Bangkok '07

Wah-Wee. It's been so long since I visited Bangkok-Chiangmai and I'd really love going back there.

Here are some of the photos taken while on the trip in 2007.

Bangkok is just absolutely lovely! It's a lively, vibrant city that will keep you moving; grooving.

Tuk-tuk, oh, you're gonna love travelling on one of these charmingly noisy babies.

They're the kings of the roads.

Beautiful temples with intricate carvings can be easily found in Bangkok.

I can't recollect much from my memory bank of my Bangkok trip, but it was certainly one of the most memorable ones.

I backpacked with my lovely travel partner, my cousie; and we were quite a team.

I particularly like the train ride experience from Bangkok to ChiangMai (throughout the night). 

It was simply AMAZING.

No wonder its tagline is 'Amazing Thailand.'

Canon Ixus 130

It's always fun to play with Digicams, especially this one - Canon Ixus 130.

Capturing beautiful photos with digicams is effortless, but with DSLR, it's real headache (for me).

I've tried Lumix and Sony, but none of those can compete with this Canon digicam model.

Mind you, I haven't got the chance to familiarise with the rest of the functions of Canon Ixus 130 and I'm already lovin' it.


Guide:

Press Func. Set --> P (below ISO auto) --> Select --> Press down --> Select preferred function

Colour Accent

Keep only selected colour and change others to Black and White

Taken with Canon Ixus 130

 

Miniature Effect

Blurs top and bottom

Taken with Canon Ixus 130

Fish-eye Effect

Through the eyes of a fish

Taken with Canon Ixus 130

Colour Swap

Change the original colour to the colour you prefer

Taken with Canon Ixus 130

(All photos and texts are copyright reserved -z)

Travel Back in Time

No, this is everything but travelling. 

This is a piece on the most memorable event in my life.
Memorable, a 'positive' adjective?

To me, it has a negative connotation.

The story goes...

It all started on a clear, sunny morning in December, 2004, where birds were tweeting happy tunes and people celebrating a brand new day.

The four of us would've had gone to a shopping mall to enjoy the free air-conditioning and avoid the trapped heat in our small, decent flat house, if it wasn't for dad.

Yes, that day was an exception.

We were all at home - dad, mom, bro and I - despite the heat. We were in the house with a few close friends.

That morning, families and friends were busy rushing in to our house, as though they were racing against time. Some were panting, some were sweating...but they didn't seem to be bothered at all.

They all came for one reason - to see the motionless figure lying on my parents' bed.

The lights were on, but somehow the room seemed gloomier than ever.

I still remember there were whispers everywhere,  but I couldn't hear a sound because I was trapped in my own space - praying real hard in my heart.

All the time, I was kneeling beside the figure, trying to be strong and holding back those tears that were about to roll down. The feelings were intense. I was extremely afraid.

As I prayed, I understood at a deeper level, why people kept saying that we need to cherish every moment and live with no regrets.

As I listened to the voices in my head, I understood that there were regrets in my life.

In the room, some guests were covering their faces with their hands, trying to hide their emotions, some were whispering to each other, while the rest were comforting my mom.

"Don't be sad," they said in a sympathetic tone.

I understood their good intention, but it did no good.

I didn't sleep much the night before. My mind was running wild as to how this would end. What would happen next, I thought deeply.

Although I was tired, I wouldn't let my eyes closed even for one second. This is way more important than getting a rest, I kept telling myself so that I would not fall asleep.

I kept my eyes on the motionless figure, my dad. We were told he wouldn't survive for another two hours.

Two hours!

So, how could I not give my full attention on him?

He had been paralysed since the night before. Mom were driving us back home when Dad suddenly collapsed in the back seat.

Even under the dim moonlight, I could see Mom's face turned pale. I looked at Dad helplessly. 

We had to ask our neighbours to help carry Dad back to our house, which was on the 4th floor. He couldn't move since then. He couldn't even talk.

I don't remember much about that night. Why should I?

He had been murmuring the whole morning. His frustration was obvious because his tears never stopped rolling down his skinny, pale cheek.

I was filled with frustration too - for not being able to read his lips despite trying real hard.

"Those were his final words!" I would scream in my heart whenever I thought of it.

If only I had tried harder.

His flowing tears, I wonder, were they happy tears or sad ones. I guess I'll never know.

Dad lost the battle that day. Despite struggling for several years to keep himself alive, he lost it to fate. Everyone dies. I just have to accept that fact to move on, without him in the picture.

The moment his eyes were shut, for eternity, I broke down. I was in total shock.

It's a mystery, really, as to how I got into a state of disbelief when I was aware what was going to happen.

I remember looking at him for the last time with teary eyes and numbed body. Maybe, just maybe, I didn't want to move at all...I didn't want to leave him. I didn't know how life would be after this...

Finally, someone dragged me out of the room.

After the funeral, my life began as a new chapter without him in it...


(All texts are copyright reserved -z)

A Bowl of Emotions

By z_l3nG


I can still taste the words on my tongue, and they're slowly dissolving in my mouth.

They were so coated with sincerity that I would not forget, in at least another two years.

Those words...
they were wonderfully crafted into sentences so as to cushion the pain that might further stir up my emotions.


Sad, but true, that there was a rather thick mixture of sadness and negativity in the bowl of emotions that day.

I wasn't aware of it. I couldn't even taste it.

"Is it that obvious?" I wondered, as I sat through the interview-turned-lecturing session, and if the session had gone even more in-depth, it'd turn to a therapy or soul-searching session, minus the consultation fee.


"You're such a lovely person, but..." the interviewer in her late 40s said, carefully selecting her words.

"I don't know you from Adam's till today, but..." yet, another sign of hesitation, fearing that the next few words might offend me in someway.

"You look sad and full of negativity," she finally uttered the words she had had in mind.


She flung those words at me, like a huge piece of thick dough slammed to my face.

I didn't suffocate, but I did feel a pinch of embarassment.

However, I was purely thankful for such honesty.


No denial, not today, I told myself.

It's reality check day, mate.

And so, I nodded. "Yes ma'am," I said.

She continued sprinkling spoonfuls of wise words....


As for me, I felt as though there were many punches thrown at me and all I wanted to do was just to run away.

How much longer can I take the punches? I asked myself.

After all, I'm just a common mortal.



The punches, which I soon realised, were my anxiety, my insecurity.

How do you stop anxiety?

Nip the problem in the bud, that's how it's done.


"I know you have dreams, but do not know how to go about achieving them, maybe that's why you're feeling insecure," she gently put into words, with a touch of sensitivity. "Sort out your dilemma."

Iron it out? How? It sounded so easy. But, how?

Nip the problem in the bud.

As easy as it may sound, it's the hardest thing to do.

It's Fight or Die.


I'd better start trying now before it gets too late, before my soul deteriorates even more.

It's already getting so obvious that even a perfect stranger could effortlessly sense it.

Spread the Stupidity, it's called

Witty and fun facts! Mind-boggling as well. Thank you to the one who forwarded this to me. :)

Enjoy!!


1. Supermarkets make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

_______________________________


2. Why do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

_____________________________


3. Why do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

________________________________


4.Why do we leave cars worth thousands of rands in our driveways and put our useless junk in the garage.

________________________________


EVER WONDER ...


5. Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

_______________________________

6. Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?

________________________________


7. Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

________________________________

8. Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?

_______________________________


9. Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?

________________________________

10. Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavouring, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

____________________________


11. Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

________________________________


12. Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

________________________________


13. Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

________________________________


14. Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

________________________________


15. Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

________________________________


16. You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

________________________________


17. Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

_____________________________


18. Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

________________________________


19. If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

________________________________



Yea? Told you it'd be fun to read. Cheers!

A Day in Singapore

In a Day's Trip



To Go

While in Singapore, better known as the Lion City, my uncle who's lived there for ages brought me to....


The Singapore Changi International Airport

If you're on a shoestring budget, this is a place to go.

It may sound like an unconventional way of spending your time as a tourist, but once you enter, you can immediately feel the inviting atmosphere.

Terminal 3 boasts wonderful contemporary architectural designs and it's rather amazing how everything blend in perfectly inside this Terminal.

The airport is absolutely clean, including its washrooms.

This elegantly-dressed Terminal  has so much to offer that it looks (to me) more like a shopping mall than an actual airport, where you just sit down and wait for your departure.

The locals, called Singaporeans, bring their families to this very Terminal for a pleasant family outing - taking a stroll, grabing a bite and watching airplanes touch down and depart at the viewing point.

Students bring along their books and find a nice spot to sit down and study; some teenagers even bring their own games to play with friends.

Why do people hang out in Terminal 3?

Not only does it clad in a contemporary architectural outfit, the terminal's also hugged with trees to balance the whole environment of the airport terminal, and it's absolutely spacious and relaxing.

The architects of Terminal 3 incorporate skylights into their design, as part of their "go green' effort.

Just look at the photos!

Restaurants are everywhere. If you want a more economical meal, head to the Food Court.

It's not just simply an airport, it completes your travelling experience and becomes part of your journey.

We spent absolutely nothing, except $2.50 for the parking fee.

If you're not driving, you can take the MRT train that takes you directly to the airport.





To Dine

For a whole new dining atmosphere, visit Marche at Vivo City (MRT stop at Harbourfront).

It's located at the very top level of Vivo City.

Marche is a Swiss restaurant and you can expect the setting similar to a market's, but cleaner and sweeter.

Oh, this place is for food enthusiasts. It's a food haven! The food are a delight to see.

There are so much to choose from, that you might get lost in your excitement and lose track of how much you've spent using the swipe card system.

Here's how it works at Marche:

1. Wait to be seated.
2. The staff will give a card to you.
3. After ordering food, give your card to the staff in-charged for a swipe.
4. After finishing your food and leaving, pay at the counter at the exit.

Simple steps!

The fresh food and beverages served at Marche will undoubtedly leave you drooling...and asking for more, if you like Swedish cuisine.

They have a fine range of food and beverages, including pasta, vege, sandwiches, muffins, desserts and fresh juices.

I tried their homemade pineapple lemonade and how thirst quenching it was! Absolutely tropical.

                          (The restaurant is so authentic, even the decor are all so Swedish; so cosy and at home)

They have bottles of Oranginas too!

My friend told me there's one Marche in Mid Valley, but not as good as this one in Singapore. I'm not aware of Marche in KL!





To Dine 2


Changi Village


According to my uncle, this is an area where many "Ang Mohs" (westerners) like to chill out because the place is breezy and cool 'cos it's at the beach.

Changi Village is around 20 minutes drive from the airport, depending on the traffic.

This place is AWEsome.

There are many food stalls, including pubs. The food are nice and served in generous portions, at very reasonable prices too!

However, that's the not the key attraction in Changi Village.

It's the beach where an amazing experience awaits.

Take a stroll along the beach after a satisfying dinner and make sure you keep your eyes open all the time.

You wouldn't want to miss out seeing airplanes zooming past your head, would you?

From a distance, you'll see two beaming lights, that will slowly approach the beach and if lucky, right above your head and that's when you'll realised the lights come from an airplane.

You can watch an airplane in the sky, flying, at a close range. Cool? It's better than watching them at the airport, right?



Well, I ended my trip in Singapore at Changi Village, bade my farewell and headed to Skudai, Johor for a one-night stay there.


Note: Always wear comfortable shoes, preferably no heels, for you're gonna walk, walk and walk in this city.



(All photos and texts are copyright reserved -z)

Malaysian Drivers, Tsk Tsk Tsk

You and I know Malaysia is famous for many things - teh tarik, Petronas Twin Towers, orang utans, 1Malaysia and corruption and...Rude Drivers.

After all, Malaysians are a capable bunch.

I know, rude motorists are everywhere.

But, Malaysians...ah, you'll be surprised of how rude and un-courteous we can be.

Here's a list of the things Malaysians do on the road:



Accident? What Happened a?

Ever wonder why you're stuck in a traffic jam without a reason?

In one second, you're driving happily because the traffic is smooth-flowing, suddenly you hit the brake and after a short stretch of traffic jam, you drive on like a free man again.

What happened at the short stretch, you wonder?

An accident, maybe?

Yes. But on the opposite direction!

Almost every driver, I can assure you, will either slow down or brake a bit and turn their heads to see what's going on, like they really care and will help out.

These nosy people are the ones who cause traffic jams. BOO.

Curiosity kills the cat, people. Don't create another accident.



Baby's Joy Ride

I'm talking about Lucky toddlers who first steer the wheels at the age of 2 or younger.

Their daddys just can't wait to give them their first driving lesson.

How sweet...

Sarcasm aside, I was utterly horrified when I witnessed fathers who sat their small babies on their laps while they were driving. Small babies!

Where are the enforcers when you need them!?



Car as Playground

Despite the proactive campaign of buckling up in the car, many parents ignore it.

They let their kids stand on the seat, walk from left to right and jump up and down and treat the car like a playground.

Tell me this, what happens to the kids when the car make a sudden halt?

They go tumbling down like Jack and Jill.



No signalling

Almost all of us don't turn on the indicator when turning into a junction. We're just too afraid it'll drain off the battery power.

One day, my friend was driving on the fast lane at 100km/h, following quite closely behind a car when the driver made a sudden swerve to the left.

To my friend's utter shock, there was a car sitting motionless right in front and he had to hit the brake so hard to avoid crashing into the car that had just broken down.

Now, don't convince me that there were other reasons that the driver didn't see the car in front of him.

He didn't even signal any warning to my friend.

What if there's a car tailing closely behind my friend? Another accident.



Jumping Q

What usually happens is this: The impatient driver would drive pass all other cars in queue and stop right where the turning is, with the signal on (they think it'll work).

Just as the traffic light turns green, he would get so close to your car, you'd just have to give way to him.

Otherwise, your precious car would get itself a dimple (dent).



Beating traffic lights

Oh yes, we do have a habit of beating traffic lights...Even a car which is travelling at 35km/h will speed up to 100km/h just as the traffic light turns yellow. Amazing, ain't it?

Motorcyclists are good at this. I call them the Opportunists. When they see an opportunity (no car at sight), they seize it.

Kudos!



Creative parker

Oh, I see this almost everywhere and I ain't kidding. I hate this particular place where I have to go on Sundays.

It's at Taman Connaught, Cheras. If you're familiar with this area, you'd know the most visited Dim Sum shop there.

I've been there a few times and I seriously do not have a clue as to why so many people throng this shop.

(Pic: Somewhere in SS2, Petaling Jaya: Cars sitting comfortably on non-parking space.

Can't blame them. Their asses are too heavy they just have to park right in front of the shop.)

The customers park wherever they like and even double park their cars just so they can have a lovely dim sum breakfast. To make things worse, the shop owner even places tables on the road itself.

Can you imagine the chaos on that road?

Oh, I bet the dim sum shop owner owns the roads there since they don't have any troubles with the authorities. Get it? Well, money sometimes can buy everything.



Multi-taskers

I'm usually the passenger so I get to observe all the time. I see drivers managing their tasks in the car very well.

The tasks they do?

Dig stubborn gold (nose), munching sandwiches, replying SMSes, answering phone calls, conducting (moving hands) while talking, reading papers during traffic jams, picking up things from the car floor, tie hairs, you name it.

There's one time when I was on the road and this car in front of us was swaying right and left and travelling quite slowly on a fast lane. So, we drove past him and like everyone else, took a glance at the driver.

Walla! He was on the phone!



(What a bummer! This topic was published on The Star last weekend. Shall not procrastinate.)