I don't like feeling restless and not liking the current moment like how I feel now. Other than my degree and my dad's condition, I don't see why I need to worry about any other thing.
Perhaps I don't like going home to an empty house now and then.
Well, I could also point fingers to the fact that I've been travelling a bit too much and settling down at USJ again isn't all too rosy, the picture.
Or it might be because I'm pure lazy and am too lazy to do my assignments and am worried that my future will not be always as beautiful as my past.
Whatever it is, I wish I could have more determination to excel for my degree and let the God handle the rest of the happenings in my life.
Next class in another 27 minutes. And the college is almost empty already. I'm so bored.
Friday, March 31, 2006
For the love of you, Meh.
How many schools did I go to? (and am now going to????)
In detailed details.
St. Jude's Kindergarten. Kuching Kindergarten.
SRB Chung Hua Primary School No. 1
SMK Batu Lintang
SMB St. Teresa
IBMS
MSC International College
And now SEGi College :)
Was I the studious nerd, or the last minute hero?
As the Chinese saying goes. I want to be the hero, but I turn out to be the bear. :)
Go figure out some English - Mandarin translation.
I am a last minute person, I admit. Always have been.
Was I the class ‘taiko’ (tai ka che) or the teacher’s pet?
In primary school, Mandarin teachers hate me and English teachers love me. Others, they somehow love me. (I made them.. :) )
In BL, occasionally I could be the tai ka che. If I couldn't, I just settled for the position of a teacher's pet. (Talk about dignity...)
In St3, I erm.. didn't give a damn.
In IBMS, I also couldn't care less.
In MSC, I again tried to be both the tai ka che and teacher's pet.
And now in SEGi.. erm, whatever le.. as long as I pass my 10 subjects OK. :)
Three subjects I enjoyed.
I only enjoyed studying in MSC. I hate education before that. Was OK with A Level Law but not as a subject to study for my exams.
Fav. subjects : everything Photography under Kelvin (can I count that as 1???) ; Presentation Skills ; Jolly's Drawing class (for F & G)
Three teachers that inspired me.
Kelvin
Ms. Lai
Peter
(I love them all very much.)
In detailed details.
St. Jude's Kindergarten. Kuching Kindergarten.
SRB Chung Hua Primary School No. 1
SMK Batu Lintang
SMB St. Teresa
IBMS
MSC International College
And now SEGi College :)
Was I the studious nerd, or the last minute hero?
As the Chinese saying goes. I want to be the hero, but I turn out to be the bear. :)
Go figure out some English - Mandarin translation.
I am a last minute person, I admit. Always have been.
Was I the class ‘taiko’ (tai ka che) or the teacher’s pet?
In primary school, Mandarin teachers hate me and English teachers love me. Others, they somehow love me. (I made them.. :) )
In BL, occasionally I could be the tai ka che. If I couldn't, I just settled for the position of a teacher's pet. (Talk about dignity...)
In St3, I erm.. didn't give a damn.
In IBMS, I also couldn't care less.
In MSC, I again tried to be both the tai ka che and teacher's pet.
And now in SEGi.. erm, whatever le.. as long as I pass my 10 subjects OK. :)
Three subjects I enjoyed.
I only enjoyed studying in MSC. I hate education before that. Was OK with A Level Law but not as a subject to study for my exams.
Fav. subjects : everything Photography under Kelvin (can I count that as 1???) ; Presentation Skills ; Jolly's Drawing class (for F & G)
Three teachers that inspired me.
Kelvin
Ms. Lai
Peter
(I love them all very much.)
Just for a little moment.
* Iced coffee
* Nature music
* Internet access
* Unripe mango
* Food that make me cry
* Big vans
* Fresh seafood
* Issey Miyake
* White shirts
* Meditation
* Sony cameras
* Rice in the morning
Three degrees.
* Nature music
* Internet access
* Unripe mango
* Food that make me cry
* Big vans
* Fresh seafood
* Issey Miyake
* White shirts
* Meditation
* Sony cameras
* Rice in the morning
Three degrees.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Back in USJ!
I woke up feeling a bit blur. Gee.. I'm home! :)
The trip was really good. No.. it wasn't just good, it was amazing. I really like it in Thailand. It would be really good to spend a few years there. People are different there. And the cost of living is much cheaper, which is good. They need English people to talk to the westerners. Maybe I should start learning Thai and work there one day. :)
I listened to the CD Bro. Siam gave me while unpacking and sorting things. Kinda miss everyone and everything. Felt a tinge of sadness but I know it's time to zap back to reality. I need to work hard this semester for my USQ studies.
Anyway, the results are out. I got an A for Communication and Scholarship and a C for Intro to
Journalism. My journalism really sucks. I think I should seriously consider dropping my journalism major and switch to PR. Well, will consider further le.
The whole Thailand trip feels like a dream. A very nice dream with a bit of downs here and then but a wonderful one nevertheless. :)
Am feeling a bit blur today. Hope all these cheesy feeling will leave soon le!
The trip was really good. No.. it wasn't just good, it was amazing. I really like it in Thailand. It would be really good to spend a few years there. People are different there. And the cost of living is much cheaper, which is good. They need English people to talk to the westerners. Maybe I should start learning Thai and work there one day. :)
I listened to the CD Bro. Siam gave me while unpacking and sorting things. Kinda miss everyone and everything. Felt a tinge of sadness but I know it's time to zap back to reality. I need to work hard this semester for my USQ studies.
Anyway, the results are out. I got an A for Communication and Scholarship and a C for Intro to
Journalism. My journalism really sucks. I think I should seriously consider dropping my journalism major and switch to PR. Well, will consider further le.
The whole Thailand trip feels like a dream. A very nice dream with a bit of downs here and then but a wonderful one nevertheless. :)
Am feeling a bit blur today. Hope all these cheesy feeling will leave soon le!
Last Days in Bangkok.
March 26, 06
Un got herself in a heated argument with her family. I know how she feels but I'm in no position to interfere so I just sat around feeling really uncomfy. Her dad finally sent us to church and we were a bit late.. :P
Finally I attended an English mass. It was pretty international as there were many people of different nationalities. Very comfy. The church is really beautiful and as flowers are cheap in Bangkok, the church was properly decorated with roses and other flowers. :) Beautiful. The 14 Stations of the Cross is somewhat like a carving on the wall.
Un's dad sent us to meet Bee at Thong Lo for lunch. We were supposed to meet at Emporium but the mob was to be held there later during the day so there were many securities.
Bee treated us for lunch at Zen. It was a very yummy meal of sashimi and sushi! Yumm.. Un went home to rest so Bee took me to Pratunam Centre. Pratunam is an area in Bangkok famous for clothes, bags and its kind. Thais will only shop at places like that for real shopping. Enjoyed buying a bit and later was sent back to Un's.
Called some friends to jiwang a bit with them saying my goodbyes and had a nap.
Un fought with her parents again. It might be growing up. It might also be hormones... * sigh Am so glad I'm pretty much past that stage.
Went to Bai Yoke I for dinner. Bai Yoke I was the tallest building in Bangkok 10 years ago. Had a buffet meal at Sky Lounge on the 43rd floor. It was awesome. The atmosphere was a bit tensed for awhile at first but everything was okay when Brother Siam graced us with his presence. :P
Got a bit of stuff from the pasar malam surrounding the building.
Brother Siam gave me 2 sets of 5 cds each complete with pictures of both camps and my trip from Day 1 - 16. He also gave me some songs we listened to in his car and from camp. The sweetest thing was that he printed some designs of the CDs for me.. it took effort. Was really touched and wanted to bawl but was controlled a bit.
It was fun, the dinner. I learnt from Bro. Siam that when observing the young ones, it's best to just Sit-See&Smile. I guess that's what animators in YCS should do.
Bro. Siam sent Un home and took a road out of Bangkok only to come back in to send Homme to the bus terminal. The situation was a bit tensed then but we got home fine, me and Ple.
Unpacked and packed things, getting ready for the next day. It was a huge ordeal. Chatted with Ple till I fell asleep.
March 27, 06
Woke up darn early to get ready to leave. Ple sent me to ACT and I met Mac and Shampoo there. Also met their photographer dad.
Left with Bro. Siam to Fr. Chalerm's office after that. Long drive, bad jam. Met Robert there after drinking iced coffee for the last time in Thailand for now.
Lunch was at Fuji Jap Restaurant somewhere in some Tesco Lotus. It was pretty quick but yummy. Had this sushi covered with Avocado fruit.
The drive to the airport was long and the jam was bad and I almost had a heart attack as I was so afraid I would be late. But I wasn't.
So I said goodbye to Bro. Siam and Robert. And walked into the boarding area alone. My flight was supposed to take off from Gate 21 but they changed us to Gate 72 which is in some forlorn area in the airport somewhere very far off. AND they delayed us by 2 good hours. Oh gosh. The only good thing about waiting at the airport is that I managed to find another Pepsi can with cool designs. I so wanted to kill someone but patience is my new technique to chill now. So I didn't.
We finally got into the plane and we finally took off and I was finally on the way back.
And then we landed at stupid LCCT which is a terminal of no system and weird people. I guess Dr. Jolly's right. When you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Monkeys work at LCCT. Gee. No one really speaks and they seem to try to make things really hard for everyone. Gosh, I really think that when you pay cheap air tickets, the people servicing you are so cheap they might not be educated at all.
The immigration officer stopped me and wanted to check my stuff so I let him. Nice thing was that I had lots of dirty clothes on top. Haha.
-------------------
And so I'm back. Seeing Sunshine and Just was really great. I made a tornado mess of my little place but it's all good, I LOVE THE SHOPPING I GOT !!!
Yipee. New clothes, new a lot of things!
Un got herself in a heated argument with her family. I know how she feels but I'm in no position to interfere so I just sat around feeling really uncomfy. Her dad finally sent us to church and we were a bit late.. :P
Finally I attended an English mass. It was pretty international as there were many people of different nationalities. Very comfy. The church is really beautiful and as flowers are cheap in Bangkok, the church was properly decorated with roses and other flowers. :) Beautiful. The 14 Stations of the Cross is somewhat like a carving on the wall.
Un's dad sent us to meet Bee at Thong Lo for lunch. We were supposed to meet at Emporium but the mob was to be held there later during the day so there were many securities.
Bee treated us for lunch at Zen. It was a very yummy meal of sashimi and sushi! Yumm.. Un went home to rest so Bee took me to Pratunam Centre. Pratunam is an area in Bangkok famous for clothes, bags and its kind. Thais will only shop at places like that for real shopping. Enjoyed buying a bit and later was sent back to Un's.
Called some friends to jiwang a bit with them saying my goodbyes and had a nap.
Un fought with her parents again. It might be growing up. It might also be hormones... * sigh Am so glad I'm pretty much past that stage.
Went to Bai Yoke I for dinner. Bai Yoke I was the tallest building in Bangkok 10 years ago. Had a buffet meal at Sky Lounge on the 43rd floor. It was awesome. The atmosphere was a bit tensed for awhile at first but everything was okay when Brother Siam graced us with his presence. :P
Got a bit of stuff from the pasar malam surrounding the building.
Brother Siam gave me 2 sets of 5 cds each complete with pictures of both camps and my trip from Day 1 - 16. He also gave me some songs we listened to in his car and from camp. The sweetest thing was that he printed some designs of the CDs for me.. it took effort. Was really touched and wanted to bawl but was controlled a bit.
It was fun, the dinner. I learnt from Bro. Siam that when observing the young ones, it's best to just Sit-See&Smile. I guess that's what animators in YCS should do.
Bro. Siam sent Un home and took a road out of Bangkok only to come back in to send Homme to the bus terminal. The situation was a bit tensed then but we got home fine, me and Ple.
Unpacked and packed things, getting ready for the next day. It was a huge ordeal. Chatted with Ple till I fell asleep.
March 27, 06
Woke up darn early to get ready to leave. Ple sent me to ACT and I met Mac and Shampoo there. Also met their photographer dad.
Left with Bro. Siam to Fr. Chalerm's office after that. Long drive, bad jam. Met Robert there after drinking iced coffee for the last time in Thailand for now.
Lunch was at Fuji Jap Restaurant somewhere in some Tesco Lotus. It was pretty quick but yummy. Had this sushi covered with Avocado fruit.
The drive to the airport was long and the jam was bad and I almost had a heart attack as I was so afraid I would be late. But I wasn't.
So I said goodbye to Bro. Siam and Robert. And walked into the boarding area alone. My flight was supposed to take off from Gate 21 but they changed us to Gate 72 which is in some forlorn area in the airport somewhere very far off. AND they delayed us by 2 good hours. Oh gosh. The only good thing about waiting at the airport is that I managed to find another Pepsi can with cool designs. I so wanted to kill someone but patience is my new technique to chill now. So I didn't.
We finally got into the plane and we finally took off and I was finally on the way back.
And then we landed at stupid LCCT which is a terminal of no system and weird people. I guess Dr. Jolly's right. When you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Monkeys work at LCCT. Gee. No one really speaks and they seem to try to make things really hard for everyone. Gosh, I really think that when you pay cheap air tickets, the people servicing you are so cheap they might not be educated at all.
The immigration officer stopped me and wanted to check my stuff so I let him. Nice thing was that I had lots of dirty clothes on top. Haha.
-------------------
And so I'm back. Seeing Sunshine and Just was really great. I made a tornado mess of my little place but it's all good, I LOVE THE SHOPPING I GOT !!!
Yipee. New clothes, new a lot of things!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Teeny bit of a prob.
Well today was supposed to be fine and I was supposed to enjoy shopping. Left Sriracha early in the morning and reached the Brothers of St. Gabriel's HQ rather early.
Un arrived looking a bit distressed. Homme looked queasy and that was when everything started to go wrong. Tears were involved but Un asked me to go ahead with the rest (Ew, Mac, Tae and Homme). So I did.
We had breakfast.. everything was fine.
We used the taxi to Thong Lo BTS station. Still fine.
We used to BTS to Mo Chit. Still okay.
And then we reached Chatuchak Market.. the biggest market with almost people selling almost everything under the sun. Well, except for Tae, everyone seemed like they were running after the train. I felt awkward and pretty annoyed that I was always left behind when I wanted to see something (couldn't take pics at most stalls!!) but I had to wait for a long time when the others were buying things. Gee. Talking about hospitality, I felt zero amount of that then.
Was finally so frustrated I told the others I will take a walk by myself and meet up with them at 3. Walking alone, I felt a tiny bit lonely so I called Un. She was really pissed about them ditching me like that so she came to meet up with me and insisted on taking a stand for me.
It could be the weather, or it could be her mom but Un finally left with me in a taxi. We came back to her house, slept for a few hours and later went back by taxi to meet Bro. Siam to get my things from his car.
I told him the story and our conclusion is that children will always be children and we should let them settle their issues, not interfere. I am talking from the point of view as a young adult, not the kid I always seem to be. Well.. I honestly feel that the older ones should let the younger ones settle their shit and not butt in. But they did and so shit happened.
Came back to Un's.. had a good, yummy dinner cooked by her mom and here I am.
So I guess I left a bit of a scar here, no perfect record anymore. They could blame me for anything, it's not like I really care but it's just not comfy, the situation.
And I want to go home now. Starting to miss home terribly... :(
Un arrived looking a bit distressed. Homme looked queasy and that was when everything started to go wrong. Tears were involved but Un asked me to go ahead with the rest (Ew, Mac, Tae and Homme). So I did.
We had breakfast.. everything was fine.
We used the taxi to Thong Lo BTS station. Still fine.
We used to BTS to Mo Chit. Still okay.
And then we reached Chatuchak Market.. the biggest market with almost people selling almost everything under the sun. Well, except for Tae, everyone seemed like they were running after the train. I felt awkward and pretty annoyed that I was always left behind when I wanted to see something (couldn't take pics at most stalls!!) but I had to wait for a long time when the others were buying things. Gee. Talking about hospitality, I felt zero amount of that then.
Was finally so frustrated I told the others I will take a walk by myself and meet up with them at 3. Walking alone, I felt a tiny bit lonely so I called Un. She was really pissed about them ditching me like that so she came to meet up with me and insisted on taking a stand for me.
It could be the weather, or it could be her mom but Un finally left with me in a taxi. We came back to her house, slept for a few hours and later went back by taxi to meet Bro. Siam to get my things from his car.
I told him the story and our conclusion is that children will always be children and we should let them settle their issues, not interfere. I am talking from the point of view as a young adult, not the kid I always seem to be. Well.. I honestly feel that the older ones should let the younger ones settle their shit and not butt in. But they did and so shit happened.
Came back to Un's.. had a good, yummy dinner cooked by her mom and here I am.
So I guess I left a bit of a scar here, no perfect record anymore. They could blame me for anything, it's not like I really care but it's just not comfy, the situation.
And I want to go home now. Starting to miss home terribly... :(
Chilling at Sriracha
March 24, 06
Nothing much happened today. I went out with the religious brothers for a meal at MK Restaurant and this time we had better quality food as their spending power is higher. Went to a shopping complex after that but I didn't buy anything. Spent time online and found out I got an A for my Communication and Scholarship subject but am still quite worried about my Introduction to Journalism as the current status mentioned is 'FNC - Fail or Not Complete'. Howerver, I find it absurd as I have passed all the assignments required and my overall grade should be a C (well, nothing to be proud of but at least I passed this stupid subject).
Had a huge bowl of noodle for dinner. The size I ordered for was Jumbo, which is the smallest size. Could only manage half a bowl. The other sizes are Super and Extra which looks totally too huge for me or for anyone I know. Maybe Sunshine is capable of eating Extra, though. :P Certainly not you, Just. :P
Watched Memoirs of a Geisha at the religious brothers' office and later went to bed pretty early.
Was a good day despite the mild activities involved. :)
Nothing much happened today. I went out with the religious brothers for a meal at MK Restaurant and this time we had better quality food as their spending power is higher. Went to a shopping complex after that but I didn't buy anything. Spent time online and found out I got an A for my Communication and Scholarship subject but am still quite worried about my Introduction to Journalism as the current status mentioned is 'FNC - Fail or Not Complete'. Howerver, I find it absurd as I have passed all the assignments required and my overall grade should be a C (well, nothing to be proud of but at least I passed this stupid subject).
Had a huge bowl of noodle for dinner. The size I ordered for was Jumbo, which is the smallest size. Could only manage half a bowl. The other sizes are Super and Extra which looks totally too huge for me or for anyone I know. Maybe Sunshine is capable of eating Extra, though. :P Certainly not you, Just. :P
Watched Memoirs of a Geisha at the religious brothers' office and later went to bed pretty early.
Was a good day despite the mild activities involved. :)
Friday, March 24, 2006
Thailand YCS National Camp
March 19, 06
Woke up very early and took a cab to Assumption College Thonburi's chapel for a mass, in Thai. I have never felt more impatient or unholy as I sat in church fidgeting through the priest's sermon that lasted a very long time. I guess it's the fact that I couldn't understand. Or perhaps it was his voice that made me want to fall asleep. After a horribly long 2 hours, the mass and everything else ended.
Went to the catechism room to help with some camp stuff. Ate lunch there and later went to Big C. Big C is Thailand's Giant. It's their local hypermarket. Bought some stuff, watched the others play bowling and finally went to the venue for the camp.
Napped and was awaken to eat dinner. Walked in the dark to a pretty far off stall by 7 Eleven. Did more work to help them get the camp ready and finally popped past midnight.
March 20, 06
Waking up at an inhuman hour to do so, I got ready to take pictures of vans and vans of students and animators arriving for the camp. I don't even know what happened, I just know the day went on and on and on and we had mass at a floating chapel. I was also asked to give a national report on YCS. Aduh. Like I'm capable of giving correct info!!! :P
Not too much happened, I slept very late though. :( I'm so tired...
March 21, 06
Had to wake up darn early again and they actually had morning exercise as part of the schedule. Had mass early and ate breakfast with some animators from the northern parts. Very nice people.
Went to Carrefour for lunch and then Thonburi Market for exposure trip. The ride there in a big tuk2 was pretty exciting. Had to stand up as there weren't any seats available and swayed around as the tuk2 drove around the turns. Took lots of pictures of flowers at the market!!! So nice. Blasting time. And I saw many little pets as well. :) Happy, happy. Bro. Siam came in his car and saved me from using public transport back. Had coconut water on the way back.
Rosary procession was okay but was pretty frustrated for awhile after that. About what, I'm not sure. Maybe it's the fact that 'too many photographers spoil the mood'. I don't really feel up to taking pictures le.
Due to mild depression and home sickness, I popped at 9.30. :) Bliss.
March 22, 06
I'm sure a lot happened but I'm also sure I couldn't understand any of the sessions. :P The nicest part of the day was in the evening when we had Taize. I really envy others who can pray for what they want. I guess it's because I can't. I know that my life and what happens next for me is entirely up to God's decision. I can't interfere with His plans but I'm also scared. Next year will be another turning point for me. The fear is there but I'm also pretty sure that He will not forsake me.
Game time was good. So was the liturgy of light and the 'blessing' session after. :) Was a touching one.
I slept pretty early. Before a lot of people, that is.
March 23, 06
The first half of the day swept by pretty fast. I wore my Baju Kurung as a sign of solidarity of Malaysia's YCS with Thailand's YCS - my presence as a Malaysian for their camp. The bishop who was supposed to say mass forgot to show up and so we had a very brief liturgy of the word and certificate presentation. The goodbye thing we had before that was pretty sad.
After awhile, the camp ended. Saying goodbyes to some was pretty tough but to some others it sort of felt like nothing. The worst things about this camp were the disgustingly flooded toilets and the heat. Ew.
Went to Fr. Chalerm's office to unload things and later proceeded to A.U in Bang Na. Took pictures with Tae while Bro. Siam snoozed in his car with my bear as his pillow.
Had seafood at Bang Saen after that. The seafood in Thailand is just amazing. Almost sobbed as I ate oysters, some crab, some fish, raw prawns and squids. Gosh... the taste, and the aroma. The spice!!! To top the meal up, I had a blasting huge glass of ice-cream. :) YUM.
Sent Tae home. Struggled to keep awake before reaching Assumption College Sriracha. Finally reached. Had to wash some clothes for tomorrow... Ergh.
Finally I slept. So, extremely, tired.
Woke up very early and took a cab to Assumption College Thonburi's chapel for a mass, in Thai. I have never felt more impatient or unholy as I sat in church fidgeting through the priest's sermon that lasted a very long time. I guess it's the fact that I couldn't understand. Or perhaps it was his voice that made me want to fall asleep. After a horribly long 2 hours, the mass and everything else ended.
Went to the catechism room to help with some camp stuff. Ate lunch there and later went to Big C. Big C is Thailand's Giant. It's their local hypermarket. Bought some stuff, watched the others play bowling and finally went to the venue for the camp.
Napped and was awaken to eat dinner. Walked in the dark to a pretty far off stall by 7 Eleven. Did more work to help them get the camp ready and finally popped past midnight.
March 20, 06
Waking up at an inhuman hour to do so, I got ready to take pictures of vans and vans of students and animators arriving for the camp. I don't even know what happened, I just know the day went on and on and on and we had mass at a floating chapel. I was also asked to give a national report on YCS. Aduh. Like I'm capable of giving correct info!!! :P
Not too much happened, I slept very late though. :( I'm so tired...
March 21, 06
Had to wake up darn early again and they actually had morning exercise as part of the schedule. Had mass early and ate breakfast with some animators from the northern parts. Very nice people.
Went to Carrefour for lunch and then Thonburi Market for exposure trip. The ride there in a big tuk2 was pretty exciting. Had to stand up as there weren't any seats available and swayed around as the tuk2 drove around the turns. Took lots of pictures of flowers at the market!!! So nice. Blasting time. And I saw many little pets as well. :) Happy, happy. Bro. Siam came in his car and saved me from using public transport back. Had coconut water on the way back.
Rosary procession was okay but was pretty frustrated for awhile after that. About what, I'm not sure. Maybe it's the fact that 'too many photographers spoil the mood'. I don't really feel up to taking pictures le.
Due to mild depression and home sickness, I popped at 9.30. :) Bliss.
March 22, 06
I'm sure a lot happened but I'm also sure I couldn't understand any of the sessions. :P The nicest part of the day was in the evening when we had Taize. I really envy others who can pray for what they want. I guess it's because I can't. I know that my life and what happens next for me is entirely up to God's decision. I can't interfere with His plans but I'm also scared. Next year will be another turning point for me. The fear is there but I'm also pretty sure that He will not forsake me.
Game time was good. So was the liturgy of light and the 'blessing' session after. :) Was a touching one.
I slept pretty early. Before a lot of people, that is.
March 23, 06
The first half of the day swept by pretty fast. I wore my Baju Kurung as a sign of solidarity of Malaysia's YCS with Thailand's YCS - my presence as a Malaysian for their camp. The bishop who was supposed to say mass forgot to show up and so we had a very brief liturgy of the word and certificate presentation. The goodbye thing we had before that was pretty sad.
After awhile, the camp ended. Saying goodbyes to some was pretty tough but to some others it sort of felt like nothing. The worst things about this camp were the disgustingly flooded toilets and the heat. Ew.
Went to Fr. Chalerm's office to unload things and later proceeded to A.U in Bang Na. Took pictures with Tae while Bro. Siam snoozed in his car with my bear as his pillow.
Had seafood at Bang Saen after that. The seafood in Thailand is just amazing. Almost sobbed as I ate oysters, some crab, some fish, raw prawns and squids. Gosh... the taste, and the aroma. The spice!!! To top the meal up, I had a blasting huge glass of ice-cream. :) YUM.
Sent Tae home. Struggled to keep awake before reaching Assumption College Sriracha. Finally reached. Had to wash some clothes for tomorrow... Ergh.
Finally I slept. So, extremely, tired.
The little details of the days in Bangkok
I'm getting really lazy to update my blog with news as it's been a week since I last blogged! But here goes what I remember and feel should be told.. :P
March 17, 06
I woke up late feeling crummy and unwell. Was not able to sleep too well as Un's room was pretty hot and the shirt I was wearing just wasn't comfy for sleeping (or for anything le.. ). Was also having nightmares about going to the Grand Palace and denied entry. The dream repeated itself in multiple forms multiple times. * sigh
When I woke up Mac was already in the sitting room and everyone seemed to be waiting for me. Oh no. So I got ready and the next thing I knew we were boarding some 'gawd forsaken' bus that drove on and on, turning around and around. After a horribly long journey, we reached.
My heart beeped like an alarm but I walked confidently past the Thai citizen's gate into the grounds of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace. I just sipped on some water as I walked inside and no one questioned me as I looked Thai. So I got in free to these 2 places. :) Felt pretty good!!! And from what I know, the charges for foreigners aren't that cheap.
I'm so tired to find a proper adjective to describe the beauty of the places I visited that day. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha and its surrounding was just so beautiful and unique and special I guess English words can't describe its Siamese beauty. The Grand Palace was like all other palaces in this world but they added an extreme dosage of Siamese taste into it and used everything Thai as well. :) The temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most famous and most elegant temple in the whole of Thailand. The statue of the Emerald Buddha isn't too big but it's really green! :) And the other temples surrounding that particular temple make you feel poor as they glimmer in gold and all other beautiful chips. My shutter went crazy snapping as I took pictures of almost the entire metre of the area. :)
We had lunch at somewhere nearby, a pier of some sort. And later walked a bit here and there and finally took a ferry crossing to the Temple of Bells. :) I rang all the bells there and fed some fishes and birds. Took the ferry crossing again and then another taxi to... the FLOWER MARKET! Oh man.. the flowers in Bangkok are really f cheap. For a dozen or so roses it only costs 2 - 3 bucks. Gee. And almost every other flower was cheap. Seriously cheap. And beautiful. And so I went crazy again with my camera and we walked some more to many other temples, resting at Old Siam for Swensen's and finally to a giant swing. I don't really understand what the swing's for but it's a big huge red swing in the middle of nowhere. :)
Like what Mac said, Un seemed really hungry that day and so after walking a little distance we stopped at Mont (some shop since 1964) for fresh milk that they're famous for. And we walked to the Democracy Monument and some more and a little bit more and more and more and finally after a long walk found the shop Un wanted to buy mango and some special rice. (Oh no man.. I ate that in Summit's Thai Fair and I thought the whole Thailand was selling it not some little hole in the whole city!!!) But we finally got into the taxi and went back to Un's house.
After getting my bag I walked to the Lumphini MRT station and took a 8-stops ride to Sutthisan. Got off the MRT and confidently walked to Ruki's house. Alas I met Thai dogs after the sun set so they were a bit mean to me but was not snapped or anything. :) Lucky. Was also lucky enough to get a Thai girl to walk me to the door, protecting me from all the evil beings.
And so I followed Ruki's instruction and got into his apartment, settled in, took a shower, ate some snacks and watched Shawshank Redemption till he called and picked me up in a taxi with Rashid for dinner at Zap Station. Met up with Bee and Numhom. Had pretty good food and was full. Went back to his apartment.. chilled a bit and continued watching the movie. Popped quite late.
Best thing was that Sunshine called! Yipee!!!! :) Surprise, surprise!
March 18, 06
Woke up at Ruki's, got ready and left for MRT station. Was terrified of dog but they didn't run after me this time. Got onto a motorcycle and arrived in 1 piece at Sutthisan MRT station, proceeded to Sukhumvit on the MRT and switched to BTS to Siam and that was when I encountered a pervert who was either rubbing or shoving his parcel at my back. EW. I was so pissed by the train was so packed so what I did to retaliate was to shift around abruptly and knock him off guard. Gee, I so wanted to yell at him or box him or kick him or kill him!!! Stupid hamsup angmo guy! EW!
Other than that nothing too eventful happened and I chilled at Dunkin while waiting for the rest to arrive. Un came with her bro and later Mac. Un's bro left so the 3 of us walked to MBK (shopping complex) for lunch at Kanom Chine Bangkok. Had Thai Somen Noodle with Southern Style Chicken Curry. Very yummy. Ple joined us and we walked around.
Finally settled for a movie, 'My Boyfriend is Type B' at Siam Discovery Centre. The Thais stand in respect as the song for the King is played before the movie. Very semangat country. The Thais love their King.. but of course they do, he is very much to love. I love the reclining seats. Very nice. And the movie was very, very funny but the ending was too abrupt for me.
Went back to MBK after that and sang 1 song at the Karaoke. Joined Mac's sis, Shampoo, a fellow YCS member, Pong, and 2 of their friends. The Karaoke there looks more hi-tech than the ones in Malaysia. They have a computer monitor and mouse to control everything. Interesting.
Ex (outside school YCS) joined us and I went to look at some Pepsi collection at the lower ground floors. Marx and Raffy joined us and Ple came back from sending Un home. The younger ones left. Ate at MK Restaurant. It's steamboat but everything's pretty hi-tech and they take orders from PDAs. Was yummy. :) And I enjoyed.
After a fun day, it was time to say goodbye. Ple and I boarded the bus and chatted until I fell asleep. Half conscious I woke up to walk to take a motorcycle and finally reached Ple's condo. Packed and unpacked and finally popped but as Ple was working, it was not too comfortable a sleep.
My stay's still fun. :) Seeing lots of things I never knew existed. Tasting all sorts of yummy food and of course, going broke.. :P
March 17, 06
I woke up late feeling crummy and unwell. Was not able to sleep too well as Un's room was pretty hot and the shirt I was wearing just wasn't comfy for sleeping (or for anything le.. ). Was also having nightmares about going to the Grand Palace and denied entry. The dream repeated itself in multiple forms multiple times. * sigh
When I woke up Mac was already in the sitting room and everyone seemed to be waiting for me. Oh no. So I got ready and the next thing I knew we were boarding some 'gawd forsaken' bus that drove on and on, turning around and around. After a horribly long journey, we reached.
My heart beeped like an alarm but I walked confidently past the Thai citizen's gate into the grounds of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace. I just sipped on some water as I walked inside and no one questioned me as I looked Thai. So I got in free to these 2 places. :) Felt pretty good!!! And from what I know, the charges for foreigners aren't that cheap.
I'm so tired to find a proper adjective to describe the beauty of the places I visited that day. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha and its surrounding was just so beautiful and unique and special I guess English words can't describe its Siamese beauty. The Grand Palace was like all other palaces in this world but they added an extreme dosage of Siamese taste into it and used everything Thai as well. :) The temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most famous and most elegant temple in the whole of Thailand. The statue of the Emerald Buddha isn't too big but it's really green! :) And the other temples surrounding that particular temple make you feel poor as they glimmer in gold and all other beautiful chips. My shutter went crazy snapping as I took pictures of almost the entire metre of the area. :)
We had lunch at somewhere nearby, a pier of some sort. And later walked a bit here and there and finally took a ferry crossing to the Temple of Bells. :) I rang all the bells there and fed some fishes and birds. Took the ferry crossing again and then another taxi to... the FLOWER MARKET! Oh man.. the flowers in Bangkok are really f cheap. For a dozen or so roses it only costs 2 - 3 bucks. Gee. And almost every other flower was cheap. Seriously cheap. And beautiful. And so I went crazy again with my camera and we walked some more to many other temples, resting at Old Siam for Swensen's and finally to a giant swing. I don't really understand what the swing's for but it's a big huge red swing in the middle of nowhere. :)
Like what Mac said, Un seemed really hungry that day and so after walking a little distance we stopped at Mont (some shop since 1964) for fresh milk that they're famous for. And we walked to the Democracy Monument and some more and a little bit more and more and more and finally after a long walk found the shop Un wanted to buy mango and some special rice. (Oh no man.. I ate that in Summit's Thai Fair and I thought the whole Thailand was selling it not some little hole in the whole city!!!) But we finally got into the taxi and went back to Un's house.
After getting my bag I walked to the Lumphini MRT station and took a 8-stops ride to Sutthisan. Got off the MRT and confidently walked to Ruki's house. Alas I met Thai dogs after the sun set so they were a bit mean to me but was not snapped or anything. :) Lucky. Was also lucky enough to get a Thai girl to walk me to the door, protecting me from all the evil beings.
And so I followed Ruki's instruction and got into his apartment, settled in, took a shower, ate some snacks and watched Shawshank Redemption till he called and picked me up in a taxi with Rashid for dinner at Zap Station. Met up with Bee and Numhom. Had pretty good food and was full. Went back to his apartment.. chilled a bit and continued watching the movie. Popped quite late.
Best thing was that Sunshine called! Yipee!!!! :) Surprise, surprise!
March 18, 06
Woke up at Ruki's, got ready and left for MRT station. Was terrified of dog but they didn't run after me this time. Got onto a motorcycle and arrived in 1 piece at Sutthisan MRT station, proceeded to Sukhumvit on the MRT and switched to BTS to Siam and that was when I encountered a pervert who was either rubbing or shoving his parcel at my back. EW. I was so pissed by the train was so packed so what I did to retaliate was to shift around abruptly and knock him off guard. Gee, I so wanted to yell at him or box him or kick him or kill him!!! Stupid hamsup angmo guy! EW!
Other than that nothing too eventful happened and I chilled at Dunkin while waiting for the rest to arrive. Un came with her bro and later Mac. Un's bro left so the 3 of us walked to MBK (shopping complex) for lunch at Kanom Chine Bangkok. Had Thai Somen Noodle with Southern Style Chicken Curry. Very yummy. Ple joined us and we walked around.
Finally settled for a movie, 'My Boyfriend is Type B' at Siam Discovery Centre. The Thais stand in respect as the song for the King is played before the movie. Very semangat country. The Thais love their King.. but of course they do, he is very much to love. I love the reclining seats. Very nice. And the movie was very, very funny but the ending was too abrupt for me.
Went back to MBK after that and sang 1 song at the Karaoke. Joined Mac's sis, Shampoo, a fellow YCS member, Pong, and 2 of their friends. The Karaoke there looks more hi-tech than the ones in Malaysia. They have a computer monitor and mouse to control everything. Interesting.
Ex (outside school YCS) joined us and I went to look at some Pepsi collection at the lower ground floors. Marx and Raffy joined us and Ple came back from sending Un home. The younger ones left. Ate at MK Restaurant. It's steamboat but everything's pretty hi-tech and they take orders from PDAs. Was yummy. :) And I enjoyed.
After a fun day, it was time to say goodbye. Ple and I boarded the bus and chatted until I fell asleep. Half conscious I woke up to walk to take a motorcycle and finally reached Ple's condo. Packed and unpacked and finally popped but as Ple was working, it was not too comfortable a sleep.
My stay's still fun. :) Seeing lots of things I never knew existed. Tasting all sorts of yummy food and of course, going broke.. :P
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Today's update from Bangkok.
16.03.06
Woke up at Un's house. :) Her cat was checking me out. :)
Waited for her for a pretty long time so entertained myself talking to everyone I could call but many were either busy working, at school or having some sort of meeting. :)
Ate lunch. Her mom's cooking's darn good eh. :) Gee, I'm smiling too much..
Took a taxi to Siam where lots of shopping complexes and shops are. Visited Paragon Siam. Met up with Toon and Bew there. Walked around and tried to control my spending. :)
Finally convinced everyone to let me use the skytrain Victory Monument alone. Boarded at National Stadium, switched lanes at Siam and ended up in Victory Monument's station. :) Was safe and in a solid piece. Walked a bit to Xavier's Hall to wait for Apple.
When she finally arrived, we took 2 rides back to her condo, a bus and taxi. Was sleeping in the bus but was interrupted by a very heart- warming call. More plans for the rest of my trip!
Packed and repacked before taking a taxi to Un's.
And so I'm at Un's now.. :)
Everything's still okay but ertie smsed and told me that Daddy's at his 4th stage of cancer. We're supposed to pray for 5 or more good years, she says. And so we will pray and be positive.
Woke up at Un's house. :) Her cat was checking me out. :)
Waited for her for a pretty long time so entertained myself talking to everyone I could call but many were either busy working, at school or having some sort of meeting. :)
Ate lunch. Her mom's cooking's darn good eh. :) Gee, I'm smiling too much..
Took a taxi to Siam where lots of shopping complexes and shops are. Visited Paragon Siam. Met up with Toon and Bew there. Walked around and tried to control my spending. :)
Finally convinced everyone to let me use the skytrain Victory Monument alone. Boarded at National Stadium, switched lanes at Siam and ended up in Victory Monument's station. :) Was safe and in a solid piece. Walked a bit to Xavier's Hall to wait for Apple.
When she finally arrived, we took 2 rides back to her condo, a bus and taxi. Was sleeping in the bus but was interrupted by a very heart- warming call. More plans for the rest of my trip!
Packed and repacked before taking a taxi to Un's.
And so I'm at Un's now.. :)
Everything's still okay but ertie smsed and told me that Daddy's at his 4th stage of cancer. We're supposed to pray for 5 or more good years, she says. And so we will pray and be positive.
Chao Phraya River and its beauty
15.03.06
My day started from Apple's house. We took 2 buses to meet Mac and Un at Victory Monument. Ate some pork's blood soup noodle and after that took a taxi to Sathorn Pier. Took a tourist boat and traveled along Chao Phraya.
The wind was blowing, the waves slowly cruised us along the river as we viewed magnificent buildings with rich historical backgrounds. People hopped on and off the boat and we just enjoyed the ride till the last station. And the boat turned and we went back.
Got off at the Chinatown station and had a walk around a wholesale area. Bought some soft toys and very beautiful necklaces. I spent a bomb before I boarded the boat again. :) Was kinda like the light bulb for Mac and Un who seem to be interested in each other!
Getting off Sathorn Pier we boarded at BTS Sapharn (Bridge) Taksin and got off at Sala Daeng station. Used another train service, MRT at Si Lom station to Lumphini. The MRT service uses some sort of chip (like a coin) instead of a card. Getting in you place the coin chip to a censor and hold on to the coin till you reach the station you desire. There you drop the coin to exit. Mac was blur enough to drop his coin while censoring it. :P
Mac's a joke. He's a very nice boy. Was holding all my shopping goods for me all the way. He's a year younger than pampam. Un's pam's age but she seems very matured. They gave me a furry teddy bear! Surprised!!! Will leave the teddy in the car. :)
Reached Un's house. A comfy but very compressed 3 story house that looks somewhat like a shop but isn't. Met her mom, bro and uncle. Had dinner of tom yam kung (shrimps) and Chinese sausage. Yummy!!!
Walked around Suan Lom Night Market. A very interesting but commercialised area that was once the training base for the army. Very beautiful with lots of stuff ranging from modern Thai products to current trends. There were more tourists there than Thais!
Took a tuk tuk back to Un's house, refreshed myself with a shower and later popped to bed.
Everything's so fun here and the people are so great despite uncomfy feelings of sorts occasionally when jealousy of others about others occur.
I miss home, sure I do but for now I'll just let myself enjoy Thailand. :) Bliss.
My day started from Apple's house. We took 2 buses to meet Mac and Un at Victory Monument. Ate some pork's blood soup noodle and after that took a taxi to Sathorn Pier. Took a tourist boat and traveled along Chao Phraya.
The wind was blowing, the waves slowly cruised us along the river as we viewed magnificent buildings with rich historical backgrounds. People hopped on and off the boat and we just enjoyed the ride till the last station. And the boat turned and we went back.
Got off at the Chinatown station and had a walk around a wholesale area. Bought some soft toys and very beautiful necklaces. I spent a bomb before I boarded the boat again. :) Was kinda like the light bulb for Mac and Un who seem to be interested in each other!
Getting off Sathorn Pier we boarded at BTS Sapharn (Bridge) Taksin and got off at Sala Daeng station. Used another train service, MRT at Si Lom station to Lumphini. The MRT service uses some sort of chip (like a coin) instead of a card. Getting in you place the coin chip to a censor and hold on to the coin till you reach the station you desire. There you drop the coin to exit. Mac was blur enough to drop his coin while censoring it. :P
Mac's a joke. He's a very nice boy. Was holding all my shopping goods for me all the way. He's a year younger than pampam. Un's pam's age but she seems very matured. They gave me a furry teddy bear! Surprised!!! Will leave the teddy in the car. :)
Reached Un's house. A comfy but very compressed 3 story house that looks somewhat like a shop but isn't. Met her mom, bro and uncle. Had dinner of tom yam kung (shrimps) and Chinese sausage. Yummy!!!
Walked around Suan Lom Night Market. A very interesting but commercialised area that was once the training base for the army. Very beautiful with lots of stuff ranging from modern Thai products to current trends. There were more tourists there than Thais!
Took a tuk tuk back to Un's house, refreshed myself with a shower and later popped to bed.
Everything's so fun here and the people are so great despite uncomfy feelings of sorts occasionally when jealousy of others about others occur.
I miss home, sure I do but for now I'll just let myself enjoy Thailand. :) Bliss.
Remembering the Late Ms. Lai
A year ago I lost someone really important to me. She was always the sweet one, the one that cracked jokes in class and the one who stood by the students especially the student council.
Losing her to death wasn't an easy thing to accept and adapt. Even though some of us have graduated after her death, she contributed much to nurturing us and preparing us for our finals.
She will always remain in our hearts, cherished forever.
March 15, 2005 was one of the toughest day MSC had to go through. The saddest thing was that it was also Peter's birthday.
Losing her to death wasn't an easy thing to accept and adapt. Even though some of us have graduated after her death, she contributed much to nurturing us and preparing us for our finals.
She will always remain in our hearts, cherished forever.
March 15, 2005 was one of the toughest day MSC had to go through. The saddest thing was that it was also Peter's birthday.
Day In
14.03.06
Was a pig the whole day. Just slept and slept to replace all the days before this that I was either sick or not sleeping well. And it was great.
Apple cooked lunch and after that I slept till late.
Did a bit of shopping around Pinklao and later took another bus to Victory Monument. Did a bit more of shopping and used BTS (skytrain) to Nana station.
Met up with Ruki and his friend. Had a bit of a chat before going back..
Tiring day it was.
Was a pig the whole day. Just slept and slept to replace all the days before this that I was either sick or not sleeping well. And it was great.
Apple cooked lunch and after that I slept till late.
Did a bit of shopping around Pinklao and later took another bus to Victory Monument. Did a bit more of shopping and used BTS (skytrain) to Nana station.
Met up with Ruki and his friend. Had a bit of a chat before going back..
Tiring day it was.
Thai YCS Key Leaders Camp
March 11 - 13, 2006
11.03.06 Set out from SriRacha early morning and reached Xavier's Hall in Bangkok (near Victory Monument) around 10-ish. Met new friends and set off to Siam Square for an exposure trip by sky train.
Key Leaders' Camp was held in Samphran's St. Joseph's Garden Home. The location is somewhat like a dorm area for church activities. I was totally blur throughout the camp but was lucky to have translators like Marx, Ew and Tiffany.
Food was always good. Ate lots of Thai food with extra chilly all the time. :) My flu has miraculously disappeared, thanks to my determination to force myself for trips. :) Am healthy and kicking.
Lots more new Thai friends. How we communicate is another very interesting tale to tell. :) Some speak a bit of English, some more than the other. Others do not speak at all. We use signs and actions. :) 'Actions really speak louder than words'.
Thai YCS are very creative with games and action songs. Am really impressed at the way the seniors passed on information to the new ones. I learnt that most of the seniors will not be around for the national camp that will be held next week and so they have to train the young ones asap.
12.03.06 I met 2 delegates that I actually got met 10 years ago during the 4th SEA Session. It is true that in YCS, goodbyes do not exist. It's always 'see you again'. Was fun chatting with Wat and Ew about the good old days.
To celebrate the success of this camp, we had a little party. Followed Bro. Siam and some other YCS members to Don Wai market. They are famous for their snacks and food. Took lots of pics and had a real good time even though it was really hot.
Had a little rosary procession from the grave to a shrine and later a liturgy of light. Somehow the little ceremony touched me tremendously. It meant so much singing the song 'All over YCS, we will let it shine' while lighting planting the candle to the centre with the main light. It is also very interesting to find Buddhist YCS members. I really wonder what they feel. Some tell me they enjoy being in YCS and they also enjoy the Christian activities YCS offers. Interesting.
Everyone pigged in and there was a roasted pig. Had fun just chilling with the group. Somehow it doesn't feel too bad not being a Thai. Sure I'm always blur as they chatter in Thai but at least they are friendly and go all out to try to make me feel alright.
Was really tired and fell asleep late.
13.03.06 The last day came and went and before I knew it the Key Leaders' Camp was over! I managed to learn a few Thai words from Tae who was so engrossed in teaching me his language that he was unaware that he was elected as the O.C of the national camp! :) So cute.
And everyone left and I did too. Visited Assumption College Thonburi that
Bro. Siam's stationed till the new semester starts. The school is so awesome. Not as widespread as Assumption College Sriracha but they have excellent facilities and American-school-like buildings. :) It's just beautiful.
Settled in Apple's condo and went to Pinklao for dinner and dessert at Swensen's. Shopped a bit at the night market and went home after that.
Rode on a taxi, bus and motorcycle all in one day. The experience was overwhelming. :) The motorcycle ride was smashing. Had my hair blowing in all directions. Memories of the 1st year in MSC came flooding back. And it was gone for the ride was over, just like all that has past.
And I'm still here. Living the life of a uni student in Bangkok. Life's okay and everything's really nice. And I'm well- fed and happy. :) What more could I want?
11.03.06 Set out from SriRacha early morning and reached Xavier's Hall in Bangkok (near Victory Monument) around 10-ish. Met new friends and set off to Siam Square for an exposure trip by sky train.
Key Leaders' Camp was held in Samphran's St. Joseph's Garden Home. The location is somewhat like a dorm area for church activities. I was totally blur throughout the camp but was lucky to have translators like Marx, Ew and Tiffany.
Food was always good. Ate lots of Thai food with extra chilly all the time. :) My flu has miraculously disappeared, thanks to my determination to force myself for trips. :) Am healthy and kicking.
Lots more new Thai friends. How we communicate is another very interesting tale to tell. :) Some speak a bit of English, some more than the other. Others do not speak at all. We use signs and actions. :) 'Actions really speak louder than words'.
Thai YCS are very creative with games and action songs. Am really impressed at the way the seniors passed on information to the new ones. I learnt that most of the seniors will not be around for the national camp that will be held next week and so they have to train the young ones asap.
12.03.06 I met 2 delegates that I actually got met 10 years ago during the 4th SEA Session. It is true that in YCS, goodbyes do not exist. It's always 'see you again'. Was fun chatting with Wat and Ew about the good old days.
To celebrate the success of this camp, we had a little party. Followed Bro. Siam and some other YCS members to Don Wai market. They are famous for their snacks and food. Took lots of pics and had a real good time even though it was really hot.
Had a little rosary procession from the grave to a shrine and later a liturgy of light. Somehow the little ceremony touched me tremendously. It meant so much singing the song 'All over YCS, we will let it shine' while lighting planting the candle to the centre with the main light. It is also very interesting to find Buddhist YCS members. I really wonder what they feel. Some tell me they enjoy being in YCS and they also enjoy the Christian activities YCS offers. Interesting.
Everyone pigged in and there was a roasted pig. Had fun just chilling with the group. Somehow it doesn't feel too bad not being a Thai. Sure I'm always blur as they chatter in Thai but at least they are friendly and go all out to try to make me feel alright.
Was really tired and fell asleep late.
13.03.06 The last day came and went and before I knew it the Key Leaders' Camp was over! I managed to learn a few Thai words from Tae who was so engrossed in teaching me his language that he was unaware that he was elected as the O.C of the national camp! :) So cute.
And everyone left and I did too. Visited Assumption College Thonburi that
Bro. Siam's stationed till the new semester starts. The school is so awesome. Not as widespread as Assumption College Sriracha but they have excellent facilities and American-school-like buildings. :) It's just beautiful.
Settled in Apple's condo and went to Pinklao for dinner and dessert at Swensen's. Shopped a bit at the night market and went home after that.
Rode on a taxi, bus and motorcycle all in one day. The experience was overwhelming. :) The motorcycle ride was smashing. Had my hair blowing in all directions. Memories of the 1st year in MSC came flooding back. And it was gone for the ride was over, just like all that has past.
And I'm still here. Living the life of a uni student in Bangkok. Life's okay and everything's really nice. And I'm well- fed and happy. :) What more could I want?
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Discovering Chon Buri
Day 10 of the 3rd Month of 2006
:) Rise and shine Vicky!!! And I waited for Bro. Siam like a bodoh at the Brother's garden. Very peaceful, very green.. :) Very nice. I guess I'll be very patient when I go back home, this trip's a real training!
Went around Assumption College Sri Racha (ACS). It is, of course, HUGE and they have their own bakery, kitchen, 4 boys' dorms, lots of classrooms, a dorm for the football team, a whole building for their school band, a gated kindergarten area (so the kids won't wander and get lost!), a herb garden, lots more buildings and their own Scout's campus with a golfing ground. Oh man.. and they're only kindergarten, primary and secondary education. School fee's RM 250 per month, RM1 k per year. For what they get, I'd say it's horribly cheap.
After a very long and restless drive, Bro. Siam and I reached Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. :) Good thing is he paid for everything except for my shopping!
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has trees and flowers growing everywhere! Gorgeous they were of course. They also have a zoo, butterfly park and many other animals. Was totally impressed by the Thai Cultural Show. Thai people are so gentle but their culture's actually pretty aggressive! Lots of boxing and fighting during the show. The costumes of these dancers put those of SCV's to shame. They also have acting elephants. Cute!!!
The Thai Cultural Show was followed by an elephant show at the back of the theatre. The elephants in Thailand must be really smart or just very well- trained. They hold each others' tail and walk in circles, kick football, paint shirts and canvas, play basketball, and bowling.. and can dance according to the music! There's this particular elephant who head bangs with the music. CUTE!!! :)
After the shows we took the shuttle bus around the grounds and took pictures. Saw huge cactus, a fake stone henge, immense grounds of beautifully trimmed mazes and more European sculptures. I enjoyed taking pictures of flowers.. and everything else. One of the most impresive part was the pots arranged in the shape of an elephant, a butterfly, a 'tuk- tuk' and many more other stuff.
After 4 hours plus at the land of wonderment, we left Pattaya Tai and proceeded to a shopping complex of rejected branded stuff. Did a bit of shopping and lunched by the side of the road. Thai food has just got to be my favourite type of food: sweet cucumbers, spicy sauce, pork.. fried chicken.. walau eh.. heavenly.
Got my Thai number at IT mall. :) The whole Thai language barrier thing can be quite tough but am enjoying so far. After a short rest we went to the beach and to an island, Koh Loy (Floating Island). Happily shopped for souvenirs and watched Thai people enjoy life.
A nice body massage that costs half of what I pay for in KL welcomed many happy thoughts of this holiday and the days after. The 'ah poh' is really good at her job. :) Dinner was a pretty green one. Nevertheless, it was very yummy and happy. :)
I'm glad I'm in touch with home again and my holiday has been going really well. :)
Life's a bliss. :) I love Thailand!!!
:) Rise and shine Vicky!!! And I waited for Bro. Siam like a bodoh at the Brother's garden. Very peaceful, very green.. :) Very nice. I guess I'll be very patient when I go back home, this trip's a real training!
Went around Assumption College Sri Racha (ACS). It is, of course, HUGE and they have their own bakery, kitchen, 4 boys' dorms, lots of classrooms, a dorm for the football team, a whole building for their school band, a gated kindergarten area (so the kids won't wander and get lost!), a herb garden, lots more buildings and their own Scout's campus with a golfing ground. Oh man.. and they're only kindergarten, primary and secondary education. School fee's RM 250 per month, RM1 k per year. For what they get, I'd say it's horribly cheap.
After a very long and restless drive, Bro. Siam and I reached Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. :) Good thing is he paid for everything except for my shopping!
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has trees and flowers growing everywhere! Gorgeous they were of course. They also have a zoo, butterfly park and many other animals. Was totally impressed by the Thai Cultural Show. Thai people are so gentle but their culture's actually pretty aggressive! Lots of boxing and fighting during the show. The costumes of these dancers put those of SCV's to shame. They also have acting elephants. Cute!!!
The Thai Cultural Show was followed by an elephant show at the back of the theatre. The elephants in Thailand must be really smart or just very well- trained. They hold each others' tail and walk in circles, kick football, paint shirts and canvas, play basketball, and bowling.. and can dance according to the music! There's this particular elephant who head bangs with the music. CUTE!!! :)
After the shows we took the shuttle bus around the grounds and took pictures. Saw huge cactus, a fake stone henge, immense grounds of beautifully trimmed mazes and more European sculptures. I enjoyed taking pictures of flowers.. and everything else. One of the most impresive part was the pots arranged in the shape of an elephant, a butterfly, a 'tuk- tuk' and many more other stuff.
After 4 hours plus at the land of wonderment, we left Pattaya Tai and proceeded to a shopping complex of rejected branded stuff. Did a bit of shopping and lunched by the side of the road. Thai food has just got to be my favourite type of food: sweet cucumbers, spicy sauce, pork.. fried chicken.. walau eh.. heavenly.
Got my Thai number at IT mall. :) The whole Thai language barrier thing can be quite tough but am enjoying so far. After a short rest we went to the beach and to an island, Koh Loy (Floating Island). Happily shopped for souvenirs and watched Thai people enjoy life.
A nice body massage that costs half of what I pay for in KL welcomed many happy thoughts of this holiday and the days after. The 'ah poh' is really good at her job. :) Dinner was a pretty green one. Nevertheless, it was very yummy and happy. :)
I'm glad I'm in touch with home again and my holiday has been going really well. :)
Life's a bliss. :) I love Thailand!!!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Back in Thailand.
9th day of March
After a pretty tough goodbye with Sunshine and Just, I walked into boarding area G only to find that it is the top floor of boarding area A. Gee, boring. Can't even sit on the aero train as my boarding area's not C. :(
Bumped into... Justin! Gee, haven't seen him for awhile though he's John's housemate. But erm.. crap le, haven't even seen John around. :P So we chatted, flight got delayed a bit, got into the plane together and 2 hour 15 minutes later arrived at Don Muang. Such a beautiful and LONG airport! The plane cruised past a golf course of some sort with flower covered trees and after a very long time reached Terminal 1. Collected my luggages and met Bro. Siam who's my host for this trip. Got into his very nice and comfy car and headed south to Bang Na.
Bang Na means a lot of paddy fields and it is also home for Assumption University (AU). AU is the best looking university probably in the whole Asia. Welcoming anyone that passes it is a Roman bridge. On the right lies the chapel with a lake with designed horses galloping in front of it. The chapel looks like something from a European mag! On the left lies another lake with real life geese chilling out by it. Driving around the campus we passed by archs with designs crafted around the edge and gorgeous paintings. And we finally reached the junction where the academic building separates the Cathedral of Learning front the roads leading to the dorms.
St. Michael's hall also has the overseas effect that gave me a numb dumb sort of feeling after a mere glimpse. I walked to the foot of the Cathedral of Learning and tried to contain myself from going hysterical. The very, very tall building is beautifully crafted to look like a cathedral but plays the role as classrooms to AU students. (* jealoussssssssssss) The basement of this building lies an arcade of shops to cater for the students needs be it for food or for entertainment. Semi circling the Cathedral of Learning is actually St. Michael's Hall. At the other side of the building where St. Michael's Hall does not circle is a Thai traditional architecture to welcome guest as important as the Royal family of Thailand. This place just makes me feel as though I've left Asia for some European country and am walking the grounds of a European university but then again, I wasn't.
The dorms: Queen of Sheba for girls, King Solomon for boys and King David for professors and lecturers lie in a U shape with King David's dorm as the one that separates the boys' and the girls' dorm. Next to the dorm lies tennis courts, more arcades with coffee houses and 7 Eleven, their own very huge stadium with up to date sports facilities and more historical statues. Separating Queen of Sheba and King Solomon's actually a basketball court and a museum that houses the works of students. Immense, beautiful, worldly recognised, hotel- like dorms, convenient facilities... well how much are the fees, I wondered. Not that much, I found out. Just about RM 30 k plus for a bachelors' degree. (My dip. and degree comes to a total of RM 50 k and I study at SEGi, gawdddd!!!) The room costs RM 350 per person with internet facilities, air con and most probably house keeping.
Note: Colleges back home should just sedar diri and improve themselves le OK? Stop giving us lousy facilities and demand our lives for them!
Feeling the pinch that colleges back home are cheating the students crazy.. I left university 'heaven' and we continued our journey to Sri Racha. Sri Racha is pronounced Si Rah Chah. The name Sri Racha means Honour the King or Majestic of the King, something like that. It was pretty dark when we arrived and I left my stuff in the room I was supposed to sleep at and picking another brother up, Brother Manit and 2 teachers Jacob and Praksit we headed to Pattaya Tai (South of Pattaya), the red light district of Chon Buri (City of Water), the province south of Bangkok. Passed by Pattaya Klang (Centre of Pattaya) and endless roads before we reached.
'Follow the red light and you find.. old white men with young service girls.' Gee. Pattaya is a modern, hip, americanised sex pit with more white people than Thais! The streets are splattered with endless pubs and stalls selling cut-throat priced items. Had dinner at Sizzler's of Royal City shopping complex.
Dinner was:-
1. Killing my diet
2. Extremely rich and yummy!!!
3. Lots of CHEESE!!
4. Buffet at the salad bar with a generous supply of cherry tomatoes, potatos, numerous types of salad, yummy desserts, cheese cheese and more cheese.. and many more. :)
5. Pork Ribs too sweet for me.
Life's a bliss. Went for a walk, took a few pictures of hamsup old men and young chicks flirting.. and headed back 'home'.
Never felt so alone before. No music, no movies, no sound. Entered my dorm for the night (it's air-conditioned, btw) and took a shower before I went to bed. The room's nice, just a tad lonely.
:) Can't believe I'm back in Thailand after 6 whole years!
After a pretty tough goodbye with Sunshine and Just, I walked into boarding area G only to find that it is the top floor of boarding area A. Gee, boring. Can't even sit on the aero train as my boarding area's not C. :(
Bumped into... Justin! Gee, haven't seen him for awhile though he's John's housemate. But erm.. crap le, haven't even seen John around. :P So we chatted, flight got delayed a bit, got into the plane together and 2 hour 15 minutes later arrived at Don Muang. Such a beautiful and LONG airport! The plane cruised past a golf course of some sort with flower covered trees and after a very long time reached Terminal 1. Collected my luggages and met Bro. Siam who's my host for this trip. Got into his very nice and comfy car and headed south to Bang Na.
Bang Na means a lot of paddy fields and it is also home for Assumption University (AU). AU is the best looking university probably in the whole Asia. Welcoming anyone that passes it is a Roman bridge. On the right lies the chapel with a lake with designed horses galloping in front of it. The chapel looks like something from a European mag! On the left lies another lake with real life geese chilling out by it. Driving around the campus we passed by archs with designs crafted around the edge and gorgeous paintings. And we finally reached the junction where the academic building separates the Cathedral of Learning front the roads leading to the dorms.
St. Michael's hall also has the overseas effect that gave me a numb dumb sort of feeling after a mere glimpse. I walked to the foot of the Cathedral of Learning and tried to contain myself from going hysterical. The very, very tall building is beautifully crafted to look like a cathedral but plays the role as classrooms to AU students. (* jealoussssssssssss) The basement of this building lies an arcade of shops to cater for the students needs be it for food or for entertainment. Semi circling the Cathedral of Learning is actually St. Michael's Hall. At the other side of the building where St. Michael's Hall does not circle is a Thai traditional architecture to welcome guest as important as the Royal family of Thailand. This place just makes me feel as though I've left Asia for some European country and am walking the grounds of a European university but then again, I wasn't.
The dorms: Queen of Sheba for girls, King Solomon for boys and King David for professors and lecturers lie in a U shape with King David's dorm as the one that separates the boys' and the girls' dorm. Next to the dorm lies tennis courts, more arcades with coffee houses and 7 Eleven, their own very huge stadium with up to date sports facilities and more historical statues. Separating Queen of Sheba and King Solomon's actually a basketball court and a museum that houses the works of students. Immense, beautiful, worldly recognised, hotel- like dorms, convenient facilities... well how much are the fees, I wondered. Not that much, I found out. Just about RM 30 k plus for a bachelors' degree. (My dip. and degree comes to a total of RM 50 k and I study at SEGi, gawdddd!!!) The room costs RM 350 per person with internet facilities, air con and most probably house keeping.
Note: Colleges back home should just sedar diri and improve themselves le OK? Stop giving us lousy facilities and demand our lives for them!
Feeling the pinch that colleges back home are cheating the students crazy.. I left university 'heaven' and we continued our journey to Sri Racha. Sri Racha is pronounced Si Rah Chah. The name Sri Racha means Honour the King or Majestic of the King, something like that. It was pretty dark when we arrived and I left my stuff in the room I was supposed to sleep at and picking another brother up, Brother Manit and 2 teachers Jacob and Praksit we headed to Pattaya Tai (South of Pattaya), the red light district of Chon Buri (City of Water), the province south of Bangkok. Passed by Pattaya Klang (Centre of Pattaya) and endless roads before we reached.
'Follow the red light and you find.. old white men with young service girls.' Gee. Pattaya is a modern, hip, americanised sex pit with more white people than Thais! The streets are splattered with endless pubs and stalls selling cut-throat priced items. Had dinner at Sizzler's of Royal City shopping complex.
Dinner was:-
1. Killing my diet
2. Extremely rich and yummy!!!
3. Lots of CHEESE!!
4. Buffet at the salad bar with a generous supply of cherry tomatoes, potatos, numerous types of salad, yummy desserts, cheese cheese and more cheese.. and many more. :)
5. Pork Ribs too sweet for me.
Life's a bliss. Went for a walk, took a few pictures of hamsup old men and young chicks flirting.. and headed back 'home'.
Never felt so alone before. No music, no movies, no sound. Entered my dorm for the night (it's air-conditioned, btw) and took a shower before I went to bed. The room's nice, just a tad lonely.
:) Can't believe I'm back in Thailand after 6 whole years!
Sawasdeekaa from Thailand!
Am safely in SiRacha, enjoying Thai air and all the good food. Will give updates real soon! :)
So, please be patient peeps.
So, please be patient peeps.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Back from Trip Three!
I got back last night around 8.30 pm. Trip three has been great and really tiring - a shorter one, 1 day and 1 night short - extremely 'damaging' for the trippers with very interesting discoveries. :)
Saturday, March 4
I left USJ with a bad cough and a nose running the track mill. The drive to Seremban was uneventful but Seremban was extremely damaging. Expecting a maximum of 2 long rows of shops to shoot, we found a huge fishbone with extras at the side. Determined I started and ended approximately over 2 hours later. Happy discovery - 2 nice graphics of the word 'chicken' and 'duck' in Mandarin! Fiona's mom was saying her goodbyes to the paper stuff for the dead. She's just hilarious le.
We wanted to head to K.Pilah but decided against it. Headed straight to Malacca and reached the land of wonderment. I love Malacca. This would be my 6th time in Malacca and I still love Malacca just as much. Checked into Baba House and started the shoot.
Here's a list to share! Things I saw that evening at Jonker Walk and Heeren St.
- A fireplace for pizza at Coconut House
- Aunty making O-chien (if you're doubting the meaning, ask Just.)
- Cute puppies posing for photo sessions - 2 bucks per session. :)
- Trinkets, toys, old stuff, books, Malaccan crafts
- Dim sum (grabbed some!) and man tao hotdog
- Suen Pun Zhi and Chai Kueh.. (Fiona did the grabbing), I just ate.. :)
- More food and more and more.. Sotong Bakar!
- Palm readers
- Lots of people of all color and smell. Eeeee...
- Cute bug magnets! (I got one for my fridge) and many, many wonderful things.
I'd like to share but my memory's pretty fried by the sun.
Had Nyonya food for dinner and that's what I call home-cooked food!
I hit the bed after a flu pill and listening to Chicken Little sing.
I love Malacca so much!
Sunday, March 5
Woke up late. Aduh. No one blamed me, flu's the excuse. :) Ate breakfast, bought some bus tickets for Fiona's mom and sis, got back, and started shooting. It was a really LONG and TIRING shoot and I got roasted and eventually burnt. Fiona bought some arm cover thingy to keep me from all these charcoal-ing activities.
Hoe Kee welcomed us with good food of chicken rice ball and assam fish head. YUM. Life is just SO beautiful when food is SO good! :) Shoot continued and the burning did too. Stopped at Jonker Dessert for Baba's Ice Kacang and Cendol. Oh sweet! I've never liked gula Melaka but this place made the consuming experience so overwhelming. :)
Sent Fiona's mom and sis off before heading to shoot at Alor Gajah. Coming back we headed to Tengkera Street where damage was really, really bad. Had to walk 2/3 of the whole long street. At least the sun wasn't scorching.
More Jonker Walk in the evening. And I must say, I love Malacca.
Ate Suen Pun Zhi again with chai kueh and onde onde in the hotel room. Was nice. And I knocked out early.
Monday, March 6
Good things about these trips.
1) Hotel Air Con
2) Nice hot showers
3) New Food, goooooood Food!
4) Seeing different people and things and not just pollution.
5) Our little discoveries.
------
Again I woke up feeling as though life should just end then and there. I LOVE snoozing in hotels but work had to be done. Breakfast was consumed fast and work began at Heeren. Was nice finding all the beautiful craft of ancient Chinese people in Malacca, decorating their houses and shops. Capturing history makes my role important and finding all these beautiful workmanship is all great. Unfortunately for me then, my bladder was also full and needed some space.
Dropped in a very ordinary looking kopitiam but found out it belonged to the President of the Peranakan Club. A true baba. :) We also visited Malaqa House and found very interesting work done by others who truly appreciate history and art.
Chilled @ Limau- limau savouring Dragon Fruit Lassi. Yum. Gulped fast and left for lunch. Ate @ Nancy's Kitchen - Pong Teh Pork & Popiah. :) Rushed back to the hotel, had a quick shower and proceeded to buy more pineapple tarts from Christina Ee.
After letting her ramble on and on promoting products and persuading us to buy more, we finally left for Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan/ Lrg. Bukit Cina and Jalan Temenggong for more shots. Did accidentally stumble past some 'worth a few shots' buildings at Jalan Parameswara.
Discovered 2 REAL JEWELS at Jalan Bukit Cina. The terrace buildings had extreme decorations of food, flora and fauna splattered all over the front facades and the best thing was that they were properly preserved. They also had very cute figurines of Chinese people (from all hierarchy) and their activities and environment as decorations at the edge separating the roof from the walls. All these were glassed up and preserved. Had a blast taking those pictures. It was so different from the normal point and shoots (and get bored...) routines for these trips. I could admire the beauty of these buildings and learn some history as well. Finally left for Muar around early evening.
The 30+ kilometres were easily covered and we eventually drove past the border of Malacca Johore. Was greeted by a huge 'beca Muar' and some boys who hit on Fiona! :P Gee, I really wonder whether he has reached puberty.
Entering Muar, we were both shocked and amazed at the old shophouses that they had, that I had to cover before daylight leaves the little town by the river. Slaved really hard to cover the huge fishbone leaving the main street to be covered for tomorrow. Was extremely exhausted and burnt to feel much for dinner but had a good one anyway. Otak- otak in Muar is really different and yummy! Also ate fried oysters, kueh chap (that was a huge disappointment), 6 flavored soup (a dessert, actually..) and horrible chee cheong fan.
The hotel was OK - Riverview, but I think the 'club' that it owns is actually a brothel. :P After some Oscar and chit chat, I konked out.
Tuesday, March 7
Woke up, took pictures.. had a nice portion of roasted pork and char siew with curry gravy that only costs 2 bucks.. walked some more, more pictures... and we left Muar for Batu Pahat.
Batu Pahat didn't look great but had a big fishbone as well. The sun was scorching and I was getting really tired so when the shoot was done and Fiona bugged me when we made a turn into the housing area to get to the other part of the town looking for MarryBrown - I snapped back and said some mean things. Well, MarryBrown cheered me up and we gossiped bout college rumors bout seeing happy gay bunnies hop and other interesting stories. For awhile there I could forget about shooting shophouses and stupid one way streets for Batu Pahat.
The journey heading to Yong Peng's toll was filled with more stories to tell and we continued the story- telling even as we drove on the PLUS highway. After a very long time we reached Seremban and made a bad, bad trip to Kuala Pilah and back. Kuala Pilah had a bit to offer for the shoots but as it was getting dark we made our way back very soon after we reached.
Passing Seri Menanti, we just HAD to see the grand palace so we did. The little kampung road to Seri Menanti was a bit winding but we were amused by cows who ran by the car and little goats (or were they sheep??) who got freaked out when I pointed my camera at them!
I got to see the palace and I also offended a Seri Menanti kid who was blocking my shophouse view so he now appears in the picture looking blur. I wanted to ask him to move aside politely but my Malay words came out twisted and he looked even more blur after that. Gee.
Nice discovery was that N9 has Dragon Fruit plantations and dragon fruit plants look like cactus. Made the long way back to USJ after that, passing very horribly winding roads that almost made me puke and a pretty eerie highway. Lightning was flashing in the dark and it was raining but we made it back safely to a dry USJ.
So the trip ended and a very dried out Vicky came home to sleep that night.
Saturday, March 4
I left USJ with a bad cough and a nose running the track mill. The drive to Seremban was uneventful but Seremban was extremely damaging. Expecting a maximum of 2 long rows of shops to shoot, we found a huge fishbone with extras at the side. Determined I started and ended approximately over 2 hours later. Happy discovery - 2 nice graphics of the word 'chicken' and 'duck' in Mandarin! Fiona's mom was saying her goodbyes to the paper stuff for the dead. She's just hilarious le.
We wanted to head to K.Pilah but decided against it. Headed straight to Malacca and reached the land of wonderment. I love Malacca. This would be my 6th time in Malacca and I still love Malacca just as much. Checked into Baba House and started the shoot.
Here's a list to share! Things I saw that evening at Jonker Walk and Heeren St.
- A fireplace for pizza at Coconut House
- Aunty making O-chien (if you're doubting the meaning, ask Just.)
- Cute puppies posing for photo sessions - 2 bucks per session. :)
- Trinkets, toys, old stuff, books, Malaccan crafts
- Dim sum (grabbed some!) and man tao hotdog
- Suen Pun Zhi and Chai Kueh.. (Fiona did the grabbing), I just ate.. :)
- More food and more and more.. Sotong Bakar!
- Palm readers
- Lots of people of all color and smell. Eeeee...
- Cute bug magnets! (I got one for my fridge) and many, many wonderful things.
I'd like to share but my memory's pretty fried by the sun.
Had Nyonya food for dinner and that's what I call home-cooked food!
I hit the bed after a flu pill and listening to Chicken Little sing.
I love Malacca so much!
Sunday, March 5
Woke up late. Aduh. No one blamed me, flu's the excuse. :) Ate breakfast, bought some bus tickets for Fiona's mom and sis, got back, and started shooting. It was a really LONG and TIRING shoot and I got roasted and eventually burnt. Fiona bought some arm cover thingy to keep me from all these charcoal-ing activities.
Hoe Kee welcomed us with good food of chicken rice ball and assam fish head. YUM. Life is just SO beautiful when food is SO good! :) Shoot continued and the burning did too. Stopped at Jonker Dessert for Baba's Ice Kacang and Cendol. Oh sweet! I've never liked gula Melaka but this place made the consuming experience so overwhelming. :)
Sent Fiona's mom and sis off before heading to shoot at Alor Gajah. Coming back we headed to Tengkera Street where damage was really, really bad. Had to walk 2/3 of the whole long street. At least the sun wasn't scorching.
More Jonker Walk in the evening. And I must say, I love Malacca.
Ate Suen Pun Zhi again with chai kueh and onde onde in the hotel room. Was nice. And I knocked out early.
Monday, March 6
Good things about these trips.
1) Hotel Air Con
2) Nice hot showers
3) New Food, goooooood Food!
4) Seeing different people and things and not just pollution.
5) Our little discoveries.
------
Again I woke up feeling as though life should just end then and there. I LOVE snoozing in hotels but work had to be done. Breakfast was consumed fast and work began at Heeren. Was nice finding all the beautiful craft of ancient Chinese people in Malacca, decorating their houses and shops. Capturing history makes my role important and finding all these beautiful workmanship is all great. Unfortunately for me then, my bladder was also full and needed some space.
Dropped in a very ordinary looking kopitiam but found out it belonged to the President of the Peranakan Club. A true baba. :) We also visited Malaqa House and found very interesting work done by others who truly appreciate history and art.
Chilled @ Limau- limau savouring Dragon Fruit Lassi. Yum. Gulped fast and left for lunch. Ate @ Nancy's Kitchen - Pong Teh Pork & Popiah. :) Rushed back to the hotel, had a quick shower and proceeded to buy more pineapple tarts from Christina Ee.
After letting her ramble on and on promoting products and persuading us to buy more, we finally left for Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan/ Lrg. Bukit Cina and Jalan Temenggong for more shots. Did accidentally stumble past some 'worth a few shots' buildings at Jalan Parameswara.
Discovered 2 REAL JEWELS at Jalan Bukit Cina. The terrace buildings had extreme decorations of food, flora and fauna splattered all over the front facades and the best thing was that they were properly preserved. They also had very cute figurines of Chinese people (from all hierarchy) and their activities and environment as decorations at the edge separating the roof from the walls. All these were glassed up and preserved. Had a blast taking those pictures. It was so different from the normal point and shoots (and get bored...) routines for these trips. I could admire the beauty of these buildings and learn some history as well. Finally left for Muar around early evening.
The 30+ kilometres were easily covered and we eventually drove past the border of Malacca Johore. Was greeted by a huge 'beca Muar' and some boys who hit on Fiona! :P Gee, I really wonder whether he has reached puberty.
Entering Muar, we were both shocked and amazed at the old shophouses that they had, that I had to cover before daylight leaves the little town by the river. Slaved really hard to cover the huge fishbone leaving the main street to be covered for tomorrow. Was extremely exhausted and burnt to feel much for dinner but had a good one anyway. Otak- otak in Muar is really different and yummy! Also ate fried oysters, kueh chap (that was a huge disappointment), 6 flavored soup (a dessert, actually..) and horrible chee cheong fan.
The hotel was OK - Riverview, but I think the 'club' that it owns is actually a brothel. :P After some Oscar and chit chat, I konked out.
Tuesday, March 7
Woke up, took pictures.. had a nice portion of roasted pork and char siew with curry gravy that only costs 2 bucks.. walked some more, more pictures... and we left Muar for Batu Pahat.
Batu Pahat didn't look great but had a big fishbone as well. The sun was scorching and I was getting really tired so when the shoot was done and Fiona bugged me when we made a turn into the housing area to get to the other part of the town looking for MarryBrown - I snapped back and said some mean things. Well, MarryBrown cheered me up and we gossiped bout college rumors bout seeing happy gay bunnies hop and other interesting stories. For awhile there I could forget about shooting shophouses and stupid one way streets for Batu Pahat.
The journey heading to Yong Peng's toll was filled with more stories to tell and we continued the story- telling even as we drove on the PLUS highway. After a very long time we reached Seremban and made a bad, bad trip to Kuala Pilah and back. Kuala Pilah had a bit to offer for the shoots but as it was getting dark we made our way back very soon after we reached.
Passing Seri Menanti, we just HAD to see the grand palace so we did. The little kampung road to Seri Menanti was a bit winding but we were amused by cows who ran by the car and little goats (or were they sheep??) who got freaked out when I pointed my camera at them!
I got to see the palace and I also offended a Seri Menanti kid who was blocking my shophouse view so he now appears in the picture looking blur. I wanted to ask him to move aside politely but my Malay words came out twisted and he looked even more blur after that. Gee.
Nice discovery was that N9 has Dragon Fruit plantations and dragon fruit plants look like cactus. Made the long way back to USJ after that, passing very horribly winding roads that almost made me puke and a pretty eerie highway. Lightning was flashing in the dark and it was raining but we made it back safely to a dry USJ.
So the trip ended and a very dried out Vicky came home to sleep that night.
The random 7
7 things that scare me:
1) snakes
2) parents but not my own
3) super commitment
4) losing my family and some friends
5) crossroads
6) news of death
7) losing
7 random facts about me:
1) I'm leaving for a holiday tomorrow
2) I don't like what I'm studying - Damn you Mass Comm
3) I'm considering to go 'home' after my degree? Or maybe not..
4) I'm sickly obssessed with school spirit.
5) I'm sun burnt again
6) My feet are badly hurt
7) I adore flowers and photography
7 things I hope to do before I die:
1) Get at least some pictures published in National Geographic
2) Walk the earth
3) Publish a book on flowers either just pictures or pictures and words
4) Build a nice home for myself in an ok condo somewhere
5) See snow
6) Live in at least 10 countries
7) Learn another 5 languages
7 things I can do:
1) Smile
2) Take pictures
3) Talk to strangers
4) Read maps and do some road mapping
5) Love
6) Nurture the sick??
7) Type fast
7 things that I like:
1) My boyfriend Nikon D70
2) My soft toys
3) My low cost rented apartment with a spoilt heater
4) Walking and taking pictures everywhere
5) Going on trips I define as 'fun'. My 'fun's weird.
6) Racing with QKX3110
7) Hangout with very good friends
7 things I just can’t live without:
1) People I love
2) Taking pictures
3) Flowers
4) My boyfriend Nikon D70
5) Fresh water
6) Communication Access
7) Happiness
7 people that should fill in this:
1) Meh?
2) Ertie?
3) Chimui Nic?
4) Ate B?
5) Sunshine!!!!!
6) Koon Poh - 'you know who you are...'
7) Blog stalkers!
7 things that scare me:
1) snakes
2) parents but not my own
3) super commitment
4) losing my family and some friends
5) crossroads
6) news of death
7) losing
7 random facts about me:
1) I'm leaving for a holiday tomorrow
2) I don't like what I'm studying - Damn you Mass Comm
3) I'm considering to go 'home' after my degree? Or maybe not..
4) I'm sickly obssessed with school spirit.
5) I'm sun burnt again
6) My feet are badly hurt
7) I adore flowers and photography
7 things I hope to do before I die:
1) Get at least some pictures published in National Geographic
2) Walk the earth
3) Publish a book on flowers either just pictures or pictures and words
4) Build a nice home for myself in an ok condo somewhere
5) See snow
6) Live in at least 10 countries
7) Learn another 5 languages
7 things I can do:
1) Smile
2) Take pictures
3) Talk to strangers
4) Read maps and do some road mapping
5) Love
6) Nurture the sick??
7) Type fast
7 things that I like:
1) My boyfriend Nikon D70
2) My soft toys
3) My low cost rented apartment with a spoilt heater
4) Walking and taking pictures everywhere
5) Going on trips I define as 'fun'. My 'fun's weird.
6) Racing with QKX3110
7) Hangout with very good friends
7 things I just can’t live without:
1) People I love
2) Taking pictures
3) Flowers
4) My boyfriend Nikon D70
5) Fresh water
6) Communication Access
7) Happiness
7 people that should fill in this:
1) Meh?
2) Ertie?
3) Chimui Nic?
4) Ate B?
5) Sunshine!!!!!
6) Koon Poh - 'you know who you are...'
7) Blog stalkers!
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Friday, March 03, 2006
I have forgotten...
I have, actually, forgotten how much I can cough and how painful my lungs get when this bronchitis shit reoccurs. Just says the word 'relapse' sounds critical so I should try not to mention it as I do not wish for my condition to proceed to a worse stage. Am travelling again tomorrow as last week's trip was pushed to this weekend and covering Malacca for Fiona's research thingy will be tough as the weather will be hot and there will be lots of shophouses to snap. How I'm going to juggle between being tough and feeling sick is another story to tell.
I must remind myself to lessen a few activities including popping nice Lokams into my mouth, 2 big ones per seating. Chimneying, I'm afraid would also be one that will come to an end sooner if not later. A halt also to intakes of seafood and other damaging fruits and food.
Am quite afraid to tell mom or anyone else who would force me to consume 'stuff' that seem to be designed to knock you out before it heals you, disguised as eeky remedies.
Almost 7 years ago I had to suffer the same shit and I guess my body was a bit tougher to take all the cough and pain - not to mention my activities were all a bit healthier than they are now!! I really thought growing older would cease all these pain and torture but I guess I don't know my body well enough to conclude anything anymore.
I must remind myself to lessen a few activities including popping nice Lokams into my mouth, 2 big ones per seating. Chimneying, I'm afraid would also be one that will come to an end sooner if not later. A halt also to intakes of seafood and other damaging fruits and food.
Am quite afraid to tell mom or anyone else who would force me to consume 'stuff' that seem to be designed to knock you out before it heals you, disguised as eeky remedies.
Almost 7 years ago I had to suffer the same shit and I guess my body was a bit tougher to take all the cough and pain - not to mention my activities were all a bit healthier than they are now!! I really thought growing older would cease all these pain and torture but I guess I don't know my body well enough to conclude anything anymore.
For the tiny one. :)
(I'm bad with time and so this is, of course, belated. )
Happy Birthday Sis Tiny Fish. May your days be a bit happier (cut the depressing shit out now k.), may the sun shine brighter, the flowers grow more, assignments.. a little easier and everything going your way- a bit smoother.
:)
Wishing you hope, love and lots of courage to face the many days after the happy birth-day.
Life will be okay. It's okay to be a teeny bit older and growing old can be a lot of fun. (Gee, who am I kidding? I still tell the whole world I'm 18 when I'm actually 19! :PPP)
* hugs. Sorry I couldn't slam the day with you. Was in Klang busy slaming my camera with pictures and getting myself burnt again. And.. of course I had to fall sick the days after. So your little birthday thing will be late. :)
p.s. Tiny Fish celebrated her TWENTIETH birthday on February 28, 2006.
Happy Birthday Sis Tiny Fish. May your days be a bit happier (cut the depressing shit out now k.), may the sun shine brighter, the flowers grow more, assignments.. a little easier and everything going your way- a bit smoother.
:)
Wishing you hope, love and lots of courage to face the many days after the happy birth-day.
Life will be okay. It's okay to be a teeny bit older and growing old can be a lot of fun. (Gee, who am I kidding? I still tell the whole world I'm 18 when I'm actually 19! :PPP)
* hugs. Sorry I couldn't slam the day with you. Was in Klang busy slaming my camera with pictures and getting myself burnt again. And.. of course I had to fall sick the days after. So your little birthday thing will be late. :)
p.s. Tiny Fish celebrated her TWENTIETH birthday on February 28, 2006.
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