@Lalaland

when i try to write like frankMccourt

2012-01-28T16:54:00.009+08:00

Just finish a book by FrankMcCourt, Angela's Ashes and I have this feeling like trying to write like him. I always have this urge when I really drawn into a book. So, this is my version of what i call frankmcCourt style. I kind of like his style. Its like laughing-at-your-bad-fate-like-its-not-bad-at-all genre. Thanks Erme for borrowing me the book. A great book indeed and I am so sure I won't read it if you don't give a good review, like told me its your favourite book :)
I'll write the review later because now I want to write my own piece.

I hope anyone read this will like it. I'm just experimenting.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
When I was in primary school, everyone thought I will be successful not like any other kids in the village will. With a track record like that, I was a legend of the school. But, there's no fortune teller at the village to ensure that or to read my palm and told me what a great future waiting for me. In the village, there’s only poor people from all around the country, chosen to live here in the settlement. They call it settlement and everyone's father was a settler, besides 1 manager from the government, few officers, few nurses at the local clinic, teachers and a headmaster.

Everyone's father was a settler. And everyone's mother was a housewife. Settler's work, my father's work were at the palm oil plantation. Every settler got 10 acres of land and other assistance from government such as small palm oil plant and fertilizer. Our fathers have to work hard everyday from morning until after 5 planting palm oil trees, take off old leaves, get the fruits when its ripen enough and a stack of palm oil fruit was weighed about 5kg. It was a hard job for any man. When my father came back from work one day, sweating all over his body, my brother try to cheer him up and to show how much he care and how he was a good boy.

How's your day dad? Oh, great. I was just come back from playground and had a good time there. My brother never asked him again after that day. He was maybe eleven or twelve that time, but I think he already understand the meaning of sarcasm. He was a smart boy.

Anyway, I don't want to tell about my father, the palm oil or how smart my brother was. I want to tell story about me. I think I am the cursed one. Let me continue my story.

I used to think that I was a sleeping beauty and I was curse by an evil witch. I have to sleep and wait for my prince charming to save me and bring me back to live. That happily ever after life.
But, that was not the case. My parents were not king and queen and they don’t have a kingdom but only 10 acres of palm oil plantation. Witches were not interested in that. After all, how could I be a sleeping beauty while I'm not that beautiful. My older sisters and my younger sister were more beautiful than me. I have small eyes, small nose, and uneven teeth although I do have a fair skin like sleeping beauty. But I guess the sleeping beauty's skin must be much fairer than me, with bigger eyes, red lips and beautiful thick black hair like Selena Gomez.

If one of us was a sleeping beauty, it would be one of my sisters. Maybe my youngest sister. Well, every fairy tales prefer the youngest one to be the heroine. Like Cinderella. She was the youngest and all her sisters were bitches. So, if my sister was a Cinderella, I will be the mean stepsister.

I better not compare my life with fairy tales because I can't relate to any of it. The closest character would just be the Cinderella's stepsisters. No way. I think they are uglier than me and I was not a mean person.

I don't have any idea when my life was turned upside down. From a star at the primary school to the invisible underacheiver girl of high school.
I hate school and I don't know how to fit in. My previous friends were all settlers’ kid. Maybe 1 or two was officer's or teacher's kid. But we played kite or bottle cap or pebbles and we read Adik Beradik Hadi and Siri Salma series. We understand the book and the game very well and we really have fun with that.

Kids in this boarding school were different. They play the cookie jar game, which I don't understand. And the language too.
Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar
Who me?
Yes you.
Couldn't be
Then who
Number 2 stole the cookies from the cookie jar
Who me?
Yes you.
Couldn't be
Then who
Number 3 stole the cookies from the cookie jar
Who me?
Yes you.
Couldn't be
Then who
We keep chanting that until one of us stuttered or something and she's out of the game. Not so fun, but I played it so I'll have friends.

They also read more than me, and nothing like I previously read. The Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley University, Sweet Valley Teens. Some read harder-to-read books like books written by Judith McNought for romantic genre and Sidney Sheldon or Stephen King for adventurous genre. For horror, they read books by Christopher Pike or RL Stine.
I never thought people will make book as a collection. I always borrow my books from school library and return it back after 2 or 3 weeks. Th only story book in our house that time was 3 or 4 from my sisters. I don't know how they get it, but I guess their teacher must tell them to buy that for school. I love this one book that my sister got when she won a poem recital at school. Gegaran Di Danau Toba by Hasni Tamrin Halimi. It was about a boy who went to visit Danau Toba in Indonesia and he was cought by the Batak people who was known from folk stories as man eater. I also love this book Awang Ada Duit Semua Jadi. About a young man who was a believer in money. That he could do everything if he has money. Although I don't believe his principle, the story was so good that makes me believe, you can do everything when you have money, and a good brain.

They don't read that books I guess.

I love my primary school. I hate my secondary school. I blame it for I was there. I would cry at night and still wish the prince charming will come to save me. Damn, I was still not over for the fairy tale story. I try to tell my mom, I want to get out of this school. I told her I cried every night and sometimes at day time in the shower. Later when I came back home for school semester break, my siblings tease me for crying at school in the shower. I felt ashamed and I never told story like that to mother anymore. I don't want to be teased.

For them it was a blessed for me to go there, the chosen one. For me it was a curse, for I don't want to be there. I just want to be like any of my siblings. Go to local secondary school, average grade, average work and nothing 'chosen one' about me. Being the chosen one won't give me any happiness. I just want to be the ordinary one. It will be more fun. I won't cry at night or in the shower, like my sisters and brothers. I'll have same stories like them and it will be easier to share.

But I stayed there for 5 years and only God knows how million days it were.

Now at 30, I wonder what are they talking about the chosen one.

But...
This is when the story actually started.

--------------to be continued--------------or not-----------------------------

*ps: As any fiction, some is true, some is not. Up to you to decide :)

when he said

2012-01-20T02:53:00.001+08:00

'the br1m is not politically motivated'

It didn't make sense at all because it IS a political move.
The money is rakyat's money and that's their job to help the rakyat.
If that's not politic, then, what is that. A charity?

Government never give charity, they provide welfare. And that's their responsibility as they got the political power which give them access to all resources available.

Please politicians, you can do better than that, even if you are desperate and election is just around the corner. And I'm referring to all politician no matter which party they are in.

yesterday was a start for a new routine

2012-01-18T12:14:00.055+08:00

Dear Lalaland,

So yesterday, my new routine finally started. I've been thinking about working in night shift for few years, and finally I got the chance. I have this hypothesis for a long time, that I'm more a night owl, than an early bird. Let the experiment begins.

Anyway, its a contract position and I could find a new job if I don't like it (after the contract ended) and if I like it, I hope there's opportunity for permanent position.

Few days back, I read a book's note by Derek. The title is The Developing World - by Fredrik Haren.

For a long time, I always blame people who (at the first place) labeled us as the third world country because it makes us think that we are worse than those in the first or second world country. Whatever we do, how successful we are, we still third world country's residents. First and second world countries is always better in anything they do. If the spell a word wrong, we have to believe its a trend. If they wear peculiar clothes, we have to believe they are moving forward and we are too conservative. But if we are the one who start to wear the same clothes, they will make us believe we are weirdo and awkward. For the reason that we don't understand, we can't be a trendsetter. Not cool, they say, and we have to believe that too.

But, after reading this book, it makes me take it from different perspective. The harder we get, the more people don't want to respect, the more we want to fight and to prove that we are, if not better, is as par as any other people in this world. Because we are 'the third' we will always try to work harder to make us 'the first' (and only God knows when we will get it. By prediction, we will never be the first world country as doomsday is predicted on Dec 21st this year).

I think internet&mass media is a good thing. It unveil the rest of the world.

For instance, I know most countries in the world. I watch drama series from south america's country, film from all around the world - hollywood, bollywood, hong kong, korea, china etc etc.

My indian friend amazed when I know their movies, movie stars and even can sing some of the songs.

My south american friend can't believe I watch la usurpadora, maria mercedes, miss tres hermanas

my french friend didn't expect moi parlez francais

and my czech friend, never even heard of a country named malaysia. he said its like an exotic place.

most of them didn't know malaysia has the tallest twin building in the world.
Those are just simple instances.

We know a lot of things. Sometimes we imitate. Sometimes we improve. Sometimes we create something new. We understand the whole picture. And that a good thing for us. The third world residents.

I always imagine, what would happen if America collapse. Europe collapse. India, China &Asia arise.

We will be the trendsetter from literature to fashion to philosophy. And our culture will be perceived as the best. Will that ever happen?

Well, people used to think that Soviet Union won't ever fall.

This make me want to sing

Follow the mosque,

down to gorky park.

Listening to the wind.

of change.

do you ever feel

2012-01-15T14:04:00.001+08:00

like when you like something too much
you can't bear to see other people doing it
or tell story about it to other people
being interviewed on TV etc etc
write their experience on local paper etc etc

such as backpacking
or traveling

i don't know about others
but I feel uneasy
& jealous
and I wish the person was me!
So I switch off the TV or change the channel or pretending I didn't see it

i know
psycho
and selfish

kot?

i think i am

2012-01-14T02:09:00.001+08:00

poyo.

Well, sometimes. Especially when I write. At one time I might think I like it all my heart.
After reading it over and over again,
hmm..a little bit too poyo.
(Any of my reader recognize my poyoness pattern recently?)

Well, I take that as a learning process (I can't find better excuse anyway). There are some writers that I like sometimes wrote poyo pieces too. Sometimes cliche. Sometimes predictable punch line. Predictable closing.

And today I think I wrote a poyo farewell email too. Luckily that was my last day.

Being an non-conformist, I don't think that's a very bad thing. People can love you or hate you for the same reason. Look Lady Gaga. She's weird. Fans gonna love, haters gonna hate.

I remember a quote I read somewhere told that, for million years, everyone hate it and out of sudden, everyone's love. Well. something like that. I don't remember the exact words. (For sure, it was better than mine). Somehow, it tells you, just do what you want to do, people might love it, people might hate it, people might think you are poyo. People might hate it today, people might love it tomorrow. Let them be for them being themselves.

Dare to be different. Be it your look, your behaviour or even your thought. No one can be you as good as you do.

ok, i think i will write a rambling post because I can't sleep now

2012-01-13T14:18:00.000+08:00

I miss my travel period.

I hate being in this rat race. First because its tiring to steer without knowing the exact destination and second, I lost my real purpose.

Third, I am not even a rat! Why should I be in their race?

This time to look back on what I really want to do with my life. I love writing and I know I can write. I love writing and I know I still have many rooms for improvement. I know there's a lot writer out there and only some can make a living out of it and most of them are underpaid. I just believe, there's a room for me there, never mind if anyone think I won't fit in. I need no one's approval.

I love writing because I love reading. I know what reading is like. I love pieces that gives me new perspective, new sense of direction and inspire me to live the way I want to be. I love pieces that makes me cry, makes me laugh, makes me wonder about things around me. I love pieces that give me a second thought.

And that's my dream to write that kind of quality. I believe a writer is more that a writer. She can be interpreter of the world, a storyteller of the universe, an inspiration. A critics, an explorer, a fortune teller.

I want to travel the world too. I always wondering what the people who already traveling around the world feel. I guess it would be an awesome feeling.

Traveling and writing. It seems so perfect together.

Who knows.

--------

Some things to remember

* Be proud, be very proud of yourself. Avoid any pixel of arrogance. Let there be more rooms for improvements.

* Its not the idea that great, the execution that matters.
* There are 2 types of fear. Necessary and unnecessary. The latter is usually can get rid of.

P/S: this post is great! I probably free this weekend and maybe I can do a little baking project?

P/S: After about 5 months, today is my last day working at the place I'm currently working..wohooo..Next week, there will be new routine for me. The most I'm looking forward to, I don't have to wake up so early. New environment too. Hope I'll like it. Wish me all the best!

insomnia

2012-01-13T00:03:00.001+08:00

kadang aku rasa
biar mati saja
jika aku tidak bisa tidur

kadang aku rasa
aku dewa tidur
yang dihukum
atas dosa yang aku sendiri lupa

aku yakin aku dewa tidur

kepercayaan aku pada tidur sangat kuat, setinggi everest, sedalam tasik baikal
aku percaya ia bisa jadikan mata kamu bersinar seperti charlize theron
tidur bisa buat kamu berani mengejar mimpi setabah stephen hawking
dan aku percaya, dengan tidur berkualiti,
kamu mampu bangun setiap pagi dan menari seperti tom hansen selepas bertemu summer finn dalam 500 days of summer

begitu tinggi aku letakkan nilai tidur itu
kerana itu aku yakin aku dewa tidur

biarlah
walau aku tidak mampu tidur
aku sudah cukup senang
melihat orang disekelilingku bisa tidur dengan bahagia
ia meyakinkan aku tentang adanya magis

hanya cuma aku
dewa tidur yang malang

selamat malam
aku masih mahu cuba tidur

*jika kamu belum mahu tidur, kamu boleh ulang baca omong depresi diatas. apa kata kali ini tukar *tidur* kepada *cinta*

hey, first week of new year 2012 has just passed

2012-01-08T03:41:00.008+08:00

first thing first, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
hopefully 2012 will bring great, magical, awesome, beautiful 365 days ahead of me
~~lets not talk about the 3 series thing yet~~
I don't really remember about any resolution for previous years, but during few weeks of last year, I was really excited to make resolution for 2012. Not too ambitious this time and my 2012 resolution has just 4 items. Nothing so serious either, just something fun, I guess.

I'll share about it later.

I went to Melaka for new year's celebration.
Anyway, there's not really a great celebration on that new year's eve at Dataran Pahlawan, but, few fireworks was just alright to kick start my year :)

So, how about some photos?

At the famous ruins in Melaka

In front of the red CristChurch cathedral on new year's eve

At the submarine museum

On another note, for the first time after 5 years (ermm maybe 6?) I stayed in this house, we (me and housemate) finally threw a party at our place! Thanks favourite people, for coming :))

Aren't we look cute? ;p

Welcome 2012. Now that you are here, lets rockin'!

* Thinking of watching 13 going on 30 on my birthday this year..love Jennifer Garner's dimples :)

** My latest fav site. Refinery29. A beauty and fashion site.
They made prediction for trends for 2012, and the most I'm looking forward is anything lace (from jewelry to cardigan) and waist-drop dress. I think that will be a hit. Lets just wait and see whether I made a good prediction. :)

new year's wisdom

2011-12-27T21:33:00.001+08:00

Wisdom 1
Well, I think that sometimes I was too ambitious. I thought I can touch the sky by just jumping from the ground, or at most, from a chair. So after few attempts, I believe that its impossible to reach the sky.
What I didn't realize was, I can get higher not only by jumping. There are planes or even spaceship that can get me there.

Wisdom 2
I was always a believer in happy ending. But what is happy ending without good storyline. The more I watch movies, the more I realize that the more important is how the story goes from beginning to the end, not the ending. Its the same thing to 'the climb' metaphor that people always refer to. So now, I have to focus on every story and make a good storyline out of it.
Happy ending, not necessarily, but still, it'll be a bonus!

4 days to new year 2012

interesting week, i guess

2011-12-18T13:59:00.002+08:00

Did you heard of Uniqlo? It think, I see their ad in every newspaper now, everyday and after I read an article in Newsweek, I understand why. The founder, 62 years old Tadashi Yanai (currently the richest man in Japan) is one ambitious business man. He has a clear direction on the business and target to get 5 trillion sale and the biggest apparel company by 2020. Not a small business!
It already open 3 outlets in Malaysia. Anyway, I haven't start to like it yet although I did browsing the collection at KLCC outlet several times already. Currently I love JCrew, Anthropologie and Mango. When I was in NZ, I love Glassons collections.

In the same Newsweek magazine, which listed richest people in the world, the story of Sean Parker really moved me. He is just 31, yet so successful. He started young and if he choose his tract wisely, no doubt, he will be the next Steve Jobs.

*Random 1
I think The Duchess of Cambridge never went wrong with fashion and I love her style. Besides that, I also wonder how she manage to keep that smiling faces all the time.

*Random 2
Who believe in flower power? I am. Look at this powerful lady. While working on challenging the status quo, promoting democracy in her military governed country, she never leave the 'flower', which she always wears on her hair. Don't you think its lovely?

Last Friday's dinner with favourite people

I think this is an interesting week with some random awesome things that happen to me and people around me.

Keep smiling! There's always a reason for it.

2011-12-18T11:29:00.003+08:00

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable... thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.

~Charles R. Swindoll~

lets talk movie

2011-12-14T05:42:00.232+08:00

I never like movie watching too much, but right now I think it's one of my favourite time out. So, lets make a movie review! (just my opinion, my words my experience and expectation).
*Spoiler alert warning* (but I think I won't spoil anything thou)

The Adventures of Tin Tin (The Secret of the Unicorn)
This was a highlight this year. I never plan to watch the movie until I read several reviews, and the fact that it involved 2 big names with great reputation in entertainment industry - Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. It based on a comic books created by a Belgian artist. I never knew this comic book until this movie came out. (At later thought, I might have seen this comic, especially the main character's distinct nose, but never interested to read). It was about a young investigative reporter's adventure to unveil the Secret of the Unicorn - its a ship's name, but its more than a ship actually. The storyline was good although there's some expected scene. But I really love the strong character of Tin Tin himself. I won't buy his look, but throughout the movie, the character really built up and I just love him. He was confident, brilliant and strong willed. The movie was awesome. The adventure was awesome and I read some reviews that the 3D version was great too. Can't wait for the sequel.

The Twilight Saga (Breaking Dawn)
Oh, this one. I watched it because a friend has a free ticket. I never a fan of Twilight movies. Never finish watching the very first Twilight movie because I think its so boring. (Anyway I watch the Twilight parody movie - Vampires Suck and loved it..had a good laugh).
Ok, about the movie, as expected, was boring. Bella was boring, Edward was boring (and his pale vampire look was still funny in this 4th movie). Jacob was handsome, but still boring. I'm sorry, but the vampires and wolves thing just didn't make any sense to me. Even the wedding and honeymoon scene was boring, especially the honeymoon scene. For me (as a human being) wedding and honeymoon has to be FUN but maybe definition of fun is different for this vampire world. I have no idea. Maybe they don't joke in vampire world. Well, with face like that, people will think twice to laugh even if they tell good jokes with good punch line.
Anyway, I still wish there will be next sequel. Called Twilight Saga - Its Finally Morning. Hopefully it will have a storyline that explained that the previous prequel was just a nightmare of a real life teen girl. Soon, she wake up and went to school, has real friends, found real boy to fall in love with. And hopefully there's no Bella, no Edward, no Jacob, no vampire, no wolf. I definitely will support this one. I promise.
Just if you wonder, I am in Bella or Edward of Jacob team, without any doubt, I am Vampires Suck Team.
No offense to Twilight fan. Just, this is not my thing and, I don't know, it just feel good to write bad things about it. I know, its evil. ;)

Puss in Boots

Once upon a time, me and Humpty Alexander Dumpty

I love all Shrek movies. I love Puss in Boots character. And I love cats. That are the reasons why I went to watch this movie. My mistake, I made a high expectation of it. I want it to be as good as Shrek and I hope that Puss is as fun as in Shrek. The movie, overall was good. But as I said, I had high expectation and it didn't meet that expectation. The characters were good, the script was ok, but I found something is just not felt right. I think its the storyline. For me, it should be a 'movie for kids that adults can enjoy'. Instead this one was more like a 'movie for adult, that hope kids will enjoy'. Maybe you can refer to The Adventure of Jimmy Neutron/ Spongebob Squarepants/ maybe Barbie movies to understand what I am saying.
Overall, the movie was good. The kitty version of Puss was super cute! Especially the time when Humpty decide the name for him. The way he shook his head was just... cute.
Anyway, Jack and The Beanstalk was never in my favorite fairy tales list. But if you don't think too critically (me, I just can't help) and just want to have fun, this movie is just all right for the whole family.

50/50
Forgettable. Just after you went out of the movie theater, nothing left in your mind to digest anymore. The storyline was flat. The characters were weak (and the strongest one is the main character's best friend, which is my least favourite character in the movie, anyway). The idea of the movie is good. A young man who struggle to face his everyday life, after diagnosed with bone cancer and have to go to chemo and everything. I just think it could be executed better. I blame the script. For instance, the therapist didn't seem like she knows anything about psychology or how to make the patient feel better (yes, we know she's just on her training, but she must learned something in classroom already). In most of the 'theraphy' session, the only words she said was "it's normal to feel what you feel at your situation now". I mean, LAME. I could do better than that. She, at least,can tell him the truth. "You might die or you might survive, but how you spend these days of your life is more important than anything else right now". Something like that. Its not about manipulating the patient thought (as believed by the main character), but to make things clear and how to make the best of things.
Anyway, Joseph Gordon-Lewitt, I know this genre looks like 500 Days of Summer, but next time, please check the script and choose wisely to maintain your acting credibility (and your charming look too :)

Till next movie..daa for now

telling her she looks hot is amateur

2011-12-11T20:31:00.002+08:00

There's a lot of notes i wrote inside my little black notebook. Especially on things that I wanted to write on this blog. Nothing very important, but just to remind myself that at this point of time, this is things that revolve around me.

There's the story about streets weeks ago. Its something like domino effect of middle class people in the world, after the Arab Spring. Its started when some people want to Occupy Wall Street, then they go bigger and say lets Occupy All Street and later, they decide to make in international so they go Occupy Everywhere. But really, anything improve so far? At least its a start, I am positive.

Oh, I really, really want to write about the current trend of our entertainment industry, especially drama's or film. The plot is simple, show all possible bad deeds for 95% of the show, and another 5 to show good deeds to justify the 'moral value of the story'. Thats....sucks. Especially for children (well, I don't mean that children will think it suck, what i mean is it gives bad infleunce to them). Children learn from what they see right? So please, be more creative to teach people 'you should not do bad thing'. You are creative people, go figure.
Please, don't let people think that politeness only exist in fiction and rudeness is nothing but individual right.

Ok, that's serious stuff, lets move on to another things I currently love.

1. One of my current favourite contemporary writer is Nury Vittachi. He is a columnist for Readers Digest and The Sun newspaper. Go to his blog here. Expect sarcasm in every post or article.

2. I found this blog while bloghopping and fall in love straight away. She has a good taste and I love everything featured here. Glamour and grace - inspirations for modern vintage wedding. Love that!

3. This is the most beautiful vintage video clips for a lovely song. The Band Perry is considered as a new band on the block and I heard they got several nominations for the next Grammy award. The coolest thing about the band is, all 3 of them are siblings. The Perry siblings. In the other hand, this song by Joe Brooks is awesome, just I don't really like the video clip. His voice, for me, is like a combination of James Blunt+Chris Martin (of Coldplay). Imagine! (He will be performing LIVE in Singapore on Dec 15)

4. 30 Act of kindness - on your birthday. Do you have any friend who did things like this? I think its cool. I will be 30 next year, so this is the best idea to celebrate the month of JUNE :) Well, I really believe that to live more is to give more. Especially when people less expected of it. The simplest things count, like an honest smile or buy a breakfast for the cleaning lady at your office.

5. And oh, few weeks ago, we got our sweetest gold medal for SEA Games for Football! It was an intense 2 hours game which finally the winner was decided by penalty kicks. So proud of our young Harimau Malaya (under 23 team).
I think, its nothing wrong to be a seasonal football fan. I'm a seasonal football fan since 1995. I used to be a fulltime fan (maybe a year or two only..hehe). I didn't watch every game, but I never miss to watch the weekly wrap-up. That was the time when Khalid Jamlus was a star player, Azizul Kamaluddin was the best player for Pahang team, and I had a crush on Akmal Rizal Rakhli (even bought the BolaSepak magazine with him on the cover page..believe me he was more handsome then). My mind always associate Irfan Bakti with Negeri Sembilan. I don't really know when did he became a Terengganu coach and now I heard he will coach Selangor team next year. Anyway, I'm just happy to be a seasonal fan now. I just don't think I can watch football every week.

OK, I think that's enough for now. It's really hard to find time to focus and write at this moment. And if you are a blogger, I think you know how much time to take to just write just an entry. That's why I post more photos lately.

I really miss us traveling together....

Enjoy your day good people.

one of the reasons why the world is a beautiful place

2011-12-06T22:09:00.000+08:00

Umar Zahin bin Turse Zuhair.
Tok Mah's youngest grandson. Just 33 days old when the photo was taken. Looked like a big boy already.

i heart

2011-11-30T21:08:00.000+08:00

Friday Morning

2011-11-25T01:47:00.016+08:00

Taken just after I woke up

Taken just before go to work

Photos were taken on Friday last week. I know it is not million dollar view. But just I love how the sun tells me he's coming :). Have a great Friday lovelies.

when you have old lipstics

2011-11-23T00:27:00.002+08:00

and you don't think you can't finish it for the next 3 years
do this on you mirror.. :)

Happy Wednesday ;)

now everyone can travel new zealand

2011-11-20T23:04:00.001+08:00

I'm sooo jealous of Henry Golding [refer 8tv, 1030 every sunday]
Anyway, I've been there done that tooo..
for this week episode, this was my journey
(Of course you did everything in Queenstown, but that's not fair because it's sponsored. I can't afford to do all..huu)

I gotta sleep now. Hope I'll dream of New Zealand.

Happy Monday :)

all set for next week

2011-11-20T15:49:00.001+08:00

Monsoon is here.
Its nice to have sunny morning and cold night, don't you think?
(Hopefully, there will be no flood or if it comes, please don't be too harsh to us like what it did to Bangkok recently)

Have a great week ahead.

The (other) Wall

2011-11-19T13:03:00.000+08:00

My study table's wall

My previous office workspace's wall (2010)

My latest wall...
will be coming up soon.
Hehe...nothing big actually, just something I love and wanted to do

purple

2011-11-14T22:01:00.002+08:00

sarahcocohoney might like this :)
felt like eating donut yesterday, but I end up making keria
actually I didn't plan to make it purple, but then, I bought the purple sweet potato
so, my first keria

I didn't expect the color to be so awesomely purple

Deep fried

In another pan, cooked sugar with water (for coating)

tadaaaa...(not purple anymore)

Verdict: a little bit hard (too much flour maybe) and I forgot to add salt..huuu. Nevermind, still got 3 pieces of sweet potato left..

* I love my camera :))

he's back!

2011-11-13T20:21:00.001+08:00

It was a laid back weekend and I spend most of my time at home sweet home.
Nothing much to update here, just enjoice some photos...

I cooked something simple for lunch (the purple brown thingy was an grilled eggplant, ate with sambal belacan = finger licking good). My photos/my cooking are not as good Mrs Lemongrass or Mr Mat Gebu, but I'm learning. (Masterchef Season 3, remember?..hehe)

I do the drawing while watching The X-Factor USA. Love Drew's voice. It sounds heavenly, don't you think? (The drawing is of course, inspired by Geninne's)

Half done. I didn't plan to paint this, just to finish it with black art pen. This is for my little 'Wall Project'. Will update once finished :)

This is also for the 'Wall Project'. Paradise. Paradise. Paradise.

And...hey..my handsome sweet pie is home! Didn't all photos in this post look awesome? Thanks to him :) (Yes, I'm talking about my dslr..hehe)

i miss i miss i miss

2011-11-03T21:59:00.004+08:00

someone should invent a stronger word for 'MISS'

Only God knows what or how I feel every time I think or being reminded about my NZ time. My nerves and muscles just react to it simultaneously and my face can't help but to smile. Today, when Nana tagged me 2 photos of our trip to Milford Sound, it sort of bring back the memories and sensation I felt that time.For sure, it really made my day!

There is a show, hosted by Henry Golding called Now Everyone Can Travel to New Zealand will be showing started Nov 6, every Sunday, 1030pm. It is a collaboration between Air Asia and 8TV to promote NZ. He is one lucky, lucky man. Get to go all places and doing all exciting stuffs, fully sponsored, even get paid. ENVY HIM. I should be that guy. I mean, that girl.

But, at least, I've been to almost places and Iamsowanttodothatagain.

Ok, lets move on to something else. Just a random ramblings and suddenly I want to write about marriage. I believe it is the most valuable contract between 2 people. But what's the purpose? Some might say for reproduction, some say its a physiological needs, some use it for business deal, some for power (especially in ancient time). I don't know about others, but for me marriage should be between 2 people who can complementing each other so they could be the best that they can be. Also, compromising to each other's flaws, for the rest of their life, that level of understanding that's hard to get. One should get married only if they know or believe that the marriage will provide them with this assurance.

Anyway, that is just my thought. Sounds very theoretical and might not even a practical for some people. But that's what I believe, at least for now. You are welcome to disagree with me.

Enough ramblings...
Have a nice Friday people :)

Don't you think this photo just summarizes my post today? hehe. A newlywed's photoshoot at Lake Tekapo, NZ

another cinderella story?

2011-11-02T23:43:00.005+08:00

its 1101pm and I am supposed to sleep an hour ago
but I am not

right here on my couch
typing this while watching..another cinderella story
yes
the title is another cinderalla story, staring selena gomez (and I don't know who's the guy playing prince charming)
airing on 8tv since an hour ago
so, as an avid fan of fairy tales, I consider this as a sacrifice (to my 8 hours sleep regime)

to make myself less guilty, I ironed all clothes for the week, and update my blog..hehe

Last week I read an article titled 8 'scary food myths-busted'. It was interesting, and the next day, Nadia the morning DJ read it all in FlyFm, so I think you might interested to read it too. Click here. (I'd love to write an introduction like that).

I'm using Geninne wallpaper for my laptop since early this year and it keeps changing every month. Looks like the November wallpaper is already here.

I am currently trying to mastering myself in the art of delayed gratification. Just wondering if there's any other experiments done other than that Marshmallow test.

Photo via here

And, I will have alfresco lunch this Friday. Maybe similar to this..hehe

its 12pm
another cinderella story already ended... with happy ending of course
and I gotta sleep

*P/s: I didn't know that selena gomez is a good dancer too. I mean, world is unfair.

checked

2011-10-30T21:02:00.004+08:00

My week was awesome
Especially when there's 2 weekends :)

First thing first, I finished reading Secangkir Teh Pengubat Letih and since then, my mind think a lot about Turkey and my eyes catch every news about Turkey. The writer, Hasrizal or sometimes refers himself as Abu Saif (father of Saif as his child named Saiful Islam) is really interested about Uthmaniyah history and that was one of the reasons why he kept traveling to Turkey, for about 20 times. The book is about his traveling, his friendship with locals, especially Fatih and ups and downs in Turkey circa 1995-1999.
It was a light book but full of interesting stories, facts and insight. I feel 'full' after reading it and it makes myself to learn more about Turkey.
You can read a little snippet here, a review here and the writer's site here.

I am currently reading How it All Started and Do Polar Bears Get Lonely?, books I bought at thebigbadwolf booksale a couple of weeks ago.

On another note, I love holiday. Well, who doesn't?
I went picnic on Wednesday and BBQ on Saturday and have a home sweet home time on Sunday. A weekend well spend :)

Enough words, lets enjoice some picca.

This is not haze but fog on Wednesday morning! Love it.
View from my bedroom window.

Aniza & Fiza's happy faces before went into the water from 930am - 2pm that day. We even cook on a big stone while we still in the water.

BBQ at Fiza's house on Saturday. The early birds: Sarah, Ina, Aniza, Ida and Fiza.

The BBQ was actually for celebrating birthday for Ina, Sarah, Sham, Fakhri - the October kids. Lots of lamb involved this time. The cake was awesome too.

Looking forward for awesome week ahead.

* I finally sell something via the internet this month :)) I think its awesome and more awesome if I could work from home for living. Well, who says I couldn't?

* My sister no.5, Noha, delivered a baby boy today. Umar Zahin, welcome to our big family :)

every girl deserves a fedora

2011-10-17T01:06:00.044+08:00

Just something I love. My online reading for quite some times. Kind of inspirations to me.

1. She is one lucky women, whose husband's work require them to travel extensively. So, she write a blog to dedicate their traveling together. I found her blog from TIME. Yes the magazine (online version. The blog was selected for top blogs 2011). Love her writing style and this is one of my favourite post. I love the point no. 2. The people in charge don't know everything. (I secretly want to believe point no.5 too)

2. I love to read about the coming and going of a mixed family living in Perth. The kids are just adorable and I am eager to know what she cook everyday for dinner, with no particular reason. I think I like the idea of the kind of housewife that she is.

3. This is my traveling blog fix. Matt is currently on his last travel trip after 5 years of traveling and living nomadic. He want to stop travel for a while. As I can't wait to see what he is going to do next, I am also excited to read about his latest trip story and budget advice like this one. He is serious about travel. I like his definition of travel - freedom.

4. I think that every girl deserves a fedora...OK, this is just a random thought (not even relevant. just trying to justify the title and the photo :)

Picton, NZ, Jan 2011

5. My favourite design and fashion blog. Well, its not that all. Its, let me find the word, I think its a girlie blog which covers all the things I love. From photography to bicycle. She is a writer by profession and she also blog about her family. Her little Toby is so damn cute!

6. Only photos with caption. No unnecessary words. Every words in her blog is just enough. The photos & ideas are all nice. Love the little free library project. Birdhouses!

Besides of these 5, my Daily Dosage bloglist (see right side of this blog) are my favorite too. Especially Bakerella and Geninne blog.

So, what's your inspiration?

still standing

2011-10-14T00:35:00.004+08:00

I suspect that its just 16 instead of 24 hours we have everyday now. Hope someone realize it too. Is it the earth move faster or is it the orbit is getting smaller? I mean, this is serious.

What exactly I'm doing these days? Kind of mundane. My typical weekdays goes a little less like this. I wake up at 6am (the earliest..I really can't do better than this) and I sleep just after 10pm. In between I go to work for 8 hours, commute for 2 hours a day, jogging after work sometimes. Then I come home, cook for dinner and/or tomorrow's lunch, prepare my lunchbox (sometimes breakfast box too). I cook more nowadays. I plan to go audition for Masterchef Malaysia Season 3 if you are wondering why :)

Just finish reading this book, which I read while commuting. Its a tough book but I know Mr Hawking try his best to put easiest terms to explain about the quantum physics and the theories about the existing of the universe. He also has a good sense of humor. Currently I have this book in my laptop bag (which I also use to put my lunchbox, not laptop..hehe). Its more convenient to bring a backpack than a handbag to work. Agreed?

I read this book before going to bed. Its combination of things that I'm always interested to learn: NLP, CBT and Hypnotheraphy. Anyone interested in this too? We can talk/discuss about it. I would be really happy if I can have a good conversation about this topics.

On weekend, usually on Saturday, I buy groceries and prepare the food for the week ahead. I made rough menu so I know what to buy. Its more productive that way and that make cooking in weekdays less hassle. (This is what I always did in NZ)
All cleaning and housework and will be done on Sunday (my mum won't be impress at all as she did this every single day)

Anyway, I kinda like my new system. I decide to call it 'Domestic Goddess in the Making' system. *Grin*.

I go jogging usually on Saturday evening and Sunday morning too at Tasik Permaisuri. Sometimes alone, sometimes with my favourite people.

During free time, I try to learn to play my ukulele and guitar and so far, I can't even finish any whole song. I ambitiously playing count on me, but end up playing somewhere over the rainbow because it is a lot easier. I am dreaming of playing katy perry's, lady antebellum's too, but skill takes time. Thats what I always remind myself. I am just hoping my fingers could catch up the skill faster. *sigh*

So, that's the only things I repeatedly do. There's a few projects coming to mind, but is it worth it if I reduce my 8 hours sleeping? (It is hard codedly stored in my gene, fyi)Or should I let go cooking? I am yet to decide but anyhow, I'm just content with my current pattern. Let it be there for a while.

Anyway,
for now,
Happy Friday!

*By the way, Stereo Heart is awesome!

its raya again

2011-09-04T22:14:00.002+08:00

at this time last year, i was preparing for New Zealand
how fast time goes nowadays..

and a week at kampung feels like just a day

i hope it still not too late to wish all Muslim

Selamat Hari Raya

Maaf Zahir Batin

Dari 9 orang anak, 7 menantu dan 20 cucu TokMah, ini aje yang ada kat rumah pagi raya pertama tahun ni. Dari kiri MakLong, Iwan, TokMah, Acik, MakSu, Dina, MakNdak, Nazurah dan PakNdak

Amaluddeen dah 2 tahun dan dah jadi abang tahun ni - ehem, bukan kakak ;p (siap pakai brooch 1Malaysia kak Sapiah punya)

Have a great working week ahead!

sun+day

2011-08-14T19:09:00.005+08:00

I haven't paint for quite some times and I miss it a lot
So, its Sunday
and here I am, sitting in my room, finishing a simple painting project

As always, I copy/paste Geninne's ideas (is it illegal? I have no clue..but this is just for personal practice, i hope its legal)

Half way there

tadaa..ok lor, still many many rooms for improvement..but I didn't feel like scan it, so, I just take photo. (Anyway, I found those lovely words somewhere in the web..lovely)

I want to spare more time doing this because it was fun.
Click here, here, here and here, if you'd like to see my previous projects :)

Enjoy the rest of Sunday and get prepare yourself for a busy week ahead buddies!

Friday Random Photo

2011-08-11T20:07:00.000+08:00

Mural at Perry Cafe in Christchurch, before the earthquake early this year.

And I would love to have this photo in my blog too, especially on a special day like Friday! :)

Happy Friday

kareem's ramblings

2011-08-10T21:19:00.004+08:00

We live in a unique world

This is the world where
Everybody Loves Raymond and Everybody Hates Chris
Never in history had human being become so unanimous on deciding who we love and who we hate

The good news, we know that we have many Heroes in this world, I mean the real people, not human-bat or human-spider mutant with silly costumes
We are also getting more interested in the phenomenon of the universe
Everybody knows The New Moon, The Eclipse and The Twilight
Unexpectedly, most of them love vampire too [the non-conformist chose werewolf for the unknown reason].

The strange things are
Every fat people want to be The Biggest Loser
And girls frantically fighting to win the heart of only Average Joe

The Big Bang Theory is currently misunderstood as a friendship of 4 geeks and a blonde girl
Instead of describing how the universe began

Just currently, there is a revolution, where people want to be a geek that can sing!
They chose to be called a Gleek,
Their cote of arm; loser fingers gesture, just above the forehead

Loser seems to be the new winner

What a fascinating world!

* Kareem consider herself as a Gleek Theorist. Can you guess why? :))

sesekali terkonang juo

2011-08-09T21:29:00.001+08:00

Napier port view from Bluff Hill

Flowers around Hastings neighborhood

Used-book fair...heaven on earth

Having my own sweet time at library

Green scenery

I miss those feeling ....

Anyway...reality isn't that bad.
In fact, this phase is kind of exciting.
Wake up early, and go to bed so early.
Hehe..we'll see how well I can cope with this routine

Have a fun Wednesday!

break fast in mosque is fun

2011-08-07T23:57:00.001+08:00

well, i think in 3 to 4 years, it will be more popular than pasar ramadhan
especially among singles in town
well, if you never tried it
try
it feels a little bit like backpacking :))


Masjid Sultan Mizan aka Masjid Besi, Putrajaya

To date, I went to Masjid Albukhary near Hang Tuah monorel/lrt and the above mosque. More stories/photos on 'masjid hunting' later, with Zehan (the introducer) and Aniza (the partner in crime). Anyone interested to jump on the bandwagon?

Well, this was not 'masjid hunting' , this was Nasi Kandar beratur hunting last month in Penang. Went there with F1 and Din.

Have a marvelous monday lovelies.

hello

2011-08-04T22:26:00.001+08:00

will be back
with better posting

Photo taken at kitchen of the hostel I stayed at Picton. 'ibu anda tidak tinggal dekat sini'. Got it, loud and clear :))

for now
HAPPY FLYDAY!

2 days to go and Ramadhan is approaching...

2011-07-28T18:59:00.002+08:00

suddenly it feels so quick
just another 2 days and I will be back to KL
and hopefully I can start to work a.s.a.p
because I want to buy pink-silver baju kurung :))

last weekend was awesome
because my favourite people came up to north

they came from KL and we went to Kedah to send Rejab, whom moved to Jitra
and also exploring Penang (the food of course)
from char kway teow sungai dua to pasembor padang kota to sup hameed to roti canai ayam at transfer road
2 days were not enough

allow me to share some photos

*all photos credited to Aniza

It has been a long time since I had a group vacation like this and hopefully we can do this more often.
Can't wait for this year's Raya Trip (remember the color code guys : pink-silver-red-grey)

Enjoy your Friday handsome and gorgeous!

Urgently Needed!

2011-07-19T21:12:00.004+08:00

A teacher/mentor/motivator 

like Lionel Louge 

in The King's Speech. 

"Why should I waste my time listening to you?"

"Because I have a VOICE!"

"...Yes, you do."

Anyone knows any? Or anyone like to volunteer? :)

Well, I don't have a stammer, just sort of something like that.

* By the way..finallyyyyy...I finish updating my trip in NZ. Phew!
And if you read my updates religiously, you would know where did I watched The King's Speech.

Have a lovely day lovelies!

South Island Trip - Day 21 - Departure Day

2011-07-19T00:36:00.004+08:00

(This whole entry was written in Christchurch airport)

So, this is it. 7 months and 20 days. The fastest time of my life, and the best, so far. I am glad that I made the decision and I never regret any seconds of my stay here. I learned a lot, but still more to learn. I consider myself as a ‘personal development’ freak, and a slow learner in this particular skill of life. I wish I could travel longer. Go to more places, meet more people, take less taken path, and see more beautiful things. But I think, maybe this is time for me to look back my experiences. Evaluate and improve myself.

Its 930am at Christchurch airport and my flight will be at 310pm. Tonight, I will be at my hometown Malaysia and all of this 8 months of experience will look like dreams. Yes indeed, it was a dream comes true.

Tower at Chc Airport..I was so serious yaw!

It was not all sweet time here in NZ. At one point, there were only NZD50 in my bank account and I haven’t got any job yet at the moment. That was stressful and scary, but I survived. Then, at one time, I experienced some sort of petty act of racism, or maybe unintended discrimination because of ignorance to learn and understand the diversity of culture and faith. I consider that as expensive experience of a minority, that I wouldn’t ever had in my own country.

I came here for experience. Sometimes, when I had so much fun and life seems to be too easy here, I didn’t feel content. I want to experience the roughness, the challenges in foreign land, and the tests for survival; especially when I am alone because that allows me to react and by react, I learn.

People have their own reason to do this kind of thing. Some for the sake of traveling, some for money, some for fun, some for life experience. I have mine. I want to find myself. I know, boring. But that’s it. I didn’t come here to be like everybody else. I want to be myself. I want to what I want. But the truth is, 8 months is not enough. It would be great if I can do this again.

I am going to miss, going to work with van to the vineyard like a cheap labour, waiting patiently in a car, in the middle of the road to go to work - for a herd of cows to cross, climb a ladder for thinning apples, almost fainted doing the bud rubbing, got back ache for standing too long in pumpkin packhouse, not to mention the swollen fingers because of the heavy pumpkins, having free blueberries, grapes and apples, having bread for lunch everyday, knowing and befriended with people from different background, values and countries, comparing supermarket discounts on weekly basis so we can get the cheapest price and many more odd and wonderful experiences.

I am so want to do this again.

But for now, goodbye Aotearoa. Going to miss you much.

Hello again Malaysia.

* I shed some tears when I was about to depart from Malaysia and after 8 months, I shed some tears again, to leave NZ. I am soooo not cool.

South Island Trip - Day 20

2011-07-17T15:18:00.001+08:00

Today was a sunny day. I left Queenstown at 9am to Christchurch. The bus made about 8 stops along the trips, which took about 9 hours. I wish, someday, New Zealand will have express bus. But that’s how they live; relax, no rush and enjoy the moment.

Cromwell - famous for orchards like peach/nectarines/cherries

Wanaka - awesome as always

My route went from Queenstown – Cromwell – Wanaka – Omarama – Twizel – Tekapo – Geraldine – Ahsburton – Christchurch.

Snowing at night

Can you see the white powder?

Lake Pukaki..the sun looked like fire and the water sparkling as the sun shine for them

We stopped for lunch at Tekapo where I had my last fish and chips. Because I had too many chips, I ask an English (from the same bus) to share with me. His name was Rowan and he was from England. The best thing about him was, he had been travelling for 4 years, non-stop. I envy him. This is his 2nd last stop before going to Australia (he has been staying in Australia for a year before) and then goes home to celebrate his 30th birthday.

Having lunch in front of Lake Tekapo

And the best part of our conversation was when I told him that I used to work at Gourmet Blueberry orchard in Hastings. He said, he worked there too, as the orange-shirt-supervisor. We had worked together at the same time! (I think I might have seen him, but we just didn’t recognize each other. I worked there as part time only, which maybe just one or 2 days in a week).What a coincidence.

We reached in Christchurch at 6pm. Rowan has his flight at 6am tomorrow, so he had a night in hostel at town. I have flight tomorrow at 3pm, but I slept at the airport. I was a cheapskate.

In the airport, I met 2 Malaysian Chinese which I met in Oamaru, which we stayed at the same hostel. They had 2 weeks holiday here.
I spend most of my time in airport, in front of my laptop. Uploading and editing photos. I slept at about 4am.

Tomorrow would be my last day in New Zealand.

*photos taken from inside the bus, except wanaka n chips photo..mind the quality :)

South Island Trip - Day 19

2011-07-14T17:20:00.043+08:00

I did it! And it was not really scary anyway. I mean the SWING!
It was so fast and actually I'm the first for the day for swing. No one before me so I didn't have to see they screaming :).

Ready

Go!

Swing!

It took 40 minutes to go up to the centre and 40 minutes to come back. And about 40 minutes up there, waiting, preparing and swinging. I think the thought of doing it was more scary than really doing it. After doing the swing, I think that I was ready to do bungy, but cost wise made me not doing it. One at a time. I was so happy so I bought the video and photos so I can brag to the people in Malaysia later. Muehehehe.

Journey up..those were tracks for some kind of 4-wheel-drive activity

The boarding pass for adrenalin rush

I made it! the highest swing in the world yaw!

The prove that I did it!

Ladies room's door..hehe

The black van

Boleh apply for the 'datuk'ship ni :))

On the way back, I talk with the driver. [I was the only one in the van because everybody else still hasn’t finish.] He told me about his travel in South America and other countries. He did travel a lot. I asked him, how much to travel South America in 3 months, he said, roughly about NZD3000. Not bad.

I need so work hard and save hard after this. All travellers did it this way. Well, some traveler may work while traveling, but most of them save hard.

I continued shopping souvenirs after treat myself a Codfather burger (for daring enough to SWING! hehe) at the famous Queenstown's Fergburger.

It was just a door mat

The most famous burger in Queenstown..and I have only 1 choice..fish burger..huhu

It was as big as my face!

Queenstown was so small that I don't even realize that I went to same shops in average 3 times. haha. I have a big family and I chose souvenir carefully so that they will like it. I can't buy expensive one too, so I kept comparing prices. It’s not how expensive the things were, but how thoughtful. Finally at about 5, I got everything for everyone.

This penguin was for my Cameron

Tomorrow another long journey to Christchurch. My 2nd last day in New Zealand.
I am not ready to leave.

South Island Trip - Day 18

2011-07-13T19:08:00.002+08:00

I did window shopping in the morning as I my initial plan was to do all souvenir shopping at Queenstown, my last destination before I go straight to Christchurch airport on my 20th day. But I didn't feel good, because, this was Queenstown, and yet I didn't do anything that make my adrenalin rushed. But I tend to let go those feeling.

Usual morning pose..hehe. Love that diva mirror!

Queenstown - another town by the lake

After lunch, I went for walk to Skyline. It was actually Gondola and Luge to go up and down the skyline, but it was close for some renovation. Anyway, I had planned to just walk. So I walk and it was tough! And the path was sooooo steep. It was very tiring. One of the most tiring tramping so far. Well, it didn’t feel like tramping. More like hiking. I took more than an hour an half to arrive to top.
But the view was nice. It was worth it.

Even the stairs were so steep

But the view was awesome! And not so many people up here

Gondola was not in service

A shepherd and his sheep

It took about 45 minutes to go down because no need to climb. Magically, out of nowhere, I finally made up my mind. I’m going to swing. The idea of jumping scares me, so, there’s no way to do bungy, instead I chose swing.

Before I changed my mind, I straight away booked for tomorrow morning and hopefully it won't be so scary. Fingers crossed :)

South Island Trip - Day 17

2011-07-12T21:09:00.001+08:00

Today started with sun shine. I took Connectibus from Queenstown to Arowtown via Frankton. The view along the road was really nice. The mountains started to snow and it looked splendid.

Connectibus. More or less looked like our RapidKL

Nice view from Queenstown to Frankton on a nice day

The bus route. We have to stop at Frankton and take another bus to Arrowtown

If you can see it, there are something like sport's day going on in the field. What a nice field they have. I mean the view!

From my window

Arrowtown was a little bit disappointing because most of the leaves already fallen. But, still, this town was charming and dreamy. It must look more picturesque in the previous 2 weeks where leaves were yellow and gold. I took 4 hours to wandering around the village.

No one told me it was a ghost town...

Colorful trees

Small township

My lunch - custard square with mocha. The custard square was damn delicious!

Sweets and chocolate shop

You can find this photo in many postcards, but my photo don't have those yellow-gold leaves..huhu

After 3pm, its started to rain. I met Mariko again. 1st we met at Dunedin's Cadbury Chocolate Factory, and then together we took Milford overnight cruise then, today at Arrowtown. But I am quite sure we will never meet again after this because she will fly back to Auckland to continue her study.We went to Queenstown together with Connectibus. My initial paln was to take bus from Queenstown to Frankton and walk to Queenstown, but, it was raining, so I took the bus. :(

I ate kebab rice for my dinner, inside one of the mall in Queenstown

I spend the rest of the day wandering around the city. I haven't start shopping anything yet. Maybe tomorrow. I still have 2 days here. I also still think about bungy but made my mind about skydive, because I have no budget anymore.
We'll see what will happen. If I got sign or anything, I will go for bungy. Wish me all the best. :)

South Island Trip - Day 16

2011-07-08T16:47:00.001+08:00

I woke up for the most luxurious breakfast in the whole trip :)
There was everything. From toast to fruits to cereal to juice to hot beverages to hash brown to egg to mushrooms. Everything you want for breakfast. It was awesome, especially for me, who was travelling as a cheapskate.
We sat at the same table, same people as yesterday’s night.
After breakfast we went for water activity. I thought we could have both; boating and kayaking. But, due to time constraint, we can only choose 1. I chose boating; although I was also interested in kayaking (then I regret my decision). We got about 50 minutes in boat. It was nice to be in the fiords. This is what I wanted by taking night cruise – to have longer time in the fiords.

After 50 minutes, everyone went back to the cruise and it starts to cruise back. At 1015, we arrive and Milford centre and took bus to Te Anau again, some to straight to Queenstown. Nothing to do in Te Anau and I just stay at the YHA hostel (I stored my big backpack here last night).

The guest book

Homer Tunnel - the only way to Milford Sound

Taken from inside the bus, some mountains already snowing!

At 5pm I went out to the bus station to take bus to Queenstown and we arrived at Queenstown at 730. I booked XBase (via nakedbus website again) and luckily it’s not too far from the bus station.

This was their so called 'kedai runcit'. I ate fish and chips again for lunch :)

It was raining all the way. Tomorrow I am going to Arrowtown, the old mining town which is famous for its amazing autumn leaves. Hopefully there's some leaves left as its consider almost winter at this time of the year.

I took this photo at YHA Te Anau. Love those words! Its ok if you can't see it. I already re-write the whole words below. Enjoice!

In 1854, the 'Great White Chief' in Washington made an offer for a large area of Indian land and promised a 'reservation' for the Indian people. Chief Seattle's reply, published here in full, has been described as the most beautiful and profound statement on the environment ever made.

THIS EARTH IS PRECIOUS
How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?
ALL SACRED
Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy in the memory ans experience of my people. The sap which courses through the trees carries the memories of the red man. The white man's dead forget the country of their birth when they go to walk among the stars. Our dead never forget this beautiful earth, for it is the mother of red man.
We are part of the earth and it is part of us.
The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers.
The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man - all belong to the same family.
NOT EASY
So, when the Great Chief in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land, he asks much of us. The Great Chief sends word he will reserve us a place so that we can live comfortably to ourselves. He will be our father and we will be his children. So we will consider your offer to buy our land.
But it will not be easy. For this land is sacred to us. This shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors.
If we sell ou land, you must remember that it is sacred and each ghostly reflection in the clear water of the lakes tells of events and memories int he life og my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father.
KINDNESS
The rivers are our brothers, they quence our thirst. The rivers carry our canoes, and feed our children. If we sell you our land, you must remember, and teach your children, that the rivers are ou brothers, and yours, and you must henceforth give the rivers the kindness you would give any brother.
We know that the white man does not understand our ways. One portion of land is the same to him as the next, for he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs.
The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He laeves his father's graves behind, and he does not care. His father's grave and his children's birthright, are forgotten. He treats his mother, the earth and his brother, the sky, as things to be bought, plundered, sold like sheep or bright beads.
His appetite will devour the earth and leave behind only only a desert. i do not know. our ways are different from your ways. THe sight of your cities pains the eyes of the red man. But perhaps it is becuase the red man is a savage and does not understand.
There is not quiet place in the white man cities. No place to hear the unfurling of leaves in spring, or the rustle of an insect's wings.
But perhaps it is because I am a savage and do not understand.
The clatter only seems to insult the ears. And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night? I am a red man and do not understand.
The Indian prefers the sorf sound of the wind darting over the face of a pond, and the smell of the wind itseld, cleaned by a midday rain, or scented with the pinon pine.
PRECIOUS
The air is precious to red man, for all things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man, they all share the same breath.
The white man does not seem to notice the air he breathes. Like a man dying for many days, he is numb to the stench.
But if we sell you our land, you must remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirits with all the life it supports. The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also receives his last sigh.
THE ASHES
You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of your grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with lives of our kin.
Teach your children what we have thought our children, that the earth is our mother.
Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves.
This we know; the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. This we know.
All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the son of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. Even the white man, whose God walks and talks with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers after all.
We shall see.
One thing we know, which the white man may one day discover - our God is the same God.
You may think now that you own Him as you wish to own our land; but you cannot. He is the God of man, and His compassion is equal for the red man and the white.
This earth is precious to Him, and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its Creator.
The whites too shall pass; perhaps soner than all other tribes. COntaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste.
But in your perishing you will shine brightly, fired strenght of the God who brought you to this land and for some special purpose gave you dominion over this land an over the red man.
That destiny is a mystery to us, for we do not understand when the buffalo are all sloughtered. the wild horses are tamed. the secret corners of the forest heavy with scent of many men, and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talkign wires.
Where is the thicket? Gone
Where is the eagle? Gone
The end of living and the beginning of survival.

With you, I'm born again

2011-07-07T21:10:00.000+08:00

"When we say things like "people don't change" it drives scientist crazy because change is literally the only constant in all of science. Energy. Matter. It's always changing, morphing, merging, growing, dying. It's the way people try not to change that's unnatural. The way we cling to what things were instead of letting things be what they are. The way we cling to old memories instead of forming new ones. The way we insist on believing despite every scientific indication that anything in this lifetime is permanent. Change is constant. How we experience change that's up to us. It can feel like death or it can feel like a second chance at life. If we open our fingers, loosen our grips, go with it, it can feel like pure adrenaline. Like at any moment we can have another chance at life. Like at any moment, we can be born all over again."

Meredith Grey of Grey's Anatomy series

South Island Trip - Day 15

2011-07-01T18:36:00.002+08:00

Its started a little bit gloomy. I went to the only photo/camera shop Te Anau to ask about my camera problem. But, no luck. The man said that I needed to send the camera to Christchurch to get it fixed. So then, I went to hostel to ask if I could borrow a camera from anyone, maybe the staff because I don’t know anyone at that time. No luck and I already predicted that. It just that I believe, by asking, sometimes you can get lucky. But, obviously not this time. My eyes got teary. I was about to go to Milford, one of the magical place of New Zealand. This could’t be happening.
The staff at YHA recommended me to buy a disposable camera. But I didn’t buy that. From Dslr to disposable? I will get disappointed with the quality.
I went back to the camera shop and buy the cheapest compact camera available. It cost me NZD145 including 2 extra batteries. Yes, this camera uses AA battery.
So, with that cheap camera, I went to Milford Sound with Real Journey. I was a little bit upset but the show must go on. Its still a week till the curtain falls.
The bus departed at 1pm and it stopped at several places and that’s why it took 3 hours for 119km journey.
After 3 hours, we arrived at the departure centre, checked in and departed to cruise along Milford fiords. We were welcomed to the cruise by hot beverages and cinnamon roll. There were so many awesome waterfalls as it was raining all day.

Mirror Lake, but the weather was not so good so we want really see the 'mirror effect'

Journey to the famous Milford Sound

We stopped at Monkey Creek and many of us get to taste the freshest water on earth!

Trip with Real Journey bus

This is the chasm..where the stones was carved by flowing water..

Hazy

The staff welcomed us to the cruise

We had our dinner at 7pm and it was great! The best meals along my trip so far. It was a 3-course-buffet meal. The starter was bread and 4 types of dips. The we had soup of the day. I chose kumara-lemon soup and that was nice. We had the main course and finally dessert.

Thousands of waterfall

Me and the waterfall

Love those effects

With Niki, the smart 6 years old girl! She came to New Zealand with her mum, Nana. They were from Singapore. We (Niki, Mariko and I) manage to finish this coloring before dinner :))

My table. Me, Mariko, Salvador and Low. 2 Malaysian, 1 Japanese and 1 Spaniard

The entree - bread with dips

Next, kumara (sweet potato) and lemon soup

Main dish, buffet - this was Mariko's plate. Her plates has the best combination of all foods. I ate prawn and scallop a lot :)

This was just 1/5 of the desserts. They served cakes, ice creams, nuts, pudding and fruits..everything you want for desserts

After everyone full, there was a video session about Milford Sound and some unusual phenomenon such as waterfall going up and big storms. The presenter was funny and everyone had a good time.
Later, everyone went to their room or continue chatting with new friends. I went to my room.
It was a nice day, although the starts didn’t seem so promising. Tomorrow hopefully the weather will be better.

My room. I booked for 4 bedded room, but there was just half of the cruise booked, so, many people get 2 bedded room by themselves. Me included. :)

South Island Trip - Day 14

2011-06-28T20:30:00.000+08:00

* I wrote this whole complete post when I was there, in the hostel, because I was very upset. (For most of previous post, I just write notes in point form and edit later)

Oh my, I mean OMG! Tomorrow I'm going to Milford Sound and my camera suddenly didn’t functioning properly, which I can't take any photo now. It just happen this afternoon, while I was happily taking photos and suddenly, there comes black shades in my photo and although there's nothing in front of the lens. I was confused. Some photos were OK, and some have black shades in quarter of the photo or smaller than that. Then, for the last photo, the camera makes some sound and then the screen goes 'Error 99 ....' I thought at first, the camera was too cold. So, I tried again at home, where it was warmer [after I put the camera in warmer place for quite some time]. But, no. Same error 99. What the hell is error 99. At first, I think, it will be ok, but now, I give up. So, now, I only have 2 choices. Borrow camera from anyone [maybe YHA staff] or buy a new camera. I mean, how am I going to explore Milford Sound without my camera? I took a deep breath to calm myself down. Still, there's the only choices. But who knows it will be OK tomorrow. But the chances only 5% and it might happen again while I was at Milford. This thing happens before [not the same 'Error 99'] but I know, this camera is sensitive and once it says, 'I don't want to work', it really means that I have to send it to Canon Service centre. I took a deep breath again. 1 week to go. Phew. I want to ask 'why now?', but I know I shouldn’t have to because it’s unnecessary and doesn’t solve the problem.

Today started a little bit late. It was a relax day for me, after 13 days of full activities. I didn’t feel so well and I just started my walk at 11am. Walking and taking photo around Te Anau township. I thought this place would be like Franz Josef, but, it was much bigger than Franz Josef and unlike Franz, there was settlement here. Which is people really live, go to school and work at other thing other than in tourism industry. I also took a walk to Wildlife Park where I could see Takahe bird, Kea bird and some other native birds. At 3pm, I went back to hostel and eat lunch and then continue my walking.

The hostel has small garden for herbs..cute

I can't afford to stay here.. :)

This is where you should go if you want to do the famous Milford, Routeburn or Kepler tracking..but its not really encouraged to do it after April because the winter season will come soon

Te Anau Lake

Small jetty at Te Anau Lake

A cute green lizard

This is when I took lots of photos and I think the camera get very cold and that's how everything starts to happen. Anyway, I will go to Milford tomorrow WITH A CAMERA. But I just don't know which camera. Is someone willing to borrow me his/her camera? Do I need to buy a new one? I have no idea yet. For now, I took another deep breath and charging my camera battery until it really full and tomorrow, when I wake up, I try for last chance. Only after that, I will make decision.

Cute mushroom :)

Better camera can take better photo for this view..i took a lot of photos, but none really captured what I wanted

Almost sunset

And those were some last photos taken by my slr camera in New Zealand :(

South Island Trip - Day 13

2011-06-28T18:43:00.000+08:00

Although I have half day in Dunedin, I didn’t really plan it well and I felt like I wasted the day by just walking from one shop to another, wandering around city, without knowing where to go. I know Dunedin has more to offer, but I think that I missed this day from my itinerary. And maybe because Dunedin was considered a big city in South Island, it’s quite far to walk from one attraction to another, not like Oamaru the small town.

Cadbury factory that I visited yesterday

It also has Wall Street yaw

My lunch set..it was nice and this was 1st time I ate sushi this much!

Many nice buildings like this but I was too lazy to take photo

An entrance of one of the exhibition in Dunedin Public Gallery..nice

Dunedin was a student city. A nice town for student, but I doubted it was a great city for tourist too. As other cities, the most familiar things that surrounded you were buildings and shops familiar shops. Maybe 2 days were not enough for me to fall in love with Dunedin. Maybe I should come again and stay longer. Maybe.
So, at 2pm I took Intercity bus to Te Anau. I only arrive at Te Anau at night and luckily the bus stopped at every hostel.

In the bus again...to Te Anau

I stayed 2 nights here, at YHA Te Anau.

it comes again

2011-06-27T04:36:00.002+08:00

Its 27 of June again, for the 29th times of my life.
Last year I was at Kuching, and this year I’m at Penang. Unlike last year, I didn’t really planned to be here today. But, here I am, alone in this cheap hostel in busy town of Georgetown.

I didn’t work for more than 10 months now; I mean the typical 9-5 job. But that was one of the best times of my life so far. I learned a lot and I grew up a lot.

I learned not to take anything for granted. I learned to believe in myself. I found the side of me that I thought so complicated to understand. I learned to respect people for who they are. I learned to take life easy. I learned about the art of delayed gratification. I learn about taking chances. I learned about fate. I learn to love the people around me more. I learned to be a better person.

And I’m glad that I made that decision last year!

I’m still far from reaching my dreams, but, I think I’m on the right path. No one knows whether I’m doing the right thing, but I don’t mind making mistakes. That’s how I became wiser.

Happy 29th birthday to me!

She will be embarking into 3 series next year! Erk, really? 3 series? next year?

South Island Trip - Day 11&12

2011-06-26T18:32:00.003+08:00

* Lets continue with the travel update, but please be informed that there are lots of error in my updates, be it grammar, spelling or even words usage, because it will consume too much time for me to check everything to make it error-proof (what a bad writing ethic). My mission now is to finish this update with all relevant info, as soon as possible. (I will correct any error from time to time). Enjoice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think that I have discovered Oamaru yesterday and today, I don’t really know where I should heading to. I ended just walking around town, again.
My bus to Dunedin departed at 1245. It only took one and half hour to arrive. The bus stopped at the Dunedin’s Railway station and I have to walk for about 20 minutes to the hostel. And the worst part, I have to walk uphill. That was very tiring, considering I have 2 bags that weighted more than 20kg. So, I am not recommending YHA Dunedin. It’s a little bit far from town.

After having my lunch, I just wandering around town. The time was so limited and at about 5, it’s already dark and I have to go back to hostel.

There were school kids at the hostel and it was a little bit noisy. They were like having school trip of something. Luckily they slept early.

My 12th day started early. I walked to the famous Dunedin Railway Station and went to gallery upstairs. I think I fell in love with aryclic painting. This is absolutely one of many things that I want to do, back in Malaysia other than register for guitar class, learn knitting and baking and learn about planet and stars. I wish I'll have time to do all that.
There was another gallery about Otago sport stars but I didn’t go inside.

The famous Dunedin Railway Station

Ground floor of the railway station..the galleries were upstairs

Then I went to Cadbury factory. I have mixed feeling weather or not to go to the factory tour as I'm afraid that it won't worth it. But then, I made my mind to try, because there's not so much to do other than sightseing here in Dunedin. The tour lasted about 1 hour and half.

We got some free chocolates!

They don't use this car anymore thou

Honestly, if you are on tight budget, you don't have to go. If you allocate some budget for activities, and you don't really have other choices - like me, you can consider this tour. Nothing really ‘wow’ me about this tour - yeah, maybe I had expectation it would be a little less than the view from Charlie and the Chocolate factory movie. But, at least I know, Malaysia is the 2nd exporter of cocoa beans, after Ghana. The shop inside the factory was not really cheap either.
After that, I went to Otago Museum. Other exhibitions were similar to other museums for me except the Face Exhibition. It was more contemporary and very interactive. We can even take photo of ourselves, save it in a bar-coded-card provided and place it in many interactive booths according to the topic explained about human faces. Interesting indeed. After all the experiments with our faces, we can save it and email it to ourselves later. It was fun. I didn’t really go to other exhibition because I have limited time.

First time I see malay word in NZ..can you find it?

Playing with my card..ignore the serkop makcik that I'm wearing

eyes, nose, mouth

The magic card

I took a walk to Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world. It was a bit far and it took about 45 minutes from the museum and more than an hour to my hostel. Just to see a road and walking 2 hours return? Not really worth it. I recommended you take the bus. I wonder why I didn't take bus in the first place.

I bought 2 fish and ships from the shop nearby the Baldwin Street. It was the cheapest fish and chips and it tasted good too.

Fish and chips takeaway shop..just NZD1.80 for 1 fish

Cheapest and one of the best

Because it’s dark earlier in this time of the year, I went straight to hostel. On my way, i bumped into the New Zealand's Next Top model finalist twin, Elza and Nellie. They were very tall and slim and prettier than in TV.

Some of beautiful building in Dunedin

That's why I smile

2011-06-25T22:10:00.002+08:00

When I feel like crying or upset for things that I don't have, it feels like I'm just being ungrateful and selfish, and that's true. So I smile...for everything that I have ~ kareem hussin

Georgetown Round 1

2011-06-25T21:13:00.005+08:00

Being in Penang alone (and jobless) is not really fun. But, I won't take this chance for granted. So, lets explore the charm of Penang. :)

RM8 for this..not so cheap!

I started my day with a plate of Nasi Kandar, this is from Ros Nasi Kandar, beside my hostel. I've tried Kassim Mustafa and Kapitan too. 2 thumbs down for Kapitan. The aney who served there don't really know how to put just enough gravy and my nasi kandar looked like nasi kandar banjir, and luckily I stopped him from putting more gravy. There was no vege too. But, I think this restaurant is more famous for its Briyani Claypot. Will try that later. Its just located in front of my hostel.
Kassim Mustafa is the best so far. But I haven't tried Line Clear and Nasi Kandar beratur yet. Many people said that those are the best nasi kandar in town.

Then I went to Little India, but there really nothing much there. It just like 5 - 6 shops open and the goods were not so authentic.

I've been looking for Punjabi suit for quite some times, but still didn't found any that meets my taste....and budget. Saree is to sexy for me :))

So, I walked to Pasar Chowrasta. On the way I found Pasar Baja. It looks like Pasar Lama MPKB at Kota Bharu.

Pasar Chowrasta known for its pickles market, and think, it also known for the used book shops. At the first floor, there were several used book shops with loads of books. I am just proud that we have used book shops like this. That was awesome. I just hope that they can do some renovation to the building. It look so old, not the 'good' antique old, but 'gloomy' unattractive old.

This old man asked me whether I was done with my books selection, I said yeah. As he didn't looked like a local I asked him where did he came from and he said England. Later I learned that he has been coming and going to Penang for the last 10 years.
'You really like Penang, that much?' I asked, and he said 'Yeah, I think so'. We didn't talk for so long because it made me think that I am still in my travel phase (it feels awkward somehow to be 'traveling's friendly' in my own country), so I didn't know if the reason he came here or what he really loves about Penang.

Its like looking for a diamond in the sand..hehe..and bear in mind, not all books are cheap

Colorful pickles..

I went to Komtar and Prangin Mall too, just to found out that it was nothing other than commercialization and capitalism activities going on. Things that washed away the attitude of Georgetown. But really, which town/place didn't do that? It just a matter of time.

Komtar

So, I walked home (I mean hostel where I am staying now).
And, one more thing, is it only in Penang or is it Malaysia always this hot?

Chopp!

2011-06-23T20:13:00.001+08:00

OK, lets have a break from travel updates...
Lets talk about current updates

I'm in Penang, Georgetown to be exact
for SAP training and still looking for job

Today was my first day and, I think I got a little insight of what this course is all about
So, this is my school now

and this is my book for this month

And, here are some photos of what's happening recently

Picnic at Taman Tasik Perdana with Iman and Ashraf - the babies!. Photo credit to Ina

Incoming (mine!) and belated birthday parties and Rejab's farewell at Kayu Tasik Permaisuri..thanks pretty people!

Have a great week lovelies!

South Island Trip - Day 10

2011-06-23T19:38:00.001+08:00

Another favourite day.
The day started with raining, but it stopped after midday. I walk around town (yes, in the rain).

Oamaru

The Victorian Town

Oamaru is a small Victorian town and I loooved it. I wondered why this town was not so famous to the tourist. It’s a small town with big attitude. The Sunday market was awesome. The buiding along Tyne Street all awesome. The galleries was nice too. Even in rainy day, I could enjoy Oamaru.

Tyne Street

Many independent artist showed their arts here..and that were really nice

I found this interesting.. :)

Tyne Street was very alive on Sunday

Nice ay?

Sunday Market

There were so many old and all types of bike in Oamaru

Grainstore gallery..nice weird things

I didn't ask him anything..hehe

This bike for women

Oamaru also famous for penguin watching

Old church

This building look like haunted..hihi

I also went to Whitestone Cheesecake factory, although it was not open for tour that day because it was Sunday. I tried their cheesecake, I'm not an avid cheesecake lover so I don't really know whats cheeselover will rate it. Foe me, its was alright and full of cheese. :)

Whitestone Cheese factory..it was close for visitor on Sunday, but still you can see something from the window and the cafe was open too

My lunch..the cheesy cheesecake and hot chocolate

Then I visited the public garden. It was soooo big and nice too. Its autumn and some trees were really really awesome!.

Oamaru public garden entrance

Lots of colours!

and some birds too

My camera rarely can do this..hehe

I don't know what am I thinking..traveling solo can make you do something you don't really want to do..hehe

Later that evening, I watched penguin. The yellow eyed penguins. They said it will come back from the sea at 7pm, but still not so many. It was a about 7 or 8 of them. I tried to capture it with my camera, but haven't changed the setting for night mode, so, I lost the moment. But anyway, I saw those little penguins crossing the road. :).
I should go a little further to see more penguins, but its quite far, and its dark and it seems like no one outside at the moment, so, I better go back and spend the night at hostel.
On my way back, while taking some photo with crescent moon as background, I saw a shooting star! Finally. Of course, I made my wish. I know it was a superstitious, but, who cares, it was fun. 

Then, I went to Opera House because they had the lights formation every 7pm until late. Really nice.

Opera House, Oamaru..

So, after finish photographing nice colorful lights, I called it a day.

South Island Trip - Day 9

2011-06-21T15:42:00.000+08:00

Checked out and walked to bus station. My destination today was Oamaru.
There’s no direct bus from Tekapo – Oamaru. So, I took the Intercity bus to Ashburton and then Atomic Bus to Oamaru.

I will miss Lake Tekapo

Waiting for the bus

At 1240, bus departed to Ashburton and we arrived at 3. I am the only one in the bus who stopped there and the driver amost missed it. Luckily I know where the bus should stop and approached the driver just after he drive through the Ashburton i-site, where the bus should stop.

Tekapo, for the last time

It was raining heavily and there no place to sit except in front of closed I-site aka bus station. So I just waited there for about one and half hour.

The bus to Oamaru arrived at 430 and after 15 minutes departed, it stopped by a policeman. At first, everyone was wondering what was happening. Soon we got the info that someone called the police because she said that she saw tha driver nearly fallen asleep, several times while driving. The bus was from Christchurch to Dunedin. I just took it from Ashburton to Oamaru.
After about 15 minutes, the policeman came into the bus and announced the driver was not fit to drive and he has to rest for 8 hour and we have to wait for replacement driver.
Only at 540, the departed again, with the new driver. As it was late, I called the hostel that I already booked so that there someone at the counter when I arrived.

The hostel I stayed in Oamaru

At 840, finally I arrived at Oamaru. From the taxi driver, I understand that the hostel was about 400 meters from the bus stop, so I walked. It was at the middle of the town, but no one was there and it not even 9 pm (but it looks like 11pm). I was a little bit scared, so I walked fast. Luckily it was easy to find the hostel.

Empire Hostel Backpackers

I checked in and the owner, Wendy was very friendly. I booked female room, but as it already full, I got a twin bed, all by myself. Wendy brought me to the room and we had a little chat. I asked her about places to visit and where to view the penguins. She even offered me to bring me to see the penguins as its quite far and they always came at night.

Twin room by myself..like :)

The hostel was nice and I enjoyed my time, alone in a room for the first time along this trip. I even got 8 hours free internet for 2 days.
I slept early tonight as tomorrow I am going to discover Oamaru.

South Island Trip - Day 8

2011-06-21T13:55:00.002+08:00

At 8am, I went to Mount Cook by Cook Connection bus.

There we only 4 people in the bus. Me, Emily, Coco and a Taiwanese girl and it was raining.
We reach at Mount Cook Village at about 9 and still raining. Most of the activities were on hold. So most of the tourist just stay inside the building. There we Hillary Gallery and it was dedicated to Sir Edmund Hillary, the 1st person to conquer Everest.

Everything about Sir Edmund Hillary were exhibited here, including nice personal photos and belongings

There was also story about Tensing, the sherpa whom accompanied Hillary during the mission. The gallery was awesome and the story of Edmund Hillary was inspirational.

He was like one of the most important hero for New Zealanders. I waited for the rain to stop until about 11 and there’s no sign the weather would be better soon.

Activities chart - not so good for today

But still, Hooker Valley, here I come!

So, I made my mind and decided to just go for the tracking to Hooker Valley. Luckily, Emily, the French girl from the same hostel as mine, decided to do the same. So we walked together.

Started walking with Emily

I never been to Madagascar, but this view somehow made me think it looked like this

Half way there

The tracking was considered easy, it just that raining makes it a little bit harder. There were lots of waterholes and we kept trying another path so that our shoes and socks won’t get wet. But, obviously, we couldn’t do that, except we wore a water resistance shoes. But we continued.

One of 2 bridges

The only hut available along the track

The view was great, but I must have been better without rain and clouds that covered the peak of the Mount Cook. I took us 3 hours to arrive at the Hooker Valley. It was a valley, with glaciers!

The glaciers

I think those glaciers was there due to avalanches. I know, it was just autumn, there’s already some avalanches.

On the way back, the rain finally stopped, but still, I couldn't see the peak..huhu

On our way back, we heard 2 sound of avalanches and that was a little bit scary. It like the sound of thunder. The rain stopped while we walked back to the village. It was better, but then, our clothes and shoes were wet. The first thing that I want to have was a cup of hot chocolate.

2 ducks..i forget the name, but we can always see them together, one with white headand another is black. They were a couple

We reach the Mount Cook Village again at about 3 and I had a cup of hot chocolate! That was satisfying. The driver of Cook Connection bus already waiting for us and after finished our hot drinks, we jumped into the bus and went back to Tekapo.

My tracking mate, Emily in front of Lake Pukaki

Nothing to do at night and I just relaxed at the lounge area with Emily. We watched her paragliding and skydiving video and it was hilarious. I was thinking to do skydive too, but the price was too expensive. Maybe next time.

The living room + TV lounge

So there goes my day. Tomorrow I will have 2 bus trip to Oamaru, my next stop.

South Island Trip - Day 7

2011-06-20T01:14:00.000+08:00

Today was my favourite day- so far.
Departed from Wanaka by bus at 1045 and arrived Tekapo at 130. Tekapo was famous for its lake and people always make a stop here to go to the majestic Mount Cook.

Almost there

It took me about 25 minutes to walk from the bus stop to my booked hostel. Luckily, Coco, a Hong Kong girl from the same bus booked the same hostel so we walked together. We planned to discover Tekapo together afterwards, but she wanted to go hiking to Mount John, and I want to go to town and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, and both were in different directions. So, we explored by our own.

Laugh, Love, Friends, Dream make your life feels good :)

After checked in, I went straight walking at the town, along the lake. The view was amazing. I met 2 Malaysian Malay families and it felt good to speak Malay.
Then, I bought myself an earflap snow cap. I know that I won’t have chance to wear this back home, so I took chance to wear it here :)

Love!

Fly

The Church of the Good Shepherd was amazing. It was picture perfect where there was an old building, some short trees, emerald lake and mountains. It was like a painting.

Dreamy

Church by the lake

I found a garden too. A nice one. I'm not sure whether its part of any motel, but I really took lots of photo.

Was this a house?

Then, I went back to hostel, had my dinner and waiting for stargazing tour.

Earth and Sky office

I met another 2 Hong Kong guys which told me that they already there for 3 nights and only tonight they had chance to go for stargazing tour. Guess why? Yes, the weather. It was raining for the last few days. Weather in New Zealand is kind of funny. Although the weather forecast is quite accurate, it’s still tricky to plan your trip. So, I was lucky as I only have 2 nights here, and I got the chance on the first night.
The sky tonight was very clear. And I can even see the milky ways from the hostel, not even on the mountain yet.

Starry night

The bus from Earth and Sky tour picked us up and we went to the office first to pay and get warmer cloth because it was very cold up on the mountain. The girl gave me a green jacket, but I asked for the red one and I said to her ‘it looks better in the dark’ which I mean, I want to take photo of me. Only later that I knew that, no flash allowed up there and all photos you can take were the stars and the sky. (Well, you can try to take photo of yourself, but all you can see is black, unless you use very slow shutter speed and not moving for about, 10 minutes, well good luck on that)

The Milky Ways

But, the tour was amazing! The view of the sky was awesome. About 2km before we reached Mount John Observatory Centre, the bus driver switched off the bus light and only use LED head light to see the road. This is because all equipment very sensitive to light and there's only LED lights allowed up there. It was scary but at the same time was fun. One person acclaimed that he saw a shooting stars while waiting for the bus just now. And the driver, in the midst of explaining about the centre, once said “Oh I see the shooting star!Can you see it?’. And many people said ‘Ya, I see it!’ and I was like ‘Where is it? I can’t see it!’ although I looked up all the time.

Can you see a shooting star? I couldn't :)

There was very minimal light at the centre and we walked in the dark, while learning about stars and planets. I learned about Sirius, the brightest star and the Northern Cross constellation. I saw planet Saturn with my own eyes, with the help of the big, expensive telescope, of course. It was gold and blinking and looks alive with its famous ring. Someone there help us to take photo using our camera with specialized tripod as the normal tripod wont move and its technically impossible to take photo of stars because our earth is moving all the time. That’s why you can see some photos where it looks like raining in the sky.
We spend about an hour and half up there and later the bus dropped us out at our hostel.

This is one of the best activities so far and I think I fell in love with planets and stars. They are wonders of the world and I want to learn more. They are gorgeous too.

The hostel I stayed

The best day so far! (Althought I didn't see any shooting star..huhu)
Tomorrow I will go to Mount Cook. Whatever the weather, I will enjoy it to the max! Weather forecast said it will be rain.

South Island Trip - Day 6

2011-06-17T12:03:00.002+08:00

I don’t know why, but I just get out from hostel at 11am. Maybe yesterday journey was too tiring and continued with walking non-stop.

Morning camwhoring is a good ritual for lonely traveler..hihi

So, my destination today, Puzzling World, 2km walk from Wanaka town. Unfortunately, after about 200 meter, it started to rain. But I had no choice. I had to continue my walk. So I walk in the rain. Luckily I wore a rain jacket.

After some walk and few photos [it was raining, remember], I manage to get into the Puzzling World and I went straight to the counter to get the Combo ticket for NZD15, which means I could go to Great Maze and Illusion room.

I went to Illusion room first because the Great Maze was outdoor. Illusions room has many rooms. There was 3D displays, holographic photos, hologram hall, Ames False Perspective room, and Hall of Following Faces.

Hey magic ball, please tell me where my soulmate is hiding

Lots of faces and they always keep an eye on you

You can't do this, can you?

After that, I planned to go to The Great Maze, but, it was still raining. So, I waited at the front hall and played some puzzles. There were puzzles on every tables, and lots of people also waiting for the rain to stop, to play the great maze of taking photos outside. But it didn’t seem to stop. So, when there were still some drizzles, some of them take the opportunity to go outside. Me included.

Some of the puzzles on the table

I went to the Great Maze and really enjoyed it, although I played it alone. For me, it was a big playground, for young and for the young at heart. But the raining getting heavier. But I still playing. Finish playing I went inside again. Waiting for the rain to stop again, to take photos outside the building. Almost 4 and the rain still didn’t stop, so, we just went out and took photo in the rain. Luckily it was not so heavy.

This was fun!

Old toilet

Still raining this time

Then, I walked to the town again and make a stop at Cinema Paradiso, the old cinema in Wanaka. It was not open until 530. I was wet and cold. But I just wait. This is something that I planned to do in Wanaka. It was recommend by many travel sites and also books, but, so far I didn’t felt welcomed. I came yesterday and it was closed too. There were people inside, but none of them came out and tell us when its going to open and how to book for the movie ticket. After 15 minutes outside, a staff came out and invited us inside, but still he didn’t look so welcoming.

Cinema Paradiso

In each day, there will be only at most 3 or 4 screening at this cinema. At earliest, it will start at 12pm but usually it starts at 6, and finish late as they also has a café. Tonight screening was The King Speech. I didn’t really know about this movie, but from the poster I learned that it won some Grammys.

Counter for food and movie tickets

I bought a ticket and a bag of popcorn. I wished I had someone with me, so at least I can have a talk if the movie bored me. The movie started slow and not really my kind of movie, but the 80% over-than-50-years-old viewer in that cinema seemed to enjoy it a lot. Well, I still enjoyed some scenes and the ending. The movie stopped half way and people can buy anything from the café. From pizza to freshly baked cookies. That’s the specialties here.

See behind me. Most of them were veterans and they really enjoyed the movie

The movie finished at 8 and I walked to hostel hastily. Its already dark like 10pm and the road was dark. I walked and sometimes running. Luckily it just 10 minutes to the hostel.
So, there goes my day.

And this was what I found when I came back. Phew, luckily tonight was my last night here

South Island Trip - Day 5

2011-06-17T11:24:00.000+08:00

Today I left Franz Josef to the next stop, Wanaka. At 750 the Intercity bus picked us up at our hostel. There were only about 10 people in the bus and 4 or 5 of them was the same people from my previous trip from Nelson to Franz Josef.
At 940 it stopped at Salmon Farm and Café for breakfast for half and hour. So everyone get out from the bus. It was cold outside and I just sit in front of the fire place. A texas lady sat besides me and we talked. She said her son give her a surprise visit for Mother’s Day. He will met her in Queenstown, all the way from USA. A nice surprise, indeed.

View from the bus

We jumped into the bus again and I saw a lady brought an ukulele. Black like mine. So we had a chat and she told me that she just bought it in Australia. And like me, she also a beginner. In the bus, she went to the back of the bus and try to play and learn by herself. So, I am not the only girl with ukulele in this bus. :)
At 1115, the bus stopped at a place where we could see the Thunder Creek Falls.

Thunder Creek Falls

At 1250, the bus stopped once again for lunch break for 40 minutes at Makarora. The journey from Franz Josef to Makarora, there was hardly a settlement. From the driver (who speak non-stop along the journey), there was one settlement where the school has only 4 kids and 5 teachers.

A nice cafe with car plats decoration

We continue our journey and arrived Wanaka at 230. The bus stopped at i-site and I have to walk for about 15 minutes to XBase hostel. XBase has several hostels in New Zealand and Australia. The best part about this hostel is that you can booked via NakedSleep website and get a room as low as NZD5. That what I actually paid for this hostel . Some tips, you have to book as early as you can and always play with the date.

A nice view

The good thing about XBase Wanaka was, it located just 2 minutes walk to New World supermarket. So, for my lunch today, I bought fish and some frozen veges and cooked at the kitchen. The kitchen was dirty and unorganized, but luckily, it has a sundeck with nice view.

Just a small room, but for NZD5 per night, it doesn't matter

After lunch, I had a walk around town. Wanaka was a nice town by the lake. Yes, of course, Lake Wanaka. The weather was also good. So I walked and walked and taking photos.

My lunch at the sundeck with the nice view

Some sculptures

I like the white bike..and flowers of course

Great color combination, autumn colors

View in front of the lake

Wanaka community

Because it was autumn, by 530, its started to get dark. So I walked back to hostel.

Peace yaw!

Full day in Wanaka tomorrow and hopefully the weather will be as great as today.

South Island Trip - Day 4

2011-06-16T12:47:00.000+08:00

Today was the day for Franz Josef Glacier walk.

In front of the office and everyone was ready to go

We started the journey at 930 and finished at 1345 because I only took the half day package.
It was drizzling from morning and only stopped in the afternoon.

Going to the glacier. Those without the blue outfit were not going

W had to wear all gears and it was heavy. We were given 4 colors cards. Blue, Red, Yellow and White and that’s for all the equipment that we used. I took a boots, gloves, pants and windbreaker. No wonder it was heavy. And additional to that, we had to bring crampons to make it easier to walk on ice. That why we had to wear that big red pouch around our waist.

Put the crampons on to walk on ice

This is my first time walking on ice. I mean the real glacier. This is one of 3 glaciers of its kind. Another 2 were at Fox glacier and another is at Petagonia, Chile. This glacier was there all year long. Winter, summer, autumn and spring.

Some hiking

The walk was considered easy. First 35 minutes we just walked on a flat surface. The after that we need to hike a bit. Then we attached the crampons to our boots and started to walk on ice. It was tricky at first, but then it was easy. All I have to do was walking and stomping on every step. Mike, was out tour guide and he was pretty good.

This was fun

There were an old couple. I thought they were couple but they were siblings. What I amazed about them was the brother was 66 and the sister was 73. They were very fit and somehow better than some of us.

A mini cave..hehe

I made friend with a girls from England because she was also alone, and luckily her speed was just like mine and we were happily taking photos for each other.

Ice ice and ice

After the tour finished, I planned to cook my lunch, but unfortunately, the hostel closed the kitchen until 4pm for cleaning. Luckily I always have energy bar with me all the time.
So, I went to Glacier hot pool. We got free entry because it was included in the glacier walk package.

Initially, I planned to go with the English girl, but we planned to go at 6pm and that’s only if she cancelled her ticket to Queenstown that afternoon. As we don’t have each other’s number, I just go alone and I hope she took the bus that afternoon because before we went to our hostel, she told me that she probably take the bus.
There were 3 pools with 3 different temperatures.

Outdoor hot pools

It were 40, 38 and 36 degrees Celsius each. It was good treat after the walk and I think I enjoyed this better than the Glacier Walk. I think that the walk was a little bit pricey.

I prefer the 40 degree one

But yes, Hot Pools are everywhere and the Glacier Walk was not everywhere. So, it still worth it. Only after one and half hour, I went back to hostel, having my lunch+dinner and rest.
A German roommate took the full day walk and she said she enjoyed it, but it was a little bit too long and there’s no toilet up there too.

I stayed here for 2 nights, YHA Franz Josef

16 days to go.So far so great.

South Island Trip - Day 3

2011-06-14T12:26:00.000+08:00

Today was the day, that the real journey actually begun. For the previous 2 days, I just went to the places where I’ve been previously. Well, almost.
Woke up at 6. I didn’t even know who were my roommates and don’t have a chance to see around the hostel. So far, this is the most expensive hostel that I’ve been staying. It was NZD30 per night. This is a last minute decision. Luckily, almost all other hostels after this already booked. But this hostel was very nice and clean. It even has a ping pong table beside the TV lounge. The thing that I matters to me was the kitchen, and this hostel has a clean and comfortable kitchen.

I respect if anyone can use at least 5 of these spices at the same time..cooking on the road :)

Before I left the hostel, I bought a cup of Cappuccino from the machine at the kitchen. Just NZD2. Went out to bus stop to catch bus at 715 to Franz Josef. The temperature that time was 7oC.

Intercity bus from Nelson to Franz Josef

1st stop was at Murchison at 920.
At 1200 the bus stopped at Punakaiki. The temperature was rising, up to 20oC. As this is a lunch stop, and I bring my own lunch, I walked to the famous Pancake Rock. It just 10 minutes from where the bus stopped. The Pancake Rock is a rock formation that looked like a stack of pancakes. It was carved by wind and water for a long time.

View from the bus

Stopped here for lunch

Surge Pool

Pancake Rock

Path to the gallery. Somewhere in Hokitika

It was just 30 minutes stop and I went back to the bus without having my lunch. Later the bus stopped at Greymouth and then Hokitika. I think Hokitika was a good place to buy the green New Zealand jade. I saw lots of jade shops there. And I think that’s the reason why the bus stopped here for more than 40 minutes. But I didn’t buy anything.

Hokitika clock tower. Behind is was one of many Jade [or Paua as Kiwi called it] shop.

I think this was Aint Lake. I thought it was Mirrir Lake..hehe..Mirror Lake was actually near to Milford Sound :) . Just ignore my shirt color combination..haha

Finally, we arrived at Franz Josef at about 5pm. What a long journey. Well I think the journey was not so long, but the bus stops a lot to allow the passenger to take a quick look of every town it stopped.
I stayed at YHA Franz Josef for 2 nights. As Franz Josef township was very small, the bus stopped at all passenger’s hotel. It was good. I didn’t have to carry my heavy bag.
The 6 bedded female room was rather small. But that’s alright. Tomorrow I’m gonna have Glacier Walk. So, today was considered a full day journey only on a bus.

The room facing the forest

A small 5 bedded female room at YHA Franz Josef

South Island Trip - Day 2

2011-06-14T11:46:00.001+08:00

Morning pose depan cermin..muehehhe

The day started a little bit late because the bus will only depart at 1230.
I walked around Picton after checked out. Been here for several times already. First when I came here last year after North Island trip with travel partner that time, Jaja. Then with Jaja, Shy Chyi and Ah Ting when we stayed in Blenheim, once again when I met Ida and brought her to Blenheim, and the last time when I has to take ferry to North Island again. Picton is just a small town by the sea, which only has not more than 5 streets. This is the first stop at South island if you are travelling by ferry from North Island.
Printed itinerary at Picton library and it has free internet. So I updated my Facebook status. As I was travelling alone, I think it was a wise move as many people will know where I am and where I was heading to. In case anything happen, it will be easier to find/locate me.
I also sent some last postcards. It was fun sending postcard, and I’ve been doing that since I earlier time I stayed in NZ.

Some last postcards from New Zealand

At 1230, the bus departed to Nelson and at 1450 I arrived at Nelson. I texted Wlinity because we planned to meet because she stayed nearby.
After I checked in YHA Nelson, Hong, Wlinity, Marcus and Catherine. Hong and Wlinity were my housemates and we work together in Blenheim in January. Marcus is Malaysian with PR status and staying Nelson and Catherine was another Malaysian with working holiday visa. Hee, other ex-housemates was at Motueka, doing skydiving with Masako and Lau – the other friends which I worked together before.

Hong, Me, Wlinity. Photo credit to Wlinity.
New World was one of the top 3 supermarket chain in NZ. It actually my least favourite. My favourite was Pak n Save because its the cheapest and Countdown is better looking and cheaper than New World. Miss those days when we took weekly promotion booklets and compared prices.

So we went to Motueka. And Hee was just finished her skydive. We ask her how was it? She said it was like a dream because everything happens so fast. Most of the people I met, also doing that. I am still not sure to do it or not. Its pricey and scary at the same time.

Hee, Wlinity and Me. Photo credit to Wlinity

Then we went to Mapua. They suggested that the fish and chips there was one of best in New Zealand. The name of the shop was The Smokehouse. Marcus is the one who paid. Well, he’s the richest among us. :) Thanks Marcus. We ate in front of the lake. It almost dark and just after that, we went to Stoke, where Wlinity and Hee were staying.

The famous fish and chips shop.

View behind The Smokehouse shop

I got some apples as they currently work at apple packhouse. Then, we went to Nelson town and Marcus being our tour guide and drive us around town.

Anyone interested?

Only about midnight, they dropped me off at my hostel and I was too tired to do anything else. After preparing food for tomorrow journey, I slept.

South Island Trip - Day 1

2011-06-14T11:32:00.001+08:00

Departed from Hastings at 830, by bus to Wellington. Betty and Fifi, 2 Malaysian who stayed with me at the house dropped me off at the bus station. There I was, looking at Hastings town for the last time. I remembered the first day I came here, the fountain water at the middle of the town was pink. I thought it was everyday, but it was not. That was only for a week, if I am not mistaken and I forgot to take photo of it. I already say goodbye to Hastings once, and now, again and this time for a longer time. I won’t say it’s for good, because, who knows, I might come here again someday. Honestly, I want to come again.
Sun started to come as the bus leaving Hastings, previous days were rainy days. Hawkes Bay region has the worst storm in decades, followed by flood and landslide, luckily not in Hastings.

Gonna miss this kitchen..

Arrived Palmerton North at 1050. Departed from Palmy at 1130.
Arrived Wellington at 130.
Ferry delayed. And it was a good thing because I didn’t have to rush. I took shuttle bus to ferry terminal.

View from Arahura Interislander ferry

Ferry to Picton departed at 410, previously scheduled to leave at 240. Arrived at 715. It’s already dark. I walked to backpackers hostel called Picton Lodge. Luckily it was just about 200 meter from the terminal. NZD24 without bed made up. I brought sleeping bag with me. The big 8 bedded female room was only occupied by 2 persons, including me.
The hostel smelled good. Sometimes it smelled like bunga rampai – the one that we used during wedding event. It’s a basic hostel but it feels homey. Simple decoration inside, 2 ½ storey building. Free salt, sugar, peppers etc.
I think the receptionist was the owner and she looks tired and her dogs greeted me with loud bark when I came in.
At the kitchen, I met a young Philippines couple with their 2 sons. Both are studying at North Island. It felt good to talk to someone when you are travelling alone all day. And it much nicer to met Asian, especially South East Asian people, because it felt like we came from the same place.

Living room of the hostel

Not really tired. But I think I need some sleeps now. Tomorrow I have a short journey to Nelson.

travel updates

2011-06-06T13:04:00.000+08:00

hihi
it's been 2 weeks and I haven't update anything about 'the' south island trip.

for this few days i've been to Kuantan - Kelantan - KL - Kelantan - KL again. That was fun journey!
I will go to Shah Alam this afternoon to visit my sister and after that, I have to go back to my hometown at Jengka to meet my other sisters. Only next week I can concentrate on writing the updates, and continue my job hunting.

Can you see me?

Awesome NZ

Have a great monday!

tayank

2011-06-06T12:28:00.001+08:00

you love sun rays, you hate rain drops
you like black, you detest white

but still, sometimes we dance in the rain together
and i know, secretly, you adore white

this place is raining sometimes
and some people don't understand black at all

so, its ok if you want to leave
because i know, you will come back

i believe
new places can give you inspirations and hopes
not solution
i might be wrong

until you say hello again
just take a good care of yourself

anyway,
in case you forget
you still owe me, and us

a goodbye

Friday Random Photo

2011-05-27T20:35:00.008+08:00

At Hastings A&P Show, Hastings, NZ, Nov 2010

canggung

2011-05-25T21:04:00.001+08:00

it is weird
and I'm at my home country
and I have been living like this for my whole life
and yet
i feel
canggung

there
i had the most peaceful days of my life
like everything was so easy
like the opportunities was abundance
like there's nothing to be worried about
like all my dreams were so close
the work was hard
and temporary
and unstable
but I was happy

here
its so many things to think about
needs to be met
issues to solve
bills to pay
decisions to be made
i am looking for stable office job
for a temporary satisfaction

i hope
this is just a jet-lag simptom

* i know, I sound like mengada2..
don't worry, this too shall pass :)

i'm home!

2011-05-20T01:43:00.000+08:00

many stories to tell.
will update my travel stories soon.
and more photos too. :)

at Lake Wanaka, almost sunset

have a great friday!

Friday Random Photo

2011-05-20T01:38:00.000+08:00

Bread expiry date tag, Cornwall Park, Hastings, NZ, Nov 2010

Friday Random Photo

2011-05-13T01:35:00.000+08:00

Marriage :) these apples are almost at the same size and so perfectly together. @ Eco Lodge, Hastings, Apr 2, 2011

Friday Random Photo

2011-05-06T20:24:00.000+08:00

Christmas decoration, Singapore trip, New Year 2010

Friday Random Photo

2011-04-29T18:33:00.005+08:00

The bedroom door at our first house in NZ, Whitehead Road, Hastings, Nov 2010

goodbye hastings - once again..

2011-04-28T21:16:00.000+08:00

but,
I have a strong feeling that I will come again
its just a matter of time

so many memories here
for 7 months in New Zealand, I spent most of my time here

definitely
I will come again!

For now, I am leaving
See you again Hastings..

You say hello I say goodbye...

apple pie

2011-04-28T03:56:00.000+08:00

OK, this is the last baking session in NZ [gonna miss this a lot!]. I hope I can get myself an oven when I came back home, and continue my latest passion - while still continuing my other passions such as traveling, reading, photographing, singing and gleeing. :)

So, enjoice some piccas!

Did I mention that photographing food is so much fun?

Pie filling - apple, flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice

I don't want to do ordinary topping today...

Instead, I made lattice topping..fun!

It had a company inside oven - I wonder what was their conversation for 45 minutes in this sauna :) - that raising bread was not mine if you are wondering

I know it's not perfect, but for me, its perfect in its own way...

Actually I made this for my friends in packhouse, but..
After I took it from oven, and waited for 2 hours to cool down, the filling is too watery. I have no idea why, but I think its the lemon juice - although I just put about 1 tablespoon of it. So, I put it in oven again for 20 minutes after remove some excessive liquid in it. It turned out OK, not watery anymore, but, the looks was not so good when I start to cut it..you know with the lattice topping and it was gap between topping and the filling. So, I gave it to my 4 housemates. Personally, I think the taste was good, especially the crust. The filling is better than my 1st pie, but it's a little bit too sweet for me. Anyway, my housemates like it. :)

This is some tips I learned after making 2 apple pies [Just notes to myself, you can use it if you want]

1. To make good crust, use room temperature butter [this rule applied to all ingredients in any baking process]
2. Use fork to mix butter with flour instead of fingers - it will melt the butter. It doesn't need to be knead too, just use your hand to make 2 balls
3. Use ice cold water to make the crust crunchy
4. Put the crust in freezer for at least 30 minutes before bake in oven.
5. Lemon juice give a good taste for the filling [but I am yet to figure out how to avoid the excessive water inside, some suggested thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot]
6. Cut the apples very thin - to make sure it properly cooked in 45 minutes.

So, for my packhouse friends, I end up making this...

Bread pudding with apple topping...because it requires less technical baking background..hehe

I will start traveling tomorrow peeps!
My last 20 days in New Zealand - the land that I slowly fall in love with.
Hopefully, there will be no rain on my parade - but, I am prepared for that - because I am completely understand the nature of this country - anyway I just love the imperfectness :)

Enjoy your day lovelies!

How to make an your own itinerary

2011-04-27T14:47:00.003+08:00

I was a believer in 'going with the flow', but [especially due to budget issue], I started to pre-planned my travel, from accommodation, transportation, activities and food and daily budget. This is my first time doing such an itinerary [considered as complete-itinerary]- for 20 days.
This is what I've learned on how to make your own itinerary. I don't know how it will turns up, hopefully everything will fall to places. Fingers crossed!

So, this is my version of 'How to make your own itinerary'. Hope it helps.

1. Get as much as information about places you want to go, and things to do in each places [allow from 2 days - a week]. Get the rough idea on how much the transportation, accommodation, activities and food cost at the place/country.
2. Find previous itinerary by other travelers [with the same time-frame] and have rough idea about how the flow goes
3. Calculate and recalculate budget
4. Make rough itinerary and decide which place you want to stay longer/shorter
5. Plan for transportation + accommodation - you might have to send inquiry emails for those
6. Start the booking - Email/Call to book for accommodation and transportation
7. Once confirm with accommodation, you can decide activities at the places you chose to go - book if already confirm [Sometimes, its frustrating to let go some activities, due to budget/weather/time/etc - but, its better to know it sooner, than later]
8.Important tips, consider buffer on every place/activities that you plan to go/do, anything might happen along the way. [For example, don't do 2 major to-do-activities at different places on 2 consecutive days]

* Essential things to consider in your budget:
1. Transportation
2. Accommodation
3. Food
4. Activities
5. Etc

feijoa and easter

2011-04-27T08:51:00.001+08:00

Nothing much happening these days. Its raining all day and probably my last day working was yesterday. [No one is working when its raining]. I already missing working in NZ. hmm.

I will be traveling in 2 days.

Enjoice some photo that I took several days ago.

This is the view from my bedroom window..its obviously autumn..hehe

This is feijoa also known as pineapple guava...it comes from southern America but now it is widely grows in New Zealand

I like the inside look..I didn't expect this look from the outside green plain look..It taste like the combination of guava and kiwi..[eat it like you eat kiwi, cut into 2 and eat with spoon]

This is neither feijoa nor egg..this is chocolate in the form of wrapped egg..hihi..

Have a lovely day.

lasagna

2011-04-22T07:25:00.003+08:00

it was in the last week's menu
but, I just made it last monday

so, enjoice some piccas

1st, we need this - various type but I only found this at Pak n Save

Then we need this, something like bolognese sauce to me - minced meat, onion, garlic, tomato puree, sauce and peeled - just put everything in one pot and add some spices, pepper, coriander/parsley/basil

This is for the third layer - cheese+egg+coriander/parsley

Then start making lasagna layer

Ready to be put into pre-heated oven

Done - 25 minutes with cover and 25 minutes without cover

Ready to eat..nyamm..

I use recipe from here, but of course I don't have all the ingredients.
When it says grate nutmeg, I pretend I didn't saw that. When it says 'put mozarella cheese, then parmesan cheeese', I just pretended that I read 'put some cheap edam cheese, then add some cheap edam cheese'..hehe.
Turns out not so bad!

Today is Easter day. Every shops and supermarket close and people just stay at home. Maybe I will bake something to finish up all my baking things after start travel next week.

Enjoy your friday loves.

Friday Random Photo

2011-04-22T04:40:00.000+08:00

Blenheim, New Zealand, Feb 6th, 2011

2011-04-20T10:22:00.002+08:00

"Sapere Aude - Dare to be Wise"
- Manchester Grammar School's motto

sunday

2011-04-17T19:24:00.001+08:00

so, let me introduce you my favourite vege shop
the vegetables here are cheaper than supermarket at town
it takes about 20 minutes walking from my hostel
and its operated by chinese immigrant
so, it has 'asian things' like superhot chilli, pak choy and even fresh lemongrass

It's not in the city..just beside the road

It is not open everyday anyway

This is the shop...you can even pick you own tomato and it cost just NZD0.90 per/kg..but I never did that..I prefer to buy canned tomato..hehe

I just like to stare at this type of pumpkins...hehe..nice color and shape

Inside..i didn't took photo inside the shop because I don't want to look suspicious...hehe

Well, nothing so special about the shop but for now, its my favourite :)

On another note, my South Island travel itinerary almost finish. Generally, my route will go like this.

Hastings - Wellington - Picton - Nelson - Punakaiki - Franz Josef - Wanaka - Tekapo - Ashburton - Oamaru - Dunedin - Te Anau - Queenstown - Christchurch Airport - Kuala Lumpur

The location in bold is basically confirmed. The italic locations is still pending because of some circumstances. I won't spend a night at Ashburton [maybe Picton too]. I just go there and then take another bus to Oamaru because there's no direct bus from Tekapo to Oamaru.

And yes, Kuala Lumpur is located in Malaysia, not New Zealand. Hehe.

Have a great week ahead buddies!

i like the smell of dough in the morning

2011-04-16T14:02:00.002+08:00

Nope, I'm not making dough this morning, in fact, I'm not feeling very well. Yesterday work was so tiring. So, I don't feel like spending my time in kitchen this morning, but in bedroom. I even have breakfast in bed. Its raining outside as well.

Omelet with toast, an apple and a glass of milk

Just feel damn tired today, even to sit down, so I just lie in bed for half of the day. I also have a headache since last night. Hope tomorrow I will feel better and sun will come in the morning because I need to buy groceries for next week and maybe I can spend some time in the library too. This is my second last weekend in Hastings. Oh time, please slow down a little bit for me.

Have a healthy weekend loves.

Friday Random Photo

2011-04-15T04:34:00.000+08:00

One of Kak Meera's calf..she is waiting to get morning milk, Kumue, Auckland, Oct 4, 2010