Reshuffling Lifes Puzzles

Budapest : Great Market Hall

2011-12-29T17:12:00.001+01:00

I have a thing for markets. It makes me feel closer to the local people and and I get to see what they do daily. Not forgetting pretty close up photos. Markets have always been my favourite place becase it haouses all the needs of a home, especially fresh produces that were delivered in the early morning. And this market is no acception.

Budapest has a few markets in the city, but I went over to visit this particular one, the Great market Hall, Nagycsarnok (I can't pronounce that) in Hungarian, which is by the Danube. This market is the largest in the city and is 150 meters long. It was opened in 1897 and restored in the 1990's. Unlike other markets that opens on weekends, this market closes on Sunday.

It opens daily quite early and closes around 5 in the evening. The nearest metro to the market is the Kalvin ter station, on Metro Line 3. You'll need to walk a bit though, but its really quite easy. They have already placed signs indicating the way to the market. Right in front of the market is a tram stop, Fovam ter, where you can catch tram number 47 and 49. These Trams also go across the river and you don't have to walk across.

(L) Salamis, fresh meat and goose pate'

(R) Pork crakling

Fresh Goose wings!

Paprika. The Hungarian icon

Some sites states that this market has 3 stories. I've only seen two. The ground floor and the 1st floor. Maybe there is a basement underneath. Like any other market, the ground floor places the wet market including the vege market. If you walk along the center of the market, stalls and stalls selling fresh meat and salamis would be greeting you.

Fresh Fruits

massive watermelons and peaches

Along the sides of the hall are stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables. They also have stally selling pastries, sweets and strudels. Not forgetting stally specializing in Paprika. Paprika is a Hungarian icon. Everywhere you turn, they'd be paprika.

Richly embroided wear for the ladies.

These embroided flowers are also used on their folk Wear.

A Hungarian Lady stitching away in the busy market.

The first floor is where the locals come to grab a bite. It's quite narrow up here. Half of the area is used to sell handicrafts and souvenirs (here is where you get the cheapest souvenirs. Not in town). the other half sells local delicacies like Langos (which Rick Steves consideres the best. I agree!), Pork knuckles, Goulasch, Goose legs and such.

Pork Knuckles

Ordering more than you could swollow.

If her mum only knew. haha.

They are a variety of Langos to choose form. It adelicious fried bread with topping you can choose. You can either choose a sweet or savoury topping for your langos. More like choosing a Crepe. You want to know what it taste like? It tastes like cha-koi. You know, those fried long bread sold in stalls every evering. Very yummy.

A Traditional Langos

Savoury Langos on display

Our Langos. With chocolate and bananas. You can't go wrong with chocolate and bananas right?

We were actually quite stuffed after having lunch at one of the restaurants in the market. But we really wanted to try the Langos. So after lunch, we walked the market for a few hours to let our lunch digest. I even had a foot massage from a Thai expo downstairs. We were there for quite a while, until the market was about to close, which was around 5pm. We then took our blessed tummy for an evening walk along the Danube, and up to the castle. We walked because the tram line on the Buda side was under construstion. I think I practically killed my two legs, but my fat still won't die *sad*

Budapest : Great Baths in Hungary

2011-12-26T11:24:00.001+01:00

One thing I learned about Hungary is that it has miracle water. Not the SKII kind of pitera water that makes your face looks like its suppose to glow in the dark kind.Hungary has more thermal baths in the world than any other country (almost 1000 thermal springs in the country, which many have been turned into baths and spas). How blessed its grounds are!

Thermal Baths are good for health.Their water are sourced from natural thermal and mineral water deep in the ground. Spending time in a thermal bath helps relax stiff muscles, especially now that most of us spend time sitting in front of the computer. It also helps treat other medical conditions including rheumatism, circulatory problems, insomnia, bronchial asthma and gynecological disorders. Just don't be too excited to jump into one if you have high blood. That might not be good.

While we were at it, we had our day out at Szechenyi Bath (a famous one) in Budapest. There are a few baths in Budapest, and it's mostly filled with tourists. I heard from the lady who share my coach with me the night before that the baths in Budapest are a lil more expensive that ones outside because it generally is a tourist attraction. She goes to a bath almost every two days! She also said that the bath that I'm going to visit was one a palace or something for royalty. I could'nt find and source for that so I won't elaborate. All I read about it was that it was called "Artesian Bath". But the place is really pretty. At the entrance, you wouldn't know that you are entering a bath. It looks more like a hotel, with carved ceilings, chandeliers and statues.

To get to the Szechenyi Bath, you'll need to get a metro line 1 (yellow line) to “Szechenyi furdö”. It actually a big park and on the corner, there a great yellow building which is the Bath. We got a day pass at the entrance with a cabin shared by two people. It was around 2900-3750 HUF. They do offer other services such as massages and spas. There are a few ticket counters around the building. Instead of waiting in a long line, one of the attendents showed us another way to the other counters around the building.

Middle olympic pool that requires a swimming cap

The pool with a whirlpool within

The yellow bulding is where all the other pools are

In the Szechenyi bath, there are three outdoor pools with different temperatures. Mostly were between 35 - 40°c. In one of it, theres a whirl pool in the center which spins like a hurricane. One frequently has air jets like jaccuzis which everyone will be waiting for. The center pool is like an olympic pool which you would need a swimming cap to get in. I did'nt have a swimming cap so I could'nt enter.

Cabins for rent

Then theres a building opposite the entrance. At first we thought it hold changing rooms. Lo and behold, unlock a new level of thermal baths! This was mad. The building was filled with rooms equipped with steaming rooms, saunas, and even more hot pools (and cold pools, some were below 10°c). The color of the water was a bit yellowish due to the minerals in it. There was also a pool for aerobics with an instructor and anyone could join. We tried almost every pool and I can't even remember how many there were. I did'nt have any pictures because I just want to dip myself in the water without worries. Outside, the temperatur was a hot 35°c and we were comfortable in our pools at 38°c. There were many people there for their first time to and there were dipping from pool to pool like we were. Personally I think I like the outdoor pool the best.

It was a beautiful day.

Other than this bath, there are a few more baths to visit in the city. See here. One in the middle of the city is the Gellert bath, which was at the end of the green bridge, if I'm not mistaken. It was turned into a grand hotel so I doubt it'll be a little more costly.

Spending a day in a bath on a visit to Hungary is definately a must-do.

*Budapest was officially declared an International Spa in 1934.

How happy is your heart?

2011-12-26T11:06:00.001+01:00

pic taken from Google

Hello dear readers,

may I ask you, how happy are you today? Were you happy yesterday? Most of us find happiness in different ways. May it be shopping, having a cup of coffee, watching children laugh, seeing families back together, and etc. Most of the times in our daily lives, are we happy? we may ask ourself. Does this job make me happy, do my colleagues give me positive vibes, does looking at my books make me a happy person?

As a human being, I shall make it a human right to always a splash of happiness everyday. No matter in what situation it may be. Be it soaked shoes on a rainy day or being fired from work. We should still manage to smile don't we? After all, tomorrow is a new day, and 10 years later yo won't even remember about those silly incidents that people around you put you through.

So while at it, my best friend and her sisters came out with an idea to put everyones happy stories to good use, which is sharing. You may not think that your stories are any happier than another persons, but you know what? It may probably touch lives or lighten up a persons day, whoever it may be.

Isn't happiness worth sharing? And it doesn't even cost anything!

Here's the link to I have a happy heart.

Send you happy stories to mailto:mihaveahappyheart@gmail.com and brighten up someones day! We need positive people!

Budapest : Along the Danube

2011-12-26T10:51:00.002+01:00

Ganges may be one of the great rivers in Asia, Danube is one great river in Europe. The Danube river originates from the Black Forest in Germany, runs through the south of the country including Regensburg (where I'm currently staying), down to Eastern Europe, through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine and Romania. It eventually discharges at the Black Sea, nearby Turkey.

The Danube is a big part of Budapest, which is in Hungary. Budapest is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. And indeed it is amazingly beautiful. Lets get out from the London, Paris, New York idea shall we? There are many other places in the world much better then these.

Buda on the right, Pest on the left, saperated by the Danube

Budapest is made out of two parts. The Buda side and the Pest side. The Danube river saperates these two parts of the city. The city is connected by a number of great bridges which one of them is the Szechenyi chain Bridge, right in front of the Buda Castle which is on the Buda side of the city.

A view of the Pest side taken from the grounds of Buda Castle

Pest side

The lady who ate watermelon. Made us crave for it for a week.

During the summer, I got on a night train alone from Munich at almost midnight. Train I travelled in was a sleeper coach. It was quite comfortable to sleep in and was reasonably priced. It had bunk beds, fresh sheets, blankets and pillows. My 3 bedded private coach was equipped with a face towel and a sink. I only shared it wth a lady. So there were two of us in the cabin. It was my first experice riding in a night coach. The journey was roughly 8 hours, and I reached Budapest around 7am. Before arrival, sandwiches and a hot baverage was served.

The appartment where we stayed

Budapest is a great place to go if you love walking around aimlessley because you'd be sure to find something fascinating. After I found my appartment for my stay, I walked around alone while waiting for Delia to reach from the UK. She arrived roughly around 3pm. Before that, I strolled around the Danube river, read history about the city and had a peek at town (and look for a reasonably priced Currency Exchange). In the summer, lots of restaurants have their tables out on the streets and gelato stands seems to be everywhere.

Riverside Promenade on the Pest side

The Buda side, which is on the west bank, generally holds the elite community. Proudly stands above the whole city on the Buda side is the Buda Castle. The Buda Castle was once the Royal Palace of the Hugarian Kings. Most would not know much about the castle but I'm sure you have seen it if you're a mainstream music fan. The Castle grounds are frequently used for music videos including Selena Gomez; Round and Round and Katy Perry; Firework MV (and they do have amazing firworks here!!) Mind blowing I must say.

Fishermens Bastion on the Buda side

To cure our aching feet.

Coffee Heaven :: beats Starbucks anytime.

I will write more on the Castle on another post. We were there during the St Stephens Festival and they had a Folks fest up in the castle where people would sell local produce and dress up as if it was the mid century.

10 Things I Love Doing : Taking long walks alone

2011-12-20T12:25:00.000+01:00

It's not easy to admit you like being alone. But sometimes it does take the best out of you. Hi. I'm Ruth Reeyau and I'd like to tell you that I like spending hours alone. In town, in trains, theough the forest, by the river. As I get older in life, I realise that a lot of people don't really matter to us. Some will just come and go, some leave scars, some pull your spirit down, some will leave you broken, some would just want to take advantages of you. And I've been through all those just like any human being would.

So I took a pledge on my own, if a person isn't that important, don't make them an important aspect in your daily being as a successfully normal human being. Not that I have ill feelings towards anyone. I just don't want to make a big deal out of life because of some people who have shifted my colorful painting into a dull one.

No, I'm not a loner. I just pick people to be in my life specifically.

So most of the time, I'll take myself out. Especially during the summer, and especially during stressed out moments when I'd question the hell out of everything. It's what I'd do. I'd ride my "late" crooked bike to the dam not far away. Sometimes I'd just sit there as time goes by and come back with sunburn on my face. I'd just leave my phone back in my room and just concentrate on me. I've been to movies alone, taking the train from Landshut to Munich. Shopped alone, just being able to entertain myself alone. Sometimes there would be tears in my eyes after all the pain I go through. I've been many times a crazy girl with tears in my eyes on a bus ride. At these times, I'd just take really long walks. I only need the guidance of my Lord that no one will kidnap me or rape me.

It's not only depressing times that I'd do this. When I'm happy, I'd do it too. When it's autumn and the leaves are changing, it's just so pretty to be out there alone. You know the case when you bring someone and they'll rush you to do things you don't want to do, nor appreciate what you see. Sometimes I'll drift away and find a nice spot to sit, take some photos and send it to loved ones. Because it just simply reminds me of them.

I do eat in public alone, shop alone, travel alone, buy groceries alone. If you can do it alone, why bother people who are so reluctant to be by your side? I know some people who cannot eat alone in public, nor watch a movie alone. One thing about me is that I really don't care what random people would think about me. I'm not so psyched about what people have to talk about me behind my back. So what if I'm alone eating by myself? Are you going to make me a millionaire? The thing about communal people is that they are so afraid of what people would think about them, they never grow. Their minds are always afraid of judgements another broken human would make. The only judgement I'm afraid of is Judgement Day. Other than that, screw you.

After I have my own private time, I'd feel refresh. I'd be more grateful, thankful for still being alive. That I still have important people to share my life with, share my photos with, buy gifts for. It's an eye opener, that my little problems aren't so massiv. That God dressed the grounds with pretty flowers hat never fail to amaze me. That birds still sing in the sky, and another bright day will come after the storm. That without a doubt, after the winter, the trees will be able to have green leaves again.

It's not a negative thing to be alone. Well, not most of the time that is.

I aprove this massage on behalf of those people who eat out alone in public. Thank you.

A handphone of memories

2011-12-13T22:32:00.000+01:00

So I was clearing out them pics and vids on my handphone. I don't want to label my phone. It's still a phone even if it's a smartphone, iPhone or a Nokia Torchlight (you know, those with the flashlight on the top). Funky how people label their items like how a baby stroller from the manufacturer McLaren is called a McLaren. it's not like it could go any faster right? Simply racists because of it's a brand. Ok enough. I'm using a HTC Desire Hd btw. Just to say.

Ok, so I transferred pics I took from my phone to my PC. I haven't cleared it since summer.

My bunch of birthday present for my 23rd birthday.

I sometimes forgot I am 23. Too fast..

I sold my guitar to buy new camera lens, Tamron 12-24mm. I was'nt any good at playing it though.

So my guitar stand turns into a handbag holder. *practicality*

Condoms on display in a shop in Amsterdam. I took this pic for my sister. haha

Our summer picnic in Munichs English Garden.

We were craving watermelon for a week after seeing a couple having them in Budapest.

Munichs Oktoberfest 2011

Halloween in Prague 2011.

No specific creature. I was thinking of Mystique.

Me after my visit to the saloon. Please tell me you see a difference..

The rest are mostly pics that didn't even matter. Like this one here.

Ini adalah produk buatan Malaysia. I noticed it because it had a .com.my

This years flashback

2011-12-13T13:14:00.000+01:00

As the year comes to an end, this like this are quite common. I was voting on CNN's top 10 highlights of 2011. It was a disaster. 2011 was a disaster in the news. With most of it quite depressing. We'll remember 2011 as a quite depressing year, with the only positive news was of the Royal Wedding. And number one on the poll was the capture and death of Osama. And many more deaths, including Gadhafi. And the 77 kids who were slain in Norway. Not forgetting the many victims of the tsunami, floods and hurricanes which was all over the news this year. We need a break don't we? Why are all these news nothing but negative ones? It's as if God wanted to sweep humans off the face of the earth once more, like the times of Noah.

Seeing the glass as half full, why don't we put out our own lists of the best times we had in 2011? I mean, the world may be awful and corrupted or maybe plain awfully corrupted, but I'm sure as individuals, we do encounter something positive, no? Something that would put a smile on our face and make us tell stories of "Ahh, that was in 2011. Good times". Isn't it up to us to make something positive out of ourselves and our lives? Be an impact to others.

So here's my top 10 Good Times for 2011 :

1. My travels (it'll always be on top)

2. My mums big 50th Birthday. I especially went home for this.

3. I got an Internship placement at an amazing company.

4. I caught the Korean FEVER! I have so many people to blame for this!!

5. Even though it hurt quite a lot, I was glad I had my tooth extraction!

6. With my own pay, I bought my first designer handbag. *proud*

7. My very close cousin and my good friend popped babies!

(Even if it was'nt me popping them, nor have I seen any of them, I'll always remember this.)

*thinking hard of something good*

8. I moved to Regensburg for my Internship

9. I dyed and permed my hair.

Ok, this is a very big thing for me sine I've never done anything to my hair.

10. I'm (still) in love. (ok, I don't know what else to think of. LOL)

So start counting your blessings and start remember this year as a good one even though if it was'nt that good.

Believing in Eternity

2011-12-01T10:03:00.000+01:00

Eternity seems impossible. The life we live in isn't the life of Damon Salvatore nor Edward Cullen. But how I really wish it was. Would'nt it be just easy to rip a person out especially when they've pissed you off and flea to somewhere out there and not need a visa or a passport. But I'm not a great fan of eternity. As in to live forever. This life has already taken a toll on me and I'm just a 23 year old still trying to figure things out while everything seems to collapse at its own phase. Nothing lasts. We all know that. Forever was never meant to stay.

Even relationships don't last. Even your new iPhone will be history in the next few years. Forever? No. And since the Engagement and Wedding season is in, it makes me wonder even more. How much is that all worth? How long can they stay together? Most importantly, how do they know that he or she is the right person to take the toll of the highest mountains and the deepest sea with.

I'm not agaist marriage. Nor am I against relationships. It must be all out of love. If not, what else right? (money, house, car, fame. etc) I do believe in love. It's the only good thing available in the world these days. But taking the step, big huge step to slip a jewellery on your partners hand and promise to cherish and to hold, it sacres me a little.

In a persons life, there are many occasions that make them human. The new job, new house, new car. but nothing beats taking another person to be your other half right? Of course you have to make a really big decision. Will that person not be a sour grape after 10 years of marriage? Will that person not be a fat lazy couch potato? Will that person not pay the bills, cheat your money, cheat You? Take another partner to have sex on your bed while you are out for work an your kids are sleeping in another room? Questions after questions bombareded into the tiny brain of a human who only uses 20% of it. Ironic.

Everytime I get on a bus on a weekday afternoon, highschool kids will be out from school. That too, scares me. On the day a child was born, everything seemed so perfect. Their eyes, little tiny mouth, tiny legs. Fast forward to 15 years later and what happens? It's not that their parents did not bring them up in a proper way. But why do they still become rebels who fight with their parents day and night, come home drunk and occasionally bring some one random to share their bed with? How fair is that to the ones who clean their poop? I'm not saying that every kid becomes chavs one day but it looks like the numbers are growing. And so is the rate of divorce. And it's not because we worship Kim Kardash.

So where is forever in that? Until which point of time will children become angelic little creatures, or until when will you tolerate your partners imperfections? Forever?

I was quite dissapointed that Lynette and Tom Scavos marriage failed in Desperate Housewives. They were the only perfect family on the lane. No one would make a drama if it wasn't for reality right?

I do want to find a person to share my life with. And when I do, even with all these psychotic questions in my 20% used brain, I pray that that would be the right person.

So how do you know? For those who are already married, how did you know? Did you regret it?

10 Things I Love Doing : Travel

2011-11-29T10:15:00.005+01:00

In no particular order, here's one of the things I love doing. I love to travel. That's why this blog has lots of travel posts. And maybe some even bores you. And I haven't posted aout all of my trips yet.

I only started traveling since three years back, which is in 2008, when I first stepped into Europe. When I was back in Malaysia, travelling was such a big luxury that people can only go for vacations after saving money for two years or planning them for the last five years. This, I mean the middle class people who earns about Rm2000 monthly, with a spouse and two kids. I can't say for families with four kids. It's very difficult really. Even planning a family trip from East Malaysia to West Malaysia takes a year in advance! Since I'm from the east, it's not like we can drive up to Songkhla in Thailand. We need to take a flight to be able to got the West Malaysia. And that already costs a bomb. A standard two-way economy clas ticket would cost around Rm400. It's a pity. Some East Malaysian who graduate in West Malaysia can't have their parents attend their convocation just because they can't afford it!

So Rm400 for a domestic, which equals to less than 100€. Here, a two way flight to Spain with RyanAir (which is like Air Asia) costs about 30€-50€ during low seasons. So this makes me smile from my left ear back to my left ear. How coul I resist that. There's always so many choices to choose from and even the supermarkets have travel packages, be it winter or summer. It caters to everyone because it's very affordable.

Then there's the German Rail that connects to every possible country it can reach. Or you may transit in another big city : Paris, Rome, Madrid. Even Moscow is possible to reach. Compared to flights, trains are more expensive but you can take a night train if you would like to save on accomodations. My first time taking a night train was from Münich to Budapest (7 hours) last summer. I was travelling alone and it was really safe! There are sleeper coaches which generally means you get a bed. Busses are abundant and rediculously cheap. They do take quite a while to reach destinations though. Not as comfortable as a train, but it's a cheaper choice.

Since I've stayed in Germany, I've been to most of the countries in its surrounding. My first ever trip outside of Germany was to alzburg, in Austria which was about 3 hours by train from my place. It was a day trip in autumn and it rained like nobodys business. I went there a second time lat year in winter and it snowed like nobodys business. Tough luck.

Our first trip to London

Then came my first travel by flight in Europe. It was during the winter semester break (Feb-March 2009). We were suppose to take a flight to Edinburgh, spend a night there and then to London. But we missed the bus to the airport. So we spend almost 12 hours waiting for the next flight directly to London. It was funny. Deprived of going to Edinburgh, I went for a Gawai visit to Glasgow, Scotland to meet relatives. It was a 5 day weekend during the Passover and we had holidays. Then My First Summer was spent in Switzerland, which we went by train. After the Switzerland trip, we all went back to Malaysia during the rest of the holidays. It was our first year, and we were all kind of home sick. That year, 2009, was ended in Vienna, Austria. There was a promotion : 30€ one way by speed train.

Summer in Switzerland :: Summer in France

Then came 2010, which highlighted my feelings towards the world of travelling. I went to Paris with my bestfriends (Worldcup South Africa Season 2010). After the exam period of the summer was over, we all took a train to Berlin, a bus to Coppahagen and a day trip to Mälmo. In the beginning of September we had more than a week of summer in Turkey and Greece. Turkey still stands high as my number one place I've visited. The culture, the food, the people. I wasa very extremely happy girl because I had lamb for almost every meal!

The trip which we laughed so hard. I can still laugh thinking about it!

Istanbuls famous Blue Mosque

And in the end of the year, we had a family vacation to Italy, France and England. My mum finally got her EPF after all those years of working so hard. So why not coem visit me right? It was fantastic! The three of us had so much fun having pasta in Italy, celebrating Christmas with Micky in Paris Disneyland and shopping in Londons all time famous Boxing Day. It was a good end to 2010.

Family vacation to Italy and France

My first travel this year was back home to Malaysia, during the winter holidays while most of my friends were off to Spain because they found a 5€ flight ticket. Back home, I took the opportunity to travel to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, since I've friends studying there. The flight was Rm120 if I'm not mistaken. I went alone because no one had holidays, but I had fun spending time with my friends over there. Sabah and Sarawak may neighbouring states but not everyone has the opportunity to travel here. The main reason I went back was ebcause my mum's birthay was in March and she turned 50. So we all got a ticket to Bali, Indonesia to celebrate, which was awesome!

A fine day strolling along the Danube in Budapest

During Summer holidays this year, I visited Amsterdam and Belgium in the beginning of Summer and went to Budapest, Hungary right before my practical starts. Last month I visited Prague which might be my last destination for this year. I've got to work hard for my exams in January, so I'm not travelling during the Christmas season. Intentionally I wanted to spend new years in Edinburgh and celebrate Hogmanay (biggest European New Year celebration) together with em Scotts but I can't because it was too expensive.

I usually don't travel when it's a very expensive trip (or expected to be). I save quite a lot montly to be able to afford my travels, and I usually do a survey three months before to see which places and tickets are the cheapest. Then I'll procede. You can even travel with 200€ to places like Prague and Budapest. It's a good bargain. I travel not because I'm rich, but because I've been blessed with lots of opportunities.

Up to the Prague Castle.

I sleep in hostels that I book on hostel world with good reviews, and of course it must be safe. Hostels are cheap and they have kitchen and common rooms to cook in. I most of all prefer hostels because I can meet other travellers too. And you can book a whole room if you have 6 people coming with you. Hotels are expensive, and in Europe, hostels are booked per head. So you can fit more than two in a double room. The third person has to get another room.

Travelling is a culture here. In the companies, after the summer is over, everyone will be asking their colleagues about their summer vacations. It's what they all do whenever they get to. (and they get 6 working weeks of holidays, and this does not include overtime. Some companies even have Vacation allowences every 3 months!)

Travelling isn't imposible. You just have to know how to make do of the little cash or savings you have. Air Asia does offer really cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur LCCT *stalker alert* (I was eyeing on a Rm500 two-way flight to South Korea). And travelling does'nt mean you have to go overseas. Cuti-cuti Malaysia no? There's Mount Kinabalu to climb, Sipadan islands to dive, Redang island to snorkel, Genting to gamble :D

So yes, I love to travel. Even if I have to sleep on a camel.

10 Things I Love Doing

2011-11-29T09:06:00.001+01:00

Hello, my fellow readers and family and friends. I know it's been quite a while since I wrote anything and everyone seems to be abandoning their blog. I guess the business of the end of the year gets to all of us : There's a work bonus to collect, moving house, moving country, new job, job applications, interviews, exams, it's always hectic at this time.

So, I'm here to start something that would add some edge to my blog. I know I've been posting about travels (and it's not even done yet! There's still Budapest and Prague that I haven't been posting about!), so I would like to do something different. I'll be doing a "10 Thing I love doing" post. So in every post, I'll write about one thing.

It's quite difficult for me since I don't really have a specific hobby (that's why I specificlly state things I love doing). I'm doing this because I find it very ahrd for me to answer people when thrown the question "what do you like to do?". I'm not a musician nor an artist nor a handicraft worker. *sad* So i'm doing this to figure myself out. Lay it all on the table. I'll be doing this post with my sister so we know what we currently enjoy doing since we are far apart from each other. You can too do one. Maybe link yours if you'd like to. We can get to know each other better.

Maybe after this we could do a 10 things I would want to learn to do. :D

Are you worth dying for?

2011-11-21T14:05:00.001+01:00

You might be the wife,
Waiting up at night
You might be the man,
Struggling to provide
Feeling like it's hopeless

Maybe you're the son,
Who chose a broken road
Maybe you're the girl,
Thinking you'll end up alone

Praying God can you hear me?
Oh God are you listening?

(Chorus)
Am I more than flesh and bone?
Am I really something beautiful?
Yeah, I wanna believe, I wanna believe that
I'm not just some wandering soul
That you don't see and you don't know
Yeah I wanna believe, Jesus help me believe that I am someone worth dying for

I know you've heard the truth that God has set you free
But you think you're the one that grace could never reach
So you just keep asking, what everybody's asking

Chorus

You're worth it, you can't earn it
Yeah the Cross has proven
That you're sacred and blameless
Your life has purpose

And you are more than flesh and bone
Can't you see you're something beautiful
Yeah you gotta believe, you gotta believe
He wants you to see, He wants you to see
That you're not just some wandering soul
That can't be seen and can't be known
Yeah you gotta believe, you gotta believe that you
Are someone worth dying for

You're someone worth dying for
You're someone worth dying for

Mikeschair : Someone Worth Dying For

A really good song to ponder on in our lives struggle with everyone eyeing perfection. Sometimes we are such worry warts to being engrossd with what the world tells us. We make the media our daily bread and perfect shaped models our God to worship. Along the way, we lost ourself. We forgot who we really are and most of all, we aren't thankful of what we are created to be.

Brussels : The sweet and the savoury

2011-11-01T18:17:00.001+01:00

When I travel, one thing have to do is to try their local delicacies. I myself have a very adventourous tougue especially for something exotic. Even for myself, it's been years since I had bat for dinner (I think I might be one of them that made it endangered) or the occasional sago worm.

A destination that has it's plate full ready for me would be an ultimate choice for me. I cant wait to travel Thailand. So ironic that Malaysia is so close but most of us have never been there.

Belgium is one country that is famous for : CHOCOLATES!
I myself am not a frantic fan of chocolate, but I still have them close to heart. Be it the memories of the Swiss Toblerone Fondue in Lucerne or the occasional Ritter Sport bar which I occasionally buy from Kiosks.

The satrt of choclolate boutiques along the

Mary is also one famous Chocolate Boutique. Though I've never heard fo it before, this boutique was an eye catcher. Nothing beats victorian Style designs, especially on chocolates. It's so chic! No wonder it was the favourite of the Royal family.

All around the town of Belgium, choclates boutiques are all around the corner. Take your pick. Godiva, Leonidas, Neuhaus : there's so much to choose from. There are even some local ones that are not so popular. No matter which chocolate shop it is, they are all made right in the shop.

Neuhaus has Smurf fever!

They had something new on ther menu. A line of icecream for the summer. It costed around 4€ if I'm not mistaken. it was really pretty. Taste was not so bad.

What made Belgium the center of chocalte was this particular chocolate label, Neuhaus. Jean Neuhaus was the first ever person who invented the praline in 1818. Since then, no one has never knew what a praline is.

On the way to see the peeing boy, there are even more shops that, yes, pays their tribute to the tiny Lord. Like this one here. Have a bite. The Menneken Pis in many different colors of your choice!

Crazy peeing Lord.

I think it turned into a fetish. If it were today, people would be filing reports on phedophelia.

A one dull chocolate piece is turned into a beuty just by coating it with chocolate.

After the chocolate is broken into small square pieces, it is arranged on a conveyor belt and coated with choclate ganache. At the end of the line, a chocolatier is ready to ress it up with some designs!

Chocolatier on duty.

This is one of the many Chocolate Shops that I adore. Chocopolis. A really pretty shop with many pretty things in it! It has a chocolate elephant at its entrance. I bought Chocotoffe by Godiva here for 4€. And I bought macaroons here. It was 80cents per piece. I was so glad I bought it because it was the best tasting macaroons ever! I never really like macaroons because it reminded me of childrens antibiotic. But this one was like jelly marshmellow!! The raspberry one was the best!

Owh! How I miss you! I'll never taste any macarrons as how I tasted you.

Another thing that Belgium is famous for is : Belgian Waffles

When I came here, I was unaware of why Belgium waffles are so famous. Then I saw them making it. A belgian waffle differs from the normal waffle because it is made out of dough. Yes. Dough. Like a doughnut before it is fried. Those dough are pressed into a waffle machine and tadaa! you have a Belgian waffle. There are two types you can choose from. One is the rectangular one and another is the smashed round dough shaped one. If I'm not mistaken, the rectangular one is made out of a batter.

This particular one costed me 7€! The waffle as 1 or 2€. With all those garnishing : 7€

I almost soaked my eyebalss in the chocolate sauce.

Don't be fooled. Their waffle is not as soft as the normal waffle you might get. It's actually quite tough. Along the way towards the Menneken Pis, tourists will be swarming the waffle stalls along the street. It might state 1€ per waffle but that'll only be the waffle alone. Additional garnishes will add up to 5€ per waffle.

Waffle stalls on the street leading to the peeing boy.

Kind of pervert-ty don't you think?

Here's another on the Menu for those visiting Brussels : Brussel Mussels!

Little did I know that mussels we soo famous in Belgium. There's even a street that houses seafood restaurant of all types. And the most famous on their menu would be mussels. They have tradional butter parsley mussels which they serve in pots. It looked so simple but it was so delicious.

Mussels with fries. A must try for everyone in Belgium.

An example of their menu. I had one in tomato cream with prawns and mussels. Almost taste like bolognese sause. Nevertheless, I was very satisfied. After the drama the night before!

It might bring up a hefty price, but it was worth it! The tradional Mussel and fries costs around 12€ and an even more special one on the menu would range up to 20€.

Oh lalaaa!

Brussels : Out and about

2011-10-31T13:37:00.000+01:00

Finally! A post on brussels which is suppose to be done more than a month ago!

Royal Palace of Brussels

The Kingdom of Belgium is crammed between The Netherlands, Germany and Frace, therefore, they speak all three Languages here. Belgium possessed a number of colonies in Africa, which therefore leads to the African population in Belgium.

Brussels is Capital of the country and is of course well known with its famous Belgian Chocolates. Here, Chocolate Boutiques are in abundance. Both which are local and international. Travelling by train from Amsterdam to brussels was easy peasy. they have a train that connects this two cities every hour and the ride was about 3 hours if I recall. It costed around 30€ per person for a one way trip.

Other than it's Glamourous chocolates and waffles, there are a few places to see th brussels. There was the Atomium and Mini Europe which I didn't go to because I did'nt have the time (also the moody cranky weather). It was also quite far away from the city. Mini Europe is a park with miniature models of famous sights in Europe, like the Eiffel tower, the Brandenburg Gate, the Acropolis and the Szechenyi bath.

Royal Palace of Brussels

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

This 19th Century shopping arcade is still used till now. A vast difference from our modern malls, it was made to be more Gallery like. This is a roofed shopping lane with restaurants, chocolate boutiques, fashion and cafes. This leads to the main area which is in front of the Town Hall.

Town Hall in daylight

The Famouse Peeing Boy.

Never have I met anything famous for peeing. And with all the hoolabaloo about it, Never would I have thought the size of this statues was so tiny.

Why is this Peeing Boy so famous you may ask? It had even been stolen so many times that they have now kept it in the Maison du Roi/Broodhuis. This 61cm, bronze Manneken Pis was a two year old Lord. His troops were battling against the troops of the Berthous.The infant Lord was put in a basket and hung on a tree to give his troops encouragement during the battle. And so to say that the little Lord peed on his enemies, did his troop won the battle.

Town Hall

The town Hall had a musical lighting display at night when we were having dinner. This was all I could capture because of the annoying waiter who spoke French just to annoy us. We were so dead hungry. We sat to have dinner at 8 and waited for 45 minutes between each course! I was so annoyed. My appertizer were 6 Oysters which I waited for almost an hour for and swollowed in less than 3 minutes, and my main course was grilled Salmon if I'm not mistaken, which took another 30 minutes and I ate in 15 minutes. Don't ever go to that seafood restaurant right on the main street. Along the seafood street they have better places to offer.

MIA : Lost

2011-10-26T09:39:00.000+02:00

Hello.. is it me you're looking for?

I've been so mean by abandoning this blog for more than a month. Now it's almost October and I miss putting up entries. The thing is I'm in my pratical semester and sitting in front of the computer for 8 hours straight daily makes me not want to continue sitting in fron tof the computer after office hours. Heck, I seldom even open up my Facebook on my PC nowadays. Thank God for smartphones. I even watch YouTube and dramas on my phone in bed.

I still have so much stories to tell. Maybe if I have the time next week. All souls day on Tuesday is a public holiday. Hopefully I'get something done by then. I'm going to Prague for a weekend trip by cr this weekend. Let's cross our fingers that it'll be a good trip. I really need to walk my ass off!

Autumn is here officially! This Sunday we'll be changing time for Daylight Saving. Gosh, 2011 is almost over!

Have a good day ahead! God bless!

Amstetrdam : Flower Market Love

2011-09-10T23:23:00.000+02:00

So one thing The Netherlands is famous for is that it's the worlds floral producer for Europe. It's also home to the largest green house in the world and has the largest flower market in the world which is the size of 120 football fields.

Aalsmeer in North Holland is home to the largest flower market. Daily, auctioneers will come in the morning to do their biddings before those flowers are packed and sent to florists all around.

It sells an average of 21 million flowers daily. Whoaa!!

Now that is business.

One amazing place which I failed to visit was the famous Keukenhof, not far away from the city of Amsterdam. Keukenhof is only open during the blooming season which is in March till May. For the rest of the year, keukenhof is closed to the public. Keukenhof is the worlds largest flower garden and has fields and fields of everycolor tulip you could ever imagine. If ever you might travel to Europe at any of those months, Keukenhof will be a great place to visit especially for flower lovers. They have a flower parade every year in April when the flowers are the prettiest.

Pics taken from Google.

Unfortunately, I only had time to visit Amsterdam in summer. And when the weather's not at it's best either. It was raining daily like it was autumn and the sky was grey most of the time. I did have a chance to meet the flowers in the flower market.

Being a flower market, it does not only sell flowers. It sells everything that has to do with flowers, plants and its industry. Also, it does not sell only local plants. They do sell tropical plants too! I was quite surprised to see bougainvillas and monkey cups here. Something that's very tropical. Very common back home due to the weather. But again, Amsterdam shows me that nothing is impossible.

One thing the do sell a lot here would be tulip bulbs. They are in abundace!! These bulbs can be bought and brought back with a valid certificate. Or as they say. I'm not so sure. I've read in forums that they are some countries that still reject the bulbs even with the certificate. And there are every other plant seeds you can ever imagine. Tangerine, Watermelon, Chilli, Lemon, Sunflower and etc. I bought a 4€ flower bulb which supposedly doesn't require water, soil or sunlight to grow. And it grows in autumn. So far the flowers are budding! Amazing creatures.

Along the floating flower market, (ouh forgot to tell you that its floating) there are lots of souvenir shops, traditional cheese shops and special shops, for example The Magic Mushroom. Dare you to go on a psychedelic ride? No hash is allowed to be sold in shops. Only Coffeeshops. I'll post on that another time.

Now here's something you don't normally find in any other country

The floating market opens everyday.

Mondays til Saturdays from 9.00-17:30, on Sunday 11.00-17.30

MIA : Update from a new place

2011-09-10T21:56:00.002+02:00

Gosh it's been quite a while. After a whole month of running around places I've never been to, and in the midst of packing and unloading, last month has been quite a hectic one. I've finally settled down in my new place which will be my shelter for the next 5 months. I'm currently doing my semester internship in Regensburg, a 40 minute train ride from my previous place.

Hopefully everyones well. Seems like the flu and cough bug is back. Quite a number have been sick lately. Do take care. prevention is beter than cure. Drinking lots of water will do you lots of good. Not only keeps you hydrated but it cleanses too. Good skin comes from drinking lots of water I believe. cos that's my secret *ecehh*

Summer has ended for most European countries. But there's still bits and pieces left behind hat we stil try to grab hold onto. The Summer holiday ends this week for the kids, so parents will all be back to work starting next week. I've come to know that working in Germany gets you 30 working days off per year. Which is equal to 6 weeks. I'm not sure about other posts but that's what an engineer get yearly. Lucky Lucky. Can't really compare to only 2 weeks back home can we?

I'll try to post up more now since everything is settled. I've just managed to *finally* get my internet today. Apparently not all Desktops are wifi friendly. Quite a struggle there because I can't seem to make the programme detect the home wifi. But all's well now. My desktop has finally been updated to the technological world! I've been hovering on my smartphone the whole time. Thank God I had it. Having to splurge on a phone doesn't make it a waste you know.

Ok so I'll try to catch up on my posts then.

Tchüss!

Amsterdam : The City of Canals

2011-08-25T23:45:00.002+02:00

Amsterdam is a great place to visit. Water canals, boat houses, cute houses. Unfortunately it rained so much when I was there. The sky was extremely gloomy and the wind was crazy. We still got the best out of the trip. The moment I saw the sun shining, I took the opportunity to go on a canal cruise, one of the best way to see the city.

Canal cruises are everywhere in Amsterdam, run by several companies. They mostly cost less than 10 euros. One thing that I like about going on the kind of touristy cruise is that they'll tell you lots of things about whats around you. What it was like in the past, why they have boat houses, why their buildings are as such and etc.

Perfect timing for a round tour.

At its lowest point, Amsterdam is almost 7 feet below sea level and a quarter of the Netherlands is below sea level. The canals help keep the city dry and since a long time ago, the windmills are used to pump excess water off their soil. One day when global warming goes overboard, we might loose this city.

House boats are plenty along the canals. Once upon a time, land was very limited in Amsterdam so the Dutch decided to live in houseboats. They are all legally licenced and provided with electricity and clean water like a normal house. There are also houseboats for rent.

This might just be a float for the Gay Pride weekend which we just missed by 24 hours.

Because of the limited land that the city has, houses are made as high as possible to save space. Higher taxes will be charged on houses that are wider. This results in their narrow houses with really steep staircases that would be my nightmare if I ever have small children living here.

As narrow as the houses are, they have big windows and a hook hanging on the top of each house. This is to make the process of moving furniture easier since big furnitures can't be brought into the house through the door. A pulley would be hung on the hook and a rope would be tied on furnitures to pull them up or take them down.

Their houses were so cute and pretty like a scene from a movie. The top part of the facade which are called Gables are made famous during the Dutch Renaissance period and comes in many designs.

As we cruise along the canals, we went under many bridges that connects them. The sides of the parking lot facing the waters are fenced to avoid cars and bikes from plunging into the waters. I'm sure that had happend so many times before the fences we made compulsory.

I was wondering why this here does not have a fence

The day was sunny only for a moment. I was glad that I took the canal cruise. By the time evening came, it rained cats and dogs. After dinner we went for a stroll on the famous red light district. It didn't matter that it was drizzling.

Did you know that Amsterdam has been the City of Diamonds (literally) for the last 400 years?

Amsterdam : The Prinsengracht secret hideout

2011-08-25T17:10:00.000+02:00

The first place we visited on our morning of arrival in Amsterdam was the Anne Frank House. I booked the tickets online before hand to avoid the massive line outside the House.

There is only a limited number of people allowed in the house because it was really small. Bookings for the afternoon was already sold out and also the one in the evening, so I booked tickets for the morning.

A wax sculpture of Anne Frank in Madame Taussaud Berlin

Who is Anne Frank?
Anne Frank was a Jewish-German little girl who was a victim of the Holocaust. Their family fled from Frankfurt to Amsterdam when the Nazis took over Germany after the elections. What made this girl famous was her personal diary which her father published, years after she was sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland which was at that time under the Nazis.

Her diary was published with the title The Diary of a Young Girl and was translated in many other languages. In her diary she describes her life, her feelings and most of what we are curious about, how it was to be a Jew in hiding during the Nazi Rule.

She also wrote about school and how they were treated. All Jews were forced to wear a yellow patch of the Star of David on their clothing. With this, they are not allowed to mix with non-Jews, ride in public transports or have bicycles. Jewish kids are only allowed in Jewish schools.

The Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht 263 was their hiding place, also known as the Secret Annex. Only a small empty section in the building her father was working. Its main door was a bookshelf to hide the lives behind the doors. They lived with four other Jews here and had to be very careful with their daily movements to avoid being found.

Unfortunately, they were betrayed and arrested. Betrayed by whom, we will never know. They were deported to concentration camps and only her father, Otto Frank survived the camp. Anne wanted her diary to be published because she really had a passion for journalism and wanted to become a writer. Her father made it come through, sadly after she died at the age of 15, in Auschwitz.

In the Anne Frank Museum, we got to step into the house that they were hiding in. The high steep staircases, their small rooms and their covered windows to avoid the outside world from finding out. It was a real life museum. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed inside. But you can see some of them in their website here.

How we all should be grateful for today.

If I had a choice, this would be my job.

2011-08-14T17:38:00.000+02:00

Who would'nt want travelling as a job? Of course you would if you're a travel addict like me who watches out for cheap flight promos on the net as a part time hobby. More ideal, I would choose to be an adventurer. Because I'd like to befriend Dora the explorer.

Adventure gears on. Deducting money on my account doesn't seem like a pain (the after match is) as I would earn Adventurer points in return in my book of life. I would be poor, but at least I've been there, and there and there. My saving for the whole semester wuld be spend on flights, accomodations, local cuisines, museums, tours, souvenirs, but heck the experience is what you can't put a tag on.

So where to this time? We were pulling strings towards Croatia on the east side but the west got it's turn. Lucky me. Spending days in a country where illegal means legal. There's a lot going on in the city of Amsterdam. Always compared to its underwater Italian cousin, Amsterdam is Venice with vehicals (and lots and lots of bicycles).

Detour from Amsterdam, we made an abrupt decision to visit Brussels one morning. Took the train the next hour and in two hours ; walla!, the city coated in chocolate and the famous peeing boy. There isn't much to Brussels. Just a few turns around the city, out to the Palace, nothing much. Done in 3 hours. But well, I was there.

I'll post more on each city and its attractions soon. I've got my room to clear since I'm moving out at the end of the month and there's another adventure waiting for me this week.

This time, to the east. A spectacular city : Budapest.

How are you?

2011-08-04T22:46:00.000+02:00

It's been quite a while since I've last posted anythig on this blog. It was that time of the year. No, not Christmas. It was the exam season. Something that I might miss one day when I start to have a job. I'm not sure what I would like to write about today whilst I had it structured in mind as I was on a train ride back.

How has everyone been doing lately? The world seems worn out and it's people too are getting problematic each day. Just hoping that everyone is well and most importantly on the positive side of life. In the midst of all the problems of the world, I wish you well that you'll all stay positive in the midst of people who remind you that they love you. Life is only for a moment. Don't ride with the wave of self-centeredness and selfishness. Being yourself is the only way people will recognize and appreciate you because you're not part of a huge population.

Have you been loving yourself? This is not being self-centered. Loving a being that God has created beautifully and wonderfully which is yourself. Unless you're feeling that you're so great you're putting others down. Love your neighbours as you love yourself. Nothing beats that. You won't burn youself on purpose because you know it will hurt you and it's painful. Do it to your neighbours? They will hurt too. Love your neighbours. No matter what religion, race or background they differ in. Equality at it's best. The Lord will show His favour upon you.

Love. Spread it around. It's what the world really needs. Not a new Apple product. Not another political deal. People run around chasing dreams and forget what they are made for. Humans are made for relationships which needs love. To a friend, to a collegue, to an immigrant. Whoever it is. Humans : plural for a single being. We live in a community. We don't live alone, cry alone, smile alone, laugh alone. Look around. You are not alone.

Because love never fails. It's up to dramas to tell you what love is. Nor Hollywood sex scenes. It's not only in songs. It's purely an act of affection we have for one another. Something treasured which is irreplacable. A feeling we have when we do not want people around us to get hurt or lay in the hospital. How we feel when we look out for another because we know that they are precious to us. Going home to an open arm and a shoulder to cry on is what we need more than an empty penthouse filled with the scent of lavender.

So love, because that's what you are created for and out of.

Malam Muda Mudi : Family Day 2011

2011-06-07T22:11:00.000+02:00

After a sporting event, or any event in that matter, when it comes to being Malaysian, there's no saying no to great food and great company. That night, on the grounds of our Student hostel with the permit of our landlord, we hosted a BBQ together with a Gig which consists of performances from 10 bands. Owh of course, everyone wants to try their luck winning prizes during the lucky draw.

Our German Mara Director taking the pit

Food dissapeared very fast. I made two bowls of macaroni salad and it was swept by a tsunami. By the time the Gig started, we had to restock everything. That container of satay sauce was to the brim when it was first placed on the table (ping pong table).

I was in charge of the lucky draw.

And Hanis was in charge of feeding me while I cut out numbers. Lol.

Then bands started to take the stage and shine their guitars.

Ini dia Presiden MaraKumpel 2011

from Sex, Drungs and Cameltoe. T.T

Halfway we had a prize giving for those who won the tournaments. Guess what? We won 3rd place for the telematch! yeayy!! Telematch winners we given food hampers each. Yes, and that is very Malaysian. I was the one who wrapped up all the hampers a week ago.

At least I get to win too =)

Fun in the Sun : Family Day 2011

2011-06-07T17:45:00.000+02:00

Just awake after more than 10 hours of sleep with bruch in between and back to sleep again. It has been tiring. We hosted the Mara Kumpel Family Day this year.

An idea we got out of our heads to make way for people who don't play football. Which is also me. So instead of just having football like they always do and make me sulk and whine a lot (and alone) on side benches, I made them include a telematch this time. See, the minority also gets a say and change things.

So this year, we had our Family Day which consists of football, volleyball, basketball, a telematch, of course a summer BBQ and a Gig. Malaysian Students under the Mara Sponsorship were imported from various regions to make this event successful. And of course to lend a hand in marinating chicken.

There's no football without injury.

I still don't like the fact that football takes up 60% of the days event. We all had to wait for it to finish to start the telematch. Kinda suck. Waiting for it to finish means to wait till 5pm when it was suppose to finish at 2pm.

Then on the Volley field, we had a beach volleyball match. It was already so hot when we got there. It was suppose to be raining with thunderstorms on that particular Saturday but thank God it was sunny.

We had fun fooling around playing Volleyball. None of us actually ever played. I just wasted my time screaming on the field.

And of course we sit at the sides to watch, take photos and become commentators. By noon, all shady spots were eaten up by the sun.

Of course you can't let people play without food.

I wished I had photos of the telematch. My battery died right before the football game finished. We had a lot of fun during the telematch. The crowd was excited it was like controlling kindergarden kids during a field trip.

We has the usual telematch games with a twist. Including mengisi air dalam botol, cari sweet dalam tepung and tarik upih. Instead of a coconut tree brach, we subsituted it with shopping bags. ANd the person sitting has to bite a paperplate and make sure their ping pong ball on the plate doesn't fall. It was quite fun =)

Will update on the night a bit later.

Summer Weekends

2011-05-29T12:14:00.000+02:00

Gosh it's been quite a while since I last posted something. I`ve been incredibly buzy and have lots of running around to do. With Gods grace I`ve achieved a lot. And got a practical placement for my next semester!! Hallelujah!! Something good to share around in this less incredible world of ours.

Despite having lots in my mind, I do spend weekends in the kitchen baking. There were carrot cupcakes, the best I've made, swiss rolls, quiche, blueberry cupcakes and the latest first hand creation was of a chocolate pie. I've added a new family member to my baking pans. The two piece pie pan. =)

I've got to run an extra mile again. Having brunch with hot marshmellow top chocolate with sardine sandwiches and blueberry to keep me sane. Have a great week everyone!

Personal Memory Box

2011-05-09T18:39:00.001+02:00

This is the third year I've spent my birhtday away from home. Like very far away without close girlfriends or any family member for that matter. I grew up having birthday parties every year with my cousins and my mum would make her special roasted chicken wings for us. My mum always made sure that her daughters bithdays were something special that they could remember every year. We would choose places to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner as we got older, or go to the movies as a family with cousins. During my high school years, there was never a year without a surprise party for me. I knew I was special. My girlfriends always made sure of that.

As I had to leave home, counting this year as the third, I start to think that birthdays aren't that great. Maybe I've somehow changed my mindset into a guys mind where a birthday is nothing but just another day. For girl it's different. Girls want everthing to be fun and happening and of course special. But for guys, they don't even bother most of the time. I was starting to turn into that.

I am the elder sibling with one younger sister. That's all to my family tree. I've always wanted a brother, or brothers in another context. God gave me people whom I'll cherish in my heart till I grow old and tell my grandchildren about. Brothers different in so many ways, but one thing for sure is that I know they love me.

Thankfully, I have not turned into a birthday Grinch. =)

Thank you.

Bali : Garuda Wisnu Kencana

2011-05-03T16:52:00.000+02:00

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana also known as GWK (Ga-Wey-Ka in Indonesian pronounciation) is a huge sculpture built an Balinese Sculpturer named Nyoman Nuarta. When it is completed, it's suppose to stand as high as the New Yorker Lady Liberty at the height of 150 meters and a width of 64 meters.

A miniature of the real statue if it were to be finished.

Unfortunately, the project has its problems and now, parts of the statue is to be found around the area of GWK which is like a huge garden especially built for this statue when it is ready. There is the Lord Wisnu himself, the head of the Garuda and the hands of Wisnu, all in different areas of the land.

The statue, supposedly made out of 4000 tons of copper and brass shows the Lord Wisnu riding on his mystical bird, the Garuda. The Lord Wisnu is believed to be the essence of all beings, holding the the past, present and future, is also the Lord of the Universe which give wealth and life to the universe.

The Lord Wisnu now sits on the highest hill of Ungasan which overlooks Kuta, Benoa and Sanur

Below the plaza of the Wisnu God is the plaza Garuda, where the head of the Garuda is placed.

Garuda is Lord Wisnus faithful companion. The Garuda is also Indonesias national symbol. The fist ever story of the Garuda was told in the book Mahabrata. According to tale, Garuda broke out of his egg as a raging inferno. I think it's something like the pheonix in Harry Potter. He was a powerful bird, huge in size that he could cover the sun Frightened, the gods pleadded for his mercy upon them. It was then the Garuda minimized himself.

Garuda is also the faithful friend of the Lord Wisnu. In other words. Garuda is the Vahana of the Lord. Vahana in Hindu mythology context which also means vehicle.

steps up to Plaza Garuda

The 240 Cultural park also has venues for large scale events. There is a Lotus Pond with water elements and statues of tortoises, the Amphiteather which holds a Kecak Dance performance every evening and also an exibition hall. In this exibition halls are Barongs and Balinese costumes. There is also a station for henna and temporary tattoo and hair braiding.

The exibits of Balinese tradition which includes the Barongs.

A barong is believed to be the protector of spirits and is generally the image of a demonic lion. The image of the barong varies according to regions of the Balinese Island. The Barong is suppose to restore the balance of the Universe and fight against its arch enermy, Rangda.

Daily, a Balinese parade is held in the grounds of GWK at 5pm. We were in time to watch this parade. Mainly it shows the culture of the the people of Bali. In the parade, there are the young Balinese ladies, the village master, the shrine and the King and Queen (looks like it). Then there's the Barong that'll protect the people from spirits.

The parade goes around the area with sounds of beating gongs.

We left right after the parade to catch the sunset in Uluwatu. Will update soon enough! (hopefully)

Simple Life.

2011-04-29T19:33:00.000+02:00

A simple person inherits the riches of both heaven

and earth.

How would you define simple? After all those hard work you've put through in an education, would you just settle for a basic motorbike rather than a Bentley if you could afford it? Simplicity is defined as the absence of difficulty. No worries.

What I would really like is a rather simple life. My dream was very simple. That was more than five years ago. To get an education locally, to one day be married and have kids. If it was'nt for God, my present life won't be a present. I took a rather sharp turn in choosing the road which was much more complicated than I thought. Simple? not in the context of the absence of difficulty.

As far as my eyes could see, a simple person has much more savings for sure. Even if he or she earns very little. Being very thrifty in each spending, economical in every meal, their hopes lie on their dreams for their children. That one day they children would also cherish the sacrifices fo their parents.

In comparison to a person who lust on material things relys man made goods, a simple person believes in God. Even such a simple mindset that God will always be there to guide and provide in every way. A simple person does not turn to what is on earth, but greater things that are in heaven. With a simple heart, they walk the earth as a faithful servant of God.

One day, maybe one day, I'd like to go back to my old very simple dream. To fall for a man whom God has created for me and that I would have a family. For richer or for poorer, he'll still be able to love me, in health and illness, he'll hold on strong to give me strength. Whatever the consequeces are in the relationship, he won't let go of us. And I too would in return do the same for him. How expensive or pretty the wedding gown would be, it does'nt matter. Because a marriage does not depend on the designer or the beauty of the gown or that glorious day.

That my children will soak in the gifts and creations of God rather than face the technology man has made to influence their lives. I'd rather see them fight over who wins the race by getting to the top of the hill than fighting over the game console I want them to be able to appreciate the good things God has made for man. To jump in rivers, to climb trees and pick juicy fruits, to pick up waste of animals and still love them, to learn moral values and the fruit of the spirit and most important, to make God the center of their lives.

One day, I'd be able to live on the countryside, humble and just, teaching my kids the value of life. To care for my gardening every evening and have my feet soak in the river after. To run the fields with my dogs and to pamper my cats in the nights. To have limited access to the technology world but very close friendship with men themselve. That I one day would turn away from this world of materialism and lust for what will one day be destroyed by nature.

Ask me again if one day I would still humbly drive in a tiny car, though I would one day be a graduate from the worlds strongest automotive industry. Yes I would.

Because all things man made will only last for a moment. Until man themselves come to destroy. Or God plans to take it all away from you.

I want to be simple.

Bali : A visit to Tanah Lot

2011-04-26T14:48:00.000+02:00

This day was suppose to start at 4am as we were suppose to go watch the sun rise in Bali. Unfortunately because fo the Nyepi Day the day before, no one can be out until past 6am, after the sun rises from its slumber.

Instead, we got up, get ready, had a heavy breakfast buffet and finally started our Bali-day-out at almost 10am. Moving in Indonesia is rather impossible with public transport. Especiall when you are going to the outskirts of the city. It is very common to hire a Supir which is a chaffuer to bring you around. It does'nt cost as much too. We had our supir for a day and it costs us 300,000 Rupiahs (about Rm100). That's the standard pricing for the service of a supir. Some do put their prices higher.

We started off going to Tanah Lot, 20km away from Denpasar which is almost an hour ride going through small tiny roads sweeping through tiny villages. The way they bring their vehicles in the village area scares me. It's so dangerous! They bring 3 people on their bikes, some four, some have kids standing on the seats, all without safety!

I never knew this place was called Tanah Lot. I know it as the snake temple. Tanah Lot is a famous place for tourists and locals alike in Bali. Tanah Lot is famous for its Temples which are built on rocks. The temple had significant Hindu influence and was built by a priest as a holy place to worship the sea gods. It is believed that poisonous sea snakes guard the temple from evil spirits.

It was a good day. The first day of the year for the Balinese. A lot of them were out enjoying the time with their families and having a picnic in yards. That particular family in the picture even brought one big tin of powdered milk. LOL. Think positive. Maybe they just bought it on the way. I would'nt want to carry a 2kg can of powdered milk on a picnic.

The place was crowded with lots of people coming to see the temple on the rock. There were also people taking business opputunities and offering photo taking services. It's no Polaroid business. They carry around SLRs including one that I saw a Nikon D300. In their bags include a portable photo printer and frames you can choose. They would go around showing their photo samples and asking if you would like to have your photo taken.

Some came in their traditional best for blessings in the temple.

Blessing for the new year.

They have lots of stalls selling local delicacies, drinks and titbits here. Some sell kuihs and rojak. There was one stall that sold drinks and some titbits. When me and my sister were picking out drinks from the cooling box and wanting to pay, we saw a cockroach lingering around her neck. We had to hold each other back and squint our eyes at the horror we saw. We quickly took the bottle of mineral water and walked away. *fainting*

Don't despise this rojak mangga. It could cause me gastritis on the spot. Delicious but their level of hotness is way above my mild level. The lady only grinded one piece of chili in it and I was already burning like mad. In the end I had to throw it away. Would be better if it was not so spicy.

The tides were high on that day. I was raining so much the day before. During low tides, you can walk to the temple which is on the rock island. We went to the shores to take some pictures but the water was dirty and there were rubbish all over. They should clean the place up and take care of it properly. It's such a waste to see it polluted.

Outside of the Tanah Lot, on the way to the carpark, lots of shops and stally are opened. Theres also a photo session with an immortal albino python. Shops here includes Billabong, Roxy, Crocs, Ralph Lauren and such. It's not subjected to only normal shops. They also have a row of boutiques here.

Awwhh look! Pretty kites!

Alive forevermore!

2011-04-25T20:26:00.000+02:00

As a kid in Sunday School, sitting on floor mats on a bright Sunday morning, we sang

Alive! Alive! Alive foreveremore!
My Jesus is alive! Aive forevermore!
Alive! Alive! Alive foreveremore!
My Jesus is alive!
Sing Hallelujah! Sing Hallelujah!
My Jesus is alive forevermore!
Sing Hallelujah! Sing Hallelujah!
My Jesus is alive!

The Son of God was crucified and risen on the third day. Jesus is alive till today.

Jesus loves you, weather you believe it or not.
Blessed Easter.

Bali : Hari Raya Nyepi

2011-04-21T19:04:00.001+02:00

The day of silence and darkness like you've never seen before. I have total respect for the Balinese people. This day has changed my view of Bali as a busy tourist hub.

Little did I know how the Balinese usher in their new year in the Balinese Lunar Calender. Nyepi marks the first day of the year. On this faithful day, Balinese Hindus will fast, pray and meditate from sunrise to sunrise. This means no working, pleasure, entertainment, activities, loud noises or lights. And this is serious business. Even the TV and radio stations are turned off.

A full day of relaxation.

No one is allowed out on the streets on this day. To turn on lights is also an offend. Non-Hindu Balinese would too stay indoors and have no lights turned on on this day in respect for their fellow Hindu friends. Tourists are also to respect this special day. No one is allowed out from hotel grounds. After 6pm, which is sunset, no one is allowed to loiter around the grounds. Hotel rooms are allowed to have their lights on but it should not be seen from the outside. Even the hotel corridors have to turn off their lights.

So we went roaming around the hotel grounds in the daytime taking pictures.

Pencalangs, which is the Religious Security Force will be going around doing checks if anyone is making lots of noise or if lights are seen from the outside. Generally, they control the town and make sure that no one is loitering the streets on this day.

On Nyepi the year starts clean, fresh and new.

The day to make and keep the balance of nature.

On that day itself, I think i slept for more than four hours. It was so quiet and peaceful. We wanted to go to the pool but it was packed and there were no more seats left for us. Even the spa was fully booked till 8pm. Instead, we walked around the hotel grounds taking pictures. We spent time sitiing by the fish pond enjoying the breeze.

After I woke up from my long afternoon nap, we went down to the poolside where the hotel organized an Gebogan, which is a type of offering, making session. By the time we got there, they were almost done. But we managed to put in some flowers for the offering.

Note : Fragipanis are to be put on the left ear for women and on the right side for men.

A Gebogan is an offering to be put in the temples or shrines and is a symbol of what nature. besides the flower Gebogan, there are also Gebogans made out of fruits, chicken, small rice pyramids, grated coconut, roasted peanuts and sweet cakes stacked on top of one another. Generally it should form a cylindrical tower.

After the gebogan making session, it started to rain like nobodys business. But there were still soem who had fun swimming in the rain with soaked beers in hands.

We instead had our evening tea session in the restaurant. It was about 5pm and already getting dark. The workers started using flashlights to read menus and check receipts.

That night was the darkest night I have ever experienced in my whole life. Earth Hour is nothing comapred to this event. With the lights of the island of Bali totally wiped out, this is pure darkness. Unfortunatly due to the rain before, there was not much stars to be seen in the sky.

The restaurant closes at 630pm so guests are to only call room service and have their dinner served in the room. At 8pm we had our dinner sent to our rooms. Even the waiters that sent over our food had to come with flashlights. And they can only shine it on th ground to lead their path, not anywhere else. On my plate of traditional nasi campur which consists of rice, chicken satay, beef "rendang" and somewhat like vege ulam, I had the best ever pekedel cumi.

We spent the rest of the night drinking Bintang beer and munching on all sorts of kerepek while watching Big Bang Theory and Glee. It was an experience I would never ever forget in my life.

Pure silence and darkness.

When you open the door to the balcony.

This is a picture taken. Not a black box I created in paint.

Bali : Pesta Lomba Ogoh-Ogoh

2011-04-20T21:03:00.001+02:00

Finally my first post for Bali, that I'm sure some of you are waiting for. When we were in Bali, we (referring to me, my mum and sister) were in for something relaxing and rejuvinating whilst exploring temples and soaking feet into the sand with much Balinese architecture. Well, this is the place for Eat, Pray, Love. Yes, we were. In fact, so much of relaxing and rejuvination that we were'nt allowed out from the hotel grounds.

We were not aware of the Nyepi Festival that was happening in Bali. We thought it was just another festival where people were merry. You that kind of celebration where there's much fun and laughter all the way. We were soo wrong! So wrong I tell you. If you'Re going to visit Bali during the Nyepi Festival of the Balinese calender, you better brace yourself. Much will be explained about the festival in the next post.

So we arrived Bali on the 4th of March. A day after we celebrated my mums 50th birthday. It was her treat for the family. The three of us went on a hoilday to Bali for the weekend. Compared to Malaysia, Bali is hot. Maybe because it's an island. But it was really hot and you can burn yourseld being out only for a little while without any sunblock on. There was a lot of commotion going on. A lot of roads were closed and the taxi line in the airport was very long (they only had one taxi booth) and most of the taxi drivers were waiting to rip off tourists with their high rates.

On arrival. We were so excited!

After much lining up and waiting, we finally got to the hotel. That is after dragging our luggage from Kuta Square to Kuta Seaview Spa resort, where we were staying. The taxi could'nt send us directly to the hotel because most roads were closed. For what you may ask. On the eve of Nyepi, a Ngrupuk Parade takes place. This is the Ogoh-Ogoh competition aka Pesta Lomba Ogoh-Ogoh. This year in Kuta itself, 13 Ogoh-Ogohs are competing to win the title for the best Ogoh-Ogoh.

Waiting for the first troop to arrive.

The Pencalangs (Religious Security Force) making sure everyones opening up enough room for the first team.

What's an Ogoh-Ogoh you may ask. An Ogoh-Ogoh is a statue made out of paper-mache'. It's not tiny. It's huge and "monsterous". An Ogoh-Ogoh normally takes form of mythological beings for example a demon or a devil. Why? I'll explain later. Months before the parade, villagers will gather its finest artists, designer and sculpturer to build an ogoh-ogoh. It's all about team work. It's amazing how they can come out with this.

During the parade, there will be a team of performers who would perform a mystical tale or a ritual and of course those who carry the Ogoh-Ogoh. It take about 8 to 10 men to carry one huge sculpture. The Ogoh-Ogoh will be paraded around the area to cleanse it from evil spirits and will end with a 15 minute ritual/performance by the team.

She is suppose to be fighting the demons

The reason an Ogoh-Ogoh is in the form of a demon is because it is believed that the Ogoh-Ogoh attracts the evil spirits and will trap them. After cleansing the town, the Ogoh-Ogohs will be brought to the beaches to be burned or slayed. this is their way of cleansing that certain area for the new year which is the day after Nyepi.

The third and fourth Ogoh-Ogoh

We only stayed till the fourth Ogoh-Ogoh. The crowd was so restless and they kept pushing and shoving. Some would bring their kids as an excuse to go through the huge crowd to get to the front. Only one kid and five adults using him. We could not stand any longer. We went to stand at the back and had some jagung bakar. Theirs is quite nice because you can choose a sweet and spicy one. Spicy means really spicy! It really was. You can ask for the normal one if you like.

Before we headed back to the hotel, the fourth team just finished. So we waited at the side to watch the performers head back. We had no idea who won the competition.

Aren't Balinese girls pretty?

Kota Kinabalu : Markets

2011-04-16T12:15:00.001+02:00

After the Gaya Street Market, we wre both sweaty and hungry so we took a seat at the Sugarbun Cafe nearby. I love Sugarbun. Especially their saucy kano menu and their fish burger. Takes me back to those high school moments where we would go to Sugarbun behind St Jo to have lunch (and also 'wash eyes'). Ever since the existence of McDs and KFC popping up like mushrooms after a storm, Sugarbun has been hiding behind the shadows of these big monsters of fastfood. Don't worry Sugarbun, I'll have your back. After all, it's supporting local entepreneurs.

Lunch was dragged to almost 2 hours. Maybe it's because of the heat. Owh Malaysian weather, how I miss you. But we had our time well spent. Me and Val talked about everything. We have'nt met since 3 or 4 years ago after her family moved to Kota Kinabalu. My friend could almost remember every memory i engraved on our history books. After lunch, it's time to venture around more markets. This time, it's across the road towards the open sea, where the Pasar besar, Pasar ikan masin and Philippino market is situated.

KK main road.

Milimewah Store. The last one I saw was back in Labuan. Almost 5 years ago.

On the overhead bridge going to the other side, they were local folks selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Nothing fancy, just sitting on their mats beading beads and arranging their products. As I was looking through the bells, we spoke to the aunty selling them. She came all the way from Kudat to have a chance on her economy. She sells traditional costume jewellery and brass bells. In Kuching, it's so hard to find these things. I've scouted for a bell chain anklet all the way to the Mediterranean. A string of those small bells cost Rm30. There'S about 100 bells per strand. The bigger bell costs Rm8 per piece. In the olden days, the parents would place a bell on the child, either as a necklace or an anklet to guard the child. Guard, I meant it as in if the child runs to the back of the house or anywhere else, they would know where he or she is. I used to have bell anklets when I was younger.

Pasar besar is more of a vegetable market. It's generally the main market of the area where you can get fresh vege, fruits and other local products from. Usually it'll be at a cheaper price if compared to supermarkets as farmers sell their harvest here themselves. Normally, a main market has two stories. Below, where people sell fresh products and above it, a food court filled with hawker stalls. Always a fav. Especially the one in Serian and Batu 7 back home.

By the smell of it, you can tell the freshness of their fruits. These jucy orangy tan pineapples are so tempting. have them chilled and you'll be spoiled in the scorcing heat.

These were also sold in the market. At first I thought it was ginseng.

Seems to be dried eel if I'm not mistaken. they cost quite a bomb too. AT ard rm100 to Rm300 per piece.

Philippino kids hanging around their family stally selling Phillipino mangos which are abundant in Sabah. These mangos are brought by boat from the Philipino Islands nearby.

Next to the Pasar besar would be the Pasar ikan masin, which is the dried salted fish market. Salted fish is like stable food to us. We have them fried, served with sugar and lime juice on a hot plate of rice or we make anything out of it. Name it. fried rice, sambal, Nasi lemak. We're creative heads when it comes to gastronomy.

Here you can also get famous Sabahan food products already packed to take home like amplang and kuih cincin.

Dried fish, dried anchovies, dried prawns.
And a local deli, kuih cincin. As my aunty calls it, kuih lubang hidung (nostrils)

Hi bang. Saya tingok2 sja.

Last of the row would be the Phillipino market which is famous for its pearls. the trick to shopping here would be bargaining. They would mark the prices high and it's your job to get it as low as you can. The price of a stand of perals would usually be Rm180 which is stated on its price tags. But you can actually get them for as low as Rm50 if you bargain desprately. You can also ask them to design a bracelet or a neckland for you if you have any ideas in mind. I did not take lots of photos here because I spent my 2 hour here supporting the economy. lol.

Glorious pearls.

Always the best choice in a womens wardrobe.

After the time spent making pearly eyes, we walked down back towards the hotel. Then we had teabreak with fried banana fritters in Sinsuran area. When I thought I wont be spending anymore money. So wrong. An outlet named Jamilah Jewellery sells your dream collections. With a license to rare fresh water pearls, their products are to die for. Their store in SInsuran doea wholesale cultured pearls. Not only pearls, they do sell Swarovski crytalls (and they have the license to do so) and Austrian pearls. Even better, they pasted that 'Visa Mastercard Accepted' upfront on their entrance doors. So without guilt, yes, I slide the card.

These are some pictures of children playing in the area. I was told that this is the Phillipino area. I don't know how to explain it to make it sound not so bad, but they are immigrants that come to Sabah for a living. Some without pass and paper work. They stay in shop houses accomodating more families then it could. Usually they would send out their kids to earn money by selling titbits, cakes and drinks.

Around evening, the kids would play aroud in the area between the shophouses. Hopscotch, ball, rubberbands. Those once upon a time loved games before Nintendo to childhood away. It's quite fun to see, since it's very rare nowadays especially in areas where people could afford mor than one car per household.

So this ends my posts to Kota Kinabalu. I'll be starting on my trip to Bali posts.

You're the smoke to my high

2011-04-11T21:51:00.000+02:00

It's been quite a while that I actually wrote something more personal here. Not to say that this will be personal. Well, just a few updates.

hug a person you care about. it might be your last chance.

So, how have you guys been doing? Good I hope. Sometimes I don't understand the public mutual gesture of asking a person how well they are doing (or not well in any matter). I mean, if you met an aquintence halfway in the bus, or in a shop and they ask how you are doing, I don't think they actually really want to know that much. if they really would want to know, they'd be asking about your blood pressure level, stress meter and such. Lik a doctor does. And as humanly as we get, we'll answer fine thank you. And how about you? Even if your dog died or you just came out of the hospital because you shit blood, I don't think they actually really want to know.

ponder and wonder. it will take you somewhere.

Anyways, I'm not sure to tell you if spring is actually officially here but the weather fluctuates a lot these days. On some days, it's practically summer when the sun is really on it's good mood. Others, it's just the crying weather when the wind seems to be blowing at a speed faster than I walk. That's April. A month of much uncertainty because the weather is unsure of itself. Non the less, shops are out with spring collections on its toes and the Easter bunny seems to be reproducing eggs once more. Easter is in two weeks time which we will get a five day leave from our student calender and everyone is trying to be a saint for the mo. Excuse me, you're suppose to worship god everyday. Not twice a year. In addition to that, shelves are restocking its tanning lotions. While I'm looking for sunblock.

Spring. A season of decisions.

Already 1/4 of the year is gone. And guess what? Yes, people are all into weddings now. And have you seen the number of baby photos on FB? Come to think of it, yes April is a reproducing month. Not only for bunnies. People seem to move on with their life. Having a family, looking out for the next best wedding gowns (which unfortunatly I fell into. Not that I'm getting married that soon), but yes, people are looking foward to moving foward to another step in life. While I'm still getting my way through engineering subjects and my future seems like it's blinking red lights.

I don't need a wedding. I want a marriage.

Truthfully, I'm happy now. Much enlightened after my solo day out to the city watching a movie and doing much window shopping in Munich (which would make the boys sulk for following my behind if they did tag along). Most of all, it was talking to God that got be back to a more optimistic person. He's a best friend so personal that I can share with anyone if you would like to borrow him. No he won't spill my secrets. I so sorry he's not a gossiper. You can befriend twitter if you'd like.

So anything new? (lots of things! the new iPad, the lists of smartphones HTC is out with, new cars designs etc etc). No, not something that I'd read on the news. How have humans been treating you lately? Yeah seriously sometimes I wish I can teleport myself back home just to hug everyone like love and come back feeling happy. Everyones a blessing. Even those who read my blogs. It still gives me hope to write something. Who knows I'll be helping a lost soul out there. What you do, you never know the effect of it. That's why you always have to keep things positive (actually a mental not to myself).

I'm going 23 in a few weeks. Would you consider me as a wife? I can cook. ;D

Kota Kinabalu : Gaya Streets Sunday Market

2011-04-10T12:49:00.005+02:00

Being in KK on a Sunday, it's like a must to visit their market. Seems like it's in all of it's tourist to do list. Visiting the place myself, I went on ahead with the crowd to the markets. The Sunday Market is no difference than any other weekend markets. But they do sell some stuff that aren't usually available in markets.

I love markets. My favourite weekend hobby at home is to bring my mum to Satoks weekend market. It's because I get to choose fresh jungle products to cook or think of a new recipe. My favourite section will always be the wet market because I'm a big fan of seafood. I'll cook them the whole week.

randomly a take-picture-with-python session.

Personally I think that markets will not be around in about 10 years. The younger generation prefers to go to big hypermarkets where they are also offered fresh produce, both local and international. Some people I know have never even stepped into a wet market.

Soyabean is always my favourite.

I thought the orange colored one would be peach or orange flavoured. It's actually with pumpkin.

The Gaya Street market is more like a lifestyle market. What I mean by lifestyle is that they sell more of decorative items like paintings and clothings. It's more of a Velodrom like market that a Taman Tun wet market. However they do sell food items.

Accessories

Animals

This little cutey is not for sell. I almost stepped on this sleeping beauty while looking at things

Plants

There are lots and lots of stalls selling souvenirs are low prices. Including handicrafts, rattan products, seashells and so on.

this is funny!

What I like is this.

I rarely see tradional music instruments being sold in markets like this. The Sabahans are very proud of their heritage. And it's not just words. I'm not sure if they have a gong in every house or what but I'd really like to have one in mine. Then I'll be hitting on it non stop of ever there's a robbery. In the olden days, gongs are like bells or alarams to alert the village if there's a robbery or a meeting or a big announcement.

Then there's the people from the cultural village in a traditional costume that gives out pamphlets to tourists.

Not all have the guts to go out in a loin cloth. Ko bulih ka?

Gaya Street Market is on every Sunday from 8am to 12noon. Most stalls starts to close at 11am.

Kota Kinabalu : Tanjung Aru Sunset

2011-04-07T12:35:00.002+02:00

I really really want to finish up all my posts on Kota Kinabalu so I can proceed doing my posts on Bali. Now I can see why my best friend is always stressed out on writing work. It does not come easily. It's not every moment that you would want to write something good.

The reason I blog is to jot down every memory I have especially during my time away from home. One day, I'll read it all and go "owh, good that I wrote that. I did'nt even remember"And to do it FAST so I won't forget little details! So hopefully I'll cover my KK trip today. AFter the sunset, theres the market post. I LOVE MARKETS.

So after the island trip, we gotback to the hotel to shower and rest. It was still very early because the last boat from the island is at 3pm. We reached the hotel at about 4pm and it was still quite bright.

my lovely shades of ultimate redness.

We planned to take a bus to Tanjung Aru to see the sunset. It's one magnificent sunset not to be missed by anyone who steps in KK. Yeah, I've said it so many times that KK has so much things to see.

Generally to go to Tanjung Aru, you have to go to the main bus termainal opposite Wawasan Plaza. Which looks like this.

It's so sad that in East Malaysia, we still use this kind of busses while in the west, their busses are far better. The condition of the place makes me imagine like I'm back in the 80's or earlier. As a country, it's really not fair that only some parts gets all the good stuff and others are left in the past.

The bus going to Tanjung Aru is also the same bus that goes to the Air Asia Airport. Purple bus number 16. But it's still better to just ask the driver or the conductor if the bus is going to the beach. There's no bus timetable around of bus routes for that matter. However, there are locals who would help.

Right before sunset, the roads are usually jammed because it's after office hours. You'll arrive on-time to watch the sky change color.

Even seeing these pictures amazes me.

The beaches are packed with families, children and tourists. Along the beach are restaurants and stally where you can have drink, light snacks or dinner. There's a big seafood restaurant with a stage where people perform cultural dances too. If you don't intend to have an expensive seafood meal, you can just stand and watch the performance.

I did'nt have seafood in Sabah becuase my friends said that it's a lot more costly compared to Sarawak.One thing I realise is that the seafood restaurants here are huge with lots of fish tanks all around. I even saw one that had 4 levels of tanks and was even structured like a waterfall. We don't have that back home. Or maybe I just don't know the place.

We went to have dinner in a food court further down the beach. Malaysian style food courts are rows and rows of stalls selling hawker food, desserts, grilled delicacies, pickles and drinks. Fanny introduced us to a stall which she often comes to visit. She even knows the aunty. The drinks she makes are just super delicious I wish I can have them anytime. Fresh ice blended fruit juices. Have you ever tried Ice Blended Avocado? It might sound funky, but it tastes soo good.

Lot no 7

from left : ice blended ~~custard apple~~ SOURSOP (durian belanda), ice blended Avocado, (I forgot Vals drink :s ) and bbq honey chicken wings and my favourite chicken butt.

Talking about chicken butt. Sarawakians call them burit ayam, Sabahans call then tongkeng ayam. Kedahans call them pungkok. Generally it's punggung. So my West Malaysian readers, when I say burit ayam, it's not burit as in what you translate them to be =D

Fanny friend came to join us for dinner and brought me for a driven tour that night. We went to the newly opened Perdana Park that was officiated by the Prime Minister himself. At certain hours after dark, they'll have a musical fountain (fountain that dances to the music).

Because of this park, it caused a long traffic jam from Tanjung Aru back to KK itself. I was holding my blader the whole time in the car. Then, they brought me to see the UMS campus which is build on the slopes of the mountain. Honestly I can't imagine myself studying here. You have to climb hills and hills of slopes (??) and at night, the place is all dark! the distance to the next lamp post is approx 200 meters and did i mention its dark and its a forest? My respects to all students here and condolences to those who are involved in rape cases that are quite frequent. Please keep yourself save at all times.

Another place we went was the Obeservatory Tower. from this point, you can almost see the whole of Kota Kinabalu city. It's high up on the hills and the road was dark and steep. But I love the view of the cute colorful buildings.

Val, Felino and I. Fanny was busy becoming the photgrapher. =D

So, when are you visiting Kota Kinabalu?

Manukan Island : Snorkeling

2011-04-04T20:03:00.000+02:00

It won't be called an island if it does not involve snorkeling. In my point of view. The whole idea of an island is with fishes, clear waters and white sands.

Renting snorkeling gears from the Jesselton Point will cost roughly around rm20 for the whole set. Rm10 for life jackets and another Rm10 for the snorkeling gears.

Snorkeling bounderies are marked with ropes attached to bouys. I don't think there's a chance of survival for me if i go further than that. It's actually very deep, and I'm no profi swimmer. However I do know how to paddle and float like a little paddling boat.

Those green clear waters are still sea water. A note to not jump in excitedly expecting it to be like swimming pool water. Something I have experienced myself. Gosh, was it salty.

Even kids come by in their cute Winnie the Pooh swimming floats. I used to have it once, a green bird with a "3D" head and a beak and wings. I remember I got it from my neighbour for my birthday present if I'm not mistaken.

Some parts had many fishes and some part did'nt. Maybe the crowd of humans scared them away. I had to go almost all out to see a lot of schools. There were quite a few species. Ones that looked like ikan bawal, then they were long ones that looked like swoard fish cum eel and most of all, those cute zebra fishes.

This is a girl who said she won't go in the water. The one taking the photograph is the girl who thought us how to snorkel. It was my first time.

For first timers : don't panic when you start swollowing salt water. I think that way you'll end up drowning. Instead, float your body face up and arrange your kit.

Make sure it's not jelly fish season. I think I got stunk by baby jellyfishes.

Manukan Island : Parasailing

2011-03-29T19:50:00.000+02:00

Nice beaches, superb clear waters, what are we to do? Laying back for me isn't an option. Going wild is. So we took our chance of doing a typical island holiday activity. I wanted to take jet skiing, but Val suggested that we do parasailing. Parasailing?? How could I say no. I would one day jump of the Niagara Falls anyway. A great dream to be achieved.

A parasiling activity for 10 minutes costs RM180 for a pair and RM100 for singles but because of the bargain, we got it for RM130 a pair. I was suppose to be only 10 minuts, but then bring a friend aka Fanny who will talk her way out of the operators, we were soaring high for 20 minutes plus! I won't explain the sunburn. I was very satisfied. And someone had a new Facebook friend.

Yeay!! we got the colorful parachute!!

It was our first time doing parasailing. The excited Val turned nervous right before her fleet. But in the end, it was an experience never to be missed. It was hot, but it did'nt matter. I was at peace. We were taken to 20 meters (or 20 feet, I did`nt quite listen) up above the sea. I not sure if that's a good thing if you're afraid of heights.

Before going up, the operator will ask you if you'd like to be dipped. Even more better right? But up above air, Val was like, "Eh Ruth, what happens if there are phirannas below? Or sharks. You never know."

Semakin ada phiranna semakin saya mau celup. One fact to learn, that I learned from all my Aqua museum trips, phirannas are not as dangerous as it was shown in the movies. And I'm not an amazonian. Then I stared at the sea below, if there were sharks? God knows I was bleeding. Everything was going to be ok. Hahaha.

We were dipped about three times. It was cooling.

Wave happy people =D

Then it was time for us to get back on the boat. The operator winded up the rope and as we got closer Val said "What happens if we accidentaly drop right before we get on the boat? The motor. The motor!!" *closes eyes*

The sucker I am for things that scare people to death, I never think about such things. To me all things will be well even if I'm shot out of a cannon. The more my mum says it's dangerous, the more I'll stick my head into it. Then I started to think about the motor. It was like calculation rotaions when the dentist was drilling my teeth. "It's gonna be fine laa" I answered. Well, it was.

So glad we did Parasailing.

I think I need another adventure right now. Coz I'm bored.

Sabah Islands : Manukan Island

2011-03-27T21:06:00.001+02:00

The state of Sabah has one thing that makes it different from the other states of Malaysia. And this is too the reason why I fell in love with Sabah. Nothing makes me go all gaga about nature compared to this. Even if it's seeing the Swiss Alps. I love Islands! Well, who does'nt??

Maybe those who are so afraid of the sunlight. Heliophobia. Yes I looked that up in Google. Amazes me that people even come out with scientific names for fears. Why did'nt it ever appear in Twilight?

So back to the Islands. Emerald green turquoise blue or whatever specific name or code there is for the oceans color. I can't say no to pretty islands! I want to own my own Island. Did you know you can bid them on eBay? Yes. Coolio. Pulau Riau is not mine. Thanks.

How cool is out creator?

Sabah is packed with islands along its coast. Well known would be the island of Sipadan where 21 hostages were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf in the year 2000. Another famous island is Pulau Tiga which was the location for the first season of Survivor, also in the year 2000. One things about the islands is that they are so succluded and hidden from the world that not a lot of people recognize how beutiful these islands are. Well, some people actually don't even know where Malaysia is unless they know Formula 1 or Petronas. If not than, its "Do you know Singapore? Do you know where Thailand is?? Yeap Malaysia is in between"

Most of the islands are far off Kota Kinabalu which is the capital of Sabah. For example Tiga and Sipadan. But if you really do have the time to go around, please do take a dip in the Sipadan waters. I heard that it's the best diving spot in the world. If you're just around the capital city itself, you have a choice of choose three islands nearby. Mamutik, Manukan and Sapi. It only takes a 20 to 30 minute boat ride form the Jesselton Point. We only did a day trip to Manukan Island because we did'nt have much time in hand. Manukan is a good choice if you want to see fishes, for corals, opt for Pulau Mamutik.

There are island hopping packages. A two island hop or a three island hop. A two way boat ride to Manukan costs only RM15 to RM18 if you're a student. If you know how to bargain, you'll get it way cheaper. Because we got ours for RM12 per person, thanks to Fannys aunty's friend. She bargains really well. Not only a boat for the six of us but also parasailing at RM130 for two persons and RM10 for snorkeling. The original price for parasailing is RM180 for two and it's suppose to be RM20 for snorkeling.

Not an island without snorkeling.

Obviously we were so happy. I'm not much of a bargainer cos I don't know how to make my way through it but if you have friends that bargains well, put them to use. After much discussion, we bought some titbits, drinks and I got myself a hat. It is better if you buy your food outside of the point itself because they jack up the prices here since it's a tourist spot. Then we got on our boat and we were on our way to have the best sunburn ever.

Ndak sabar bha saya!

When we got tot Manukan, obviously I was already over the moon. It's so pretty!

I'm in love with this pic. It looks like an advertisement.

Isn't it pretty?

Next post will be on our activities on the island.

Kota Kinabalu : A Gem

2011-03-25T14:18:00.001+01:00

Born and raised in East Malaysia, this is my first time ever stepping in the neighbouring state. Labuan is a Federal territory. Not Sabah. (Thats why we have 14 stripes on the Malaysian flag.)

My number one reason to be here is to fulfill my life long dream of experiencing crystal clear blue waters and an amazing island. Yes, Sabah has it. It's like a hidden Gem. Well, not really if you're a hard core open sea diver. Sabah would be number 1 on your list.

In awe. This was taken from the plane before landing.

Attractions of Sabah not only limits to its majestic islands. Mount Kinabalu stands tall behind the city. No, it's not near that you could walk by foot to. It's a 3 hours drive and public transports are hard to take. I heard that there's usually a bus going up, and you'll have to look for your own transport down. Taxis are expensive and costs around rm200 which is 50€ at most. Because of the hassel going to the mighty mountain, I'll leave that plan to next time. I came here alone and had two of my friends who are studying in KK to bring me around.

Is this sword fish the landmark of Kota Kinabalu?

While waiting for my friend, I walked the shopping complexes and also the waterfront. people always say that it's scary to walk alone in Malaysia especially if you're a girl. I think it's only in the mindset of us Malaysians because there are thousands of single lady travellers out there and also in KK itself. Though there are funky looking people who look like they will cut you up and sell your lungs in the black market. If not, I'd say that Malaysia is very safe compared to places like Algeria.

This would be the Waterfront behind Wisma Merdeka. Standing there, I've realised how much I miss being outside with the wind blowing strongly at me. Lots of people gather here in the eveing to enjoy the sea breeze. Some are waiting for their transport, some bring their children for walks, some just come to enjoy and of course, the tourists who wants to be a part of KK itself.

At this part of the city, everything is laid by the waters. New shopping complexes competing with old ones holding brands like Esprit and MNG. Theres a block specially for tourist info counters before the entrance of Suria Sabah. The famous markets and seafood arenas are also placed in a row siding the open sea. It's very easy to get to places as long as you see the waters.

These fishermen boats operate food stalls by the waters.

After a strool along the Waterfront, we went to another place also called the Waterfront which serves food and nightlife. It is located in front of the Api Api center. This place is a hit among the tourists and they serve lots of varieties of food. There even are massage beds overlooking the sea if you'd like some pampering.

Global selections

Sitting here, we had our juices and talked while enjoying the breeze. There were few fishing boats at their nightly routine.

Give a man a fish, you have fed him for today.

Teach a man to fish, and you have fed him for a lifetime

I have fallen in love with Sabah. A few downsides are that there are too much (uncountable) illegal immigrants here. I wonder why isn't the Government doing anything about it. Floating houses are popping up like minesweepers about to eat KK itself. I've seen kids below 10 going around selling titbits and toys. Some do their business in the midst of traffic chasing cars and stuff. They should be put in schools and be thought well. It's sad. I think this is an even bigger case to look into rather than stupid sex tapes.

Lion Dance

2011-03-21T21:02:00.000+01:00

During my holidays at home, I was still lucky enough to have a feel of one of Malaysia biggest cultural celebration. Chinese New Year. Not that I was home for the festival, but people were still in the festive mood.

Chinese New Year marks the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar and ends with Chap Goh Mei which is on the 15th day. Chap Goh Mei is also known as the Chinese Valentines Day in Malaysia where single women would write their name on oranges and throw them in the river in their scout for true love.

One tradition that always impress me would be the Lion Dance. It may look simple, but I believe training to be a Lion dancer is hell. It takes months to choreograph. The movements, excitement and most importantly core strength is the fundumental of a lion dance. No lion is ever weak. Even if it's made out of paper mache. It always amazes me how they jump on high stilts and how much strength they put into carrying each other. The dance has very close relations to wushu and kung fu.

Every Chinese company would recruit a Lion Dance team to come and perform every season. It is believed that the ritual will ward off bad luck, scare evil spirits and of course, usher in good fortune for the new year.

It was my luck that the Lion Dance performance will be present on the next day in the building my mum works in. I used to work here after my Form 5 and they had a performance at that time too. I was excited. By the sounds of the drums, I ran across the road just to watch it. When I was younger I would cry as loud as the drums cos I was super terrified.

A coach or a leader would guide the Lions as they go through a building. He would wistle commands for the lions and make sure they are in position.

This Lion was busy making flowers out of oranges. Business operators would put out Mandrin oranges for the Lions. Sometimes they do put out cabbages too.

The Lion would go from Agency door to door to collect ang pows put up by operators. maybe someone can tell my why do they put the ang pows up high above the door??

Hello Lion. Bring me luck. *tocey tocey*

It's so obvious this two lions are males.

Hope you had a great New Year!

Santubong beach Skimboarding

2011-03-15T20:45:00.000+01:00

There seem to be a hot new water sport in town. Skimboarding.

On the first weekend back home in Kuching, we had a surprise birthday party for a friend, well not exactly friend, we're like sisters to death. The party was planned long before the actual date and the location was in Camp Permai. Camp Permai is more of a recreational park with chalets and a jungle pool, best of all, connected to a beach which is also shared with Damai Puri Resort.

During my high school days, it was like a routine to spend a day here during the school holidays or before the holidays with my friends. I even had my 16th Birthday BBQ here. Owhh 16.. how long ago were you.. 7 years *sigh*

Happy 21st birthday Bin Bin.

Hope you liked the SURPRISE!!

Santubong Beach is considered the nearest beach to Kuching town. To me that is. It's only 30 to 45 minutes away. Though it could'nt be compared to other white sandy blue crystal water beaches, I'm glad that Santubong beach exists. because I have millions of memories I can drown in here. Especially when my sister and my friends comes back scarred.

Ok back to the Skimboarding thing. I never knew Skimboarding existed. I only know Surfing. Not that I know how to do it. Well, seems like it's kind of popular here. During that particular Sunday, lots of youngsters were by the beach hoping to catch a wave.

Cool right? I realized I took too many pictures of this guy. I seem like a stalker. *I'm not*

I was just sitting there snapping away and he really had this sport going on. He was standing alert by the shores waiting for every chance to ride. It was exciting. I was clicking the camera like hell. New 12-24mm. *wink*

Till the next wave. Tchuss!

Euro Disney : A Merry Christmas from Mickey Mouse and Friends

2011-03-15T13:06:00.000+01:00

We wanted to make our Christmas a special one. What is more special than having it with our favourite disney characters in their magical land where everyday is like Christmas.

This time, we checked into Disneyland Hotel so it would be easier for us to have more magical hours and not die out in the freezing cold. Yes, it was cold. But we presevered. We overcomed 12 hours having a Disney Christmas out in the winter. When you're staying in a Disney Hotel, park tickets are inclusive in accordance to your nights of stay. So if you're staying a 2 night in their hotel, you'll ge t a 3 day Park Ticket. it's actually worth it if you're going in a group. Busses are also provided from the park to the hotels.

Yes it was definitely cold. Try playing out when it's -13°C. So sad right? Nevertheless we had our family moment and also our Christmas Eve dinner in the Steakhouse.

Thank God it was a sunny day on the 25th itself. A Christmas present indeed.

Though it was my second time here, I still feel the excitement seeing them dancing and singing. It was all in the Christmas spirit. We hummed Christmas Carols the whole day long and even more special during the Christmas season is that they have a Disney Illumination Parade in the dark.

Euro Disney has two parks. The Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park. The Walt Disney Studios Park is NOT to be missed if your heart is still capable of beating in a very high rate and not cause you to have a traumatic disorder. We should have went here first in the summer. With no regrets, please enter the Studios park first the next time you're visiting Euro Disney. Even cooler was the new Toy Story section!! gagagaa~

please admit you cried while watching Toy Story 3.

When you start thinking that all rides in the parks are meant for little children, you are so wrong. I was so sure I was very wrong after I rode the East Australian Current. my sister and I were begging my mum to on on the ride with us since we've waited for almost an hour in the que. Those danger signs were really true. It was not for the weak hearted.

And we didn't go on anymore rides after that.

We've surrendered to WD Studios and went back to Classical Disneyland Park.

Back to Buzy-ness

2011-03-14T18:06:00.000+01:00

My last post was dated 28th Febuary 2011. I miss blogging and I've come out with so many things to blog about during my Winter Break back home in Malaysia. I'm still quite tired now though I've slept for quite while now. I'm just back last Thursday afternoon and class is suppose to be starting tomorrow but got postponed to Wednesday.

I'm going back to lay on my bed while watching some Korean dramas.

A preview from my lstest trip.

Bali, Indonesia

4th - 7th March 2011

Paradise

2011-02-28T17:30:00.000+01:00

We got on a boat ...

... and it brought us to Paradise.

It made sunburn so worth it!

Early Morning Kuching

2011-02-20T20:01:00.005+01:00

A very popular early morning breakfast spot for Kuchingites.

This stall in Bishop Gate sought after day in and day out. Famous for its long lines and table sharing with strangers.

Dry handmade noodles accompanied by a pork offal soup mixture. Something tou can't say no on a cold morning (besides my bed). This stall has been operating for more than 30 years.

It used to have two lots a few years back. How surprised was I when I saw a Madam Tang (a commercialized coffee shop franchise) replacing its corner lot. Now it occupying the second lot on the old row of shop houses.

Nevertheless, this shop never fail to attract its regulars who are patiently waiting for their seat, their drinks, and their long awaited bowl of noodles. Patience is indeed needed to have a meal here. No rushing the less than 5 family run members of the shop. You won't be entertained.

Long story short, make sure you have all the time in the world to wait for your precious bowl of soup and noodles. *and the war of fighting for a place to seat*

Transit Journal : Dubai

2011-02-18T19:32:00.000+01:00

It was close to 2300 hours as I stepped on the Middle Eastern Airport ground. Flying with Emirates is one of my favorite choices, since Malaysia Airlines does not have a Munich - Kuala Lumpur fleet and flying from Frankfurt requires me to take an early morning speed train ride, not forgetting the sky high prices. The trick to getting a cheap flight home is to stalk the web page exactly one month before your desired departure date. In about three days, the 700euros for two ways will turn to 500euros. A deal I learned.

Yes, after more than a year, I'm home for a special occasion. It's been a while.

Dubai Airport is home to many International travelers, especially those having connection flights from the east to the west and vice versa. As grand as it is, many shops and duty free deals are awaiting to entertain your transit hours. As for me, I was wondering around alone and somehow felt a little uncomfortable with people staring funnily at me. The trick is to just act cool. Everybody noes that. LOL

Going left after the escalator, I wondered around the shops. Trying to see if anything is out there searching for a master. Book shops, liquor shelves, cosmetics, I was hoping for delicious handbags. Not much choices. They do have Guess, C Audiger and Ferragamo.

Checking out on Gold prices. Counters are separated according to minerals and their percentage. People were buying off counter jewelery like a sale bargain due to the drop of the gold price recently. And talking about Gold prices, I've heard that they are cheaper in the Dubai terminals. At 188Euros for 5g, I think the prices does not vary much from anywhere else.

I walked the end of the rows of shops. Further down opens a food court. I turned my 180 and went the other direction. Something appeals to me. Mmm.. a yummy fruit smoothies stall. I can't avoid things fruity no matter how much I try. Especially if it has mangoes. Killer ones. A good thing is that it's healthy and yes, helps my digestion. I ordered a mango Smoothie and took a Strawberry and white chocolate muffin. maybe I'll have it for breakfast. It's actually only 1900 hrs back in Germany. Dinner maybe.

By the time I walked the other half of the shop rows, I'm down to half of my smoothie. Maybe I'll stop by at the MAC counter. My intention was to have them pluck my eyebrows for me. I ended up buying a eyebrow pencil and they don't do trimming at counters. 5 Dirham change. Maybe I'll buy date I thought. then I was too lazy to turn back.

I walked to the terminal gate waiting for my call. 3 more hours. A book for 20 minutes, Vampire Diaries for 10 and the rest, I spent it talking to the Aunty next to me who was transiting from New York to go back to KL. I spent quit a lot of time talking to random people recently.

Plane Boarding

2011-02-14T09:20:00.000+01:00

I'm leaving in a short while.

A secret place.

I can't honestly say I hate this life.

New time zone coming up! Have a great week everyone =)

Paris : Esmeralda meets Quasimodo

2011-02-08T13:03:00.001+01:00

The last time I was in Paris, I didn't have the time to step into this real life Disney cartoon architecture (boo me. I know Northe Dame from The Hunchback). One thing I remembered was the kids feeding birds outside, like a real Disney cartoon.

Norte Dame de Paris. Our Lady ~~Peace~~ of Paris which stands tall by the River Seine.
In the cold winter, there's no place better to go than to take shelter inside mystical buildings, walking the same trace as historians.

Too bad we couldn't go up to the belltower because of the weather. Nevertheless, stepping into this cathedral was magical. it was likea beautifully decorated cave with pretty windows. Everything seemed mystical and new wonders of how long things would survive lingers in my head. I felt like Nancy Drew.

Pretty glass stained windows aka Gothis Archi

The very place the Coronation of Napolean I took place. Picture form The Louvre.

There was a Christmas Carolling session up front. It was the 23rd of December.

The cross.

Overcoming death and the symbol of freedom in Christ.

Paris : Meeting Mona Lisa

2011-02-08T12:49:00.001+01:00

We arrived Paris safely. But the next day was really horrible. We could have died frozen.

Fighting the cold

Our shelter in time of need. Good thing not all tourist sites are outdoor. That'll be very cruel in the winter.

I think I have posted on The Louvre during my Summer visit. At that time, we did'nt go in the museum because staying out was so much fun compared to being indoors in the summer. But hey, winter had to come. A good place to spend time when the weather outside is raging mad.

So, what's so special about The Louvre? If you watch Mr bean The Movie during your youngerdays, maybe you can guess it right. The Loure is the residing place for the famouse Mona Lisa painting.

The Mona Lisa painting is yet the most famous in the world. (Pray that your camwhore photos become one too). Do the Mona Lisa smile.

In the Mr Bean Movie, the painting was huge very poster like. In real life, it's just a small painting the size of two A4 papers put together.

Squeezing in to see Mona Lisa. I'm very short compared to every other people here (probably like Napolean).

Since 1503

And the crowd coming to see her.

Looks like a JB concert ey?

Basically The Louvre is an art museum with 35 thousand art collections from over centuries. This was the Palace during the Medieval, Renaissance and Bourbon period. The Museum is Divided into eight parts if I'm not mistaken. With three entrances.

Note : EU Students with Student Visa gets free entrance.

Painting Gallery

The Greek Sculptures

Another famous sculpture : The Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Its a sculpture of the Greek Goddess Nike which means Victory.

Nike means victory. Something new learned today.

Polaroid 0702 : Play Nice Aunty

2011-02-08T12:07:00.000+01:00

Went to buy some goodies to bring home.

The weather has been quite feverish lately thus the muddy soil on the site of the new supermarket that I had to overcome.

My 2 year old Sneakers are already worn out.

Care to get me a new one?

Polaroid 0602 : Study Mode

2011-02-08T12:04:00.000+01:00

What better way to spend your Sunday night productively.

(just because we're havings exams at 0830 hrs the next day).

Betriebswirtschafslehrer : doublechecked!!

Polaroid 0502 : Happy Birthday Fazrul!

2011-02-05T01:41:00.003+01:00

My second Polaroid edited snap.

I just came back from celebrating Fazruls 23rd birthday.

Happy 23rd Birthday Fazrul!

Polaroid 0402 : Top the Cake

2011-02-05T01:37:00.003+01:00

When I see a Plaroid Photo, it takes me to those days when I was still in primary school. Cameras at that time were expensive and there was this magical stuff called the Polariod. And instant film devoloping item. It always looked so fun especially when starred in music videos where people would play around with it taking shots of their friends.

One Polarid I certainly would never forget was this:

The Spice Girls Polaroid.

I doubt if it ever entered the Malaysian market. There was someone in primary school who had it. I think she got it from the US.

I saw a photoblog by Nono Fara and she's doing this Polaroid Project which I think is kinda fun to do. In other words, I want to do it too. =D

So for each day in the month of Febuary I'll take a photo of a subject that revolves around me and change it into Polaroid. Maybe a good way to see what are the small simple things that are a part of my life. Nostalgia

Here's my first. A Pandora Charm.

Febuary is a great month for Birthdays!!

From Italy to France

2011-02-03T13:52:00.001+01:00

Hello, I'm just back from the exam hall. I had to feed my eyes to CNN to hit the reality button that I'm very blessed despite my exams being *two thumbs up*. Sarcasm.

Maybe just a little update on my family trip to Paris.

Arrived safely through a snow storm. Chunks of snow the size of marshmellows fall rapidly accompanied by the wind. That night, the night of our arrival, we were so tired. The bus ride from the Ryanair Paris Airport (Beauvais) is roughly two hours away from the town itself. Got our room in the Villa Fenelon around Cadet which is a (many pebbels to throw) stone throw away from the Gare du Nord. 30€ per person per night for a 3 person Private room. Very worth it!

Drenched due to the weather, my sister and I still went out to get food. We were soo hungry. Most places were closed but thankfully there was a Chinese Restaurant at the block behind. We 'tapau-ed' food like it was Siang-siang corner and had dinner in the room.

The morning after : The storm did'nt seem to want to stop. It just got worse. So we stayed in till almost noon. We had our complimentry breakfast sent to our room for free.

Scrambled eggs, a basket of rolls and your choice of morning beverage : Coffee Tea Milk or Chocolate.

It was more than fullfilling. I didn't remember having lunch.

Firenze : The sky was moody

2011-02-01T19:21:00.002+01:00

We made a day trip to Florence. And the weather was far off. it was so not good. We were freezing cold. It was raining and wind was blowing so strongly. Anything beyond 100m from our sight was just plain misty. So we decided to take a tour bus.

We got to see Florence in one ride though, sparing the energy of our legs and frozen sweat.

Nothing is more Italian than Vespa scooters.

It was very misty. (and COLD!) Took this picture while the bus couldn't turn into the corner because there was a van blocking. It was like a very typical scene in Italy. *honking shouting in Italian and a handful of gestures*

The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge" in Italian)

This bridge has shops along it which was very common in the Medieval times. The sight of this brige reminds me of the movie : Perfume The Story of a Murderer. If you have not watched that movie yet, i reckon you do.

Firenze Duomo. Since 1436.

This amazing masterpiece took years to be done. Every single sculpture and design was made to perfection. It was like a puzzle put together. Everything to specification. Very intricate.

Inside the Duomo. Duomo means Cathedral in Italian. And this particular one is the biggest in Italy.

Duomo sounds like something Pitbull would say or sing. Como? (nvmd. different story)

The inside of the largest brick dome ever constructed.

Have fun painting with a stiff neck.

We were attracted to this candle stand.

While busy taking lots and lots of pictures, then my camera went SD card is full. 8GB isn't enough.
So we decided to copy the pictures into a DVD in a Photoshop by the Duomo. They sell items almost 3 times the regular price! A 16GB memory card was sold for 120€.

We had to wait about 20 minutes for the DVD to be burned. It was starting to rain. We went to take shelter in a cosy cafe in the alley.

to die for : at 45°

I almost died eating the pasta. It was the most delicious ever Fungi Pasta that ever melted in my mouth. The softness the creamy-ness. It was everything I could ever want in a pasta. Since I never say no to mushrooms. I'm not really a big fan of pastas. But this one.. *faints*

After having my sisters share of pasta, and another bowl for me alone, we went off to see David in the Galleria dell' Accademia. David and Goliath was one of my favourite Bible story. David, the youngest of this brothers killed the giant Goliath with a sligshot. But this David crafted by Michealangelo was many time bigger than Goliath. Pictures were not allowed in the Museum.

After th Arts center, we kind of got lost. We were desprate to go back to the train station but instead, went in a circle. Than we had our time walking through the Italian version of Petaling Street.

Designer Labels majority have their siblings born in Italy. But they do cater to normal people too aka replica items.

MIA : End of Semester

2011-01-26T00:37:00.000+01:00

So, I have'nt been posting up anything lately since my last post on my magical tooth. It's healing quite better now. I went for a check up at the dentist yesterday. Turns out that he had platered my gums with somthing I'm not really sure of. Looks like glue paste which tasted quite bitter. Swelling is still visable, he said that it would take longer to heal because of the size of the tooth taken out. Anyway, I'm fine. Praise God.

Anyways, I've been quite busy lately due to exams. Obviously shown by the picture above. That's the only availabe space for me to step on. Yeap. That fast. I think time is starting to race against the speed of light. In 2 weeks time, it'S the end of the Winter Semester. Than a Winter break for a month.

Starting Thursday : Automotive Technology

Next week : Physics, Electronics, Production Technology, Metrology

The week after : Engineering Business and Machine Elements.

All right.

Viel Glück!!

Tooth Story

2011-01-21T14:26:00.000+01:00

I've been having a terrible toothache since last weekend. The result of eating snails, which I mistakenly thought was oysters. I could'nt sleep peacefully for a few nights, and all I did was swollow Paracetamols to ease the pain. Than a friend of mine suggested that I gargled salt water. It helped a lot. Pain free for the next few days.

On Monday morning I woke up with a throbing jaw. Not easy on the last week of the semester. I could'nt take it any longer. The pain was overpowering my mental ability. So I searched on Google Maps for the nearest Dentist. I called up and steeled for an appoinment on Thursday, which was yesterday. They did'nt have any earlier slots since most of the days were already booked.

I thought my teeth were fine because the pain went away. Damn, I was so wrong. It was my first visit to the Dentist as long as my stay here is. I only went in for a check up. I did'nt have to pay the 10€ fee.

The nurse brought me 2 the x-ray room for an x-ray of my teeth. Then I seated at the dentist chair waiting for him. The nurse came in and put the x-ray of my teeth on the screen in front of me. Happily i was proud of my healthy set of teeth, which still has no sign of imperfection. Than I saw something. Something alien. It looks like this. This was taken from Google ok.

Mine was on the right side. The victim that made my life miserable for the last two years. I have a horizontal wisdom tooth impact. Not good kids.Stupid tooth.

I asked the dentist if I could have it out immediately. He told me to come back the next day, which is today. Appointment at 10pm. I went with a beating heart. I thought to myself a few times that I needed to go to the toilet. I have a nervous toilet syndrom.

So today, I had my wisdom teeth out. Two of them since the one above is not needed too. It seems kind of hard for the dentist to work on my stubborn tooth.

At 20minutes :
Dentist : bin gleich fertig. (will be done in a minute)

At 23 minutes : (saying to the assisting nurse)
Dentist : ahh.. das geht nicht. (does'nt work) *gets the grill again*

He was struggling and digging my tooth just to get it out, moving my head for side to side. I cried in pain a few times and he had to inject me with anesthetic twice during the extraction.

Honestly, I have high respect for the dentist. He was really struggling with my demented tooth. You want to know how he did it? He cut the tooth into three pieces just to take it out. Ouch! Horrofiying!! My eyes were close the whole time.

Stupidly I was calculating rotational speed as I was listening to the drill. Reminds me of the Milling and Turning machine. Pfftt.. WTH. Than I turned my distraction to Justin Bieber while singing Eeenie Meenie in my head. Thank You JB. =P

Moral of the story : Visit your Dentist often. If there's pain, ask for an x-ray.

Venezia : Mystical Romance

2011-01-16T16:51:00.000+01:00

When people think about Venice, it's always a about love and romance.

Do you? I know I did. I've always wanted Venice to be on the top of my honeymoon list. But than again, that was before I visited it. I didn't really have to wait for my honeymoon. Now I'll have to search elsewhere.

One thing about Venice is, there's actually not much to do there. It's a massive lybrinth of small shops and designer outlets and going places would be like getting lost like Alice in Wonderland. Try your luck. You just might end up in a street leading directly into the waters. No bridge?? Again? *gostan2*

It's a mystical place. Something very magical yet soft on the inside. There's no other place on earth like Venice. The city is built on low mud banks and floods regularly. Though it still manage to attract 14 million visitors yearly.

The main transportation in Venice is the water bus. Cars are not to be found in Venice. Gondola rides are mainly for tourists and are extremely expensive. It usually starts at 80€ for 40minutes. And additional minutes are charged at a sky shooting rate. You can book gondolas online, but in Venice itself, there are sure to be cheaper ones if the Gondoliers are willing to give you a discount. We did not go on a gondola ride because it was 2°c and windy.

Gondolas have been a symbol of Venice and its romantic landscape. Its shape and size is crafted specially to go through its narrow canals.

Hotels are absolutely expensive. No doubt it's a real pretty place. But I really don't know what to do there. It's more of a place for art museums and church visits. Getting lost in its tiny streets. The Grand Canal, from Rialto to San Marco is known as the most beautiful street in the world.

If I ever return to Venice, I'll make sure it'll be during the Masquerade Carnival. Now that makes Venice even more mysterious.

One day I'll return. When it's not winter.

Roma : A penny for a hope to return

2011-01-15T11:50:00.002+01:00

This first time I saw the Fontana Trevi was in Lizzie McGuire The Movie. Since than, me and my sister knew we had to step those same steps Lizzie McGuire did. Our wish to find our Italiano Signore. So we would never miss this romantic and amazing wishing well during our visit to Rome. (Actually, it was our main reason to go to Rome since young)

It was crowded by tourists and also people who demand pay for them to take your pictures using their Poloroid cameras. It was impossible to put up a tripod in d midst of the crowd. Some pictures were taken by my sisters compact camera and they look awsome. So awsome pictures in this post are from her camera.

Fontana di Trevi

25.9 meters high and 19.8 meters wide

The Trevi Fountain was designed by Nicolo Salvi and completed in 1762. The carved, marble centrepiece is a large shell pulled by two sea-horses and driven by two tritons, from which a majestic statue representing the ocean emerges

Why do people throw coins in the Fontana Trevi?

A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.

This fountain earns Rome 3000€ daily. Coins are collected at night and is used to subside a supermarket for the needy people in Rome. Now we know our wishes helps people right?

Looking at the size and structure of this fountain, we know that no artist of today could make a masterpiece like that.

Italia : The Holy Sea

2011-01-09T19:15:00.005+01:00

After a visit to the Colosseum, we took the Metro Line A to Ottaviano San Pietro. The Metro Station which leads us to the Vatican City. The sky was already turning grey and rain started to pour. It was really cold and pictures looked quite dull due to lack of sunlight. So much for a dull grey Sunday.

Nevertheless, here we are at the worlds smallest state. The Holy Vatican, the world capital of Catholicism. Also a UNESCO World Heritage.

It's a city consisting of only 826 (as of July 2009) people living here.

St Peters Basillica

It also holds the largest religious building in the world, the basilica of St Peter, which is erected over the tomb of St Peter the Apostle. The Basilica was not filled with sculptures for a reason that the Christians worship idols. Blessing the house of God with your gifts was what Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderna did. They were great artists, painters and sculpturers. Thus, the great artwork in the basilica.

The ceiling of the basilica entrance

Even their basin for the Holy water is glamorous!!

Far left is the Baldacchino which stands below Michelangelo's huge dome.

It stands above St Peter's tomb.

The St Peters basillica overlooks the Piazza San Pietro, which was laid out between 1656 and 1667.

Piazza San Pietro

Due to weather and time constraint, we did'nt pay a visit to the Vatican Museum which houses the Sistine Chapel (which is used when electing a new Pope), Rapheal Rooms and not forgetting the worlds most important art collection.

The Vatican Museum is truly known also for its long ques which could extend, surrounding the city. A tip from Max, our apartment host, is to pay a visit to the museum at 2pm because that's when there would be less people lining up.

Roma : The Colosseum

2011-01-09T18:15:00.000+01:00

The greatest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire. Who doesn't know about the Colesseum. It is a world renoun icon of Rome. A must for all visitors to Rome.

Three tier of columns. Conrinthian, Ionic and Doric.

The Colesseum was constructed between the 70 to 72 AD by emperors of the Flavian Dynasty. It took two emperors and eight years to design and build it.

This place was more or less a war zone stadium. Shown only the best players and those who can't go on, will meet thier destiny. The light at the end of the road. The usual entertainment was combat between gladiators, the killing of prisoners by animals, and even battle between ships.

The Colosseum could seat up to 55,000 people and they would be seated according to their social status. In those times, it was impossible to ever change your social status. The emperor and his family would sit on the lowest level, the upper classes on the next level up and the commoners and women at the very top levels
Admissions to the Colosseum was free but everyone must a ticket. It is because the arena has a seating chart for each of its spectators. Each ticket was marked with a seat number, a tier number and a sector number which indicated the correct entrance gate.

Public entrances were numbered providing easy access to the allocated seats, while entrances for the higher authorities did not have numbers.

The emperor could also access the Colosseum through a special tunnel which is connected to the Imperial Palace.

I warn you, no climbing.

The best seats in the Colosseum are on the Podium. They were reserved for the most elite Romans which includes the emperor and royal family, nobles, senators, important priests or visiting dignitaries. The Emperor had his own special seat in the Arena, named The Imperial box was raised above the podium.

The Arena floor is usually covered with sand, presumably to soak bloodshed and make it easier to clean away during and after battle.

The maze looking structured walls below the arena floor (half shown on the picture above) was used as holding cells for gladiators or animals.

Ok, you must be bored looking at pictures of buildings and sceneries.

So here's a family picture after a kind lady helped us took one because somebody doesn't know how to operate the camera.

Roma : What a sight your Majesty

2011-01-05T00:59:00.002+01:00

This ground once was a place of residance of emperors and aristocrats. The Palatine Hill. The famous of the seven hills of Rome.

According to legends, it was on this hill that the twins Romulus and Remus were found in the Lupercal Cave by their four-legged shepherd mother. Ultimately, this is where Romulus decided to build the city. It was also on this hill that the Roman Empire began.

And how great it was to watch over your kingdom upon this sight. I would too build my empire here.

One of my favourite shots.

Reading overlooking Rome.

Augustus, Cicero, and Marc Antony (Marcus Antonius) all had homes on this hill and at one point, the entire hill was filled with imperial palaces.
It was like the Beverly Hills of the past.

Now, in ruins, it looks like a place where terrorists and counter terrorists have their fun time.

*Counter terrorist wins!*

Of course no palace would miss a garden. Some withstood time.

And in my kingdom, they'll be trees of oranges. Which makes the place neturally smell of citrus.

Off with their heads!! Stealing my oranges you tourists.

And I wonder what would I be if I was born hundreds of years ago..

Roma : Pick up a shovel

2011-01-05T00:38:00.000+01:00

It's time to be an archeologist. We all know how blessed the soil of Rome is. For centuries it has be walked on by millions of people who have made it into history books (which also results in a thick one).

It's not time that I go into the Colleseum. In fact, it's not only the Colleseum that's important. The whole place is a part of history.

For those planning to visit Rome and do all stuff that a Roman has done, do think about getting a Roma Pass (at 27€). A pass valid for three days which allows free entries to two historical places (museums, ancient sites, Colleseum etc) and also rides on major public transports. It can be bought online or at any newspaper kiosk or tourist info counter.

So where was I? Owh, the Roman Forum also known as Foro Romano.
Reminds me so much of the Agora market place in Athens. A business district, also a civic center. It was later expanded to house temples, a senate house and law courts. All things an empire needs.

During the time of Caesar, Rome was the heart of the empire. That was the time evenmore things happened in the Forum. A place for celebrations and important events. In the Imperial era, it became the symbol of the great empire.

Temple ruins

A place that once upon a time had its glory days.

Roma : Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

2011-01-03T18:40:00.001+01:00

After the terrifiying flight the night before, it was thankfully a good day indeed. The sun was smiling and things were good. We took our time and made it a good day. Starting off at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, which was only a 3 minute walk from our accomodation, SixBeds which is an amazing apartment style hostel to stay in.

Largest major Church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which once became a temporary place for the Popes.

Nothing beats an ancient Cathedral with its the best work of art from the past. Sculptures.

Amazing art work both in ...

... and out of the Basilica.

The back part of the Basilica.

Day Number 365

2010-12-31T01:39:00.000+01:00

So once again, the last day of the year 2010. Day number 365.

The 1st of January is just another day, and counting in this unpermanant life. Like a river that flows. So do days.

I was (am actually, present tense. Still is) on Facebook. Looks like 2010 have been quite a rough year for a lot of us, an unfortunatly, I'm not excluded.

I thought this year has been quite a terrible one. I think I spent 40% of this year crying in bed. Not something good. Lots have been done and have not been done and yes, that's the past.

But to look back again, Amen this year has changed me in quite a lot of was. I made some impossible possible. I walked thorgh the streets of Paris with my two best friends, and had a Europe Vacation with my family. Travelled a lot more places this year. Something I would have never thought of. It's mind blowing actually. Boggling. Bogglyy..

See God makes things happen right? In the midst of brokeness and despair, still I managed a smile, and still the sun comes out to play during the monsoon. Like they say, they a silver lining on every cloud. Or something like that.

Turns out, this horrendous year was not so bad after all.

Spare a smile for 2011. God will be there before you in every way.