Dear pipsqueaks,
Last night after work, instead of my usual simple dinners, I was craving for something savoury. Having previously agreed with the intern to take her to try out local food during her stay, it was decided that we shall head to a nearby mamak store (don't hold me to the spelling, but it means indian street food. it's not really "on the street", but it's not like a starred restaurant either. Hard to explain- will take a picture next time). But anyway, we had a fun time chit-chatting n as good times always fly by so much quicker, soon it was 10:30pm n we started to make our way back.
While we were walk-talking pass Jalan Alor, with her on my right, a guy sped passed me on my left with his hand reaching for my hip region. Lucky, having a habit to swing my arm when I walk, he touched my wrist instead. At that split moment, I thought it was all an accident n had the reflex to say sorry, but when I heard him snicker, I just flipped n snapped "DON'T touch me". Possibly drunk or just plain stupid, he actually repeated what I said mimicking my voice as he fled the scene. Like a pissed off lion, but not wanting to make a big deal, I brushed it off n left it at that.
28 February 2012
27 February 2012
I Will Take Care of You
Dear pipsqueaks,
This song was the english song that I had learned to sing when I first moved to Vancouver. The first time learning the lyrics, it didn't mean much to me- at least from what I remember anyway. But now n then, when I find myself humming, this song just pops up in my mind. Possibly an unconscious recollection of what this song was meant to convey. The cycle of life- u'll always love n be loved. Don't ever doubt that. Anyway, just wanted to share this with u peeps n hope u enjoy it :)
26 February 2012
Love's Spark
Dear pipsqueaks,
Finally finished reading my collection of historical royal marriages n scandals, I've come to a conclusion that as much as u'd like to believe love can grow with time, it really doesn't, n probably can't. Think about it this way, how can something grow out of nothing? Logically, there must be a "start" for it to grow from. It's a bit ironic that during those old days, kings n queens would force marriages- mostly for political advantages- when they themselves know best that nothing good would really come out of it, other than alliances n heirs. Even so, u can't blame the parents as they probably just followed the flow as that was the way things were done. Marriage is of the country's matter, n if by luck the person ur to tie the knots with is someone u feel for, then we've got a win-win situation here. But of course, like shooting stars, they're a rare scene.
Out of all the stories I've read, only a few were of real love matches, n their stories cannot be more inspiring. But the rest, almost in a defined pattern, led miserable lives. Some beheaded, some gone insane, some bed ridden, n a lucky few parted in peace. Of course, it's a different time now n u can't expect the same acceptance to pre-arranged marriages or to even think that "things will work out" for this kinda situation. In a sense, u can't "work out" something that neither or just one party really want to "work out" in the first place. It really does take both to make things work. That'll probably be the first test of strength for any couple n to not have love as a driving force, the results can be quite disappointing.
Finally finished reading my collection of historical royal marriages n scandals, I've come to a conclusion that as much as u'd like to believe love can grow with time, it really doesn't, n probably can't. Think about it this way, how can something grow out of nothing? Logically, there must be a "start" for it to grow from. It's a bit ironic that during those old days, kings n queens would force marriages- mostly for political advantages- when they themselves know best that nothing good would really come out of it, other than alliances n heirs. Even so, u can't blame the parents as they probably just followed the flow as that was the way things were done. Marriage is of the country's matter, n if by luck the person ur to tie the knots with is someone u feel for, then we've got a win-win situation here. But of course, like shooting stars, they're a rare scene.
Out of all the stories I've read, only a few were of real love matches, n their stories cannot be more inspiring. But the rest, almost in a defined pattern, led miserable lives. Some beheaded, some gone insane, some bed ridden, n a lucky few parted in peace. Of course, it's a different time now n u can't expect the same acceptance to pre-arranged marriages or to even think that "things will work out" for this kinda situation. In a sense, u can't "work out" something that neither or just one party really want to "work out" in the first place. It really does take both to make things work. That'll probably be the first test of strength for any couple n to not have love as a driving force, the results can be quite disappointing.
25 February 2012
"Once Upon a Time in Yan-anda-gan"- Bagan- Myanmar 2012
Dear pipsqueaks,
Bagan, by far, was surprisingly my most favourite city in Myanmar. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful place, but honestly just too "empty" sometimes. Regardless, still a gem n here's my take on Bagan...(Note: we stayed at the New Bagan area n visited the Old Bagan on bikes. New was built to cope with the effects of an Earthquake that destroyed the then Bagan, but now that's it's been rebuilt n renamed, it's also a place that some people prefer to stay).
Bagan, by far, was surprisingly my most favourite city in Myanmar. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful place, but honestly just too "empty" sometimes. Regardless, still a gem n here's my take on Bagan...(Note: we stayed at the New Bagan area n visited the Old Bagan on bikes. New was built to cope with the effects of an Earthquake that destroyed the then Bagan, but now that's it's been rebuilt n renamed, it's also a place that some people prefer to stay).
(two places at once?)
22 February 2012
"Once Upon a Time in Yan-anda-gan"- Mandalay- Myanmar 2012
Dear pipsqueaks,
It's been a long while since I had time to continue the recap of our Myanmar trip, but no worries, I'm on the case! Trying to go back to the whole environment of it all to draw the best memories...
Feel of Mandalay: Slowly developing - This is something u'll definitely understand when u make ur way from the airport into the city centre. Literally from fields of nothing, to one or two temples, to a few huts, to small buildings, n finally to a more populated area. Here's a scene that I don't think I can ever get used to: driving pass cows n over-crowded trucks with human bodies dangling off all sides. U know that there're countries in the world that are still at that stage in their development, but a little hard to digest sometimes how different it really is from "our world". Nonetheless, the locals probably have never seen what the rest of the world is like, n so u don't get the feeling of "isolation" or "disconnection" with them as they don't feel judged. (Let's face it, some country locals hate foreigners with a passion, n most of the time, that's out of defence. Luckily, people here are quite friendly, so no need to feel any way threatened). Honestly, just seeing them smile back at u while u drive by, it's a great feeling.
It's been a long while since I had time to continue the recap of our Myanmar trip, but no worries, I'm on the case! Trying to go back to the whole environment of it all to draw the best memories...
Feel of Mandalay: Slowly developing - This is something u'll definitely understand when u make ur way from the airport into the city centre. Literally from fields of nothing, to one or two temples, to a few huts, to small buildings, n finally to a more populated area. Here's a scene that I don't think I can ever get used to: driving pass cows n over-crowded trucks with human bodies dangling off all sides. U know that there're countries in the world that are still at that stage in their development, but a little hard to digest sometimes how different it really is from "our world". Nonetheless, the locals probably have never seen what the rest of the world is like, n so u don't get the feeling of "isolation" or "disconnection" with them as they don't feel judged. (Let's face it, some country locals hate foreigners with a passion, n most of the time, that's out of defence. Luckily, people here are quite friendly, so no need to feel any way threatened). Honestly, just seeing them smile back at u while u drive by, it's a great feeling.
(hmmm...o-kay?)
15 February 2012
"Once Upon a Time in Yan-anda-gan"- Yangon- Myanmar 2012
Dear pipsqueaks,
Having just sent my beloved on his way home, I'm finally able to set my mind n heart to recap the whole trip. If u haven't guessed it yet, "Yan-anda-gan" actually stands for the three cities that we had visited during our trip to Myanmar: Yangon, Mandalay n Bagan. Honestly though, prior to this trip, I had no idea where these places were n what they offered to be considered a choice of destination for travellers. In any case, since we were looking for an adventure, it didn't really matter where we went, as long as we went together.
To keep this strictly about our exploration of Myanmar, I'll TRY to exclude all the lovey-dovies that happened during the 12 days (possibly write another note on that later :P ). But in short, yes he was the most attentive n patient person, which I can't stress enough how much of a challenge I am already to people when we're NOT travelling. So, I can imagine that I was probably 10x worse during the trip, but he'll never tell me that. Back to what I was saying, upon his arrival Friday night, we began to prepare our bags for our departure the next afternoon. I did feel bad that he had to carry so much already, n offered to take my toiletries for me because it didn't fit into my bag. As always, without complaint.
Having just sent my beloved on his way home, I'm finally able to set my mind n heart to recap the whole trip. If u haven't guessed it yet, "Yan-anda-gan" actually stands for the three cities that we had visited during our trip to Myanmar: Yangon, Mandalay n Bagan. Honestly though, prior to this trip, I had no idea where these places were n what they offered to be considered a choice of destination for travellers. In any case, since we were looking for an adventure, it didn't really matter where we went, as long as we went together.
To keep this strictly about our exploration of Myanmar, I'll TRY to exclude all the lovey-dovies that happened during the 12 days (possibly write another note on that later :P ). But in short, yes he was the most attentive n patient person, which I can't stress enough how much of a challenge I am already to people when we're NOT travelling. So, I can imagine that I was probably 10x worse during the trip, but he'll never tell me that. Back to what I was saying, upon his arrival Friday night, we began to prepare our bags for our departure the next afternoon. I did feel bad that he had to carry so much already, n offered to take my toiletries for me because it didn't fit into my bag. As always, without complaint.
12 February 2012
Quick Update Post Myanmar 2012
Dear pipsqueaks,
It's been a whirlwind of a trip for me with lots of updates n thoughts to share about Myanmar! Although it was a short visit of only 9 days, we've managed to cover Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan (omg, the hot air balloon sunrise ride was just the most amazing scene- n the most romantic :P). But as the frenchie's still in town, I'll have to do the update after. Can't wait to share them with u!
So yes, back in kuala lumpur, ciao for now :)
It's been a whirlwind of a trip for me with lots of updates n thoughts to share about Myanmar! Although it was a short visit of only 9 days, we've managed to cover Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan (omg, the hot air balloon sunrise ride was just the most amazing scene- n the most romantic :P). But as the frenchie's still in town, I'll have to do the update after. Can't wait to share them with u!
So yes, back in kuala lumpur, ciao for now :)
01 February 2012
Come What May
Dear pipsqueaks,
Honestly cannot believe it's already the first of February! Time has been on the run, n sooner than I can be prepared for, I'll be on my way to Myanmar with the Friendboy by Saturday, EB Meeting at the beginning of March in KL, AGM/Thomas&Uber Cup Finals at the end of May in Wuhan (yah, I didn't know where it was too, so google told me it was in the middle of no where in China. Just perfect. Oh wells, it'll be a week of Council Meeting, so I suspect I won't have time to explore the area- though I'm not as disappointment as I thought I'd be because it's Wuhan, haha), then finally the big one: London 2012! Yes, I'm very excited for what's to come, but I'll have to make it through 6 months more of preparations n meetings before that. So, patience!
Of course, this Myanmar trip has me near the brinks of having an anxiety breakdown. Not that there's anything I should be worried about, but it's just so unpredictably taking it's course. I have no doubt it'll be a place with magnificent views n an interesting culture to experience, yet along side of all that exploration, it'll be a learning period for the both of us in terms of what "we" could be. Mind u, I completely think this is already a big step to take- n usually a step that's suppose to function as the final suitability test prior to marriage- but in consideration of all the things that had happened n the distance factor, "this" kinda shuffled into play. Unlike the traditional stages, once again, I'm gonna be uniquely different n see how it goes!
Honestly cannot believe it's already the first of February! Time has been on the run, n sooner than I can be prepared for, I'll be on my way to Myanmar with the Friendboy by Saturday, EB Meeting at the beginning of March in KL, AGM/Thomas&Uber Cup Finals at the end of May in Wuhan (yah, I didn't know where it was too, so google told me it was in the middle of no where in China. Just perfect. Oh wells, it'll be a week of Council Meeting, so I suspect I won't have time to explore the area- though I'm not as disappointment as I thought I'd be because it's Wuhan, haha), then finally the big one: London 2012! Yes, I'm very excited for what's to come, but I'll have to make it through 6 months more of preparations n meetings before that. So, patience!
Of course, this Myanmar trip has me near the brinks of having an anxiety breakdown. Not that there's anything I should be worried about, but it's just so unpredictably taking it's course. I have no doubt it'll be a place with magnificent views n an interesting culture to experience, yet along side of all that exploration, it'll be a learning period for the both of us in terms of what "we" could be. Mind u, I completely think this is already a big step to take- n usually a step that's suppose to function as the final suitability test prior to marriage- but in consideration of all the things that had happened n the distance factor, "this" kinda shuffled into play. Unlike the traditional stages, once again, I'm gonna be uniquely different n see how it goes!