Last post for the year...2005

I finally managed to finished whatever I stayed back for. Hope it's all good. Lucky for me, a friend came over couple of days back, he drove all the way from home. I'm goin back with him tomorrow morning. Until next year...
Happy New Year!!!

Home will have to wait :(

There goes my year end break! Boss called today.

"Hey...how are you?...there is something i wanna discuss with you....was hoping if you could postpone your leave till next year...this is critical time...we need your help...rushing for this...would appreciate if you could help...I hope you dont have anything planned out...If you really do and cant stay, hmmm...well you might wanna hand over your things to others but then...we do hope you can stay and help. Would appreciate it if you do...bla bla bla... "

...and i wasn't paying attention anymore. Unintentionally - I don't know why. I just lost it. Guess its somehow familiar. I had several flashbacks when i heard the few very often used keywords by my ex-big boss. Sighs. At least now, it's not his voice talking...and I'm glad for this.

So there goes my holiday...till further notice. It's time for me to go sell chicken rice, at least I don't have to worry about leave anymore...maybe just the chicken or the flu.
It doesnt kill, but it still stings like a bee in the a$$. Phummph!

Christmas came...and gone...

Been pretty tiring these few days...loads of work to do when it comes to year end...family coming over for a visit...friend having some problems that needs attention...and the list goes on....

last year christmas eve...i was having this with 20 over people...hmmm...i kinda miss those moments now...well, guess its - got till its gone...

Hon Kouk Kun's Korean BBQ
this year...my aunt and cousins came...brought them around places...and stuff...its not bad too, just rather tired thats all...oh yah...i bought a lil present for myself for christmas... :)
My New Laptop Bag (front)
My New Laptop Bag (back)

Happy Boxing Day!

Year in Review

Saw something on MSN today and decided I might write something similar for myself.
So here's what I have done/achieved/screwed up/etc during this year of the 2005.

1. Most significant change this year would be my Xth job hop. Yeah, close friends have commentted on how often I did such thing...but hey, i always welcome that as an encouragement...only the capable ones can HOP...not everyone can [-( hahahaha

2. I've yet put on MORE weight...gee...bloated my a$$ off now. I'm now 5kilos MORE than last year at this time. Nice one.

3. My longer hair is now shorter and neat. Grown bored and weary of the old style, so I changed it recently to a much cleaner cut. Luv it since.

4. A close relative was diagnosed with cancer. Sighs. People around me getting ill by the day. I sincerely hope...that everything would turn out to be better next year. Enough of illness already.

5. My new passion for more gaming and less working. This is bad I know. Just couldn't help it. Again, I hope I'll find new motivation soon.

6. Europe. Yeah. That's related to point No. 1. But anyway...without my new job, I couldn't have spent 3 months (boring months!) in the little town of Mestre, Venezia, Italy. Good and bad. Now that I'm back in Asia, I'd say its GOOD :)

7. Most of my friends got married this year. Like they said, 'At this age, you will have alot...and alot more will follow'. Well...I hope they all don't just follow in a chain, without those lil breaks in between (few months at least)...else most of my income would have to follow them too :(

8. I'm picking up books again! At last, a positive change. Can't remember when did I actually finish a book. But this year, I have finished 5 in total. Good number for a start.

9. My eyesight is getting bad. I'm -375 now on both eyes. Lucky for me...its STILL-BOTH eyes. Seems to have been consistent for the past few years. So only 1 box of cons needed each time I buy. Cost-saving during low-on-cash season :D

10. ...and I started to blog. Hmmm...I wonder next year; this time...would I still be blogging?

Uneventful events

There hasn't been a day that does not rain lately. Almost every morning...noon or after work, it would pour if not drizzle. I have my umbrella with me in my bag now. And everyday I seem to be able to make use of the weight i have to carry with me.

Last weekend, I was back home again. I was back home the week before...I guess one of the good thing about being here is this- being able to go home whenever u want, whenever u feel like it. I suppose I have mentioned this before some time ago.
It's the school holiday now...can hardly get a ticket to go home last week. I managed to get a one way trip back...but for the return, I need to go a long way to another place, foreign to me...and bought myself a 55dollars ticket. Yes, it is for a single trip. And who would have thought in the end, i didnt get to utilize this 'NICE++' bus ticket...instead, i ended up paying an extra RM35 for another (that comes with a complimentary-3 bars of soap)...and an 8 hours long journey...from my home to here. It was a horrible experience which I promised myself not repeat in this life.

An old acquaintance came over last nite. Haven't seen him for years since I left my ex-ex-ex company. People change overtime...some to good...some worse. In his case, I suppose if its for me to judge, i'd say its the 'worst' i've seen so far. Extremely sensitive, offensive (and defensive), obnoxious, arrogant, vulgar and everything bad imaginable. Words just cant describe him more. But all these things; I suppose I should somehow feel LUCKY in a way, he did not impose on me. But to some other friends of mine which I've known for ages. Sitting in front of me over dinner, he's still able to draw a decent smile and continue in a decent conversation...though partially maybe because i'm being cautious and selective with my words most of the time. Anyhow, I was rather strucked by these drastic changes in him...perhaps something might have happened...that brought him to who he is now. Sighs. Life is truely amazing...every twist of fate makes a new turn for an unimaginable surprise.

No longer a kiddy show.

Wasn't expecting to watch this so soon. While I was flipping thru Today's pages...saw this ad, and initially... I was thinking to catch it this weekend when I'm back in Malaysia. Somehow, I was feeling rather...bored. So I went for it here last nite on it's first day of opening.

Pretty lengthy show...almost 2 and half hours. All in all, it's a good show. I kinda like the plots and effects. This show ain't the same as its first few episodes anymore, kids are now teens, stories are more...mature-like now. I guess they do realize that their readers/movie-goers have grown up with the characters too. Certain scenes are kinda scary too. Definitely worth a watch.

The Puking Me

Last Friday...after dinner, I went to the 70th floor of Swissotel-The New Asia Bar for a couple of drinks. A couple. Initially. But due to someone's doing, I end up drinking more than i can take. A corona, a cooler, a beer, an ice-tea (long island). A couple of stirs and shakes in the MRT. Thats enough to make a make me puke all over the mrt floor :-& Not to mentioned...i didnt managed to finished the 'tea' else I would probably be puking all along the journey back. Such an embarrassing moment, but I guess at that time...I was just too high on alcohol to be bothered.

Come to think of it, I've never get that high for such a long time. I thought I could held it in...but after a couple of shakes in the MRT...I knew I was losing it. In the end, I gave up 3 mouthfuls...all over the MRT floor and...some on my shoes...some on my bag...some on an unlucky soul's shoes.

Why the sky is so high?

I have a seat by the window, full-floored...with a great view of the Capital Tower and Singapore Air's building and the sky as the backdrop. I like it alot :)
Maybe next time I'll take a pic and post it here.

Its kinda bored in the office lately, havent been doing much for a week now...actually, not having much to do to would be more precise.

Found this short story on the internet, pretty interesting.

Its a free world after all...?

Sometime ago, I read about people getting caught writing blogs, being put to jail because of whatever they wrote on their blogs. Criticism or whatever. Be it good or bad, cant people have any say to what they think? It seems like there are still certain rules that hinder us from speaking whats in our mind. Don't know if there is anywhere in this world with a 'true' freedom of speech in practise. Or perhaps the phrase 'Freedom of Speech' is not so self-explainatory after all?

There are lots of things that happen around us everyday, but maybe due to its sensitive nature...these things are being 'covered' up either by the people on top. Maybe the intention is good, so that it doesnt lead to any unneccessary unrest among the people or cause any chaotic uprising. The truth hurts sometimes, but who's to say what to contain and what not? Who's to draw the line? ABOUT's blog mentioned about her mom's anger towards the neighbour who happens to be a 'somebody'. Is it true that...when you're a 'somebody'...you can do what others can-NOT.

A healthier me

Recently, I think I am beginning to see some small changes in me. I used to like fried stuff. KFC and such. No 'soupy' stuff for me. Not if I have a choice. But somehow, as of late...I'm beginning to like...or should I say 'try' to accept soup-based food. Health concious or a change in taste, I'm still yet to find out myself.

I signed up for Yoga two weeks ago. Have attended two classes since. Felt better by the day. Can't wait for my 3rd one tomorrow evening. Life is good now. Or at least, I hope it will be. I'm beginning to get symptoms of a flu again. As i wrote these lines, my nostrils felt rather 'watery' and I have twice, wiped off the 'water' with my right fore finger...and yes, im still typing :) it's drying quick.

My first yoga class two weeks ago went pretty well. I can almost feel the effect right after the 1 hour class. Very much energized. As if I could stay awake the whole day. And that night, the sleep was flawless. Sound- till the next morning.
Somehow, the after-effects came pretty soon, the next morning I felt the pain and it stayed on for the next two days.

Second class last week was slightly better, not as much pain as before. I guess I'm gonna have to put in more time, patience and alot of discipline into this one. But knowing me, I might actually give up anytime soon. Let's just hope my 2 years contract is worth the $ this time.

Seasonal Rain

I have almost...forgotten that I have this blog to maintain. Just realized how forgetful I am getting these days. Perhaps I'm already growing old.

The trip back home last week was a fun one. The bus was very comfortable. Its almost as good as Business Class on your regular airlines, only this one...it takes 5 and half hours to reach KL instead of 1 hour. And...not to mention the occasional, goin up and down for immigration checks and a resting stop.

On my way back last Sunday, I had a tummy ache. I was trying to hold back and was pouring cold sweat already, but the bus has yet some distance to cover before we reach our destination. So I had to dare myself and make a request to the driver to stop after almost 20minutes of endurement. He said we are almost at the one stop we have to make before our arrival. Can I hold for another few kilometers? I took a gulp of cold air in and held it there. Nod. And walked back to my seat. There, I was straining very hard deep down below for another 10mins or so before I rush off into the emergency room once the bus has stopped. So much for having a good experience with bus.

The season's changing lately. The sky would just turn dark and pour heavily without warning and then after an hour or so, turned bright again as if nothing has happend. I wonder why the weather can change so drastically now. Or has it always been like this before, just that I'm too ignorant to realise?

An ex colleague has been in Singapore for a few days now. I met him for lunch earlier on. We talked about the old times, though we were not that close back in Jakarta...at least he still make an effort to call me out and do lunch, which I'm kinda glad. Friends don't come easy. It takes two; plus alot of effort to foster and to maintain.

Going Home...Again

Hasn't been able to write much or in the mood to write at all. I guess...it's beginning to fade, something which I have anticipated since the very early of my creation of this blog. Or perhaps, its just my mood being mingled with.

I've been sitting in office for the past 2 days...not doin much. There wasn't any work for me. I guess playing a 'support' role is sometimes tiring. Sitting here and doing nothing is actually far more worse than at least having something to do. I've been spotted staring blanking at empty space for at least twice now, other times I think I unintentionally did that too. Didn't get enough of good rest lately.

I'm heading home tonight. My bus leaves Golden Mile at 7:30pm. My first bus trip home...hmmm hope its fun :) Being close to home is good.

Turning on a new 'live'

Recently, there has been quite a lot of changes when I get back to Singapore. I had to find my own place to stay now. And though I know from the very beginning that this day would come, somehow...it is still not so easy to adept or even accept. I guess I cant help but to feel a lil depressed and lost. Lucky for me, a friend had a place to rent out, so I jump on the chance. Though I'm now settled in the new place, it's somehow...different...the feeling i'm getting is still a lil awkward and...hmmm...perhaps this is the first time ever i'm moving out on my own...renting a place with a friend. The last time when I was in Jakarta, things were different. I dont get this sort of feeling. I hope it'll pass soon.

I have to work from 11 to 8 now. Sort of trying to support my european colleagues over what I've been doing for the past 3 months there. Sighs...why do i get so easily depressed lately? Hmm...I need a break I guess. Somehow, I think I'm losing myself.

It was raining almost the whole of today, my day and mind are both clouded. Grey and gloomy. As I walked to the mall opposite where I'm staying now...while waiting for the lights to change...I cant help but to think...Everyday seems to be a routine that I live out just for the sake getting through it. I don't know what I'm feeling or want in life anymore. At least for now, I don't. Perhaps I'm saying all these because I'm not in the right mood...if that's the case...I would be glad, for it will usually be gone sooner than I think, or if I'm wrong...I would be stuck with this emotional self of mine for quite some time...Hopefully tomorrow when I wake up, I'll feel different.

Home and Back

Ahhh...can never get too long a holiday. One week seems just too short. I barely have enough time to catch all my friends for a meetup. And some are even harder to get in touch with than I thought. I guess when we get older, friends tend to get lesser. Sighs...one of those small lil regrets in life *again*.

Just got back to Singapore on Monday. Was busy and tired since then. Not quite in the mood to update this blog. Did once early, but the session has timed-out...and I lost my post again...for the fifth of sixth time already...and its really frustrating. Can never write the same thing again.

Life in Asia is bliss. When I was back in Malaysia last week, I took the commuter to almost all my outings if possible. Just to look at the sky, the trees and the people...I know its silly, but somehow it felt good. I guess I have really missed home. When I went down for lunch on Monday, ahh....another bliss...the varieties. No more pasta-of-the-day or will-make-do-for-now chinese food for lunch. I guess I'm just another typical Asian :)

Its finally here!

Finally, my countdown ticker is over. It seems like eternity. Anyway, glad that it's now here.

I've not been in the mood to post or write since last week. Had a few attempts at it, but each time I gave up...discarding or saving the post which never gets published (which is never completed anyway).

Goin home in 2 hours. It's gonna a be a long and tiring one. Since I've got some time before my taxi arrives, I thought I'd leave a short post here before I go off.

3 months have been a pretty lengthy time. Especially in a town like this where not everyone speaks your tongue and life is boring. Can't wait to get home.

Till I have the mood to post again ;)
Ciao2.

Counting down the days

Recently, I've been quite motivated to finish whatever I have on hand. I wouldn't want to increase my chances of coming back to this place again. 3 months is long enough to torture my homey soul to the max. Besides, fall is almost here...winter is next. I wouldn't wanna be here when all that happens. Chill wind has been rising lately, blowing constantly despite the sky's gray or the sun's shining. Everyone is showing some slight symptoms of catching cold. I am not spared too.

Talks have been going on...emails have been flying around...the decision has yet to come. Though, I'd be expecting something final, some time this week. So far, everything seems well. I have made myself clear to the 'necessary' parties that I would 'prefer' not to come back here anytime soon. And by the look at things, so far...I think everything's cool. Let's just hope I'm not wrong.

Anyway my flight has been confirmed for next Friday and with my visa's expiry coming up soon...I am bound to go back no matter. Whether I'll be back again after a week's break back home...fate decides.

17th & 18th September - Cloudy & Rainy

For the past few weekends, I've been frequenting Venice more than ever. Now that I'm determined not to make any more long-haul trips and to take it easy for the rest of my remaining days here, I guess I have nothing else left to do when weekend comes.

Yesterday, like my past few trips into the city...i had something to achieve. I'm going in to get some Wings from Burger King. But after a few attempts to 're'-locate that shop...i failed miserably. Lost in those winding streets...I just cant seem to recall...how to get there anymore. It must have been my 5th or 6th time, rounding that area...till i gave up...bought a gelato...and asked for direction, which I should have done so earlier on...but i guess i was either too stubborn or...too shy ;")

The direction was pretty simple, "head straight on...take the first right turn...across the bridge...the first open area, that's where it is". And indeed it was. I knew it was somewhere close...but I just kept goin around it. Anyway, I had a BIG BOSS burger for eat-in and packed another 2 boxes of wings to take away for my dinner.

I got home at about 5pm. The sky starts to rumble in the horizon...and after a while, rain starts pouring down. It didnt stop...till this morning, then it started again. I think it's probably gonna rain till late tonight. So much for having MOONCAKE. Well, i've got the cake alrite...guess there wont be any moon to see.

Fruits on sale
It was shipped in by boat like these

Plenty of tees, all colourful and cheap
Rialto Bridge, always crowded with tourists wanting to snap a picture home
The sky's turning grey when I'm heading back
When i was heading back, I saw this: A continuation from my BAD BAG post last week. This is an example of the authority chasing down the illegal traders. Somehow, its like those VCD/DVD seller back in Asia. They have had a 'lookout' or some sort. Notice the way the way looking at that direction and already packing their goods? :)
This is what they saw coming their way :)

The Moon and The Cake

It's this weekend i was told. Being far far away from home is something which I find quite frustrating sometimes. It's one of these moments, that I miss home even more. Though i dont fancy mooncake much, just for the sake of living some Asian (Chinese) moments here...I bought a box of Mooncake last week from the chinese grocery store. I'm getting it earlier just because I've seen the rack a week earlier and it was quite filled with the number of available boxes...but last week...half the rack was gone...so I had to get my hands on one before the actual week. A single yolk-white lotus paste of 4 pieces...costs about 14,50 euros. (The amount of money I spend nowadays out of boredom...I couldnt even start...and wouldnt want to as well.)

I'm gonna spend some quiet moment at my apartment...looking out to the sky from my window(roof)...sipping a nice warm cup of green tea and having a piece or two of the mooncake, hopefully the moon is gonna be as round as it is gonna be...back home.

Bad Bag

The weather has changed abit recently. Leaves turning brown and falling...the slightest sign of the coming of autumn. My favourite season of all four. Im usually quite easily affected by the weather. Gloomy days...I'd usually like to hide in my room, being anti social for a while...talk lesser than i used to, read a good book by the window...and turn up to watch the grey sky occasionally. A good way to pass a grey day. But sometimes reality bites...I had to work. No room for doing what my heart desires.

The wind's getting chilly again in the evenings and sometimes in the very early of the morning too. It's still quite hot in the afternoon though. Hmm...when will this end?

I went into Venice again today...I cant recall this is the xth time. But having nothing to do, and not in the mood to go anywhere...anymore. It's just the only possible thing I could do in this small part of the world on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Only a short walk...2 hours plus maybe. Just cruising the usual streets. And making radical occasional turns. To my surprised i found a couple more NEW streets today. And then there was Burger King. Another fast food shack I would enjoy coming again. No wonder they said Venice is a big maze. You always end up on different streets every time u enter if you dont already know the route. A good thing too...coz if you follow the norm...u'll never get the chance to explore the whole of it.


I learnt a new phrase today. BAD BAG. When I was goin places in Europe, I've seen street peddlers, black people mainly...they are selling Guccis and Pradas and LVs most of the time. Displaying their goods on a white cloth they spread over the floor. Today, like the usual...there are plenty of them...and I notice a bright yellow sign right beside one of them. Explaining the process of how these people work. It's of course illegal to do trading of immitation goods. But they termed it as BAD BAG. First of all, if you bought one of these...u can get fine up to 10,000 Euros...(which is alot of money!). These sellers are mainly illegal immigrants, which means this is the only possible job they can do. Third, The Maker of these goods are usually children from the age of 9 to 13. They work up to 18hours a day, 7 days a week and in a very poor condition. And last, The Boss from these sorta organizations are usually the ones who benefits the most. So before you get all cheap and buy these things next time, think again...you are indirectly supporting this kinda organization.

Daniel Powter - Bad Day

Been repeating this song awful lot lately.
Just thought I'd share the lyrics out.
---
Where is the moment we need it the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue sky's fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just ahead of the law
You're faking a smile with a coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oh.. Holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing it turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
Well I'm not wrong

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Had a bad day
Had a bad day

The Next Paris Trip

I know this is a week late. But I've not got the time to write much lately. So I'm compiling a paragraph..save it as draft...and adding another whenever I have the time.
---
The second time I set foot on Paris' soil, just 3 weeks from my first. I took RyanAir, the only budget airline that flies from Venice's Treviso airport to France's Beauvais airport. The cost was about 110 Euro for a return trip inclusive of tax. Took a connecting bus from Mestre to Treviso...an hour's journey due to the peak hour. Reached Treviso by 6:30pm on Friday evening. The sun was about to set now. The season is starting to change...daylight is not that lengthy anymore. My plane doesnt leave till 8:20pm. After I checked in, I spent some time lingering around the waiting area, checking out the only souvenir/chocolate/perfume shop in this small airport.

The boarding call came shortly after my snack. I was hungry. The wasn't any queue to board...just like the previous time. The crowd was just pushing through, as if they don't know the meaning of QUEUE. I made it to the plane without much of a hassle. I too have to keep a close distance to the one in front of me, to prevent these people from cutting in. So much for a civilized country. I've never been onto AirAsia before, this is my first(or rather second) budget plane ride. But RyanAir is all good. Comfortable black leather seats, nice stewardess and plenty of snacks to choose from. I bought a blueberry muffin and soup for my dinner. The flight took 2 hours, which reminds me of my monthly flights to Jakarta not so long ago. I kinda miss those days.

I landed in Beauvais in France. Just about 45mins away from Paris. This too is a small airport. I guess budget airlines are not allowed to stop at those huge international airport. So I had to take a bus into Paris. For a return bus trip it was 26Euro. Not that cheap I'd say. The ride felt like a long one...maybe I'm just tired and can't wait till i check in to my hotel and call it a night.

The next morning I woke up feeling even tired than the night before. Maybe because the hotel's bed wasn't as comfortable as the one I had back in Venice. I spent almost my entire day at Printemps (one of the most frequented shopping complex in Paris...all under one roof).


One block of the 3 blocks of Printemps
When I arrived by the RER its already lunch time. Huge crowds were gathering at the many entrances of this 3-building complex. I picked on of the less crowded ones and quickly made it through the door and head up to the salon, where I made an appointment right after lunch at 2pm for my haircut. Then I'm off to the top floor restaurant for my lunch. I ordered a Roasted Pork Ribs. A sumptuous meal. Though I regretted not able to finish it.

A pretty nifty spot for lunch.

My lunch-Roast Pork Ribs with Sweet Potato Fries


After lunch, it was almost time for my new make-over. So I headed 2 floors down to the salon. I was immediately ushered in...and assigned a stylist. The was even an english speaking stylist that recommended me a new hairstyle. I happily accepted his suggestion but at the same time I actually crossing my fingers. Hoping for a best bet. It felt as if im placing a bet on the gambling table, only this time...its my head im betting on, or rather...my hair. 2 hours later. I turned out alright. It's actually even better than what I've expected. No wonder most of the stylist back home came here for their training. Definitely worth a visit if you're here in Paris.

Summer sale's over now. So I only shop around for a little while and its almost dinner time. I'm gonna have to catch Eiffel tower before it gets dark. I needed the day and night view. So, this is the best time to go.

The queue was pretty long on both sides. Took me about 30mins or so to get my LIFT ticket to the top floor. There's also a WALKING ticket. I'd rather take the lift this time. Getting up is not easy too. The queue to the lift itself is not short either. And you would have to get off, change lift on the 2nd floor to get to the top. And there's another queue right there. This place is jammed packed with people of all nationality. By the time I got all the way to the top floor. It's already dusk. It's a breathtaking view from the top. After I had captured enough pictures, I headed down to the 2nd floor for a snack. I was munching away on my double sausages sandwich when I heard some ruckus from the outside. Looking out of the glass window, I saw people looking up to the sky...they face...pale, lit by the flashing of white lights coming from above. I too, of course rushed out...and what I saw was something truly unforgettable. The tower was 'dancing' before my eyes. The small lights are coming from corners of the tower. Bathing it in pure white light. I was awe-stucked for a while. Stood still, savouring that moment.


One of many the Eiffel Tower pictures I took.

Eiffel Tower after dark.
'Dancing' mode

Home is that far away from this part of the tower


View from above

Sun set view from tower top


By 9:30pm, I'm ready to head down and to my next destination - Hard Rock Cafe, Paris. The queue at the lift to come down was long, now that everyone has admired the night's main event (the dancing lights)...everyone just wanna get down and head home. Well, there wasn't actually a LINE...it was just a huge crowd of people gathered at the lift, waiting for it to come up. There are 2 couples of old folks behind me. They sort of eased their way through to get behind me and stood by me till the lift door open. Then to my surprised...these old couples ain't your typical weak, fragile bones grandparents. They pushed. And they pushed hard! I was like carried off in a sweep of a ocean wave. They pushed me and the person in front of me...all the way...ignoring all other people's shouting, swearing and crying. They just dont seem to care. I was in between. I cant fallback nor move to the front. I basically have no say in where I was pushed to...squeezed in between. They got into the lift alrite, with me too. The door closes right behind us, just after we entered. I can see eyes turning red and faces black from the people still standing outside the lifting as our lift starts to ease its way down. They will have to wait for the next...or the one after. These 2 old couples doesnt seem to feel any guilt or embarrassment at all. Not a single bit. They acted as if nothing has happen. Grrr...felt like slapping them twice on their wrinkled faces. Once we got out of the lift to the ground floor, they just rushed out into the horizon and was gone before I could have a second look at them.

The dinner at Hard Rock was uneventual except for a few usual staring eyes from those foreigners sitting next to my table.

A starter for a main
The next day i spent my entire morning at the Lourve. Purchased some more souvenirs.

The crowd at Mona Lisa's 'foot'
This is the only picture that caught everyone's attention


Caught a Metro to Notre Dame.

Notre Dame
After snapping some pictures and sitting around for like 10mins or so, its already evening. KFC for dinner. Somehow, it didnt taste that great this time. I dont know why. Perhaps I dont miss it so much now. 8pm and its early retirement for me.

The 3rd and last day...not much time left till my flight. I need to catch the 3:30pm shuttle bus to the airport. So I just went around town to do some light shopping. Along Metro line 1...where I can catch the connecting train to where my bus is waiting.

I reached home the other night, was exhausted until today. A weekend trip tend to get me all washed-out...most of the time. A 3 days 2 nites in Paris this time, is no longer the usual rush...but it's still a lil tiring, somehow.

Paris is unlike Venice, its a city with skyscrapers.


The clouds were plenty that day

The package.

The Package.

My order at Amazon arrived few days ago. The package has been resting at the reception's desk for some time, I only manage to collect it after my return from Paris on Monday. It's in a small brown packaging which holds my game (www.guildwars.com) and my new book (The Time Traveller's Wife).

I tore open the cardboard packaging immediately once i got back to my room. Found both of my prizes in good condition. Happy for a start. I quickly flipped through some of the pages of the book and wrote with a pencil, at the back of it- 29th September 2005, Amazon.co.uk, £3.95. Next, my game...my long awaited game. The plastic wrapper was abit tedious to remove, but I got through that in a matter of seconds, if not a minute. It contained 2 CDs, 2 users manual, a quick guide sheet and the serial number I needed for the registration online.


The Book.

The Game.

Having just got back from Paris...I was rather tired, not to mention I have loads of unpacking to do. I had to reluctantly leave these new jewels aside while I do my chores. Unpacking was fairly easy, my worn clothes was already in the laundry bag I brought with me to Paris - dumped that beside my bed for the house keeping lady to collect the next morning, and it's done. Then came the souvenirs (I dont remember this is the x number of time i'm unpacking souvenirs now...it seems neverending), anyway...not much this round...running low on cash is one thing, the other was...the image of me having to carry so many things and the number of kilos I'm gonna have to pay for my extra weight, that kinda frightens me. My luggage from Paris to Venice alone came to almost 9kilos. I wonder how much it would weigh for the one goin back home.

By the time I got done with everything there is to do, including a comforting hot shower...it's already half past eleven. Had to quickly flip out my laptop, install the game, dialup and start playing...but nooo....something went wrong. The game does not install from either of the CD provided...it needs to get the files online! Then, what's the CDs for? Well, I still have got no time to figure that out yet. With dialup line...and over 5000 files to download. I gave up and went to bed instead. That's gonna have to wait till tomorrow.

As the ticker ticks

...it has just been extended for a lil bit more.

The power of faith

One sky...one GOD?

... or was it just merely obsession? In my life, thus so far...I've never considered myself of somewhat religious. Neither am I rebellious or some sort. Just never thought of embracing religion as a big part or the whole, of what life is.

I've just never taken seriously into account that we needed a religion at all. Perhaps we should...just to serve as a 'base'. Least we be labelled as 'barbaric' if we dont. I don't know anymore. Lately...or has it always been, the tv has been blasting news on the Holy War, the clashing of faiths and anything that relates to religion, that it drove them to this madness...this seems neverending and it's rather tiresome. Humans fighting each other just because of the differences in their faiths? 21st century, I'm rather surprised to see such absurd behaviour. As puny as a religion can be, its just something which 'guides' us in life. Not something we take so seriously into our hands, of whether 'my religion is better than yours, thus...yours shall perish'.

People change so often. One moment you see them praying so hard, kneeling in front of their ancestors altar. Going to temples, 'asking god' what has happen to them, even for the slightest fever. The next moment, they are church lovers. Threw out their ancestors and embracing a new faith as if its their newborn.

I guess there are numerous points in life where you make drastic decisions about your life, which steers the course of it into a different direction. Nothing bad, really. I am not someone who favours one faith over the other, that sort of thing. Something which I don't understand is... why so extreme each time? It's probably the very small fraction of extremists like these, who took things further; the ones that puts this world in havoc now. Too much of anything good, might not make it better. Overdoing anything would probably get you no where. Or so, I was told.

Religion should be what it is meant to be...as long as you've not done anything bad, it's all that matters. Or at least thats what I think. Hmmm...perhaps I would be somewhat religious too someday...then I'd probably be looking back at this and have a good laugh at myself :)

And it continues...

My trip to Gardaland last week was not realized due to the weather. The whole of Sunday from dawn...till almost dusk...the drizzling was on a frequent on and off. The sky weeped till late noon. And it continued over the night and even this morning.

As for me, I've been stranded in my small apartment...surfing the internet (yeah, i can surf from my room now - a €5 Europa card for 3 hours of toll-free dialup, better than none)...eating instant noodles...and reading my Harry Potter, which I'm already half done within just a few days.

Europa All in One (Call, SMS, Internet)

Just placed an order on Amazon.co.uk for a new book, The Time Traveller's Wife. Hope its a good read. Can't wait for it to be delivered soon. In the meantime, I still have half a Potter to go.



Current and Future Read

This week I'm heading to Paris. KFC time. And definitely gonna pay a visit to the Lourve which I didnt manage to get in on my last trip there. And there's the Eiffel Tower and the Arch of Triumph. Gardaland would have to wait till after that.

Been longing to go for some beach vacation lately. Somewhere in the Maldives maybe or the Greek Islands. But nothing seems to beat Redang back home. I wonder where else can I find beaches with white sands? Thought of doing some diving too. Hmm...I've been thinking alot lately. Nothing concrete yet. All thoughts.

My current dream vacation

Bad bad weather

Contrasting clouds
After i posted the earlier entry...as I've mentioned...I'd go out for a walk.
And I did. The walk was a slow one...taking my time...sleazing along the quiet and empty road to the piazza. Got myself a gelato. And sleaze all the way back.

On my way back though...the weather turned bad. I brought my camera along. Lucky for me, I think I caught something nice.

Its a holiday

A view from my window
It's a holiday here today. I'm not sure whats the occasion though. Just found out on Saturday morning that the whole of Italy will be celebrating something...something which has nothing to do with me. So, I'm staying in today.

This place is a dead town when it comes to holidays or weekends. Most of the shops are closed. The whole 'world' is on holiday...even the shopkeepers refused to wanna make money. I've already stocked up on my groceries on Saturday noon. So i'm save till tomorrow.

It's pretty chilly today. It rained the whole of last nite. The morning air was crisp and fresh this morning. There's a faint smell of freshly cut grass in the air too. I pulled down the window in my living room and my bedroom, just to let some some of it in. The sun's shinning brightly and thin shades of clouds hanging on the bright blue sky. It's a beautiful morning. Felt good.

House keeping is at work on my floor right now, I was surprised there's house keeping today. The good people who did my laundy has gone for a 2 week long holiday. Hopefully they'll be back soon. Meantime...I have to send my laundry to the laundry shop across the street myself.

I'm not leaving the hotel today. Just staying in and surf some internet. I guess I'm getting old. I can't be out often now. I get tired easily. Hmmm...perhaps later on, I'd go out for a short walk around this dead town...and see if I can find something interesting.

Parisian Parade

Paris has everything. And most important...it has KFC.
Spending some time outside of Italy is a wonderful thing. Here you can find almost everything that you can't possibly find in Italy. Shops open till late at nite, streets are wide and most people you speak to...ummm...well...at least they understand english. This is a true metropolitan.

The subway system is abit messy. It has tens of lines running across what seem to be like a poor spin of spider web. It took quite a while to figure out how to change lines...or perhaps I'm just not that bright.

I spent my entire day in Euro Disney. A place I've always wanted to visit as a kid. Though I'm no longer a kid, but when one arrives here...young or old...you cant help but to get into the groove too. The Magic of Disney...they say. It too has the power to turn your hard-earned cash into cute lil cuddly toys and souvenirs. It's as if those small lil trinkets are beckoning for you to bring them home as collection. I've got myself a part-canvas-part-leather Mickey bag with a matching Pluto keychain...it felt good to be young again.

Oh...and this is where Da Vinci Code started as well. Home to Mona Lisa. Musée du Lourve.





My flight



Wide Parisian street



The Lourve's Glass Pyramid



The 'Suspended' Pyramid



Guess who's on the flying carpet?



Jack's beanstalk - wanna meet the Giant?



Inside Fantasyland Castle



Alice's Cheshire Cat Maze



Trinkets on sale



Tale as old as time...



My new Mickey Bag and Pluto Keychain



Fancy a souvenir?



The Castle



Entrance to Disneyland Park



Entrance to Disneyland Studio