I finished reading 50 Shades of Grey a couple of days ago. I found all the 3 books of the EL James series in the library, which is rather surprising. Don't they know what the book is all about? Who ordered it? Anyway, so i borrowed it.. There's been so much fuss and talk about it.. Mostly rave reviews.. I should get on the band wagon..
I HATED IT.
So, curiosity fulfilled. My IQ level has also significantly been reduced after reading 500 odd pages of sheer dumb writing and storyline. And i also realized that im soooooo over romance novels. Its been a while since i read one, and as i've mentioned a few times before, Judith McNaught is the best living romance novel author out there. And its a good thing that i read her books during my high school years when i was still naive, inexperienced, and full of wonderful ideas about life.
To my current state of mind, after 30 years of living..
LOVE IS DEAD TO ME.
Haha.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Sunday, December 02, 2012
End-of-year happenings
Music: Ma Boy 2 by Electroboyz
Sangap gila kena study untuk final exam... did one last Friday.. another 2 on Monday and Tuesday..
Plans lined up:
1) On last day of class, i.e. this tues, there's a ceremony for the community living around my school and all the nuclear power plants here.. a couple of friends and I have to perform.. so have to practice for that.. bluerghhhhhh malas tol!
2) Then we'll go on a 3-day school trip... to ski!!! I'm also in the organizing committee for an event/party during the trip.. banyak lagi kena plan and there's only 3 days left to do it!! Its a surprise for everyone so we're planning it in secret..
3) Come weekend, the same trio will perform at a friend's wedding.. wowowow..
4) Also next weekend, I'm going to Yellow Monster's concert
5) Then whole week after that will be a one-week course.. im not sure on what.. something to do with leadership stuff i think.. oh whatever..
6) Then 2 weeks of doing nothing.. but i still have some TA work to do for my prof... which is not easy.. arghhhh.. and finalizing plans for my big solo trip.. yeahhhhhhhhhh
7) Then its 2013 and term break until end of Feb woooottttttttttttttttttttttt!!
oh yeah, somewhere in between the end of the world (according to the Mayan calendar) is suppose to happen ;p
Sangap gila kena study untuk final exam... did one last Friday.. another 2 on Monday and Tuesday..
Plans lined up:
1) On last day of class, i.e. this tues, there's a ceremony for the community living around my school and all the nuclear power plants here.. a couple of friends and I have to perform.. so have to practice for that.. bluerghhhhhh malas tol!
2) Then we'll go on a 3-day school trip... to ski!!! I'm also in the organizing committee for an event/party during the trip.. banyak lagi kena plan and there's only 3 days left to do it!! Its a surprise for everyone so we're planning it in secret..
3) Come weekend, the same trio will perform at a friend's wedding.. wowowow..
4) Also next weekend, I'm going to Yellow Monster's concert
5) Then whole week after that will be a one-week course.. im not sure on what.. something to do with leadership stuff i think.. oh whatever..
6) Then 2 weeks of doing nothing.. but i still have some TA work to do for my prof... which is not easy.. arghhhh.. and finalizing plans for my big solo trip.. yeahhhhhhhhhh
7) Then its 2013 and term break until end of Feb woooottttttttttttttttttttttt!!
oh yeah, somewhere in between the end of the world (according to the Mayan calendar) is suppose to happen ;p
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Africa by Accident
Music: Mot Ngay Ban Va Toi by Nguyen Duc Cuong
I finished reading The Black Nile about 2 weeks ago.
P/s: so far i've read 16 books this year, which is far from the target of 30 i've set back in January. But then again, at the time i didnt know i would be doing my masters.
When i bought the book earlier this year (yes i brought this book, and a few more from home), i wanted to read a book on Egypt. But the title turned out to be misleading. I made the mistake of assuming the Nile and Egypt are synonymous, how ignorant of me. The author of the book is a journalist who travelled from Uganda, through Sudan..and ended up in Egypt, on the Nile where possible, and keeping as close as possible to the mighty river whenever he had to travel by land. I also found out there's actually the Blue Nile and the White Nile, which finally merges into the Nile that we all know.
In the first part of the book i was disappointed, mainly because it wasnt a story that i expected, and he was talking about the traveling mostly. But later on, when he started talking more about the conflict and civil war in Sudan, the things he saw, the people he met and the stories he heard along the way, it became interesting.
I rarely read about politics and war in Africa, most were new to me, having only been interested in reading about the middle east. Therefore all this new information was quite revealing. Oh the things we dont know. I also always assume that Egypt is in middle east, which is obviously not true. Anyway, the only familiar issue to me was when the author made some references about Joseph Kony.
So i ended up really liking the book, and finally understood why the author titled it The Black Nile. I was also suprised and disappointed at the same time to know that Malaysia, i.e. Petronas is indirectly (or directly even) related to the war in Sudan.. The travel was done a few years before Sudan and South Sudan became independent countries last year (this i knew, but not the history of how or why it happened).
Unsurprisingly, its another war story triggered by the fight for oil resources. Its just appalling to realize that millions of people have died around the world because of oil, and i am a part of it by virtue of being a consumer, and i most definitely cant live without it. What a sick world we live in. Here are some excerpts from the book that mentioned Malaysia.
I finished reading The Black Nile about 2 weeks ago.
P/s: so far i've read 16 books this year, which is far from the target of 30 i've set back in January. But then again, at the time i didnt know i would be doing my masters.
When i bought the book earlier this year (yes i brought this book, and a few more from home), i wanted to read a book on Egypt. But the title turned out to be misleading. I made the mistake of assuming the Nile and Egypt are synonymous, how ignorant of me. The author of the book is a journalist who travelled from Uganda, through Sudan..and ended up in Egypt, on the Nile where possible, and keeping as close as possible to the mighty river whenever he had to travel by land. I also found out there's actually the Blue Nile and the White Nile, which finally merges into the Nile that we all know.
In the first part of the book i was disappointed, mainly because it wasnt a story that i expected, and he was talking about the traveling mostly. But later on, when he started talking more about the conflict and civil war in Sudan, the things he saw, the people he met and the stories he heard along the way, it became interesting.
I rarely read about politics and war in Africa, most were new to me, having only been interested in reading about the middle east. Therefore all this new information was quite revealing. Oh the things we dont know. I also always assume that Egypt is in middle east, which is obviously not true. Anyway, the only familiar issue to me was when the author made some references about Joseph Kony.
So i ended up really liking the book, and finally understood why the author titled it The Black Nile. I was also suprised and disappointed at the same time to know that Malaysia, i.e. Petronas is indirectly (or directly even) related to the war in Sudan.. The travel was done a few years before Sudan and South Sudan became independent countries last year (this i knew, but not the history of how or why it happened).
Unsurprisingly, its another war story triggered by the fight for oil resources. Its just appalling to realize that millions of people have died around the world because of oil, and i am a part of it by virtue of being a consumer, and i most definitely cant live without it. What a sick world we live in. Here are some excerpts from the book that mentioned Malaysia.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Awkward With Kids
Music: Just by Radiohead
Last week, upon invitation by the Christian Fellowship Club of my school, i participated in a program to teach english to some underprivileged kids, or so i was told.
So in the end i didnt really teach any english, but we helped the kids with some picture coloring activities, crossword puzzle, and origami. Buat kapal je (nasib baik aku ingat), coz earlier they learned about noah's ark. It was held at a very modern looking church. They also sang an apparently famous song called 'jesus loves me'.
Regardless, we were divided into groups, the younger kids in 2 groups, and the older ones in 1 group. The age range was between 4-12 i think. I wanted to stick w the older kids cause then i can talk to them (they can speak english well) and also i didnt want to do things like 'cakkkk!' with the younger kids. But alas they told me to layan kanak2 yg paling kecil skali.
Omg, i was like so stupid. Sumpah x reti ok. So i just stood there and became the color pencils holder. And during the crossword puzzle activity which i can finish in like 5 minutes with 12 words to find.. I had to pretend i didnt know and to 'search the word together'. Well whats the point if they dont look for the words themselves right. I gave clues.. Sometimes made expressions of utter happiness and awe when they found the words. Omg, so weird. First time ive ever had to do anything like this. And when doing the paper boat, i waited for the kids to show me the steps.. And then say how clever they are.. Hahahhahha.
The kids mostly ignored me though.. It hurtssssssssss!! Waaaaaaa... But one kid came to me and did it all with me and gave me high fives and what not.. Its like he was the adult and i was the kid. I was soooo grateful for this sweet little kid. He made it not awkward at all and that made me feel much better.. So grateful that i made him another origami (not paper boat) and colored it and said 'this is for you'. He said thank you and i saw him slipped it in his jacket pocket. Then when all the kids were starting to leave, he sort of lingered around and looked at me.. So i took a picture with him.
The church we went to was in a place in Onsan, and i was told today that it is the poorest place in Korea. I dunno if thats really true. But the area has a lot of chemical factories, high pollution and nobody wants to do the job in the factories coz its dirty, dangerous, and lowly paid.
The programs for the underprivileged kids, mostly who has single parents, is supported by the government. The church was so high tech ok. 2 large flat screens, equipped with computers and projectors, stereo system. Around the hall there were 2 drum sets (normal and electronic), sooo many guitars (acoustic and electric alike), and an organ. We were served some fruits and food after the kids were gone. All in all it was a really good outing. Will probably join again next time round, if time permits.
Coincidentally i just finished reading the book Little Princes by Conor Grennan the day before, who told of his experience taking care of orphans (or rather, victims of child trafficking) in Nepal.
Last week, upon invitation by the Christian Fellowship Club of my school, i participated in a program to teach english to some underprivileged kids, or so i was told.
So in the end i didnt really teach any english, but we helped the kids with some picture coloring activities, crossword puzzle, and origami. Buat kapal je (nasib baik aku ingat), coz earlier they learned about noah's ark. It was held at a very modern looking church. They also sang an apparently famous song called 'jesus loves me'.
Regardless, we were divided into groups, the younger kids in 2 groups, and the older ones in 1 group. The age range was between 4-12 i think. I wanted to stick w the older kids cause then i can talk to them (they can speak english well) and also i didnt want to do things like 'cakkkk!' with the younger kids. But alas they told me to layan kanak2 yg paling kecil skali.
Omg, i was like so stupid. Sumpah x reti ok. So i just stood there and became the color pencils holder. And during the crossword puzzle activity which i can finish in like 5 minutes with 12 words to find.. I had to pretend i didnt know and to 'search the word together'. Well whats the point if they dont look for the words themselves right. I gave clues.. Sometimes made expressions of utter happiness and awe when they found the words. Omg, so weird. First time ive ever had to do anything like this. And when doing the paper boat, i waited for the kids to show me the steps.. And then say how clever they are.. Hahahhahha.
The kids mostly ignored me though.. It hurtssssssssss!! Waaaaaaa... But one kid came to me and did it all with me and gave me high fives and what not.. Its like he was the adult and i was the kid. I was soooo grateful for this sweet little kid. He made it not awkward at all and that made me feel much better.. So grateful that i made him another origami (not paper boat) and colored it and said 'this is for you'. He said thank you and i saw him slipped it in his jacket pocket. Then when all the kids were starting to leave, he sort of lingered around and looked at me.. So i took a picture with him.
The church we went to was in a place in Onsan, and i was told today that it is the poorest place in Korea. I dunno if thats really true. But the area has a lot of chemical factories, high pollution and nobody wants to do the job in the factories coz its dirty, dangerous, and lowly paid.
The programs for the underprivileged kids, mostly who has single parents, is supported by the government. The church was so high tech ok. 2 large flat screens, equipped with computers and projectors, stereo system. Around the hall there were 2 drum sets (normal and electronic), sooo many guitars (acoustic and electric alike), and an organ. We were served some fruits and food after the kids were gone. All in all it was a really good outing. Will probably join again next time round, if time permits.
Coincidentally i just finished reading the book Little Princes by Conor Grennan the day before, who told of his experience taking care of orphans (or rather, victims of child trafficking) in Nepal.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Live from Jordan
I thought a one hour run on the treadmill could give some needed endorphins to lift my spirits up, but that didnt happen. This sort of confirms an article i read recently that the fact that ppl feel better after exercising is possibly not all that true. Based on the research done, it concluded that its the idea of exercising rather than the act itself that gives the feel good factor. Although i do still believe that endorphins does actually make one feel better. I guess it depends on the kind of emotion and state of mind during the exercise that determines the level of feel good hormones that you produce. Now that is my own theory, dont quote me on that. But i digress. I want to talk about this great book i just finished actually.
So i did accomplish something today. I finished a book titled Live from Jordan by Benjamin Orbach, one of the 7 books i ordered through our school library. The book was everything o expected and much more. Written by an American Jewish that have a commendable working knowledge on middle east issues and its history who went to Jordan University to further his arabic language studies, a Michigan alumni (undergrad), masters from John Hopkins, a stint of summer studies at Hebrew University and another uni in Cairo.. He gave a wonderful narrative of the lives and thoughts of arabs that became his friends while he stayed in Amman and Cairo, and travelled to Syria, Palestine, and Turkey, mostly regarding politics, America's foreign policy, the Palestinian issue, anti-americanism.. Etc. ok that sounded boring but in actual fact it was damn good read. All those time i spent reading the news and opinion pieces about the middle east on every reputable news website imaginable (al jazeera, ny times, times, economist and many more) was not for naught. The author gave me a clearer understanding on some issues, while putting his unbiased and objective thoughts and observations (for the most part).. And i also got some quick and concise history lessons as well.
A highly recommended book. It brings the current book im reading (yes ive already started on a second book today) to shame. Im reading it so fast just to get it over with. Haha.
So thats already two posts today. I should get a life. Till then.
So i did accomplish something today. I finished a book titled Live from Jordan by Benjamin Orbach, one of the 7 books i ordered through our school library. The book was everything o expected and much more. Written by an American Jewish that have a commendable working knowledge on middle east issues and its history who went to Jordan University to further his arabic language studies, a Michigan alumni (undergrad), masters from John Hopkins, a stint of summer studies at Hebrew University and another uni in Cairo.. He gave a wonderful narrative of the lives and thoughts of arabs that became his friends while he stayed in Amman and Cairo, and travelled to Syria, Palestine, and Turkey, mostly regarding politics, America's foreign policy, the Palestinian issue, anti-americanism.. Etc. ok that sounded boring but in actual fact it was damn good read. All those time i spent reading the news and opinion pieces about the middle east on every reputable news website imaginable (al jazeera, ny times, times, economist and many more) was not for naught. The author gave me a clearer understanding on some issues, while putting his unbiased and objective thoughts and observations (for the most part).. And i also got some quick and concise history lessons as well.
A highly recommended book. It brings the current book im reading (yes ive already started on a second book today) to shame. Im reading it so fast just to get it over with. Haha.
So thats already two posts today. I should get a life. Till then.
Happy yet lonely
Music: Angels by Robbie Williams
I've mentioned a few times how great my new found friendships with these really great bunch of people here are.. But as wonderful as they are, i miss my old friends and my family a lot. Starting a new chapter of my life by coming to a place without knowing anyone, in an international setting excited me. But right this very second i long for the familiarity back home, with people whom ive known for the most part of my life. To put it simply, i am homesick and lonely.
In the past few weeks, ive noticed some changes in me. I remember i last time i felt that i was changing was around 4-5 years ago when i started caring for different things, some things became unimportant and i became interested in matters that i wouldn't have cared to think about before. I guess that was a transition from being a teenager and student to real adult life with jobs and friends around me taking that important, almost inevitable, step into family-hood. This time round, it probably has something to do with me reaching the 30-year mark of my life..
Granted, when it comes to traveling, ive been to more places than the majority of my friends. In that regard, ive been told many times, "i wish i could do the things that u've done". But i guess with the absence of any plans relating to marriage, there was nothing else to do or pursue the past few years. Although i still have yet to feel the urge to start a family even now. Hence why I decided to do my masters anyway. Maybe I will never ever want to start one. But never say never right. Or is it because I haven't met anyone. Or because I have been disappointed over and over again.
I still cannot pinpoint what is changing in me right now, but i know that i am. The process has started but the results have yet to materialize. It is said that doing masters is sort of the time when you discover, or maybe rediscover yourself, especially when you are abroad. However i dont really feel that way at the moment. Its all so confusing to me right now.
Anyway, I can say that I am happy here. Just once in a while the feeling of loneliness decides to drop by for a visit. So a message to anyone who is reading, never fail to appreciate those loved ones around you.. whom you get to spend time with even when at times you feel like they irritate the hell out of you (it happens right?). At least you have them around.
With that said, i should be off to the gym right now to keep up with the Shin Ohtake workout program that I've been trying out. So far so good, as I've lost 1 kg in a week. But man his regime is really tough.
I've mentioned a few times how great my new found friendships with these really great bunch of people here are.. But as wonderful as they are, i miss my old friends and my family a lot. Starting a new chapter of my life by coming to a place without knowing anyone, in an international setting excited me. But right this very second i long for the familiarity back home, with people whom ive known for the most part of my life. To put it simply, i am homesick and lonely.
In the past few weeks, ive noticed some changes in me. I remember i last time i felt that i was changing was around 4-5 years ago when i started caring for different things, some things became unimportant and i became interested in matters that i wouldn't have cared to think about before. I guess that was a transition from being a teenager and student to real adult life with jobs and friends around me taking that important, almost inevitable, step into family-hood. This time round, it probably has something to do with me reaching the 30-year mark of my life..
Granted, when it comes to traveling, ive been to more places than the majority of my friends. In that regard, ive been told many times, "i wish i could do the things that u've done". But i guess with the absence of any plans relating to marriage, there was nothing else to do or pursue the past few years. Although i still have yet to feel the urge to start a family even now. Hence why I decided to do my masters anyway. Maybe I will never ever want to start one. But never say never right. Or is it because I haven't met anyone. Or because I have been disappointed over and over again.
I still cannot pinpoint what is changing in me right now, but i know that i am. The process has started but the results have yet to materialize. It is said that doing masters is sort of the time when you discover, or maybe rediscover yourself, especially when you are abroad. However i dont really feel that way at the moment. Its all so confusing to me right now.
Anyway, I can say that I am happy here. Just once in a while the feeling of loneliness decides to drop by for a visit. So a message to anyone who is reading, never fail to appreciate those loved ones around you.. whom you get to spend time with even when at times you feel like they irritate the hell out of you (it happens right?). At least you have them around.
With that said, i should be off to the gym right now to keep up with the Shin Ohtake workout program that I've been trying out. So far so good, as I've lost 1 kg in a week. But man his regime is really tough.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Free Books For The Bookworm
Music: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
One cool thing about my school's library is that we can place orders for books that we want, and they will buy for us upon approval by the prof in charged. A few weeks back i requested for 7 books, all non fiction. 4 books have arrived and the remaining 3 have been ordered. This is pretty cool for someone who loves bookstores like a kid loves candy stores (aku la), coz english books are super expensive here. Moreover, the selection of english books here are dismal!! Granted i wont own the books, but its not big a deal coz i rarely read any book twice..in fact, the only books ive ever read more than once are those by Judith McNaught.. Hahahha.. And that was 10 years ago. Oh yeah.. And Harry Potter..
So far i've managed to read 6 books since august. All but 1 were borrowed from the library. Mostly based on real life stories written in a autobiographical but fiction with also some non fiction elements sort of way.. whoa does that even make sense? lol. I've written about some of them previously, but just to summarize..
1) Playing Cards in Cairo - Hugh Miles
This book goes into the personal lives of a few select women in Egypt.. Although i wouldnt generalize the stories and stereotype Egyptian women, it did give a glimpse of the culture there.. And some parts were quite shocking too. For Muslim women that is.
2) The Bang Bang Club - Greg Marinovich
The life of 4 photo journalists covering the situation in South Africa just short of being deemed a civil war starting from the release of Nelson Mandela to the first ever democratic election, is being recounted. Let me just say that this job can really fuck you up, if you're contemplating to be a war-covering journalist or correspondent. I guess thats inevitable when you have to witness brutal murders everyday, take pics, and cant do anything to help the victims.. Shit.
3) Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother - Amy Chua
Personal story by author, married to a Jew, who decided to bring up her 2 daughters the so called Chinese way in America.
4) Fever Pitch - Nick Hornby
I only picked up this book coz of the author. Funny guy. I never knew that the English obsession for their football scene can be to that extent, and Hornby even claimed that he's not that crazy. Coz others are worse, or better.. Depends on how u look at it.
5) We Can Have Peace in The Holy Land - Jimmy Carter
Here the ex Mr. President talks more bulls about the peace process for Palestine. He sounds holy and sincere and all but..mehhhh. Cant believe any US president in this already more than half a century crisis.
6) Lttle Princes - Conor Grennan
An American who had a stint of volunteering in an orphanage in Nepal, only to find out that the kids are not actually orphans, but victims of child trafficking. He set out on a mission to reconnect these childrens with their parents who live in the most remote areas of Nepal (particularly the Humla region). Noble work. The story was personalized to what author felt and thought and experienced yada yada.. I really liked it though. Cried a few timrs too.. But i've learned to read these type of books with a pinch of salt after discovering the half truths if Greg Mortenson's Three Cup of Tea.. There's probably some embellishments here and there.. But nevertheless Grennan sounded more real and honest compared to Mortenson.
Ok, now i must aim to read those 7 books i ordered in a span of 2 months.. cant wait!! Text books can take a backseat hahaha.
One cool thing about my school's library is that we can place orders for books that we want, and they will buy for us upon approval by the prof in charged. A few weeks back i requested for 7 books, all non fiction. 4 books have arrived and the remaining 3 have been ordered. This is pretty cool for someone who loves bookstores like a kid loves candy stores (aku la), coz english books are super expensive here. Moreover, the selection of english books here are dismal!! Granted i wont own the books, but its not big a deal coz i rarely read any book twice..in fact, the only books ive ever read more than once are those by Judith McNaught.. Hahahha.. And that was 10 years ago. Oh yeah.. And Harry Potter..
So far i've managed to read 6 books since august. All but 1 were borrowed from the library. Mostly based on real life stories written in a autobiographical but fiction with also some non fiction elements sort of way.. whoa does that even make sense? lol. I've written about some of them previously, but just to summarize..
1) Playing Cards in Cairo - Hugh Miles
This book goes into the personal lives of a few select women in Egypt.. Although i wouldnt generalize the stories and stereotype Egyptian women, it did give a glimpse of the culture there.. And some parts were quite shocking too. For Muslim women that is.
2) The Bang Bang Club - Greg Marinovich
The life of 4 photo journalists covering the situation in South Africa just short of being deemed a civil war starting from the release of Nelson Mandela to the first ever democratic election, is being recounted. Let me just say that this job can really fuck you up, if you're contemplating to be a war-covering journalist or correspondent. I guess thats inevitable when you have to witness brutal murders everyday, take pics, and cant do anything to help the victims.. Shit.
3) Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother - Amy Chua
Personal story by author, married to a Jew, who decided to bring up her 2 daughters the so called Chinese way in America.
4) Fever Pitch - Nick Hornby
I only picked up this book coz of the author. Funny guy. I never knew that the English obsession for their football scene can be to that extent, and Hornby even claimed that he's not that crazy. Coz others are worse, or better.. Depends on how u look at it.
5) We Can Have Peace in The Holy Land - Jimmy Carter
Here the ex Mr. President talks more bulls about the peace process for Palestine. He sounds holy and sincere and all but..mehhhh. Cant believe any US president in this already more than half a century crisis.
6) Lttle Princes - Conor Grennan
An American who had a stint of volunteering in an orphanage in Nepal, only to find out that the kids are not actually orphans, but victims of child trafficking. He set out on a mission to reconnect these childrens with their parents who live in the most remote areas of Nepal (particularly the Humla region). Noble work. The story was personalized to what author felt and thought and experienced yada yada.. I really liked it though. Cried a few timrs too.. But i've learned to read these type of books with a pinch of salt after discovering the half truths if Greg Mortenson's Three Cup of Tea.. There's probably some embellishments here and there.. But nevertheless Grennan sounded more real and honest compared to Mortenson.
Ok, now i must aim to read those 7 books i ordered in a span of 2 months.. cant wait!! Text books can take a backseat hahaha.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Cold Day Running
Music: Skyfall by Adele
Today i participated in my first ever 10km run in Koreaaaaaa. I thought i'd never do these runs again. But an opportunity came up and i registered.
The event was called the Ulsan Marathon for Human Rights. Although i didnt see anything displayed wrt human rights.. I expected a display booth for awareness or something, but nada. As usual, after 1km of running i regretted joining the run. Why dont i ever learn from past experiences, i wonder. Furthermore, it was extremely cold today, cloudy and no sun. Urghh the torture!! I didnt even practice and didnt have my carbo load aka rice for dinner last night and didnt have bananas to eat before the run.
Anyway, surprise surprise i actually did a personal best at 67 minutes.. My previous record, at last year's std chtd kl marathon was 80 mins. A big improvement!! Didnt expect that. My kenyan friends all did sub 45 mins. Giloooo.
The craziest and maybe a little sakit hati part is that all these old korean men and women were overtaking me like nobody's business.. Damn these old peeps are fit!!! The only ppl i overtook were kids.. And a couple of young ladies..
No matter, it felt so good after i finished, i guess thats why i keep on doing it ;p
Today i participated in my first ever 10km run in Koreaaaaaa. I thought i'd never do these runs again. But an opportunity came up and i registered.
The event was called the Ulsan Marathon for Human Rights. Although i didnt see anything displayed wrt human rights.. I expected a display booth for awareness or something, but nada. As usual, after 1km of running i regretted joining the run. Why dont i ever learn from past experiences, i wonder. Furthermore, it was extremely cold today, cloudy and no sun. Urghh the torture!! I didnt even practice and didnt have my carbo load aka rice for dinner last night and didnt have bananas to eat before the run.
Anyway, surprise surprise i actually did a personal best at 67 minutes.. My previous record, at last year's std chtd kl marathon was 80 mins. A big improvement!! Didnt expect that. My kenyan friends all did sub 45 mins. Giloooo.
The craziest and maybe a little sakit hati part is that all these old korean men and women were overtaking me like nobody's business.. Damn these old peeps are fit!!! The only ppl i overtook were kids.. And a couple of young ladies..
No matter, it felt so good after i finished, i guess thats why i keep on doing it ;p
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
My Emotional Mess
Music: The Trouble With Love Is by Kelly Clarkson
Love can be a many splendored thing
Can't deny the joy it brings
A dozen roses, diamond rings
Dreams for sale and fairy tales
It'll make you hear a symphony
And you just want the world to see
But like a drug that makes you blind,
It'll fool ya every time
The trouble with love is
It can tear you up inside
Make your heart believe a lie
It's stronger than your pride
The trouble with love is
It doesn't care how fast you fall
And you can't refuse the call
See, you got no say at all
Now I was once a fool, it's true
I played the game by all the rules
But now my world's a deeper blue
I'm sadder, but I'm wiser too
I swore I'd never love again
I swore my heart would never mend
Said love wasn't worth the pain
But then I hear it call my name
Every time I turn around
I think I've got it all figured out
My heart keeps callin' and I keep on fallin'
Over and over again
This sad story always ends the same
Me standin' in the pourin' rain
It seems no matter what I do
It tears my heart in two
Love can be a many splendored thing
Can't deny the joy it brings
A dozen roses, diamond rings
Dreams for sale and fairy tales
It'll make you hear a symphony
And you just want the world to see
But like a drug that makes you blind,
It'll fool ya every time
The trouble with love is
It can tear you up inside
Make your heart believe a lie
It's stronger than your pride
The trouble with love is
It doesn't care how fast you fall
And you can't refuse the call
See, you got no say at all
Now I was once a fool, it's true
I played the game by all the rules
But now my world's a deeper blue
I'm sadder, but I'm wiser too
I swore I'd never love again
I swore my heart would never mend
Said love wasn't worth the pain
But then I hear it call my name
Every time I turn around
I think I've got it all figured out
My heart keeps callin' and I keep on fallin'
Over and over again
This sad story always ends the same
Me standin' in the pourin' rain
It seems no matter what I do
It tears my heart in two
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Fireworks
Music: Inside the Fire by Disturbed
Today i went to the 8th Busan Fireworks Festival. It was supposed to be yesterday but it rained heavily the whole day so it was postponed to today. The fireworks were amazing, complete with laser shows and accompanying music, against the backdrop of Gwangan Bridge. However, its nothing ive never seen before. Although there was one where the firework was heart shaped, not only the outlines of a heart, but it was filled. a colored heart, in red of course. and then when the heart disappeared, the word 'LOVE' appeared for a brief moment. That was quite interesting. Love is the theme for this year's festival. We sort of arrived a bit late so the fireworks started while we were walking towards Gwangan Beach. There were sooooooo many people, at super crowded places i felt like i was in a mosh pit at a rock concert. The fireworks started at 8pm and lasted for 1 hour. We left around 8.45pm to beat the crowd in the subway, but still got to see the rest of the show while walking back.
It was a nice night out, the temp in Busan is soooo much higher than my place here. I went with wonderful company, different from my usual crowd, which was rather refreshing for a change. This has no bearing on my usual crowd btw, they are still the ppl im closest too and i like that. I also wanted to get out of this godforsaken far from everywhere place for a while. And i had a good time.
I just finished writing one of my midterm papers actually. 2 down 3 to go. 5 days left. Should be no problem i think haha. this assignment was given 3 weeks ago and i only started 2 days ago. Long live procrastination.
Off to sleep now. Tạm biệt.
Today i went to the 8th Busan Fireworks Festival. It was supposed to be yesterday but it rained heavily the whole day so it was postponed to today. The fireworks were amazing, complete with laser shows and accompanying music, against the backdrop of Gwangan Bridge. However, its nothing ive never seen before. Although there was one where the firework was heart shaped, not only the outlines of a heart, but it was filled. a colored heart, in red of course. and then when the heart disappeared, the word 'LOVE' appeared for a brief moment. That was quite interesting. Love is the theme for this year's festival. We sort of arrived a bit late so the fireworks started while we were walking towards Gwangan Beach. There were sooooooo many people, at super crowded places i felt like i was in a mosh pit at a rock concert. The fireworks started at 8pm and lasted for 1 hour. We left around 8.45pm to beat the crowd in the subway, but still got to see the rest of the show while walking back.
It was a nice night out, the temp in Busan is soooo much higher than my place here. I went with wonderful company, different from my usual crowd, which was rather refreshing for a change. This has no bearing on my usual crowd btw, they are still the ppl im closest too and i like that. I also wanted to get out of this godforsaken far from everywhere place for a while. And i had a good time.
I just finished writing one of my midterm papers actually. 2 down 3 to go. 5 days left. Should be no problem i think haha. this assignment was given 3 weeks ago and i only started 2 days ago. Long live procrastination.
Off to sleep now. Tạm biệt.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Korean wedding
2 weeks ago i attended a friend's wedding in Busan. The ceremony was simple. It started at 3pm, we reached the venue around 2.30pm. It was a hall specially for weddings, at the top floor of a shopping mall. When we arrived, the groom (my friend) was at the entrance and greeted the guests. The bride was in the pelamin room, and guests can take pics with her.
Then at 3pm the ceremony started. Like matsalleh weddings, the bride walked down the aisle w her father, the groom waited at the front, then their version of tok kadi started w the mukadimah and after they were married ada taklid. Lol. Then someone sang a song, then family and friends can take pic with the married couple. There were decorated tables and chairs where family members sat. Other guests like friends just stood around the hall to watch the whole proceeding. There was no food or drinks served during the ceremony. It all ended in half hour. Nice and simple. There were no door gifts for the guests.
Later the couple changed into korean traditional clothes and had a traditional ceremony in a small room, with their parents only. I had the chance to witness it. Basically the whole thing was so simple, and takde sesak2 mcm kalau kat mesia time nikah ngan sanding, where everyone wants watch everything and take pics.
Then friends of the bride and groom went to a restaurant somewhere outside and waited for them to come and hangout and have a party and get drunk. Then it was all over.
Basically wedding diorang lepak gila and x banyak protocol. And makan minum yg proper like a banquet utk close family members je. Kesimpulannya, wedding kat mesia lagi meriah and best. Hehe.
Then at 3pm the ceremony started. Like matsalleh weddings, the bride walked down the aisle w her father, the groom waited at the front, then their version of tok kadi started w the mukadimah and after they were married ada taklid. Lol. Then someone sang a song, then family and friends can take pic with the married couple. There were decorated tables and chairs where family members sat. Other guests like friends just stood around the hall to watch the whole proceeding. There was no food or drinks served during the ceremony. It all ended in half hour. Nice and simple. There were no door gifts for the guests.
Later the couple changed into korean traditional clothes and had a traditional ceremony in a small room, with their parents only. I had the chance to witness it. Basically the whole thing was so simple, and takde sesak2 mcm kalau kat mesia time nikah ngan sanding, where everyone wants watch everything and take pics.
Then friends of the bride and groom went to a restaurant somewhere outside and waited for them to come and hangout and have a party and get drunk. Then it was all over.
Basically wedding diorang lepak gila and x banyak protocol. And makan minum yg proper like a banquet utk close family members je. Kesimpulannya, wedding kat mesia lagi meriah and best. Hehe.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Of socks, homework, and travel tips
Ok so im hanging out with a dear friend in his room. This friend has been so sweet and nice to me ever since i got here, most of the time unexpectedly. He also gave me something really nice for my birthday, something that he brought from his country which he asked his aunt to choose for him. And... he's also the most good looking guy here (in my list), hahaha. so anyway i came to share some grapes that i got as a belated bday present from another good friend who calls me bro here. The grapes is no match to the present but its the thought that counts right? (Btw ive officially confirmed the fact that, i cant run away from being a bro to guys no matter where i go)..
Ok so on w the the story, im doing my own thing while my friend is doing his hw, then i started to think about how i feel when some friends sometimes ask for my solutions to refer (i trust them not to copy, i hope my trust is not misplaced). I dont mind sharing my answers, in that way they can check mine for mistakes that i cant see or wrong answers or whatever.. But rarely anyone comes to share their thoughts or ideas w me after i give them my hw answers, i actually would like it very much if they come and discuss the answers rather than just looking at mine and not sharing what they think. But then i start to feel ashamed for thinking like this because sounds like aku ni berkira, like i want something in return, or tak ikhlas sharing my work. Infact i dont mind at all giving out my hw answers if anyone asks.. Im pretty sure i would be doing the asking in the future, i just feel some give and take would be nice, thats all. And then suddenly my friend here asked me about our hw and we ended up discussing the hw, well more like i explained to him the answers, but in the process i got some new ideas. U know how it is when things become clearer to u the more u explain about it. This friend didnt ask to see my solution, but merely discussed the hw and answers w me, and he even shared his ideas. Im gonna revise my solution later. Haha, i feel like this is such a petty thing really, ahh the things that go on in my head. Maybe coz ive been on a gossip girl marathon for the past few days.. Hahaha.
Anyway, the point that i really wanna make is, Isnt it wonderful how God works, there i was having these not so good thoughts and He made me feel so much better instantly.
I also have w me 9 pairs of brand new socks, with cute and girly patterns that are totally not my style, but i do appreciate it of course. Its probably a trend, or the easiest thing to give girls socks as bday presents in korea haha.
Lastly, i was reading this article about travel tips.. This has to be the best travel tip article that i've ever come across so far.. And there are many out there and most of which i can't really apply. I agree with everything the writer said, its like he read my mind! although its more likely that most travelers feel the same way, so nice to know that i have many kindred spirits out there.. Happy reading!
http://www.traveldudes.org/travel-tips/ten-tips-travel-after-fifteen-months-road/20092
Ok so on w the the story, im doing my own thing while my friend is doing his hw, then i started to think about how i feel when some friends sometimes ask for my solutions to refer (i trust them not to copy, i hope my trust is not misplaced). I dont mind sharing my answers, in that way they can check mine for mistakes that i cant see or wrong answers or whatever.. But rarely anyone comes to share their thoughts or ideas w me after i give them my hw answers, i actually would like it very much if they come and discuss the answers rather than just looking at mine and not sharing what they think. But then i start to feel ashamed for thinking like this because sounds like aku ni berkira, like i want something in return, or tak ikhlas sharing my work. Infact i dont mind at all giving out my hw answers if anyone asks.. Im pretty sure i would be doing the asking in the future, i just feel some give and take would be nice, thats all. And then suddenly my friend here asked me about our hw and we ended up discussing the hw, well more like i explained to him the answers, but in the process i got some new ideas. U know how it is when things become clearer to u the more u explain about it. This friend didnt ask to see my solution, but merely discussed the hw and answers w me, and he even shared his ideas. Im gonna revise my solution later. Haha, i feel like this is such a petty thing really, ahh the things that go on in my head. Maybe coz ive been on a gossip girl marathon for the past few days.. Hahaha.
Anyway, the point that i really wanna make is, Isnt it wonderful how God works, there i was having these not so good thoughts and He made me feel so much better instantly.
I also have w me 9 pairs of brand new socks, with cute and girly patterns that are totally not my style, but i do appreciate it of course. Its probably a trend, or the easiest thing to give girls socks as bday presents in korea haha.
Lastly, i was reading this article about travel tips.. This has to be the best travel tip article that i've ever come across so far.. And there are many out there and most of which i can't really apply. I agree with everything the writer said, its like he read my mind! although its more likely that most travelers feel the same way, so nice to know that i have many kindred spirits out there.. Happy reading!
http://www.traveldudes.org/travel-tips/ten-tips-travel-after-fifteen-months-road/20092
Friday, October 19, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Movie Marathon
Music: Supermassive Black Hole by Muse
I wanted to write about Seoul, but then I changed my mind. That would require some effort and I'm in a lazy mood, as always.
I've been watching movies non-stop for many days now, this sudden mood probably triggered by the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) last week. Its an annual affair, and I went to watch three, including a Malaysian movie. I said to myself, this is the closest I can ever get to something like the Cannes Film Festival.. so I might as well just join in on the fun. Hahaha. One can dream .
First we watched a movie shot in Israel by a Iranian father-son duo, titled The Gardener I knew it was a religious movie from the synopsis, but what I didn't know was that it was a self-discovery-exploration sort of documentary, and the religion is the Baha'i faith. Granted, it was a super slow documentary. Was a bit boring at times, but it was ok in general. I first knew about the Baha'i when I visited one of its temples, if I can call it that, somewhere nearby Chicago, probably about 9 or 10 years ago. Oh god I feel so old saying "10 years ago". And then last year when I went to New Delhi, we saw another Baha'i temple from far, and decided not to go in because we were lazy and also rushing for time. What was said about the faith in the movie are the things that I already know, what I didn't know was that there are at least 700,000 people in Iran who embraces the faith. The Iranian govt. censors it, which is not that surprising to know. After the movie ended, the father and son made an appearance, answered some questions, and I talked to the son later afterwords. He explicitly said that the young generation in Iran now are sick of the govt, the censors, the many restrictions imposed, and how everything is associated with religion. I wanted to know whether it was only his opinion (he's 30 years old, quite handsome), he said yes. He said, "me and my friends". I'm not sure how far I should believe. But I'll just keep an open mind for now. Ok I've sort of gotten off topic here. Back to the movie, it centered around the life of a guy who came from Papua New Guinea to work and serve at a Baha'i temple Israel, and the place has the most beautiful garden I've ever seen. So the movie explored the role of religion in human life and in this world, specifically politics and war. The father is more forgiving whereas the son is sort of sceptical, I also think he's sort of an atheist (both of them were in the movie too). So in a way, the movie tried to discuss the clash or difference of opinions between two generations. Quite interesting actually.
I've always hated gardening. I couldn't understand why would anyone enjoy this hobby (the young mind doesn't understand many things). But a few times last year, I had to spend some days watering the plants in my house garden, whenever my parents were out of town or traveling somewhere. And you know what, watering plants sort of made me feel rather peaceful, and small. You see, I started thinking about how these plants would die/wither if they don't get enough water.. You'd think the heavy rains in Malaysia would be sufficient, but its not. Rain don't come everyday. I was responsible for their 'life'. I couldn't go out before I watered them, and I also couldn't go to bed before I watered them. It seems petty but its actually not. And then I sort of could see how the plants become more 'alive' the moment the water drops come into contact with the leaves. Beautiful. Gives me a wonderful feeling. Or maybe its just my imagination. I start to think how they'd become dull and lifeless if I missed a day not watering them. I start to think, not only humans are trying to survive in this world. It sounds obvious though and also corny. But how often do you think about the other living beings in this world other than humans? We are so caught up and centered with our lives and we take animals and plants for granted. Its true. So I thought, maybe gardening is not such a bad hobby after all, and why so many people do it. But I'm not saying that I'm taking gardening anytime soon. I'm still a lazy person. Anyway, reason I'm writing about this now is because I remembered this feelings and thoughts that I had when I watched this documentary.
Damn I wrote longer than I expected to write about this movie. Moving on.
The second movie we watched was titled Horses of God. Set in Casablanca, Morocco, about how poor kids in slums were indoctrinated by the Al-Qaeda to become suicide-bombers post Sept. 11. I've seen something like this before, nothing in the movie was surprising, but it was enjoyable nevertheless. The third movie...ahhhh... lets show some support to our fellow countrymen. Its called, If It's Not Now, Then When? Directed by James Lee (never heard of him before), scenes shot in KL.. actors were Chinese.. in fact, they spoke Mandarin. There were subtitles of course. Slow movie, imagine the Chinese version of Sepet.. or any of Yasmin Ahmad's movies. At first everything seemed pointless.. but the twist at the very last end was... yeahh... totally twisted!!! and all the previous scenes made sense, and it explained the title of the movie. Hahaha. There were explicit scenes of kissing (tongues and all), touching, BJs.. by Malaysian standards, and even a naked scene of a man and a woman on the bed, post-procreation haha. I can see the guy's balls, not to mention his ass as well. Either this is not really a new thing and I've been living under a coconut shell in my own country, or this is something revolutionary (in terms of daring-ness) when it comes to the Malaysian movies. I dunno. But I do know I wouldn't have had any chance to watch this if I were back home.
Other movies that I've watched since, in the comfort of my room, are:
The Avengers
The Lucky One
Friends with Kids
The Vow
One for the Money
Peace, Love, and Misunderstanding
Being Flynn
..and then some new glee, greys anatomy, himym and big bang theory episodes hihi.
85.71% of the movies are chick flicks hahahaha. Bring out the popcorn! Homework and assignments can wait ;p
I wanted to write about Seoul, but then I changed my mind. That would require some effort and I'm in a lazy mood, as always.
I've been watching movies non-stop for many days now, this sudden mood probably triggered by the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) last week. Its an annual affair, and I went to watch three, including a Malaysian movie. I said to myself, this is the closest I can ever get to something like the Cannes Film Festival.. so I might as well just join in on the fun. Hahaha. One can dream .
First we watched a movie shot in Israel by a Iranian father-son duo, titled The Gardener I knew it was a religious movie from the synopsis, but what I didn't know was that it was a self-discovery-exploration sort of documentary, and the religion is the Baha'i faith. Granted, it was a super slow documentary. Was a bit boring at times, but it was ok in general. I first knew about the Baha'i when I visited one of its temples, if I can call it that, somewhere nearby Chicago, probably about 9 or 10 years ago. Oh god I feel so old saying "10 years ago". And then last year when I went to New Delhi, we saw another Baha'i temple from far, and decided not to go in because we were lazy and also rushing for time. What was said about the faith in the movie are the things that I already know, what I didn't know was that there are at least 700,000 people in Iran who embraces the faith. The Iranian govt. censors it, which is not that surprising to know. After the movie ended, the father and son made an appearance, answered some questions, and I talked to the son later afterwords. He explicitly said that the young generation in Iran now are sick of the govt, the censors, the many restrictions imposed, and how everything is associated with religion. I wanted to know whether it was only his opinion (he's 30 years old, quite handsome), he said yes. He said, "me and my friends". I'm not sure how far I should believe. But I'll just keep an open mind for now. Ok I've sort of gotten off topic here. Back to the movie, it centered around the life of a guy who came from Papua New Guinea to work and serve at a Baha'i temple Israel, and the place has the most beautiful garden I've ever seen. So the movie explored the role of religion in human life and in this world, specifically politics and war. The father is more forgiving whereas the son is sort of sceptical, I also think he's sort of an atheist (both of them were in the movie too). So in a way, the movie tried to discuss the clash or difference of opinions between two generations. Quite interesting actually.
I've always hated gardening. I couldn't understand why would anyone enjoy this hobby (the young mind doesn't understand many things). But a few times last year, I had to spend some days watering the plants in my house garden, whenever my parents were out of town or traveling somewhere. And you know what, watering plants sort of made me feel rather peaceful, and small. You see, I started thinking about how these plants would die/wither if they don't get enough water.. You'd think the heavy rains in Malaysia would be sufficient, but its not. Rain don't come everyday. I was responsible for their 'life'. I couldn't go out before I watered them, and I also couldn't go to bed before I watered them. It seems petty but its actually not. And then I sort of could see how the plants become more 'alive' the moment the water drops come into contact with the leaves. Beautiful. Gives me a wonderful feeling. Or maybe its just my imagination. I start to think how they'd become dull and lifeless if I missed a day not watering them. I start to think, not only humans are trying to survive in this world. It sounds obvious though and also corny. But how often do you think about the other living beings in this world other than humans? We are so caught up and centered with our lives and we take animals and plants for granted. Its true. So I thought, maybe gardening is not such a bad hobby after all, and why so many people do it. But I'm not saying that I'm taking gardening anytime soon. I'm still a lazy person. Anyway, reason I'm writing about this now is because I remembered this feelings and thoughts that I had when I watched this documentary.
Damn I wrote longer than I expected to write about this movie. Moving on.
The second movie we watched was titled Horses of God. Set in Casablanca, Morocco, about how poor kids in slums were indoctrinated by the Al-Qaeda to become suicide-bombers post Sept. 11. I've seen something like this before, nothing in the movie was surprising, but it was enjoyable nevertheless. The third movie...ahhhh... lets show some support to our fellow countrymen. Its called, If It's Not Now, Then When? Directed by James Lee (never heard of him before), scenes shot in KL.. actors were Chinese.. in fact, they spoke Mandarin. There were subtitles of course. Slow movie, imagine the Chinese version of Sepet.. or any of Yasmin Ahmad's movies. At first everything seemed pointless.. but the twist at the very last end was... yeahh... totally twisted!!! and all the previous scenes made sense, and it explained the title of the movie. Hahaha. There were explicit scenes of kissing (tongues and all), touching, BJs.. by Malaysian standards, and even a naked scene of a man and a woman on the bed, post-procreation haha. I can see the guy's balls, not to mention his ass as well. Either this is not really a new thing and I've been living under a coconut shell in my own country, or this is something revolutionary (in terms of daring-ness) when it comes to the Malaysian movies. I dunno. But I do know I wouldn't have had any chance to watch this if I were back home.
Other movies that I've watched since, in the comfort of my room, are:
The Avengers
The Lucky One
Friends with Kids
The Vow
One for the Money
Peace, Love, and Misunderstanding
Being Flynn
..and then some new glee, greys anatomy, himym and big bang theory episodes hihi.
85.71% of the movies are chick flicks hahahaha. Bring out the popcorn! Homework and assignments can wait ;p
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Vulnerable
Music: Love Hurts by Incubus
I hate myself for caring too much. Dear God, please turn my heart into stone.
I hate myself for caring too much. Dear God, please turn my heart into stone.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Chuseok Fun
Music: Megalomaniac by Incubus
About 2 weeks ago was the Chuseok Holidays in Korea. To put it simply, its the Korean version of Thanksgiving, or our version of raya, hehe. And I am thankful for the 1 week holiday that came with it. At first I wanted to go to Jeju again but decided against it and went on a different road trip instead with some friends.
During Chuseok, the Koreans would pray and remember their ancestors.. give food offerings.. visit their graves etc. One of my friends invited us to his house to experience the ceremony.. his hometown was in Wonju, about 40 minutes drive from Seoul. We took a night train and reached there around 5am in the morning. It was interesting to go into a Korean house that is not an apartment. Small, nice, cozy.. the whole gang (their family) was there.. besides praying, they also eat and eat and eat!! The food was really good too. They had the prayers in the house, then we ate the food that was offered to the ancestors for breakfast hehe. Then they went to the graves and prayed at the tombstones. My friends went, however I was too tired and sleep so I stayed in and slept. Oh my how bad. We brought some fruits for the family, which were added to the already so many food offerings on the table haha.
After Wonju, we took a bus to Sokcho.. for the main activity of our trip.. which was hiking! hahahaha. It seems like that's all I do these days. Sokcho is a small city, only minutes away from the 3rd highest mountain in South Korea.. i.e. Soraksan. However, we didn't climb to the highest peak, which is at 1700m. That would take 2 days and I usually only do day hikes. Up and down the same day. Easy. But we did opt to climb the most difficult route.. There are many routes. I actually expected the climb to be more difficult. We climbed in 2 hours, 30 minutes faster than the average/estimated time. Soraksan is more like ridge so most of the way it was almost flat and the gradient was small. But the last 30 minutes we had to hike almost 80 degrees up. We started at 7.30am and were down before noon. With still so much time, we opted to go on another route and see enjoy the waterfalls. Both hikes gave us beautiful views, of course. For those who wants to come to Soraksan, which is about 2 hours from Seoul I think, but doesn't want to hike, don't fret. There's a cable car that takes you up to one of the peaks.
That night we went to check out Abai Maeul in Sokcho. Its the location where 'Autumn in My Heart was shot. Ok so apparently this drama is sooooo freakin famous and popular, and fans come from all over the world to see this place. I've never heard of it before hehe. We also ate the famous Ojingo-sundae (stuffed squid), only available in Sokcho. Haha. The night before, we went to check out Sokcho Beach. It was full moon at the time and oh my god the view was really nice.
(Hmm I think I can write better than this but I'm sort of lazy right now haha).
The next day we on the way to Jeongdongjin, we visited the Samyang Ranch, which is purportedly the largest ranch in Asia... or something. I called it New Zealand. So we went to NZ by bus. There were windmills, and the view of hills and vast green field is pretty good. There were cows and sheep and ostrich. But of course it is nothing compared to NZ, which is really one of the most beautiful places on earth, at least to me.
The reason we went to Jeongdongjin was because we can only take the train back to my place from that city. I didn't expect much but the small city turned out to be a really nice quaint cute city so to speak. It sort of gave me the same feeling when I was stranded in Lima, Peru and discovered how nice the city was! On 1st January every year, tens of thousands of people will come here to watch the first sunrise of the year. Again with the sunrise, people???!! Hahaha. No kidding, I read about it on the internet. Why here? Its supposed to be the most eastern part of the Korean Peninsular. Oh wait, I thought it was Geonjeol-kot? (refer previous post). Hahahaha. There is one interesting thing though, the Jeongdongjin Train Station is the nearest train station to the sea in the world. I dunno how true this it but thats what it says in the Korea Tourism website.
Again, I've left out many things that happened during the trip in this post, the little things and happenings and thoughts that made the trip more fun that what I described here.. oh well, sorry about that. Now comes the hardest part, choosing only a few pictures from a total of 500+ that I took.
About 2 weeks ago was the Chuseok Holidays in Korea. To put it simply, its the Korean version of Thanksgiving, or our version of raya, hehe. And I am thankful for the 1 week holiday that came with it. At first I wanted to go to Jeju again but decided against it and went on a different road trip instead with some friends.
During Chuseok, the Koreans would pray and remember their ancestors.. give food offerings.. visit their graves etc. One of my friends invited us to his house to experience the ceremony.. his hometown was in Wonju, about 40 minutes drive from Seoul. We took a night train and reached there around 5am in the morning. It was interesting to go into a Korean house that is not an apartment. Small, nice, cozy.. the whole gang (their family) was there.. besides praying, they also eat and eat and eat!! The food was really good too. They had the prayers in the house, then we ate the food that was offered to the ancestors for breakfast hehe. Then they went to the graves and prayed at the tombstones. My friends went, however I was too tired and sleep so I stayed in and slept. Oh my how bad. We brought some fruits for the family, which were added to the already so many food offerings on the table haha.
After Wonju, we took a bus to Sokcho.. for the main activity of our trip.. which was hiking! hahahaha. It seems like that's all I do these days. Sokcho is a small city, only minutes away from the 3rd highest mountain in South Korea.. i.e. Soraksan. However, we didn't climb to the highest peak, which is at 1700m. That would take 2 days and I usually only do day hikes. Up and down the same day. Easy. But we did opt to climb the most difficult route.. There are many routes. I actually expected the climb to be more difficult. We climbed in 2 hours, 30 minutes faster than the average/estimated time. Soraksan is more like ridge so most of the way it was almost flat and the gradient was small. But the last 30 minutes we had to hike almost 80 degrees up. We started at 7.30am and were down before noon. With still so much time, we opted to go on another route and see enjoy the waterfalls. Both hikes gave us beautiful views, of course. For those who wants to come to Soraksan, which is about 2 hours from Seoul I think, but doesn't want to hike, don't fret. There's a cable car that takes you up to one of the peaks.
That night we went to check out Abai Maeul in Sokcho. Its the location where 'Autumn in My Heart was shot. Ok so apparently this drama is sooooo freakin famous and popular, and fans come from all over the world to see this place. I've never heard of it before hehe. We also ate the famous Ojingo-sundae (stuffed squid), only available in Sokcho. Haha. The night before, we went to check out Sokcho Beach. It was full moon at the time and oh my god the view was really nice.
(Hmm I think I can write better than this but I'm sort of lazy right now haha).
The next day we on the way to Jeongdongjin, we visited the Samyang Ranch, which is purportedly the largest ranch in Asia... or something. I called it New Zealand. So we went to NZ by bus. There were windmills, and the view of hills and vast green field is pretty good. There were cows and sheep and ostrich. But of course it is nothing compared to NZ, which is really one of the most beautiful places on earth, at least to me.
The reason we went to Jeongdongjin was because we can only take the train back to my place from that city. I didn't expect much but the small city turned out to be a really nice quaint cute city so to speak. It sort of gave me the same feeling when I was stranded in Lima, Peru and discovered how nice the city was! On 1st January every year, tens of thousands of people will come here to watch the first sunrise of the year. Again with the sunrise, people???!! Hahaha. No kidding, I read about it on the internet. Why here? Its supposed to be the most eastern part of the Korean Peninsular. Oh wait, I thought it was Geonjeol-kot? (refer previous post). Hahahaha. There is one interesting thing though, the Jeongdongjin Train Station is the nearest train station to the sea in the world. I dunno how true this it but thats what it says in the Korea Tourism website.
Again, I've left out many things that happened during the trip in this post, the little things and happenings and thoughts that made the trip more fun that what I described here.. oh well, sorry about that. Now comes the hardest part, choosing only a few pictures from a total of 500+ that I took.
Soraksan
Ulsanbawi Peak
Biryong Falls
Samyang Mokjang
Fall foliage
Jeongdongjin.. view from our motel
Sunrise Hotel.. no its not a ship.
Jeongdongjin Train Station.. right by the sea!
Food offerings
Gambar raya! Happy Chuseok!
Monday, October 08, 2012
Geonjeol-kot
Music: One Day Like This by Elbow
Ok I only have 30 minutes before my group meeting. So this time I'll talk about a short trip one weekend back in April.
Geonjeol-kot is the place where "the sun rises the earliest in Eurasia, including the Korean Peninsular".
Well, at least that's what it said on a big stone in the area. Its about 10-15 minutes drive from my university. The place is quite pleasant and beautiful. During the new year (both Gregorian and Lunar Calendar, I think), many people would come here to watch the first sunrise of the year. It is a popular place to watch sunrise here. Well, this thing about watching sunrises at a special place sort of boggles me, coz I think I can watch the sunrise from wherever I want.. what's the significance of watching the earliest sunrise anywhere, anyway? Hahaha. ok maybe I'm not that sentimental or romantic or whatever. But I guess its also how they sort of sell the place, right? Like being in the southernmost tip of the african continent (Cape of Good Hope). But that is quite interesting actually haha.
Ok I only have 30 minutes before my group meeting. So this time I'll talk about a short trip one weekend back in April.
Geonjeol-kot is the place where "the sun rises the earliest in Eurasia, including the Korean Peninsular".
Well, at least that's what it said on a big stone in the area. Its about 10-15 minutes drive from my university. The place is quite pleasant and beautiful. During the new year (both Gregorian and Lunar Calendar, I think), many people would come here to watch the first sunrise of the year. It is a popular place to watch sunrise here. Well, this thing about watching sunrises at a special place sort of boggles me, coz I think I can watch the sunrise from wherever I want.. what's the significance of watching the earliest sunrise anywhere, anyway? Hahaha. ok maybe I'm not that sentimental or romantic or whatever. But I guess its also how they sort of sell the place, right? Like being in the southernmost tip of the african continent (Cape of Good Hope). But that is quite interesting actually haha.
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Yeongnam Alps Tall Grass Festival
Music: One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey
I know I haven't written much about what I've been doing here, but truth be told, I've actually been to sooooo many places around Korea in the past 7 months. I think its high time I chronicle them all. I'll start with my most latest excursion, i.e. my hiking trip today.
We went to an area called Yeongnam Alps, which is just about 45 minutes drive from my university. The peak we climbed is called Shinbulsan (san=Mountain/Hill). The pressure vessel and reactor design course professor organized it as a class trip (nothing to do with the subject though haha), and I sort of went on a free ride since there was an extra space in the car. I'm not enrolled in that course. So off we went at 7.30am, and I honestly thought it'd be a short hiking outing that I'll be back by lunch time. Instead, we came back at 5.30pm, totally exhausted from one of the most rewarding but tiring hikes I've ever done so far.
One of the best things about hiking is the gorgeous views that you'd almost always get from high on top. Why would anyone want to wake up early on a weekend and go punish your legs and knees if not for that? The hill was one of the steepest I've ever hiked on, and we went all the way up to the peak at 1200 meters. It took us a little under 4 hours to reach the top, and once we were at 1000 meters, we were presented with a magnificent meadow of tall grass. It only appears during the fall season, hence this festival, which is only held once a year. The vegetation is also very colorful all around the top, I loved it so much. Sempat la aku rasa jiwang2 sikit sambil hiking tu hahahah.
To quote a friend of mine, "Orang kat Korea ni pi hiking macam pi theme park". There was sooooo many people its ridiculous really.
One of the things I like about hiking is the peaceful feeling, because in other parts of the world that I've gone hiking at, including Malaysia, not that many people hike. The rustling leaves and sound of rivers flowing (if any), the chirping birds.. etc. But its pretty much impossible to get that in Korea. Hiking is the nation's favorite past time.
Anyway, I didn't eat breakfast except for 2 tiny croissants, a cup of coffee and a small box of milk. Usually I'd buy a couple of snickers and a bottle of isotonic drink to get some sugar in me for that extra energy. Works for me the whole time. But i didnt have those this time. I didn't know it was gonna be a super long hike. On the way down I got a severe migraine for being so hungry, my legs were wobbly and the muscles were tired, and i started feeling so cold so I wore a jacket (temp was between 17-21 degress celcius and it was quite windy too). I took it really slowly, all the time thinking, I've gone through much worse than this (OBS=Outward Bound School came to mind). My friend was really kind to always wait for me everytime I started to fall back really behind. In truth I could have gone faster to get the hike over and done with, but then the degree of agony will be greater, and I don't want to put too much pressure on my legs and body, I have at least 30 more years of hiking to do all around the world hahahaha (that's the dream anyway).
By the time we ate lunch it was 3pm. My friend said, "Hey Kirah, eat now (pointing to the food served), then you can smile again". True enough, my headache went away as soon as I got fooooooddd!! All in all, the hike was a really good one, I slept almost throughout the ride back, and my legs also managed to recover by then (they're getting used to all the hiking I've been doing around here, so I don't get sore legs for too long).
Here are some pics out of 100+ that I took:
I know I haven't written much about what I've been doing here, but truth be told, I've actually been to sooooo many places around Korea in the past 7 months. I think its high time I chronicle them all. I'll start with my most latest excursion, i.e. my hiking trip today.
We went to an area called Yeongnam Alps, which is just about 45 minutes drive from my university. The peak we climbed is called Shinbulsan (san=Mountain/Hill). The pressure vessel and reactor design course professor organized it as a class trip (nothing to do with the subject though haha), and I sort of went on a free ride since there was an extra space in the car. I'm not enrolled in that course. So off we went at 7.30am, and I honestly thought it'd be a short hiking outing that I'll be back by lunch time. Instead, we came back at 5.30pm, totally exhausted from one of the most rewarding but tiring hikes I've ever done so far.
One of the best things about hiking is the gorgeous views that you'd almost always get from high on top. Why would anyone want to wake up early on a weekend and go punish your legs and knees if not for that? The hill was one of the steepest I've ever hiked on, and we went all the way up to the peak at 1200 meters. It took us a little under 4 hours to reach the top, and once we were at 1000 meters, we were presented with a magnificent meadow of tall grass. It only appears during the fall season, hence this festival, which is only held once a year. The vegetation is also very colorful all around the top, I loved it so much. Sempat la aku rasa jiwang2 sikit sambil hiking tu hahahah.
To quote a friend of mine, "Orang kat Korea ni pi hiking macam pi theme park". There was sooooo many people its ridiculous really.
One of the things I like about hiking is the peaceful feeling, because in other parts of the world that I've gone hiking at, including Malaysia, not that many people hike. The rustling leaves and sound of rivers flowing (if any), the chirping birds.. etc. But its pretty much impossible to get that in Korea. Hiking is the nation's favorite past time.
Anyway, I didn't eat breakfast except for 2 tiny croissants, a cup of coffee and a small box of milk. Usually I'd buy a couple of snickers and a bottle of isotonic drink to get some sugar in me for that extra energy. Works for me the whole time. But i didnt have those this time. I didn't know it was gonna be a super long hike. On the way down I got a severe migraine for being so hungry, my legs were wobbly and the muscles were tired, and i started feeling so cold so I wore a jacket (temp was between 17-21 degress celcius and it was quite windy too). I took it really slowly, all the time thinking, I've gone through much worse than this (OBS=Outward Bound School came to mind). My friend was really kind to always wait for me everytime I started to fall back really behind. In truth I could have gone faster to get the hike over and done with, but then the degree of agony will be greater, and I don't want to put too much pressure on my legs and body, I have at least 30 more years of hiking to do all around the world hahahaha (that's the dream anyway).
By the time we ate lunch it was 3pm. My friend said, "Hey Kirah, eat now (pointing to the food served), then you can smile again". True enough, my headache went away as soon as I got fooooooddd!! All in all, the hike was a really good one, I slept almost throughout the ride back, and my legs also managed to recover by then (they're getting used to all the hiking I've been doing around here, so I don't get sore legs for too long).
Here are some pics out of 100+ that I took:
Huge field of tall grass.. In a couple of weeks it will turn golden
The small city below. I have no idea what's the name.
So pretty..
Magnificent colors...
Never ending view of hills
Massive amount of Koreans hiking on a Sunday. So where's the theme park?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
My First Solo Trip
Music: Gimme One Reason by Tracy Chapman and Eric Clapton
I'm on my bed and i cant sleep. A good time to write about my inaugural solo trip. Actually if i take into account when i went to Langkawi alone back in Feb, this would be the 2nd time i guess.
So i decided to go on adhoc trip to Jeju Island a few weeks ago during a one week break. It wasnt adhoc per se since ive been thinking about doing it for quite a while. But i did go there without any plans aka itinerary. Without any research even. Now thats a first. I suppose it comes with the nature of a solo trip, since i can do whatever i want on my own sweet time.
Let me start with the reason why i wanted to go alone. I needed that alone time. Although i love my friends and life here but sometimes i just want to be by myself, and the few isolated hours between lunch and dinner, before i go to sleep and during weekends just doesnt cut it. I wanted an extended time alone. Its impossible to get that here. I also realized that back in Malaysia i can disappear whenever i want. Everybody is so busy with their own lives that not hearing from other friends for some time is nothing strange. So i can not contact anyone and no one would even notice much.
And so i told my friend who actually wanted to join the trip if she minded i went alone, she didnt ask why and said ok. Which was good. I wonder if she figured it out. Whatever it was, i silently thank her for not asking anything.
Jeju is such a beautiful place. I couldnt have picked a better place. The gorgeous sceneries were more than i couldve asked for, perfect for self reflection and just thinking about anything and everything and nothing. But i wont talk much about Jeju now because u can google all about the awesomeness of Jeju on ur own.
I went through a few phases during the trip. First was the excitement of going on an adventure alone, sort of. Then when ive finally reached my destination, i felt so happy and excited of what lies ahead that naturally made me want to share it with friends. But that beats the purpose of me wanting to disappear in the first place. Its sort of a separation anxiety kind of thing. It was a big effort on my part to surpress the urge to contact anyone, even if its only to inform that i am safe and sound.
But after that first night, the urge was completely gone for good. It also helped that i got to talking and hungout with the other backpackers."but hey, i thought u wanted to be alone, how come ure talking to all these strangers?" some might ask. Actually wanting to be alone is more like wanting to get away from all the familiarity and routine.. Plus its almost always fun to talk to strangers.. There are so many interesting ppl out there, different stories and different personalities, you can learn so much from talking with ppl outside of your own social group. Plus it feels good that nobody knows me personally.. Its a breath of fresh air. Foreign place, foreign ppl, foreign anecdotes. I stayed in Jeju for 4 nights, and each night after ive returned from my sight seeing excursions, i hung out with others until at least 2am just talking and them drinking.
"being alone is not the same as being lonely"
Its sort of boggles the mind a little that when i came back from Jeju, i felt lonely even amongst friends, yet when i was alone in Jeju, i felt so alive and happy. But the lonely feeling lasted just the first 2 days after i came back. this is the next phase. This is totally opposite of the separation anxiety i mentioned earlier. This time dont feel like talking to anyone much. Its time to come back to reality. i also have this tendency to not talk much about places i go to with others unless they're really2 super duper interested to know (barring the things i write here, since its like talking to myself).
All the things written by travel bloggers on solo trips are so true. I can do whatever i want, without anyone judging me.. Most travellers especially those who stay at backpackers hostel rather than hotels are usually open minded. I can decide to go wherever i want on my own pace, i can change my mind as soon as i made up my mind on doing something or going somewhere. Hence the absence of the need for an itinerary and the need to get everyone's agreement or satisfying others in a group trip. Its sooo freaking awesome!! And if where i went turned out to not so fun, i dont have to feel guilty.
When i came back, many ppl asked me isnt it boring traveling alone. I will not kid you and say its fun all the time. Of course sometimes i felt bored. But the amount of fun times greatly outweighed the amount of boring times, so to speak. I think it takes great skill to know and be able to have fun on your own. And its not impossible, that which i've learned a long time ago. Also, traveling alone opens up more opportunities for exciting things to happen, as it makes u more approachable and that could lead to many interesting happenings. Another downside of traveling alone is that u have to fork out more money on things like taxis etc.. Its give and take.
The Jeju trip was also sort of a practice for me for my next solo trip which will last for one month. Im sort of nervous about it.
I dont know if these cycle of 'feelings' and 'emotions' i go through is something that other solo travelers experience as well.. But hey.. This is me. Its a new kind of experience for me too. But a 4 day 4 night trip is probably nothing right? Not that im just nervous with the prospect of being in foreign countries for a month that are not exactly reputable in terms of safety like europe (hahaha now u know im not going to that part of the world), im sort of nervous about the state of my mind during that whole time. I can already imagine the rollercoaster of emotions that im gonna go through.
So anyhow, we have a another 6 day holiday coming up, (korean version of thanksgiving called Chuseok) and this time Ive already made all the plans and bookings and itinerary.. Yes im going with friends, of course ;p.. Its gonna be fun, and definitely tiring, as all my travels usually are..
I'm on my bed and i cant sleep. A good time to write about my inaugural solo trip. Actually if i take into account when i went to Langkawi alone back in Feb, this would be the 2nd time i guess.
So i decided to go on adhoc trip to Jeju Island a few weeks ago during a one week break. It wasnt adhoc per se since ive been thinking about doing it for quite a while. But i did go there without any plans aka itinerary. Without any research even. Now thats a first. I suppose it comes with the nature of a solo trip, since i can do whatever i want on my own sweet time.
Let me start with the reason why i wanted to go alone. I needed that alone time. Although i love my friends and life here but sometimes i just want to be by myself, and the few isolated hours between lunch and dinner, before i go to sleep and during weekends just doesnt cut it. I wanted an extended time alone. Its impossible to get that here. I also realized that back in Malaysia i can disappear whenever i want. Everybody is so busy with their own lives that not hearing from other friends for some time is nothing strange. So i can not contact anyone and no one would even notice much.
And so i told my friend who actually wanted to join the trip if she minded i went alone, she didnt ask why and said ok. Which was good. I wonder if she figured it out. Whatever it was, i silently thank her for not asking anything.
Jeju is such a beautiful place. I couldnt have picked a better place. The gorgeous sceneries were more than i couldve asked for, perfect for self reflection and just thinking about anything and everything and nothing. But i wont talk much about Jeju now because u can google all about the awesomeness of Jeju on ur own.
I went through a few phases during the trip. First was the excitement of going on an adventure alone, sort of. Then when ive finally reached my destination, i felt so happy and excited of what lies ahead that naturally made me want to share it with friends. But that beats the purpose of me wanting to disappear in the first place. Its sort of a separation anxiety kind of thing. It was a big effort on my part to surpress the urge to contact anyone, even if its only to inform that i am safe and sound.
But after that first night, the urge was completely gone for good. It also helped that i got to talking and hungout with the other backpackers."but hey, i thought u wanted to be alone, how come ure talking to all these strangers?" some might ask. Actually wanting to be alone is more like wanting to get away from all the familiarity and routine.. Plus its almost always fun to talk to strangers.. There are so many interesting ppl out there, different stories and different personalities, you can learn so much from talking with ppl outside of your own social group. Plus it feels good that nobody knows me personally.. Its a breath of fresh air. Foreign place, foreign ppl, foreign anecdotes. I stayed in Jeju for 4 nights, and each night after ive returned from my sight seeing excursions, i hung out with others until at least 2am just talking and them drinking.
"being alone is not the same as being lonely"
Its sort of boggles the mind a little that when i came back from Jeju, i felt lonely even amongst friends, yet when i was alone in Jeju, i felt so alive and happy. But the lonely feeling lasted just the first 2 days after i came back. this is the next phase. This is totally opposite of the separation anxiety i mentioned earlier. This time dont feel like talking to anyone much. Its time to come back to reality. i also have this tendency to not talk much about places i go to with others unless they're really2 super duper interested to know (barring the things i write here, since its like talking to myself).
All the things written by travel bloggers on solo trips are so true. I can do whatever i want, without anyone judging me.. Most travellers especially those who stay at backpackers hostel rather than hotels are usually open minded. I can decide to go wherever i want on my own pace, i can change my mind as soon as i made up my mind on doing something or going somewhere. Hence the absence of the need for an itinerary and the need to get everyone's agreement or satisfying others in a group trip. Its sooo freaking awesome!! And if where i went turned out to not so fun, i dont have to feel guilty.
When i came back, many ppl asked me isnt it boring traveling alone. I will not kid you and say its fun all the time. Of course sometimes i felt bored. But the amount of fun times greatly outweighed the amount of boring times, so to speak. I think it takes great skill to know and be able to have fun on your own. And its not impossible, that which i've learned a long time ago. Also, traveling alone opens up more opportunities for exciting things to happen, as it makes u more approachable and that could lead to many interesting happenings. Another downside of traveling alone is that u have to fork out more money on things like taxis etc.. Its give and take.
The Jeju trip was also sort of a practice for me for my next solo trip which will last for one month. Im sort of nervous about it.
I dont know if these cycle of 'feelings' and 'emotions' i go through is something that other solo travelers experience as well.. But hey.. This is me. Its a new kind of experience for me too. But a 4 day 4 night trip is probably nothing right? Not that im just nervous with the prospect of being in foreign countries for a month that are not exactly reputable in terms of safety like europe (hahaha now u know im not going to that part of the world), im sort of nervous about the state of my mind during that whole time. I can already imagine the rollercoaster of emotions that im gonna go through.
So anyhow, we have a another 6 day holiday coming up, (korean version of thanksgiving called Chuseok) and this time Ive already made all the plans and bookings and itinerary.. Yes im going with friends, of course ;p.. Its gonna be fun, and definitely tiring, as all my travels usually are..
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Room With a View
Music: Loneliness by Busker Busker
Im now in my room, lounging in my chair, feet propped up on my desk, looking out the balcony to the sea..
I leave my blinds open all the time, so whenever i open my room door the first thing that i will see is the sea.. If i look straight ahead pass my bathroom door and desk and bed and guitar.. That is.
I cant really express how it feels to be able to enjoy this view everyday. Whenever i feel that im starting to take it for granted, i'd spend some time on my balcony just appreciating what is in front of me, take it all in.
This morning i slept after sunrise. I took a peek but then i was too sleepy to enjoy it longer. This mid afternoon it was quite hot and the sky was so clear and blue against the green grass and brown buildings on my campus.. It felt so nice when i walked back from class to my dorm.
Right now, the clouds have turned ominous, dark grey and thick.. it looks like its gonna rain soon.. The sea in te shade of bluish grey.. I tried to take some pictures but it doesnt do justice to the magnificence of the view.
Sometimes when we have clear skies, no clouds and the moon no where in sight, i can see soooo many stars.. So clear.. Literally sparkling.. This place being far away from the city and all..
I hope i will never get used to this and appreciate it all like it is my first day here.
Time to buka puasa now.
Im now in my room, lounging in my chair, feet propped up on my desk, looking out the balcony to the sea..
I leave my blinds open all the time, so whenever i open my room door the first thing that i will see is the sea.. If i look straight ahead pass my bathroom door and desk and bed and guitar.. That is.
I cant really express how it feels to be able to enjoy this view everyday. Whenever i feel that im starting to take it for granted, i'd spend some time on my balcony just appreciating what is in front of me, take it all in.
This morning i slept after sunrise. I took a peek but then i was too sleepy to enjoy it longer. This mid afternoon it was quite hot and the sky was so clear and blue against the green grass and brown buildings on my campus.. It felt so nice when i walked back from class to my dorm.
Right now, the clouds have turned ominous, dark grey and thick.. it looks like its gonna rain soon.. The sea in te shade of bluish grey.. I tried to take some pictures but it doesnt do justice to the magnificence of the view.
Sometimes when we have clear skies, no clouds and the moon no where in sight, i can see soooo many stars.. So clear.. Literally sparkling.. This place being far away from the city and all..
I hope i will never get used to this and appreciate it all like it is my first day here.
Time to buka puasa now.
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Montevideo & Santiago
Music: Doi Ban Tay by Buc Tuong
Third and final email..
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Third and final email..
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ok next is montevideo.. that place is literally a ghost town.. i dont know why the city is known to be 'the most european city in south america'.. but that is what i read on the internet.. maybe its only a ghost town on sunday.. we were there on a sunday.. everything was closed.. nobody was around anywhere.. it was so dodgy even in the day, cant imagine how it is at night. so thank God we decided to go to the market.. and tu pun dia tutup awal.. by 4pm they've started kemas2 dah.. and sundown is at 9pm!!
oh yeah of course there were ppl at the beach too. on hindsight we shouldnt have gone there probably and spent 2 days in santiago instead coz there are so many things to see and do there.. but still, it was an experience la.. and when we met the turkish guys in rio tu, one of them have actually been to montevideo jugak and he said mmg dia agree tempat tu takde pape and macam ghost town.. so yeah we're not the only one who got tricked!! hahaah. the only good thing about the city is that.. everywhere they accepted US dollars.. or else we wouldve been screwed.. we didnt change any money at the airport when we arrived the night before..
oh yeah i also got that metal straw with strainers thingy from montevideo.. thats was a really good purchase.. so now i dont have to tapis my tea... so convenient!! my mother even said, why never buy for me one? hahahahha how would I know u want one right?? everywhere in the city the locals will be holding a thermostat... i assume its hot water la in there.. and then they'll be holding the cup.. called guampo.. with the bamillo.. the straw... as in EVERYBODY... imagine its like everyone walking around with starbucks coffee in their hands.. but replace that with these cups.. and the tea is called yerba mate... we were lepaking at a park just to kill time.. and there was this bench with a makcik there.. then we started cam whoring la.. my friend wanted to 'blend in with the locals' so she went to seat next to the makcik and started posing with the cup and bambillo.. yes she bought the cup to give her father.. and we did so many takes and all... ye laa kata sangap.. sampai makcik ni curious la what the hell are these crazy kids doing right.. then she peeked into my friend's cup and saw that it was empty and then she started laughing at us and all... kitorang pun gelak balik aa.. sporting jugak makcik tu.. hahahhaha..the montevideo airport is small but really upscale and clean and modern. but ive learned now to not judge a city by its airport!! hahaha
santiago was the next destination. sampai malam, next day we kinda woke up late so started the day around 9.30am. it was 2 against 2... dua org nak pi valparaiso.. 2 org nak stay in santiago je.. i dont remember how we decided then. walked to city center and main area plaza de armas (everywhere in chile/peru/bolivia the main square is called plaza de armas).
didnt know what to do so we took the hop on and off tour.. then we found out there was a half day tour to see the andes mountains.. the range is just 1 hour drive away from santiago.. but the tour has already passed.. so we talked to some guys on the tour bus and they say maybe we can ask another tour agency if they can do a private tour for us. went to check it out and tak dapat. so what we did was we hailed a cab and fixed a price to pay him and he agreed to drive us up...
omg andes was really awesome.. the view was superbbbb.. i didnt expect to actually visit the andes when i went to santiago.. it was macam adhoc gila la.. and we didnt care paying lots coz macam.. best gila kot!!! although paying for the hop on off bus was a waste la jugak sbb we only rode it once. but whatever la kan. it was really hot but then half way up dah start sejuk sikit.. and betul2 kat peak where the ski resort is.. the city there is called el colorado.. macam kat US je kan...
it was really curvy roads all the way up.. mmg bahaya jugak la nak naik tu.. the driver couldnt speak english so my friend yg ok sikit spanish dia boleh la jugak cakap2 ngan dia.. the song playing in his cd player macam sedap gak aa.. some spanish acoustic guitar folk chilean thing going on.. so i asked la whose the singer.. so this guy started talking about victor jara.. he was assasinated by augusto pinochet back then.. for singing bad stuff about the goverment and somewhat responsible for spreading political reform ideas to the ppl of chile.. mostly the poor and the miners.. god knows how we managed to figure all this out with limited spanish and lots of sign language.. the cd looped many times and i kept asking him to repeat certain songs, by then i already knew which track number that i liked most..and the music was sooo like in the mood and in sync with our surroundings.. the wild cactus.. the mountains and trees and rivers.. and some cowboys on horses on the road... some trekkers even.. mmg totally set the mood lah!! then my friend and i macam, eh lepas ni we ask him for the cd lah. dia sure bagi punya..
so after lepak2 kat andes tu dah camwhore like crazy and what not.. on the way down tu.. right before we reach the city.. suddenly the taxi driver took out the cd.. took a casing from the dashboard.. and gave us the cd.. without us even asking!!! hahahaha.. he mustve been really proud that some asians like this victor jara guy so much. so its pretty much what ive been listening to in the car until now.. if im not listening to bfm that is.. but it doesnt give the same effect as it did in santiago.. of course la kan..
santiago is a really modern city.. we can totally live there.. the malls are big.. and we can live in buenos aires too.. montevideo mmg tak nak ahh.. mati sangap kat situ. after andes, we went to san cristobal hill.. where virgin mary patung is.. bought our souvenirs there.. then rushed back to the hostel to get our bags and go the airport for our flight to la paz. there were still many things to see in santiago but we didnt have time. shouldnt have gone to montevideo man!! nasib baik laa tak pi valparaiso.. or else we wouldnt have gone to andes!
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Buenos Aires!
Music: Cha Va Con by Buc Tuong
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first destination, buenos aires.
the city is very european. not that ive been to many european cities but thats what my friends said (all of them studies in the UK, aku sorang je sesat kat US). it was like paris but without the smell (of piss and vomit). BA is very clean, the people are really friendly of course. there were soooo many backpackers everywhere.. the first day first thing in the morning we had to go to the bolivian consulate to get our bolivian visas done.. awal2 lagi dah sesat... walked the wrong way but still got to see many things on the way... by the time we got to the consulate it was around 10am and there were soooo many people! but luckily we were the only ones queuing for the visa application, got it done.. and went back to our hostel.
we weren't sure what to do that day, so we joined the tour to visit la boca and caminito organized by our hostel, ramai jugak yg join! ada la dalam 40 ppl.. the place is soooo colorful! la boca is really a big thing there, the stadium for the one of the most popular football clubs, la boca junior, with diego maradona being one of their players before. caminito is nearby. but the place is supposedly very dodgy at night but masa siang it was ok. the guide Amelie talked to us and said she's never met anyone from malaysia before (we get that all the time while we were in SA), she was quite excited to meet us, and said she's bored with brits and australians already.. there are too many of them! hahaha. there were art streets and a market in caminito, and street tango shows etc.. it was the first time i actually felt excited being in SA, i was not feeling it prior to the trip remember? hahaha.
by 6pm we were went back to the hostel, we were still tired from the long haul flight actually so we slept in, was supposed to join in the free tango lesson that night we overslept, went down late anyway, after the class was over, we talked to the instructor about where to check out tango clubs or whatever, he told us this one place, so we took a taxi there.. it was really dodgy i tell u!! we went there around 10pm, there were still not many people around.. ppl started coming in by 11pm, and turns out there's gonna be a tango leesson, so 3 of us signed up, was really cheap anyway. it was a good class! the instructor spoke spanish to the others but english to us. i was paired up with my friend (the only guy on the trip), haha it was really awkward at first (at least for me, not because of the dance but because i had to partner him) but after a while i got used to it plus he was really cool about it. the class lasted a little over an hour, i didnt know my friend who was sitting at the side were taking pictures, and posted it on fb (picture on iphone) so after i came back i had to answer a lot of questions from my other friends about the tango pic... yes gossips all around, there's no truth to it but the pic looked scandalous anyway hahahaha.
after that we were ready to go back then 2 guys chatted us up and invited to go to another club to watch this old guy sing, apparently this guy is famous amongst the locals, the other place was just walking distance from the tango club and these 2 guys looked trustworthy, but when we were nearing the other place there was soo many ppl there looked really happening my friend who did not tango was feeling a little scared and didnt want to completely trust them. so of course we didnt want to leave her going back to the hostel alone so we opted out from going to the other place, i really thought it was a missed opportunity but we had to stick together plus it was already past midnight.
the next morning i couldnt sleep after subuh, so my friend and me went for a walk to the harbor.. around 5.30am.. walked for 20 minutes and then just sat in front of the harbor, there were boats and birds chirping and the place was really quiet weather was really cool and windy it was awesome, chatted for over an hour before we headed back to the hostel around 7.30am..
the next day we rented bicycles, the guys who were handling the bicycle rental one of them was really cute Ha ha and he even stayed in KL for like 6 months before... for work, he's a journalist.. have been all over the world if he's not in BA... ahhh the life... so we cycled all over BA, got the HRC tshirts .. cycled to many interesting places according to the route we were given, also went to the recoleta where evita was buried.. went to the harbor... etc.. was quite hot that day... that night we had a really good dinner and when went to bed, penat gila cycle frlom 10am to 7pm! our asses were really sore..
next morning took a train to tigre.. its like the place for weekend getaways for ppl living in the city, something like rottnest island to perth city.. nice quaint place, jalan2 around the market etc.. then went back to BA to get our lunch at the halal steak restaurant in palermo... oh man the argentinian steak was really gooddd!!! actually there were a few other halal restaurants in the area.. but we still went to Baraka.. and it was super cheap too!! btw water in BA is very expensive...its good to bring a water bottle so u can fill it up at your hostel.. the souvenirs and other things are also expensive in BA so we didnt do any shopping while we were there. just bought the mandatory magnets and of course HRC tshirts for me.
walked around the city for a bit more before going to the airport later that day for our flight to Montevideo, Uruguay.
btw BA has the widest street in the world.. Av de Julio 19.. our hostel is just 5 minutes walk.. it has 7 lanes, 2 way street.. this is even wider than the street in Beijing at CBD. there are sooo many grafitti around BA, they have grafitti tours to those interested..
btw this happened in rio.. it was our last night in rio and 2nd last night in SA, we walked from copacabana to ipanema to find a place to eat.. ended up at this diner we were seating outside, macam mamak, eating our pizza (by then we were so bored of pizza already but there's nothing much we can eat while we were there, when suddenly this 2 guys approached us and asked where were we from? are we from Malaysia? we said yeah.. got to talking and all and we invited them to sit with us. turns out they are turkish, but they live in denmark. they came to us cause saw me and another friend with the tudung.. they're muslims la. one of them have been to KL and stayed for 2 months (he has a friend who studies and works here). we bought them drinks and talked about for about 2 hrs.. the guy who went to kl at first he said it was nice and stuff but then we said, ok come on seriously tell us honestly do u really like kl or just saying that? then he admitted ok well he didn't really like kl, found out he was traveling alone the entire time coz his friend was busy so he didnt get to experience that much, did not try out about the best food and stuff like that. so we said, now u definitely have to come to kl again and we'll bring them around bla bla bla. it was really awesome, they said they've never met any muslim in rio (they're there for quite a while) or anywhere in south america yet. so i guess my point is, we can safely conclude that turkish ppl are friendly to tourists, even when they're not in turkey! hahahhaa.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
My Immediate Feelings Post SA Trip
Music: Choi Voi by Buc Tuong
I accidentally came across a couple of emails I wrote to my cousins a little over a week after I came back from my trip to South America.. reading back, now I'm itching to travel.. well, actually i already have a plan in the works.. its pretty much confirmed actually, since I've bought tickets and all.. hehehehehhehehe. here's the first email.. written in February 2011.
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yes it is still surreal that i've actually gone to south america and made it back... i remember thinking it was all jsut a dream last year.. all the hours and nights spent on planning it was totally worth it. 3 weeks was nothing.. SA should be done in 3 months! i definitely wanna go back there again.. anecdotes and stories.. i dont even know where to begin. i remember sometime during the trip i thought i should start a travel journal.. it would be so awesome to be able to write down the small things u'd experience during ur travels, things that u'd normallly forget but upon reading about them again, it would bring back memories and probably laughter... but who am i kidding... malas gila kot!! but to have one would be really awesome really.. it feels too late to start now since ive been to quite a few places for the past few years.. but then again its better late than never right? i have 50 more years ahead of me to still go on travels.. whats that compared to a few years so far? i'll sit on it for now.
all those things about SA being dangerous... its overrated really... i think if ure not careful even KL is dangerous.. how many times have u heard of ppl being pick pocketed in rome? spain? london? its the same everywhere.. just apply common sense and u'll be fine. its not like travelers in SA go looking for drug lords and cartels whateever right? so all the while during the trip i felt nothing but safe and secure.. just stick to the right places and the right people and all would be ok. the only place i felt a bit menakutkan is rio. one thing i can say about the people of SA, yes this applies to all the ppl in all the countries i went to namely argentina uruguay chile bolivia peru brazil, they are very very very super friendly!! nothing like the europeans... and even more friendly than americans (they are friendly but superficial), but south americans are genuinely friendly..and very nice people.. i totally did not expect that all so it was a pleasant surprise really and made me enjoyed the trip more.
before the trip i kinda contained my excitement for a bit until even when we flew that night to Buenos aires i STILL wasnt excited... my friends thought i was crazy and weird and they couldnt understant it because they've been excited weeks before the trip! i just didnt want to over expect so that in turn i would enjoy the trip more.. then again when i went to beijing and dubai pun the same thing happened.. i guess im its my defence mechanism so to speak when it comes to traveling.. only that i've only realized it now hahaha...
one important advice when going to SA, if you move around the cities/countries using the airplane, and u have connecting flights on the same day.. make sure u do it on the SAME airline.. we missed ours and were stranded in Lima for 2 days and had to buy new tickets spent a fortune for that but thank god we took travel insurance (tak pernah terfikir nak amik pun before this), so we are now working towards getting the refunds and compensation. we werent planning to stay in Lima pun but ended up staying there for 2 nights and terpaksa reduce one night in iguassu and rio.. turned out ok in the end... it was the first time all of us ever experienced being stranded anywhere... and we were running around the airport like crazy to all the travel agencies and ticket counters like a headless chicken for 3 blardy hours to ask about all the flights out of Lima to all the big cities in SA but mostly were full coz carnaval is just around the corner bla bla bla.. we managed to find a solution in the end but we could've been stranded there longer and miss our flight back to KL even! but all turned out ok in the end and we had fun in Lima too!
the only thing i regretted was not being able to go see the Itaipu Dam because well it is the biggest hydro dam with the highest generation capacity in the world, due to being stranded in Lima. Three Gorges Dam in China pun belum dapat challenge lagi (after full completion of the TGD it might surpass Itaipu). i was really disappointed at the time.. like super duper sad and my friend asked me if i was ok (hours later) i said i was, well if i said i wasnt i wouldnt have changed anything would it and i didnt want to spoil the mood.. the way we react especially during times like this really affects the outcome of a certain activity, so i thought it was important for me to contain my disappointment.. i'll probably admit to my friends how i really felt this weekend hahahaha, we're gonna meet up to compile the pictures....
believe it or not i only took 1600 pictures, did not even finish using my 4GB sd card, and this time i actually increased the size of my pics.. usually aku buat 2mb je this time i set it to 5mb. oh well.. but but but, my friend took like 6000 pictures and finished 20GB worth of space on the many sd cards that she brought.. she bought a canon s95 before the trip and oh man that camera is awesome! the other friend had a canon s90 macam korang and then rosak sbb masuk air.. gila sedih!! my camera macam di anak tirikan jugak laa sbb tak cukup gempak right.. the other friend had a lumix yg ada gps and can detect where u are after snapping a picture of a famous monument or place or whatever.. cool right..
ok i just realized i havent been talking about any of the places in SA hahaha.. but my favorite places are La Paz in Bolivia.. and the whole of Peru (at least where we went anyway) these places i would say is the REAL south america... (at least amongst the countries we went too).. more on the places later.. like i said, i dont even know where to begin!
p/s: and for the first time ever, i managed to finish reading a book during a travel trip!
I accidentally came across a couple of emails I wrote to my cousins a little over a week after I came back from my trip to South America.. reading back, now I'm itching to travel.. well, actually i already have a plan in the works.. its pretty much confirmed actually, since I've bought tickets and all.. hehehehehhehehe. here's the first email.. written in February 2011.
------
yes it is still surreal that i've actually gone to south america and made it back... i remember thinking it was all jsut a dream last year.. all the hours and nights spent on planning it was totally worth it. 3 weeks was nothing.. SA should be done in 3 months! i definitely wanna go back there again.. anecdotes and stories.. i dont even know where to begin. i remember sometime during the trip i thought i should start a travel journal.. it would be so awesome to be able to write down the small things u'd experience during ur travels, things that u'd normallly forget but upon reading about them again, it would bring back memories and probably laughter... but who am i kidding... malas gila kot!! but to have one would be really awesome really.. it feels too late to start now since ive been to quite a few places for the past few years.. but then again its better late than never right? i have 50 more years ahead of me to still go on travels.. whats that compared to a few years so far? i'll sit on it for now.
all those things about SA being dangerous... its overrated really... i think if ure not careful even KL is dangerous.. how many times have u heard of ppl being pick pocketed in rome? spain? london? its the same everywhere.. just apply common sense and u'll be fine. its not like travelers in SA go looking for drug lords and cartels whateever right? so all the while during the trip i felt nothing but safe and secure.. just stick to the right places and the right people and all would be ok. the only place i felt a bit menakutkan is rio. one thing i can say about the people of SA, yes this applies to all the ppl in all the countries i went to namely argentina uruguay chile bolivia peru brazil, they are very very very super friendly!! nothing like the europeans... and even more friendly than americans (they are friendly but superficial), but south americans are genuinely friendly..and very nice people.. i totally did not expect that all so it was a pleasant surprise really and made me enjoyed the trip more.
before the trip i kinda contained my excitement for a bit until even when we flew that night to Buenos aires i STILL wasnt excited... my friends thought i was crazy and weird and they couldnt understant it because they've been excited weeks before the trip! i just didnt want to over expect so that in turn i would enjoy the trip more.. then again when i went to beijing and dubai pun the same thing happened.. i guess im its my defence mechanism so to speak when it comes to traveling.. only that i've only realized it now hahaha...
one important advice when going to SA, if you move around the cities/countries using the airplane, and u have connecting flights on the same day.. make sure u do it on the SAME airline.. we missed ours and were stranded in Lima for 2 days and had to buy new tickets spent a fortune for that but thank god we took travel insurance (tak pernah terfikir nak amik pun before this), so we are now working towards getting the refunds and compensation. we werent planning to stay in Lima pun but ended up staying there for 2 nights and terpaksa reduce one night in iguassu and rio.. turned out ok in the end... it was the first time all of us ever experienced being stranded anywhere... and we were running around the airport like crazy to all the travel agencies and ticket counters like a headless chicken for 3 blardy hours to ask about all the flights out of Lima to all the big cities in SA but mostly were full coz carnaval is just around the corner bla bla bla.. we managed to find a solution in the end but we could've been stranded there longer and miss our flight back to KL even! but all turned out ok in the end and we had fun in Lima too!
the only thing i regretted was not being able to go see the Itaipu Dam because well it is the biggest hydro dam with the highest generation capacity in the world, due to being stranded in Lima. Three Gorges Dam in China pun belum dapat challenge lagi (after full completion of the TGD it might surpass Itaipu). i was really disappointed at the time.. like super duper sad and my friend asked me if i was ok (hours later) i said i was, well if i said i wasnt i wouldnt have changed anything would it and i didnt want to spoil the mood.. the way we react especially during times like this really affects the outcome of a certain activity, so i thought it was important for me to contain my disappointment.. i'll probably admit to my friends how i really felt this weekend hahahaha, we're gonna meet up to compile the pictures....
believe it or not i only took 1600 pictures, did not even finish using my 4GB sd card, and this time i actually increased the size of my pics.. usually aku buat 2mb je this time i set it to 5mb. oh well.. but but but, my friend took like 6000 pictures and finished 20GB worth of space on the many sd cards that she brought.. she bought a canon s95 before the trip and oh man that camera is awesome! the other friend had a canon s90 macam korang and then rosak sbb masuk air.. gila sedih!! my camera macam di anak tirikan jugak laa sbb tak cukup gempak right.. the other friend had a lumix yg ada gps and can detect where u are after snapping a picture of a famous monument or place or whatever.. cool right..
ok i just realized i havent been talking about any of the places in SA hahaha.. but my favorite places are La Paz in Bolivia.. and the whole of Peru (at least where we went anyway) these places i would say is the REAL south america... (at least amongst the countries we went too).. more on the places later.. like i said, i dont even know where to begin!
p/s: and for the first time ever, i managed to finish reading a book during a travel trip!
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