Travel Light: thinking; travelling; photography

Am sad...

2010-08-20T21:21:00.001+08:00

Am sad...

On Life and Death... (by Felix Tan, first posted on facebook)

2010-03-31T20:52:00.004+08:00

“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.”

Norman Cousins
(American Essayist and Editor, long associated with the Saturday Review. 1912-1990)

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When I was in secondary school, my literature teacher once asked the class: "Have anyone of you been to a funeral?" And I thought to myself: "What a question? How strange?" By the way, it was a rainy day too - that I remember. But hey, I'm NOT putting that in for 'dramatic effect'. In any case, to continue: to my surprised - and to the laughter of my classmates - I was the only one who haven't gone to a funeral or 'seen death'. But my literature teacher said: "Maybe when I die, you'll come to my funeral?" That was most morbid, I later realised. Not to say, strange, to say the least. Moreover, what had that particularly topic - death - to do with the literature text I was studying? Anyway, I couldn't really recall the context in which the topic on death arose, but it remained in my mind.

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“Death is terrifying because it is so ordinary. It happens all the time.”
Susan Cheever

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Over the years, as I got older, it became 'normal' to attend funeral(s). Not that it's frequent, it's just normal - as in not uncommon. Well, you get the drift... You see, there were the grandparents; the relatives; the distant relatives; a friend's grandparents; so on and so forth. But it was only in this 1 year-plus that 'death' has become a new meaning to me. And I'm not sure whether it's because of my age?!?! (And please, I'm NOT that old!!) Now, what I'm saying is that, previously, all these 'deaths' - so to speak - were, as one might put it, expected. Most passed away 'naturally'- due to old age (or at least because of some terminal illness). But that said, most knew that their time had come - and some (not all, but there are those) around them (the loved ones) who were mentally and emotionally prepared. So, when death finally comes knocking, some were 'prepared'.

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“The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live.”
Joan Borysenko

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And so, it is at this time that I write this little note - no, no, not as a farewell... I'm still enjoying life as it is... but rather, as a remembrance to those that I've lost. I might not have been the only one, but certainly, having experienced 3 deaths within a short span of a year-plus does have some sort of effect on one's life. The impact (not trauma though) has been a wake-up call. I could have never imagined that death would come so suddenly and so tragically. So, having had 3 friends pass away so unexpectedly is definitely unforgettable. But I shall not say it's 'life-changing' - but that it has certainly left an imprint in my life.

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"No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow."
Euripides

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And so, it is at this point that I remember those friends of mine who have moved on to be closer with God.

To Teo Sze Siong ( - 2009), you have been a great buddy; kind, generous and patient - you've been missed:

"People do not die for us immediately, but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive. It is as though they were traveling abroad."
Marcel Proust

To Simon Chan ( - 2009), entrepreneur, a great (karaoke) singer and a damn great listener, so thank you for listening:

"The death of someone we know always reminds us that we are still alive - perhaps for some purpose which we ought to re-examine."
Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

To Ben Mok (- 2010), you have lived life to the fullest - so, carpe diem my friend:

"Now he has departed from this strange world a little ahead of me. That signifies nothing. For us believing physicists the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion."
Albert Einstein

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And so, to all of us who are still living - no one can tell you what tomorrow shall bring. Be it happiness, sadness, joy or pain, sun or rain - but for us mere mortals, life continues. So, we shall go to work, we shall complain about how our life sucks; we will have lunch & dinner and then we go home and then we sleep. But throughout the day, do take some time to tell someone important in your life, that he/she means something to you - not just because he/she is your loved ones; but also just because he/she is a friend. Because you never know what might happen tomorrow; or the next few days; or few weeks; or even in years to come. But remember that when there's still time now for you to truly tell someone how much he/she means to you - you would have made their day and hopefully one that might last a lifetime. And so, when the time comes for him/her to leave this world, at least you know you've managed to tell them how much they meant to you.

And so, to all that I know out there - I might not have spoken to you for a while; or seen you for a while; do remember - you've always been in my heart, in my mind and always, always, always in my prayers.

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"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring."
Oscar Wilde

"Life is the sum of all your choices."
Albert Camus

March 2010.

2010-03-20T22:56:00.003+08:00

Nope. This is not the title of a new Wong Kar Wai film (see 2046) or even an attempt anything close to that. However, that said, I'm just amazed at how time seem to pass so quickly. Have gone back to Singapore for a month in January and then back to Melbourne in February. And now, it's March! Wow! And it's coming to the end of March, for that matter. Though it's not surprising, but I can foresee how April is going to whisk by me pretty fast too. As for my time here in Australia, well, I certainly wish that I could complete my thesis on schedule. Well, what can I expect from a PhD??? It's going to take some time - corrections and editing and then field work and then coming back to the thesis proper to edit. And the process just keeps on going. Reading and research in double time in order to be on schedule. This is going to be one hectic year - but I know that it's all worth it. I've put myself in this and I there simply no backing out! Strange though, I am enjoying this entire process. Yes, there are ups and there are downs, but still, the journey is one heck of an experience. At times, it's simply demoralising and I keep asking myself why am I putting myself through all of these. But I know that ultimately it'll all be worth it. As for now, got to endure and plough through it all.

So far... it's been alright

2009-12-02T20:49:00.004+08:00

So, it's been 5 months since I've arrived to Melbourne to pursue my doctorate studies in Islamic Studies - more specifically in political Islam. And the tentative title is "Contextualising Political Islam in post-Cold War Malaysia and Indonesia". So far, I've already written 2 chapters within the span of 4 months-plus. Sometimes it does get a bit worrisome as I think I just might be working on my research a bit too fast. But then again, I could just be imagining things since I think I'm on schedule. In any case, the research has so far been an eye opener and I'm learning more things as I read more. The writing, on the other hand, can be quite draggy, but I'm getting use to it - or at least once I start, the momentum builds up. Anyway, my supervisor is on leave for the entire month of November and I don't seem to be able to move on since I submitted my chapter 2. Maybe I'm just getting a bit paranoid, but it does seem like I'm just stuck so far, or my supervisor might think that I'm way way ahead much too fast. At this moment, I'm still trying to target for an early completion of my skeletal chapters so that I can move on to my field research. I guess I've been resting for a bit now since November was also my birthday month and also since my supervisor's on leave 'cos of the birth of his baby. So, I shall rev up my engine to start researching for my chapter 3 this December - got to start before I get too relaxed.

Melbourne's okay I guess, but most of my friends are already back in Singapore and it's getting lonely. The weather's also changing, it's now much warmer. Didn't even realise that Spring has come and gone - guess I'm really not use to 'cold weather'. I relish warm weather and the temperature here so far has been between 18 - 25 degrees - and that's COLD for me. Trying my luck on getting an earlier flight back to Singapore to spend some time with my two lovely dogs, but alas, all flights are full and I'm only on waiting list. *sigh* Need to pray harder for a miracle. hahaha... but first, I guess there's more paper work to do before I leave Melbourne for my 1-month break. There's the submission of my 6-month report to the University and then most likely need to rework on my Chapter 2 - WHEN it's returned to me?!?! hmmm... which I've really got no idea.

So, I guess, for now, I've just been doing my own stuff - taking photos; editing them; and just enjoying the Melbourne 'outdoors' with the remaining friends here. In any case, it's already December and another year is coming to an end. And reflecting what I've done this year... well... quite a lot actually and I'm pleased that I've kickstarted my PhD studies - although there are still some kinks to sort out. But overall, I'm just satisfied - can't ask for more. So, shall now try to list out my resolutions for the coming year - 2010.

Just an update...

2009-09-11T21:41:00.004+08:00

Thought I would never again blog - but guess I'm wrong. I'm currently working on my research paper for my PhD at the University of Melbourne and it has certainly been a 'crazy' 3 months since I've settled here. Absolutely nothing interesting in Melbourne to explore and if there's anywhere that's worth it, it probably costs an arm and a leg just to go there. For example, a day trip to the Great Ocean Road would costs AUD$ 328!?!? And so is a trip to the overly commercialised Mt. Buller - now UNLESS you love skiing, I guess it's not a place to go just for a one-day trip. Alas, I thought my travels around Asia, Southeast Asia and the Himalayas were much better experiences than this. But who am I to complain yah? I'm here to study - NOT to venture to the 'touristy' places in Melbourne. But lest I make a serious error in judgment, I do believe that there are some interesting places in Melbourne to visit, like Camberwell; St. Kilda's and Brunswick St. - places that's near the city and won't cost an 'arm & a leg' :) I would suppose that a trip to some vineyards would be a good break-away too - but will need to check on the price for a day-trip. In any case, tried to take some shots of these places that I went. Can't help it that I tried not to take the overly commercialised bit of Melbourne. For those who want to view more shots, you can make your way to my flickr account and view the rest of the them. But for now, here's one:

Mount Buller engulfed in a mini snow storm...

This is IT!!

2009-05-24T21:28:00.002+08:00

And yeah, it's about time I let 'blogspot' take a rest. Will be leaving for Melbourne for my further studies and might not have all the time to blog here any longer. The drive's gone into hibernation mode!! So, there!! With the advent of facebook; multiply; flickr; etc... life just hasn't been the same. So, I think I shall just leave it as it is... For those who might be interested in my photos; please proceed to the following link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/photophilosophy/

This is where they'll be UNTIL I'm able to create my own website!! hahaha...

I don't particularly like to say that this will be the end of me blogging or that I'm closing down my blog. I would rather say that I'll be putting things on hold and going on a long long hiatus. So, never say never - I just might be back to blog something :) lol

Another tribute - in rememberance of SIMON CHAN

2009-02-10T21:58:00.002+08:00

It's been a while... and it took me one week later to blog this. It's been barely a month and I've had to attend another wake of a friend. His name is Simon Chan and he passed away from a burst blood vessel in the brain. And damn it - we were supposed to go karaoke that week!! why?? Why??? WHY!???!?!?

This was what I wrote on his facebook...

"The death of someone we know always reminds us that we are still alive - perhaps for some purpose which we ought to re-examine."
Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

I'm using this quote 'cos that's what Simon would have wanted. He lived his life with gusto - never giving up without a good fight. And probably that's what's he been ...

Yet, for some strange reason, I now feel that he's given up too easily.

"He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man."
Antoine de Saint Éxupéry

Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will always be remembered - for your perseverance; for your drive; for your fast-talking ways. But most importantly, for the friendship that you have given to so many of us. That is what I'll always cherish.

Welcome to Manila Chinatown

2009-01-17T10:14:00.001+08:00

Welcome to Manila Chinatown
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

EXTRACT:

"The Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch stands in the middle of downtown Manila. Step through here and you are transported to another world -- Chinese music blaring from shops, the smell of incense permeating the air, offers and counter-offers being made in Fookienese dialect -- Welcome to Chinatown!

Chinatown Manila was established in 1594, making it the oldest in the world. The Spaniards gave a parcel of land tax-free to Catholic Chinese and granted them self-governing privileges. Paul So, Chairman of the Committee on Tourism of the Chinatown Development Authority, explains, "Chinatown was established not because the Chinese wanted to stay together. They were put together in one place, outside the walls of Manila, across the river, so they would not disturb or do much harm to the Spanish enclave."

In those days, the Chinese were "mostly from Fujian province. On one street, you would probably find that all came from the same town in Fujian. When one goes to a foreign country, he tries to get his brother, his whole family into that place and then, his town mates. That's how this little Chinatown became a big Chinatown," recounts Paul So. The Chinese today make up 2% of the Philippines' 85 million population"

To read more... http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/travel/408/chinatown-manila-oldest-in-the-world

A Tribute - In Memory of Teo Sze Siong

2009-01-04T11:43:00.003+08:00

I've never thought death would come so close and I've never known death this much until now. It all started with a phone call from one friend informing me about the Singaporean who was killed in the recent Bangkok fire of the nightclub Santika. I was praying hard that it was probably someone else with the same name and not the Sze Siong that I know. But alas, that was not to be. And as the days went on, it only became clearer that the identity of the S'porean killed in the fire was none other than my friend - Teo Sze Siong.

"We say that the hour of death cannot be forecast, but when we say this we imagine that hour as placed in an obscure and distant future. It never occurs to us that it has any connection with the day already begun or that death could arrive this same afternoon, this afternoon which is so certain and which has every hour filled in advance."
Marcel Proust

It's with a heavy heart that I am writing this. I've known Sze Siong for some years now - yeah, we would meet up for those grueling reservist in-camp trainings every once or twice a year - and he has always been this soft-spoken guy, patient and always had a smile. And in-camp trainings (and those annoying pre-ICT briefings), he would be the epitome of patience and of tolerance (yeah, if anyone has ever been to one of these military briefings and what-nots, you'll need a bucketful of tolerance!!!) and occasionally, a little dry sense of humour. But above all, he always takes everything that comes along his way in his stride.

Well, I don't know how else to show my grief for a very good friend, except with these:

"People do not die for us immediately, but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive. It is as though they were traveling abroad."
Marcel Proust

Hey, Sze Siong, buddy - you will always be remembered.

"Now he has departed from this strange world a little ahead of me. That signifies nothing. For us believing physicists the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion."
Albert Einstein

Life is transient. So, to Teo Sze Siong - a good friend. We'll meet again someday.

Goodbye 2008 and Welcome 2009

2009-01-01T00:39:00.001+08:00

Kyoto Tower
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

And it was with a simple countdown at home that I waved goodbye to 2008 and welcome the New Year 2009. And the past year was simply way too overwhelming. The economy and oil prices rose to a high and then came crashing down in such a dramatic fashion. Property prices went from an all-time high to a standstill! Banks stopped lending money as one by one came crashing down. The world's in a recession and jobs will be lost. *sigh* What is the world becoming!?!??!

Well, on a good note, my plans to travel to 'developed cities' came true - there was Chiang Mai (Thailand); then Melbourne, and Gold Coast to Brisbane to Darwin (Australia); from Kansas City (USA) to Tokyo & Kyoto (Japan); and there was Hanoi (Vietnam); and lastly went to Manila/Makati (the Philippines). Also, rather surprisingly, I managed to get accepted to the University of Melbourne to pursue my 'PhD' for the coming year :)

So, for my wish for 2009 - I just pray that everything will be alright. Nope! I won't be praying for "world peace" :) hahaha...

Anyway, shall leave you with this night shot of the Kyoto Tower :) cheers

Tsukiji Fish Market (Japan)

2008-12-28T09:37:00.001+08:00

IMG_0580 (edited)
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Yes! I've finally managed to upload half of the photos that I took when I was Japan for a vacation in September!!! hahaha... Yeah - I know, it's been quite a while :) Still editing another section and still got the Philippines trip photos to upload :) hahahaha... But here's a pic of the Tsukiji Fish market that I went on 2 occasions!!! Went there on the 1st day and realised that it was a public holiday in Japan and then went back the 2nd day :) Thank goodness I managed to see the auction of the tuna then... and yeah, had a great sushi breakfast - but damn expensive!! Nevermind lah, once in a lifetime kind of thing - UNLESS I can afford to go back to Japan for another holiday... hmmmm...

Anyway, a Merry Christmas to all too... been either eating 'excessively' during this festive season or just working at home :( aiyah!!! supposed to be enjoying my long break from work leh, but alas, that's not the case!! Oh well... One thing I enjoyed most is meeting up with long time and close friends :) hahahaha... I think this could be the most memorable X'mas!! hahaha... Now, that's what I call Christmas :)

Well, in the meantime, do go to my flickr and view my photos :) cheers

Tagatay... and Swedish 'hot-stones' Massage...

2008-12-19T11:21:00.002+08:00

Woke up yesterday way too early... to make a trip to Southern Manila (aka Tagatay) to see Lake Taal - the smallest, but still very active volcano :) But alas, the day started with my cutting myself while shaving... damn!!! First time and I got myself scrapped!!??!?! And so begin my day! The trip there was okay. The usual- had to face the incessant traffic woes that beseech our dearest Philippines. I just wonder, this traffic jams seem to be a 24/7 situation?!??! Oh well, like I said - welcome to the Philippines!!! hahaha... The way to Tagatay was okay - mostly highway and shantty towns and factories here and there - hardly any 'countryside' to speak about. Well, with about 11million pple in this country, they sure know where to squeeze themselves!!?! hehehe...

Tagatay itself was on an elevated hill?? Mountain?? Hmmm... But I had to go to the main town first before descending to the foot of the hill to get a ferry across to the volcano. Well, as in any 3rd world country, I guess we'll be conned (sometimes) by over-eager 'tourist guides' with would not blink an eye about quoting you the most exorbitant, ridiculous price :) But one must be street-smart in order to get around it, I guess... Long story short - the ferry ride to the volcano was a splashing moment - literally - the waters were rough and the boat was rocking from left to right... and every now and then water is splashing into my face!!!! Yeah - got soaking wet by the time I was at the volcano island!!! *sigh* Then there's where the rip-off begins!!!! horse-rides, guided tours, etc... u name it, you've got it!!! The walk up took around 30mins to 45mins... and it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be... the view from the top was astounding though :) GORGEOUS!!! Anyway, coming back down was much, much easier... but I smashed my toe against a rock and it tore a chuck of skin off... :( :( Another bloody session!!! And so, that was my day... bleeding half the day!!!! hahahaha...

Okay... I got to rush to check out now... Went shopping at Greenbelt 1,2,3,4,5 in Makati area - damn upmarket, but damn happening!!! hahahaha.... sanity in the midst of insanity!!! Had a great time there... came back to the hotel and had a good old Swedish 'hotstones' massage!!! Wah!!!! What an end to the day!!! :) :)

Chinatown; Ongpin Street; Quiapo & Manila traffic

2008-12-18T01:07:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, I had a great day at the Philippine Daily Inquirer - got to see the newsroom and had a great discussion. After that, it was back to my 'recce' around Manila... So, went to Chinatown - but alas, the traffic from Makati there was pure madness... Now, I've been thinking how I should describe traffic in the Philippines... Let's just say that it's an almalgamation of 1) Thai traffic jams; 2) the messiness and the crowd of Indian traffic (6 cars piled side by side in a 3 lane road/highway); 3) Indonesian kids selling newspapers and tidbits along the streets/roads; 4) the perpetual honking of the horns of the cars in Vietnam... now, imagine all these together at one place - add 10x the craziness and madness; and then add ABSOLUTE reckless driving and viola - welcome to the Philippines!!! :) :)

I can't really say it's all that bad - it's basically just is... And as for Chinatown... OH MY GOODNESS!!! If anyone ever wants to feel a crowd please go to Ongpin street and Divisoria in Manila's Chinatown... it's really a sea of people... not an ounce of space is left on the entire area - cars; trucks; vans; shops and millions of people looking for a great bargain... and you've got Chinatown in the Philippines :) This place is definitely a good place to feel the 'christmas' season in the Philippines - Thailand's Chatuchak pales in comparison and it will look like a little puppy next to Philippines' Chinatown :) hahahaha... Be careful of the policemen there too - they are also looking for a good 'bargain' - from the innocent tourists there... Anyway, the good thing is I found my 'barong' - the national dress of the Philippines (for men) and it's gorgeous... but alas, didn't buy it 'cos I just can't find a good reason to buy it :( Also accidentally found some roadside hawkers selling 'balut' - the people eating it just makes it look so delicious, but I guess it just like eating crickets and other insects - I can't bring myself to consume it :( hahahaha...

But all in all, my experience in the Philippines has been overwhelming and it's been great... really loving it and looking forward to bring the students here next year... And yeah, also managed to go to an upmarket area (aka Greenbelt 1,2,3,4,& 5) - the shops here are beautiful and there's a Catholic church in the middle of this place too... hmmm... how quaint :) :) But I had a chance to pray there too - aiyah... just join in the crowd lor :) :) :) Went to the nearby Ayala Museum and had a field day there too, albeit staying there for only 1 and a half hour :( Oh well... still got next year :) :)

Okay then... got to go now... tomorrow got to wake up super early... gg to Taal Lake in Tagatay :) :) cheers...

Makati, Manila & Intramuros

2008-12-15T22:49:00.002+08:00

My Tiger Airways flight from Singapore to Clark Airbase (Manila) was quite smooth. And just when I thought there was gg to be some delay, I landed 15minutes earlier??? Hmmm... strange :) Anyway, the weather in the Philippines was cool and breezy and Clark Airbase wasn't that bad either. It's really like one of those American airbase that some of us might have seen on those Hollywood movies (sans Pearl Harbour, etc...) So, it was kind of quaint and "Americanised" with, at times, gaudy looking 'christmas' lights hanging around the terminal. We won't given out immigration forms to fill up on the plane, so, everyone had to sign it up while queuing to be cleared.

It took almost 2 hours to SM Megamall in downtown Makati and so, by the time I reached my 'hotel/guesthouse' - which happens to be smacked right in the middle of a red-light district; I was just famished and tired. But there were plenty of food all around and so had a light meal before turning in to bed. The hotel lobby stank of urine and bleach!!! Hmmm... :P :P :P It was just terrible, but thank goodness the rooms were much better. The rooms (I requested for somewhere higher up) was okay - good view, but didn't have much of a hot water... TV programmes were respectable - nothing to complain about, really :) :)

In any case, today, after visiting the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - which was a wonderful experience, btw, I went to Intramuros - Manila's ancient Spanish/American/Japanese town... But more Spanish influenced, really :) There was a beautiful sunset and the orange light swept all over the Intramuros - giving one of those orange glows... And there were so many weddings happening at the various churches there - Manila Cathedral as well as the UNESCO world heritage San Augustin Church... :) Simply beautiful place... Also had many opportunities to snap picture of the many colourful jeepneys playing the streets...

And in the evening, went to the Megamall of Asia - the world's 3rd largest mall - and damn!!! This is HUGE!!! hahaha... Had a great dinner too... and lots of temptation!!! hahahha... need to get the unnecessary!!! Hahahaha... :) cheers... Well, I guess tomorrow is Chinatown and more... :) :)

Communism is (not) Dead... and some thoughts...

2008-12-13T10:33:00.002+08:00

flags of the past
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Oh well, thought my blog seems a bit quiet this time of the year :) hehehe... So, might as well put something up. And how poignant - is Communism dead?? Hmmm... Not when the world's capitalist states are reeling from severe economic recession (abeit extreme denials of it not being an economic depression), while our erstwhile remaining 'communist' states are maintaining some semblance of economic sanity and stability - the irony!!

Call a cow a cow; a pig a pig, etc.... - you get my drift... The current economy is in a state of disarray and we are in a severe depression. So there! But if you ask financial advisors (or analysts), many will simply say is a normal 'economic adjustment' - stocks and bonds; and some say currencies as well, etc... rise and fall... and hopefully, in the long run, it rises again... But pardon me - I'm a strong believer in democracy and in capitalism (aka - me no commie!!), just in case anyone might think that I'm defending communism. But this current situation should call many to rethink the very basis of our capitalist ideals. In any case, many are starting to look at Islamic banking... hmmm... So, what's wrong with our (economic) system?? What about the 'Chinese' system??? (okay - can't believe that I'm saying anything good about some commie state!!??!)

Well, I'm no economist nor have I an inkling of what the f*** is all this things about stocks; bonds; Lehman brothers and GM motor-Chrysler, economic bailout, etc...!?!?? Like many, I'm one who puts my money in the bank (which is crashing as I write this blog); save as much as I could when I get my pay-check every month; spend a little on luxury items once in a while; make sure there's food on my table; pay my bills - and hope that I still have a got a job come rain or shine... But there are those in the 'higher echalons' of the ladder who makes decisions that will drastically change my lifestyle - and sometimes for the worst.

So, obviously, the capitalist 'roaders' (so 1960s/70s lingo here) are obviously messing things up for us - the ordinary citizens of the world. Maybe, just maybe, it's about time that we should adopt the communist economic system? Maybe, just maybe, Karl Marx was right when he said “The production of too many useful things results in too many useless people.”...

cheers and a happy Christmas and a Merry New Year - please buy more presents (for me) and spread the X'mas cheer around to those who needs them and to those who can appreciate it :) :)

Fishing Boats docked @ Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay (Vietnam)

2008-11-16T09:56:00.001+08:00

fishing boats
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

This shot was teken at Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay (Vietnam). Went back to Vietnam after many many years... nothing much seem to have changed. The bureaucracy still sucks and the Vietnamese tour agency (to Halong Bay) is still as corrupted. And plus, the last time I was there, I had to battle an impending typhoon in that area... and guess what - the bloody typhoon was back again this time around... and yeah... got battered quite badly this time around!! hahaha... Almost got stuck at Cat Ba Island for another night - which was virtually a NO-NO!!! hahaha... Oh well... like what they say - the best shots are usually taken just before a storm... so, here's a shot of the port at Cat Ba Island... btw, nothing much has changed in that are - maybe just a tad bit more rundown :( And they say that Vietnam's developing??!?!?! Hmmm.... I beg to differ... the money's most likely going to the pockets of the corrupted politicians and the rich... Most of the Vietnamese are still under the poverty line...

Gold Coast - evening

2008-11-01T14:04:00.001+08:00

Gold Coast - evening
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Aiyah... I thought since I don't usually blog that often these days... so, here's some pictures that I took of Gold Coast, Australia (in the heydays when the Aussie dollar was so freaking %$*&^ high!!!)... Well... seems like those days are gone :) but oh well... here's just a shot of the Surfer's Paradise skyline in the evening??? hmmm... or was it in the early morning??? June seems such a long long time ago!! hahahaha... and yeah... I'm slowly updating my photos on flickr... so, do click on the picture and it'll bring you to my flickr site where you can see more pictures that I've uploaded :) in the meantime, enjoy :)

Kyoto, Japan... before I forget...

2008-10-17T21:57:00.002+08:00

School has started and it looks like I'll be bogged down by work - yet again. Anyway, with the current economic downturn... or rather, the recession... it looks like I was lucky to have gone to Japan :) And yes, as I was talking about my Japan trip earlier... went to Kyoto from Tokyo via the Shinkansen (aka the bullet train). Took the 12noon train to Kyoto and was most pleased with the decision. It was only a 2hr 30mins trip from Tokyo, but with the sights that greeted me, time flew by quickly. The train was comfortable, clean and it had English translation too. So, I had a great time taking the public transport. I also bought one of those set lunches that was available at the Tokyo train station... yummy!!! hahaha... It was like one of the that I've seen in JAPAN HOUR!! :) :) really great feeling... reached Kyoto in the mid-afternoon and thank goodness I didn't get as lost I did in Shinjuku :) The hotel / guesthouse that I booked was just next to the Kyoto train station - and goodness me, that train station was HUGE!!! I mean GI-NORMOUS!!! hahaha... I guess it was more spacious than anything and yeah, it was crowded too...

But did a lot of walking in Kyoto - beautiful place and everywhere is so accessible :) The first night went to Gion and everywhere was just so lighted up. But once again, it was Starbucks that kept me sane - and great to have that caffein 'shot' :) hahaha... As for food - OMG!!! I've got say this... there was this little dining place in a nearby building - just opposite the Kyoto station and diagonally opposite my hotel :) It had grill and set dinners too... but everything was worth it - the food and the price... well, that was the cheapest (ok, quite relative when it comes to the money bit), but the service was good and yeah, it had an English menu too :) Had grilled fish (pacific saury) the first night and damn, it was fresh and damn tasty!! Had grilled squid another night... and the set dinner was so well worth it!!!

The next day was when I really started my 'walking' and sightseeing, but alas, the weather wasn't really that fantastic :( But well... after a while, I guess I just had to make do with whatever time I've got...Went to many temples and ancient 'castles' (Nijo Castle; Kinkakuji temple; Kyoto Imperial palace; Heian Shrine; Sanjusangendo hall, etc...) and also made it to the Kyoto National Museum... But the best was Kiyomizu temple that was nestled up in the hills... was just walking and didn't know it was up in the hills until I took the twist and turns (using my map ONLY - no less)... and yeah, just follow the crowd lor :) :) It was the most rewarding climb throughout my entire trip in Japan though... it had a sprawling view of Kyoto and was the most serene walk around the area, albeit giggling school children and tourists :)

Besides taking the train, I also travelled by bus and that was to the Golden Pavilion on the day I was to make my trip back to Tokyo :) wonderful experience... woke up real early that day and thought I could go to the temple grounds, but only realise it was to open at 9am... but I was greeted with the best 'morning' sun-rise in Kyoto in days :) hahahaha... So, didn't really miss anything :)

Oh well, now that I'm back in Singapore... I'm just glad that I finally made it to Japan - after wishing and 'planning' to go there for so long :) Most definitely a place that I will never forget... just one advice, I think backpacking to Japan is very expensive and if anyone would ever go there, I think the best is a packaged tour - affordable and saves time :) Well, till the next time then... cheers :)

Kansas City, USA and COKE...

2008-10-01T13:43:00.005+08:00

Yeah! I'm back in Singapore already :( And it's back to work!! Oh well... I guess the holiday's really over sweetheart!!! hahaha... Anyway, before I write about my sojourn in Kyoto, Japan... I thought I should pen some thoughts about Kansas City, USA :) Well, besides the fact that there wasn't much to do there - well, you see, from one city (aka S'pore) to another (aka anywhere in the US!!!), it's just 'small' city to a 'big' city?!?!? So, there's BORDERS; there's Starbucks; there's shopping malls; there's food... hmmmm... not much of a difference. Anyway, did manage to occupy myself and enjoy myself some what - had to indulge in Kansas food (aka BBQ flavoured dinners); steaks (and more steaks!!!); buffets; sushi; Thai pad thai and Vietnamese pho... And the portion's so HUGE!!! But got to say that the Asian variations are still not comparable to those of the country's orgins... hahaha... yeah!! grow fat already lah!! NOW need to hit the gym!!! :) :) :) So, I did enjoy the food nonetheless, just that everything was 'oversize'...

Anyway, what really fascinated me were some of the outlets there - the CheeseCake Factory (and it's almost like a castle) with it's gorgeous range of cheesecakes!!! OMG!!! I couldn't even select which on to eat?!?!?! Then there's the Organic Food outlets - I could almost go crazy esp. since I love to cook!!! haahaha... yeah!! So grocery shopping there with my Sis was the most interesting thing I did - with the exception of borrowing the entire Season 2 of "HERO" and watching it on my laptop?!?!?!?! (errr... hmmm... there's really nothing to do at night!!!)

Ahhh.... and then, there's the range of Coke available in the US - OMG!!! I was so enthralled by the almost endless types of Diet Coke - Singapore only has 2 kinds (Diet Coke & Coke Zero)... and so, it was almost mind-boggling for me to see how many of Diet Coke were there!! :) :) Swore I would try EVERY SINGLE one of them - but I guess I failed :( But here are the pics :)

Waiting for GODZILLA... with Starbucks...

2008-09-27T22:50:00.005+08:00

And so, my journey to Japan is finally coming to an end. After a full week of exploring and 'gorging' down Japanese food, it's time to get back to S'pore and hit the gym - BIG TIME! hahaha... Yup! Need to get rid of the 'excess baggage' that I've put on - and I wasn't talking about my luggage :( Feels like GODZILLA right now - too oversize and overweight! I think I've really explored the 'heart' of Japan just about enough - walking around, lugging my incredibly heavy camera bag everywhere! Damn!!! Managed to finish an entire 2GB CF card and using another one already!! And after all this time travelling, I've got to say that one place helped me to adjust a lot - and that's Starbucks!!! That was probably the only variable that was remaining constant throughout my this 2 weeks travelling - first in the US; then in Japan!! hahahaha... sounds crazy?? Well, the one constant thing in my life for this two weeks was COFFEE... and the search stopped at Starbucks - from Kansas City to Tokyo to Shinjuku to Shibuya to Gion (in Kyoto) - just about every corner, I could find my 'comfort zone' and that really helped me find my bearing a little - not only the caffeine shot that I needed, but just the familiarity of it all. :) So, I now hereby like to thank "STARBUCKS" for making my journey easier to bear with :) hahahaha... And yeah - the logo that I'm using is copyrighted - but I'm sure they won't mind :) I'm giving them free publicity - and well deserved :)

Anyway, I think I'm going to miss the Japanese food around here... but then again, maybe not. Just come to realised how much stuffs around here - the shopping malls; the food; the culture, etc... - is so much like in Singapore. Hmmm... Or is it the other way around? It's just that the Japanese (pop) culture and lifestyle has become so much part of the social make-up in Singapore that I can't seem to find the difference. However, that said, the things that I've come to notice is that in Japan, ALL mobile phones have to be put on silent mode in public (that includes the public transport as well); there are designated 'smoking areas' 'cos it's an offence to smoke while walking in public; and everyone seems to automatically move to the left of an escalator so that those who want to walk can use the right side. Otherwise, I just don't seem to find something here that I can buy back to S'pore and tell everyone that I've 'been to Japan'??!! Japanese products (from the preserved food to the fashion wear; from Japanese delicacies to Japanese music) is jsut so prevalent in S'pore culture that I just kind of finds it quite fascinating and in a dilemma. The effficiency here is really on par with S'pore's - and at times much more efficient - minus that everything is mostly in Japanese.

So, what can I say I will miss about Japan? Well, I think that, besides the numerous neon lights, would be the people and the culture - the patience (in their service); the dare-to-try mentality; and just about the politeness & friendliness of the Japanese. Well, like I say, everything else can be found in Singapore.

BIG IN JAPAN and LOST IN TRANSLATION

2008-09-26T15:35:00.004+08:00

OMG!! I've FINALLY arrived in Japan - this after years of waiting and waiting; and then wondering when will I ever have enough to spend in Japan. Well, the wait's over and here I am - in Japan!!! hahaha... And as Hiro from the TV series "HERO" says - "yada"!!! hahahaha... :) Yup!! It's been a wonderful week so far and I've been having an extremely great time!!! The day I landed and 'checked out' Narita Airport, I was so tired, but ecstatic at the same time!! Took an express (or was it Rapid??!) train from the airport terminal to Shinjuku - where I booked my hotel... But darn it - I look damn lost lor!!! Didn't really know how the whole subway/train/JR line system work... *sigh*... Felt almost like the Bill Murray character from the movie "LOST IN TRANSLATION" - and yeah, literally felt so lost!!! Here I was in the middle of a crowded subway and everybody's just zipping past me - I can't even 'flag' down anyone to ask for help!!??! Hmmm... I wonder what could they be rushing off at 9:30pm, on a bloody Sunday - in office wear?!?!?! what the... oh well... trudged thru' the concrete jungle and finally emerge from the stone walls to find myself amongst in the midst of a shopping district, surrounded by a mad rush!! But nobody even stop to notice me - with a luggage in one hand; a freaking big backpack (for my camera equipment ONLY). Oh!! Btw, just for your info - I looked like just about any one of those Japanese there (aka Asian face; lugging a luggage - no difference!!!) I'm NOT kidding about this one - I just blend in!!!

Anyway, took me only about one day to familiarise myself around!!! Wow!! This, I've got to say, the transport system here is just about perfect - except that everything here's in Japanese!!! Arrghhh... The English info here is like 'subtitles' - you'll miss it if you don't concentrate on it hard enough!! hahahaha... But what the heck - it was easy to find my way around and stuffs here's almost self-explanatory!! :) So, didn't had much problems :) Also met up with my Japanese friend - Shuhei - who had been such a great help!!! Without him, I think I would have been even more 'lost'!! :) :) Anyway, he brought me for dinner at this 'tofu' place in Shibuya and then (the next night) to try out Sukiyaki/Shabu-Shabu in Meguro (near his home)!!! OMG!!! The food's here is so damn good!!! I can't believe I'm in JAPAN!!! Arggghhh... hahahaha... I also managed to try Okonomiyaki at some food fair near the Ueno park!! Wah!! damn shiok man!!! :) :) :) Found out that Sushi & Sashimi in Japan is just like that in Singapore - expensive and only for those who can really afford it!!! For many Japanese, it's usually set lunches; set dinners and box sets of whatever's rice; tempura; vegetables; fish; and some pickled radishes :) :)

Anyway, stayed in the Tokyo region for 3 and a half days :) I guess I really shocked my friend when he asked me where I've gone so far!!! Well, let's see - just in the Tokyo region... hmmm... I stayed in Shinjuku (so, got there quite a number of times!!! hahaha...); then there's Ueno (for the cultural experience - museums et al.); Tokyo town (shopping malls & the JR lines & Shinkansen - bullet train stops!!); Shibuya (busiest cross junction - believe me!! IT IS!!!!!!); Ginza (went to the Kabuki-za and watched a Kabuki play!!! Fantastic!!!); took the other smaller subway lines... went to the famous Tsukiji (fish) market - this is the highlight of my trip there!!! Tasted the freshiest; most succulent sushi/sashimi in my life - fatty tuna; salmon roe; clams; tuna; mackerel; sea urchin; down it with miso soup and a cup of hot green tea!!! And this is for my BREAKFAST!!! hahahaha... 'cos I was in Tsukiji to catch the 'morning' auction action there!!! Then went to the shop with the 'longest' queue with mainly Japanese (a sign that the locals also think is the best shop!!) lining up :) :) :) Waited an hour before getting a seat - but it was all so worth it!!! The raw fish just melt in my mouth; some had a nice crunchy feel (aka the clams); there were none of those 'fishy' taste at all!!! And a gentle touch of sea salt lingering in my mouth... oooohhhh... my goodness - I was left speechless!!! Best - BEST - sushi EVER!!!

Okay - I'm quite random :) :) hahaha... but just got to say it all!!! Especially after I waited so many years to 'experience' Japan!!! :) :) Aiyah, but one thing I've noticed here is the prices of food (and just about everything else) - "US prices for all things Asian"!!! So, even if the food portion is enough for an 'Asian' (aka SMALL); the price can range from US$8/9 to about US$ 17/18!!! *gulp* So, unless u've got lots of spare cash to throw around - and this is ONLY for a meal!!! - travelling in Japan is going to burn a big hole in your pockets!!! But I also figure out lor - the standard of living here is damn expensive... so, even when I compare how much a 'normal; decent' salaried Japanese earn, he/she has to deal with the cost of living here - which is just as high!! :( :( Oh well... :(

Anyway, I'm still in Kyoto today!! It's been raining heavily and taking photos is just not possible - so thought I would give it a rest for a day!!! hahahaha... I think my camera needs the rest!!! Nothing much to shop in Kyoto though :( But okay... more about Kyoto another time :) For now... I'm off to Starbucks to chill out!!! (hahaha... need coffee and some comfort zone!!!)

cheers

Flights - SQ and more...

2008-09-25T21:49:00.002+08:00

Trust me!! 10 hours flights are no joke!!! And so, I had a four hour flight from Kansas City to Los Angeles... then waited in transit for more than 5 hours!!! Then took a 10 hour flight from LA to Narita (Japan)... Wah lau.. butt pain man!! And that's even when I was walking up and down the aisle; to and from the toilet; and just aimless strolling around the 'economy' class of the SIA flight!!! I'm sure those who have seen me doing my bouts of walking must be thinking how strange I was!??!?! But better be safe than sorry - I just dun need to be strike by some 'thrombosis' thingy :)

Am already in Japan for about more than 4 days already... but anyway, the internet connect here quite slow!!! So, thought I better update in bits and draps!!! So, here's still my trip in the US... hmmm... where do I begin?? Yeah, food - too big a portion for me... Aiyah, Asian size lah!!! But anywa, the food's great... but what I really wanted to talk about is the flight - namely SOUTHWEST AIRLINES - US domestic flight :) heheheeh... the flight attendents are so cool, they are not the usual 'stuffy' air steward(ess) that we'ev got in SQ!!! So, I thought, maybe, it's 'cos it's a 'budget airline', that's why they are so cool about things... but alas, NOPE!!! I mean, I travel via budget ALL THE TIME!!

One of the memorable lines that the flight attendant 'broadcasted' BEFORE we landed was "...we love nothing more - and we mean nothing more important - than you money..." Of course, we need to remember context!!! But the reaction was all around laughter in the plane!!! Well, that certainly calmed our nerves... And then, there was the "... please pay attention to the safety, emergency demonstration - even if you have heard it before or don't really care..."!! hahahaha... I mean, my goodness - these pple really take things in their stride and have a very relax attitude towards things :) :) Enjoyed the flight 'cos everyone's so nice and friendly and funny!!! Quite unlike those budget airlines that we have in Asia - rude, stuffy and unfriendly!!! There's just simply no sense of humour lor!!! Can't take things with a pinch of salt - as it is, we (the passengers) are already so worried and stressed (maybe!!) and here we are having to face with uptight flight attendants?!??! :) oh well - 'nuf said!! :) :)

Okay lah... till the next time... :)

US trip coming to a close :(

2008-09-19T11:00:00.003+08:00

Well... it's been coming to a week and I'll be ending my trip in the US already :( Oh well... Will miss my nephews 'cos they've been keeping me real busy and on my toes with their persistent laughter :) :) hahaha... But really, Lawrence is a rather quiet town to begin and nothing much to do... went to the bigger towns - Kansas City; Overland Park; etc... just to get a feel of what's life's around here :) :) Nothing much to talk about - really... just the usual American town/cities :) The usual huge malls; bookstores (oh yeah!! I got to browse in "Barnes&Noble" and "Borders"!!!) and just buying stuffs for friends back in S'pore :) :) hahaha... kind of waiting to get to Japan though :) Spending another week there too... Anyway, with the US economy going down and the financial crunch here being such a big issue, I'm also beginning to worry about my investments back in S'pore!!! hahahaha... Aiyah... just got to NOT pay any attention to that and 'live and let live' :) :)

Anyway, I'm missing my two rascals already. Apparently they are sick and the doctor said that my little Monty has got stomach flu :( :( Aiyoh... my little babies :( But they are getting better already... need to get back to them and hug them big time :) :) :) Bought them something from the US too... will be buying something for the 2 rascals in Japan too - IF I get to find a pet shop there :) :) lol... So, here's a pic of my two little babies... :) :)

In Kansas now... and slowly getting use to it...

2008-09-15T23:39:00.003+08:00

Arrived right smacked in the tornado/hurricane season in Kansas - well, what to do? :) Anyway, travelled almost more than 24hours from Singapore to the US. Darn long trip to begin. 6hrs 20mins from Sin to Narita (Japan); then transited in Narita for about 2hrs, then boarded the flight to Los Angeles - took about 10hrs there! Arrived late for my connecting flight from LA to Kansas City, so had to re-booked the flight (via SouthWest) for a later timing. Waited another 4 and a 1/2 hours before flying off to Kansas City. And that flight took another 4hours... *sigh*... What a long trip just to be in the US. Then took another 45mins to an 1hour from the airport to Lawrence!!! Wow!!! Felt so totally out of sync with system. Was so tired and jet lagged it's almost unbelievable. But the weather in Kansas was cold... err... from someone like me who's coming in from Singapore - it's COLD!! hahahaha... Actually, it was only about 30degrees and below... but 'cos it was at night when I arrived, it was cold!! Anyway, took me sometime before I actually acclimatised to the time and the weather here... Kansas is a flat piece of land and very quiet!! But settling pretty fine here... Playing around... hmmm... 'monkeying' around with my nephews - Ethan and Evan!! hahaha... It's been fun... and will be going to some BIG shopping malls for the rest of the week too!! Maybe driving out and around Kansas and Missouri... :) hahaha...

Quotable Quotes... from a book

2008-09-09T15:08:00.002+08:00

Hmmm... thought I better give some closure to this book that I read some time ago :) It's "The Gathering" by Anne Enright... this book won the Man Booker Prize 2007...

"...And though you could say that she did not marry... because she did not like him, that is not really enough... We do not always like the people we love - we do not always have that choice..." (pg. 110)

this is quite poignant 'cos it's just so true... no one ever marries 'cos of love.. it's usually a marriage of convenience. And nope, I don't think people should marry just 'cos they're comfortable with each other...

"... That is what shame does... This is the anatomy and mechanism of a family - a whole fucking country - drowning in shame..." (pg. 168)

Isn't this what families are for - dysfunctional to say the very least!! A family without crisis is a family on the edge of insanity!! Well, without such families, we won't be able to 'experience'; 'understand' and even 'appreciate' life, would we?

"... People... do not change, they are merely revealed..." (pg. 252)

And that's why I'll never try to understand people - 'cos once they show you their true colours... Most are a load of crap!! hahaha...

Well, that said, it's really a touching book to read... so, take your time to engage this book and enjoy the content :) cheers

Itching for more... tattoo that's it :)

2008-08-31T17:54:00.004+08:00

Yeah... yeah... It's been quite a while that I've got my leg tattoo completed :) hahaha... Always didn't get the chance to take a photo of it and post it :) So, now that I've gotten myself a NOKIA N82 *lol*, thought I shall put the handphone camera to good use... and yeah... might as well FINALLY take a picture of my completed calf tattoo... Okay... it's only a 5 megapixel h/p camera... plus - as an avid photographer - I won't comment much on the photography skills/techniques... Well... It's quite a challenge trying to 'bend' over in many impossible directions and angles to capture the best possible light and make an 'average' composition and etc... Aiyah. long story short... here's the pic :) hahahaha...

Well... Now that this is DONE! Hmmm... Let's just put it that I'm ITCHING FOR MORE!!! :) :) Mwahahahaha... Maybe my entire back??? Or should I put a quarter of my back??? Hmmm... Damn!! :) :) cheers

oops... better post-date this (2nd Sept 2008):

Got to 'hard-sell' my friend's tattoo shop - yeah!! he FINALLY got a tattoo shop of his own :) And I'm really happy for him... He's really good @ what he does - can design his own (see above) and can also design on request. But one thing I've got to add is that he's very CREATIVE!! Damn - he's good!! hahahaha... So, for those who wants to know who this is... well just look for:

Name: ELSON
Shop: THINK TATTOO
Address: 14, Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #02-65, Singapore
website: www.thinktattoo.org

Hmmm... oh well... hopes this helps :) :) cheers...

Another HOLIDAY... before my PhD and more...

2008-08-24T09:13:00.002+08:00

Yeah! So, I'll be taking YET ANOTHER HOLIDAY in a span of 3 months AGAIN!! hahaha... Erm... Nope!! It's NOT that I've got lots of "dispensable" cash to throw around or something, but it's just that I've had all (aiyah - most anyway lah!!) planned way, way, way in advance (as early as this year). And yeah, so, I'll be going for another trip again - this time to the United States (US of A) and then to Japan.

Actually, I wanted and planned to go to Japan as early as late last year - that was why I set aside a 'huge' 'substantial' sum of cash (okay - this is very relative!!!) to make sure that I've got enough to travel to Japan. But then the 'opportunity' (err... something I still dun really want to do) to travel to the US came up, and I thought, oh why not... And since I'm not paying a single cent/penny to take Singapore Airlines all the way to the US - stopping over at Nartia Airport in Tokyo - I thought why not??? :) :) Must grab opportunities like that when it comes along lah... so, I managed to save a bulk on air tickets!!! hahahaha... okay... okay... I'm quite cheap and really quite shameless... but oh well... let's just say that I managed to 'convincingly persuade' (or is it 'coerce') my mom to get me that air ticket!!! hahaha... lol... okay... long story short... so, got flight now lor... and killing two birds with one stone!! So, I get to visit my Sis (and brother-in-law) and my 2 nephews in the US :) AND AND... get to travel to Japan!!!! yippeeee...

Anyway, this will most likely be my last trip overseas BEFORE I embark on my doctorate programme in Melbourne next year... hmmm... but like what they say - never say never :) hahaha... lol

And talking about PhD... I just can't seem to understand why there are some people who take PhD without the love of doing so?? Hmmm... Well, let's just say that I love teaching and I love doing research at the same time... strange, but I somewhat love to challenge myself... write papers; present at Seminars; do research as well as teach... and what better way than to get into a PhD programme... hahaha... okay, so maybe my desire for a doctorate is this thirst for knowledge rather than anything else. So, I guess it really frustrates me to know that there are just some who wants to pursue a PhD 'cos they've got an unlimited cash to dispense with!?!??! *gasp*

Okay - don't want to talk about it anymore - I hate hearing my own voice. In any case, I think I've just got too much angst; anger and much frustration in me :( *sigh* I need to relax a little and probably take a chill pill :) Some breathing exercises will do for now... until I find inner peace in myself :) hahaha... till the next time I log on... :)

[KR] Gun Lae Gun - The Love of Siam OST

2008-08-16T12:11:00.007+08:00

enough said :) enjoy :)

Life goes on... in spite of all...

2008-07-25T22:18:00.004+08:00

Yes!! yes!! I finally received THE letter confirming my acceptance to pursue my further studies at the University of Melbourne... BUT ALAS!!! They put "Master of Arts" instead of "Doctor of Philosophy"?!??!?! Hmmmm... And this just after one of my colleagues warned me that the Australian administration is quite prone to making mistakes with details!!! hahahaha... the irony!!! And just when I thought that I might have made a mistake with my application, I thought that wasn't quite possible - I remembered that I was pretty meticulous with my application... And so, I referred to an earlier letter from UniMel about receiving my application and found that it stated "... your application for the PhD - Arts is being assessed..." Hmmm.. and so, I'm now pretty sure there must've been some sort of mistake... Oh well, have sent an email to the University and now is another waiting game to get a reply :( :( *sigh*... the trouble of it all... Oh well... just got to keep waiting again for a confirmation!?!??! *sigh*

Anyway, that said, I guess, in the meantime, I'll have to continue my (almost) illusive search of some sort of scholarship here to subsidise my studies in Melbourne :( And yeah, went to the "Scholar's Choice" event last Saturday at the SUNTEC Convention Centre... and got the worst experience ever!!! Well, not that I was dressed badly, but I guess I wasn't really looking like the potential 'scholarly' time anyway :) hahaha... yeah!! I was in my usual weekend garb - bermudas; T-shirts... and errr... ALL my tattoos is most definitely visible to everyone there... But the worst feeling was when those people 'manning' the booths (esp. those from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Defence... and yeah, basically ALL the ministries; as well as some other statutory boards) stared surreptitiously at me... Hmmm... I'm not usually a fan of 'big' words, but that was the only word that came into my mind... still can't seem of get rid of that word though :( :( yikes!!! Well, if these pple were to judge an applicant based on how they look, well... that's just quite sad!!!! I'm not sure whether to be angry or feel sad for them... In any case, I still need a scholarship... :( :(

And if I can't get much of a scholarship, then I would need to apply for some sort of 'time-off' for a year... hahaha... hmmm... BUT if some University were keen to sign me on... hahahaha... hmmm... :) :) :) Oh well, in this case, then there's the only possibility of taking a 'No-Pay leave' / 'sabbatical' from my current work... hmmm... but my work being from a statutory board and the civil service, there's always the annoying bureaucratic red tape that I will have to work around :( :(

Well, I'll just have to take all these obstacles in my stride 'cos I'm sure there'll be a light at the end of the tunnel... Sometimes I'm not sure why I put myself thru' all these??? Will it all be worth it??? What's sort of pleasure (or pain) do I get out of putting myself thru' all these??? Darn!!!! But then again it could just be my insatiable desire to study and to pursue an academic life... hahaha... or simply put it... it could just be that I'm running away from myself... and this need to be distracted by something else... Oh well, whatever it is, I think I'll just put my faith in the Lord to provide and for guidance... And I just got to trust in Him to provide :) :) Don't want to sound all to religious and everything, but I think I just have got to pray that everything will fall into place :) :) :)

State Library, Melbourne (Australia)

2008-06-30T09:51:00.003+08:00

hahahaha... Back for about 2 weeks already and can't seem to forget Melbourne :) :) hmmm... hopefully that's a good sign... in any case, here's a picture that I took of the State Library in Melbourne... it was such a beautiful day and there were just so many people sitting around the grass patch outside the library - reading, chatting, or just watching the world go by... Oh well, something that the S'pore government will certainly frown upon!! hahahaha... yeah... I think S'pore really needs to take a chill pill on things like that... oh well, state-control mah... need to feel that it's still in power!!! hahaha... okay okay... enough of Singapore... Anyway, Melbourne is gorgeous!! I fell in love with this place the moment I touched down... not as crowded as Brisbane and everything's accessible here... And wait - there's 2 BORDERS here!!! OMG!!! Guess I can really live here huh??!?!? :) :)

And surprise, surprise, the pain on my slipped disc has subsided somewhat!!! Hmmm... strange... the pain's almost gone... Well, I think I'll have to thank God for that :) :) been praying really hard about that... :) :) okay... got to go... thanks for all the comments though :) cheers

In Church today... 22/06/08... Something wonderful...

2008-06-23T00:20:00.003+08:00

Well, you see, it's been quite a while since I went to church, but I went today... and I felt GOOD... wait... wait... I mean... I FELT GREAT!!! hahaha... As usual, I didn't know what the priest was going to say... And so, I sat at the back of the church (since I was alone) and wanted some 'personal moments' with the God... Anyway, everything proceeded as per normal and I was almost thinking that I might just fall asleep when the sermon is read... But today's Gospel reading was from Matthew 10:26-33 - "Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows"... the message, in a nutshell, was that there's nothing for me to fear 'cos if He keeps an eye on the humble sparrow, how much more will He invest in me? And that I don't need to fear 'cos God has invested in me... (etc...)

It was at this point in time that something just hit me suddenly... that I've been so worried about so many things in my life that I haven't actually been thinking about God (or praying... or attending church regularly)... And I remembered that there were so many times when I was in a dilemma and turned to Him and things worked out just fine :) And so, suddenly my thoughts went to my application for my PhD and getting a scholarship and a loan and etc... and so many other things that's been worrying me lately... And in the midst of all these, I realised that I haven't really prayed to Him at all... Okay, so, there are things that I simply can't explain... But I suddenly felt this wave of calmness settle over me and I started smiling to myself... In any case, I just felt that if I were to start putting my faith and trust in Him once again, everything will turn out just fine :) After all, if He provides even for the smallest creature on earth, what more for me (or human-kind)?

Guess I've said this before and probably will say it again - "I leave my life to my Lord, who will guide me and I believe that He has plans for me"... So, what the heck, whatever that's going to happen, I'm sure He has it all planned out :) So, all in all, I was really glad that I finally made it to church today... and what a beautiful today was :) :)

And yeah, just for info... I didn't sleep in church... and I don't anyway!!! LOL!!! :) :) :)

End of my tour de Australia

2008-06-19T21:14:00.002+08:00

Stayed in Gold Coast for 3 days and it was damn shiok!!! hahahaha... The weather was like being in an air-con room :) :) Just realised that I was actually staying at Surfer's Paradise... hahaha... The beach was extremely beautiful :) I had a great view of the sea 'cos I was staying on the 20th floor and I had the sea view :) :) Paid an extra AUD$40 though... *sigh*... But what the heck, for that view, it was all worth it :) :) Gold Coast was quite 'touristy' compared to Melbourne though... but was more relaxed here though... nothing much to do, but at least the views were excellent!! hahaha... Left Gold Coast and travelled up north to Brisbane, which btw, is only 1 hour bus (& train) ride away from Gold Coast...

Left Gold Coast in the morning and reached Brisbane just in time for lunch... typical big city - but OMG!!! It was so crowded... people everywhere... it's like walking right smack into the CBD / Shenton Way area... it was just people, people, people!!! Argghh... Thank goodness it was only half a day in Brisbane before leaving for Darwin... :) :)

But just when I thought it can't get any worst, I reached Darwin... And OMG!!! This place is super hot!! 33 degrees celsius!! Arrgghhh.. And Darwin is such a quiet town to the point that I was wondering whether anybody live here at all!!! The pace of life is so slow here - could hardly see anyone congregate at any place long enough to feel the 'crowded' feeling... Nothing much to do at night either... :( And day trips costs above AUD$150!!! *gasps* Okay... I think I'm just way to '3rd world' to fit into such a '1st world' country!!! hahahaha...

Oh well... I'm finally back from Australia and school's gg to start next week again... So, will be back to marking assignments and giving lectures!! :) :) Well, good way to buy time as I wait for some responses from the University of Melbourne with regards to my PhD application... hahahaha... Okay lah... quite random today!! :) :) But what the heck!!

Melbourne... moving on to Gold Coast...

2008-06-11T19:31:00.002+08:00

It was definitely a fulfilling 5 days in Melbourne - met up with old friends as well as former students :) hahahaha... One of the highlights, I guess, was meeting up with my potential supervisor and submitting my application forms to the University of Melbourne. It was certainly a very frank and enlightening talk I had with my supervisor - he was eager to supervise me and very forthcoming (yeah!!! I like honesty the best!!)... we had a long talk about my thesis, my application as well as my research at the University of Melbourne... Hmmm... good news, bad news... The good news would be that he was very encouraging and open about his expectations of me - with regards to my 80,000 words thesis!!!! *gasp*... well, the bad news would be that I would need to be stay in Melbourne for - at the very least - a year in my 3-4yrs research project!!! Plus, I would start seeking for scholarships and grants to sponsor my studies!!! Hmmm... AND, yes, I would be quitting my job by the end of this year or by next March!! 'Cos I would need to start my research by next year :( :(

Thoughts are going thru' my head like a bullet train!!! Money, tuition fees, housing/accommodation in Melbourne; etc... PLUS my two rascals!!! :( :( Hmmm... in any case, given that I'm a PhD applicant, apparently, I will be automatically considered for a scholarship at the University of Melbourne... but the Uni has also said that competition will be quite tough... So, better that I self-secure some other scholarships in Singapore :( :( Oh well... seems like I'll be utterly busy for the next 6 months!!!! hahahaha... Oh!! And apparently, I heard, because I'm a PhD student, I just might be considered for a PR status in Australia... hmmm... now, if that's true, that would be nice... But, aiyah, that's the least of my concern... I think how to support myself in Melbourne would be my first priority!!! :) So, once again, pretty excited and anxious... and oh!!! the results of my application will only be made known in about 6-8 weeks time... hmmm... that would be the end of this semester then :) hahaha...

Anyway, it was certainly a good end to my trip to Melbourne - guess I would not be saying goodbye just yet, 'cos I'll be back by next year!!! hahahaha... and most likely to stay there for 1-3 years in Australia :) :) Damn!!! That would be my very first time studying overseas!!! AND leaving Singapore for such a long period of time... *sigh*... how??? How??? How??? I guess I'll just let the BIG FELLA up there guide me along :) :)

And so, it was with such thoughts that I left Melbourne this morning... and after 2hours of flight, I'm now in Gold Coast!! hahahaha... yeah!!! Walked along the beach - wah!!! Damn beautiful lor... took the local bus to the 'Australian Fair' (no!! it's not some fair... but it's a shopping mall!!!) and back to my hotel/service apartment... Now staying on the 20th floor - facing the sea!!! Wow!!! I tell you, the sight is GORGEOUS!!!! hahahaha... The view is simply stunning!!! :) :) hahaha... Guess I'll just let the photos speak for themselves later on... :) :)

Okay lah... better go already lah... ciao...

In Melbourne... and I'm loving it :)

2008-06-09T19:38:00.002+08:00

And so, it was after 8 hours of flight, transiting at Darwin for about 3 hours, that I finally reached Melbourne at 8:30am!! The weather is really cold - thank goodness I brought enough clothes and etc... to survive here!!! Hahaha... Anyway, took a cab to the Hotel Windsor - and my goodness, the cab fair was AUD$55!?!??!!? WTF?!!?!??! Managed to check into the hotel, but could not go to my room until 11am... so, had to walk around Melbourne city for a while... and in the meantime grab some breakfast!! Felt so lost, but didn't feel strange in this place though... hmmm... not too sure why??? Usually I'll be like more guarded, but this time around, it just felt good!! Hmmm... :) Nicely good :) :)

Well, it's been 3 days already since I arrived and have been around... met a friend and his wife in Melbourne... It was really fantastic meeting up with friends - never had I ever been to a place and able to meet up with friends there... So, this was really reassuring!! hahahaha... and yeah, I'll be meeting my former student tomorrow as well... and uh-huh, will be making a trip down to the University of Melbourne to meet up with my potential supervisor for my PhD thesis!! Keeping my fingers crossed... dun really know what to expect and just going with the flow :) Hmmm... But I sure will have lots of questions to ask too... As to whether I will finally move over to Melbourne to pursue my PhD... errr... Well... err... I dun know - on the one hand, I won't mind coming over; but on the other hand, I'm still kind of apprehensive... where am I gg to get the money??? Where am I gg to stay??? What about my two rascals??? What about my current job??? Aiyah... so many things to consider... :( :(

I think I'll just leave my fate to the BIG GUY up there!!! :) Guess what, I was also wondering whether I should - or would be able to - get a scholarship in UniMel/Australia the past few days... and this morning, as I went to Melbourne's Docklands area for breakfast, I saw one of the postcards thingy in the eatery... and it says "Need a post-graduate scholarship?" I was like just SHOCKED!!! Where did that one came from??? hahaha... Not too sure whether I should take that as a sign though... but until I meet the Professor tomorrow, I won't want to jump to any conclusions... :) :) hahahaha...

Oh well... will still be praying :) cheers...

Getting my PhD - finally

2008-06-03T23:35:00.004+08:00

And well, it all started one Sunday morning while I was on duty at Symphony 92.4... I thought I might as well start researching for a University to pursue my PhD... Well, why not right?? And so, I wrote an email to the University of Melbourne - Islamic Studies department... and lo and behold, one thing led to another and the next thing - and many other emails after - I now have a A/Prof who is interested in supervising my PhD research project :) :) :) hahaha... I can't be more elated... and now, it just the formal application process (both online and hard copy).

Oh well, and the irony of it all is that I'm actually going down to Australia on the 6th June - 15th June for a holiday - a vacation. Yeah!!! I am actually going down to Melbourne, then to Gold Coast (Brisbane) and then to Darwin... So, didn't planned much except to meet up with old friends and some former students of mine. But guess what, now it seems that I'm going to meet up with my potential PhD research supervisor as well... hahaha... Hmmm... not too sure whether I should be happy or something - remember, it all started with just a simple Q&A about PhD application :) :)

But now that I'm so close, I'm at a lost. I haven't even planned all this - how am I going to pay for the tuition fees? Where am I going to stay? Can I do my research in Singapore? Or do I have to stay in Melbourne for at least 2 years?? Hmmm... I can't bear to leave my two rascals (Ginger and Monty) whom my sanity depends on :( :( Oh goodness me... where am I going to get a scholarship?? Aiyoh... Anyway, went to pick up my referee letter from my former lecturers at RSIS/NTU. And guess what, one of them mentioned that I'm quite lucky to be able to get into University of Melbourne's PhD courses, 'cos it's one of the top 3 University in Australia... Well, I was actually trying to apply to Australian National University (ANU), but thought it was just way too quiet in Canberra.. hahaha... okay, that was a dumb bimbo moment!!! :) :)

Anyway, did my research around and this is what I found:

Latest News: 2007 THES-QS Top World 200 Ranking Times Higher Education Supplement University Rankings

University	Aus Rank	(World Rank)
ANU	1	(16)
Uni of Melbourne	2	(27)
Uni of Sydney	3	(31)
UQ	4	(33)
Monash U	5	(43)
UNSW	6	(44)
Uni of Adelaide	7	(62)
UWA	8	(64)
Macquarie U	9	(168)
QUT	10	(195)
Uni of Wollongong	11	(199)
RMIT	12	(200)

So, guess what... more emails have since transpire between myself and my potential supervisor... I'll be meeting up with him next week when I'm in Melbourne :) :) hahahaha... Quite excited, nervous, happy, upset, worried, glad, apprehensive - all at the same time!!! Well, guess I'll really need to pray for another sign again, huh??? Oh well... Til another time :) My life is really moving a tad bit too fast!!! hahaha... in a good, but real confusing way... Hmmm... :)

Nothing Ado About Something...

2008-05-10T08:46:00.002+08:00

Yeah!!! Wow!!! Time really past quickly and it's already May now :) And I'm already into my 4th week of school term... it's been tiring and busy so far, but definitely fun :) And next week's already Week 5!!! Can't believe it - this semester, I'm really stretched with classes every single day!! Wow!!! I need a break soon... don't care... in fact, I need BREAKS soon... hahahaha... weekend getaways also can!! And now got assignments to mark - aiyah... all fail lah!! hahaha... now, that would be so easy!! :) :) hehehe... Hmmm... otherwise, all PASS lah!!! YEAH RIGHT!!! :P :P

Anyway, am already planning for my vacation during the June holidays... For a change from my usual travel plans of going to "third" world countries, I'll be going to the developed CITIES this year!!! hahaha... And yeah, first up, June hols - going to Australia :) Yep! Will be doing a 'whirlwind' tour to Melbourne; Gold Coast-Brisbane; and Darwin... Wonder what can I do there?? Hmmm... Somehow cities kind of baffles me - I just don't know what I can possibly do there except for, probably, shop!?!?! But aiyah, this being Australia - shops are closed by 5pm?!!?!? Oh well... will have to really read up then!! hahaha...

Next up - yes! already planning to go to Japan in September!! - hahaha... I NEED A GOOD BREAK!!! :P :P :P Oh well... so, have to plan way in advance lah!! :) Most likely going to Tokyo; Kyoto; and Osaka... Mmmm... heard that autumn is just as beautiful as spring :) Yeah!!! I guess it's just that I've been watching too many "Japan Hour" already lah... quite hyped-up, I would say!! But what the heck - since now I've got a BIT of dispensable cash, thought I might as well take the chance to travel to Japan - otherwise, I'll really be just stuck travelling to '3rd world countries'!!! :P :P

Well, hopefully there'll be more pics!! :) okay lah... writing my blog while I'm on my shift at Symphony 92.4 on a Saturday morning :) :) It's really thrilling just to be on-air again... and oh yah... earn some extra pocket money lor... with the pathetic pay that I get as a lecturer (it's NOT even comparable to an honourable pay package of most humans!!!), need to get a part-time job!!! :) cheers... till the next time (or next month)...

On a much more saner day :)

2008-04-24T12:23:00.003+08:00

And yeah! I've received quite a number of 'comments' since I last posted that blog :) Oh well.. Anyway, I thought I better take it off-line though.. Hahaha... yes!! yes!!! Self censorship - we all practice some level of that anyway... hahaha... In any case, on a much saner day (btw, I still don't believe in relationships - haven't changed that stance at all), I thought I might as well blog something closer to my heart - PHOTOS!!! hahaha... Hmmm...

In any case, some of these photos are from my recent Chiang Mai trip with another group of students in March '08 :) It was a great trip, despite some slight 'detours' from the original plans... So, here's one :)

Annual In-Camp Training aka Reservist!!!

2008-04-08T17:29:00.002+08:00

Yeah! So, it seems that I'm ONLY attempting to update my blog like once every month. But I've got a valid reason - too busy!! :) :) Yeah right!!! hahahaha... Like who isn't??? Well, I'm now on my reservist training for 2 weeks (1st April - 11th April 2008) Damn!!! It's like going back to the prison every year. Like seriously, I don't give a flying f**k about defending my 'beloved' country lor!!! I simply just don't give 2 hoots or a shit about this place?!?!? Nevermind!!?!? That said, because of my medical status (due to the bloody slipped disc!!!), I've been downgraded to Pes E9L9 permanently!!! *Sigh* So, officially speaking, I don't need to serve my reservist training ever again!!! So, this time around, I'm actually VOLUNTEERING my services for this country!!! hahahaha... the irony of it all :) :) Anyway, I can't go out-field with my guys :(, and so I'm supposed to be extremely elated and happy about it all... but yet, somehow, I'm feeling a sense of loss and nostalgia about the entire thing!!??! Hmmm... Talk about being crazy - on the one hand, I can't give a damn and can't wait to get out... and when I do get out I feel all 'emotional' about it!! hahaha... I guess it's just the camaraderie that I've developed with my other camp mates lah!! It's just that some of them are just plain crazy (in a nice way!!) and there's so much to talk about. Yes!!! It's all about the experience of going back to the army!!! And plus, I guess, it's a good break from the stresses of working life (and civilian life)!!! Hmmm...

And so, I'm now back to my mundane existence before the school term (new academic year) starts next Monday (14th April 2008). Well, on the one hand, I am looking forward to it and on the hand, I kind of dread going back to work!!! hahaha... Anyway, one of my army friends - who apparently can read my palm (aka an amateur palmist!! and amateur fortune teller!!) - was quite spot-on about my life!!! Hahahaha.... Hmmmm... now this is just scary!! Aiyah, but what can I do about it, right??? I just feel that my life is just stuck in a rut!!! *sigh* Don't seem to be able to get out of whatever I want to get out of!!! hahaha... Hmmm... sounds crazy??? Well, I guess I think too much!!! *sigh*...

Okay!!! That's it - I'm going to move forward from now on!! Going to plan and take charge of my life!!! Need to!! Have to!!! Shall give myself some motivation!!! I can't live this mundane existence all the time!!! I guess this is just one of those things that I will need to overhaul - my life!!! hahaha... Hmmm... you see, annual In-Camp trainings (ICTs) are not always that bad??? :) :) It's kind of made my ponder over why I'm perpetually doing things that I may not necessarily like... but I guess there'll still be things in my life that I can't change - not yet anyway!!! hahaha... confused yet??? Well... let's just say that it's me doing my usual random rambling then :) :) Okay lah... till another time - next month maybe??? For yet another blogging session... :) cheers

Moments... some quiet moments...

2008-03-16T02:09:00.003+08:00

Yes!! If anyone is wondering where the heck am I... well, I'm in Chiang Mai with a group of students. Yes! I'm back in Chiang Mai once again to work on some projects with my students and those from Chiang Mai University. But then again, it's not about me, but rather, more an experience for the students. :) So, if anyone's interested in knowing what they are going through, you can access their blog at: http://onetwentyonecm.wordpress.com

Anyway, guess I really haven't been updating my blog and that's 'cos my life has been quite hectic. Hmmm... I guess sometimes being really busy and caught up with work really keeps your mind out of many other worries and unnecessary things. hahaha... This is like a once-a-month update blog kind of situation lor. But oh well, I think it's gg to be like this for quite a while :)

In any case, I'm really suffering from an 'out-of-body' experience (not in the usual definition of the word). It's just that my mind, heart and soul is just not in the present, but seeking some form of happiness in life. Yeah! I know this sounds crazy, but it's just is :)

Oh well... I've been researching on Lymphoma... and I'm just glad that that can be healed :) But there are just many things in life that can't be healed and maybe time will be able to resolve that sort of dilemma. If I'm speaking in riddles, well... I just am :) hahahaha.... what the heck!!! I think I'll just leave it as that lor... There are simply just things that I can only keep it within my heart and my mind. And hopefully there will come a time when these things can be resolved :)

Aiyah... oh well... I just thought I shall write something here for the month of March!!! hahaha... cheers...

Happy Chinese (Lunar) New Year

2008-02-10T11:18:00.000+08:00

Yes! Finally, the year of the rat is here! Hmmm... apparently, my horoscope says that I'll have few windfalls this year!! Darn it! And I thought I would finally strike the 1st prize in the S$1 million 4-D/toto prize!!! Guess not!! :) Anyway, I've 'cordially' informed many that I'll be unoffically 'out-of-town', so, please refrain from contacting me!!! hahahah... oh well... I hate Chinese New Year - all the visiting relatives and etc... What's with those 'oh! r u married yet?'; 'what are you doing now?' nonsense!! Crap!! It doesn't even come with a fat hong bao!! hahaha... But nevermind, one live with such stupid celebrations after a while. :)

And yes, I'll be really leaving town come next Sunday! :) Going to Chiang Mai, Thailand (yes! AGAIN!!) for a recce trip to ensure that my students' trip there in March will be smooth :) But also going to take this opportunity to really just chill out and enjoy a 'short' work-cum-holiday break!!! hahahaha... Let's see what I can come up with this time around? Not too sure whether I should bring my students for a trek or just go to the Laos-Thailand border or the Golden Triangle (Myanmar-Thailand) border?? Hmmmm... Well, I guess certain things will remain the same in this trip - just like the last. But with different group of students, I'm sure there will be a different set of experience :) Oh well, this time around, there'll be Radio Journalism, Photo Journalism; a bit of video/documentary production as well as print journalism... Hmmm... so, I'm sure it's going to be quite exciting :) hahahaha...

And yes... just a short blog today... just so that everyone knows that I'm still very much around!!! hahaha.... So, GONG XI FA CAI!!! :) Happy Lunar New Year to all :) cheers...

What a start... to the new year... welcome 2008 :(

2008-01-24T10:43:00.001+08:00

And yes... so it all begins once again... another year, another list of 'never-to-be-fulfilled' New Year resolutions. So, what would it be this time?? I will be a good person? I will quit... something??? I will... hahaha... the irony of New Year resolutions is that it's just another psychological shit that is suppose to make us feel better about our lives. But does it? Will it - ever? Hmmm... That's to say if our lives is that crap and hopeless then it was before?? Is it? Hmmm... Oh well, maybe I'm rambling once again :)

Anyway, I just got a call today from a very, very close friend. Well, let's just say that I was informed that my friend has gotten lymphoma - in layman terms - CANCER of the Lymph nodes!!! *sigh* I was shocked! I was saddened! I was speechless! I was upset with myself that I can't seem to say anything else except about my freaking SLIPPED f**king DISC!!!! Like who gives a 'flying' shit about that!!!! My friend's got LYMPHOMA!!! My goodness...

It was only at this time that things started to spin; the world around me lost its colour; the food that I was chewing lost its taste; everything was simply dull... dull... dull... I never thought I will actually ever feel (or the lack thereof) something like that!!! My friend had to undergo 6 sessions of chemotherapy; was hospitalised; was in extreme excruciating pain; was on morphine just to ease the pain; had to endure endless moments of nauseous (err... this usually happens when I had to meet some very useless students!!! But that's another story and shall be told another time!!!) And yes, it continues... and there I was feeling that the world has suddenly crashed!!!

Maybe I've been living my life in a very wrong way. What's with all these resolutions that I don't seem to be able to keep? Maybe I should just spend my time talking; visiting friends; just spending time having a cup of coffee/tea with friends and loved ones... And yes, maybe my resolution is just simply: TO LIVE MY LIFE TO THE FULLEST. 'Cos I surely don't want to wake up one day kicking myself in wherever I can reach that I didn't do something... I don't want to wake up one-day regretting that thinking to myself "what if..." or "If I could have..."

Sorry, but I'm no 'Hiro Nakamura' and turn back time!!! Heck!! If I've got that power, I just might... but nah, I don't and yes - 'HEROES' don't exist!!! But we continue our simple existence on planet earth, wishing that maybe, just maybe, that one day, we can become a 'HERO'... All that said, I realised that I don't have to be a 'HERO' with super-abilities and extra-ordinary powers... I just need to be human and do the best that life can offer... I just want to have a life :)

My "TOP 5" of 2007...

2007-12-31T12:25:00.001+08:00

IMG_7165 (edited).jpg
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Yes! It's the time of the year again for resolutions and it's the closing of yet another year... Hmmm... But before I start on what's been my Top 5 for the year (regardless of it being good or bad), here's a "B&W" pic of the Potala Palace in Tibet. Well, I actually got one that's more 'moody', but the Potala Palace wasn't in the picture - will put up that one in the coming days :)
Yes! Believe it or not, I'm already planning for my next trip - maybe I shall not try to attempt China again - esp. with the Olympics round the corner, it'll just be plain madness going there in 2008!?!??! :) :)

Okay, that said, here's my TOP 5 of 2007:

5) SLIPPED DISC
Yup!!! Even though this is not what I wanted, the slipped disc (or rather the relapse) was certainly most unforgettable. The pain was so excruciating until I needed to go to A&E. *sigh* This will definitely be something completely most memorable that ever happened to me this year. Well, let's just hope that the pain will subside forever or at least does not relapse in 2008. And so, that's why this event is ranked "5" on my list.

4) CANON 5D
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!!! Canon has since come out with an entire list of other much 'better' cameras in the market - DS Mark III; 40D; 400D, etc... Aiyah, it doesn't matter to me lah - the 5D is already good enough (have you seen the colours!?!??!) hahahaha... Anyway, I sold my digital SLR - 300D (yes - the one that I won in 2004) and bought this one. So far it's been good to me - so, I'm definitely NOT complaining. And yes, I'm currently looking around (and buying time) before I lay my hands on a new "L" lens!!! :) So, maybe my new lens will usher in 2008 :) :)

3) CHIANG MAI STUDY TRIP
Yes! I've got to say that this event was definitely one of the most memorable event. I brought a group of "crazy" students to Chiang Mai during one of the worst haze in Thailand. Yes! Not very bright - but damn gung-ho lor! Anyway, we went trekking thru' the (still smouldering) forest; took elephant rides; swam and 'showered' at the water-falls; had a city-tour in Chiang Mai old city; tour Doi Suthep and even had time to work on some radio programmes with Chiang Mai University. What made this so great a time was the students that I brought there - a bunch of go-getters and enthusiastic bunch. I LOVE THEM TO BITS!!! Just looking back at this trip, it can almost bring tears to my eyes. Well, let's hope next year I'll be able to bring another group there. But I'm sure that will be a different experience altogether again :) :)

2) TIBET - finally!!!!
Ah-huh! After years (and I mean YEARS!!!!) of planning and wanting to go to Tibet, I finally made it there - and not just for a short 3 days there, but a 6 days stay there! I was just reading one of my old travel articles that I wrote about 2 years back on my trip tp Yunnan/Zhongdian and there was one line that said "...maybe when my karma is much better, I'll finally be able to go to Tibet..." Well, I guess that time has come :) :) And albeit having to endure nights (and days) of pain due to the slipped disc - I MADE IT!!!! hahahaha... This will be one trip that I will never, ever forget...

1) MASTERS OF SCIENCE (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS)
hahahaha... Yes - what else can I say!?!?? :) I finally graduated from NTU (S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies) with a Masters degree this year!! It took me 2 years to complete (part-time lah!!!), I'm finally done. Hehehe... LOL!!! This really marked the closure of yet another chapter of my life and the year 2007!!! :) :) So, what's next then?? Hmmm... well, let's just say that I've already applied for a scholarship and (keeping my fingers crossed) hopefully, I'll be able to do my PhD then!!! :) As for where?? Not too sure yet... but oh well, let's just wait and see...

And yes, this wraps up the year 2007 for me!! Beautiful memories that is worth celebrating for. And so, let's welcome 2008 and wish it'll be just as good as this year - and hopefully, it'll be even better!!! :) :)

cheers... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :)

So much... so little... Merry Christmas and tra-la-la...

2007-12-29T09:32:00.001+08:00

IMG_6722 (edited).jpg
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Well, well... It's the time when another year is coming to a close and another is beginning. Yeah! I don't think I want to get all nostalgic and everything. Anyway, I've been so busy in the past few weeks that is just seems so crazy. And yeah, with all that festive mood in the air (I'm still in a festive mood!!! hahahaha...) And so, my sister gave birth her second baby (a boy) on the 29th of Nov!!! yipppeee - and his name is Evan Connor Tangporsin!!! hmmm... Darn!!! No pics yet!!! hahaha... So, quite great news :) :)

And then I had my LASIK surgery done on both eyes :) Okay, so, now I feel like I'm perpetually wearing my contact lens - but have got to remind myself that I'm not :) My vision is so clear, it's simply amazing. And all it took was 1min for the entire operation. Well, I can't say much for the waiting period as well as all the check-ups and etc... But was it worth it? Well, let's just say that I'm happy for now :) Am I vain? Hahaha... Now, really - who isn't? And anyway, the customer service at the clinic (teh LASIK Surgery Clinic @ Paragon Medical Centre) was just way too good... hmmm... how about, MORE THAN SATISFACTORY! :) :) So, I was pretty much convinced to do my lasik there...

And of course, there's the SAFRA Photographic Club's exhibition PURE ART 3.5 - well, I'm just glad that everything @ the Opening Ceremony went well :) The response was great too :) Oh well, I'm the Organising Chairman of this event and being the 'Mr Perfectionist' that I am - I just had to ensure that everything was more than OKAY!!! hahaha... My poor friends had to endure my endless pressure that I might have piled on them!! *yikes* :P

Well, 2007 is coming to an end - will give my "Top 5 Memorable event of 2007" in my next blog!!! hahaha... hmmm... :)

But for now, here's yet another photo that I took in HuangLong valley in Sichuan Province. And yes, I'm already planning for another trip somewhere for next year - hmmm... and maybe it'll be Xinjiang?!? :) :)

Raining season is here...

2007-12-13T15:16:00.001+08:00

IMG_6687 (edited).jpg
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Yep!!! It's just been raining here almost everyday - wt and cold and yes, damp! Anyway, it's the christmas season - a time for giving, etc... But still haven't gotten anything for anyone - myself included. Oh well... And my article on Chengdu came out on the TODAY newspaper on the 6th December 2007 - but don't seem to be able to find the pdf copy. Nevermind. In any case, here's another shot of Huang Long valley when I was there sometime ago. :) It has rain drops hanging on some moss/ferns/branch, etc... But it sure reflect the mood right now in any case :) hahaha...

SAFRA's PURE ART 3.5 Black & White Photo Exhibition

2007-12-06T17:47:00.001+08:00

Well, since I am the Organising Chairman of this event, I thought I shall be a bit shameless and do a little bit of publicity. So, if anyone is interested, please feel free to drop by for the Seminar on "Black & White Photography in the 21st century" on the 22nd December at the Teochew Building (Exhibition Hall) at 12:30pm - 2pm. This event is open to the public and there will be a discussion about the traditional darkroom methods vs the new digital age of developing photographs, especially with regards to black&white photography.

By the way, this exhibition showcases the black & white photographs (developed via the traditional darkroom method) taken by SAFRA photographic club members over the past 35 years. So, it'll be interesting to view the exhibits and see the quality of these photos.

The Autumn Leaves...

2007-11-18T14:03:00.001+08:00

IMG_6669 (edited).jpg
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

It was approaching autumn when I was in Chengdu, hence the brownish, green leaves :) Anyway, I flew over to northern Sichuan province to HuangLong and JiuZhaiGou to 'experience' another part of China while I was awaiting for my permit to Tibet. It was drizzling - wasn't really raining though - but it was sure damp and cold. Anyway, managed to have a slow walk through the high altitude park in HuangLong and although it was cold and, at times, drappy, I managed to enjoy myself. What really surprises me was that the park was really well-maintained - can't say much for the local tourists there, but it was nice :) So, had to tell myself that regardless the weather and the locals there, I must try to enjoy myself - which I did. Anyway, I've got to say - what's with Chinese people and spitting?!?!?!? *sigh*... It simply drives me crazy!!! They really must have something shaft right down their throats to prevent them from making those guttural sounds and then spitting their phlegm out!!! Oh well... and despite all those, I still had an enjoyable time there :)

"Dragon Ball" - Wuhou Memorial Temple (Chengdu, Sichuan Province)

2007-11-15T12:20:00.001+08:00

IMG_6624 (edited).jpg
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

This picture was taken at the entrance of the Wuhou Memorial Temple, which has been dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the Martial Marquis of Shu in the Three Kingdoms. Located in the south suburb of Chengdu, the grounds also host a temple of Liu Bei – the emperor of the Shu Kingdom. Anyway, I thought the dragon carvings are really beautiful. Yup!!! Coming from someone who will never ever have a dragon tattoo!!! hahaha... The place was really nice - in a very Chinese way. I can't believe it, but China has really made so much efforts to preserve their cultural heritage. But at what expense, I'm not sure :) And yes, more pics coming along the way... will update every now and then...

Panda "eats shoots and leaves" and NOT "eat, shoots and leaves"

2007-11-10T17:01:00.001+08:00

IMG_6552 (edited).jpg
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Yes! I got that quote from one of Radio Journalism article. Well, let's see how many of you got that pun there? Hmmm... Anyway, yes, my photos (all 268 of them) have been uploaded on my flickr. So, if you are interested in viewing them, just click on the photo and it'll bring you to my flickr home :) After much selection and minor edits here and there, I've finally managed to cut down my (more than) 1,000-odd photos to just these few. Well, here's a shot of a panda when I was in Chengdu. This was at the renowned Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre. I was just simply awed and excited at seeing these giant pandas. Cute and cuddly, these creatures are actually quite shy. And did you know, the pandas have got a thumb that is only for the purpose of holding the bamboo shoots. Well, no other animals have a thumb just for this purpose. :)

Anyway, more pictures will be coming on my blog. So, do stay tuned :) cheers...

Me @ Lake Nam-Tso, Tibet (China)

2007-11-07T17:40:00.001+08:00

Me @ Lake Nam-Tso, Tibet (China)
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Yes!!! I'm finally going to put up my pictures of my Chengdu-Tibet trip up - errr... pretty soon! hahahaha... Anyway, thought I should at the very least try to put something up on my blog. It seems like the last entry on my blog was soooooo far away. So, here's a picture of myself at 4,300m above sea-level at Lake Nam-Tso, Tibet. I was actually feeling slightly giddy because of 1) the long 4-hour ride from Lhasa; 2) after having bypassing a 5,300m peak, which was raining hail-stones; 3) a slight altitude sickness. Oh well, bet no one could tell that I was not feeling too well? :) :) As you can see, too, the weather there is damn cold lor!!! But the view there was magnificent!!! The lake was turquoise, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and flufffy white clouds; and yes, sandy beaches as well!! *gasp* who would have thought that there would such thing at such a high altitude!?!??! And although the sun was quite bright, the wind was COLD!!! Oh well... believe it or not, I was there :) :) I'm just glad that, despite my slipped disc then, I made it that far and that high :) Anyway, behind me are another group of Tibetans (yes!! There are actually different Tibetan tribes!!!), but nonetheless, they are all just as religious.

Well, this is just the first of many pics to come :) But for the moment, I'm just doing a bit of 'photoshop' and minor editing of some of the pics before uploading on my flickr account :) I promise the wait will not be wasted!! hahahaha...

cheers :)

LAST DAY TO SIGN OPEN LETTER TO PM at repeal377A.com

2007-10-19T10:57:00.001+08:00

Okay!!! I just felt that I really need to do this :) Singapore's laws are just way too draconian and I think it is every Singaporeans' duty to make that difference to improve our lives. So, help repeal 377A - I think every human life is worth it and all of us should respect humanity and basic human dignity. 377A is just another law that go against the very nature and basis of human rights. So, instead of just talking, I thought I should just post this clip. Hmmm... This is probably my one and only (and the first) so-called partisan, 'political' blog!!! hahaha...

Hellogoodbye- Here (In Your Arms)

2007-10-10T22:33:00.001+08:00

Yeah... I know... I'm supposed to be doing a lot of things right now!! argghh... not only do I need to upload my China and Tibet photos... I've got to finish up my work!!! *sigh*... busy!!! busy!!! busy!!! Anyway... take it that my blog is "in construction"!!! hahaha... Me taking a break from my blog for a while... So, for those who are trying to see whether I've updated so far... well... here's a piece of MTV that I've been searching for... and I kind of like it... I mean the music... :) :) yeah... quite "ah beng" hor!!! :) cheers.... will definitely be back with updates on my China / Tibet trip - WITH PHOTOS!!! hahahaha... but for now... enjoy :) :)

Project Happiness...hmmm...

2007-09-25T17:13:00.001+08:00

Yes... got that titled 'cos I was actually resting @ home watching Channel News Asia... and they had this programme on Bhutan... something titled "Project Happiness"... Anyway, the music and the people and the place just reminded me so much of Tibet... then it occurred to me that I still have yet to pen my thoughts on my post-trip blog... hahahaha... aiyah... I think whatever I wanted to say have already been said :) :)
And yes... I'm supposedly to be embarking on yet another trip to Bangkok come this Thursday!!! hehehehehe... And u can tell by now... I'm trying to make up for lost time!!! :) :) And after such a stressful semester, I thought I better reward myself!!! hehehe... But alas, I've got to confirm with my Doctor whether I can still go for yet another vacation... although I have already promised him that I'm NOT going to carry any heavy stuff (aka my cameras and equipment) on this trip... I mean, really... it's just Bangkok... I would probably be carrying minimal items... as for whatever I've missed... well... it's Bangkok... can just buy anything from there... including my medicine!!! hahaha... And yes... I had a friend who once went to Bangkok without anything except for a change of clothes... but he came back with another bag load of stuffs!!! Oh well... I doubt I would do that though... really just gg there to chill out - no expectation and not gg to do much either... just need the rest...
And oh yah... my post-China trip blog... well... what can I say... came back; saw doctor... got MCs so that I can rest... *sigh*... but seriously, I'm already having trouble resting on the bed... what more can I do????!!?!? *sigh*... I just wish (and yes, pray) that this slipped disc would just go away!!! *sigh*... Anyway, it sure feels damn good to finally get back to Singapore... it's nice to see some semblance of familiarity (not the work bit - but still got to do them!!!!); but in any case... so far been trying to tidy up my work; my finances; other outgoing stuffs that need to be cleared and etc... All the while, trying to endure that shooting pain down my right leg!!! Well... at least now it's more bearable!!! At the very least, I'm getting some well-deserved sleep!!! And anyway, the doctor's advise is no massages!!! ONLY ACUPUNCTURE!!! Oh well... that's not much of a choice... it's that or the medication!!! *sigh*... right now I guess I'm just desperate and is willing to try almost anything to heal that pain!!! :( :(
Okay lah... will blog from Bangkok - if I do eventually get the clearance from my doctor to allow me to travel!!!! :) :) hehehe...

China so far... more things Chinese...

2007-09-21T10:20:00.007+08:00

Well... it's been quite a while that I've been here already... left Lhasa, Tibet 2 days back... and already back in Chengdu... and guess what... had about enough of this place... so, will be leaving China this afternoon - back to the comforts of Singapore life (not that it's any 'saner' - mind you!!) But after such a long time - battling the pain caused by my slipped disc AND the perpetual usage of Mandarin - I think I've got just about enough... Need to get back to S'pore to seek medical help!! and I need something in ENGLISH!!! Like road signs; pple speaking and rattling off incoherently in a smattering of Singlish... And yes... I need to see more familiar places - Kinokuniya; Takashimaya; Borders; movies!!! Arrghhh... Well, that said, there were places that I didn't make it to - Ermei Shan and Leshan (both sacred Buddhist places of interests)... But that said, it only allow me to plan to come back to this place... So far, I think Lijiang in Yunnan province proves the BEST that China has to offer... hahaha... this is not discounting the fact that Lhasa ranks high on the list of one of the best place in China (but this will always be a fact that some might want to state otherwise - is Tibet part of China??? Geographically - yes; culturally - definitely NO! NO!)

Anyway, China has its own idiosyncracies... For one, Sichuan(ese) food is definitely something that one needs to get use to... the amount of oil that they use for cooking every single dish here is just shocking!! Plus, the chilli here is just SPICY til the point that it numbs your tongue and lips!! Secondly, what's with these Chinese and spitting!?!??!?!?! From every male, female, mother, father, child (and the entire generation that follows before and after!!!)... While walking; driving; sitting; talking; and even during meals, these people seem to have enough phlegm in them to form a major flood in China... Well, I guess that supposed tropical storm (downgraded from Typhoon 'Whipa') could jolly well be attributed to the Chinese spitting every few seconds!!! Enough with the spit already!!! *sigh*... And oh yes - on the sidelines, I managed to channel surf to CCTV 9 (the ONLY English Channel here!!) to get the news... And yes, thirdly, I've got to say that the internal flights here - run by AIR CHINA (not to be mistaken by the Taiwanese carrier China Airlines) - is absolutely of high standards!!! Hahahaha... fancy me in praise of the Chinese... well, I've flown to and fro in with Air China enough to feel safe travelling with them... The take off and landing is smooth - NO BUMPS!!! It just lands like a plane should!!! Wow!!! I'm really impressed... well, as for their service - I can't say much... I think it's the typical Chinese style - practical!! There are no choices of food (although they are quite alright though) and the air stewardesses and stewards will just tell you (very politely and with a smile) in your face to SIT DOWN;BUCKLE UP AND SWITCH OFF THAT DAMN F**KING HANDPHONE!!!! Hahaha... Well, I can definitely identify with their frustration.. what's with the majority of their passengers being Chinese and everything...

Yes... talking about Chinese passengers... they don't seem to believe in 'checking-in' their luggages!!?! And when they carry on board their huge bags (and I mean HUGE!!!), they do not believe in putting them in the appropriate compartments??!?!! Don't they get it... if your seat number is 6C, you put your damn freaking bag above your seat and NOT at 15C!!??! Bloody no brainer!!! And once they are seated, they talk on their handphones like there's no one else around??? Well, for one, they should have switched off their handphone and secondly, they sure don't need to 'broadcast' their conversation... really!!! The other party on the other line does not have a hearing problem!!!! But at the rate the volume seem to be escalating (yes!! Don't mean to be sexist or what, but the women tend to be much sharper and ear-piercing and speak much faster), everyone will have a hearing problem in no time!!! And then, there's the dressing!!! Aiyoh... what's with the business suit??? Almost every Chinese men (except for the younger ones - but that don't discount that they still spit!!!) wears a business suit to travel... even when trekking at JiuZhaiGou!!! It's like, excuse me... but you CAN dress down... oh!!! But I doubt they even have a change of clothes!?!??! Yes... typical Chinese - practical... with one set of clothes, you save on luggage and that goes back to why they don't check-in their luggage - 'cos there isn't much!??!?! hahahahaha...

Okay lah... enough of my ranting... I'll be back by tonight and I just can't wait till I see my two little babies (yes - they are my dogs!!!) hahahaha... let's pray that the SilkAir flight will have a great landing that's comparable to AIR CHINA!!! :) :) :) :) Will have a post-trip blog another day... :) :) cheers...

Still in Lhasa, Tibet... (part #2)

2007-09-17T20:25:00.000+08:00

Okay... thought I actually split my blog into 2 parts!!! hahaha... Anyway, to carry on about my Lhasa stay... well... went to the Potala Palace yesterday... It's a real pity to see a religious place here turned into a tourist sight-cum-musuem piece!!! Having been to the Taj Mahal and now to the Potala Palace... I've got really say that this place exudes a sense of peace, yet a tinge of sadness... And that said... I still feel great to have visited these places... It's like one of those things that I've longed to see for the longest time... Okay... one thing I've got to say is that it's not FUN climbing those bloody steps up especially at this altitude... you tend to be breathless quite often... But once again... thank goodness that I don't seem to be suffering any symptoms of altitude sickness... In any case, getting into the Potala Palace is a real chore... there's just so much red-tape!!! ALL tourists have got only ONE-HOUR to spend at the Potala Palace, otherwise, you will be fined!!??!?! Huh??!?! Nevermind... there are just some things I will never understand!!! hahahaha... Once again... no words can best describe how I feel about this place... I'll let the pics do the talking...
That said, I also managed to go to the Johkang... another religious-turned-'places of interests' that is a must see!!! Now, besides the smell of incense mixed with yak butter filling the rooms of the temple - which, I've got to say is really some getting use to - it's most of the time quite dark and crowded with tourists jostling for space... But it's still steeped in history and the number of ancient scrolls and statues there is a sight that I will always remember by...
Well... as for Barkhor area - okay... this is somewhat like a mini-Chatuchak (much more organised though!!!) ... this is really a tourist haunt!!! The street is practically littered with shops selling everything Tibetan (and Chinese) - fake or otherwise... from thangkas to Tibetan paintings to supposedly 'authentic' jade pieces... this is really a place strictly for tourists... Anyway, went there again today (yes... it's a free and easy day) and managed to walk and enjoy more of the sights there... Found a Muslim quarter there - much to my surprise - and started snapping pics again... yes... yes... I was really becoming to be like one of those 'farangs' on a 'experience the world' trip!!! hahahahahaha... But if anything, the Muslim quarter was quite a sight... especially having seen everything Tibetan and Buddhist so far... So, I just let myself experience the moment... :) :)
Oh yes... I also went to one of the 'grand' Chinese herbs shops that most local tour guides bring their tourists to... well... let's just say that the 'free' doctor and Chinese physician consultation had a 'on the dot' diagnosis about my sinus and my slipped disc... So, quite obligingly, I bought some 'Chinese medication' to, hopefully, ease the pain... hmmm... let's see how it works... will blog that again when I get the next chance to... but for now... got to meet my 'Chinese physician' for a therapy... So... till the next time :) :)

Still in Lhasa, Tibet... (part #1)

2007-09-17T20:04:00.000+08:00

Yes... I'm still in Tibet... well.. not really complaining... went berserk yesterday and the day before snapping pics wherever I went... hahahaha... but today was a bit more subdued... guess now I'm just really, really burnt out... :) No!!! It's not the altitude sickness (or the lack thereof)... So, what turned out to be an initial planning of merely staying in Tibet for a short stay of... errr... hmm... 3 days... turned out to be a 6-days （or rather, a 5 and a half days) stay here... okay... besides the slipped disc (more about that later), I guess it's the cold here that's getting to me... but overall, still enjoying this trip...
Oh yes... btw, I don't seem to be able to see my own blog although, quite surprisingly, I can still blog!?!??!?! Hmmm... this is really odd... let's hope that whatever I've been blogging actually went thru'... well... at least that what's the 'instructions' said... and yes - THEY ARE ALL IN MANDARIN!!!! Arrrggggghhhhh... This is most frustrating!!!! Ah... but what the heck... had to use my 'limited' knowledge (read: dyslexic!!!) of Mandarin to work my way thru'... and errr... why are the Chinese people here keep saying that I speak well?!??! Oh... hmmm... I think they are just being polite!!!
Anyway, after a day of 'acclimatisation' (my guide was actually sick!!!!) on the 1st day, I went to Lake Nam-Tso on the 2nd day!!! And goodness me... from a 3,500m above sea level at Lhasa, went to 5,600m (and experience hail storm!!!) along a mountain pass, before reaching to Lake Nam-Tso at 4,600m!!!! Well... was the 4-hour (stretched that long due to the numerous police checkpoints that the vehicle had to stop) ride there worth it??? hahahaha.... needless to say, it was most definitely rewarding... Saw the much hyped-up Qinghai-Lhasa(tibet) railway... impressive... it didn't really spoilt the environment though... I think this time around, the "authorities" were more 'aware' of the repercussions if they didn't take heed from the eco-friendly environmentalists... And yes... of course... the Tibetan people... Yes... the LAKE!!! The place was absolutely COLD!!! FREEZING COLD!!! Now, did I say COLD?!!?!?!? But nonetheless, the place was gorgeous (except for the numerous beggars - as expected; and the stores selling souvenirs!!!)... a crystal-clear blue (salt-water) lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains!!! It was like a dream come true... Well... I'll let the pictures do the explaning when I upload them after I get back to Singapore...
On-route there was also quite a sight... yaks and sheeps and small villages along the mountains... and the road there was a smooth ride... Yup!!! None of those "side-of-the-mountains" roads... but instead... a pleasant highway along vast strips of land!!! One of the best 4-hour journey I've taken!!! hahahaha...
Okay... I think this one has taken too much space already... will talk about the Potala Palace and the Johkang-Barkor area in the next part... :) :)

LHASA, TIBET!!!!!

2007-09-14T22:52:00.000+08:00

Flew into Lhasa this morning via Air China... I've got to admit that so far the flight provided by Air China has been quite good... in fact, quite up to standards... the landing was superb!!! No bumpy ride... hahahaha... Anyway, thought I would have some symptoms of altitude sickness, but thank goodness, there were none :) :)

The air here in Lhasa is cool and crisp... hmmm... well, maybe 'cos I'm FINALLY inTibet!!! At long last - yes!!! Not even a bloody pain in my leg is going to stop me visiting this place... but oh well... once I get back to Singapore, I will need to seek long-term treatment for this slipped disc of mine!!! *sigh*... Oh well... But at least, I've been to Tibet before it gets any worst (err... it's already bad enough enduring it everyday here!!!!)

Guess what, my Tibet guide was down with flu today, so didn't had much of a tour of this place... But I've got to say that the roads here are very well maintained and it's certainly of good standards... Hmmm... as a typical Singapore civil servant would say "I think it meets the ISO 9002 standards!!!"... LOL... Anyway, took an hour to travel from the airport to Lhasa itself... Had lunch along the way and then checked into the hotel... I half expected the hotel to be some "crummy dilapidated with bad toilet" hotel... but guess what, it turned out not too bad.. just opened for about five months, the rooms are grand.. and the toilets are huge... plus, there's 24-hour hot water service... but alas, I can't shower for 24-hours 'cos of the altitude here... *yeech*... guess I've got to live with being smelly and everything... but given the cold weather here, I didn't even perspire... so, what the heck... Got to just do the usual "army" thing lor - POWDER BATH!!!! hahaha... Yes.. the prickly heat will surely give me those "tingling" sensations!!! hahahaha...

Anyway, had a chance to walk a bit after a good afternoon nap to "acclimatise" and enjoy the beautiful weather - yes!!! There's sun here!!! And it's NOT raining... okay, let's not jinx it and leave it at that... Well, had a bit of bad news (and good news too)... Can't go to the Potala Palace tomorrow 'cos the tickets are sold out... so, got to try for another day then... yeah... whatever... didn't know a religious place like this can become so commercial... quite sad really... (but look what happen to CHIJMES!!! - but that's another story and shall be told another time)... So, will be going to Nam-Tso tomorrow :) :) :) Yup!! A four-hour ride there... well... the weather better be damn good!!! Going to snap pictures like I've never snap pictures before!!! hahahaha...

Well, the good thing was that I had a tour OUTSIDE the Potala Palace in the evening after my dinner... my driver (and I think his young wife) was quite accomodating... So, we went there and I had quite a time taking evening pics of that place... And just facing directly the palace was a grand open area where there was a monument of some sort commemorating the Chinese 'occupation' of this area.. but what the heck... I'm not one of those 'ra-ra' 'free-Tibet' person anyway... so, who cares... I got to enjoy the musical fountain there and took some pics as well... So, although I had a good time - so far... I was simply appalled at how the development (or what we call it nowadays - globalisation) has done to this place... tourist money is the new religion...

well... to wrap things up... I passed by the 'old city quarters' here on my way back to the hotel... and had a glimpse of the place... not bad... but alas... it's filled with the usual 'made-for-tourist' cafes and souvenir shops!!! Oh well... will make a trip there soon to 'experience' the crowd... especially when there's some English speaking tourists that I can strike up a conversation with... hahahaha... yes... I'm quite DEPRIVED of conversing in English... hahahaha...

Oh well... more later then... got to sleep... got to prepare for tomorrow's activities...

HuangLong-JiuZhaiGou, Northern Sichuan

2007-09-13T19:50:00.000+08:00

The flight to HuangLong-JiuZhaiGou took only 45minutes... well... had to take the plane there as my slipped disc won't last a 10hrs road trip up anyway... and btw, to save time so that I can spend more of this vacation in Tibet instead... :) HuangLong was 3500m above sea level and I was warned that I might have altitude sickness... *phew*... thank goodness that didn't happened... :)

Anyway, went to trekking at the two places most of the time.. but the rain was really getting on my nerves!!! Didn't had much opportunity to take pictures that had any sunlight... everything seemed grey and dull... oh well... did my best to adjust accordingly... but the trek in the cold weather was kind of okay... the temperature dipped to about 7 - 10 degrees... and boy, was it cold!!!

The trip there was with a tour group... so, had a huge group of Chinese nationals with me... but once again, I guess I was blessed to have a group that, at the very least, don't spit every now and then... hahahaha... Anyway, I had expected to see autumn leaves and such, but guess... no such luck there.... everything there was just green, green, green... and yes... WET!!! hahaha...

Well, besides all that, I also had the chance to immerse in some cultural shows and also a visit to a Tibetan family... and yes... was served with quite a 'different' set of meal that's more suited for Tibetan taste... hahaha... yes... I'm saying all these with a tinge of euphemism... Yes... at the rate that I had to converse in Mandarin the entire time, I think my Mandarin definitely has improved!!! hahaha... Anyway, the Tibetans (yes.. there's also the Qiang ethnic group in JiuZhaiGou too, but didn't get to see that much...) served us a concoction of their local wine and local tea - I think I'm just lost for words to describe the experience of drinking them.. well, let's just say that I had to drink 3 cups of the wine... Also, besides the wine, there's a local bread/dough... and my group was also served with lamb and grilled chilli beef... well.. the beef wasn't too bad... All in all, the experience there was something that I will definitely remember by... hahahaha... One thing struck me though... this was exactly what my YEP training (the one that I went a few months back) had prepared me for!!! When in a different culture and when I had to participate in such a different environment, what can I do??? Hmmm... and yes... I guess, I just followed the rules and took it all in...

Yeah... this included me getting a bit tipsy ('cos of the wine - which was rather mild actually) and having to partake in all the merry-making... oh!! btw, the wine tasted a bit like spit??? Errr... well... it's just the initial taste... but it certainly gradually tasted alcohol-ish (err... if there's even such a word!!!!)... So, yes... I actually enjoyed myself thoroughly... But one thing I have to say is that Sichuanese food is really something I am still getting use to... it's really an "acquired taste"... again... another euphemism there!!!

Oh well... till another day... dunno whether Tibet had email access.. maybe I shall write more when I'm there... or... hmmm.... wait til I get back to Chengdu on the 19th, then continue sharing my experience... and damn it!!! I sure hope the weather in Tibet would be much, much, much better than here!!! LET THERE BE SUN!!!! hahahaha... cheers... :) :)

Arrived in CHENGDU, China

2007-09-13T18:50:00.000+08:00

Yes... FINALLY arrived in Chengdu after much delayed... didn't get a chance to do much since by the time I checked into the guesthouse - Jin Jiang Guesthouse - it was already nightfall and it was time for dinner.... well.. it's already been 6 days since I've been here... Chengdu is just another city... but managed to go 'visiting' to a few places - the Panda breeding centre; Wuhou Temple; Dufu Residence/museum... etc... but the westher here's been a bit crazy... just drizzling and raining for the past few days... it's quite a damper though.... so, the photos taking sessions were not as great as I had anticipated...

In any case, managed to get my permit to Lhasa, Tibet done and stuff... so, leaving tomorrow... on the 14th Sept... and 'cos of the full flight, I had to come back to Chengdu ONLY on the 19th Sept... so, I'll be spending 6 days in Tibet!!! hahahahaha... well... let's just say that I'm NOT complaining!!! mwahahahah...

Upon arrival to Chengdu, I also managed to book a packaged tour to HuangLong-JiuZhaiGou circuit... but bear in mind - it's a typical 'Chinese' tour packaged... so, had to go thru' the usual 'flag-waving' tour guide... and the wake-up on time and leave on time; eat within a stipulated time... and the usual 'places of interests'... well.. more about that in my next blog then.. hahahaha...

Waiting for my flight... to Chengdu...

2007-09-08T11:28:00.001+08:00

shadows
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Err... Got to the airport early today... thought my flight was scheduled at 1040hrs???? But alas... reached here and did the necessary check-in and stuff... and then had an announcement that the flight has been delayed til 1240hrs, then 1410hrs!!! Arrrgghhhh.... hmmm... now... can I claim insurance??? hahahaha...

Anyway, here I am, sitting at some lounge trying to chill out and maybe get some sleep.. aiyah... but can't sleep lah... once I wake up, can't sleep until somewhere more appropriate??!?! Hahaha... and my goodness... this morning woke up to a great morning - raining heavily outside and darkened skies... ahhh... my favourite weather!!! hahaha... err... yes... I do need my sunny days as well... but that's usually my tanning days!!!! Mwahahahaha...

And yes... where was I... yes... sitting at the lounge and using free internet access... And so I thought I might as well put up more of my photos that I had taken at the Chinese Opera a few days back... wow!!! Was it an experience... and yes... I think my new Canon 5D (with 12.1 megapixels) really did the trick!!! haahaha... hmmm.... ahhh... a good photo is only as good as the person behind the camera!!! :) :) :) Anyway, so, here's one of those pensive moments before the actor made his way to the stage... and there it was... the light cast a long shadow against the backdrop... and 'viola'... a picture that's just showed the atmosphere there... :) :)

Chinese Opera/Getai - 7th Month & my Canon 5D...

2007-09-07T18:51:00.001+08:00

reflections
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Yes... I just bought my new Canon 5D (semi-pro) camera :) :) And thought I had better try it out before I leave for Chengdu, China for my photographic/backpacking trip...

And coincidentally, I chanced upon a Teochew Chinese Opera troupe just next to my apartments... and so, there it was - a great photographic opportunity... I went up next to the stage (or rather, backstage) and asked politely whether I could take a few pictures... and they readily agreed... And it was a darn experience... there I was "trigger-happy", snapping pictures after pics... well... after all, it's DIGITAL!!! hahahaha... had some great shots and I thought might as well put them up...

And here, as you can see is one of the actors adjusting his costume and "psyching" himself up before going on stage... So... as he stood before the mirror (which, btw, had some Chinese characters written on it), I quickly positioned myself and took it... well.. thank goodness that there were many other opportunities... :) :)

So, here's the first of many... enjoy :) :)

Backpacking Again!!! :) Chengdu-Lhasa-JiuZhaiGou-Chengdu

2007-08-19T16:56:00.000+08:00

Yes!! I'm finally getting my long deserved break and going backpacking once again... Yippeee!!! :) :) But... *sigh*... with that slipped disc of mine... well... just got to be extra careful then, I guess... :( Anyway, this time around, I'm going Chengdu in Sichuan province in China... And then, finally making my way - via internal flight - to Lhasa, Tibet!!! Hahahaha... goodness me... I've been waiting for this moment for more than 10 years!! Well... I'm not hoping for anything... going there with little expectation... so, everything will be a surprise to me :)... Anyway, there were 2 other chances that I missed when I was supposed to make my way to Tibet... Once, when I was backpacking/trekking in Nepal... well... I guess, that's the closest to Tibet... then went to Yunnan, China, and made my way all the way to the Tibet-Yunnan border @ Zhongdian-Meili Xueshan... so, now, hopefully (keeping my fingers crossed here), I will be able to get there and finally 'experience' Tibet...
Oh well... this is going to be yet another photographic treat to myself... it's been quite a while since I managed to go on a trip :) Guess I've just been too busy - work and studies... :( hahaha... And I've already booked my flight there already... Going direct to Chengdu from Singapore... then slowly take my time to explore... :) Though this time round, not going to waste too much time in the city... going to book a direct flight to Lhasa!!! Hahahaha... and then going to be there for 5 days!! hahaha... yes!! I'm determined to really spend some time there!!! hahaha...
Anyway, I think my itinerary's going to be as follows:

Singapore-Chengdu
Chendgu-Lhasa
Lhasa-Chengdu
Chengdu-JiuZhaiGou
JiuZhaiGou-Chengdu
Chengdu-Singapore

well, flight's already booked... but once again... I can never tell... it's backpacking time again!! Thank goodness it's not one of those tour packages thingy... hahaha... And yes... here I go :) :)

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan... for my slipped disc

2007-08-14T22:09:00.000+08:00

Went for my physiotherapy this morning 'cos my slipped disc was acting up again... and there it goes the pulling and stretching for half and hour and then the heat pad for another half and hour... felt much better, although the nagging pain was still quite prevalent... *sigh*... why wouldn't this damn thing go away!!!??! Anyway, went to my orthopaedic soon after... and was quickly sent packing to get an MRI scan done on my lumbar spine!!! *yeeks*!!! Avoided that for a year and now, I really need to go for a scan - to 'confirmed' and to find out what the hell is really wrong with my spine... *sigh*...
And thank goodness I don't have any severe claustrophobia!?!??! I had to lie on 'bed'... nope, wasn't one of the comfy ones!! hahaha... and then I was given a pair of headphones 'cos the machine emanated a loud noise!!! And goodness me, was it loud!!! It was like one of the drilling machines that won't go away for 15minutes continously!!! hahaha... trust me... it was quite an experience... Anyway the 'bed' I was on lifted up and then I was 'gently' transported into the cylindrical scanning machine... and that was when the claustrophobia almost started.... I mean, everywhere was simply so enclosed... and you would really feel trapped... and to add to that, I was asked NOT TO MOVE?? Hmmm... yes... NO TWITCHING either!!! hahaha... oh well... whatever that can get me that scan done!! Cutting the long story short... I survived!!! :) :) Oh!!! btw, they were playing Robbie Williams' songs in my headphones!!! hahahaha...
And so, after half a day, I had to go back to my orthopaedic to assess my situation... hmmm... well... I guess everything turned out as expected... I had a slipped disc... and I've got to rest for the next 4-5weeks!!! No weights/no gym/no dragonboating... *sigh*... oh well.. can't take that kind of risks... :( So, here I go... REST!!! hahaha...

Alanis Morissette - Ironic

2007-08-12T23:10:00.001+08:00

I really dun noe what else I can say... but today had been a really great Sunday... yup!! :) It's like waiting for the 'great' Sunday and it doesn't come along... and when the least you expect, it does :) :) And so... cutting the long story short... I had a really great time :) I'm still refusing to say much 'cos I just feel that there are just some things in life better left tucked in some corner of my memory :) hahahaha... In any case, the there were parts of today that made me just thought of this song... By Alanis Morissette... One of those tracks that's really impressive... And yes... there are part(s) of the song that actually described how I feel today... I mean, in a very good, but poignant and in a bittersweet way... confused yet?? hahaha... nevermind... So... I guess, I'll put this post up for now... and hey... do enjoy the music... hahaha... and yes... do enjoy the lyrics too... :) :) :) cheers...

Working part-time @ Symphony 92.4

2007-08-09T12:47:00.001+08:00

Yes... As promised, I will need to speak about this right... I'm now currently working part-time @ MediaCorp Radio's SYMPHONY 92.4... (while still working on my full-time job) hahaha... yes... yes... need to earn extra cash (to sustain my lifestyle!!! hahahaha)... and who ever thought that being a lecturer pays well?!!??!?! mwahahaha... Just in case, a lot of people have this misconception that lectures/teachers (in Singapore) gets a fat pay-cheque!?!?!? That's so not true!!! But that's another story for another time... :) :) In any case, I love being in touch with the 'radio'... so, there goes.... :) :)

Anyway, it's been a crazy time since I started part-timing @ Symphony 92.4... wow!!! There's so much research on these classical pieces that sometimes I just go 'huh'... hahaha... I mean, I had to pronounced their names ACCURATELY!!! Like... hmmm... let's see, I'm already 'de'-ffectively bilingual!!! So, there goes one language (besides English)... and now I've got to read, enunciate, pronounce Czech; Russian; Italian; German; Austrian; French; Hungarian names correctly!!!! And I can't Anglicised them!!! Arrrggghhh...

Like how in this bloody world will anyone really care for some 'dead white men' (oh!!! And some of them are very much alive still!!!) ???? It's not as if it's difficult to pronounce Mozart (btw, it's Moat-Zart); Beethoven (btw, it's Bay-Toe-Fen); Saint-Saens (btw, it's Sah-Son without the 's'!!??!) or Haydn (btw, it's Hai-Din)!?!??! hahaha... And that's just the composers... wait till you get names of the Orchestras (try reading this: Gewandhausorchester Leipzig) ; conductors; violinists; cellists; pianists; harpists and etc... Oh!! Oh!!!! And wait there's the title of the pieces that are playing - hahahaha... let's see... try this one: 'Cleopatre: J'ai Verse Le Poison Dans Cette Coupe D'or...' WHAT?!?! Do I look like a Frenchman to you????? Or having to read 'Turandot: Nessun Dorma' - in perfect Italian WITHOUT the Italian accent!?!??! hahahaha... And the best is yet to come - I've got to read them WITH a smile!!! hahahaha...

Hey... don't get me wrong - I really enjoy classical music very much (as much as Britney Spears; Christina Aguilera; Linkin' Park; Hoobastank... etc...) And some of these pieces are really great!!! It's just that it's quite a challenge to pronounce these names and sometimes it's just a headache trying to get them right!!! hahaha... In any case, I think me and classical music are fated... I started working @ BORDERS (Singapore) - many, many, many years ago at the music section - and was asked to be in charge of the Classical Music section!!! (but that's 'cos everyone else was avoiding that section like it was a plague!!!) And after leaving BORDERS, I worked as the Production Manager of the Singapore Lyric Opera (yes!!! No marks for guessing - I was totally immersed in Operas and Operattas!!! hahahaha)... And now, I'm back with my favourite past-time - CLASSICAL MUSIC... hahaha... So, being where I am now... I really had to 'eat, breathe; shit' classical music!!! mwahahaha...

Oh well... it's been really fun so far... doing the research so that my programme sounds good (yes... I think there's more room for improvement though) has been a great challenge... and exciting @ times... there are things you never knew about until you 'goggle-d' or 'wikipedia-ed' them!!! hahaha... So, it's been fun, to say the least :) :) Well, if anyone is wondering when I'll be on... it's the programme called 'POPULAR CLASSICS', Mon-Fri, from 2-5pm... :) :) The website is: http://www.symphony.sg/

More Graduation photos....

2007-08-09T12:27:00.000+08:00

Hahaha... yes... I guess I just had to do it... to put up more pics of my proud moment... errr... not as if no one knows now that I've graduated... :) :) The sad part is that I kind of missed writing and doing research... there's just so much to learn and write about :) Anyway, enough of my studies already... hahaha... oh well... but just had to put these pics up though... it's me accepting my 'scroll' from Singapore's President S.R. Nathan... :) :)

And here's my class-of-2007 photo...

Well, now, I'm just taking some time off away from my studies... hahaha... yes... just planning to do my PhD... writing my PhD thesis... and also sourcing out which University to do my PhD :) :) *sigh*... if it's not because of financial woes, I won't mind trying for some overseas University... hmmm... oh well, I guess I will just have a look at Australian National University and Melbourne University for now... otherwise, it's back to studying in RSIS to pursue my PhD - and that's to say IF they want to accept me... after all, I ain't the "A++++++"-student that they required as a pre-requisite... Oh!!! and I ain't a son of some important dignitary... so there goes me trying to 'establish diplomatic ties'... :( :( hahahaha...

Window Shopping for new camera

2007-08-04T12:09:00.000+08:00

Oh well... it's been quite a while since I got myself a camera... and I've always been trying to look for a great buy and a great camera... Well, I've already got 2 camera - and they are Canon ones... one is an EOS 30 (yes!!!! I still use the traditional film camera amidst all the hype surrounding DSLRs!!!)... and this one's specifically for my B&W shots... yes, no matter what, 35mm films are still quite reliable!!! And then, I've got my 1st prize from the 2004 NUS Montage photographic competition :) :)... my Cannon 300D SLR... Well, and I've been telling myself that I ought to upgrade my DSLR :)... And so, I've been window shopping lately for that reliable and professional DSLR!!! hahahaha... yes!!! I'm sticking to Canon... it's call product loyalty!!! hahaha... but seriously, so that I don't have to get new lenses... :) And so, there I was, comparing prices of the newer Canon DSLRs - 20D/30D... etc.. I even had a look at the IXUS product... but my mind was only on ONE of the DSLR!!! and that the EOS 1D Mark III... haahaha...
And then, of course, it doesn't come with an in-built flash... that would be sooooo UN-professional!!! hahaha... Afterall, wouldn't be great if you can manipulate the light to get a better shot rather than use those 'less-than-great' in-built flash... and so, had to take a look at the flash...
And just when I thought that that would be end of my shopping spree... after all, what more can I need??? And then it struck me... I need to get lenses.. 'cos so far I've only got the normal lens and a wide-angle lens... and there I was, thinking to myself... I want to take more close-up and nature photographs... hahahaha... so, I would need a macro lens...
... but since I travel so often, maybe I should get a telephoto lens... now, that would be great, wouldn't it??? And there I go... asking to have a look at the lenses... :) :) :)Well... there I have it... my camera body... my flash... and my lenses... what more can I want??? hehehe... and yes... then of course, I would need the prices... hmmm... and after tabulating the entire costs if I were to buy them ALL!?!?!? It would costs ONLY S$11,000?!?!?!?! hahahaaha... crap!!! Now... where will I ever find that kind of money??? hmmm... short of robbing a bank.. stealing from someone (OK... this person better be filthy rich!!!) or beg!!! All of which I will never do!!! hahaha... So, for now, I can only go window shopping... :( :( And until I somehow can find the cash to buy them all... I guess I just have to work damn hard for that money!!! Hahahaha... Oh!!! And did I mention??? I'll be going to backpack to Chengdu, China for 2 weeks this September!!! yippppeee... but oh well... that trip is probably only a fraction of what my camera (and it's parts) would costs.... :) :) :) Well, that's another story for another time...

A proud moment... :)

2007-07-29T23:28:00.000+08:00

hahahaha... yes... more of my proud moment in time... anyway, the pics were taken by my friend who's working at ZaoBao... as a photo-journalist... :) So, got him to take a pic of me since my camera screwed up on me... so, here's one BEFORE receiving my "scroll"...

yup!!! It's was just a moment of anticipation... it was actually quite a long wait... yeah... and I needed to use the toilet quite badly!!! hahaha... And this is the one AFTER I received my "scroll"... :)
yup!!! Look at that smile!!! hahaha... it was such a fleeting moment... I never knew getting up on stage can be so unnerving!!! :) yeah... especially for someone like myself!!! hahaha...

A big THANK YOU...

2007-07-26T00:24:00.001+08:00

Yup!!! I guess I had lots of people to thank for making my journey at RSIS (formerly IDSS) a most enjoyable (and yes... at times, the most tolerable) one!! hahaha... Besides my lecturers - such as our dean Assoc. Prof. Ralf Emmers; the unforgettable 'show-no-mercy' US foreign policy -Oxford alumni-&-now-lecturer Dr. Evelyn Goh; counter-terrorist experts John Harrison and Rohan Gunaratne and a whole lots more... and yes!! I've got to thank my thesis supervisor - Dr. Joseph Liow! :) hahaha... who had to plough through my piece of work on "...Democracy and Political Islam..." Oh well... here's a pic of me with him at the convocation...

Anyway, there's also the non-academic staff that I want to thank... pple like Sandy Leong, Wati as well as very resourceful librarian - Yee Ming!!! :) All of whom were great conversationalists - or rather, my 'gossip' pals!!! hahaha... Oh well, I guess there can never be enough to thank and words to describe the experience that I had gone thru'... I'll just leave it as that then...

A moment to remember by... NTU Convocation 2007

2007-07-24T22:07:00.000+08:00

Yippeee.... I have FINALLY graduated with a Masters of Science (MSc) in International Relations... *phew*... And the enire convocation was so grand!!! :) President S. R. Nathan, who was gracing the occasion was there to give out our 'scrolls'!!! And so was my quite a few other dignitaries!! hahaha... well, I guess there's just no harm basking in their glory?? hahaha... Anyway, I guess I should be darn proud that I actually survived studying at RSIS (S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)... hahaha... yep!! It was all well worth it... but too bad, the bureaucracy and the administration at where I'm working don't value and recognise my MSc!??!! So, after all this time, my efforts have come to a naught??!?! hahaha... *sigh*... that's the irony of working in the Singapore civil service!?! Anyway, it's definitely been hard work... especially after working so hard for the past 2 years (part-time for that matter juggling with work - as a lecturer!?!? hahaha... the irony yah...).
But I can now say that I've finally completed my next stage of my education!! hahaha... yeah... Anyway, some pple are still wondering why I still want to pursue further post-graduate studies!!?!?? :) Mmmmmm... hmmmm... well... I'm not sure... maybe I'm a sucker for pain?? Oh well, actually, studying for me has never been a 'pain'... it was rather, more of a pleasure!?!? hahahha... yes... as much as pple can never understand why and how can I continue with all this studying... well, similarly I can't seem to comprehend why pple are simply so afraid of studying???? Well, I simply don't know how else to explain the feeling when I've got read notes and books and do all those assignments and working on my 10,000 words thesis!!! It's the high that I get... realising that I'm learning so much, questioning so much.. it's... err.... hmmm... oh well, I guess to each its own, but who am I to complain? :) :) :) This is just something that it's difficult to explain :) :) :)
Anyway, for me, I guess I'm just never satisfy with we learn today, because it can always be debunked tomorrow... and knowledge is something that we can never just say 'enough is enough'... :) And now I shall work towards getting my PhD!!! :) :) :) No!!! It's not so pple can call me Dr. Felix Tan!!??! hahaha... I think I just love the research and the writing!!!! Oh well... and yes... the amount of knowledge I would be able to get from all these... and yes, finally I would then be able to teach at a University!!!! hahahaha... :) Hmmm.... I guess I'm really into the academic life...

On the spur of the moment...

2007-07-08T00:26:00.000+08:00

And so it was... on a hot Friday afternoon... What started out as a touch-up for the tattoo on my left calf soon turned into yet another journey in getting another tattoo... It was indeed quite a 'spur of the moment' thing - something that I very seldom do!!! I merely told my friend to 'draw' the other side of my calf and see what happens... One thing led to another and soon, it was another freaking piece of tattoo!!! hahahahahaha... Oh well... now, I think I can safely say that I AM ADDICTED TO TATTOO-ing... Oh well, no matter what, I still have NO regrets!!! :) After all, it is still an ART!!! The tattoo is strictly original in as far as it was created by my friend Elson (with a bit of my own input)... As one can tell, I am sticking to my "no-animals/no-Chinese characters" style and it is a tribal creation (aka a mix between Maori, Hawaiian; Polynesian; Borneo, etc...). And yes, here's a pic of the calf piece!!!

So, from just one side of my calf, now I've got what is call a 'sleeve' piece!!! There's still more touch-ups to go... hahaha... most definitely will fill the rest of the year to get this piece to 'kick some ass'!!! Hmmm... to use one of my students words, this piece is simply "NASSS-TYYY!!!" hahahaha...

Hmmm... And was the pain good?? Well, it was all worth it!!! :) :) Okay, besides I am a sucker for pain... but really, it's not completed yet... so, there's more to come!!! *sigh*... why am I putting myself thru' all these??? Oh well, let's just say that it's all for the sake of art!!! :) :) In fact, this is the biggest tattoo I've got on my body... hmmm...

I thought I better have a "disclaimer" here though... I would never encourage anyone to get a tattoo just because I have one... This sort of things are very personal, each design, each curve, each stroke, each colour has a meaning... the pain has a meaning... everything has a meaning...

So, if anyone is getting this to:
1) show off along the 'catwalk' or pavement;
2) please girlfriend/boyfriend/cat/dog/hamsters;
3) peer pressure - "my friends has it, therefore I also want";
4) birthday gift; and
5) design(s) looks COOL on my body...
among many other excuses... well, then, I think I would advice this person to really, really, really think very, very hard again... because with these reasons, there will most likely be lots of regrets!!! hahaha... But, oh well - to each its own I guess...

And so, for now, I guess I'll better control myself... need to recuperate from this experience... and yes, also from the pain!!??! hahahaha...

Memories of Pulau Ubin, Singapore

2007-06-26T00:01:00.001+08:00

Memories of Pulau Ubin, Singapore
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Well, now that I've completed my YEP (Youth Expedition Project) course, I thought I might as well post something here... Took a picture of the kampung that I stayed in... kind of a 'home-stay'. Hahahaha... Oh well... can't say much about the place - it was really get back to the good 'ole days before Singapore's independence.
This pic was taken during one of the sessions during the course where each of us had to take something (could be literal or figuratively) that I could relate to. And well, I had my trusty camera and 'viola'... here was it... :) hahaha... Just felt that it was a simple enough photo that represented the last vestiges of old Singapore... It kind of reminded me of my childhood - no matter how painful it was... enuf said...
So, here it is... :)

Virginia Tech Original Song 33 Freedom

2007-06-24T16:30:00.001+08:00

Well, just got to blog this :) An original song composition dedicated to the Virginia Tech victims written by my best friend - Bobz. This is a duet with his wife - Candy. :) The MTV is filmed by another friend - Ben Siow. Well, they are all going to be in Melbourne, Australia. So, enjoy :)

Hmong Ethnic Community, Chiang Mai (Thailand)

2007-06-06T23:25:00.001+08:00

Hmong Ethnic Community, Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

Okay... moving on from my tattoo experience... hahahaha... yeah... I've been asked to put up a pic of the tattoo since.. but alas, since it's only two third completed, I thought, it best not to show much of it now... Hmmm... let my tattoo artist friend at least keep his artistic integrity and be recognised for a good piece of work!! :) :)

Anyway, here's another pic taken during the 3-day-2-night trek in Chiang Mai, Thailand. These kids were actually cooking a piece of meat (kind of unidentifiable though) over whatever fire was left from our little bon fire the night before. Quite happy kids I got to say...

Oh well... I think this trip for me will always be unforgettable - not only because I got to see so much of Chiang Mai (yeah... thought I had 'seen it all' already... guess not!!!), but rather, I had a bunch of 'kickass', GREAT group of 'young adults' (aka students) that made this such an extremely overwhelming experience!!! :) :)

Post-Tattoo philosophical moment...

2007-06-02T13:33:00.000+08:00

Okay... it's so damn odd to write something about my tattoo above my previous blog on 'preserved salted fish'!?!?!? *gasp*... hahaha...
Anyway, I spent almost an entire god-forsaken 6 hours with 18 needles piercing through my calf skin!!! Ouch!!! And like what I said to my tattoo artist friend - "you are damn lucky that I've got an extremely f**king high threshold for pain!!!" Okay.. do pardon my french here... but when you have 18 needles running over an open wound over and over again, there's only so much vocabulary you can find in your head!!! :)
Anyway, he spent 2 hours drawing - freehand, mind you!!! - on my calf... from an initial idea of a gecko with tribal designs, it has now been transformed into half polynesian-half maori design... it's still original no matter what some pple might say... after all, he drew it from his imagination, with some input from me... but the drawing, thank goodness, was far much less painful!!! hahaha... NO KIDDING HUH!?!??!
And yes... it's been a day since the tattoo... and the entire calf is still smarting from the pain... Oh well... it's ONLY two-thirds done... still got to go back for my torture and pain - to touch up and also to finish up the entire tattoo... So, it'll be quite a while before I can show the complete piece... hahaha... :) but it rocks!!! if I dare say so myself - yup!! I'm completely SHAMELESS too... :)
Anyway, met some of my neighbours and they were surprised by the new tattoo I've got... But so far, it's been great reactions - they seem to like it... or hmmm... rather, I guess they might be rather polite about it!!! Anyway, I like it... and I guess that's the most important thing...
Btw, the best reaction was from this complete stranger... you see, I had to send my car for some simple repairs... so, met this middle-age chap who was hanging around while his relative worked on my car... and he commented on my tattoo as well... And so, as usual, he asks me (after seeing the numerous tattoos that I've got!!!), whether I regret having so many tattoos and they are pretty huge too... Although he did say it looked good on me (okay!!! I'm just going to accept this complement, 'cos he's a total stranger and not some 'try-to-be-polite' neighbours!!)... and did I mentioned that it might not be my last?!??!? hmmmm... another story for another day...
And yes... hmmm... regrets??? hahaha... and I said: "There are many more things in life in which we will live in regret..." Okay... so, it's not exactly an answer, is that??? Quite rhetorical, but I guess I got the message across.... 'cos he looked at me, paused for a while, and laughed heartedly... and replied "yes!! yes!!! I guess you are right... that's the best answer I've gotten"
NO WAY DUDE!!! Is it??? hahahaha... and yes... since he was an especially nice chap... and yes... his fellas were repairing my car, remember... I simply smile and was thankful that he responded quite well to my reply... :) :) :)
So, there it goes... yet another to add to my list of 'philosophical moments'!!! hahaha... But damn it... through all the pain - and this being the biggest tattoo EVER!!!! - I am still proud of it... and truly, I'm NOT regretting it... :) :)

Preserved Salted Fish

2007-05-30T00:26:00.001+08:00

Preserved Salted Fish
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher

I took this pic whilst I was at a local market in Chiang Mai recently. Swarms of flies were all around, but most were stuck on a stick coated with honey or beeswax or something...

So, it was kind of a great experience when I was there... brought me back to the time when there wasn't things like supermarkets!! hahaha... those were wonderful childhood days when a walk in a local wet market was something that fills all your senses - the smell; the sight; the sounds and even touching a fish was something squirmish, but exciting!!! hahaha...

Anyway, back to this pic - it's just a pic of a preserved salted fish... :) :) cheers...

We survived the trek!!! (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

2007-05-23T23:22:00.001+08:00

We survived the trek!!! (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Yup!!! Here's another shot of us nearing the end of our study trip... It was after a 3-day trek at Sameung... Shrouded in dissipating haze, I guess we had an experience that we won't forget... :)
There were, of course, the tough times and the fun times... Also, it was in such situation that sometimes brings out the best - and some times, the worst - in each of us... hahaha... But thank goodness it was more of the best in us... :) :)
Anyway, the very next day, we had a one-day course at a cooking class... and oh! was it yet another experience!! hahaha... but I guess what I learnt from that was what one of the 'teachers' said. She was actually making a joke, but she was so serious at cracking the joke... Anyway, she said:
"Never try; never know. Never know, because never try"... Hmmm... how true!!! But that's life isn't it?? And that has been the motto of my life... "try everything at least once, 'cos you never know which path it will lead us to" :) :)

Pics from the Chiang Mai Study Trip

2007-05-20T13:52:00.001+08:00

Doi Suthep entrance
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Yep!! It's finally here... some pics of the trip with my students!!! hahaha... And here's one... at the steps of Chiang Mai's famous temple - Doi Suthep... Yes!!! Indeed, this was just the second day of our stay there. So, we all looked sane enough... hahaha :) It was pretty exciting as we were only beginning to embark on our journey there... For many, this was the first time they were in Chiang Mai (northern Thailand), even though they have had been to Bangkok and/or Phuket...
Ahhh... in any case, despite the oft-reported haze situation there during that time, I guess we all survived the trip and really enjoyed ourselves... Yep!! There were many, many great moments and wonderous memories :) :)

The Miniature Earth

2007-05-10T17:06:00.001+08:00

Okay... it's very rare that I blog a video... and a 'save the earth' video from YOUTUBE at best... But I really thought this is one video that's really good :) cheers... and enjoy... yes... and do think about the message carefully :)

Yeah... I'm back in business

2007-05-09T22:36:00.000+08:00

Watching American Idol now... and what's with Blake??!??!? OMG!!! Hmmm.. enough of the beat-box already... that's not really "vocal" is it?? And yes... I guess I would rather watch Melinda or Lakisha in the finals!!! hahaha... wah lau eh... this week all of them are WEAK!!! :p
Oh well... enuf of American Idol!!! now, back to me... hahahaha...
yeah!!! I'm back in business... I'll be getting a NEW TATTOO!!!! Yipppeee... hahahaha... since the last one that I got on my nape (back of my neck)... the next one will be on my entire calf!!! Yup!!! That's right... and this time, it won't be small... not one of those ankle tattoo... it anyone would want a tattoo, I would say, be daring and go for the kill!!! hahahaha... Hmmm.... guess I'm really addicted to my tattoos huh??? Anyway, this is supposedly to be my last one :( :( So, I'm just simply going to make it one of the best I've ever got... Oh!!! but of course, every tattoo that I've got means something to me... :) :) Aiyah... but knowing me ah... dun really think this will be my last lor :) :) hehehe... will eventually find some parts of my body that can fit yet another 'nasty' tattoo!!! hahahaha... believe it or not, but I had a dream of a tattoo on my calf before... it was actually an image of an alien ripping away my flesh!!! OMG... nope!!! dun think I want to take the risk and do that... although the crazy me might just want that... but then again... it won't really go with my overall tribal designs that I've gotten so far :) :)

In-Camp Training...

2007-04-21T22:10:00.000+08:00

My school term has started... but alas, it also clashed with my in-camp training (aka reservist training). Anyway, the timing is so bad... and everyday I get back home feeling so damn tired!! Darn!! And I thought it was gg to be a good break away from work!??! hahaha... guess not... Missed lecturing though... and had a make up class with my 3rd year students this morning and it actually felt really good (to be back in the business!??)
Yeah.. my blog has been quite quiet for a while... esp. since I got back from Chiang Mai... yeah... do look out for that story in the coming weeks AFTER my in-camp training - when I get my "brains" back into intellectual mode!! hahaha... uh-huh... that's what they say about the ARMY - it sucks the bloody life out of you and also leave you brain-dead!!! How true... sometimes I just feel like army life is so bloody redundant... esp. in Singapore!!! Why in the world are we protecting this stupid country... sigh... or rather, why are we protecting our super well-paid ministers...
On top of that, whatever they earn are not even pegged to any Key Performance Index (KPI)... and their reasoning is 'cos their achievements are long term and will only show in the future.. uh-huh... so do teachers/lecturers... 'cos, who knows, the student that I'm teaching now might just become the next Bill Gates or CEO of a company... or even become a minister?!?!?!? So, hmmm... working on the same line of reasoning as our dearest ministers, then I guess I should have a 33% increase in my salary as well?!?!?! Can't seem to find the rationale there...
Okay... not that I want to 'flog a dead horse' or talk about that issue here... it's supposedly to be about my in-camp... well, other than that I am the CSM (Company Sergeant Major), I basically look after my men and stuff... hmmm... that's not really saying much though...
But what the heck, I guess I'm entitled to ramble today 'cos my brains' not here!! :) :) :) And errr... the truth is that I am just feeling damn damn damn TIRED!!! :( Oh well.. Okay then... cheerios... til the next time, it will definitely be about Chiang Mai!! hahaha :) :) :)

Chiang Mai Study Trip 23rd March - 01st April 2007

2007-04-06T00:51:00.000+08:00

Okay... just came back not too long ago from my Chiang Mai study trip. Brought 13 students to Chiang Mai to work on some radio programmes with Chiang Mai University... and more...

Anyway, in a nutshell, I had a excellent time; a great time there - not only being back in Thailand (and Chiang Mai for that matter) - but I think the best moments were being able to allow to show my students 'the other side of the world' (besides city life or Singapore). Plus, their peels of laughters every now and then was probably one of the highlights of the trip. Oh well... in any case, I just wish I did a relatively good enough job for the students to remember by :)

Well, whatever it is... it was certainly a trip that I will never forget... the haze (or lack thereof!?!??); the trip to Chiang Mai University and the talkshow; the long walk along the old city; Doi Suthep temple; and oh yes... the Sunday Night Bazaar at Thapae Gate!!! hahahaha... And yes, I definitely got the 3-day trek at Sameung that I will always remember - the long walk uphill; the villages; the wonderful guides; the elephant rides; and yes!!! the river rafting - OMG!!! I didn't know river rafting can be that fun!!! :) :) And yes... how can I forget the cooking class!!! hahahaha... yep!!! it kind of confirm my thoughts - very few Singaporean women can cook!!! mwahahahaha... *lol* *wink*

Well, let's just hope that all of us will continue to keep in touch with those pple that we met in Chiang Mai; never forget those happy times that we spent there; those crazy nights when we indulge in playing games of Bridge; and most importantly, be able to take home a life experience that we can all learn from and then share with friends and those around us :) :)

And yes... pics coming soon :) :)

Chiang Mai, haze, recce and more...

2007-03-18T12:50:00.000+08:00

Just got back from Chiang Mai and was really appalled at how the Singapore media portrayed the haze situation there. It wasn't really as bad as it sounds though. But yes, I couldn't even see the mountains when I arrived on Wednesday... and apparently, it was one of the worst haze in Chiang Mai. Anyway, THE NEW PAPER called me up all the way from Singapore and did an interview with me... hmmm... here's the article:
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,124982,00.html

I was actually quite taken aback by the way some have reacted though... esp. when I sounded completely nonchalent about the haze situation in Chiang Mai...hahhaha... it was as if I was supposed to say something that could use to sensationalise the story. But really, it wasn't that bad... It's like saying that Pasir Ris has a thick haze, therefore, the ENTIRE island of Singapore is covered in smog and dust?!?!?! And plus, one must know where the PSI is being measured from?? hmmm... somehow I can't seem to comprehend the logic and rationale of such an argument.

But... oh well... given that we've got such a crop of pathetic, paranoid bunch of Singaporeans living here (aka LOSERS!!!!), it is not surprising that they will naturally be 'scared shit-less' to find out that Chiang Mai is covered in "haze"... hahaha... quite sad though... but knowing many Singaporeans who has this sort of narrow, simple-minded perspective of things, I am not really bothered. Can't help but agreed with the other interviewee in the article - C K Dong - that "Singaporeans are really spoilt"... *sigh*... On a lighter note, while having lunch in Chiang Mai, I read an article in the Bangkok Post (or was it The Nation?? hmmm...) that the Thai authorities, besides cloud seeding to create rain, they might even resort to superstition to make rain?!??!?! hahahahaahaha... okay... now THAT's hilarious... but u can't say they tried?? :) :) Well, whatever they do - I can only say 'good luck'!!! hahahaha...

But all that said, I had a great time in Chiang Mai for my recce... managed to take a long walk from my hotel - Lotus Pang Suankaew - right through the old city before reaching Riverside House (where I will be staying with my students!) :) :) :) Now, just got to keep my fingers crossed and pray hard that the weather there will improve so that I could bring my students there and see the beauty of Chiang Mai :) :)

Took some pics as well... and here's one :) It will be titled as: "What haze??"!!! hahahaha... just kiding... :) :)

Back from Phuket, Thailand

2007-03-10T17:23:00.000+08:00

Oh!!! Had a glorious weekend last week when I was in Phuket... thought I would not have enjoyed myself much since I had so much work piling up: 1) Thesis/dissertation due (which I did during the CNY hols!!!); 2) planning for my Chiangmai trip with students; 3) prepare for my reservist training (which starts on the 1st two weeks of the start of the new school term!! *Oh! Boo Hoo!!!*); 4) plan my Radio Journ module outline & prepare stuff for the Radio Pdt #1 module!!!!; 5) prepare for my Liaison Officer duty (LO) to look after the 3rd years who are attached to the industry!!! arrrghhhh... okay... thinking of it gives me the creeps!!!

So, anyway, back to my Phuket trip... it was simply enjoyable!!! Had a great tan!! hahaha... Went to Phi Phi island for a day-tour... made new friends... had good food... had 2 great massages!!!! haahaha... Plus the weather was simply simply WONDERFUL!!! hahaha... It was also great to walk along Patong beach - in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening (when the sand was cool, and the salty sea breeze was just caressing my face!!!)... ahhhh... :) :) And here's a SHAMELESS pic of myself at Phi Phi island... :) :)

Baz Lurhman - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen Deluxe)

2007-02-12T23:08:00.001+08:00

Oh well... it was actually one of those moments over the weekend... had some sort of a deja vu... and this song just popped into my head... thought that this song REALLY, REALLY is interesting.. hmmm...
Anyway, I've got this song and I first heard it years ago... dunno why it suddenly popped into my head after all these years?!?!?!?!! hmmm...
But whatever it is... I would really encourage all who managed to see my blog to listen very, very carefully to the lyrics of this song (or rather, this spoken piece) :) :)

Tea Plantation

2007-02-09T23:20:00.001+08:00

Tea Plantation
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Oh well, enough of the griping about Valentine's Day... it's quite depressing!!! But it was damn therapeutic lor!! So, anyway, where was I??? Yes... I also managed to stop by a tea-plantation for lunch... And yes... it was a drappy day and it was drizzling... so, I was surprised that I actually saw these women plucking tea leaves!!?!?!? But here is one... :) :) It sure looks easy to pluck tea leaves... but I'm sure it's tedious after a while!!! :) cheers... :) :) :)

Valentine's BULLSHIT!!!

2007-02-08T09:38:00.000+08:00

Yes! It's the time yet again: Valentine's Day is round the corner. And so, the mating season has arrived and lovebirds have began to swirl frantically around. While some will gripe and whine about not having that 'special someone', those romantically involved will go about their usual 'chores' - buying of flowers (roses being the most sought after!!!); booking of restaurants to celebrate their love (publicly nonetheless); and etc... All sucked into this commercialised bullshit!!

But really, if one were to dissociate from it all, you will begin to realise that Valentine is really just another shit-hole that silly, ridiculous and brainless people indulge in. Let's begin - those in relationships think that it's just so cool to be in one, but they should also realise that the best part of any relationship will (and can) only last for at least a year (some, and mostly a few months!!!). This is usually termed as the 'honeymoon period'. So, let's just sit down and analyse relationships a bit further. I believe that relationship is purely a TRAP!!! Yes! It's a trap - that at the end of the day, neither party will accept the flaws and beauty of the other partner. So, let's not pretend that everything is so rosy and spectacular. Relationships are nothing but a cage with chains and locks - and the keys thrown away for good measure!!!!!

And after more than a year or so, cracks will start to appear - and IT WILL HAPPEN!!! And that's when it all begins!!! Both sides will begin to find that they need 'space' (yes... a word most likely to be used during break-ups as well...). They will begin to accuse the other of not being able to understand each other and know their 'wants' (wow!!! We sure didn't hear that one durin the 1st year!!!). However, that said, there are some who are able to break out of this horrendous cycle ASAP. Yet, there are also those who are just unable to get out of it, but instead continue being tormented by the relationships. There are just so many things to consider - the kids (if any); my feelings; our pets; etc... And by that time that comes, you will soon realise that you are staying in this relationship for all the wrong reasons!!!! And don't we do that all the time - we pretend to stay committed in the relationship, while at the same time realising that your love for the other party has died long, long time ago!!! And that's what's relationships are all about - there's no romance about it... those who believe so are purely and absolutely DELUSIONAL!!!

At the end of the day, I believe that one should (and can) only depend on oneself!! Go and enjoy life - you only live once. Do not - EVER - get into a relationship (long-term or otherwise!) 'cos it's messy and won't get you anywhere in life!!! Relationships are just so NOT WORTH IT!!!! So, let's not pretend that you want a relationship badly enough. Go out and explore the world, there's just so much that the world can provide. Live life to the fullest and do it just for yourself. Do not ever let anyone dictate terms with your life and what you can or cannot do!!! Let's not deny our very innate right to be FREE!!!! Do the things that we want to do - 'cos in a relationship you will need to consider the other person (and it can be quite annoying to always have to please and 'understand' the feelings of the other person!!!). But when you are free, you do not need to constantly rely or worry about the other person (in your life).

In a relationship, you can never realise your dreams! So, get out of it as soon as possible and, in fact, NEVER get into one to begin with! It's not worth your time and/or life. There's really nothing in any relationship that anyone can (or should) or is worth cherishing. It's a complete farce and hogwash if anyone tells you to get into a relationship! 'Cos at the end of the day, it's a trap that is very difficult (and at times very messy) to get out of!!!! There's nothing anyone else can provide you in life except for yourself. There's no one in our lives that we can (or should) depend on except ourselves. So, let's not delude ourselves and think that we need someone else to provide for us; to shelter us; to protect us; to be there for us!!! 'Cos this is a load of cheap propaganda!!

And yes, back to my Valentine BULLSHIT!! STOP buying those flowers; STOP sending those trashing emails and/or cards; STOP sending love messages to the partner that you have so romantically linked to ('cos it'll all come back to haunt you and will be used against you - sometimes in the Court of Law!!!!); and importantly - don't be blinded by love 'cos there's just no such thing called LOVE.

P.S: Oh!!! Btw, if you reverse the word LOVE, you get EVOL. Change the O to a I and you get EVIL!!!! So, love is just evil in disguise!!!!! Plus, if you just add a 'VE' at the end of the word and you get 'EVOLVE' - yes!!! Indeed, love does evolve over time - usually for the worst and hardly for the better!!! :) :) :)

Waterfall at Nuwara Eliya

2007-02-02T23:45:00.001+08:00

Waterfall at Nuwara Eliya
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Oh well... guess I've got quite a few shots to put up... and err... after a month... I'm still at Sri Lanka... hahahaha... And here's the shot of the waterfall during one of the many stopovers along the way to Nuwara Eliya... yes... as they say: the journey is more important (and maybe better) than the destination... hmmm... I just hope more of us will come to realise what the saying really means :) :) I would suppose in life, that's what it's all about... it's the journey!!! :) cheers...

Flowers of Sri Lanka

2007-01-31T22:51:00.001+08:00

Flowers of Sri Lanka
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

As I said the last time, it was so cloudy during my trip in Sri Lanka that I could only take pics of flowers!!! hahaha... But wasn't that bad... there were occasions that the sun came out and shone on the flowers... So, thought that instead of showcasing each of the flowers bit by bit, I made a collage of them... so, here it is... the "Flowers of Sri Lanka" by Felix Tan!!! hahaha...

On route to Nuwara Eliya

2007-01-28T10:28:00.001+08:00

On route to Nuwara Eliya
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Well, I still remembered the weather up to Nuwara Eliya... it was raining, or rather drizzling on route there from Kandy... Actually, I was a bit disappointed 'cos I was expected great sunny weather - but alas, it was no to be... the gloomy, cloudy weather continued... and as the van climbed higher and higher, the air got cooler and colder... But the view along the way was simply gorgeous... the numerous waterfalls (and mine you when I said numerous, it mean like almost every other turn round the mountains!!!!)
Anyway, managed to stop at some of the waterfalls along the way to snap a few photos - mostly close-up shots of the beautiful flowers around the waterfall... But guess what, whilst I experienced a tick in my ear when I was trekking in Nepal a few years back, this time round, I found myself facing LEECHES crawling up my feet!!! Thank goodness for the army boots that I was wearing, plus the 2 layer of socks!!! But what the heck... it was a darn experience that I won't forget!!! :) :) :)

Crowd in Kandy city

2007-01-24T00:31:00.001+08:00

Crowd in Kandy city
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Well... as I said... I'm just slowly releasing the photos on my Sri Lankan trip bit by bit... and yeah... here's a shot of the crowd in Kandy... :) it was like a bazaar...
In any case, couldn't recall whether it was a weekend or a weekday...hmmm... I guess it was a weekday... but what the heck... the crowd was good... and these people were just milling around outside a bank!!! hahaha... oh well...

... to be continued... :) :) :) :) :)

View of Kandy, Sri Lanka

2007-01-18T22:44:00.001+08:00

View of Kandy, Sri Lanka
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Yup!!! I'm slowly doing this... hahaha... but aiyah... most of my pics are already in my flickr album... but in any case, here's more pics on my trip to Sri Lanka... :) :) And here's the view of Kandy... hmmmm...

Btw, this shot was taken at the balcony/verandah at my guesthouse, which was at the hillside... and there was still some rain... and the dark clouds were looming over the entire city... Across the horizon was the view of mountains that engulfed this tiny city... :) :) :)

Queen's Hotel - a look inside

2007-01-14T22:30:00.001+08:00

Here's a pic of the Queen's Hotel... it was simply quaint and really hark back to the old days during the colonial era... :)

Queen's Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka

2007-01-10T14:31:00.001+08:00

Queen's Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Well, and here it is... the grand 'ole dame of Kandy - Queen's Hotel... inside this hotel is absolutely fabulous... the lighting is quaint, plus they've got one of those 'ancient' elevators!!! hahaha... the one with the gates!!! I had lunch there upon reaching Kandy and it was nice... Oh well... it hasn't reach the standards of Raffles Hotel in Singapore; nor one of those old British hotels in some 3rd world country which have been converted into some extremely expensive, with all the fake facade and pretentious service-kind of hotel - YET!!! Well, guess I had the chance to experience this place whilst it's still 'human'... :) :) :)

...to be continued...

Happy New Year and welcome 2007

2006-12-31T17:01:00.000+08:00

Yes... yes... it's the time of the year yet again... when the world celebrates the passing of one year and welcome the next... oh well... :) Auld Lang Syne... yadah.. yadah... etc.. etc...

Sometimes, there's just this feeling that things will change with the coming of a new year... or at least, a small glimmer of hope that things will be better - not only in the world; but also in our lives - mentally, physically and spiritually...

But alas, that's just pure hogwash... if there's anything to go - change happens all the time in our lives... everyday - the people we meet; the things we do; the words we utter; the actions we decide to do; the path that we take... all these lead to new beginnings - or endings...

But yet, somehow, we begin to make silly (or not... depending on how one looks at it) resolutions come 31st Dec and 1st Jan... but how many of us are able to keep to such resolutions?? And let's see, the top five resolutions are:
5) I will be a better person and help others (and/or donate more to credible charities);
4) I will lose weight;
3) I will quit smoking;
2) I will attend church regularly;
1) I will keep all resolutions (past, present and future ones!!!!)

And so, we go about in out mundane, pathetic little lives, trying to live the best we can - to attain:
a) happiness;
b) satisfaction;
c) enlightenment;
d) good karma;
e) peace of mind

However, no matter how hard some of us try, it all seems so futile... and then we spend yet another year trying (and yearning) to achieve all these impossibilities?!??!

I guess, that's just humans - at least there's something to look forward and to do in the new year... and maybe, just maybe, we might eventually achieve something... :)

But don't we wonder why we are doing these things??? For who are we doing it for??? And for what ends??? Will such actions change how people will look at us???? Will it change people's mindset about us??? Will this make the world a better place??? hmmmm... I doubt so...

So, at the end of the day, as we go about celebrating the end of a lousy year (and which past year wasn't a lousy year??? hmmmmm....) and welcome the new one, we should just learn to cherish:
i) the beautiful moments that we have spent with our loved ones;
ii) the laughter that filled out lives;
iii) the times that we gave something valuable away to someone more deserving;
iv) the words of praise and encouragement that we said;
v) the hugs and kisses that we showed
'cos these are the things that will never, ever, return...

All that said - hey... let's pause a moment, then... and say: HAPPY NEW YEAR and may you have a GREAT 2007 ahead... cliche nonetheless... 'cos we will never know what tomorrow (or next year) will ever be... :) :) :)

GOD BLESS!!! :) :) :) :)

Mission Impossible: Colombo to Dumbulla

2006-12-28T19:58:00.000+08:00

The weather initially looked fine - well... at least in the morning... but it soon got real cloudy...

Anyway, I thought I should have read the "signs" more...

1) The car's clutch broke down and I was delayed by 2 hours!!! Supposedly to leave at 9am to Dumbulla, I now had to leave at 11am...

2) The weather had turned quite cloudy ... what a damper!!!

3) I had to face so many road blocks along the way from Colombo that it seems to shout at me to STOP!!! and get back... but no - I persisted on...

4) I was already having an emotional roller-coaster ride thus far... but not wanting to let that affect my mood any further, I continued my journey... And never am I ever going to talk about this 'emotional upheaval'... oh well... I'm good at staying detached from my emotions anyway... (if I want to!!!)

And oh!!! Btw, Dumbulla is a 3hr ride from Colombo!!! And that's where I would have seen the rock temple and then move on to Sigiriya to see the ancient temple on top a solitary rock that juts out of Sri Lanka many dense forest... hmmm... there's an interesting legend to it as well... but that's for another time perhaps...

5) The car's clutch FINALLY snapped 10minutes away from Dumbulla!!! hahahahaha... the irony of it all - just when I actually asked to return to Colombo 20minutes earlier!!!!! But after much persuasion... I thought I might as well continue the journey to Dumbulla...

But lo and behold... I guess luck wasn't on my side... and true enough... (not trusting my own instincts), I never manage to reach my destination :( :(

Oh well... I guess I'm not fated to go there then... perhaps some other time in the future!!! hahaha... And yes... after almost losing my temper, the 'technical glitch' helped me maintain my sanity...

And so, that kind of wraps up my trip to Sri Lanka I guess... well... if I do have another opportunity the next time, I'll go to Dumbulla FIRST; then make my way to Galle!! :) :) Now, that I've gone 'uphill' and 'trekked'... maybe I should stay somewhere near the coast... :) hahaha...

cheers... till the next trip... :) :) :) :) :) :)

sayings on stone slab

2006-12-26T01:25:00.001+08:00

sayings on stone slab
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Well... well... and since it's the season now... and having taken this pic at Adisham Monastery... I thought, oh why not?!?!?!? :) :)

Let's just say: read it and ponder over it... :)

Sometimes, we gloss over the things that God asks us to do... but whenever we want something, we turn to him... and so, I thought maybe this time, for a change, I shall put something that's more 'philosophical'... hahaha...

Adisham Monastery of the Benedictine Monks (Huputale, Sri Lanka)

2006-12-26T01:20:00.001+08:00

Adisham Monastery of the Benedictine Monks (Huputale, Sri Lanka)
Originally uploaded by photo-philosopher.

Well, since I'm at it... I thought I might as well talk about it... Anyway, this is one of the sights I managed to visit when bypassing to Haputale, Sri Lanka. Indeed, the quiet grounds of this monastery is really something... yep!!! And as you can see, it's really something to be able to see such an architecture in the middle of 1) nowhere (a small detour away from Haputale); and 2) in Sri Lanka... Nestled on top a hill (or rather one of those mountainous region), this monastery is sure a great escape from the maddening crowd. The furniture and books on the shelves are kept in its original position, and short of the dust settling on some of these things, this place is really all things British - or European!!! hmmmm... But nonetheless, the area and the estate is still well kept - apparently by the disciples of the Benedictine Monks... and so on and so forth!!!

Merry Christmas in Colombo

2006-12-25T02:26:00.000+08:00

Well, the streets all around Colombo - capital of Sri Lanka - is silent, except for a the numerous military personnel patrolling at various junctions. The scene here is eerie as if death itself has descended upon this country. But I guess with the current situation - what with the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government - I think no one is taking their chances. Well.. well... Merry Christmas to all then :) :) :) Spread a little of the season greetings and christmas cheers... oh whatever - forget it!!! :P

Anyway, went around Colombo area and managed to go to Galle Face Green - which is just a plot of land that stretches for about 1km along the beach... Really, it's nothing spectacular... Well, the sea.... errr... the sea... okay, okay... it's the Indian Ocean... and hmmm... yup!!! That's all folks!!! Welcome to Colombo!!! hahahahaha... but bearing in mind that this was formerly a British port and only much later was made the capital - it's already an achievement in itself, I guess... didn't manage to go to the Fort - 'cos of the road blocks!!!

Nope!!! This place doesn't exude the charms that Kandy, Nuwara Eliya or even Haputale emanated... it's just a piece of commercialised trash!!! There - I've said it!!! But isn't all capitals of the world the same - just look at Singapore (the epitome of commercial trashiness!!!!)... Oh well, but let's move on... I'm not in Singapore now and do not want to comment any further!!! hahahahahaha... Yes!!! You could feel my christmas 'cheer' from within huh??!??!?!?! :P

Back to Colombo... I went to Lasaka handicraft shop... well, nothing much, but the prices there are pretty reasonable... so, if anyone really need to grab anything strikingly "Sri Lankan", please feel free to drop by here... And it's near the local bazaar -Pettah... Then went round searching for an upmarket shopping mall (yes... the 'tai tai' in me in search for air con!!!!)... but alas, didn't managed to find any!!! But nonetheless, had a good tour around Colombo, 'cos the van that I was in got lost around Colombo... and so, went through areas that we were vaguely familiar with!!!!

The road is either blocked by the military or it's just not passable - the situation here is very, very tense!!!! Oh well... managed to locate the Independence Monument when I was searching for the National Museum, which apparently is also 'out of bounds'!!?!?!?!? *sigh*... At this stage, I really suspect that creating all these road blocks and tightened security is really helping Sri Lanka... but not wanting to get too involved in their domestic political affairs, I seriously think the Sri Lankan government should solve their age-old problem with the LTTE!!!! This is simply frustrating - no wonder there's hardly any tourists around in Sri Lanka!!!!??!?!?

And so, had to head back to my hotel after an endless and fruitless search for 'places of interests' around Colombo... and oh! btw, even when I did find a particular monument or architecture, there are warning signs along the place that says: "No video or photography. This is a high security zone"!!!! Aiyah... what the heck!!!

Nevertheless, had a great massage at the hotel... of course still mindful about my slipped disc... so, no cracking of bones - just simple massage of my tired muscles!!! hahahahaha... Oh well, I'm not complaining!!! :) :) :)

Unexpectedly, exciting, quaint town - HAPUTALE!!!

2006-12-22T22:25:00.000+08:00

From Nuwara Eliya, I continued my journey southwards, downhill - in search of a warmer climate!!! hahaha... heard from some tourist that Yala National Park was completely flooded and some other areas along the way to Horton Plains is not passable!!! And so, last minute changes... instead of going to Horton Plains to see "World's End", thought that I might as well just move along and onto Colombo...

Stop over at Ambewela Farm to see cows!!! Oh well... at least GOATS AND COWS!!! And yes!!! How cheese is made and et cetera... Nothing much to see there, but oh well, it was still a good stop over and a great reprieve from sitting in my van along a bumpy road!!! So, although there's nothing to scream about at this place, it was still a great time spending in the vast open space of the farm!!!

Next, trudged along downhill - and then uphill - to my next stop - Haputale!!! And guess what, after days of unending rain, much of the roads leading to my next pit-stop was not passable to any vehicles... and had to made detours down rocky slopes!!! ANd goodness me... I couldn't believe it that I had to one day lay rocks to create a make-shift road for the van to amber along!!! And that's just what I did - came out of the car because the "detour" was almost in itself not passable to any vehicle!!! But all in all - had a great time doing so - what an experience!!!

Reached Haputale FINALLY in the late afternoon and had dinner at Sri Lak Holiday Inn!! The weather at Haputale was cold and the clouds soon engulfed the entire area.. filling it with strong winds which kicked up so much dust that almost blinded me!!! The room was confortable enough and was not facing the direction of the winds - thank goodness - and so managed to keep myself warm in the room!!!

Had a wonderful walk around the small town after dinner... saw an old man ironing clothes... and the iron he used was the old ones filled WITH CHARCOAL!!!! Oh my goodness... after living in Singapore for so long, it's quite difficult to picture that anyone would still use on of those 'ancient' irons!!! Anyway, went on walking and saw small shops selling chicken meat and food stalls as well as provision shops... but amidst the swirling cloud and dust, and the dimly lit orange bulb coming from the shops, I felt transported!!! There was even a small little "pub" of some sorts - where men drop by for a good 'old whisky!!!! It was simply thrilling watching the evening crowd and life moving along in this small town!!!

Haputale must really be the highlight of my trip in Sri Lanka - unexpected and was a great photo opportunity for me!!! And yes... the very next day, I managed to whip out my trusty camera and snapped away at the town again!!! :) :) :) :)

Nuwara Eliya; all things British... and then some...

2006-12-22T22:01:00.000+08:00

The rain continued without any respite whatsoever... yes... it was beginning to be a real damper in my trip here in Sri Lanka... but oh well... I guess no one can control the weather :) :) But I could not believe that I actually uttered that this was the first time I'm not really enjoying my trip!!!

Left Kandy and proceeded upwards to the mountainous region of Nuwara Eliya (pronounced as Nu-reliya)... the climb was at times tedious - what with rain and the number of landslides that I encountered!!! The weather went from cool and dreary to COLD and dreary... I couldn't believe that I had to bring out my winter clothes just for this... but it was great nonetheless... Nuwara Eliya was just another former British hill station with all the old world charms!!! Stayed at the Hellenic Guest House, which boast a fireplace as well and was comfortably snugged at the sides of the hill... the town had the remnants of the British townhouses and former colonial houses of British settlers - now converted to guesthouses and hotel...

The town looked so European - the architecture and the parks... it was simply too "European" - except that there was an absence of European tourists (probably scared away by all the travel warning from many web pages!!!!)

Anyway, stayed for a night and next day - which thank goodness turned out to be quite sunny - went to Victoria Park there... it was alright - nothing spectacular though... had a few plants here and there, and a very odd playground... the park had seen much, much better times in its early days... but now has just been left to the weather with the pond looking grim and murky!!! *sigh*... With only a handful of gardeners attempting their best to maintain the glorious days of the past, but alas, their effort is simply minimal...

However, the cool weather that day, coupled with the bright sun and the blooming flowers really made my day... and I had a great day snapping pictures of the flowers... :) :) And so, another day up in Sri Lanka... :)