I'm sorry.
Joel: It's okay.
[Walking Out]
Clementine: Joely? What if you stayed this time?
Joel: I walked out the door. There's no memory left.
Clementine: Come back and make up a good-bye at least. Let's pretend we had one.
[Joel comes back]
Clementine: Bye Joel.
Joel: I love you...
Clementine: So go.
Joel: I did. I thought maybe you were a nut... but you were exciting.
Clementine: I wish you had stayed.
Joel: I wish I had stayed to. NOW I wish I had stayed. I wish I had done a lot of things. I wish I had... I wish I had stayed. I do.
Clementine: Well I came back downstairs and you were gone!
Joel: I walked out, I walked out the door!
Clementine: Why?
Joel: I don't know. I felt like I was a scared little kid, I was like... it was above my head, I don't know.
Clementine: You were scared?
Joel: Yeah. I thought you knew that about me. I ran back to the bonfire, trying to outrun my humiliation.
Clementine: Was it something I said?
Joel: Yeah, you said "so go." With such disdain, you know?
Clementine: Oh, I'm sorry.
Joel: It's okay.
[Walking Out]
Clementine: Joely? What if you stayed this time?
Joel: I walked out the door. There's no memory left.
Clementine: Come back and make up a good-bye at least. Let's pretend we had one.
[Joel comes back]
Clementine: Bye Joel.
Joel: I love you...
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
English people drink 2.2kg of tea a year. EACH. Hehe.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of countries ordered by annual per capita consumption of tea, as of 2002.
Turkey 2.3 kg
United Kingdom 2.2 kg
Ireland 1.5 kg
New Zealand 1 kg
Japan 0.9 kg
Netherlands 0.8 kg
Australia 0.8 kg
Germany 0.7 kg
Switzerland 0.4 kg
Sweden 0.4 kg
Norway 0.4 kg
Finland 0.3 kg
Austria 0.3 kg
Denmark 0.2 kg
Canada 0.2 kg
France 0.2 kg
United States 0.2 kg
Belgium 0.1 kg
Italy 0.1 kg
This is a list of countries ordered by annual per capita consumption of tea, as of 2002.
Turkey 2.3 kg
United Kingdom 2.2 kg
Ireland 1.5 kg
New Zealand 1 kg
Japan 0.9 kg
Netherlands 0.8 kg
Australia 0.8 kg
Germany 0.7 kg
Switzerland 0.4 kg
Sweden 0.4 kg
Norway 0.4 kg
Finland 0.3 kg
Austria 0.3 kg
Denmark 0.2 kg
Canada 0.2 kg
France 0.2 kg
United States 0.2 kg
Belgium 0.1 kg
Italy 0.1 kg
Monday, April 09, 2007
tech support help.
Caller: Hi, our printer is not working.
Customer Service: What is wrong with it?
Caller: Mouse is jammed.
Customer Service: Mouse? And how it is related to printer?
Caller: Mmmm.. Wait, I will send that picture.
.
.
.
.
Sorry JZ, I liked this post so much and think it's almost the funniest thing, so I am taking it right out from your blog without asking. But here is the credit to you!
Customer Service: What is wrong with it?
Caller: Mouse is jammed.
Customer Service: Mouse? And how it is related to printer?
Caller: Mmmm.. Wait, I will send that picture.
.
.
.
.
Sorry JZ, I liked this post so much and think it's almost the funniest thing, so I am taking it right out from your blog without asking. But here is the credit to you!
I remember writing an entry about how people who are so absorbed in reporting their daily lives on their blog right down to who they met at Zouk, the ba kut teh they ate at Havelock after, and about twenty thousand photos with different people with that same 30 degree tilt down sideway cheeky glance because that is their best profile? These people are the people I do not know how to speak to anymore. Because I know so much about their lives, too much details, so much that when I meet you and ask you how's your weekend, it's a dumb question because I already knew you were at Sentosa and it rained and you were sitting at the third bed on the right side on the second row with Tom, Dick and Harry at Del Mar. So in the wise WoW lingo, I say to myself, GG social conversation.
Worse, some people will you try not to read their blog so that you can have a conversation with them will tell you
aiyah go read my blog you will know already.
:silence:
me: erm, okay.
What else should I say then?
Thankfully, a lot of those bloggers have lost their initial bubble of energy and now updates about twice a year. Yay. At least we can talk.
But some blogs are truly interesting. Like you. You are so interesting I am going to read your archive from November 2003 just to understand how you have evolved. I appreciate your out of the world (okay, out of my world) style of writing. Some people wrote like you. No, some people try to write like you. But I can sense they were trying too hard. Trying to sound emo. Pretending to be cool. But you are writing in the I don't care if nobody understands. I don't. But I like it this way.
I'm reading you like a book. And trying to understand you as my friend. I probaby will never succeed. I never could handle people who are so artsy fartsy. Who are this artsy fartsy without trying.
This sounds hero-worship-ish. It's not man. You know it's not. Its not an infatuation nor a silly crush. It's just pure pure appreciation man. I appreciate your difference. I really like it. I'm glad we are friends. I'm glad you took me in at Nazi land even though I was a stranger and cooked for me. I'm glad you came to London and introduced Ninagawa to me at Shakespeare land. I'm glad we can still have our prata and teh in Singapore and allow you to wank the shit out and make me confuse. I'm really glad we are friends. I'm happy you don't know I know your blog. I'm happy I think you don't know about this blog.
Worse, some people will you try not to read their blog so that you can have a conversation with them will tell you
aiyah go read my blog you will know already.
:silence:
me: erm, okay.
What else should I say then?
Thankfully, a lot of those bloggers have lost their initial bubble of energy and now updates about twice a year. Yay. At least we can talk.
But some blogs are truly interesting. Like you. You are so interesting I am going to read your archive from November 2003 just to understand how you have evolved. I appreciate your out of the world (okay, out of my world) style of writing. Some people wrote like you. No, some people try to write like you. But I can sense they were trying too hard. Trying to sound emo. Pretending to be cool. But you are writing in the I don't care if nobody understands. I don't. But I like it this way.
I'm reading you like a book. And trying to understand you as my friend. I probaby will never succeed. I never could handle people who are so artsy fartsy. Who are this artsy fartsy without trying.
This sounds hero-worship-ish. It's not man. You know it's not. Its not an infatuation nor a silly crush. It's just pure pure appreciation man. I appreciate your difference. I really like it. I'm glad we are friends. I'm glad you took me in at Nazi land even though I was a stranger and cooked for me. I'm glad you came to London and introduced Ninagawa to me at Shakespeare land. I'm glad we can still have our prata and teh in Singapore and allow you to wank the shit out and make me confuse. I'm really glad we are friends. I'm happy you don't know I know your blog. I'm happy I think you don't know about this blog.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
The many-a-post day
Today I officially did N-O-T-H-I-N-G at work. Finally.
Anyway, I really miss you Cui.
Anyway, I really miss you Cui.
Monday, April 02, 2007
i have a map of the world on my wall
So here's the thing. One bored night in at Cui's I decided to shop on ebay for a map. Found one funky looking one for £0.50. Ultra dopey! With shipping, its still nothing (maps cost like $20 for the size of the one I got)
It may be just paper, not laminated - even better. I wanted to poke pins to show where I have been.
I ran the Find Singapore in 30 seconds test with the English - none of them succeeded.
Anyway, so if I want to tape it on my wall and poke pins, I need it to be on some surface right? Cos Singapore walls are bricks (don't give me that duh look, my wall in London was made of wood) and even if my mum don't scream at me, my pins will have to be hammered in.
So instead, I decided to go buy a styrofoam. This styrofoam has to be BIG, cos my map is big. In the end, I bought a styrofoam that is exactly the same height as my boyfriend (6ft) from Artfriend and carried it on the bus (cos it won't fit in a cab) ignoring all stares. Peak hour after work? Who cares! I sat at the last few adjacent seats of a double decker and the styrofoam was like about 5 seats long and people who were sitting beside me had to walk one tiny round around the styrofoam to alight but I pretended to not notice. I cut it to the exact size of the map, pinned the map on it, and mounted it on my wall. YAY!
Today, I bought 2 boxes of map-pins (yeah they are actually call map pins!). One red one, and a blue one.
Excitedly, I took the red ones and starting mapping out the places I've been. I took a step back and stared.
The world is so big and I have only been to so little places. I cannot take it.
It may be just paper, not laminated - even better. I wanted to poke pins to show where I have been.
I ran the Find Singapore in 30 seconds test with the English - none of them succeeded.
Anyway, so if I want to tape it on my wall and poke pins, I need it to be on some surface right? Cos Singapore walls are bricks (don't give me that duh look, my wall in London was made of wood) and even if my mum don't scream at me, my pins will have to be hammered in.
So instead, I decided to go buy a styrofoam. This styrofoam has to be BIG, cos my map is big. In the end, I bought a styrofoam that is exactly the same height as my boyfriend (6ft) from Artfriend and carried it on the bus (cos it won't fit in a cab) ignoring all stares. Peak hour after work? Who cares! I sat at the last few adjacent seats of a double decker and the styrofoam was like about 5 seats long and people who were sitting beside me had to walk one tiny round around the styrofoam to alight but I pretended to not notice. I cut it to the exact size of the map, pinned the map on it, and mounted it on my wall. YAY!
Today, I bought 2 boxes of map-pins (yeah they are actually call map pins!). One red one, and a blue one.
Excitedly, I took the red ones and starting mapping out the places I've been. I took a step back and stared.
The world is so big and I have only been to so little places. I cannot take it.
I wanted to open the blue ones and map out the places you've been but I think you'd be happier doing it yourself. So I'm resisting the urge and await patiently for your return.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Siem Reap . Ho Chi Minh
I realised I have not sat on a plane with someone I know that is going on the same trip as I am for more than a year, despite the fact that I have been travelling quite a bit.
The last time was probably to Bangkok. Like, in late 2005. It's freaking lonely to be on the plane alone, although I have learned the tricks of the trade and have gotten used to it, having flown about a hundred and six hours alone in 2006 and 2007.
So this time, I am actually quite excited. Somemore, travelling with the love of your life is definitely a different experience. Imagine the sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat, braving the mosquitoes and flies and touts and beggars (I actually remember vowing not to return to Cambodia for 2 years because I was so traumatised by the amount of poor and handicapped people, despite the fact I enjoyed myself thoroughly), trying out Happy Pizza together (I'm so looking forward to that) and just hanging out, eating at not-that-cheap restaurants just because I am no longer POOR (hmm, poor yes, just not flat broke. But then, I've never been flat broke).
The biggest plus points are that
1. I am no longer a poor exchange student who has a poor boyfriend;
2. I will be stay in Le Meridien Angkor for FREE, (because shit jobs comes with perks I have to take advantage of) which looks like this:
3. I am finally going to Ho Chi Minh. I always wanted to go to Vietnam, despite the fact that HCM isn't the top choice, and this is just such a touch and go holiday which I hate (I'd love to spend a lot of time hanging out and experiencing the local culture), but given the fact that we are now 2 working professionals (me, still no money) with very limited holidays,
what more can I ask for?
19 days till the cow comes home, and 22 days to the "big" S.E.A trip
Yipeeeeeeeee
The last time was probably to Bangkok. Like, in late 2005. It's freaking lonely to be on the plane alone, although I have learned the tricks of the trade and have gotten used to it, having flown about a hundred and six hours alone in 2006 and 2007.
So this time, I am actually quite excited. Somemore, travelling with the love of your life is definitely a different experience. Imagine the sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat, braving the mosquitoes and flies and touts and beggars (I actually remember vowing not to return to Cambodia for 2 years because I was so traumatised by the amount of poor and handicapped people, despite the fact I enjoyed myself thoroughly), trying out Happy Pizza together (I'm so looking forward to that) and just hanging out, eating at not-that-cheap restaurants just because I am no longer POOR (hmm, poor yes, just not flat broke. But then, I've never been flat broke).
The biggest plus points are that
1. I am no longer a poor exchange student who has a poor boyfriend;
2. I will be stay in Le Meridien Angkor for FREE, (because shit jobs comes with perks I have to take advantage of) which looks like this:
3. I am finally going to Ho Chi Minh. I always wanted to go to Vietnam, despite the fact that HCM isn't the top choice, and this is just such a touch and go holiday which I hate (I'd love to spend a lot of time hanging out and experiencing the local culture), but given the fact that we are now 2 working professionals (me, still no money) with very limited holidays,
what more can I ask for?
19 days till the cow comes home, and 22 days to the "big" S.E.A trip
Yipeeeeeeeee
Monday, March 26, 2007
Honestly....
I absolutely appreciate the kind words. And I do agree, because yes, it's not like I don't want to be able to enjoy the finer things in life. And as proud as it sound, I do not stop to wonder at any point that I would not be able to.
I think I just know I will get there. Have that salary that nice home the 2 holidays per year that sound system that LCD tv everything that measures and shows off your wealth the husband the 7 seater car that 2 kids that condo the swimming lessons piano lessons ballet lessons. I don't think I will be able to escape if I decide to live here.
Eventually. Just not now. Not yet.
Please try to understand that there is no fixed definition or measurement of success. It's not like what you think is wrong. But it is not all right either. Just because I have graduated in 05, doesn't mean I am not successful because by now today, I have not yet gone into some management programme, nor have already been in a company for 1.5 years waiting to get my promotion (again) and pay rise (to match the SMU statistics of an average pay of $2,8k (and I should get even more than that because I graduated 1.5 yrs ago), nor am in some very niche financial sector and smiles on Straits Times and say, nah, I absolutely do not mind not having a life, work 15 hour a day, 6 days a week because I am a xxx of xxx and I am a success story your dad will show you and tell you, girl ah, next time must go SMU, see, like this jiejie lidat, can become xxx of xxx and make xx,xxx a year leh!
Of course, there'd be people who read this who will be thinking. Geez, sour grapes. Well, think what you want.
The wealth of my knowledge and the depth of my perspective in life is nothing you can match. Even though you have something fancy tagged to your name on your namecard, and I, I am just helping my ex boss work temporarily while waiting to go back to London to try to find a living, most likely also without anything fancy I can tag my name to, but I can tell you I am better off than you.
Because by the time I am back and start what you did 2 years earlier than I do, I have equipped myself with survival skills, having worked and lived in foreign land (shit job or otherwise), threw myself out in the open and forced myself to make friends with people who already have a very strong typecast about you because of the colour of your skin, (and perhaps even harder than being at school, for people at school tend to - correct me if I'm wrong - be a little more open about multi racial friends, and there is still the association that you all are in the same school) be more open about risk, and probably even having a different definition of risk than most of you. Because to most of you, risk is how much return you can get for that amount of money invested. Sure it means the same to me. But it also mean being able to survive in foreign land without any security. Meaningless risk, some people will say. For what? I can always go travel around Europe in luxury when I am filthy rich.
Of course you can. I will do that too, next time. But whether the risk I am taking is meaningless or not - is up to me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I honestly like to listen to everyone because the differences in perspective about life is what makes us human beings unique and if you like, interesting. It's a touchy topic, almost as bad as trying to get money back from people.
The funniest thing is, if I tell that to an Australian or a Kiwi (half the population flocked to England to work in a ski resort/ wait tables for a year) or even an English (half the population flocked to Australia to live as a beach boy/ surfer for a year), they'd just shrug their shoulders and say,
oh c'mon there, you're not that special. this is no big deal, a lot of people here do this.
So, don't kick such a big fuss out of this. Just because Singaporeans typically don't do that, doesn't mean it's out of this world. People from other places do do that. It's normal. I mean, I'd come back. I have at least 30 years of working years to catch up with you. By then, I hope I can in my head (because I think it's nice to be humble) say I TOLD YOU SO.
Money cannot buy experience. I am happy to not make the XX,XXX you are making now. Because I eventually will.
I feel different. I feel better. I feel more alive. I feel more conscious about living. And I know that there is someone out there who will appreciate this difference in me. I think I have found him. Hopefully.
And seriously, that is all that matters to me.
I think I just know I will get there. Have that salary that nice home the 2 holidays per year that sound system that LCD tv everything that measures and shows off your wealth the husband the 7 seater car that 2 kids that condo the swimming lessons piano lessons ballet lessons. I don't think I will be able to escape if I decide to live here.
Eventually. Just not now. Not yet.
Please try to understand that there is no fixed definition or measurement of success. It's not like what you think is wrong. But it is not all right either. Just because I have graduated in 05, doesn't mean I am not successful because by now today, I have not yet gone into some management programme, nor have already been in a company for 1.5 years waiting to get my promotion (again) and pay rise (to match the SMU statistics of an average pay of $2,8k (and I should get even more than that because I graduated 1.5 yrs ago), nor am in some very niche financial sector and smiles on Straits Times and say, nah, I absolutely do not mind not having a life, work 15 hour a day, 6 days a week because I am a xxx of xxx and I am a success story your dad will show you and tell you, girl ah, next time must go SMU, see, like this jiejie lidat, can become xxx of xxx and make xx,xxx a year leh!
Of course, there'd be people who read this who will be thinking. Geez, sour grapes. Well, think what you want.
The wealth of my knowledge and the depth of my perspective in life is nothing you can match. Even though you have something fancy tagged to your name on your namecard, and I, I am just helping my ex boss work temporarily while waiting to go back to London to try to find a living, most likely also without anything fancy I can tag my name to, but I can tell you I am better off than you.
Because by the time I am back and start what you did 2 years earlier than I do, I have equipped myself with survival skills, having worked and lived in foreign land (shit job or otherwise), threw myself out in the open and forced myself to make friends with people who already have a very strong typecast about you because of the colour of your skin, (and perhaps even harder than being at school, for people at school tend to - correct me if I'm wrong - be a little more open about multi racial friends, and there is still the association that you all are in the same school) be more open about risk, and probably even having a different definition of risk than most of you. Because to most of you, risk is how much return you can get for that amount of money invested. Sure it means the same to me. But it also mean being able to survive in foreign land without any security. Meaningless risk, some people will say. For what? I can always go travel around Europe in luxury when I am filthy rich.
Of course you can. I will do that too, next time. But whether the risk I am taking is meaningless or not - is up to me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I honestly like to listen to everyone because the differences in perspective about life is what makes us human beings unique and if you like, interesting. It's a touchy topic, almost as bad as trying to get money back from people.
The funniest thing is, if I tell that to an Australian or a Kiwi (half the population flocked to England to work in a ski resort/ wait tables for a year) or even an English (half the population flocked to Australia to live as a beach boy/ surfer for a year), they'd just shrug their shoulders and say,
oh c'mon there, you're not that special. this is no big deal, a lot of people here do this.
So, don't kick such a big fuss out of this. Just because Singaporeans typically don't do that, doesn't mean it's out of this world. People from other places do do that. It's normal. I mean, I'd come back. I have at least 30 years of working years to catch up with you. By then, I hope I can in my head (because I think it's nice to be humble) say I TOLD YOU SO.
Money cannot buy experience. I am happy to not make the XX,XXX you are making now. Because I eventually will.
I feel different. I feel better. I feel more alive. I feel more conscious about living. And I know that there is someone out there who will appreciate this difference in me. I think I have found him. Hopefully.
And seriously, that is all that matters to me.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Singapore, a very dangerous place
I have to write to my Aunt in Canada that I finally felt what she told me. The moment you get back to Singapore, it's simply too easy to fall right back into the Singapore mould.
Absolutely.
I have been convinced, till just a few days ago that perhaps everyone is quite right that I should just live with the fact that the fun is over and that I should, since I am now 25, be settled and with the job market looking so well now, be able to get a pretty good job with a decent pay. So why go back and risk not getting a job, not getting enough money to live? And I went, hmm, yah hor.
Plus, I have met someone. Someone my friends and family likes far more than any other boyfriends I had. And I like far more than any others too. Takes a lot for me to say this, for I have almost given up hope with boys at home. But he is my kinda guy and I am his kinda girl - where to find? So why go back and risk this failing? (To be honest, this is still my biggest fear)
Yet so many too many things have been going in my head. There is just a very annoying buzz that is lingering because I did not leave London thinking I was leaving for good. I left my stuff there, I did not say good bye properly - I said, see you next summer. I made 3 fantastic girlfriends from downunder who is there on the same dream as me, who stuck by me throughout my highs and lows in Zurich, who has been telling me they can understand if I don't come back, but will be really disappointed (in me?). And there is also Cui who I love and wants to go back to play with.
Singapore is a dangerous place where ideals get suppressed. How many boys have dreamt of being a footballer/ bballer/ sportsmen but gave it up? How many people dreamt of being a pop/ rock star but gave it up? Not because they are not good. How many people tried, and get boo-ed by their own fellowmen (aiya this one sure cannot make it big one lah)
I still love this place. It may not be perfect living, but at least it's interesting.
But for now, I think, I still need to go. The free spirit that allowed me to stand out even at the miserable height of 1.61m cannot be suppressed. For that is what makes me different, and while this differences is relative - I find this difference beautiful and strong.
Let me.
Absolutely.
I have been convinced, till just a few days ago that perhaps everyone is quite right that I should just live with the fact that the fun is over and that I should, since I am now 25, be settled and with the job market looking so well now, be able to get a pretty good job with a decent pay. So why go back and risk not getting a job, not getting enough money to live? And I went, hmm, yah hor.
Plus, I have met someone. Someone my friends and family likes far more than any other boyfriends I had. And I like far more than any others too. Takes a lot for me to say this, for I have almost given up hope with boys at home. But he is my kinda guy and I am his kinda girl - where to find? So why go back and risk this failing? (To be honest, this is still my biggest fear)
Yet so many too many things have been going in my head. There is just a very annoying buzz that is lingering because I did not leave London thinking I was leaving for good. I left my stuff there, I did not say good bye properly - I said, see you next summer. I made 3 fantastic girlfriends from downunder who is there on the same dream as me, who stuck by me throughout my highs and lows in Zurich, who has been telling me they can understand if I don't come back, but will be really disappointed (in me?). And there is also Cui who I love and wants to go back to play with.
Singapore is a dangerous place where ideals get suppressed. How many boys have dreamt of being a footballer/ bballer/ sportsmen but gave it up? How many people dreamt of being a pop/ rock star but gave it up? Not because they are not good. How many people tried, and get boo-ed by their own fellowmen (aiya this one sure cannot make it big one lah)
I still love this place. It may not be perfect living, but at least it's interesting.
But for now, I think, I still need to go. The free spirit that allowed me to stand out even at the miserable height of 1.61m cannot be suppressed. For that is what makes me different, and while this differences is relative - I find this difference beautiful and strong.
Let me.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Playstation what?
I like the fact that I benefit from somebody else's girlfriend's generosity. So after Shaun announced the groundbreaking news that a PS3 is now part of the deco of his room (together with his Bose system and High Definition TV), the natural assumption that me, being one of his best galfriend and the only galfriend who loves gaming almost has much as he does, will inherit the lousier, lower grade of a PS2. And it should BELONG TO ME FOREVER!
But it's not. It's only on loan till Dec 2007, subjected to negotiation. I tried to use my Westin heavenly pillow as a bait. But he doesn't buy it.
But still, 9 months is a long time. :))
In any case, I LOVE YOU SHAUN! Which other guyfriend in this world will come pick me up from my drinking session, send me home, fix up the PS2, before driving home again?
NOBODY!
So, in view of my new found freedom, and the lack of cash, I will devote my one month (while he chiong sua in the jungle) to spend a lot more time at home:
But it's not. It's only on loan till Dec 2007, subjected to negotiation. I tried to use my Westin heavenly pillow as a bait. But he doesn't buy it.
But still, 9 months is a long time. :))
In any case, I LOVE YOU SHAUN! Which other guyfriend in this world will come pick me up from my drinking session, send me home, fix up the PS2, before driving home again?
NOBODY!
So, in view of my new found freedom, and the lack of cash, I will devote my one month (while he chiong sua in the jungle) to spend a lot more time at home:
- Cleaning up my room
- Redecorating my room with my newly acquired poster (which my host from New York sent to meeeeeeee!!!!!) and postcards from abroad
- Playing Final Fantasy XII
- Meeting up with my friends that I neglected in the past month
- Losing the 2kg I put on because of the incredible amount of food I have been eating
- Plan and design my new painting
Monday, March 19, 2007
Growing old
This is so out of the blue but in the midst of my very busy working life that is not entirely satisfying (it isn't a full time job anyways), my mind wandered off and instead of planning whether I should head back to the British Isles or stay here and be blissfully loved, suddenly I was thinking of who I would like to be with till the end of time.
So first I think of who I want: then pictures of friends flash through my head and I do a yes, no, hmm i'm not sure in my head.
Next filter comes not just who I'd like to be with, but who I think will make it with me. Who will bother to put in the effort. Then second round of filter.
Some people are pretty random. Never meet up frequently. But it warms my heart just thinking of them. Some just gives me the shudder. Some are just disappointing, that I know will not be there. Some do not deserve to be in the picture.
So finally, I have a comfortable number of friends that I conclude will be there. And that makes me happy.
Are you one?
So first I think of who I want: then pictures of friends flash through my head and I do a yes, no, hmm i'm not sure in my head.
Next filter comes not just who I'd like to be with, but who I think will make it with me. Who will bother to put in the effort. Then second round of filter.
Some people are pretty random. Never meet up frequently. But it warms my heart just thinking of them. Some just gives me the shudder. Some are just disappointing, that I know will not be there. Some do not deserve to be in the picture.
So finally, I have a comfortable number of friends that I conclude will be there. And that makes me happy.
Are you one?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Stimulation
I need some for my brain. Can't believe I studied so much to do such dumb dumb job.
But yah, just the brain will do.
But yah, just the brain will do.
Monday, March 05, 2007
How did you do it, hui?
How did you, in London, manage to go out every other day during the busiest period in the season, drink so much booze because it is so cheap and because you are so stressed you don't want to go back to that miserable room you call home and rather chill out and complain with your colleagues, then stagger home and tip toe into the house, most of the time alone, collapse into bed with make up, contact lens, work clothes all on, then wake up on time at 7-ish the next day, shower, go to work, and still manage to go to the gym during lunch time and run for half an hour? And then after work go out and drink so much booze just because.
But yet now, at a job that requires that much less brain power to function (ahh, perhaps that is the reason) and less workload less stress, with MSN, email and every website you want to surf available at your fingertips, plus unlimited supply of good Starbucks coffee, still be so restless so tired?
What happened to the bubble of energy hui? Who burst it?
Anyhoo, this is my first (real) attempt at being a responsible back end support. I've always been in the front line, lalala with the clients, wax lyrical on the phone while twirling the telephone cord, and then throw the work at my operations and wait for the results. But now, I have to be the one doing the proposal. I need to be meticulous, sharp, and most of all, organised.
What a challenge (no sacarsm intended) it is. Being organised is never one of the strengths I dare boast about at interviews, and I have, in quite a few interviews, admitted that administrative work isn't one of my strong points.
And yet now.
But it's actually pretty cool. Having already build rapport with my boss (and taking advantage of it) I tend to be able to get away with small things. Like drinking beer in the office at 5pm. And sitting at the manager's office and shake leg. Or walk around the office bare footed. Or delibrately forgetting to lift the toilet seat up. But all of the sudden, I realised, hui isn't hui anymore. The hui who used to like to try to siam and get away with everything suddenly want to prove her worth to herself. So many things I have no idea how the f I can get around doing it? I don't even ask. I try to find out myself. Even though it takes me 20 mins, once I get it, I sibei song leh.
Aiyo, I think I'm all grown up.
What I stare at, everyday. This (and the person in the picture below) brings a smile to my face every day.
But yet now, at a job that requires that much less brain power to function (ahh, perhaps that is the reason) and less workload less stress, with MSN, email and every website you want to surf available at your fingertips, plus unlimited supply of good Starbucks coffee, still be so restless so tired?
What happened to the bubble of energy hui? Who burst it?
Anyhoo, this is my first (real) attempt at being a responsible back end support. I've always been in the front line, lalala with the clients, wax lyrical on the phone while twirling the telephone cord, and then throw the work at my operations and wait for the results. But now, I have to be the one doing the proposal. I need to be meticulous, sharp, and most of all, organised.
What a challenge (no sacarsm intended) it is. Being organised is never one of the strengths I dare boast about at interviews, and I have, in quite a few interviews, admitted that administrative work isn't one of my strong points.
And yet now.
But it's actually pretty cool. Having already build rapport with my boss (and taking advantage of it) I tend to be able to get away with small things. Like drinking beer in the office at 5pm. And sitting at the manager's office and shake leg. Or walk around the office bare footed. Or delibrately forgetting to lift the toilet seat up. But all of the sudden, I realised, hui isn't hui anymore. The hui who used to like to try to siam and get away with everything suddenly want to prove her worth to herself. So many things I have no idea how the f I can get around doing it? I don't even ask. I try to find out myself. Even though it takes me 20 mins, once I get it, I sibei song leh.
Aiyo, I think I'm all grown up.
What I stare at, everyday. This (and the person in the picture below) brings a smile to my face every day.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Routine 101
After 4 months of lazing around the world, I've finally settled back into a routine.
Taking the same familiar bus at the same familiar timing dropping at the same familiar bus stop and in the same familiar office at a different desk this time, is, strangely nostalgic.
And my desk, my desk is exactly the way I left it. My photos are still there stuck on my monitor.
And the hidamarinotami is still here on the desk, still giving me that same sense of peace.
But the familiar faces are gone.
Funny how different life is, even when these inanimated objects remains the same. I pick up the same phone to call a different person.
At least I never happier.
Taking the same familiar bus at the same familiar timing dropping at the same familiar bus stop and in the same familiar office at a different desk this time, is, strangely nostalgic.
And my desk, my desk is exactly the way I left it. My photos are still there stuck on my monitor.
And the hidamarinotami is still here on the desk, still giving me that same sense of peace.
But the familiar faces are gone.
Funny how different life is, even when these inanimated objects remains the same. I pick up the same phone to call a different person.
At least I never happier.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Wah rauz eh
Honestly. This is too hot man. 36 degrees today.
I am feeling so hot, sticky and sweaty. To make things worse, I just got bitten by mosquitoes.
So pek cek.
But at the very least, I get to meet up with all my darlings who exclaim "I'm so glad you are back!!"
And with Hokkien mee, Beef noodle and Roti Prata already conquered, with Curry Fish Head coming up tonight, I feel better already.
I am feeling so hot, sticky and sweaty. To make things worse, I just got bitten by mosquitoes.
So pek cek.
But at the very least, I get to meet up with all my darlings who exclaim "I'm so glad you are back!!"
And with Hokkien mee, Beef noodle and Roti Prata already conquered, with Curry Fish Head coming up tonight, I feel better already.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Bye London
I'd be back in a few months after you've decided to cheer up and stop being dark and gloomy. Welcome me back with the sun that shines till 9pm and wakes up bright and early at 5.
Meanwhile, I'm going home to my friends, family, food and fatty fats.
Meanwhile, I'm going home to my friends, family, food and fatty fats.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Alcoholism et I
While packing my bags, I discovered alcohol in 3 of my bags - the duffel carry onto plane bag, the gym bag and a handbag. Little bottle of Vodka in 2, and a tiny Alcohol holder (the silver kind) in another.
Then I was like thinking, wooah I'm like how steady man. Everywhere I go also bring them along.
Siao one.
Then I was like thinking, wooah I'm like how steady man. Everywhere I go also bring them along.
Siao one.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Daniel J. Boorstin
The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore ... unlike the mediocre, intrepid spirits seek victory over those things that seem impossible ... it is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors ... to meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unknown.
Please let me inspire some.
Please let me inspire some.
You know hor, London is very cold leh
London hasn't been this cold for AGES. It's -3 now. Unbelievable.
Not that I can tell or feel it really. I've been in my PJs the whole day. Never go out at all. No incentive to brave the elements lah. I'm falling right back into the lam nuah mode.
Then now jetlagged leh, cannot sleep, what to do.
I almost forgot I'm only leaving on Thursday. Told the whole world to say goodbye to me on Tues. So dumb dumb right?
(Isn't my writing very Singaporean now? Happy? I can write like Singaporean hor)
Not that I can tell or feel it really. I've been in my PJs the whole day. Never go out at all. No incentive to brave the elements lah. I'm falling right back into the lam nuah mode.
Then now jetlagged leh, cannot sleep, what to do.
I almost forgot I'm only leaving on Thursday. Told the whole world to say goodbye to me on Tues. So dumb dumb right?
(Isn't my writing very Singaporean now? Happy? I can write like Singaporean hor)
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Londres
I'm back. I've conquered 3 of the London airports already, just need 1 more and I have all the stamps on my passport. Machiam like hobby lidat.
Anyways, I think I have just encountered the thing that people will talk about happening 'in dreams' - meeting a footballer on the plane to London.
So I was sleeping like a pig, then woke up and was walking to the toilet (heng my hair not in a mess) then I see this group of 4 boys talking and being annoying. But I didn't really bother about them cos all I wanted was to pee right. Then later when I walk back to my seat this boy keep walking up and down the aisle. Then he came and talk to me.
Well he's not Premiership team one lah, but isn't it so cool? I was grinning like a xiao charboh inside, but of course, doing the very act cool stunt outside.
And after 6 weeks of North American accent, the 'You Alright?' instead of 'How's it going?' is quite refreshing. I still think English accent rocks. He's how cute can.
But lidat loh, end of story liao. Good enough for me lah.
Anyways, I think I have just encountered the thing that people will talk about happening 'in dreams' - meeting a footballer on the plane to London.
So I was sleeping like a pig, then woke up and was walking to the toilet (heng my hair not in a mess) then I see this group of 4 boys talking and being annoying. But I didn't really bother about them cos all I wanted was to pee right. Then later when I walk back to my seat this boy keep walking up and down the aisle. Then he came and talk to me.
Well he's not Premiership team one lah, but isn't it so cool? I was grinning like a xiao charboh inside, but of course, doing the very act cool stunt outside.
And after 6 weeks of North American accent, the 'You Alright?' instead of 'How's it going?' is quite refreshing. I still think English accent rocks. He's how cute can.
But lidat loh, end of story liao. Good enough for me lah.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
NY ROCKS
And you know what the funny thing is?
I am living on the 77th Street at the moment.
Funny right? It's the posh Upper East side that the SATC girls live in. Yipeee!
Anyways, Phantom of the Opera, here I come! For USD65 (Hurrah to half price tix) I am sitting in the center row F (6th from the front!)
Now now, Chandelier will fall above me. WOOHOO.
You should totally see the dress I'm going to wear there. I just wonder if I will die of cold anot. It's -2 tomorrow.
Someone asked me if I can live in New York. If I'm going to be intimidated.
I wanted to laugh out damn loud and say, wah piang, please lah, I was born in Singapore leh. It's how big a city can? Manhattan population is 1 million (Okay lah, NYC is HUGE, but Manhattan is small ma!). Intimidated? By what? The subway? Hello? Have you seen the London Underground? That one then call CONFUSING okay?
But instead, I politely commented on how extremely expensive it is to live in the city, that if my pay isn't twice of what I earn in London, I will die.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
My favorite part of America is.....
The Beef Jerky. When it's not even that big among the Americans.
hehehe
hehehe
Saturday, January 06, 2007
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Thursday, January 04, 2007
New York, New York
YAY! I'm going to NEW YORK! Yet another one of Hui's famous imprompteu decisions!
Finally! Broadway! *dance around*
I might catch Phantom of the Opera there, no matter how much, because it is
BROADWAY
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
hello 2007
A lot of people like to write a whole new set of resolutions. I never ever did that before. I've never really reflected on the previous years and think back on what I did right or wrong.
Perhaps it's because nothing really significant have happened that were worthy of such reflection. Or perhaps I did do some reflection, only to have forgotten all about it.
But right now, at this moment, I am looking back at my previous year and realised - what a journey of trial and error. All the things I did, I wish I did, I wish I did not do -
And 2007 is going to be a year where I am given a second chance to make it better. I get to first explore some bits of the states, then go back to Singapore where my friends have been waiting for me. There is sort of less unknown now that I know my job is waiting for me in London for the summer where I can relive the whole experience and do it more right. More right seems to be a wrong thing to say, as it wasn't very wrong. At least I know some things I will try to avoid, some I'd do more.
And now, with my ready made friends who will be back with me working, and one more crazy pig coming along to London, encouraged by my experience, we are so going to paint the whole of Europe RED.
Happy 2007 everyone. Cheers.
Perhaps it's because nothing really significant have happened that were worthy of such reflection. Or perhaps I did do some reflection, only to have forgotten all about it.
But right now, at this moment, I am looking back at my previous year and realised - what a journey of trial and error. All the things I did, I wish I did, I wish I did not do -
And 2007 is going to be a year where I am given a second chance to make it better. I get to first explore some bits of the states, then go back to Singapore where my friends have been waiting for me. There is sort of less unknown now that I know my job is waiting for me in London for the summer where I can relive the whole experience and do it more right. More right seems to be a wrong thing to say, as it wasn't very wrong. At least I know some things I will try to avoid, some I'd do more.
And now, with my ready made friends who will be back with me working, and one more crazy pig coming along to London, encouraged by my experience, we are so going to paint the whole of Europe RED.
Happy 2007 everyone. Cheers.