cruSadEŔ's cathedral

25

2012-01-09T23:16:00.003+08:00

The number shows that I am a quarter of a century old. To be honest, it was a wonderful journey.

Quite a long way coming.

I feel blessed to have a loving, caring family, and fantastic friends around me (and many that are not around me at the moment).

I’ve always treated life one step at the time.

Somehow, I am always lucky to be able to solve and overcome the challenges in life.

Somehow, I am able to dodge the materialistic world around me.

Somehow, adversity comes and go, making me stronger each time.

I just feel that my up-bringing gave me a strong foundation in life.

I lived a simple. And will continue to live within my ability.

For me, the sky is the limit, and I’ll continue to strive forward.

Life’s been good to me. And I’ll continue to be good in life.

Happy new year and happy advanced chinese new year.

Cheers.

Have a great 2012~

End of 2011

2011-12-31T21:02:00.004+08:00

Yup. It’s been long since I updated this blog.

No signs of Cambodia and Burma backpack.

Same old lame reason – Busy with work, study, and play.

I was supposed to join the party-come-wedding proposal countdown back in Desaru, JB. But before I finished my exam, my friends were already on the way back from KL. I admit, I don’t drive alone back to JB. It’s a boring and long journey from Nilai. So I ditched the plan.

I washed my car, did some much needed spring cleaning for my room, which was abandoned due to the exam.

Had HVDC final paper at 9.00am this morning.

There goes my last subject for my Masters in Electrical Engineering program. It was manageable. But I won’t deny I studied to the very last minute, and wasn’t really confident. You know taking exams at 24 isn’t easy. The brain’s not as fast as it was. Thus I really admire those “seniors” who are still studying and taking (academic) exams.

Not to mention doing subjects like Advance Maths or Power System Protection.

So, I am left with my project dissertation. I had found my supervisor since September. Though many of my friends gave “negative outlook” of that lecturer, I am still willing to take my chance. He’s one the few lecturers who will be at the lab on weekends. I need that time. Also, he’s good in Matlab Simulink (I guess), and that my gas turbine model with neural fuzzy needs his expertise. I hope everything can wrap up come September.

Work has been good too. I barely scraped thru for my KPI. Boss has been understanding and great to all of us. The projects department is planning to build a few power plants here and there, so hopefully I can get a taste of travelling around and learning new stuffs too. Though I must admit, I still don’t really know my GTs very well.

So it’s the last day of year 2011.

Year 2011 was great for me.

The people around me did well. My sisters graduated and started working too.

I backpacked in Cambodia in July (7 days) and Burma in September (8 days), both fantastic destinations. I met fantastic people, and made great friends.

I went on my company trip to Zhang Jia Jie, Hunan, China for 6 days in early November.

Overall, great year.

So tomorrow will be year 2012.

I am not someone who lists out new year resolutions, though I think I did tried before, and conveniently forget about it after that.

I always take things step by step, when I meet them.

I told myself I would stop backpacking in 2012 and do scuba diving. But , now I’ve 3 trips coming up.

In February, I will be backpacking in Xiamen, China. It’s where my grandfather came from. My aunt (dad’s elder sister) is living there, and this trip will be one of my most awaited and important trip in my life.

It’s my home-coming. I want to learn about my family history. I bought 2-way MAS for RM 900+ last July. The lure of Xiamen is too strong.

In May, I’ll leave for Surabaya to visit Mount Bomo, the tourist attraction volcano. It was n impromptu plan 2 weeks back. I’m going with 3 of my colleagues. AirAsia 2-way for RM 180.00.

I bought AirAsia 2-way to Medan for July during the AirAsia RM 0.10 sale. I will feel devastated not to buy the 2-way tix for RM 52.20. Spent most of the night looking for tix and sms-ing and emailing my friends. At the end, 6 of us going with an average price of RM 63.00.

I thought I am able to open a backpacker business.

So that’s my travel plans for 2012. Hopefully there’ll be some oversea visits by my company too.

For year 2012, I would like to change my cell phone too.

My Nokia 6630 has been with me for like 7 years. It has scaled Mount Kinabalu and went to look after turtles at Redang with me. I was thinking about getting a Galaxy Note right after my exam today. But after doing all the calculation and budgeting, I postponed the plan.

I know it makes me like a coward. But I rather spend 2000 bucks as red-packet for both my parents during Chinese New Year first. Maybe after that, I’ll get the Note when I save up enough for the phone.

Of course there will be Galaxy S3 that time, and I’ll wait even longer.

Wonder when I’ll change my cell phone.

See!

I don’t really have plans.

Oh ya, about a new girlfriend! My friends around me are finding their partners and are out now partying. Yet I am still sitting here typing this blog on New Year Eve.

Come Chinese New Year, this question will surely pop up. Even dad is a little worried at times!

Well, what can I say? It’s all up to fate I guess. I never ask for things that aren’t meant for me.

Lastly, I’d like to thank everyone that know me for your support, help and guidance for the past whole year.

Sincerely wishing you a great year ahead.

Take care mates!

Happiest and most contented guy

2011-10-08T22:36:00.001+08:00

Call me easily satisfied if you think so.

I feel so happy and contented every time my whole family meets.

My twin sisters are graduating tomorrow at MMU Cyberjaya. Would like to congratulate and wish both my lovely sisters all the best in life.

Great job!

Mom and dad came up to Nilai early today from JB. From Nilai we went over to pick them up for lunch at Wangsa Maju. After that we went to UM to get my bro, and we took a set of family photos at PJ.

We had a family dinner at New Paris, PJ.

Simple and sweet.

We dropped bro back to UM, as he had some things to do. He also went and collected the flowers he booked, as UM’s having its convocation week too.

Well, most probably the scenes reminded me about my convocation last year?

Not really. I just remembered how proud my family was because of me.

We continued back to Nilai, as I checked them in a simple, cozy, and quite newly opened local hotel (Sri Nilai Hotel) at around 8pm. I actually booked and paid last Monday. To be honest, it was quite hard to find local hotel’s information in the internet. The better ones like Empress and Tune are quite expensive (200++/room). At Sri Nilai, I got 2 rooms, which are interconnected, for RM 100/room. Everyone’s quite happy with the condition.

Bro reached at 9.15pm, in his Proton Saga from PJ, and I went out to the main road to bring him in. Rained heavily when I stepped out the hotel. Thank god we came back safely.

I checked my family in Nilai, because it’s near where I am staying. It’s also around 30 minutes drive from MMU. Tomorrow morning I’ll pick them up at 6.00am, and we’ll have McD breakfast (because it’s 24 hours), and hopefully, we’ll be at MMU Cyberjaya at around 7.30am.

Seriously, I can’t describe how happy and grateful to have such a wonderful and complete family. Most probably we ate from the same pot of rice, stayed under one roof, and have great parents who cared and planned so well for the family.

As the big brother, I am proud to say I've done my best, and will always play my part.

There are things in life that you can’t buy using money and fame.

And I am so fortunate to have it now.

Priceless moments in life.

That’ll stay in my heart to the end of days.

I know that things will not stay this way forever. But I will always remember this period of my life, when I had a fantastic, complete and happy family.

For that will make me stronger and more vigilant in life.

The day I lost myself

2011-09-24T20:22:00.002+08:00

The laughter and smile on my face after everything was settled didn’t mirror what really happened.

I was in Myanmar for 8 days (15-22.9.2011).

I guess I’ll just time-line the whole scenario down:

21.9.2011, 5.30pm – Left Nyaung U, Bagan, on bus to Yangon. It was an 11-hours bus journey.

22.9.2011, 4.30am – Reach Yangon at around. Taxi-ed to one of the quite famous coffee shops – Aung Thaka, but found out not opened until 9.00am. Walked to Shwedagon Paya, Myanmar’s most important Buddhist site. Spend the whole morning sitting by the corridor.

22.9.2011, 9.30am – Left for breakfast. It was drizzling, but PY and myself continue walking all over town, along with our backpacks.

22.9.2011, 1.00pm – During lunch, I felt a little exhausted

22.9.2011, 4.00pm – Reached Yangon International Airport. My hands and legs were icy cold, and PY was puzzled as he felt warm. I knew the symptoms. I must have caught a cold, and that caused fever. I don’t normally fall sick. But when I am, I am hit hard. I got this fever+stomach upset combo illness some 4 months back, which made me bedridden for 1 full day.

22.9.2011, 8.15pm – Departed Yangon for KL, I only ate 3 mouth-full of AirAsia Bryani Rice, took a panadol, and dozed off.

22.9.2011, 12.30am – Reached Malaysia, slept at 2.30am.

22.9.2011, 7.30am – Woke up, went to work.

22.9.2011, 6.00pm – Finished work, planned to go to clinic (Clinic A) to get some fever and diarrhea pills. But the clinic was closed. Thought would come back at 7.00pm.

22.9.2011, 7.15pm – My buddies Saifu and JH sent me back to clinic A. Not opened. So we went back to Bandar Baru Nilai, for Clinic B and Clinic C. During the journey, I felt my legs and hands getting cramps. Breathing was getting increasingly difficult, as I believe my lung muscles were the next to get cramps. Reaching Clinic B, there was no doctor there.

22.9.2011, 7.25pm – With sweat all over my face, and two very petrified friends, I applied all the first aid skills I learnt thru out my life. I lied down at the back seat, had Saifu getting my life-less legs straight. My hands muscles were severely contracted and I can’t control nor feel them. JH tried to call the ambulance, but it didn’t seem to arrived. There were talks of sending me to Seremban Hospital.

22.9.2011, 7.35pm – On my part, I had to make sure my brain was still clear, and stay calm. I was full of foul-language to make sure I don’t bite my tongue, or have my face getting cramped up. I constantly move my face and tongue, ensuring blood circulation to continue on my last controllable and most important organ. I urge my exhausted friends to straighten and massage my limps. I know that once the cells and tissues have run out of blood and oxygen, the only way is to amputat the dead organs.

22.9.2011, 7.45pm – I was quite nervous during the breathing difficulty period. I could feel my chest getting pressed and pressured down. Every breath was so hard. Lying at the back of Saifu’s Myvi, I reminded myself to be strong and that I’ve done lots of fantastic and challenging things in life. I thought about my beloved family. It’s a lie if I said I wasn't freaked out. To be honest, I did think death was around the corner if no help comes in time. I remembered my late friend Gary. I thought we may had encountered the same problem.

22.9.2011, 7.55pm – My friends were freaked-out. They were doing their best to keep me awake, telling me not to doze-off, and calling the ambulance again, and in the same time trying to massage my limps with their exhausted hands. The blood needs to circulate. I felt cold on all my limps, but they later said they were piping hot that time. Clinic C was opposite, and with a help of a passer-by, they drove me there.

22.9.2011, 8.00pm – My friends helped me into Clinic C. The doctor never came out of her room. The nurse kept telling my friends sent me to the hospital. With my limps all cramped up, my last request of muscle cream were not heeded either. That, was, the most hapless moment in my life. What kind of doctor is she? This so-called doctor could actually sit inside her room with a traumatic patient lying inside her clinic?

22.9.2011, 8.05pm – With the doctor not coming out, we had to make decision. Ambulance doesn’t seem to arrive. I assessed myself again. I felt confident. I was breathing better already, though you can see my limps getting different shapes due to the contraction of muscles. I made the call. Rush to the nearest hospital – Nilai Cancer Institute (NCI), which is around 10 minutes.

22.9.2011, 8.15pm – I was wheel-chaired into the emergency section. The doctor on shift Dr. Monica, assessed me, and calmed me down. She started by asking me a few personal information like birth date, occupation and etc. Dr. Monica diagnosed that I am low on potassium, sodium, and sugar, and immediately gave “the drip” of 500 ml KCl (Potassium Chloride) thru my left hand. “The drip” would last around 1.5 hours. After around 10 minutes, a nurse gave me another jab.

22.9.2011, 8.45pm – An experienced and kind doctor in Dr. Monica settled me down quite well, knowing that I am in good hands. She gave me 2 cups of Milo to replenish my glucose, citing not enough minerals and sugar in my body. To be honest, I never thought this would happen to me.

22.9.2011, 9.00pm – My friends must have been doing all those registration stuffs while I was “dripping”, and when I saw them, I greeted them with a smile. God, they were glad.

22.9.2011, 10.15pm – Felt a lot better, though my limps were still cold, I was able to walk, and go to the toilet. Left the hospital for a light meal.

I had a good night rest, though interrupted by a few diarrhea sessions.

~~~

Went back to Dr. Monica just now at 3.00pm for a follow-up. I am feeling good now. Dr. Monica says “You need to eat, take anything, like a cup of Milo is best, or even some Maggi Mee, every 4 hours, because it’ll maintain your sugar level for the next hour”.

Thank you Dr. Monica. I owe you one. I also need to thank my friends Saifu and JH, whom I thought I really freaked them out. But to be honest, I myself was freaked out too.

A timely reminder, that health is wealth. And a little bit of first aid knowledge is vital.

Do take care my friends.

I'll signed off with some unedited pictures from Myanmar.

It was a tough but fantastic 8 days there. Wait for my blog post on Myanmar~

PY with the kids

A local girl from Bagan

The majestic temple of Ananda, Bagan

Sunset at Shwezigon Paya, Bagan

Sunset on U Bein Bridge, Amarapura, Mandalay

Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD Office, Yangon

Backpack @ Burma 14-10.9.2011

2011-09-14T13:41:00.000+08:00

Ya I know. I haven't finish blogging about Cambodia, yet I am leaving for Burma this evening.

No choice, a return ticket of RM 125.00 is too hard to resist.

I am going with a uni-mate of mine - Ping Yew.

Hopefully we can accomplish our planned itinerary.

14.9.2011 - Arrived at Yangon at 7.30pm (local time). Settle in, get train/bus tix to Mandalay next day.

15.9.2011 - 16hours train ride to Mandalay

16.9.2011 - Explore Mandalay

17.9.2011 - Leave for Bagan (app. 8 hours)

18.9.2011 - Explore Bagan

19.9.2011 - Leave for Yangon, explore Yangon

20.9.2011 - Explore Yangon, leave for Malaysia, 8.30pm local time

Map of Burma

My personal wish is to drop by Aung San Su Kyi's place at 54, University Avenue, Yangon.

I think Burma's telco coverage is rather poor. Meaning I'll be MIA for a week.

Hope I settled everything and all delegated all outstanding work.

I look forward to my latest adventure

Cheers~

Backpack in Cambodia (Day 2) - Kratie

2011-08-21T00:38:00.000+08:00

Liverpool are leading 1-0 due to an own goal. But somehow my internet sxxxx. So I'll blog and watch the highlights tomorrow.

~~~

I did further research in using the free internet connection in my hostel in Phnom Penh. (FB-ed a little too). I called Heng Heng Guesthouse (found on Hostelworld.com) to book my room for Day 2. (USD 7 per day)

I also bought my bus tix at Phnom Penh to Kratie for $7.50. It was not the cheapest, as it could be cheaper if I bought thru my hotel.

So my adventure continues into day 2.

I woke up at 5.30am, and at 6.30am, waited outside my guesthouse for the tix-seller, who promised to pick me up to the bus station. It was part of the deal covered in my $7.50 tix.

10 minutes past, and "free-lance" tuk-tuk drivers outside my guesthouse were trying to "psycho" me that my driver won't come. They wanted $1.00 (4000 Riel), but a few came up with $0.75 (3000 Riel), testing my resolve. (Market price is like 1500 Riel?) My bus was at 7.00am sharp, and I won't want to miss it.

I took out my Gardenia wholemeal bread (yes, from Malaysia) and treated one of the driver, hoping to buy some time.

At 6.47am, I resigned of having "aero-planed", and knowing I'll have a long trip, went back to the guesthouse for a toilet break. "I'll hire one of the drivers to send me to the bus stop when I come out", as I thought to myself.

When I came out, I couldn't believe my eyes! The tix seller was there, and told me convincingly with his big black eyes: I told you I would pick you up.

I forgotten his name though, but I can still remember we chatted about his new married life, how he met his wife during a party, how he got her parents' nod and etc.

I had a nice chat with him.

There's trust in Cambodia.

GST company

They somehow rushed me up quite a nice air-coned bus. I knew another bus company named Sorya Bus Company provide worst buses.

The bus left at 7.00am sharp to my surprise. I remember waiting for 1 hour+ on KKKL bus (from KL to JB) at Puduraya those days. Malaysia standard - The bus needs to wait for more passengers, if not rugi.

My 6.5 hours trip

On the same bus, I befriended the only 2 foreigner - Cai Jia from China, and Daniel (if I am not mistaken), a 18 year-old Brit from Oxford. Both were on the way to cross the Laos border.

Daniel's on a 3 month around the world backpack. He was previously in India, Bangkok, China, and will head for Laos before heading home. I tried my best to convince him to come to Malaysia the next time. (Had to explain some pre-independence Malaysia history to him)

Cai Jia's around 30, is a Maths lecturer in GuangDong University. And hopefully we can meet up in Myanmar come September, as he's planning to backpack there too.

Cai Jia, one of the few avid backpacker from China (Our bus at the back)

The bus made a few stops for lunch and toilet break. But the food were unconvincing. While the local passengers started tucking in, I went around the area for some photo shoots.

(Cai Jia, like me, had our own bread! Felt thankful~ for my Gardenia Wholemeal- So nice and soft that I can eat it on its own)

Alain Delon cigarettes - Kidding me?

Propaganda seen all over Cambodia

Kids

The barber

This, is the Cambodia minus all the hype and tourist

Thankfully, I arrived at Heng Heng Guesthouse, Kratie, at 1.15pm. It was by the Mekong River.

So I've completed the important rivers of South East Asia - Mekong and Chao Phraya

Ta, the young owner of this guesthouse came out to welcome me. He's really nice and courteous. Well we didn't know that night, he'll get into hot soup because of me!

A big room for my standard

After settling my harversack, I rented a bike for $6.00/day, took a local map, and was on my way out from Kratie town. The main aim is to find the fast-disappearing Irrawady Dolphins (at Kampi Village), and visit a temple in Sambor, called "100-column temple", some 40 km north of Kratie town.

My only compass is that I'll need to ride north, along the Mekong River on my left. Any divergence would mean that I am in a wrong direction.

Where do you want to go?

Before you do anything or go any further, please ->

Pumped $1 of "gasoline" (Nope, they don't call it petrol)

Do your maths, and you'll be thankful that "gasoline" in Malaysia is much cheaper!

And I'm off!

The bike looked new, clean and powerful. It's a Honda Vietnam!

(But I thought the owner most probably didn't change its engine oil and filter for quite some time. Making the handling and acceleration rather disappointing and annoying)

But to be honest, it was a fantastic day to ride.

The weather was perfect, so as the scenery. It's Cambodia in its natural form. This was also part of what I wanted to experience.

Padi fields

High-legged wooden huts, to stay away from flood

Most probably, I was the fastest man there at 80 km/h

Some slower ones get eaten up

Like those American Harley Davidson riders that ride inter-state, I took occasional breaks for water, photo-shooting and to ease my back!

Lunch - Maggi goreng (again) and some Cambodia tea

The further I ride, the more remote and rural it got! I started to get worried that my "gasoline" would not be able to bring me back to town.

And when I saw a petrol kiosk (or maybe not), I took another $1.25 of gasoline. (0.25% "hardship commission" for the seller)

Sell cigarettes beside the petrol tank

One thing to take note, some parts of the road are quite dusty, due to trucks and vans transporting all sorts of goods, from fruits to bricks, to a lorry full of big fat pigs. Some stretch of roads are not in good condition. It takes experienced riders to be honest (not saying myself).

So I ended up in full protection mode

I actually fell off my bike at one of the numerous wooden bridge en-route to Sambor. I was traveling at around 60km/h when I loss my balance here:

Somebody please tell me what are those 2 columns of wood for???

Luckily, nothing malicious happened. Just a bruised right knee. But this gave me a timely reminder for the rest of the journey in a foreign land.

It could have been so much worst. (Gladly paid extra $20 to the owner for the damages to the bike that saved me)

It took me more than 1.5 hours to reach Sambor.

The village

Better than my house - Astro to watch EPL or Cartoon Network?

I rode more than 40km, ate lots of dust and sand, pumped $2.00 of gasoline just to see:

100 Column Temple (Reconstruct version)

God, it wasn't really fantastic, convincing, nor attractive.

But I've came a long way

To be in front of these majestic Buddha statues - I kneel-ed (painfully on my injured knee) and prayed for my family, and the people I cared

Many laugh-off the impact of religion, and prefer to be free-thinkers. Whilst some are simply forced upon accepting one.

For me, I believe in moderateness and rationality. I hold on to my faith and respect others'.

A wise uncle once told me that all religions are similar. "It's like eating vegetables. Some people like spinach, some like brocolli, and some run away when they see bitter-gourd", so he said.

I wonder why do some fight over religion for centuries... Ironic huh?

After rounding the (quite well-kept) temple, considering the fact that I was the only visitor, with a few monks there, I was back on my bike to Kampi Village - Wanting to check out some dolphins!

Bungalow equivalent?

Oppsss... Caught red-handed

The downside of riding alone in the wilderness is that you are taking a huge risk by riding solo. Nobody's gonna save you from anything.

You could most probably disappeared into thin air.

The upside, is that you have total freedom. I stop and rest when I like, and take pictures when I feel like taking. No strings attached, no pressure, no issues.

I had all the time in the world in this part of the world

Suddenly,

Nope, they were not going to rob me

I actually made a few friends there. Chatting daily issues like studies, life, food and even where were the pretty girls...

A nice mate of mine - Forgotten his name though

He feels good~

A butcher

I reached Kampi Village, which is around 20km south from Sambor.

Sighting a few tourist vans

Charging $9 per person!!!

This time of the year (July) is the raining season. It's considered low season for tourist, and that the dolphins are far in between.

I chatted to one of the tourist (who was from Holland and I told him he looked like Rafael Van der Vaart), and got to know they came in groups, and paid $7/person.

Besides, we may only get to see like 1-2 dolphines at this time of the year, on a 30 minute boat ride.

Ta, the owner of my guesthouse told me it was around $3/person before I left.

So I thought

I'll ditch it

And just spend some time glancing over the Irrawady Delta, the rice bowl of South East Asia

And lie down on the bench, close my eyes, enjoy the cold breeze

And wait for sunset

And it was worth the day's trouble

Sunset on the Irrawady was beautiful, picturesque and mesmerizing.

I stayed as long as I could, but had to plan my return journey to Kratie town. I will definitely not want to ride in the dark.

It took another half an hour's ride south to get back.

Sun Yat-sen's influence

When I reached Kratie town, it was already quite dark, but I thought I'd make a few rounds (since I still have some gasoline).

I set my bearing and sense of direction from my guesthouse (which is located at the main road by the river) and started to explore into the town.

It looked a little Spanish?

To my horror, I saw things/scenes I never imagined I'd see in such a nice Cambodian countryside. I didn't expect Kratie town to be something like this:

Lifeless

Soulless

Not to mention the wet, muddy, dark, smelly, evil-looking, wicked-feeling guts that made the hair behind my neck stand (a little exaggerated)

I am quite sure this town-ship had its glory days. The buildings and shop-lots projected this was once a happening and bustling business district.

But what I see now is such a sorry state

This town's in tatters, and I couldn't feel more sober and sad.

The first slump I've ever been, in my life

At this moment, for the first time in my life, I wanted to go home during a backpack trip. The rural but carefree outskirts with buffalo trailers in the afternoon looked like paradise now.

Kratie shook me

I somehow found myself a little loss on my way out. The roads somehow became narrower, and with the sky getting darker, I found myself circling at the same location.

I did spot a police beat, and as my last resort, wanted to "consult" them. But thankfully, my sense of direction recovered at the last minute. I found my way back to the river front.

Totally exhausted, physically and mentally.

Didn't managed to finish my dinner though - Maybe the beer took the limelight

I booked for a bus to Siem Reap the next morning.

I slept early that night.

Frankly speaking, I'm not very sure how to describe my feelings.

Personally, I like Kratie. It's a place for backpackers to roam freely without kids pestering you to buy souvenirs, or tuk-tuk drivers coaxing you to ride with them. In fact, no one's gonna care very much of what you're doing.

You kinda have all the time in the world to observe, feel and explore the whole backyard.

I believe this is Cambodia, away from the influx of tourist and capitalist.

It's a reference for my future backpacking trip

Maybe Laos would be something like this due to its geographical proximity?

A backpacker's growing up?

Backpack in Cambodia (Day 1) - Phnom Penh

2011-08-06T23:50:00.002+08:00

I couldn't confirm my trip to Cambodia until 6 days before it, although I bought the tix like 9 months back. My friend CP had to withdraw from the trip due to work commitment.

If it wasn't for my "kind" lecturer who postponed my Advanced Maths test a week back, I'd missed backpacking such a wonderful yet extraordinary country.

My sprained left ankle is in it's 5th week now, no where near full fitness, but it ain't stopping me anyway.

On 20.7.11 (Wednesday), I woke up around 4.30am, and reached LCCT around 5.40am. I checked-in and met up with 4 other friends of mine - Ting Ting, Wei Kong, Hao, and Qun.

They were people I initially met on an online travel forum (Cari), and turned out to be friends from my hometown!

The flight took around 1.5 hours.

Anyway, I had (quite a nice) breakfast of AirAsia chicken rice, slept for the rest of the flight.

We reached Phnom Penh airport and I had a shock of my life talking to the taxi/tuk-tuk agents hovering for customers.

A man practically spoke perfect Malay and that convinced us to take his tuk-tuk driver.

5 of us on a tuk-tuk to our guesthouse - Nawin Guesthouse, which is located near the river. I think it cost around $6.

My 4 friends had booked their (double) rooms. No doubt, I was the odd one. A single room cost $20, a double room cost $20, while a triple room $30. It's an acid test on my new travel mates.

TT and WK were understanding and courteous enough. Being a "valentine couple", they didn't hesitate to share a triple room with me. Quite gratefully, from that moment onwards, I knew I traveled with the right people.

Without wasting much time, the first stop was Tuol Sleng, or S21.

$2 per entry, along with this guide

A little bit of rules during the darkest days of Cambodian history (Click to enlarge)

Not so VIP rooms I guess

Facilities

WK our pro-photographer

The gallows -It still looks scary today

In case you don't know what is going on, please Google "Khmer Rouge" and "Pol Pot".

In summary, there was a bad civil war in Cambodia in 1975-1979, where 2,000,000 people were killed by:

Pol Pot - The communist

Somehow, they had lots of pictures at S21

Womens with babies are not spared too

It was a genocide, by your own people

Nazi Hitler somehow had a twin brother in South East Asia.

And it's hard to imagine that this took place only 20 years ago!

This skull was drilled in from the top

Some were drowned

Or had their nipples removed

Or basically hanged and dried-up

If that wasn't enough of horror, we head to the Killing Field, which is located around 18km from the town.

Our tuk-tuk driver - $15 to rent his service that day, with additional lessons of simple Khmer (Cambodian language)

It took like 30 minutes and very very dusty road to reach
(Remember to bring your face masks)

The monument for the dead

I think it's the first time I've been to such a place

The number of skulls proofs how cruel Pol Pot was

Mass graves

Victim's rags

Victim's bones

The magic tree - Where they hung a loud speaker to cover-up the terrible cries

I think the very point of visiting the 2 places is to remind the world not to take peace for granted.

The distress was eminent, and that I hope this will not happen in my beloved Malaysia.

We headed back to town for lunch and explore downtown Phnom Penh.

The food were conventional, like what we have in Malaysia

The famous "Amok" - Taste just like Rendang Ayam

Our restaurant by the river

Later, we went to Wat Phnom.

Which I thought was quite majestic

Signboard

A poor elephant

Strong Chinese culture in Phnom Penh

A clock for the sky?

We did some additional sight-seeing around Phnom Penh, and I went to get my bus tix to Kratie the next morning. The Sim cards here are expensive though ($7 for one, without any credit, so we ditched it). Then we were back to our guesthouse at around 3pm.

My mates, visibly tired after spending the whole night at LCCT after transiting from JB, took some much needed afternoon sleep.

Without disturbing my mates, and telling TT not to wait for me for dinner if I came back late, I left the guesthouse into Phnom Penh town, at around 4.30pm with a map and my trusted Sony camera, off to explore this new place.

I started walking along the Tonle Sap/Bassac river, where I passed by the royal palace and various places of interest.

Palace guards (Snapping their pics from afar)

Mobile food stall

While resting on a bench, these 2 couples started showing their affection to each other

Then I walk towards downtown, and walked thru this long square.

Similar to Saigon and Hanoi Vietnam, I find a sense of simplicity and content-ness in the people's life. Evenings are spent outside doing healthy activities.

You don't see this often in KL

Group dancing

Seeing your child grow up

Your favourite music

And when I thought back about the horrible scenes I visited in the morning, I realize, that the people here are just happy to live their daily life. Peace eluded them in the near past, and being able to spend their evening out freely, makes their day.

I believe the kids know the past too

Lok-lok by the road

Time's changed quite a lot from those cruel days

China-Cambodia monument

Somehow found some Hong Kong influence here~

People of all walks of life walk towards - Independent Monument

It's a symbol of prosperity, peace and freedom for all

Life's simple.

Life's precious.

Life's wonderful.

I walked the entire evening, non-stop for around 2 hours. My sprained left ankle seems to be holding well.

Public Bank Cambodia, not bad...

Confusing phone lines, again

Along the way, when I was a little moved to get a motodop (motor-taxi) to get me back to the guesthouse, a tuk-tuk approached me and stroke up a conversation. After some intense price war, I got up the tuk-tuk, who would bring me to a shopping center called Sorya, to the other side of the Mekong river, and Nagaworld Casino. This 1 hour ride cost $3.00.

The first 2 places were nothing much. I wanted to see Nagaworld Casino, but quite miracle-ly, we only passed thru it, and the driver was heading back to my guesthouse. I sensed something wasn't right, and kept on reminding him. He made "don't no".

After like 1-2km from the casino, I made my point to him strongly. I didn't buy his reason of no parking of tuk-tuk at Nagaworld, and insisted to tour Nagaworld, for a mere 15 minutes. Of course I made my point very clear that we've agreed before hand, and that what he's doing is going against what we've agreed.

I've done some research of Cambodia, and know that the people are generally god-fearing, believing in Karma, and respected their promises. After some hesitation, he made a U-turn and dropped me off at Nagaworld Casino.

Knowing and fighting for my rights as a tourist and consumer would help me a lot in my following days in Cambodia.

Genting like Casino? That's why I want to find out

Entrance deco

Quite awful performance, to be honest

No photos were allowed in the casino. I managed to watch few either Singaporean or Penangite guys "on top form" playing their Russian Roullete.

It's the same story at Genting's casino. I am working in a subsidiary of Genting Group, and I've no doubt, that you'll never beat the house.

I left after walking a few rounds, seeing people tireless hoping to earn money thru gambling. But one thing to be glad, is that there're not many locals inside the casino.

Had a simple dinner (maggi goreng) for $2.90, and called it a day

The next-day, it'll be adventurous. I'll take a separate journey to unknown Kratie, by taking the east-coast way, while my 4 other friends will travel west to Battambang.

My first time backpacking alone in a foreign land.

Aftermath - Cambodia

2011-07-29T23:49:00.001+08:00

I just had my Advanced Maths test.

Had to mug my books since coming back on Wednesday.

Luckily, the test was fine.

But to my amazement, I actually feel quite refreshed and rejuvenated after spending 8 days in Cambodia. It just proves how much I needed a breakway from my routine life!

But for the time being, I can't blog about my entire trip.

I've lots of work to follow (after abandoning work for 1 week plus).

Finals is in 2 weeks time.

Still, I'd want to share some photos I took.

Skulls from Tuol Sleng - Cambodia's darkest hours (of Khmer Rouge)

Of course there're many fantastic places in Phnom Penh.

Wat Phnom

Independent Monument

I was also in Kratie, where I ride almost 90km to some temples along the Irrawady river-line.

Looked more like a terrorist?

Simple food (Maggi goreng again)

I was also shook by the sad condition of downtown Kratie. To be honest, this is the first time I've been to such slump...

Dirty, dusty, smelly, and so so life-less

I had a 10-hour ride from Kratie to Siem Reap.

Skuon - A cowboy-town connecting Kratie to Siem Reap

To be honest, I was quite glad to reach Siem Reap.

Sunrise @ Angkor Wat

Luckily, I had plenty of time to explore, and wasn't "templed out".

Angkor Wat from a-far (Bakheng temple)

My friends with their fantastic tuk-tuk driver - Sophea

Sunset at the Irrawady Delta, Kratie

Actually, a lot happened during the 8 days I was in Cambodia. Will try to blog about my trip when I've the time~

Cambodia Backpack (20-27.7.11)

2011-07-19T19:38:00.005+08:00

I can’t really believe it’s been 9 months since I bought this ticket.

Yup, I’m leaving for Cambodia early tomorrow morning. I’ve been really busy lately, and almost ditched this trip due to my test. Luckily it was postponed one week later.

This also means that I’ll have my Advance Maths test 2 days after I’m back.

Anyway, I’m not gonna think about it, as I’ve did some ground work on it for the past few nights.
It’s quite a weird trip to be honest. My initial partner CP can’t make the trip due to work commitments.

I’m going with 4 other friends from my hometown JB. However, they’ve booked their hostels, tour-guides and transportation, basically being tied down.

As for myself, being an amateur backpacker, would want to confirm my itinerary after getting some local feedback, meaning I’ll do some work on the ground, and not depend fully on the research thru internet.

My friends are taking the PP-Battambang-SR route (west coast). I on the other hand, am more interested to take the PP-Kratie-SR route (eastern).

Anyway, my plan should be something like this:

Day 1: Visit PP-S.L., Palace, Killing Field, Russian Market.
Day 2: Leave for Kratie by bus (9am, take 5 hours to reach). Motodop to Kampi VIllage to see dolphin, walk back to town.
Day 3&4: Travel to Kampong Cham-> Skuon->S.R. (I see how far i can travel, either stay in one of these 3 places), But I need to reach SR by Day 4 night.
Day 5: Angkor Day 1.
Day 6: Angkor Day 2.
Day 7: Angkor Day 3.
Day 8: Back to Malaysia in morning.

I should be covering around 600-700 km for the whole trip.

~~~

Liverpool was in town last weekend. I somehow ended up in the first row “Premier” seat which cost RM 308 with a RM 108 ticket.

I thought Malaysia played better than Liverpool. Without Gerard, Reina, Lucas, and Suarez, this Liverpool team is just a mid-table team.

Anyway, singing my lungs out “You’ll never walk alone” alongside 80,000 fans at the end of the match with my Anfield bought “This is Anfield” scarf above my head, I did really thought I made it to Anfield finally!

Not really though

有缘无份

2011-06-16T20:24:00.005+08:00

有些事情，好像是冥冥中已经注定了。

总是人算不如天算。

让我引以为荣的事情，应该就是去年订的KL-JB 2-way AirAsia机票–RM 15.00 (出发日期是 9-11.7.2011)。

计划了近两个月的活动晚宴，却从2.7.2011神奇般的延后一个礼拜。理由是场地给人办毕业典礼了，而之前以为能用，却在晚宴前两个礼拜说不行了。

回家还是出席努力了一年后，的慰劳晚宴？

还蛮容易选吧？(三个月没回家，该回家去了。)

同样的，在九个月前，买了20-27.7.2011 的cambodia 机票，打算自由自在的在那儿背包旅游的我，却在买了三个月之后，发现全马来西亚大学academic calender大改革。

原定七月开学，便成六月开学，七月尾更是中期考试的良辰吉日。我岂胆敢在这个时候流浪去？

正当我在揣测会不会有考试/有考试要怎么办时，今天老板突然心血来潮，指名道姓问我26-27.7.2011 有没有空。因为这两天在曼谷有个国际 User Conference。

难得做工了一年，老板第一次想把我送去玩，却被我谢拒了。

无奈。

真的，有些事情，不是你的，就注定不是你的。

我相信有命运这种玩意儿。

从小就开始唱：“三分天注定，七分靠打拼，爱拼才会赢”嘛。

终于明白有缘无份的意思了。

PS：但我还是不后悔我做的决定。祝我好运吧。既来之，则安之。勉强是没有幸福的。

End of May 2011

2011-05-27T23:46:00.003+08:00

Thank god it’s Friday!

Oh, seriously...

I had a fruitful week of training at ILSAS TNB (in Uniten). In contrary to any Malaysian’s believe (especially Namewee with his youtube TNB song), TNB has actually bright sparks amongst their ranks, especially in the field of electrical engineering (of course).

People like Mr. Govindan, Mr. Mok and Mr. Arvin boasts class and decades of experience. The willingness to share knowledge and skills selflessly earns them my colleagues and my fullest respect.

I've no doubt TNB is what they are today because of all these competent, knowledgeable and kind people. Forget about those cocky, half bucket-full craps, which unfortunately make up most of their population...

Bloody ***** didn't have the courtesy to make sure we have our meals properly.

Had a cheque issuing marathon on Thursday with IET YPS.

Got back home average at 10.00pm for the past 5 days.

Mentally and physically exhausted. (Downed a bottle of Brands Chicken’s Essence that I found in my room just now)

Seriously need this up-coming weekend for some much needed rest!

~~~

It’s the end of May, which means that it’s my 1-year working life anniversary.

I must say, that was quite fast.

Well looking at the likes of L*ndy coming for internship or Ah L*k* joining us just show the fact that time had not stop even for a pause ever since I left Uniten.

My work has been great and enjoyable.

I know and understand the life of an engineer/technical person in a power plant. It's true that dealing with machines is easier than dealing with human beings.

Though it wasn’t as exciting as what I expected, I am still quite pleased and happy with everything.

I’ve understanding and selfless colleagues, seniors and friends. My boss is a nice lad who came thru the hard way (it seems last time, the work place was a “war place”), but would gladly guide and train us (greenhorns).

I guess it took quite some patience to deal with an inexperience and slow learner like myself.

Nevertheless, I am trying my best to make up of what I lack thru self-initiatives and self-study. Hopefully the motivation will push me further…

After spending the past 12 months working, I can’t wait come July for my Cambodia backpack!

Dividing my brain into 3 parts and co-relating them at the same time’s not a walk in the park I guess. But I believe learning from the master of multitasking (like Dr Vigna) gave me some insights and a strong foundation…

~~~

Class has started for a month already. It’s my third semester and I’m still coping with everything. But for this semester, the killing subject of Advance Mathematics by Dr Burn (omg~) will be really taxing and strenuous. Imagine combining Calculus 1,2,3 and DE in 4 months…

Not to mention all these were long deleted from my brain cells for like 4 years?

I was thinking of self-learning some economics, as I suddenly felt interested with it after watching numerous “Lang XianPing Shuo” lecture on youtube. I even got myself a “Economics for Dummies” from the library.

Gosh I don’t know how to find the time to read it…

Of course I’d shunt the idea of jack of all trades, master of none.

KIV?

~~~

As for my beloved family, it’s been ever so fantastic and rosy. Everyone ’s happy, healthy and doing well. Maybe it’s the nature of our up-bringing, of able to live simple, thrifty, and grateful with what we have.

Dad has thru the years, instilled values and discipline in ourselves, which I can recall, made superb decisions in the past. An average family is rich when the family is balanced, happy and peaceful...

Everybody’s making an effort for the family. I enjoy their company, especially when my siblings and I are at home.

I’ll always remember this period of my life, for the rest of my life, that I’ve a wonderful and fantastic family.

No, I would not exchange anything for that. Not even for a million dollars… You just can’t walk in the diamond dealer’s shop and buy “a happy, caring and loving family” can’t you?

Till then my friends.

Take care.

Time to zzz...

The Home Coming-Xiamen (厦门)

2011-05-03T21:17:00.003+08:00

Today marks the breakdown of AirAsia’s economical resolve.

They’ve introduced the minimum RM10.00 (domestic) fuel surcharge for every trip you fly with them. AirAsiaX charges RM 90 per way!

My 2-way JB-KL flight of RM15.00 all-in this July (booked during the 0 fare sale last October) will be the last of its kind.

To all avid travelers, this signals the end of (extremely) cheap air tix.

My Cambodia (RM 180) and Burma (RM 120) tix this Summer and Fall respectively looked like a day light murder!

Actually, I thought this was inevitable, considering the inflation, oil prices, and uncertainty of the economy.

While everyone was made ruling the announcement, I went for Malaysia Airlines.

I got myself a 2-way KL-Xiamen air tix, for RM 902 all-in, in February 2012.

Prior to that, I had a hard time convincing dad to follow me. But my old man was kinda “sick” with the idea of Xiamen again (though he was born there) holding to the fact he had quite a hard 21 days back there in March.

He’d prefer to visit other parts of China, possibly Beijing with my mom. I guess we’ll need to wait 3 more years when mom retires.

A further discussion with my sis found out that October till April is their PEAK period.

Pathetic.

During these 6 moths of PEAK, all auditors all over the country will be busy closing accounts for firms of all sizes. They can’t find time for anything besides staring into those account statements?

Brother’s gonna be in his 3rd year, and I have all the reason in the world to let him plan for his getaway himself.

So at the end, I’ll travel alone this time.

This 10-day China trip come next February, 2 weeks after Chinese Lunar New Year, will be more than a trip for me.

Why Xiamen?

Now, there’s a long story behind everything, and I’ve to rewind more than half a century back to set the tone right.

Dad’s the youngest son of his generation. He has 2 elder brothers and an elder sister. Both brothers followed grandpa to Melaka, in then Malaya during post WW2 era (1940s).

So, there were my dad, aunt, and grandma back in Xiamen, Fujian, China.

When dad was barely 3, should be in the 1950s, grandpa decided that the coast was clear, and in grandma’s hands, dad was on some cargo ship on the way to Singapore, and then to Melaka. Poor aunt was married off and left in Xiamen on grandpa’s “orders”. Grandpa, I must say, though made a hard and painful decision, was visionary to leave behind such a close kin. My relatives often tell me how bad aunt cried that time.

Imagine your whole family left you where you are, and migrated overseas???

But the fact is, he saw this day coming... He knew there'll be a day, of all his decendents coming back to where they belong.

They'll need someone to tell the story don't they?

So back in then Malaya, grandpa and his boys worked hard during the years, and sent money back home. Life was hard those days. Communication thru letters back China never stopped.

Throughout the years, our living condition improved. The regret was that grandpa past away in year 1977 in Melaka without ever seeing his only beloved daughter again.

In the 1980s, some of my more well-being relatives started revisiting China. And my aunt had also visited us in Malaysia a few times. The family was never separated.

When you look at the older generation of people, it wasn’t that they wanted to leave home (well, like some successful Malaysians to Singapore). The civil war was bad, really bad, and then you’d have the Japs and the whites coming in from all fronts.

It was a horrid time in China’s history.

Migrants flocked and fled.

Walking into the millennium, China has eclipsed Malaysia. Living conditions improved, economy boomed, education flourished. While Malaysia’s still fighting among races for the economic cake, China’s leaders are trying hard to solve imminent problems like corruption, inflation and the welfare of their citizens as a whole.

Aunt’s life in Xiamen has improved drastically. As senior citizens, she takes public transportation for free. Every month there’s pocket money for her. The bridges in Xiamen, which connects to neighboring islands are build within months.

Whilst a mere 20 ft. overhead bridge at MMR2 before Ampang area takes ages.

Of course, China has its short comings too. We can discuss this forever.

Another significant attribute for this trip is to visit the family’s “old house”, somewhere in rural Tong An (同安), 1 hour from Xiamen city (if I’m not mistaken). That’s the place where my uncles and dad were born. From my understanding, the old house is still standing, but abandoned.

My wildest imagination flashes the thought that this house’s a witnessed to the formation of new China, from the Qing Dynasty, Sun Yat-Sen’s Revolution, civil wars, Communist Revolution, Culture Revolution, Economy Revolution, Globalization, and even the Olympics (well, in Beijing though).

My aim is to listen to history myself. I would sit down with aunt and absorb everything that happend in the past century.

Grandpa will be extremely proud to know that, though after nearly 40 years of his death, he’d left a strong, united and wonderful family behind. And that his grandchildren, one after another will re-visit, learn, embrace and appreciate the very place he reluctantly left more than half a century ago.

I can’t really imagine how it was for a man to leave home to somewhere so far away.

Remember, those were the days without handphones and internet… And you’d never know if you’ll ever see your loved ones again.

They actually rumoured that Malaya had gold and silver everywhere underground those days.

Nothing beats the fact of me understanding my roots, my family and my past. Everyone has a right to understand their lineage, just like how Dr Philip talks about his family tree, straight up to 黄帝, with pride.

I am proud of what I am.

I am certain of what I am made of.

This gush of confidence will empower me to take on more challenges and adversity in life.

Like what grandpa had thought half a century ago, “life’s a daring adventure, or nothing”.

Your grandson is coming home!

Unknown Burden

2011-04-27T22:04:00.003+08:00

Sounds really weird, but it is true.

There's an unidentified burden on my shoulders. Whether it's my work or responsibilities...

Working in a power plant, and at times, it's a matter of life and death. I need to be more responsible, more alert, and patient.

I am just not good and stable enough.

I am feeling it.

Needs to improve myself, technically and EQ-ly.

And that people around me notice the variation in my mood and expression.

Thanks for the concern. Really appreciate it.

I guess I need a break.

I can't wait for July and September.

I need a breakaway.

Random

2011-04-03T19:48:00.006+08:00

Nothing much actually. Just wanna jot something down as time passes me by. Had been stressed out for the last 2 weeks due to exams. I believe I've only myself to blame for doing revision at the eleventh hour. (Gosh after all these years!) Saying that, I managed to sneak out to KL last weekend for some photo shooting.

Banana Ong at Golden Triangle

It's the F1 season again

Tony's team

Mokhzani's Porsche - Well he holds its AP what~

But in life, it's not all gold that glitters.

And there are much things money can't buy

~~~

I think great moments in my life, besides being with my family, is:

- The post-examination feeling, and that you knew you did okay in the exam. Sounds pathetic, but it really is.

- Watching Top Gear on Youtube. Man those 3 whackos really make me laugh~ You guys rock.

While moments that aren't that cherished are when you:

- Forgets to save your word documents after so much effort, and failed in vain, in your attempt to recovery it.

- Lost old photographs that you thought you had back-them up.

- And I haven't been to any backpack, climbed any mountains, do any adventurous stuffs (besides the Jeram Besu company team building). And that's 10 months already!

~~~

Obviously, I sound so like a geek.

But rest assured, now it's time for me to get back to civilization, do some catch up with friends, do some sight seeing, and continue with my hobbies.

I've abandoned all plannings for both my Cambodia and Burma backpack come July and September. So it's time to do some research.

I've also abandoned my legs. They felt so disorientated yesterday at INTI futsal court. Gosh I felt like so hapless seeing those Indonesian students zooming past me like, ermm... Taufu.

And, it's also time to go home. Dad just came back from his 3 weeks "expedition" in China, where he lost his cell-phone, could not use his credit card (barred by the stupid bank because he didn't register or so), and slept at Changi Airport for a whole night on his way back. That led me to invent the words of wisdom:

<20 years old, parents worry about the children; >20 years old, the child worries about the parents.

A quiet-loner at times, my just-retired "everything-is-simple-in-life" dad has been nothing but fantastic during my up-bringing. (My siblings included)

I've no doubt I grew up the best possible way I could imagine. And it's time for me (to stop going home like evey 6 months once) to be home more often.

As, a house is definitely not a home. The children has to come home.

~~~

Still dreaming for my chance.

London Bridge is Falling Down?

Power System Protection

2011-03-16T21:57:00.005+08:00

I am in awe. (Or partially regret I registered for this course?)

How do you expect someone to become a protection engineer within 4 months; spending <3 id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">comprehensive in my uni life.

One Associate Prof (tx protection, relaying), two technical expert from TNB (Busbar protection, cap. bank and unit, distance protection), and a retiring-looking (and always talking to himself) "Dato" (Yup, he's so called knighted in Malaysia) teaching about generator and motor protection.

All in 13 weeks.

And finals is in 5 days time.

How on earth I'm to digest so much of engineering?

All these people are competent and unforgivingly good in their daily work.

No doubt, I've learned things for a whole year.

Seriously, it's nothing like those boring "theoretical/on the paper/everything is ideal case" classroom lecture.

My only consolation I guess....

Definitely flung my mid-term.

Judging from all the notes, pass year, and assignments, the odds are not good.

And did I mention this is the first time I lament about my up coming exam?

I seriously don't know how to walk out the exam hall come Monday.

无题

2011-03-12T16:09:00.004+08:00

能让我感慨人生的情况有两种：
1）唱K时那首首经典情歌，配上如电影般的MV。
2）在冲向自己的目标，百忙中，喘口气，停下脚步，想想，回忆自己，和身边的人的过去。

说真的，人活到二十四岁应该算是个转折点。

我已工作了九个月。

平平凡凡过了九个月。

天下不再有免费的零用钱。当年（因为有奖学金而）“蛮阔气”的我今天也开始想如何改善自己的经济能力。也许我一到了计划人生的境界？

当年简简单单就可以用十一天走遍越南，在无人岛照顾海龟一个星期，能读书（至少不会不及格啦），能玩得没天没夜，以“三头六臂”的规划人生的我，真的，不知道去了哪里。

我偶尔也会怀疑我是如何得大学里到那些殊荣。而这些光辉又有什么意义？

可能是人生低潮期？

不像啊。

我的工作很好。我又很棒的同事和朋友。我的家人很安好。

也许，是少了个另一半？

但我曾何时为了这种事烦琐呢？

也许，在我内心深处，我并没想过要放弃我原来的梦想。

我依然超想做很多事。去欧洲背包旅行，去刁曼岛考潜水执照，去纽西兰工作皆旅游三四个月。。。

可是，因为手上的工作，学业，责任，我不得不重新探讨我的目标，我想要的东西。

我是个不轻言放弃的人。我答应了的事情都会全心全意的去争取。

我不知道我的未来是什么样子。我不知道我是否在正确的轨道上。

人生目标，

其实我不是很懂。我只希望我关心的人，和关心我的人能平安，幸福的度过每一天。

我只能继续努力，继续加油，做好手上的工作，责任。

是还蛮想念大学无忧无虑的时光。

PS：考虑了几个月，我才在前几天，甘愿为我车换了个四百块的Pioneer唱机。因为我喜欢音乐。

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T22:11:00.003+08:00

As pathetic as it seems, I’ve abandoned this once my beloved blog for quite some time.

Life’s been fine lately.

I started training my (hopeless badminton skills) after work twice a week.

AND, one of the bigger news: Fb actually “re-union-ized” my standard six classmates, which I hadn’t met for like, 12 years? It's always great to catch up with old friends.

Gosh!!! 12 years already? And a second generation of rabbits are to be born soon~

On a Valentine’s Day night, I’m mugging my books for a (killer) test this Friday. Man, this is really a killer (Power Systems Protection).

So I guess it isn’t easy doing part time studies after all… At times its hard to concentrate studying after work. As, after a long day of work, you just wanna catch some documentaries, strum some guitar or just hid in that thick blanket and dream into no man's land. But a few of my friends (who are even more pre-occupied) could score flying colours... Proving that hard work is always the key to success.

And it’s the second time I’ve got work-related training coming heads on with a test. The last time round, I had finals on a Wednesday afternoon (a 3 hours paper). And on the Monday and Tuesday before it, I had training at Park Royal Hotel, KL, and my senior’s own on-job-training on Wednesday morning. Went to exam that afternoon itself…

My head was filled with more gas turbine thingy rather than Engineering Diagnostic Tools for the exam. Luckily I managed to pass the paper unscathered.

Today was the last day of work for my senior – Mr Jason Ng Yan Fu.

One of the earliest Genting scholars I knew (as early as in 2005), he was the one who first brought me to Kuala Langat Power Plant, en route to the company’s team building in Endau Rompin National Park, Pahang.

An avid photographer and a former national back-up badminton player

Well Jason has been a fantastic senior and friend all these years, and I’d like to wish him all the best in his new career in Hong Kong.

Maybe I’ll yet have the chance to hang out at Lam Kwai Fong once again?

That’s about it I guess… I’m seriously behind schedule on my revision.

Hopefully come April, I can sail thru this semester safely.

Looking forward for an exciting year of tour – Tioman (May), Cambodia (July) and Myanmar (September).

See ya~

Ps: Would try my best to revive this blog.

9th Jan

2011-01-09T01:34:00.003+08:00

I am happy with my life.

I have a wonderful family.

I have my parents, who are proud of me.

I have fantastic friends.

I have a good job with good career prospect.

I have very helpful and caring (and competant) colleagues.

I have extraordinary role models to look upon and learn from (Gary Robert, Dr Philip to name a few).

I have achieved most of the targets in life I set myself for in the past.

I have a satisfying car.

I have a (strong and) healthy body (free from any sickness).

I have enough $$$ to spend.

I have been to lots of places (around south east asia).

I have been to almost all the states in Peninsular and East Malaysia (except Kelantan and Perlis).

I have more places to go lining up in my diary.

I have climbed Mount Kinabalu.

I have nothing more to ask for.

The more I count my blessings, the more I feel thankful and contented with my life.

I am prepared to strive and work harder in life.

Have a great 2011 friends~

Malaysia Bags AFF Suzuki Cup 2010

2010-12-29T23:23:00.006+08:00

Played badminton after work, had a super quick dinner, without taking my bath, I stormed out into the cold dark night with Malaysia's football team in mind.

After a decade of playing football, watching (European) football thru countless nights, this was the first time I set all out for our national football team. Undivingindly support them, along with unknowns sitting beside me~

Goodness their playing Indonesia, and with the opponent 3-0 down from the first leg, and with what had happened in Bukit Jalil, to be honest to say, everyone's quite worried.

The AFF Suzuki Cup

Nevertheless, both team did well.

But the damaged was already down in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.

Congratulations to Malaysia Football Team~

It's a little weird to have commentators coming from the UK in matches Malaysia play. But I sincerely hope that from now onwards, our national team will grow from strength to strength.

Full praise to head coach K Rajagopal and his assistant Tan Cheng Hock, with their young team.

Again, it proves that sports and politics do not match at all. Sports can break all racial barrier.

Tonight, Malaysia is proud of all you.

Tournament top scorer Safee Sali

Special praise to our new hero - Goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi

For me, he's the MVP

I think it means a lot to a lot of long suffering fans in Malaysia. Many choose to watch EPL, and other leagues in Europe.

Hopefully this win can propel our national team to greater heights.

Ps: Been doing quite a lot lately, went to Kuala Selangor earlier this month, took lots of photos during PC Fair, but can't find the motivation to blog.

Happy new year guys~ Have a great 2011

Untold secrets and tips when booking with AirAsia

2010-11-17T13:30:00.009+08:00

Everybody knows about AirAsia. Every quarter all so, Tony Fernandes' airlines will come up with some mind blowing promotions that'll make many holiday planners scramble and rumble for the tickets.

AirAsia has moved quite a distance since I first flew with them.

Early 2007 to Kuching

Occasionally, when you're lucky, you get to book free tickets like this all-in 2-way from KL to JB for a mere RM 15 . Though it's due next July, it's still a worthy bet, so I booked it few days back during the promotion period. I've never go home so "economically" all these years!

It's even cheaper than driving into KL from Nilai!

Of course I've to take into account of airport transfer fees. But I am staying quite near to both airports in JB and Sepang.

But sometimes, you're not that lucky.

Few weeks back I also spotted the RM0 ticket. So I tried to book it, by using credit card.

Looks a good deal

Everything went well and I entered the credit card information, amount, and was waiting for the confirmation page...

HOWEVER,

The bee-zee page popped out

Tip#1: When you see this bee-zee page, and you HAVEN'T PAID for the tix, and you want the tix very much, YOU'VE TO RELIGIOUSLY RE-BOOK IT AGAIN AND AGAIN UNTIL YOU GET IT. That's the only way. And trust me, by being patient, with a few more attempts, you'll get the tix.

So I clicked on the "I would like to try again", and purchased the ticket again, this time using direct debit from Maybank2u.

Tip#2: By using Direct Debit like Maybank2u, you can wave the convenience fee of RM10 per ticket charged when you use credit card. Maybank2u also records down your transaction history (with your confirmation code), with printable statements in the website. Obviously, the MasterCard (credit card) can't do this.

Storm strucked when I checked my mail, only to discover the first transaction using credit card actually went thru.

Tip#3: Sometimes if there's a lag from the website or bank transaction page, the confirmation page may not appear until god knows when. So, always check your email for the confirmation letter. It takes about an hour maximum.

Same passenger, same time, same place, same flight... I was quite annoyed. (What lousy programming logic the website has... Allowing this kind of blunder to happen)

I resigned to "abandon" one of the tix, as RM90 penalty is charged for changing tix time/venue.

I tried very hard, thru several "in-roads" like emailing the customer service, with no reply (budget airlines are like this).

I once faxed Singapore's budget airline Tiger Airways for a spelling error on a ticket (they don't receive email or phone calls). They actually called me back a few days later to rectify the problem, which left me more than satisfied!

For AirAsia, I even tried the "Live-chat" service, and had to queue up at number 167, waited for like 3 hours without veil.

A last throw of the dice was calling AirAsia @ 600 85 9999, their (worst than loan shark "in terms of interest") Premium Customer Service Line, at RM 1.95/minute.

At least, I managed to talk to an officer and told the whole story, and being promised that the tix refund will be done in 24 hours into my AA credit account (Common sense, no any business will refund cash to you). So I've to buy more air tix from AA now...

The call lasted for like 15 minutes. You do the maths on how much's the cost.

Tip#4: Apply an AA account (or other airlines for this matter). It's free. Log-in when you purchase any tix, as it'll be recorded in your "Manage My Booking" section. The customer relation officer asked for my AA account number, and quite luckily I have one. If not, I'll have to create an account on the spot, and keep the line running for like 5 more minutes?

You can also View and Modify "Current Bookings"

To my disappointment, the credit account was not entered until like 4 days later. With no reply, no statement nothing, I was kept in the dark for a few days, pondering whether to give AA another call, bursting my already burst phone bill. (Luckily I didn't)

Still, better late than never

Spending days in and out the AA website, I (actually) learned how to reserve AA tix (by chance)!

Tip#5: Reserve your tix or more specifically your tix price, for a maximum 2 hours if you haven't confirm on the itinerary. You can pay anytime after the reservation, or else, the tix will be released back into AA website after 2 hours.

Here's the demo I've done, assuming buying a 2-way tix to London (actually hope it's for real).

1) REMEMBER TO LOG-IN TO YOUR ACCOUNT and DO THE BOOKING (Always check your name at the top left hand corner) . After all the formalities, you'll arrive at this payment page:

Choose your bank

2) Log-in to your online banking account. Make sure the https:// domain pops up. STOP here.

Don't need to request TAC number (Means there's no payment made)

3) At this stage, you've bought yourself 2 more hours to think over your booking for FREE.

Make sure you're still logged-in, go to "Manage your booking" from the main page

4) Check your bookings.

There you go~ Click "Modify"

5) Once you've decided, click "Confirm Charges" and proceed with the payment. If you don't want the tix, just leave it as it is. It'll disappear at the time given (See line above "Amount due:", with the time zone being GMT+0. Malaysia's GMT+8).

Try reserving tix with AA next time

Tip#6: Compare tix prices before you buy. DO try out www.airasiachart.com. You can check out tix price in line-graphs. Though not all routes are included, it indicates the floating of tix price.

The programmer who did this website is a genius!

I guess that's about it. Hope this post helps when you're purchasing AA tix. Enjoy your flight. Now everyone can fly!

~~~

I'm heading to Cambodia for a backpack from July 20-27. Departing for Phnom Penh, and leaving from Siem Riep. Anyone interested please let me know.

Somehow, things like climbing mountains, seeking refuge at deserted islands, diving into the ocean, traveling (though still stuck in SEA) gives me something to look forward in life.

These little things actually make my life much more worth living...

Ps: As mentioned, I still have RM80 in my AA credit account. If anyone of you wanna book AA tix, please kindly let me know. If the tix >80, just pay the remainder, if <80, then I can treat you the tix!

Simple Life, Simple Dreams.

2010-10-31T22:07:00.003+08:00

Recently I see many people around me doing once in a life time things or enjoying tremendous success.

First my roommate of 4.5 years in uni days continued his Masters in the UK under JPA scholarship. I’ll be very honest that this was what I ever really wanted in life, but I’m denied even a slimmest chance to dream about it.

Then my buddy from JB went on a work-and-travel in some National Park in The US for 3 months plus, posting those wonderful photos on Facebook. Man, and it’s snowing in the US now. I’d always wonder when I’ll see the first scene of snow.

Then my senior of 3 years at my plant just got hijacked by another company, where his new company paid his (yet to mature) full scholarship bond of 100+ buckets in order to secure my senior’s services. He’ll travel around the world servicing Gas Turbine control systems.

I see my primary school (female) friend being part-time model and joining some modeling competition or so, dressing in swimsuits and etc. Seems like inevitably, she’s going to get famous!

All the best peeps!

~~~

As for myself, I’d just spent 2 days in my rented room in Nilai (surrounded with hills and thick woods), basically cleaning up my room, changing my car signal light cover (after it was crushed by my neighbor), watched 2 Johny Depp movies (Public Enemy and Alice in The Wonderland), some random reading, eat and sleep…

My housemates and colleagues are back in their hometowns. It seems I am the only outcast in the house. I go for my meals alone, with an E&T magazine (sent from UK IET) to keep me occupied.

Life’s good huh.

I had 2 full days of rest after what was a very hectic week for me. Though I’ve been busier and more pre-occupied in my life before, I still enjoyed this weekend very much.

On weekdays, my day starts at 7.10am.

After work on Mondays, I’d go to Uniten for my part time Masters lecture with my buddy and colleague – Saifu. Well I’m not sure for next semester though.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I go to the company gym. I make sure I go through all the sets and every session at the gym will take about 1.5 hours, leaving not even one muscle “unturned”.

Time seems to pass me by faster then ever. Every month when I get my pay slip, I need to religiously pay for all sorts of bills. Wonder when will I get rich?

Simple and routine life I guess. Robert Kyiosake calls it the rat race.

I once saw myself meeting new people everyday, challenging myself week in week out. But nowadays, what I see everyday is 2 GE gas turbines, with my well-respected supervisor and operators.

Occasionally there will be problems in the plant, and we’d work continuously for a few weeks. But with the experienced seniors and supervisors in the plant, we’d able to rectify what’s in our way.

As a greenhorn, I am nothing more than an apprentice doing the odd jobs like carrying the correct tools (spana, screw drivers), photostating diagrams, climbing into confined-space for inspection, connecting and disconnecting wires…

It’s more like learning than working at times.

Contrary to many thoughts, I actually like my job, and most of the mates I work with. There’s a lot of engineering to discover and appreciate.

My life, actually has never been simpler and common.

I’ve forgotten since when my perception of life had changed.

I used to be unforgivingly geared up for everything. Well I am still like that actually, it’s just that maybe, I learn to accept things easier.

It’s like Fernando Torres (a World Cup and Euro Championship winner with Spain) waking up in the morning seeing Liverpool in the relegation zone. He’s got to pick himself up and grab the chance to shine when the slimmest opportunity comes by.

I guess that’s what I’ll place my navigator towards.

I’ve been living quite frugal lately, besides the crazy farewell party for my senior at Neway Puchong last Thursday. 5 hours non-stop sing-k, with few bottles of Kampai!

My car is getting ever so old. My neighbour crashed her Proton Perdana onto my car 2 weeks back, where my Saga came out unscathered besides a broken signal cover while her Perdana was in a messier state.

Mom and dad keep nagging me to change a better car. But I am quite sure that firstly, this old metal junk still can work. And secondly, I simply can't, at this period of life, though maybe I'm fairly capable of, getting a new intermediate car like Saga or Persona.

One of my proudest achievement in life is that upon graduation, I am a debt free man. I can proudly confess since the day I left home for university, I was always able to financially support myself, lightening my parents' burden, so that my siblings could have more.

But quite pitifully, my extra pocket money was spent for those mountain climbing trips and numerous backpack tours. (Makes me a laugh a little when seniors ask me where all the extra money went)

So, I don't owe anyone anything (besides the scholarship bond I'm fulfilling now).

When I see my car, I always think to myself: “Man, I don’t mind what people think, really.” When the foreman at the car shop asked whether I had a newer car and that this old metal junk was just a sub, I just told him that “if people are your friends because of what car you drive or don’t drive, then it’s better if you have find friends.”

I admit I sound a little naive in this realistic world.

But let me re-verse what Johnny Depp said in Public Enemy:

“It’s not where you come from that’s important. It’s where you’re going to go that’s important.”

Tomorrow is Monday. It’s a new week again.

Cheers

Conned by AirAsia

2010-10-25T22:10:00.003+08:00

What was supposed to be buying a 2-way RM18.00 ticket turned out to be about RM 250.00...

Can't cry over split milk anymore...

Well I am still in control-attempt mode to find out whether I really bought 3 tickets on the same day, same flight at RM80.00 for 1.

T.T

Hopefully I can compile this important lesson to all you peeps so that no one gets the same beating as I!

Coming up soon after Thursday...

Gonna have a busy and mind torturing 3 days of training and exam.

家和万事兴

2010-10-19T22:20:00.004+08:00

上周末推了所有工作，帮妹妹搬家。

两个妹妹来吉隆坡实习六个月。

时间过得真快。

大家都长大了。

三个弟妹现在都离乡背井，到吉隆坡。

家里剩两老。

做大哥的，多少也会替她们操心，怕人太善良，被欺负。

顺其自然吧。

听妈说我们（二十年的）家刚开始做了一些简单的装修（为期两个月以上）。可能为了赶在农历新年有个焕然一新的家吧?

老爸节俭，朴素和简单度过一生，年底退休，是时候享受生活了吧。

只要一家人能平平安安，顺顺利利，我别无所求。

家和万事兴。

Ps1: 正在准备下个拜四的考试。好久没考试，好像没那种感觉和灵感了！

Ps2:上个礼拜我读到一篇文章，写“和”字是经过全世界汉字专家投选为最具代表性的中文汉字。

I M Not Robot

2010-10-09T21:08:00.002+08:00

For the second weekend in a row, I don't have a weekend.

Plant had a large scale (should consider it) upgrading project, and when not to learn during this ten-year-once major shut down?

Man am I tired.

Lifeless.

Work and sleep, and eat.

But of course, there are lots of people working even harder and have a tougher time than me.

Gonna sleep now (9.12pm), on a Saturday night. Totally exhausted whole day out at the Gas Turbine Generator area...

The road to success?

Really not easy.

Nothing comes easy anyway...

Life Success Story - Hugo Tan

2010-09-30T00:25:00.003+08:00

I just saw my roommate-turn-housemate (for 4.5 years) – Cheun Hang (CH) off at KLIA just now.

This mate of mine is a life example of success story. Guess I’m qualified to tell this story, as for the passed 5 years, I’ve been staying with him (and sharing toilet too)!

I met CH, who was an ordinary student like myself during Orientation Week in UNITEN back in 2005. I could still remember it was at College Of IT, and this guy, looked rather rugged and “cool” sat beside me (on the floor) during a briefing session.

I can’t remember much though, besides that he could speak perfect English (with grammars and the "tenses" perfectly in place).

And I think that was the advantage that later brought him high and far.

Then I met another mate Boon Heng (BH) and the 3 of us often hang out together (of course with another splendid guy, BH’s elder brother Boon Leong).

CH wasn’t the fastest learner in class.

He basically did everything we normally do e.g. play sports (but stopped after 1^st year), play games like dota, go clubbing, climb through the fence at our hostel to watch football, drink Guinness Stout + Egg… And tonnes of craps.

But one thing was for sure, he was very hardworking. I remember as Foundation students, we shared the same curricular. (He’s a Civil guy, and I’m Electrical) We’ll study in the room for tests and quizzes, and whenever he has a question, he’ll make sure he finds out the answer. He could "camp" in the room for the whole day! (And that's a compliment)

It was a time when BH was on a Yayasan Tenaga Nasional (YTN) scholarship and I was on a Genting Sanyen Power (GSP) scholarship, leaving CH alone having to fork out money for his studies. He saw the need to work hard to lighten his parents' burden, and look for a sponsor, and I could still remember, for Foundation year, we worked really hard together.

It was also a time that we walked to the food court for dinner (until I got my motorbike in the 2nd semester) and missed home very much. In ourselves we promised to bring home success one day.

1^st year came with a JPA scholarship for CH for his outstanding academic results. And my, he was flattered! BH and myself were treated with Sushi King at Mines as a deal!!!

From then on, CH never looked back. He doubled his effort and for the 1^st 2 years, buried himself within books during normal days, shutting the rest of activities and stuffs alike. And with a strong academic record, he was well versed with subjects in Civil Engineering and Maths.

He became one of the top Civil Eng. students.

During the end of 2^nd year if I’m not mistaken, he started joining AIESEC UPM and activities that will train his interpersonal skills and ultimately made him an all-rounder (but sports~). I though he did best when he foundered the Institution of Civil Engineering Uniten Student Chapter. Fantastic achievement I must say. It’s not easy going through all the red tapes in our uni.

After the heydays, CH will be back at his desk, often until mid-night, going through course materials and the tutorials without fail. I’ve no doubt he’d finished all those brain-damaging tutorial questions at least twice before finals. Nothing would shake his determination to finish what he’d set out to accomplish.

Before all of you starting to imagine CH as a nerd or geek, I’ve got to tell you it’s actually the opposite. Maybe he’d know how to play to the maximum (and did stupid things like drifting at the car park, burning car tyres thru "drafting" or…), and chose not to, in order to achieve goals in life.

It’s different with people who are like, totally a bookworm. He’s got a stable relationship of 8 years (Long distance some more)! Not easy huh!

So I think, what we can learn from him, is that, there’s no limit in this world. We’ve got to work really really hard, and give our best in anything we do. Because, we will never know what is in store round the corner. We should always be vigilant and not get influenced by others, because at the end of the day, what you sow is what you get.

Life's fair in that sense.

CH worked really hard and here's the reward for it! A JPA scholarship to do Masters in Civil Engineering at Cranfield University (Located 1 Hour from London).

If he can do it, anyone of us can do it too~

I can boldly bet with anyone, on that faithful day when I 1^st talked to this Sitiawan guy 5 years ago, he never in his wildest dreams imagined that he'll be on a MAS flight now to the UK!

A life example for us to savour and appreciate.

Bon voyage my friend, and see you in a year and a half’s time!

The good old days (somewhere 2006 I guess?)

THE MOST MIND BLOWING EMAIL I RECEIVED!

2010-09-20T17:18:00.004+08:00

Yes. What you're seeing really is.

My uninspiring Monday afternoon tooked a 360 degrees turn when I received this mail from yK, my friend from UMT Marine Studies Dept.

It wrote:

Hi, do u have any friends interested in SEATRU volunteer program in Chagar Hutang, Redang island? cause Seatru need volunteer in October. The schedule is as follow:

1. 2 - 9 Oct 2010 (Booked)
2. 9 - 16 Oct 2010
3. 16 - 23 Oct 2010
4. 23 - 30 Oct 2010

Each slot need 3/4 person, and each person need to pay only RM50. During that time, seatru volunteer program is closed dy, so need other volunteers going in. By that time is almost monsoon, hence not much turtles will be coming up to nest.

(RM50 included 1 week accommodation, foods, ferry go in & out Redang, and transport from UMT to Merang Jetty. Transport to UMT is by your own)

If anyone interested, please inform me. Thank you.

Oh my god!!!

Oh my god!!!

Oh my god!!!

Firstly, it's a chance for me to escape from my current ##### life!

Secondly, isn't it cheap! The normal rate for students is RM300 and for working adults is RM500. NOW IT'S RM50 for this period of time!

For a week! At Redang Island! I mean how frequent when someone asks you to go out into wilderness (away from all the telecommunication radiation and air pollution caused by vehicles) and charge you Rm 50???

Last but not least, it's the objective for me to be there - Looking after those hyperactive yet innocent baby turtles, protecting them from harms way, preventing turtle eggs from being stolen and sold at the pasar tani or road side.

I believe it's a noble thing to do, and it's (a rare occasion and opportunity) for me to contribute to mother nature, again.

No charity is too small.

Well, I am still dwelling on it at the moment. The reason, unfortunately is that I've quite a packed October, both on my work and studies.

It would be a match in heaven if they open a slot for 30/10 to 7/11!

On the spot I'd confirm myself from 30/10 to 7/11~

Ps1: I do not need to elaborate how fantastic this volunteer program is. Just refer to what I did just 5 months back @ http://tanweeser.blogspot.com/search/label/Sea%20Turtle%20Research%20Volunteer

Ps2: Oh my god! What an email!

无题

2010-09-10T20:41:00.003+08:00

一整天在家陪两老谈天说地，也是一种幸福。

不管你给我多少钱，多少公利，我都不会交换我温馨的家。

远离每天都要看的吵杂燃气机，在清静悠闲，天气超晴朗的家，感觉真好。

能回家真好。

特地向公司拿了拜一和拜二的假期，好好在新山歇一下！

明天和后天要去踢个球，找些兄弟。

大家假期愉快！

Handbook in Life

2010-09-08T16:53:00.001+08:00

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in last year .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree..

Society:

25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.

Life:

32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. Happiness heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up..
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you wake up in the morning and find yourself alive. Your are luck!
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:

40. Please Forward or Share this to everyone you care about, I just did.

Never walk away from a true friend when you see some faults, be patient & realize that Nobody is Perfect. (And I think I learned my lesson)

Untitled

2010-09-06T18:06:00.003+08:00

Finally, I’ll be on the way home this Friday.

A conventional traveler I believe, being away for almost 5 months, working, studying, re-joining an NGO. Sometimes I feel a little numb really, as time seems to past faster then I imagined.

The very fact that I like to join different activities from climbing mountains to becoming volunteers of NGOs tag me as someone who’s outgoing, and adventurous doesn’t deter my affection to be where I belong – home, the place I grew up and learned my very first skills.

But as the days go by, I’d have different commitments, work, and targets to accomplish, making home a distance far.

Sometimes, I really doubt if I can handle these pressure and challenges in life... It's always easy commending others, besides yourself.

Happier and fruitful days are far in between. Last Saturday was one.

I left my company apartment in Sepang for my aunt’s place in Balakong in the morning.

Then, I visited my old buddy – Banana Ong at Setapak for lunch. Haven’t been meeting this Atlantiz Bully/Leader since Chinese New Year. He’d just came back form a NGO activity, that saw him going to Chiang Mai, and smuggled into Mymmar (Burma), to help a local “Militant” village. These “Militants” are without nationality, driven out, and being branded outcast by the Mymmar government.

So just imagine yourself bringing in human aid into some jungle at the Thai-Mymmar border protected by M-16s…

Hopefully Banana Ong brings me there next year.

After meeting him, I went over to UTAR Setapak for IET Malaysia YMS AGM. I’d volunteered myself to become normal committee member. But unfortunately, I was “re-nominated”, and at the end of the day, took the position as Treasurer.

I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but I have doubts of myself. I mean, I just started working for 3 months, and am doing my Masters study part time, and now I am involved in an NGO, with some high ranking position, meaning a heavier responsibility. Honestly speaking, I have no ambition in going for high position, and am quite confused why can’t they find more suitable candidates than me.

Anyway, I’ll still try my best and contribute to the institution. Man, I’m getting ready for an “exciting” and bumpy year ahead.

So you see, life’s becoming more and more challenging nowadays, and my home's getting further and further away…

In the evening, I met my cousin sister – Wee Hong, with my 3 young nephews at Taman Melawati, a stone’s throw from UTAR.

Wee Hong’s an outstanding career woman, who holds a 1^st class Hons. in BA from UKM a decade ago. She stayed at my house in JB when she first started working in a bank when I was like in primary school.

She’s a manager with a bank in KL, and took the task of looking after her 3 kids while their dad has job commitment overseas in South Africa.

Goodness, were my 3 nephews happy to see a visitor at their home. I brought my cousin and the 3 kids to Jusco in Wangsa Maju for a night out. The kids loved it.

And I loved the way the kids enjoyed themselves, as my cousin sister wouldn’t have thought of bringing them out alone… You kids nowadays are hyperactive, and within seconds they’d disappear in front of you!

So I guess this is family. My cousin sister did look after me and my siblings when we hardly know how to walk. So now when I know how to drive, I try to bring some laughter to her family.

I guess that’s the essence of being in a big family. It’s something money can’t buy.

That’s why I’ll go home this Friday and have a much needed holiday till next Tuesday.

Home is where I belong.

No matter how far I've gone

Recently~

2010-08-19T22:19:00.000+08:00

For the 2nd day running, I am staying back in office in order to finish my EDT course assignment with my mate. Until 11pm again?

Nothing wrong working and studying (part time)... In fact, I like doing research on subjects of my field very much. It pushes me to understand more about engineering. And my, it's an extremely wide field with unlimited knowledge and resources to study and appreciate.

It's just that, I've to be more disciplined and hard working. While people can get home at 6pm, have a nice dinner and enjoy the rest of the night, I need to continue "working" on my Masters course. Thank God it's something I have interest in!

Nothing wrong working slightly harder when you're young~

I used to be quite hectic during uni life... I used to be committee member of societies here and there (of course along side capable and very helpful friends and comrades). I thought I juggled everything quite well. Though I always had dark-eye-bags year-in year-out, academically I was still coping quite well. I learned a lot during those days working with different people in clubs and societies. To be honest, I was quite well known in uni (at that time). *Wink*

I did let-go everything during third and final year to live the life I wanted. I saw a girl (without veil), I toured around Malaysia, I went backpacking (in Vietnam for 11 days), I climbed no less than 4 mountains (1 in Sabah, 2 in Terengganu, a few smaller ones in Cheras) and I went to a few islands, and I had a great time doing my research on my final year project.

I had a great 2 years of uni life, being not tied down with heavy responsibilities and extra-curricular commitments.

Maybe, just maybe, that now, it's the time to get my hibernated engine moving again. Besides giving my best in my job, I thought of joining some organizations, do well in my studies, learn a little about investment and etc.

I think standing at 23, this must be a time to work and strive towards a better future.

I planned to go back to my hometown during Independence Day (take 1 day off and get 5 days leave). But an outage at my power plant during that period kinda leave me with no choice but to stay back. I ought to learn more and sacrifice a little as a greehorn ya.

So I again "postponed" my "home-coming" till Hari Raya period. Hopefully I can get home this time.

Really am missing my home after 4 months away...

Haven't give my parents any "pocket-money" yet! What the heck am I doing?

PS1: Oh I hope Fernando Torres could play a little in tonight's insignificant UEFA Cup match!

Convotion 2010

2010-08-09T13:08:00.002+08:00

I woke up this morning feeling great, refreshed and ecstatic.

The past 3 days were fantastic. I met up with my family (since April) and lots of friends, lecturers.

Before this, for me, convocation's just a normal ceremony, nothing big to shout about.

But it has an impact in my life, having receiving best wishes, catching up with old mates, lecturers, having the feeling of "going back to school"...

It's an happy occasion, and I'll cherish it very much.

I owe everything to my family and friends who'd been around me thru out the 5 years in Uniten.

Without you people helping, guiding, and accompanying me (thru the highs and lows), I wouldn't be where I am today.

Really, I feel blessed, to have a great family, and a fantastic (and big and crazy) gang of friends.

My lecturers in the name of AP Dr Vigna, Dr Agi, Dr KS Yap, AP Dr Norashida, Miss Toh CL, and the list goes on were my mentors and taught me so much both academically and mentally. These are the people who'd selflessly train me with the knowledge they obtained overseas (which means I was studying overseas!), would attend and listen to my questions and doubts ever so patiently.

Assistant Registrar Miss V, really made my life in Uni much easier and worthwhile.

All in all, the past 5 years was a fantastic journey and experience for me.

Last Friday's - Getting a souvenir from Deputy Minister (Higher Education)

Family

Nothing beats the feeling of having your loved ones being proud of you.

I shall continue to work and strive harder in life.

Today's a new phase of life.

I like my working life now. I'm fortunate to do something challenging and something I'm interested in. Financially I may be on the "sufficient" scale, but in my life currently, I am very happy with what I have.

Am looking forward for another 5 great years.

Good luck and take care, all my friends (and whoever I know out there)!

One Year

2010-08-03T18:03:00.002+08:00

I have lots of friends, from all walks of life, from all over the country (few from overseas).

I have no doubt, that he was, and will always be, the most perfect person I've ever seen and worked along.

Last night's memorial was... Uncle and aunty Robert were visibly still quite shaken... I don't know what to say really... It's a bad bad loss.

Honestly speaking, Gary has an impact in me, and I am looking up to him as a role model in life. His legacy will always remain in everyone whom he'd cared, touched and changed.

Everybody missed him

Ps1: Checked out Assistant Registrar in Uniten just now. Hopefully they'll do something for him.
Ps2: Work is ever challenging, and I suddenly realize I really, seriously don't know anything much about engineering...

Turtle Advanture (Part 6) - Finale

2010-07-23T18:37:00.002+08:00

My never-ending post has come to an end.

I experienced a lot during the one week at Redang Island. It's hard to describe what I've went thru, really.

The turtle beach was cool

The turtles were also cool

My friends were cool - I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of peeps out in the wilderness

Every one of the volunteers in my slot, my new found friends were always willing to help, and contributed in a way or another. They're good people, kind, and unselfish.

Most importantly, I mixed well with them! They treated me like their own gang of friends! I felt so at home really.

The stress-less and calm life at Chagar Hutang was one not to forget.

Life's good out in the wild

I carried my newly bought camera everywhere

Taking shots which I deem worthwhile and "of essence"

Everyone who've been to this beach will agree...

That it's a paradise on earth

For sea-creatures and humans alike

2010 Volunteer Slot H group photo

Good-bye Chagar Hutang...

The road back was kinda heavy

Merang Jetty, Terengganu

Turtle House at UMT

So when I look back the days I spent at some deserted turtle island, I remember only the heavenly shoreline, wonderful people and

The fantastic things I've done

and saw with my own eyes

Chagar Hutang at Redang Island...

Till then

Ps: Yesterday's papers said the authorities are closing some coral reeve sites around Malaysia, including Redang Island. Hopefully they can protect our marine life, manage and preserve it, before it's too late. Somethings in life, when you lose it, you'll lose it forever.

Turtle Adventure (Part 5) - The Best of Fun

2010-07-19T20:40:00.002+08:00

Besides looking at turtles, waiting for turtles, studying on turtles, dreaming of turtles, understanding turtles... And the list goes on...

We had other activities...

Cooking

Table-tennis

???

Walking 10 minutes for a prawn-spa in the jungle

Introducing - The prawn

My friend She-Yong actually took this picture!

Nice evening out in the jungle

We also did some jungle trekking and climbed a few "rocks".

Ermm???

Which is an activity not for the faint-hearted

But as always, the higher you go, the better the views

Bye-bye

One wrong step and I'd been gone

Nevertheless, we had a great time up in on the "rocks".

They call this place "Turtle Rock" mountains

Chagar Hutang in the background

Quite a satisfying shot eh?

There's still something lacking during my trip to Redang Island.

Yup~ Snorkeling!

Just swim out from the beach... 50 meters...

And you'll start seeing the underwater world

After my friends left on Thursday during the week, I went out to sea again we Chuan on Friday. The staffs were away with their prayers or stuffs. And we did some acrobatic performance underwater.

I could take nice photos underwater too? Chuan will thank me for this

V - V

My friend Kuen took the below photos in the islands nearby (Pulau Paku, Pulau Tiga)... She was able to shoot and record these views (with her waterproof Canon DSLR) I saw with my very own eyes when I snorkeled there.

Good job.

The brainiac

Christmas tree

Nemo

IT WAS FUN BEING AT CHAGAR HUTANG!

And everybody agrees!

La Furia Roja (The Red Fury)

2010-07-13T18:30:00.000+08:00

Though he didn't had the best of tournaments, due to fitness problems and injuries from last season, he would still strike fear in any opponent's defenders when he plays.

His team were the worthy winners of World Cup 2010, and of course Euro 2008 (when he scored the only goal of the game). They played the beautiful game to perfection, from day 1 till the last day in South Africa.

Holland's game-play before the final was as eye-catching but any words of injustice or complaint of the refereeing for their "kicking-game" during the final are just nonsense and bullshit.

De Jong, Heitinga, RVP and co. were just not on par with Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Puyol, Casillas... (Though much credits has to be reserved to Sneijder, Robben, Kuyt, Van Bommel, Van Bronkost for the good times)

Maybe I can say Barcelona won the World Cup?

I felt ecstatic seeing Torres lifting the World Cup with Liverpool's scarf on his back.

It shows how much a Liverpool fan both of us are!

Holding the most important trophy in world football

Hopefully he recovers fast, and wears the no. 9 Liverpool jersey next season.

Ps 1: I think another winner of this world cup in PAUL THE PSYCHIC OCTOPUS!!!

Ps 2: Work's done, off to the gym room for some much needed fitness training~

打拼的日子

2010-07-12T16:30:00.000+08:00

今天早上一场出乎预料的失利给我打了一支强行的“觉悟针”。

独自一个人驱车从伯母家 (Balakong) 到公司宿舍 (Sepang) 的四十分钟车程里，脑海里还想了蛮多事情的。

做人嘛，真的不能太自信。要记得骄兵必败的道理。孔子贵为万世师表，也得向牧童学习。因为一山还比一山高！这点，我得牢记在心，誓必虚心学习。

我觉得，事事无绝对，每个人都有权利，有本身的看法吧。

进入社会大学以一个月多，说真的，我过得还可以。由于一年前也在这实习了三个月，所以对工作环境和同事都有一定的了解。

庆幸还有朋友(慎，豪和辉哥)陪着我一起工作，学习，成长。生活少了你们的笑话，我还真会闷到爆！而管理我们的“旧人”国伦也对我蛮体谅和有耐性。

在我gas turbine department的主管阿丁是我的师傅。在这儿做了十几年的他，竟然肯毫无保留，满心热血的教我，督促我这个泛泛之辈。阿丁的教诲，我无胜感激，将铭记在心。

所以直到现在，我的工作还算顺利。而我本人也蛮喜欢做为一个工程师，有挑战性和有自由空间的工作性质。

反而是我，迟迟未能收拾心情，专心工作，一整天想办法要去欧洲背包旅行，去玩之类的！

实际上，我的生活比谁的都还无聊。放工后回家看个新闻，读个报纸，就睡觉了。周末除了踢个球，就是做宅男。

上个礼拜还回到 Uniten 去申请读 part-time Masters，付了千多块的血汗钱。我告诉我自己现在是冲刺的时间。打拼要乘早。

现在二十三岁，才真正了解到一个人在外地打拼思乡的感受。我也忘了多久没回家了。当你有个温暖的家，有个少话却谈得来，但会试着跟孩子们沟通的爸爸，有个能煮一手好菜的妈妈，有几个乖巧懂事的兄弟姐妹，自然而然会更想家。就连上个月的端午节，我也在异乡度过，错过了家里的粽子。

无论如何，我一定会在下个月国庆日多拿一天假，回家乡“修养”。家里的生活费，我还没还呢！

我觉得，现在是时候收拾心情，一心一意，专心工作，努力学习。反正也是我蛮有兴趣的一份工作，为何不尽我所能，做点成绩出来？

是时候长大了，告别不知天高地厚的日子，向未来前进。

11.7.2010 10.15pm

5 Minutes Management Course

2010-07-09T12:37:00.003+08:00

Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor.

Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.'

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.

When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?'

'It was Bob the next door neighbor,' she replies.

'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'

Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Lesson 2:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.

They rub it and a Genie comes out.
The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.'
'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world..'
Puff! She's gone.

'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.'

Puff! He's gone.

'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.
The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.'

Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 3

An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?' The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.'

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

Lesson 4

A turkey was chatting with a bull.

'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.'
'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.'

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.
Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.
Then he was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..

Lesson 5

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.

While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.
As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out!

He lay there all warmed and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Moral of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shit on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!

THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE...

Ps: One of my colleagues - Elis sent me this a few days back. Thought of sharing with all of you out there. All the best in your work or studies friends!

Turtle Adventure (Part 4) - The Turtles

2010-07-03T21:20:00.001+08:00

So my never ending post about my 1 week volunteer work at Chagar Hutang, Redang Island continues.

There are 2 types of sea turtles that nest on this island - The green turtle, and the hawksbill.

Click to see more clearly

Yes??? Mrs Green Turtle in the house

I was lucky enough to join Kuen and Fifi out at sea on the second day. Kuen's a Masters student needing sea turtle blood samples.

First time see turtles swimming

And get caught red-handed

Searching for turtles - Manta tow method (string tied to the speed boat)

While Fifi and Kuen were in the water, I became the speed-boat-driver, first time in my life.

My "driving" teacher

A green-turtle on board

You could see how hot it was! But it was worthwhile

Releasing the turtle (Too fast, couldn't snap the picture)

Back on the beach we also had "near contact" with lots of baby turtles.

This turtle is about 3 year old

New-born

Charge!!!

Cute and adorable

Basket-full (100+ of baby turtles)

Was a busy basket

The baby turtles were scrambling for one direction

And suddenly one of them succeed

It's not hard to understand why they're so desperate

As, home is where all of us belong

Ps: Completed first month of working. Still manageable, but I have a lot to learn... It's still the beginning of a long long journey.

A fisherman's Son

2010-06-26T21:16:00.001+08:00

Dutch right winger Dirk Kuyt comes from a fishing family and in his selfless and hardworking style on the pitch, he has never been one to go angling for complements or praise.

The 29-year-old, who scored his side’s second goal in the opening 2-0 win over Denmark, has proved that he will give everything for the cause for club and country.

Netherland's no. 7

This season alone he has played 65 times and 53 matches for Liverpool, scoring 11 times, and 12 for the Dutch, hitting the back of the net on four occasions.

Kuyt insist that he is not tired – a complaint often voiced by others at the finals – and is enjoying every second of the tournament which saw the Dutch become the first side to qualify for the second round when Denmark beat Cameroon on Saturday.

Kuyt, who was born in the fishing town of Katwijk and who seemed to be destined to become a fisherman like his parents, doesn’t mind that his place in the starting line-up of Dutch footballing artist is constantly called into question by the domestic media. “It is obvious, I am not the same type of player,” said Kuyt.

“I don’t have the same qualities, I have others. I am different.”

“At the base of it (the criticism), it is what gives me my strength.”

Kuyt’s battling qualities, forged in the unforgiving climate of his birthplace, were recognized by the coach of his first professional club, FC Utrecht.

“He was not the subtlest of players but on account of this workrate, he became the best player,” saud Narj Witte.

Kuyt really blossomed at Feyenoord where he scored an impressive 83 goals in 122 matches (from 2003 to 2006), and earned himself a 15 million Euros transfer to EPL giants Liverpool in 2006, when then coach Rafael Benitez switched him from center forward to wide on the right.

Liverpool's no. 18

While it obviously dried up his ratio of goals to matches played, it helped him in terms of establishing his place in the Dutch team as his opportunities had been limited up front by Ruud van Nistelrooy’s presence. He is so honest and without ego that even when Arsenal forward Robin ban Persie said that there should be no place for him in the attacking first choice quartet at the World Cup – that it should be van Persie, Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, and Arjen Robben – he simply shrugged it off.

“Robin was right, those are four fantastic players,” admitted Kuyt.

“But a team doesn’t consist of 11 players.”

“I don’t feel bitter towards Van Persie, who I am sure walked into a trap laid by a journalist.”

(Taken from The Star, 22.6.2010)

~~~

Though I always lament his not-so-able performance for Liverpool, but it's true there are much to learn from him.

I've changed my view and perspective on Kuyt.

Turtle Advanture (Part 3) - Night

2010-06-20T11:25:00.004+08:00

I had my first taste of night-beach-patrol.

No lights were allowed besides occasional flashes of our torch-lights.

The only light bulb available (On only if necessary)

We were waiting for turtles to “board” on the shore to lay their eggs.

The moon above our heads was bright, as so, we could see our own shadows following us all over the beach line. I felt great lying down on the beach of white, fine sand under a blanket of stars. We could spot important “star-configuration” e.g. South-star (南极星), North-seven-star (北斗七星), South-cross (南方十字座), which were used as direction indicators by sailors for centuries.

Don't really know how to shoot in the dark, esp. without tri-pod

As volunteers, our job were to assist and help the researchers and staffs with their jobs. We were assigned various tasks like recording the time the turtles land, body-pit, nest, camouflage, and leave for sea. Turtle’s sizes (width and length) were also measured and recorded. “First-timer” egg-laying turtles were tagged on their front flippers for future records.

We wore dark coloured shirts and trousers in order not to get noticed by the turtles, for they'll not nest their eggs.

We are required to petrol the 350m long beach line till 12am, and are divide into 2 shifts afterwards. (12-3am or 3-6am)

Turtles start landing on the beach from 8pm onwards, until as "late" as 5am. They'll first look for their favourite spot and "pit" their body into the sand. Not until they're satisfied, they won't "create" their egg chamber and nest.

With their turtle-ly pace, the nesting process takes up about 2 hours.

Some turtles would just land on the beach for an evening walk and return to the sea...

A mama-turtle

Around 10 turtles per night land during my slot

Average 100-200 eggs per nest

Blood sampling for research

Ouch!!!

Turtles are quite a funny and innocent lot. Some land on the beach doing nothing, some land on the beach but mistakenly walked into the jungle, needing us to "re-direct" them. Some went near our (speed boat) diesel petrol storage area to plot a terror-attack, by hitting the diesel bottles. (Which shocked me a little!)

Some, like this one, needed extra-time.

The sun is up! It's getting hot! What are you still doing here?

Or should I say they're a patient and hard-working lot

Step by step

Leaving tracks in the sand

At least this is how they live their lives.

Grand Canyon in Redang?

Chagar Hutang beach has nature in it's most natural form.

This is a place for research and preservation, of the endangered green and hawksbill sea turtles. There must be some special reasons sea turtles, which had been in the waters for millions of years, choose CH as their ground for prolonging generation.

Why not contribute for this noble cause?

Ps: Still more coming up!