Back from Melbourne

I am back from Melbourne! Yay yay yay. Thats a triple yay because I had a great time in Melbourne, came back in one piece and in less than 15 minutes, I will be heading out with my buddies for another round of celebration. Nope, it is not my birthday ... so can keep the birthday wishes for 2 months time.

Anyway, I am sitting in Miruku-kun's room and listening to his playlist of wonderful songs. So I thought, his top 5 list of songs most played are:

1. Adele - Someone like you
2. Carly RJ - Call me maybe
3. Taylor Swift - Back to December
4. Christina Perri - A Thousand Years
5. Beyonce - Best Thing I never had

Then, I thought I should compare my top playlist as well. So my top 5 most played songs are :

1. Katy Perry - Part of Me
2. Nicki Minaj - Starships
3. Train - Drive By
4. Beyonce - Love on Top
5. Flo Rida w Sia - Wild Ones

So it shows who we are. LOL

Next post will be on my emotional trip back to Melb Aussie. To end the post, thanks you Miruku-kun for the wonderful graduation gift

My First CNY week back to KL

I have to say that this year's CNY celebration has been nothing but fun fun FUN! It is the first year that I actually "commute" or "travel" back to my hometown for the celebration. This made the family reunion even more special than usual.

Then, meeting my aunts and grandma to only have them shower me with so much love and attention is literally wrong to say that I am not loved. Then, it was also the first time I actually did nothing but pure sleeping, eating and skipping gym for the week. To add more pleasant surprises, I have also received my first ever ang pao from my close friend who just gotten married. Her house is stunning! Love the walk-in wardrobe. Ending the holiday, I spent most of my time with friends. To have them walk in my life is like having received a medal or award for life time achievement. Appreciate you guys lots and thank you for having me around even though I no longer physically am available.


Starting off the new year, last minute shopping


Had my sisters to company me for the last min shopping, and the ever famous prosperity limited time only meal at MCD


The CNY eve dinner w family


Mum and sister posing w their new bags on 1st day CNY


Just cam whoring


Just cam whoring again


Just cam whoring with my dog, Tikus


Korean Lunch with YeeYee and DaDa - got a funny Ang Pao too


Pleasant visitor from Singapore, Dim Sum w family @ Puchong


One of my favourite picture, look like some family drama TV series poster


CNY Pai Nien @ Trix new home. R5!


Steamboat with the Boys, then we went clubbing. Awesome night!!!

Then just a few minutes ago, my family and I had a CNY dinner which also coincide with my cousin brother's birthday. It was so joyful and comical to have both the goofy him and his witty brother constantly embarking on conversations that are both hillarious and stomach bloating from laughing too much.


Sisters at the CNY reunion dinner with our aunts and uncles @ Friends, Kota Kemuning


Happy birthday bro!


Cousins. Some are missing ...

Overall, I think this is a great start of the year. May all the good things come rolling more and since it is the 7th day of CNY (which is also the day of everyone's birthday), HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR AND HAPPY BURFDAY PEEPS!

Now to chatup with a distant friend :-)

Picking someone from the airport?

I was at Changi Airport today. After landing in Senai, my company's transporter told me that he was going to pick up my brand manager after dropping me off. Out of the blue, I agree to following him into Singapore. I did not have any plans so it seems giving my manager a surprise guten arban will do the trick.

Since her flight got delayed for over 50min, I transformed myself into observation kin. I started studying closely of people behaving at the arrival hall. Those who are sitting down, those who hold name boards, those who are lingering, those who are on duty, those who are walking out, the tall short pretty normal looking, everyone.

Everyone was there (or mostly) for one occasion. Reuniting with someone.

I notice that reunification of two individuals require a lot of resources. Travel time for one is crucial since most airports are really far from residential areas. Not to mentioned that with aviation consequences, one may bear the extra hours of waiting and swinging their leg if flights are delayed.

But I observe overwhelming power of patience and anticipation.

The smile of the flying stewardess walking out the gate only to be greeted by her caucasian boyfriend is all it takes to make the day. They walked hand in hand to a nearby cafe and it seems that she is catering to his need now of having something pretty western. Ironic that she should be tired since she had at least a few hours clocked into work, she seem to look good. OK, maybe it is make up.

Then another air steward was reunited with his family. His wife and daughter. Wife took the coat, he held the daughter and they were kissing. This is rare I thought. I am sure mr. air steward fly often but to have his family pick him up and greet him with such warmth, I know the kid had good parents.

All the couples were doing the usual, kiss hug kiss again and then help the other pull their luggage. But seeing this girl cried because his bf brought her favourite flowers was interesting. I can't help but feel romantically involved. They were definitely spreading love

Mum was brushing his son's hair, sister was ransacking her parent's "gift" paperbag, friends were chest bumping and bear hugging, colleagues shook hands and welcome their stay, backpackers begin to open their map and discussing their destination are so common these days.

While I took a break and had dinner at the food court, I notice the air filled with people spreading joy. They were mostly enjoying their meal with someone. I notice that singaporeans are also quite the romantic type. Most tables are filled with pilot, flight attendants dining with their loved ones (couple, partners or friends) and they are not dressed in uniform. So, it got me thinking ... people who pick someone up from the airport (despite those on duties) are usually "love" related.

But my case is coincident. My manager was shocked beyond the point to see me. She couldn't believe her eye when I greeted her. She was frozen, took few seconds to digest before flashes a smile and quickly asked, did i drove the company's taxi here?

LOL ... it was awkward 10 seconds before me moved on.

That aside, back to my earlier observation...I also begin to notice the soloist. Those who quickly adjourned to taxi stands, avoid eye contacts and just smiling to others waiting for the relative was equally a lot. And so I thought, have I been travelling alone most of the time? While on business trip, I always had mr eagle along. Whenever I travel, he will come along to save cost. We plan our trips in that sense. Hardly alone. Only occasions. Rare. Even when i flew alone, I had someone at the other side waiting. My most recent memorable occasion was of course having MC waiting for me early in the wee morning of a cold day in Beijing. Such a sweet heart and all the 6 hours of painstaking sleepless flight was flushed away when he flashes his smile, hugged me and helped with my luggage

So that's how it feels like having someone to pick you up?

I wonder if my friends ever feel that way when I make my way to the airport. I knew MK is very appreciative. He would thank me for the first few minutes, probably 15min and then thank me again non-stop when we are 15min away from his home. I picked Mr Watch before and he is always fun to pick up. Always have surprises and usually happy ones. Don't think I ever did pick him up from the national airpot itself though. Who would forget K then. Picking him has been the most fun of all ...

I guess when it comes to that, it boils down to how much you want to see and do for that person. It is always thoughtful but when the gesture is sincere and filled with anticipation to see the person walk out the gate and all ... people usually dont really care if they are tired, late or even if it logically consume time. Well, I will be happy to walk out to see someone giving me hug and welcome me. I mean, who doesnt rite?

So all that said, I don't know why I am writing such post. Maybe it is a sign for me to travel again soon ... to somewhere friends are waiting :-P

Sorry for wasting your time reading this. lol

Merry Xmas 2011

A friend told me that it feels like I have three homes. One in KL, the one in JB and the other in SG. Since I was back in KL for the past 2 weekends for work and Betty's birthday, I've decided to spend my Christmas in SG. Honestly, it is not as if I have that many friends in SG and definitely I literally had not alot of plans or party to attend to here.

One of the few reason is to company my friend Markus, who at the end also went out to celebrate the festive greeting eve and the other is because my best buddy is here. It was awesome to have him for last year's new year eve and this year's XMas eve. We just sat at TCC and had drinks, watched couples kiss when the clock strike twelve and try our best not to puke eating this royal pumpkin cheese cake which is not really that royal afterall. Either than that, I spent most of my time watching TV, looking sleepy and sleeping ... lol

I want to thank all my friends who had took the opportunity to give me pressies, regardless it is wishes, videos you sent via whatsapp, chocolate, t-shirts, candies or attempt to help me reduce my wishlist (yay! one slashed!!!). It meant a lot to me because it shows that you guys cared even though I am that far away. Really! HUGS ...

MERRY XMAS ...

Sweetness in Photography

That's the title dedicated to my friends who had spent Friday dinner w me today!

Testing the new blogger application and wow ness this is so fun! Now I can blog wherever whenever... Even in jam. I love iPhone and love apple for making this possible, also google la for launching this app.

So here I am sitting in Mont Kiara, Pizza Brava w my bunch of love muffins. A bunch of girl friends that were connected to my life randomly and unexpectedly turned companion for eternity. That's how we view of friendship, although so different each of us are in terms of lifestyle and expectations, we can always sit at the same table and love each other unexpectedly and unconditionally

I really am so sappy with this farewell or moving south. Love you all girls really ... Please don't forget me ya! Muax

Road less taken

The same idea happened in different intervals in life brings different meaning. Just like when you string the guitars at different time of life, the music and tone that you creates reflect different moods and growth.

There were rejection, there were abduction. There were ups, high, lows, and hidden tears. There were anger, disappointment, resentment and then there were joys, laughs, smiles and contentment. Scaring and then bandaging. Support, advise and brushing off the best and worst. Imagination, intuition, experiences and sharing. Exploration, learning, education and teaching. Then there were quiet moments, awkward moments, intriguing moments, painful moments.

When you had it all, and still took the road less taken. You build a wonderful non-committable yet securing relationship, whether it is in the form of soul mates or friends ... it is unconditional love you bestowed on to the other.

As the days come nearer for me to advance south, there were plunges so deep, so depth and so wide some will not understand. By distancing myself, I was able to focus better. Prioritize better. Worry less. Stress less. The usual ignorance had me craving for food to feed to hungry and tired soul. I needed some company, someone strong and someone that can magically appear without me asking, someone who had no reservations, someone who will take in the pain and still shower me with great attention (what!? i am leo ok ... and i need it!) ... someone who can just accomodate to my shit and still not judge, affect my decision or so. SO COMPLEX RITE?

A common name rang. I was reluctant to pick up, but I choose the road less taken. Pick up. It was a call I never regret. The same call I gotten at the time of need when I was in Singapore last year while I was bed ridden ill in April 2010 (or was it May 2010?) that he miraculously lifted me up when I thought I was dying. I had that same call today. Right time, right place

I am proud to have this friend of mine, who had appeared by accident and by being "muka tebal". A friend that logically wouldn't be friends due to many incidental requirements. A friend by faith, had turned into something sour and sweet. He was around when I had to crunch theories for economic classes, he helped added points and marks for my accounting review on financial report, he taught me to be realistic, optimistic and always pushing me for better growth. He made life look so simple, so daring and yet so complicated in certain sense. Company me to travel and learn, and to many importance ...

I had my blood donation habit thanks to him and was a better buddhist thanks to his books. Impressed me with his determination and persistency. Awed me with his love commitment and how swiftly he ended it to exit pain and hurt. Turn me on with his smart ethical strategy in business dealings. Bored me with his routine. Made me rolled eyes with his traditional (or he would say old-fashioned thoughts). We are different, so different but never really apart. We never judge or expect

One things for sure, I am still me and he never doubted to be a great mentor, friend, brother-uncle-dad (he probably gonna kill me but ya, just a joke) and a shoulder-cum-ear-cum-mouth supporting me through without qualms, expectations in any return or so. Mr Watch, I will remember the days you helped me through so much, stand by me and still deal with my immature childish tantrums.

Specially dedicate this post to you, since you become such a good boy for treating me to pork bacon and lamb slice steamboat :-) even though you don't eat after 8pm! Must taken a lot of courage to down the food at 10pm ... Road less taken huh?

Small world afterall

It is a small small world

Have you wonder how small the world is sometimes? I recently discover that one of my friend is actually attached to another friend of mine for 9 years! Goodness lord, and what a friend I am for not noticing. That said, it is not entirely my fault because they are so discreet about their relationship.

Lately, KT has been close to me, sharing many thoughts and sacrifices he made. Being all ears, I was also very fearful because I do clearly remember that the last time I was in touched with a mutual friend, he ended his 10+ years relationship. I don't think I jinx them but sometimes it feels like I am a devil's advocate, not that I encourage any seperation but usually it ends up like that. So indirectly, I feel bad.

Beside, thats not the point. What I am trying to say is that ... it is a small world and how the world connect to each other sometime is scary. Looking back,

1. It is like how I met betbetna, my dad's same village friend's daughter in my first job and now we are like best friends.

2. One of my Bentong friends is actually the boyfriend to my ex-international finance manager

3. My friend has actually been working for 10 years in my family dentist clinic, without me knowing. One of his colleague, another dentist who treated me during my last visit is the fiancee of my MBA colleague!!!

4. My very good buddy Dave from Singapore is actually Mr Watch's long time friend.

5. Met with a great inspirational soulful friend accidentally again after so many years

6. Currently am chatting with a friend from Thai who happened to be best friend with one of my best friend's date! haha

Talk about coincidence! I am just thankful that I am not directly connected to anyone that may pose any conflict or so. Phew *wipe sweat* but better to be more aware since I have so much friends. Ok, I think I am boasting about my circle of friends already. Haha. Time to get back to work and hopefully I will have better luck networking in JB!

HoChiMinh Vietnam 2011

I am sure I've started with this line before. Amazing how time flies! Just about the same time a week ago, I was packing at this hour ... ready to meet my quota for traveling and also achieve my resolution of visiting different country in my travel plan. The destination marked was HoChiMinh, Vietnam ... with my two best buddies. So, let the pictures do the talking then ...


Starting the journey. Not our first pic, but first together in the plane


Picked up by our driver. Cannot believe my buddies wore red (mickey brand somemore!) and didnt inform me ... psstt!


One of the sights I remember seeing, is that lots of chinese temple visible on the street


Arriving at our first two night accommodation ... I called it the Beverly Loft of HoChiMinh, Fideco compound @ district 2


Then we went for lunch at this very nice restaurant. Viet food all the way


James looking at macaroons. Also attempted to order, first language barrier ... communication breakdown


And then come the food. Salads


Attempting macro shot from my camera ... not bad for indoor shot eh?


Then came more food. rolls, greens, all healthy stuff





After lunch, we went cam whoring around the city center


Love the Opera house which showcase two woman lifting the ever grand balcony with the tits showering artistry flare. Sisters I think.


Love this picture, the shadow and all ... doesn't feel like we are in HCM


The cathedral ... yeap, we are still in Saigon


The post office, where MK attempt a motion jump shot


Attempt of artistry montage. I think fail because the photographer is different at each shot


The reunification palace, did not enter since we were told it was very boring


So we ended up cam whoring at a nearby local coffee joint - Highland Coffee till dinner time


Dinner we had more roll, MK trying to use the rice paper as a mask instead of roll


I prefer to roll, pose and down the rice paper. Had more shots of food, but figure it will bore you guys. So we skip all of those ya


Second day was outdoor trip day. We skipped Mekong delta since it was raining and opt for a day tour around tourist spots


Our first stop was to visit a handicapped center where victims of war were handicrafting souvenirs.


Look at this lady slowly piecing egg shells onto a huge plate that resemble a Picasso painting!


Our main stop for the day was actually the headquarter of Vietnamese during the war ... ChuChi Tunnel (pronounced as Gucci Tunnel!) ... rest assured, dont have any luxury boutique underground. MK and James hearing the briefing and propaganda video - COMMUNISM!


MK at a bomb site, huge crater ... resemble a pond


Underground hiding spot for the Viet when they were attacked. Notice how small is the hole!!!


MK really going deep down inside.


Even james can fit!!!


One of the tunnel into the underground headquarters. It looks like some python snake nest. But apparently the tunnel goes down to a few level (4 levels) and at the third and fourth level, even a huge bomb landing on the surface will not hurt them. Scary


One of the booby traps, spikes underneath ... the land practically opens up and drop soldiers to their death. There are many types of these designed to crippled the Americans. Apparently worked very well. You need to be there to see it, SCARY TWO!


One of the tanks, original spot where it was disarmed by a landmine.


Then I spent about RM50 firing a real AK47 ... It was damn nice, but if I were a soldier there. I would be deaf, then shot dead because my aim was bad. But how come my scores in Playstation was good????


MK with our gun instructor. James busy playing with his Iphone at the background, macam la ada signal


Then we explored the underground tunnel. Took many pictures, but it was all the same ... small, enclosed and pretty much solid. It was so difficult to move in the enclosed area, but our guide literally sprint in this tunnel. I salute him


Now you know why he sprint so quickly, short legs. But you gotta give it to him man! He can move so swiftly in the tunnels.


Our tour guide Anna who did an awesome job! If you ever tour HCM, please contact her ... she gives good rates for tour and all. Buzz me if you need her service


We had a light lunch-aka-war time style. Just pandan jasmine tea with tapioca potato dipped in crushed peanut and salt. Local delicacy that is superbly delicious. or maybe we were just hungry


Then we had a group portrait with the guerrilla team who happened to think we were the most likeable tourist ever


On our way out, we saw bomb shells displayed like pots. It is crazy how huge they look back in those days! Scary 3


Cam whoring to say bye bye to the tunnels


Paddy fields, nice sight


Back in the city, we went for the famous lunch ... first Pho (pronounced as FUR) in HCM


Very delicious!


Then it was to the war museum for a real feel and touch on the war vehicles and all


I love how my Brietling cap fits into the whole ambience and feel.


Those who played command and conquer will enjoy this place. Most of the artifacts here were on the game play! LOOK TURRET?! haha


Bomb displays. There are also very graphical photos in the museum which I did not took picture of. Even if I did, I wouldn't show it here. You gotta experience yourself. It was very depressing and sad. Just be prepared to see human slaughtered, butchered, remaining of body parts, tears, post war individuals and chemical war victims ... deformed bodies, babies and lots of death. Yeap. Depressing


Then it was to the market for some good ol shopping. Ben Thanh market ... which is nothing compared to Bangkok


Road cam whoring. Must take pic on the street because their street sight is amazing!


Why? Because it is filled with bikes most of the time. Try counting the helmets


Night arrived, we had coffee again near Diamond Plaza. Em, I think the place is called Trung Nguyen ... do try their drip coffee!


Our last day, we checked into a hotel ... time for real sit back and relax


For lunch, we actually went and try their local fast food which wasn't that local (because it is originally from Korea) but we don;t have it in malaysia ... so its all good. Lotteria! Haha


Back to cam whoring. IN THE ELEVATOR even


In the early evening, the skies were dark ... a brewing storm is near. Heavy pour came


So the boys sit back and had tea ... like alice in wonderland


While I put on my rain coat and explored the city with my local viet friend, Hao on his BIKE!


The adorable Hao. Thank you for the tour around city under rain and on the bike. AWESOME EXPERIENCE!


Then we all went for dinner with Ray (msian friend) and another viet friend ... Hoang who had one of the most consistent sunshine smile ever recorded





Ray with the amount of food ordered


James and Mk


Wish I had his smile ... After dinner we went clubbing. No pics taken because the club didn't allow it but it was another experience. You can get a long island tea about RM10 and in the club, they serve fruits ... yeap, they gave us a fruit platter!


Last day, we left the city early in the morning


And after only a few hours of sleep ... we departed from the city ... still looking good... :P

I had such an awesome time. I really love south east asia. They never failed to impress me with the graphics and monuments. I am a sucker for cultural or historical stuff. Vietnam is truly a must see place. You really get the best of both worlds in this developing country. Wouldn't advise you to go if you think you can get by with just english ... get a tour guide

Yawn. Oh my ... time to go bed