Weekend Getaway: Kota Kinabalu

Dear pipsqueaks,

No doubt, I think I do make the most of everything sometimes. Possibly even a bit spoiled, but meh, that's life. You only live once. So many times I hear, "yah, next time". Well, what if there isn't a next time? Chances come and go. Tides ever-changing. This is not to say that a better chance may not come, but just that THIS chance may not happen again in the future. So, the best way? To live every moment to the fullest.

With that said, we spent the weekend in Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia. Although the weather wasn't fantabulous during our whole stay, for the most part, it played it's part right.

Upon arrival at Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel, you could say I was slightly disappointed by the presentation of the hotel as it did carry a world-brand name of Best Western. It was quite an old hotel with a rather small lobby/reception area. The breakfast area doubled as a karaoke/lounge at night, with an always-occupied pool table that we never got a chance to play on. The elevator tried to eat me several times, but I survived. Somehow, I had a feeling there was a reason why this hotel room was slightly cheaper on agoda.com. Literally opening the door, it brushes pass a corner of our bed. A step to the right side, you'll find a table, and a step to the left, a cupboard beside the TV that eventually led to the washroom door. What surprised me? The shower was missing a piece of the sliding door. I mean, yah it's overall a clean room, even though slightly small, but missing a shower door? Hm. I also tripped on a tile that was sticking up a bit from the rest, but survived that too. Oh! And the addition of curtains to create the illusion that a window exists? Hm, I guess it did make me feel a bit better, for the mind does play great tricks indeed.

(my snacks for the night! Haven't had a Crunch since highschool, possibly)

The Dark Side of Kuala Lumpur

Dear pipsqueaks,

It took me some time to be able to objectively look at this event. For many, it would seem like I've "unconsciously" asked for it by walking in an unpopulated alley wearing my jewellery the way I do, and at some point, I may have actually believed that. But not any more. To think that way is to condone this kind of behaviour, which no society should. Before all this analysis, I should probably share with you one of my first nightmares of living in KL.

I had just crossed my one-year mark on the 1-Jun. I can't say I had made the most of my year living in KL, but I did quite well with my travels. All in all, it had been a good year. No major events or injuries (okay, apart from the one where I slipped and popped some elbow skin in my own apartment). So, of course, with all that positive experience, no one would think such a thing would happen. That is exactly where I went wrong.

Checking In From Wuhan

Dear pipsqueaks,

(couldn't access to my blogger in China, so this is just an at-the-moment post I wrote while I was in Wuhan...)

Sitting in Secretariat duty, I’m about to pass out from food overdose and over-soreness of the right side of my body. Yes, I was dragged on court during our badminton session last night to play in my jean shorts and randomly offered skater shoes (even though I didn’t mind playing bare feet). Once again, the aftermath proved that I should just stay off court, because the level of expectancy to perform as I did during my junior days is nowhere in comparison to what I can physically do now. So, to save myself all that disappointment, it’s probably better to just resume behind the curtains. Although, I do have to say, it was great fun to be playing again. It does remind me of how and why I find myself in the position that I am now, and in support of such an amazing sport. It’s true- a sport for all ages and all groups.

The tournament is the gathering; the game is the language. Do you speak badminton?

Of course, never trust a chinese when they tell you it will be a “light meal”. The after-baddy snack was more than fifteen dishes, though quite uniquely, styling different types of cuisine. From sashimi to pancakes to wok-tossed vegetables, you could say the meal was well-prepared to accommodate our group of diverse representatives from around the world. Mind you, most of us only had time to change into a fresh shirt before being rushed to dinner. Not knowing it would be in such a grand scale, the expression “under-dressed” facepalmed me upon entering the hotel. Well, at least I didn’t contaminate the surrounding air with waft of distinct odor :P Nonetheless, I wish I were hungry enough to try everything! Needless to say, breakfast was just unnecessary after such a big dinner, but seeing how I’ll be on duty for 4 hours, I should really grab something. A chocolate muffin would have been great, except it’s always when you want something that it’s not there. The hunt is still on for two more mornings!