the story unfolds..

My Virgin Dive

2010-11-11T21:53:00.001+08:00

This post is delayed by almost 1.5 months..but still I had to blog about my FIRST dive trip before I can do so for my second, which I just returned from last weekend!! So here goes..

After worrying about the whole "not being able to just pop my head out of the water if anything happens" thing for a good 2 weeks since the pool session..D-day finally arrived. I was nervous yet excited, mixed feelings. But of course, I ~~had to~~ MUST go, even if its just to save my face..yes, my ego is extremely important to me:) So loot (40% clothes and such, 60% food, 100% necessities) we packed, and off we trooped. Van ride, boat ride..by the time we reached Dayang, it was about 4am on Saturday morning.and we had to wake up about 3 hours plus from then..

Good Morning little island

Surprisingly, the 1st day (Saturday) was better than the 2nd..despite much less sleep in comparison. I guess it was just the whole built up of excitement and all..Not that I dislike diving, its just after being depleted of my energy on Saturday, crawling out of bed and braving the traces of chilly wind, from the previous night's rain, on an early Sunday morning was a great chore..It was dreadful..but we still headed out, duh.

Must we really dive in such "good" weather to snooze?

Honestly diving is one sport that requires so much preparation and gearing up, and seemingly trivial mistakes can actually be quite terrible *eeks*..But every single time I step into the water and sink deep down, ALL ~~the trouble~~ is worthwhile=) Not forgetting, as not certified divers (then), we were embarking on training dives..so almost every single action and movement (especially during preparation and gearing up) was under the watchful eyes of our instructor, Kiat. We did our drills obediently, albeit some hiccups and a minor panic. As we got into the groove, the last couple of dives were way easier to handle:)

Lesson-time, kiddos.

We are such fabulous students, aren't we?

Don't worry, you are a wonderful instructor too!!=) To be true, I thought Kiat was kinda intimidating the very first time I saw him in Diventures. He did not smile, he face was so ~~black~~ tan, he looked sterm..scary. But after all these time, he is actually very friendly, and quite full of nonsense at times. But not to worry, he is absolutely professional when it comes to coaching us! Its probably his many years of diving and teaching experience, that he could share quite a bit with us, really insightful:) So all applause for him!! Kudos to Kiat!!

My buddy for my first open water dive: My big sister!

Here are some of the marine lives we got to see during our dives..I will only name a couple which I know and am sure of=P

Top-Left: Clown Fish aka Nemo

My dear buddy got all so excited over these little orange things.

Top-Left: Moray Eel

Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right: Bumphead Parrot Fish

We saw quite a number of these huge things swimming together. They will use their ~~foreheads~~ bumpheads to knock on the coral and feed on them. And trust me, when I say they got some really strong teeth there. Don't you think their set of "dentures" resemble those in our mouths?hehe

Bottom-Left: Sea Cucumber

After only two dives..is this normal? I guess so..especially for my monster, he sleeps before and after every single dive, he practically falls asleep once he gets his butt to the bench on the boat. Unbelievable, not?

Rest is important to keep us diving:)

What can I say, we are a bunch of troopers who love the sun, the sea, AND the sand..we were almost slippers free the entire trip (besides shower-time)..back to basics uh? embrace the nature..HAHA

Flippety Floppety only allowed in the water!

After the "serious" stuff..time for some funny/unglam/hilarious shots of the trip..not to worry, each of us has a share=P

#1: Alicia aka Me

I always wonder how do the rest keep their hair so nice and neat underwater!! Like seriously, mine is forever the messiest, whether above or under water. I perpetually look like I got electrocuted=S

#2: Venetia

I just think this action is funny, because it reminds me of Kiat mentioning that we all look so busy struggling to "fin" with our hands.

#3: Eugenia

Honestly, I could not find a truly unglamorous or funny shot of her. But I had to be fair and dedicate one to her=P So this is the weirdest action I could identify among all the underwater shots of her.. There is ballet, water ballet, and now introducing underwater ballet=)

#4: Wei Jie

Somehow I think that this "pose" is so him. No idea why too..its like he is playful, and always have something up his sleeves?! Don't ask me how I inferred them of him and the picture!! HAHA..no matter what, its quite a funny pose!!

#5: Ivan aka the clown

My little sister called him a joke when she saw this photo..And ever since, he is known as the clown!! HAHA..it was really darn funny seeing him swim around holding on to the power inflator hose..I think quite a number of us tried to signal to him to let go of it, but he just didn't understand!! So that was how we all recognised my monster on the first dive..He is just so hilarious sometimes, it leaves me speechless but gives me laughters=D

My 4 saviours!!!!

The four of them actually helped me quite a lot during the course of learning diving, all in their own unique and special ways. Just having the guts to learn diving with me, and trusting me not to risk their lives with my ditzy-ness, have earned them many many brownie points:) All together, they made this learning experience breeze-like (minus the unnecessary worries I gave myself).

The Chung Divers=)

Since years ago, we have been mentioning about learning diving. However, our schedules always clashed, it was seemingly impossible to find a common free slot. Then we talked about just learning separately, but for some reason, none of us got down to it. FINALLY, I guess it was just the time that all three of us really wanted the license bad, so we made the supposedly impossible happen. And I am so glad I got to do this with my sisters!! *WIDE SMILE*

LOVE my monster~

I am truly lucky to have a bf who actually shares a same interest as me. So I know, we have at least one thing in common!!hehe.. Besides the usual movies, shoppings, parties, etc..this was something different that we did together. One very sweet and memorable experience=)

Alicia is a diver.

We have all graduated!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself during this weekend getaway..It was literally; eat, dive, eat, dive, eat, dive, eat, eat, sleep..and then the cycle repeats..Now I totally get it when they say diving does not make you lose weight, even though its so tiring. Actually its the lifestyle of a diver that forbids the weight loss!!hohoho..on the brighter side, it equalises out, the large amount of food you take in balances the huge amount of calories you burn. at least I HOPE SO!! =)

I can only go deeper, there is no turning back!

Toodles~

Pay And Dive In

2010-10-05T01:30:00.001+08:00

I AM OFFICIALLY A LICENSED OPEN WATER DIVER!!!

After much hard work, nerve-wrecking moments, little panics in the pool..etc...YES I GOT IT FINALLY!! (and my dearest ah lin will go "I waited four years!" haha I am so sorry girl!! but we can FINALLY go diving together!!!!=D)

I am still waiting for photos to be uploaded on facebook for me to kope, so I will keep my Dayang Trip for another post:) So for now I should just share my experience during the lessons,not so much the theory but more of the pool session.

After much procrastination and delay..we finally got down to signing up for the PADI Open Water Diving Course with DIVENTURES!! (Much thanks to my sister's colleague for her good recommendation!!!)..I cannot say if it is better than other dive centres/schools (cus I have not been to any others), but I can say for sure that my experience with Diventures was one helluva GREAT one=D

So since my sister had her colleague to be the "middleman", we did not even need to go down to the dive centre to settle the stuff..we had our books collected for us, and she kind of liased with the instructor on our behalf...so it was really fuss-free for us:) I got the textbook about one week before the theory class..and IT LOOKED LIKE A PRIMARY SCHOOL SCIENCE TEXTBOOK=( It was quite a pain reading through the entire book..So came the theory class on Hari Raya Puasa public holiday..we spent almost the entire morning and early afternoon watching the video that covered the contents of the textbook..totally sleep inducing *eeks*..we were supposed to do our quiz (we had to pass these before taking the actual theory test), but when the instructor found out we did not finish our homework, he suggested another day!!! To be honest, I was one of the culprit, and only read 1 out of 5 chapters!!!hehehe...

About a week later, on an early Sunday morning, we trudged down to Outram Secondary School for our ONE AND ONLY pool session..the thought of cramming the things we learn in 5 chapters into 1 pathetic sessions chokes me..But I guess we survived it:) Ah Loong thought us how to gear up, and to be true, halfway through I was lost so I just follow whatever everyone else was doing..tsk tsk..Then we were split into 2 groups, I was under Felix with dear and my elder sister. And in to the pool we plopped. He told us he would go through the hand signals with us first so that we could understand him underwater. But before I knew it, he told us to get our heads down. Did he even go through the hand signals?! I really don't think so. The moment I got in, breathing through my regulator, I could feel my heartbeat racing!! I thought he will allow us to ascend after each drill, BUT NO!! He went through all FIVE drills in "one breath"..I was praying so hard for the moment he will give us the "good" sign to ascend!! And the 5th drill had to make the already traumatising 1st experience worse, we had to fill our mask with water and clear it. Okay it dosen't sound THAT scary. But trust me, after breathing through my nose for a good 21 years of my life, its not easy to switch to breathing through my mouth and having my nose exposed to water. I literally breathed in the water, and choked on my 1st attempt, failed on the 2nd one as well. And finally cleared it on the the 3rd, though still not that confident then. As the morning went on, I formed a better relationship with my regulator, and breathing the unconventional way got easier. I was more concern about water sipping into my mask and "drowning" my nose..Other than that, everything else went rather smoothly, plunging my head into the waters and depending on your equipments was not that traumatising after all, its just the matter of trusting them=) So I guess my boohoo during the 1st time, is because I did not know them well enough.

Throughout the pool session, Felix kept encouraging us to complete our drills by saying "Do not worry, just do it..now you are still in the pool, so if anything happens or goes wrong, just lift your head up above the water." That is actually very true and kept me going and trying, I was more daring to go for it, because I knew that I could just easily bring my head above the water and I will be safe and sound. But how true is this for actual scuba-diving? I will be many many metres underwater, how can I just pop my head out so easily?! What if something really happens or goes wrong during the actual thing, what am I to do?! This got me really nervous for D-DAYS...D for Dive OR Dooms?!=S

Till I get the photos...TOODLES~~

Who stole the Mooncake from the Mooncake box?

2010-09-17T15:54:00.000+08:00

For the picnic later, my younger sister decided that she wanted to bring some mooncakes from home. Not a bad idea at all, since the Mid-autumn Festival is looming so close-by, plus we supposedly have MANY mooncakes at home (at the very least, we just receivewd 3 boxes from my relatives to granny last Saturday, some that my elder sister bought, other loose small ones that my aunt bought..and I am not even sure if there is any new additions over the week since I stay in hall.)..and we can enjoy them under the stars!!:)

Then came this amusing message..and the conversation following...
E: Nomore normal mooncake! I bring the special one tt jie jie bring back from office. (these are not even the ones which I mentioned above, Its another box that somebody else gave her!!)
A: Huhhh? All the normal mooncake at hm finish? I thot we had 3 boxes? (at least!)
E: Dunno leh...
A: Wahhhh..U all eat moocake evday?!
E: .....Yahh. Every morning!! (LOL)

And to think I haven't eaten a single mooncake this year!!! I never knew my family was sooo into mooncakes..I thought I was the only one in the family who had super-sweet tooth and take in sweet treats like nobody's business..TSK TSK!!!

Time to shower and prepare for our picnic-in-the-night!!!!=D
Tood-tood-toodles!!!!!

under control, not under controlling

2010-09-16T17:56:00.000+08:00

control your temper, control your temper, CONTROL YOUR TEMPER.

I was superbly easily irritable and pissy the past few weeks. If triggered, I will just be super moody and everything just got haywire and downhill from there. What I thought to be PMS..didn't seem like it anymore. So I figured the problem had to lie with ME. Where was the (once) forgiving, patient & easy-going me?! Eloped. Was I losing myself to schoolwork, peer pressure, job search...bascially low self esteem (once again)? Clearly I was.

I guess this new-found-but-not-so-welcomed me, has created alot of unnecessary unhappy episodes over the weeks (not with my family though ~ somehow I find myself losing my temper less at home. Weird but true. And I am very thankful for that.), both directly and indirectly. I could feel myself getting more distracted when in class or studying; I could sense that Ivan was getting tired (although he tries his best to not-show it to prevent aggrevating the situation even further); Some days I felt so left-out of everything...bottomline I was FEELING SHITTY much of the time.

To minmise all the negativity & unhappiness in everything; to save myself before I fall too deep into the darkhole; to spare the people around me from my bizarreness..(I told myeslf) I had to..Take the effort to CALM DOWN; THINK about the situation & consequences; DO NOT spark off impulsively like the Angry Birds darting off the catapult; Be more ACTIVE (I read somewhere that being active actually releases "happy hormones" in your body..I don't care if its scietifically proven, I will believe it anyways:D); Think POSITIVELY.

And I am glad to say..IT HAS BEEN WORKING!!!! whoots whoots WHOOTS!!! Yes, its only been four days since I decided on this (since Sunday)..but I am feeling way way happier..Less quarrels and bickers with the monster (Okay, except for the one meltdown the other day because I thought I lost my pencil case=S but but BUT I didn't pick a fight or quarrel with him just because I was angsty, I chose to SLEEP it away!!!), it feels like the 1st 2 months of our relationship all over again!!!:D School work is well rolling on!!!! Self-learning diving theory is also kick-arse!!!! Planning catch-ups and outings with friends for the recess week (especially since the monster will be "out-in the- field" for a few days, and have no time for me)!!!! Keeping in touch with my SEP-pals!!!! Bouncing around attemping some jumping jacks in my humble hut!!!! Climbing onto tabletops and chairs to clean my room (so that the air in my room will be fresher!!!=P)!!!! It's just been FABSTANTIC!!!!!:D

So I will keep it up..tmr is going to be a good day!!! I am going to RUN (high time to start training for Stan-chart), study, hopefully a picnic dinner with my sisters to chill out on a Friday night..Looking forward big time!!!=D Then it will be the weekend, I get to go out with my parents, it feels good to be a daddy-mummy girl once in awhile.=P Everything (from meals, to shopping, to transport....) is taken care of and there is just nothing to worry about when with them, just tag along and go with the flow. Nice:)

Scooting back to my humble little hut:) Toodles~~

You broke your very 1st promise..

2010-09-05T01:13:00.000+08:00

..that you will never make me cry (for any bad reasons).

They were hurtful.
I cried buckets.
I could not help it.
Your words just mean too much to me.
I take them very seriously.
Because you mean so much.
They came from your mouth.
That's why they stabbed me.
For the 1st time I questioned myself.
For the 1st time I questioned us.

Thankfully by the end of the night, I got my answer to all the doubts.
All simply because, I love you.

Thank you for clearing it all up.
Thank you for the much-needed hug.
Thank you for your shoulder.
Thank you for loving me more than I love you.

Settled Dust yet?

2010-08-30T11:57:00.001+08:00

At the start, they are all nodding dogs; "Yes" to everything; embracing your everything; "Okay" with your doings; all little YES-men. Then as time passes (or maybe after getting the girl), they go; you are not allowed to do this; not allowed to do that; why are you like this?; don't be this; don't be that; all COMPLAIN PIGS. Tell me, are all guys like that? or is it a prevailing characteristic of only Singaporean BOYS?

I was all ready to blast blast BLAST about all those MCPSs out there...but I shall be AT PEACE..Thanks to this quote (which I read of someone else's blog)..

Noticing a single shortcoming in ourselves is far more useful than seeing a thousand in someone else. When it is our own: we can correct it. ~ Dalai Lama

Anyways, it has not been the that smooth sailing for the last couple of weeks. For the 1st week, I was MAJORLY-HIGHLY-SUPERBLY IRRITABLE. And almost every little thing will trigger me off, and I will be in this angsty pissy fit. spells PMS crank.sighs. Then came the 2nd week, just as my wharped up moodswings was returning to its cave, my klutzyness and forgetfulness had to kick in, creating a whole episode that made my monster so upset=(

I am sorry for everything that ramped up your emotions and tears. I know I am responsible for it. As much as I will like to promise you, I will not do so (for now). Because I know as of now, I will not be able to uphold this promise, and will only end up disappointing you again with empty words. I can and will assure you that I will take care of myself no matter what. I know where is the line, and will not go overboard. I am probably the most stubborn and naughtiest gf you ever have till date, but I do not love you any less in comparison, trust me on that.

When I told you that I will be going to China with my family over the new year holiday, you understood it was important to me and was seemingly okay, but I know you were emo about it. Like you, I am not looking forward to missing our 1st new year countdown together, but I am definitely looking forward to holidaying with my beloved family. Because of school, you, friends..I have been spending alot less time with them, that's why I will jump at any opportunity for such family-getaways. Hopefully we can go for a short getaway together, before I start working=)

Let me sneak in some totally out-of-point issues now..DIVING!! Trip is from 1st to 3rd Oct..Anybody on?!?! Let me know yea!!!

Okay I got to RUN now..I got 10 mins to sprint back to hall=S Toodles!!!!

The Irreplaceable Void

2010-08-20T13:06:00.003+08:00

A couple of days ago, I received an email from my mum. For a few years now, my parents have been actively sending us emails (almost about everything & anything: warnings of scams, promotions, inspiring stories, jokes, incredible pictures, jaw-dropping experiences of people etc...) So of course this email did not come as a surprise. I opened it briefly on my BB, but upon looking at the WORDS (You know how lazy am I to read, especially on my very humble BB-screen..plus there were complex-chinese words!!!), I exited the screen. So yesterday I decided to read it (since my mum sent it, it must be good. My parents only send the good stuff :D), and I totally did not regret it. Imagine me tearing in the computer lab (Yes, my precious zebra is on his route to retirement. Hence, for heavyduty work, to the com lab it is:s), it was embarassing!! People must be wondering why the hell was I crying to a dead screen. Oh wells, but the story is OH-SO-AWESOME...really sad & touching..A STORY DEFINITELY WORTH SHARING:
(Note: super wordy post ahead!!!!)

The Irreplaceable Void

4 years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very often I wonder, how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel right now? She must be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is incapable to taking care of the house and the kid. 'cos that is the exact feeling that I have, as I feel that I have failed to provide for the physical and emotional needs of my child, and failed to be the dad and mum for my child.

There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at work. Hence, I had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So thinking that there was still rice leftovers, I hastily cooked an egg and left after informing my sleepy child.

With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well as when I am home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of all energy. So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went straight into the room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed with intention of just having a well-deserved sleep, all i heard and felt was broken porcelain and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and there lies the source of the 'problem'... a broken bowl with instant noodles and a mess on the bedsheet and blanket!

Boy, was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes hanger, charged straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy, and give him a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy, except a short explanation:

"Dad, I was hungry and there wasn't anymore leftover rice. But you were not back yet, hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles. But I remembered you reminding me not to touch or use the gas stove without any adults around, hence I turned on the shower and used the hot water from the bathroom to cook the noodles. One is for you and the other is for me. However, I was afraid that the noodles will turn cold, so I hid it under the blanket to keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to remind you 'cos I was playing with my toys...I am sorry Dad..."

At that moment, tears were starting to run down my cheeks...but I didn't want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the bathroom and cried with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that episode, I went towards my son to give him a tight hug and applied medication on him, while coaxing him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up the mess on the bed. When everything was done and well past midnight, I passed my son's room, and saw that he was still crying, not from the pain on his little buttock, but from looking at the photograph of his beloved mummy.

A year has passed since the episode, I have tried, in this period, to focus on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and to attend to most of his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will be graduating from kindergarten. Fortunately, the incident did not leave a lasting impression on his childhood memories and he is still happily growing up.

However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much regret. This time, his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my son's absence from school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting him to explain. But he wasn't to be found, so I went around our house, calling out his name and eventually found him outside a stationery shop, happily playing computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and whack the hell out of him. He did not retaliate, except to say, 'I am sorry, Dad'. But after much probing, I realized that it was a 'Talent Show' organized by his school and the invite is for every student's mummy. And that was the reason for his absence as he has no mummy.....

Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the kindergarten has recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he has kept to himself and stayed in his room to practise his writing, which I am sure, would make my wife proud, if she was still around. 'cos he makes me proud too!

Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has passed. It's winter, and its Christmas time. Everywhere the christmas spirit is in every passer-by...Christmas carols and frantic shoppers....but alas, my son got into another trouble. When I was about to knock off from the day's work, the post office called. Due to the peak season, the post master was also on an edgy mood. He called to tell me that my son has attempted to post several letters with no addressee. Although I did make a promise never to hit my son again, I couldn't help but to hit him as I feel that this child of mine is really beyond control. Once again, as before, he apologized, 'I'm sorry, Dad' and no additional reason to explain. I pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office to collect the letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily questioned my son on his prank, during this time of the year.

His answer, amidst his sobbing, was : The letters were for Mummy.

My eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and continued to ask him: "But why did u post so many letters, at one time?" My son's reply was: "I have been writing to mummy for a long time, but each time I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence I was not able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to the postbox, I could reach it and I sent it all at once..."

After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to do, what to say......

I told my son, "Son, mummy is in the heavenly kingdom, so in future, if you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it will reach mummy." My son, on hearing this, was much pacified and calm, and soon after, he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will burn the letters on his behalf, I brought the letters outside, but couldnt help opening the letter before they turn to ash.

And one of the letters broke my heart....

Dear Mummy,

I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent Show' in school, and the school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not around, so I did not want to participate as well. I did not tell Dad about it as I was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all over again. Dad went around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I sat in front of the computer and started playing games at one of the shops. Dad was furious, and he couldnt help it but scolded and hit me, but I did not tell him the real reason. Mummy, everyday I see Dad missing you and whenever he think of you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in his room. I think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own good I think. But Mummy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please appear in my dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I heard that if you fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you miss, you will see the person in your dreams. But mummy, why havent you appear?

After reading the letter, I cant stop sobbing. cos I can never replace the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife....

(Notes from the email as well)
For the females with children:

Don't do so much overtime. If you cannot finish the work, it must be some kind of problems within the company, and it is not your sole problem. Feedback to your boss. Endless overtime may not necessary be the answer to the problem. Take care of yourself so that you can treasure and take care of your little precious.

For the married men:

Drink less, smoke less, cos nothing can replace your good health, not even business nor clients.

Try thinking this way, are you able to work till your clients are totally dependent on you? or your boss is totally dependent on you? In this society, no one is indispensable.

Take care of yourself, so that you can take care of your little precious and your loved ones.

For those singles out there:

Beauty lies in loving yourself first.

With confidence and loving yourself, you will see the beauty in other things around you. You will be able to work better and happier. Don't let your health be affected by your work or your boss, so nothing matters more than your well being.

Hope the story was good for you too. Honestly, sometimes I feel that kids know more than what adults think they do. Many times, we feel that kids are just ignorant, that they will never understand the complexity of adult life and should never interrupt in adult matters. However, how true is that? Their innocence and simplicity may actually allow them to feel deeper about certain issues. On the other hand, adults may be plagued by the many distractions and "experiences" in life. Just a penny of my thoughts:)

I will be off to Batam for the weekend!!!:D

Have a brilliant weekend ahead everybody!!~Toodles:)

come scuba-rush with me..

2010-08-16T10:47:00.000+08:00

I am uber close to signing up..just after I let my parents know, I WILL!

super duper long awaited..

so..ANYONE GAME FOR..

SCUBA-DIVING?!

"I am waiting for you.."

BKK, its been a long time..

2010-08-05T17:02:00.004+08:00

..off to BANGKOK in about an hour!!!
and its time to go..shop, shop, SHOP...

P.S. The Airport's free internet service is just abit *ahem* LAGGY!!

love at ALL sights..

2010-08-03T20:14:00.002+08:00

"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle." -Amy Bloom

I will love to create this miracle with you.

for the youngest chung in the family~

2010-07-27T23:07:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIL' SISTER~
no longer a teen!!hohoho
so actually you are not that little anymore..
but still..always my younger sister:)
hope you like your presents!!!
LOVE LOVE~

me or you?

2010-07-24T17:16:00.003+08:00

Is it me or is it you?-fine its me.
hey..you do not need to "exclaim" at me!
its YOUR choice, so why do I need to decide?!
Just do whatever that suits you!
If you want me to have dinner with you instead,
JUST SAY SO!
I will be more than willing to stay behind and wait for you.
I told you, one day you will get tired.
I told you so.
Now I am sure you believe that that was not a lie.

Back to..
lazing on the couch on a home-alone Saturday evening.

Trust versus Love

2010-07-21T12:51:00.000+08:00

Its been more than a month since I updated this space. Its really really challenging to juggle work (which takes up almost my entire day), family-time, dates, friends meet-ups..now I wonder why many people say that they have hardly any social life after entering the "rat-race". And weekends never seem so short=S Oh wells..on the brighter side, WORK IS ENDING IN 2 DAYS!!! And productivity level in office since monday is as good as 40%?!?! HAHA..but honestly, TIME FLIES!! I still remember from the very 1st day of working here, to the countless times I contemplated of quitting, but the wonderful people in my team kept me ~~going~~ staying..and ~~in no time~~ SOON, I will be out of here!!=)

In the midst of trying to clear all my work & follow-ups by today, saving the next 2 days for commission; shredding paper; & floating around the office (to disturb the rest), I had to take a break from all the fussypoopygrumpy customers. All make me so angsty & snappy, so guess who had to take the bash of it?! Yes, I am a not-that-great gf. But still, here is a quote that totally explain how I felt at that very moment..

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved."
- George MacDonald

Back to work!!~Toodlefoodle*

My Monster's Birthday!!!

2010-06-15T23:34:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR!!
I know it was not a big celebration,
nothing different, definitely not extraordinary..
But still, hope you..
like the present;
had a crazy laugh (at me) reading the card;
enjoyed your day;
and had a fatabulous time:)
I LOVE YOU!!♥

next up..our little getaway!!!
CAN'T WAIT!!!!=D

on a rollercoaster crank.

2010-06-12T23:23:00.004+08:00

Tonight is gonna be a good night.
Tonght is gonna be a good good night.

Im majorly cranky today..or rather for the later part of the day..

I was chirpy like a bird this morning..the ol' usual self, happy to be out having breakfast on a sunny Saturday morning with the family after such a LONG hiatus..the good ol' times of vegetable shopping and what nots. But hey family time is always heartwarming,.

Then I was looking forward to IKEA, and a whole afternoon of "us-time"..but something struck & im not so much myself anymore...the weird part, it was not on-going, it came in spasms...
moments of angst,
moments of irritations,
moments of snappy-ness,
plenty of loneliness..
& it all got worse when the night fell..
Not that I had no one there for me..
*Thanks for asking me to join you at DblO.
*Thanks for inviting me to ButterFac.
*Thanks for offering a long drive to somewhere.
But I just wanted to stay away,
and not ruin anybody's Saturday night!
Emo? ~~Maybe.~~ Definitely.
About what? I have no idea myself.
So all I can think about now..is to..
bury my head into my pillow,
close my eyes,
and wish for a better tomorrow.

Maybe its just the tiredness and fatigue accumulated over the entire week hitting me real hard..
My mummy commented I looked very tired, and that I have been sleeping so late every night, which is actually quite a norm for me. But I guess I forgot about the part that, my usual wake up time during the semester is 9 or 10am? while I got to roll out of bed at 6plus or latest 7am now..

Sucks to feel like crapshit on a Saturday night.
Its been a long long time since I felt like this.
So suck it up girl,
and time to listen to mummy, dry my hair & go to bed.
Tomorrow will be a better day.
Tuition, Shopping, PC-show, Dinner...Yes it will be.

partyig is my job?

2010-05-18T21:31:00.004+08:00

Hello world, it has been AGES!!!!=P Anyways, life has been great!! The two weeks after exams was just outings, pigging out, PARTIES, dates=D, sleep, LONG naps, family-time, etc..shiok ttm!!wheeeeee!!! Just too much to write and share here..such a pity. Too bad such life cannot continue ~~forever~~ for the entire summer hols..especially when I need some funds for my short trip=D, funky gadgets that I am still considering, SHOPPING(!!), etc..such a pity (again). What to do? Life is never a bed of roses..HAHA

So to earn the moolah, I AM WORKING!!! yes, Alicia Chung is working during the holidays, amazing right?!=) so now I am busy busy BUSY..all fun&enjoyment happenings have been pushed to the backseat, or at least the later seats (only after work)..OH, and on top of my oh-so-boring office work, I have also (re)started giving tuition to one of my (ex)student..AND just today, she got back her test results, she improved from a F to an A!!! Brilliant yeah?! super duper happy for her!!!!=D All the nagging and pushing paid off!! whoots!!! Now its about maintaining the grade..hoho

Tmr is WEDNESDAY! Its a SPECIAL DAY.loveloveLOVE=D then Thursday, then FRIDAY!! We are going to have a drunkard gathering!!all the gossips, games, food, booze & fun!!!

Since there is just too much to blurt&tell, & I already took FOREVER to type the first (& last) 2 paras, plus I am getting tired, also being the ever-so-lazy me, I shall just post a LOVEly picture to end this post sweeeeeetly=DSweet dreams world~Toodles~

The Sound of Settling

2010-04-13T20:23:00.006+08:00

I have lost my drive and inspiration to blog these few days..maybe because things are settling, no more wild parties, no more crazy drinking games, no more dumb emoangsty nights..(none of all these for now). On the down side, Im left with spinning reports, blabbering presentations, scribbling tests..HOWEVER whenever there is a down, there got to be an up, no? So on the happyshalala note, apart from all the schoolful stuff, in my notsofree time, Im also pretty occupied with movieSSSSS, late night walks, uncountable "visits" to town, endless msging (not when we received our bills though=S)...ah I guess you get the gist=P Haven't felt like this in a while, and Im loving it=)

Heyy Mr. Noisy, I AM UPDATING MY BLOG!! You see, just for you ok!! Better be honoured!haha=P Anyways about what we were chatting about just now, he might seemingly be a "better catch" then or whatever, but there is no turning back now. Even if I can U-turn, I will choose not to. So dun harbour any hopes of getting rid of this leech!!=)

Today, due to last minute change of plans, I managed to have dinner with the usuals..& today's over-dinner conversation is soooooo ~~wrong~~ (ermmm)interesting(?). so much so that, ZP refused to see the picture of a woman drinking "milk" from a glass..hilarious shit. Should have seen V's face of disgust..HAHA. (p.s V, I think you should clear your history folder if any!!=S)..but hey, I think its good to know some of such terms..I mean at least be aware that seemingly innocent terms can also mean otherwise!!=P BKK? SB? haha

Shutter Island is coming out!!!
WHO WANTS TO WATCH WITH ME?=P

Whoever that "lucky" soul is,
BE WARNED: HIGH risk alert!!
May become deaf; may get a popcorn shower(if I do get any); probable (sudden)tugs at your arm..

It's time for block comm duty..downgraded to a packer & deliverywoman=S
Toodles~

P.S. When will I get to meet you? ♥

Who is the lucky girl?

2010-03-31T23:32:00.000+08:00

~~I am still in a state of shock.~~ No, I am exaggerating. But honestly, why didn’t you push me away? I am really curious. I was fully aware of what I was doing, but don’t ask me why I did it. It just felt right. Where did all that courage of mine come from?! Beats me. First time ever, & I promise you, it will be the last. Simply because nobody else can make me do that like you did, nobody.

People’s tongues have wagged. People have questioned the “speed” of everything. People have judged. But I don’t really care. Since that very day I have never looked back, never questioned, never regretted People will never know or understand. Simply because they are not us.

I like how I can blabber on for hours & yet you never seem bored of listening to my nonsense (Maybe you are secretly dying of boredom, just that you don’t show it or I am in denial..HAHA). & yet at times, we can just sit next to each other in silence, & not feel the least bit of awkwardness.

I am definitely not one Barbie girl (the one you were looking for way back in poly if I am not wrong?). Just one open, direct, blunt, ditzy….average girl. But still you accept me for who I am. & I ought to thank my lucky stars to have found someone like you. Fate you call it. If so, I am grateful and honoured to have such a fate.

I ♥ you.

P.S. I won’t let you down too=)

One more month..

2010-03-30T14:45:00.006+08:00

this semester will be over SOON..Seriously, isn't it abit too fast? I mean..IT FEELS LIKE SEP JUST ENDED!!geees..

Honestly, this is not the best semester (acaedemic-wise) I am having..just Financial Markets is enough to suck the life out of me..I am ALWAYS lost..forever playing catch-up=( Since this week is a rather quiet week for me (for both school commitments & outings), I AM GOING TO SPAM FINANCIAL MARKETS! Oh yeah, you ~~heard me~~ read it right. Omgomgomg, ALSO NEGOTIATIONS & E-COMMERCE!! & COMM MGT PRESENTATION!!!=O okay thats ~~almost~~ EVERYTHING already..All of these by Friday!!! ~~If not no chalet for me on Saturday!!~~ Wait, I promised Ivan already..brilliant eh? So by hook or by crook I must get all this ~~SHIT~~ work done..& the race starts today=)

No pain, no gain yea? Just 2 weeks plus more & things will be much much better..BREATHE!!!!

p.s. I FINALLY got my blackberry baby!!!=D
Off to slog..Toodles my friends.

19th of March

2010-03-19T23:54:00.000+08:00

♥
~blessed

A roaring start..

2010-03-11T16:46:00.010+08:00

As I promised..my CNY post=)
Its been eonssss since I had a photo post..
I think this is the 1st since I return from DK=P
So, ENJOY!!

Rocks to have sisters yea?!=)
Some of my cousins..
This CNY was full of snapsnapSNAP..see the feet picture? Even mummy joined in! How cool..haha..so afterall CNY is not only about colecting redpackets & munchies=P

Some random shots..

Grandaunty's blooming Orchids;

Granny with Eug;

the twins of the Chung-family.

CRAB ATTACK!!! My 1st crab since I return..it was sooooo SCRUMTUOUS!!!nomnomnom...who needs to be glam when there is crab waiting on the table?!

Daddy & Amanda

Don't ask me why he was sooo happy. Maybe he was tickled by the fact that they were wearing similar prints? Beats me.

Mummy & her 2 younger princesses=D

And of course..

the elder sister & the little sister

Kiddo time!!!=D

Weclome the princesses & the prince

Honestly, there is NEVER enough playing time with them..Adorable to the max!!!!

Introducing our heels that almost ate up our feet on the 1st ofof CNY..okay at least mine almost did..THANK GOODNESS NO BLISTERS!!!

The Chung-Family

(sze yan jiejie & yan ee are missing though.COME BACK SOON DEARS!!!)

Photos for cny can be found HERE.

Over this CNY, we got to know this 4 handsome/pretty dogs!!

If you know me well enough, I am was afraid of dogs..ask my family, & they can tell you all my stories..but I think I am over it (with the exception of a couple of them though)..So when I got to meet these 4-legged-friends..I was one happy trooper!=))

Introducing..

Top-Left: My #1-ASH

Top-Right: My #2- MIFFY

Bottom-Left: My #3- DUFFY

Bottom-Right: My #4- WOOFY

Initially, Duffy was my favourite, because he is the most handsome one of the lot! (YES. I am superficial!) But he refuses to take a nice picture with me(!!), so...

..on the 2nd day of CNY, I declared Ash my #1 officially. He is definitely not as good-looking as Duffy, BUT he has a better character..Poor boy, got bullied by Duffy, look at the "hole" on his head in the bottom righthand picture..he was bleeding=( Thankfully he is all well now!!=)

So the 3 of us together with K brought the 4 waggies for a longlong walk; from Clarke Quay, down Boat Quay, to the Merlion, Esplanade, Bugis and all the way back again..got "a tad" much attention along the way..But it was one great walk!!=)

Trot-Trot-Trot.

One helluva experience=D

Oh-so-RED.

Then we headed back to the studio apartment..and started playing-KTVing-camwhoring..funfunFUN..

All photos taken during our time with the huskies are HERE.

Overall CNY was quite a blast this year. We supposedly had less visiting to do, but for some reason we were seemingly busier than the past years. It was definitely a nice time to catch up with everybody (esp those that I did not meet till CNY) after a good 5 months away from home=)

Now I can't wait for the next CNY=)

For now, Toodles~

Nothing is impossible.

2010-03-05T20:54:00.006+08:00

"Its unrealistic, but its not impossible."
(:

M for Missng..

2010-02-28T23:01:00.003+08:00

M for Missing Chinese New Year.
Today is the last day of CNY=( [Updates in a later post!]

M for Missing the deals in NATAS.
So the rest have booked their flights to Japan. Off they are going in May. I guess this time, I will really not be joining them. Im sorry girls. I will really really love to, but I am juggling with other options and Japan is too expensive for a poor uni-student like me=( Like you all probably have figured by now, I honestly can't decide where I should go. I am going to Bangkok in August; I will most likely be going to Club Med in July; I should be going Thailand if the plans were not talk-only; I want to go back to Denmark (or Europe in general-if the gathering actually materialises)..These are the ones that are confirmed/under serious consideration. And knowing me, other craz ideas can pop up along the way. But for now, that's it. Back to the NATAS fair, there were some really good deals offered, but I had to give everything a miss, cus I had no fixed-concrete plans just yet.Sighs.

M for Missing February.
End of Feb means start of Mar, which also means more deadlines, more work. End of Feb also means no more public holiday until Apr, how gross is that. Nevermind, it's up to me to make Mar a better month=)

M for Missing YOU.
Maybe I am in denial too, but I choose to believe those were heart-felt words. Whether you remember what you said, ~~it dosen't matter~~. I just wanted to tell you that, your words made someone break into a silly grin & they truly made her day!!♥

~& suddenly 28th Feb isn't that bad after all=)

A Festive Weekend..

2010-02-14T06:43:00.003+08:00

1) HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY JIE!!
omgomgOMG..u r ALMOST a quarter century old!! Now that sounds old!! HAHA but no worries, always young at heart!!=P Hope you like the birthday presents from us..and of course the celebrations/dinner..Honestly, Im jealous cus I will NEVER be privileged enough to have my bday with new year's eve!! I still owe u a cake=( but I need to perfect it before I can serve it up to u...I don't wanna be laughed at by u!! And lastly, GOOD THINGS MUST SHARE!!! I know u have SIX bottles of good stuff there, come on!!!=P
2) HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR=)
May one and all have a ROARING year ahead!!!! Reunion dinner was da-bomb..ate till all of us almost exploded..haven't felt so full in such a long time!!*BURP* This year Daddy&I made a trip down to Chinatown after reunion dinner..This is one of the VERY FEW rare ocassions I don't mind shuffling & squeezing through the sweaty crowd..haha..one note though, I think its so dumb to "CLOSE" PEDESTRIANS CROSSINGS..We had to make such huge detours, so we could only hear the fireworks "boomboomboom" & saw the last 5seconds of it..oh wells!! Later it will be time for house-visiting..the harsh fact is, I am not as excited about it as I used to be..but of course I am still looking forward to meeting my relatives, indulging in the goodies, collecting angbaos=P note: will update about this after everything!!
3) HAPPY VALENTINES' DAY..
Okay maybe because of the CNY hype, Valentines' day seemed to have taken the backseat this year..but still May everyone have a oh-so-romantic day with your loved one(s)..

Okay I got to be up in about 1 hour to start the annual-visiting-routine going..And because I don't want to be greeted with puffyeyes/ping-pong sized eyebags, I SHOULD GO BACK TO BED NOW!!~Toodles

p.s. I know this sounds petty/childish/immature..but hey YOU BROKE YOUR PROMISE..that was your ONE&ONLY move & you chose to break it. Since we pretended nothing happen/was said (for months that is)..Why not let the silence continue?

all the way from singapore..

2010-02-11T23:43:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!!!
remember our deal..
party in summer if I return=D
Hope you had a blasting time back home..
and cheers to all the many happy returns to come!!!
p.s. CHECK YOUR INBOX!=)

Blood boiled.

2010-02-03T20:20:00.004+08:00

BLOOD-BOILING PISSED!!!! urghhhhh..How I wish there is somebody here, to be my "punching bag"; for me to scream at; for me to bite; for me to swear at; for me to throw a petty-pissy-fit at; for me to lean on & bawl; to give me a big comforting hug & tell me that everything is going to be fine..How I wish there is somebody here.

Then again, I pity that somebody. Who will be so ~~stupid~~ crazy to take that position right? If ever there is any guy who is wiling to take in all my bitchy-nonsense, ~~I will marry him~~*Terms & Conditions Apply-HAHA

Breathe in, breathe out.
I feel much better already.phew

Where is the moolah?

2010-01-21T01:45:00.003+08:00

Obviously I have not done what I was supposed to=S
I have not touched the photos AT ALL.
Just looking at the no. of photo albums on my desktop,
SCARES ME.
No matter what, I will have to get it done.
Just the matter of time right?
I guess I will just blog about my trips as and when,
& randomly slot them into my regular updates=)

Anyways its now the 2nd week of school,
School is still bearable at the moment,
cos' TUTORIALS HAVE NOT START!
So I shall keep further comments about school till later.

Also the 2nd week in Raffles Hall (RH).
Hall-life is definitely more happening.
I never expected myself to prefer RH to SH.
Come on, SH is a ~~spankingly~~ newer hall.
& I have heard stories about RH being boring.
Being the ever-superficial me,
I thought I will like SH much much more.
But I was wrong.
People play a huge role in hall-life, for sure.
I am not that superficial after all=P

EVERYBODY...I NEED A PART TIME JOB!!!
I desperately need to earn&save money.
Looking at the potential summer-plans,
then thinking about the $$$ needed,
I want to faint.
A peek at my drawing board:
- Graduation trip with X-ers
Although Im graduating 1sem after them, we decided we must do our gradtrip together. USA (roadtrip)? Egypt? Europe (most likely not)?
- Summer School
I want to experience school with fieldtrips!! this will be in Copenhagen (DENMARK!!!!=D then I can visit!!),
- Overseas Internship
Preferably Europe!! This will be slightly less harmful to my pocket, cos' at least I will have some incoming funds! But the details for the above-mentioned is not out. So now I got to wait patiently.
- Scuba Diving Lessons
Like what dearest Xinlin mentioned, I talk about learning for YEARS already..so its HIGH time I get down to doing it=)
I guess I will choose 1 among the 1st 3.
Fourth is a MUST(:
My parents being the best, paid for my entire SEP.
& that was one helluva truckload(s) of $$$.
So I decided..if Im going anywhere this summer,
It will be OUT OF MY OWN POCKET.
no more zapping moolah from daddy&mummy.
Explains my desperate NEED for a part-time!
Either that, or I got to eat grass (& no shopping) for this sem=S

Back to job/intern-hunting.
Toodles~
p.s. I really really wish to go back to dk & visit.

From a distance..

2010-01-12T04:48:00.003+08:00

Everytime I look at the online-list,
I secretly wish I would see you there.
But i never did. Didn't you promise?
Everytime I check my mail,
I cross my fingers that I see your reply.
& if I do, any initial disappointment just disappears
So what is it that I am experiencing?

I am getting really lazy,
or is it just the whole mood im running into?
It's like I want/must/have to/should blog,
(the growing heap of backlogs is just going to squash me flat soon)
but I just cannot get started. Urgh.
AND SCHOOL HAS STARTED!

Let's see, what I have..
-TEN travelling posts
-Days in Aarhus (various parts!)
-Photos & outings since I returned

Since its only the 1st week of school,
I should fully utilise it, & update as much as I can.
Before all the text/projects/readings/tests overwhelm me.

& on random note, I think I have 4 stomachs like a cow.
I had supper (a very filling one) at 11.45pm.
AND I AM HUNGRY NOW!~moooooooo

Its almost 5.00am, & I have a lecture at 10.00am.
Wait, Im suppose to meet MJ for breakfast at 8.30am.
NOT SLEEPY=(
But I should at least try to sleep off the growling-hunger.
Off to count sheeps.Toodles~
If only I had you here to hug&tug me in.

HOME SWEET HOME<3

2010-01-09T19:46:00.004+08:00

If you have not realised...
ALICIA IS BACK IN SINGAPORE!=D
Oh Yeah!!

Actually I was back since last night..the hugs were OH-SO-GOOD!!!!!!=P Straight after dropping my luggageS off at home, I went for supper with my family (Maggi Goreng GOODNESS!!!!)..Then I went home to play Santa (that arrived a tad late!)..& UNPACK! ohmygawd..unpacking is just as much a bitch as packing..Thanks to the great JETLAG, I was wide awake the ENTIRE night..not even a single wink of sleep!!=S

Before I knew it, the clock read 7am, and everybody in the family was awake except for my 2-piggy-sisters..HAHA..& soon it was time for breakkie followed by tennis!!! Honestly, despite feeling that bit of excitement about tennis, I was feeling L.A.Z.Y. Imagine, after a good 5months of hiatus..how could I not feel that way? So while waiting for my sis to finish her training so I could hop into court and whack those balls, I decided that I HAD TO START SOMEWHERE/SOMEHOW. So off I ran..for a good 3omins..it felt FABULOUS..I was panting since 10mins into running(?) but not tired enough to throw in the white flag just yet..The comfortable pace; the sun rays hitting on my skin; the breeze blowing into my face..I loved it=) Then it was tennis, just 3 words- BACK TO BASICS=S and to think we are having a friendly NEXT WEEK..hoho..I must find those ball-sense back FAST.

Then hawker-lunching with the family..yumyumyum!!=P Then my blood rushed to my tummy to work on the overwhelming load I consumed..I was SLEEPYYYY..trotted along with the family for a couple of errands, they ALL could tell my energy level had hit a new low..hehe so they decided to head to Eunos way earlier than planned, just so that I could SLEEP=D so sweet right? Blessed.

So of course I KO-ed..till my other relatives came..& it was food AGAIN.BURP!

I just can't help but smile to myself as I sit here & watch them play majhong & TV-ing...
no photos for now..maybe tmr=P

Off to Bugis to meet Kelly & Joseph now~~Toodles!!

in the hours..

2010-01-07T05:00:00.000+08:00

In 10 hours..
I will be gearing up to battle the snow with my loot.
In 20 hours..
I will be about 2/3 into my 1st flight (to Dubai).
In 30 hours..
I will be in Dubai Airport waiting for my 2nd flight.
In 40 hours..
I WILL BE BACK IN SINGAPORE!!
<3

My feelngs went into the blender.

2010-01-06T08:20:00.004+08:00

Why can't we get everything we want?
I guess that's just part of life.
Officially left Aarhus (exchange) today.
And boy, I just can't tell exactly what Im feeling now.
Yeah I am ~~quite~~ very often confused.

ON ONE HAND,
IM GOING HOME!!!!
After 5months, I finally can see my FAMILY & (sg)friends again.
I just want to run into their arms & give them massive hugs.
Back to those days, with family outings/dinners/tv-time.
I have my plans for the MANY days following my touchdown;
-SUPPER with the family
-the ol' saturday family outings
-pubbing with J, K, etc..
-RED STAR DIMSUM!!
-date wih soping shoulders!!=)
-shifting back into hall (a different one though)
-TENNIS, TANNING, SWIMMING..
-catch-ups with ~~too~~ many people
-ETC......
Im so excited to go home..
just imagining their faces at the airport on the 8th...
Total Bliss=)

ON THE OTHER HAND,
there is this sadness lingering in me..
The feeling started way before,
but it maxed-out today, as I hugged..
As I looked at the clean(ed)-out room,
this sudden feel of emptiness surged through me.
Never expected to get so attached to the place/people in a mere 5mths.
I MISS AARHUS ALREADY=(
Im juggling the idea to save $ and head back there during the upcoming summer holidays to visit, just to spend a good one/two weeks with all of them..What say you?

My feelings aside,
DRAGGINGCARRYINGLUGGINGPUSHING MY (40kg or more) LOOT THROUGH SNOW IS ONE HELLUVA BITCH! my hands darn painful and my arms are aching like mad now!!=( To think that I have to go through it again in one day! gees.

And it makes me sleepy (tired). Toodles~

it's 2010 ALREADY..

2010-01-02T06:57:00.003+08:00

before the clock strikes 12 (to 2nd jan)..
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
Hope that everyone had a good countdown.
Mine was really great and fun till..

Anyways it's going to be a hetic few days for me..
SO MANY THINGS TO DO!! (nothing new)
#1 PACKING!!!!=S
As if the list is not long enough,
I had to get myself into such a HUGE ARSE MESS.
I went too crazy partying into 2010.
[sheesh, stoopid alicia.]
Thankfully, the clouds are clearing..
Hopefully all will be cleared soon enough.

woooolala!!!

2009-12-19T19:35:00.003+08:00

EXAMS ARE OVER!!!!!!!!!=D

7.06am WAKE UP TIME!

2009-12-19T14:06:00.004+08:00

Yeah, that's actually my (ab)normal go-to-bed time..
But the power of EXAMS is incredible..
that's why Im up even before the sun!!!
And in less than 5hours,
I WILL BE FREE FROM THE CLAWS OF EXAMS
(for now)!!
A mixed feeling now..
Defintely EXCITED!! Duh. I can finally do anything BUT study!!
But Im also scared. What if the paper is shyt difficult?
Butterflies are fluttering desperately in my tummy.
[Or is it just the hunger (from last night) bashung my stomach walls?hmm]

Im suppose to meet WL online at 6.45am.
[The usual routine to make sure we get up for the exams]
BUT SHE IS NOT ONLINE!!
AND her lan line is not working [since day1]..
AND AND she is NOT PICKING UP HER HANDPHONE!
AND AND AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW!!!!!!=((
Maybe knock at her window?!

Okay Im going to shower & get ~~dressed~~ geared up.
Then I will go to her block..
But hopefully she will be awake by the time Im out of the shower!
*Fingers crossed*

snow, snow, come again..

2009-12-15T22:28:00.002+08:00

IT FINALLY SNOWED IN AARHUS!!=D
It was snowing & raining together.
So as soon as the (little) snow touches the ground,
it melts in the puddles of rainwater.
But it was really a good 2 (or so) minutes standing by my window,
watching the white flakes fall.
Can I have more snow please?
So I can make my Mr.Snowman.
Even a teen-weeny snowman, I will be happy=)

Such a lazy sunday..

2009-12-13T22:41:00.004+08:00

Its cloudy, but not too cloudy.
[So we still get that bit of sunshine hitting on our skin.]
Its breezy, but not windy.
Its cold, but not freezing.
Its just a perfect weather ~~to SLEEP IN~~.
BUT..
today I woke up at ~~an un-earthly~~ 7.00am.
Clocking only 3 hours plus of sleep,
that was definitely not an easy feat.
My auto wakeup-time now is 12noon!
[All for sleeping at 6/7am every ~~night~~ morning]
So I jerked up from bed, after reading my clock WRONGLY.
Slowly stumbled out after a good half-an-hour.
Got shocked from the horridly small&puffy eyes I saw in the mirror.
Cleared my mountain of clothes on the chair.
Fumbled through my quilt for my MP3.
Digging through my bag to ensure that I had everything.
.
.
.
All in 15minutes.
Looked at the clock.
Great, I had 7minutes to hurry out & catch the bus.
And buses during off-peak timings can be slightly earlier, BRILLIANT.
Grabbed everything, walked-speedwalked-ran.
I was JUST ON TIME.phew.
.
All these on an early Sunday morning for Kenneth!
[Kenneth (if you ever reads my blog!!)..Aren't you honoured? Not just anybody can get me out of bed at such a timing in the first place!!]
.
Fast forward to now..
my brain seems to be on a strike, after managing a chapter or so earlier. Maybe its just the post-lunch issue. *BURP*..K is sleeping like a log & I want to snooze too (although I already had my one-hour nap earlier)!! Ok I think he as a more valid reason for feeling tired, his longlongLONG day&night of travelling all the way from snowy-white Switzerland. BUT Im tired too! No, I cannot sleep because I cannot afford to screw my biological clock further. And of course, I NEED TO STUDYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!=( So I should just stop whining.
.
Sidetrack..since I mentioned that K was in Switzerland before coming over..DID I TELL YOU MY FAMILY IS IN SWITZERLAND NOW? & I can't meet them. Thanks to the smellystinkydisgustingcrappy EXAMS. Sucks big time. We are in the same continent, same time zone...SO NEAR YET SO FAR!!!=( They will only be back in SG on the 21st/22nd, which is also the day Im going to start my travelling here, which means I won't get to msn/email them till 31st Dec!! Oh wells..Im sure they will enjoy themselves, diving into snow & all..Have a safe trip my lovely family. Stay warm. And HAVE A BLASTING HOLIDAY!!=)
.
Before I head back to studying..I just had to say, I GOT PRESENTS FROM SWITZERLAND! [Thank you K!!] A pretty-glittery-leaning, self-made candle & a moomoo keychain! The things that you never expect always make your day=D [peektures of them another time!!]

As usual, I HAVE SO MUCH BACKLOG!!!!! Vienna, Prague, Oslo, Sweden, My birthday, All the random but great days in Aarhus~ How now? I say, STUDY FIRST!!!
~Toodles.

my first oral exam in univeristy.

2009-12-09T01:20:00.006+08:00

..probably the LAST.

Did I mention pre-exam anxiety is ONE HELLUVA BIATCH?
Especially for ORAL exam.
Body boiling hot, but yet you are shivering.
Heart pumping so hard, it almost fell out.
Hands and feet perspiring profusely.
You feel like shitting&peeing ALL THE TME.
You stare at your notes, and they look so unfamiliar suddenly.
ETC.
Okay maybe not you, but ME.
That was what I experienced today.
It was so bad. ~~I could just sit there and cry.~~

So today was my oral examination for Intercultural Communication.
The last oral I had was in J2 for A-levels Chinese.
Thinking back about it, it was hilarious.
I wonder how/why did I even say whatever I did to the examiner=S
& the best part I got a Merit!! haha pretty amazing yeah;P
But this is TOTALLY different.

Oral at that stage, was just a random topic and you just blabber on about YOUR personal opinion & feelings etc. The only challenge for me at that time was that MY CHINSES-SPEAKING SKILLS SUCKS=( [But hey, I think I have improved!] So the main point is, YOU DON'T REALLY NEED TO STUDY! Its really a luck kinda thing.

But this oral that I had today..HOHOHO. We had a total of 17readings + notes + articles..TO STUDY. The whole course in general is really quite common sense; Stereotyping, Culture-Shocks; Adapting to different cultures, etc. BUT during the oral you will be graded on the CONCEPTS AND THEORIES that you refer to (from the text). So you got to drill all the earlier-mentioned theories into your head, & puke all those that are relevant (to your exam question) during the exam itself. It sounds just like any written exam right? The only difference is, you got to speak to the examiner instead of writing. DUH. but THAT'S PRECISLY THE THING THAT IS CAUSING ALL THE EXTRA PRE-EXAM JITTERS! If you actually write a paper, you can comfort yourself that the marker will take it as a benefit-of-doubt if whatever you wrote is seemingly not that clear. AND he/she will never see you, so you can basically write whatever shyt you want, without bothering much. On the other hand, during oral exam, the examiner can question your answers ON-THE-SPOT. Not only that, they can just shoot you questions of other non-related topics (to your exam question), and expect you to puke out an answer immediately. Imagine the awkward silence when you are trying so hard to tune your brain or flip through your pages mentally to find that answer. To make things worse, what if you do not even understand the question and give a totally out-of-point answer? They are staring at you, ~~breathing down your neck~~. *shudders*

Oh wells, at least IT'S OVER & I PASSED!=D
When you are on exchange, all yo need is to pass=)
[although she marked me down for being "too informal for acaedemic purposes']
Considering I was totally CLUELESS about most of the theories last night.
This grade is not so bad really.

Just 2 more to go!!=)
But for today..RELAX~~~
Time for dinner club then APPLE CAKE!!=D

whose birthday is it?

2009-12-07T04:34:00.003+08:00

happy HAPPY BIRTHDAY..
DADDY,
4TH UNCLE (dad's twin)
and COUSIN GARY!!

Once again, I missed yet another fab dinner celebration back home.
Anyhows..
Hope that all 3 of you had a blast on this very special day=)
May al your bigday wishes come true..

~CHEERS TO THE 3 BIRTHDAY ~~BOYS~~ MEN!=D

Did I say that again?

2009-12-06T22:31:00.003+08:00

I decided I was ready.
I read ~~a little~~ everything on the page.
My heart ~~ached~~ cringed for awhile.
I got over it.
Happy to say: "Not numb, but relieved."

I read something else.
"Oh so who was it?"
I definitely know it was not me.
I brushed it off.

Someone told me another thing.
Weird tug at my heartstring.
I laughed it off; it's impossible anyway.

I got ~~bored~~ curious.
I read another page.
The same ol' feeling came back.
And I didn't like it, AT ALL.

Why do I feel all these ~~when now I have J.A.Z.~~?
Why so complicated?
If only I could play a game of Mix-and Match here.
Solve everything. PERFECT.
But it's too good to be true.
So suck it up, and ~~carry~~ move on.

Im sick of my own rants/excuses/logics.
Enough of it all.
Hang on, didn't I say that last time?
Argh. I hate myself for...

..not studying now. [Im sure.]
Strat Mgt, HERE I COME~~~~

Another "early" night..

2009-12-02T13:06:00.004+08:00

MORNING I mean.
Cos' its 6.06am.
Going to bed ~~now~~ soon enough.
Waking up in 2 hours to continue my battle.
I wonder how am I even going to climb out of bed.
Still, I MUST.

Everybody is telling me:
"You are on exchange, it's PASS/FAIL!! So don't worry!"
BUT WHAT IF I FAIL?!
So..
Im going to mug hard for the next 2 weeks plus.
Im going to write spectacular essays in 4 hours.
Im going to shoot the oral examiner speechless.
Im going to let my international knowledge flow freely.
Im going to pop the solutions without difficulty.
IM GOING TO GO MAD ~~before 2weeks is up~~.
My head feels like it's going to explode!

Time for my ~~beauty-sleep~~ nap.
Good Morning World.

Drift along the VENICE flood..

2009-11-30T08:29:00.002+08:00

WHY DO I KEEP PROCRASTINATING?!
NOW I HAVE SO MUCH TO BLOG ABOUT..
I HAVE AT LEAST 6 POSTS TO GO..
& that’s EXLCUDING my daily life here in little Aarhus!!!=S
PLUS NOW THAT I HAVE THE UPCOMING EXAMS TO BLAME..
IT’S NOT GOING TO GET ANY BETTER..DARN.

Okay sorry for the random explosion, I should just stop ranting & continue with something more important..

Continuing from where I left-off about my last-last trip..I went from Rome; to Pisa; to Florence; then to VENICE..also our last stop in Italy..We spent a mere one day in the little ~~sinking~~ flooding city.. I thought it was enough, but I think 2days would be just nice=)

This 2nd time to Venice was a totally different experience, not only the company is different, the surroundings & the climate were too!! So it’s a whole new & different experience in the same city=) Compared to the chilly-but-drier weather the last time, it was raining A LOT this time..so much that the city was flooding, thank goodness the sun creeped out later in the afternoon to soak up all the floodwater=) On a lower note, there were more construction going this time, so not as many pretty photos..BUT I still love the city, it’s old, it’s different, it’s one that haven’t fail to amaze me=)

When we arrived in the night, it was raining, it was cold, it was dark, the streets were relatively quiet..we got a tad lost looking for the hostel, the receptionist was not in, we got stranded outside B&B in the cold&wet weather, until a nice couple opened the door for us..sounds quite pathetic yea? But when we entered the hostel, stepped into our room..ALL MY ANGST FROM BEFORE VANISHED!! The room was cosy, warm, comfortable, nice-smelling….it was HEAVENLY compared to the other hostels we stayed in..such a pity we only stayed there for a night. Like what I told the rest, it will be nice if we had the time on hand, I could just laze in the room all day!! & it only got better when we saw the breakfast the next morning!!! Having breakfast provided was already a plus for us, and with such a spread to greet us in the morning..I WAS ONE VERY HAPPY CAMPER=D Honestly, I really won’t mind staying in this same hostel again if I ever visit Venice for the 3rd time! YES, even if I have the money to afford to stay in a hotel instead, I DON’T MIND!=D Presenting our cosy room for “4”

The waterway was overflowing
I told you it flooded, and this was not even the main square which (according to the owner of the hostel) floods way before anywhere else in Venice..This was taken not far from our hostel which was quite a distance from that mentioned-square. We had to prepare ourselves mentally for the worse..

People had to walk in a single line

Its an old city.
Grandeur comes with age?

The steamboat station
These are like their “bus-stops”..where the “buses” (steamboats) will stop by and pick passengers up..

Some random shots while on the steamboat going down the Grand Canal:

Casino on water!

A little overcrowded, no?
Well..when I think of gondolas, the image in my mind will be a couple in each other’s arms having some lovely time sailing/rowing down the waterway.just-so-romantic..And this is such a spoiler!!!

Gondolas

Ponte di Rialto
aka Rialto Bridge..one of the three bridges along the Grand Canal..It is Venice's most popular bridge=)

Isn’t it gorgeous?

Huge arse cigarette-box & chair outside a museum

San Marco Station
This is where you should be alihtng to visit the main square (which I mentioned earlier)!!!

The Pink Lights
We were pretty amazed by the pink glas for the lamp-posts there..only to realise they are ALL OVER!!!=S

Another gondola.
I have been to Venice twice now, BUT I HAVE NEVER SAT A GONDOLA THERE BEFORE!!!!=(

Board-standing
Due to the flood that I was talking about earlier, we could experience board-walking..Basically, they lay out these fashionshows-like boards that are lifted above ground level for poeple to walk on, so that people won’t get their feets totally soaked in the floods & risk losing their shoes in there.

Campanile
The clock tower in San Marco Square..

The ankle-deep water
Seeing this make me want to get WELLINGTONS more!!!!! But for practical reasons, I shouldn’t..Don’t you think wearing such “Paddington boots” and playing in the rain is oh-so-fun?!=P

In on the little water-alley

One of the shopping alleys
Shopping in Venice is not such a great thing..maybe some Venetian Glass? That’s about it I think. In Venice, it’s more about walking around and immersing in the whole atmosphere=)

So-ERM-romantic?

Glass can float!!
Quite a number of shops had these balloons, which are made of glass, “floating” around..

Glass Fruits
Being famous for their glass-ware there, they had many of such decorative glass items for sale..I remember visiting the glass factory the 1st time I was in Venice..Watching the professional blow glass, was mind-blowing!!! Super impressed=)

San Marco Square
I like this picture!=)

Basilica di San Marco
One of my favourite building in Venice, too bad a part of it was wrapped up for maintainence..

Intricate is the word
See why I love it now? The details just make the whole structure so magnificent!

The entrance of the Basilica

Step into the Basilica
Entrance into the main area of the Basilica is free, so OBVIOUSLY we went it to have a look..Photo-taking is not allowed in there, so we were only allowed to stand in there and take in the whole grandeur for real..It was surreal=) Okay I got to confess, I took a couple of photos in there secretly, I COULDN’T STOP MY ITCHY FINGERS FROM CLICKING THE BUTTON!!=S

Ponte dei Sospiri
Also known as the Bridge of Sighs..The story about this bridge is one of the (very) few I remember very clearly from my 1st visit in Venice..This is actually the bridge that links the Palace (where the courts were) to the prison..So back in those days, after somebody get charged, he/she will walk across this very bridge where they will get to see the outside world (city) & their family members (who will be standing on the bridge where I stood to take this very photo) for the very last time..basically this is the gist of it=) SADLY, thanks to this stupid construction/advert, we couldn’t see the palace (supposedly on the left-hand side) and the prison (supposedly on the right-hand side)..all we got are these HUGE BLUE BOARDS!

The Grand Canal behind

Further down along Riva Degli

Pretty apartments facing the river

The sun is peeping..FINALLY!
This was later in the afternoon, when the weather turned for the better..& of course we felt so much better!! Not as cold & nicer peektures!

Back on the steamboat
Some random island off the main square..just thought this picture was ncie..haha

Gesuati
One of the many samll cathedrals long the waterway..quite surprising that I actally still remember the name of this one..Seriously, after a while, all of them look the same!! Similar architectures!

Colurful buildings along the waterway

A different looking bridge?
At least different from the rest I saw there..I think this is in the more industrial part of Venice already..We took the steamboat from the wrong direction & kinda went a whole big round to get to a place that we were only a few stops away initially! So as we almost got rooted to the seats on the steamboat, I was busy snapping away at randomness..and this bridge was one of them..I think it’s the newst bridge in Venice=)

GORGEOUS
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PHOTO!! TO THE MAX!!!<3>

Maccers anyone?
There is only ONE McDonalds in Venice..I jus tdon’t want to start imagining how freakishly-expensive it will be=S

My very HUGE dinner
I was STARVING that day..I think it was only 4 plus when we had dinner? Because of me!=P So when I saw such a huge slice of pizza, I WAS HAPPY INDEED!!=P so greedy right?!=P

Mint; Tiramisu; Lemon
5th & also the last Gelato I had in Italy=) YUMS!!!~

View from Rialto Bridge
The main (more happening area) is so different from the little streets we had to venture through the night before!!!

Happy-shopper, Chirpy-globber

Sending some current?
We were playing some qi-gong thing on the last steamboat ride..We were supposed to look serious & focused..Evidently, I could not do it for all time sake!!! We were making so much noise on the boat..Nothing new by now?=S

My one-souvenir-per-place from Venice
I wanted something glassy, cos’ it was what I remember of Venice since the 1st time I visited (8years ago!)..Couldn’t really find a perfect one as I entered into almost every other accessories shop there.. This was a pretty last minute purchase too, cos’ I simply couldn’t make up my mind which was prettier/more suitable..etc..But I finally decided on this..only boohoo is that the string is too short (If you know what kind of accessories I wear, you will get what I mean=P)..but ISN’T THE PENDANT LOVELY? I love the shape, the colours, the design..& the price was so reasonable!!=) wheeeeee~ Can’t wait to find a suitable chain when I get back to SG so I can wear it!!!=D

So this short one day-one night trip to SPECTACULAR VENICE up-ed my Wanders Wonders list to a big 10!!!=D Enjoy the rest of my photos from this awesome 10th destination HERE!!=D

With that..I will be back soon for a few more!! [p.s. I need to clear my debts before I head off for the next round!!!!=S]

Toodles~

its our birthday..

2009-11-29T04:10:00.004+08:00

SEBASTIAN!!!!
happy HAPPY BIRTHDAY..
to both of us!!!=D
28th Nov babies are da-best!! Cheers!~

p.s. SO MANY THINGS TO BLOG ABOUT!!!=S party first!!=P hehe
CIAO!!~

Before I step across the line..

2009-11-28T04:35:00.004+08:00

..my last couple of hours (or so) before I turn 21.

It will be the 1st time Im spending my birthday away from home. And to think its my 21st. I still remember dreaming/thinking/imagining how my 21st party will be like. That was since 2years ago, when my elder-sister was celebrating her 21st. And such thoughts continued to swamp me every single time I attend a party/celebration. Now I don't even need to plan for a party! Disappointed/Happy? I have no answer for that. Pros & Cons=)

According to some of my friends, I am already 21, "since you were born in SG, you should be following SG time!"- so they say. BUT I choose to see it otherwise, since Im in Denmark now, I should follow the time here!!=P Not that I am afraid to turn one-year older, or not ready to step across the official line into adulthood..its just..I like being 20 too much=D Hey! Im in Denmark afterall alrights, just let me immerse in the whole Danish thing (time) for now=)

In the past one year, there was love; loneliness; grief; loss; anger; fustrations; stress; fun; laughter; JOY..almost all kinds of emotions I felt. A roller-coaster ride indeed.

In the 365days, there were just so many happenings. With all the images running through my head, Im pretty amazed. How could all these happen in just one year? Many things have changed, some for the better; some for the worse. But every change brings about a lesson for me to learn. Whether in family; relationships; friendships; studies..every aspects of my life, I picked up little valuables along the way. & I know I still have many more (endless supply of) of such treasure awaiting me..I know the road ahead will NOT be smooth, and will never be a bed of roses. Like what my mum said to me "Age 21 is when you TECHNICALLY can start making your own decisions"..Okay I have been making my own decisions for many things already, very thankful & grateful for my parents who have allowed me to do whatever I want/wish to (as long as its not illegal/ridiculous).. But at the age of 21, I will be officially an adult in the eyes of the government. No more nicely planned routes (aka education system, DUH.), I am on my own now. I have to start planning for myself, no more "conveniently following the crowd".

I have my huge ambitions. I have my crazy dreams. So what actions do I take now? I guess only I can answer that. I am pretty nervous yet excited to step into this whole "official adulthood"..Its always a mixed feeling. I like the challenge; the adventure; the new; the difference, yet I will miss the comfort-zone; the familiar; the old. I am one confused ~~kid~~adult yea?=P But anyhows..
I AM STILL LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS NEW CHAPTER OF MY LIFE!

Famous Granny?

2009-11-25T13:47:00.000+08:00

i just read this off my sister's blog..
"some reporter came to our place this morning to interview my grandmama...for grandparent’s day!"
COOLNESS!!!!!=D
p.s: SUM!!! update update!!=P

flow down to FLORENCE..

2009-11-16T07:58:00.014+08:00

To be true, Florence did not impress me,
At least not until the last part=)
It’s definitely a beautiful city, very accessible..can walk everywhere..
But its too tourist-populated.
Maybe due to the cramp-y city, I felt it more.
Tourists aside, Italians (in general) aside,
The city was not that bad!!
AT LEAST SHOPPING WAS GOOD! FOR SURE!!=D

If there is one thing this Florence trip “taught” me..
It will be…
Never to stay over at any train station. NEVER AGAIN.
In short, we spent our very 1st night in Florence at the train station (or rather 80% of the time OUTSIDE the train station, thanks to closing times!); just 1 word for that experience TERRIBLYHORRIBLE=( period.
Okay enough of ranting about shytty stuff…PHOTOS TIME!!!=D Halloween trick or treat?
We were walking pass this little café when these sweet cookies made us stop in our tracks..Knowing it will cost a lot, we only stood outside the glass window gawking at them…I bet the café workers were looking at us, & all ready to chase us away when they saw our cameras slipping out of our bags!!=PMusically inclined
Florence was the 1st place I saw this collection of music-notes filled stuff..The cities following had even more..I really like them, but I won’t bear to use them if I ever got them..Baslicca di Santa Maria Novella
This cathedral is just opposite the main train station that we stayed over at…Its so huge but I didn’t notice it till the next day when we were touring around..haha..Too zonked out from the terrible night I guess..In Mercato Centrale
This is in the food market in the main market place of Florence…They sell quite a lot of food, especially dried products, cheese & meat..& I think they are very reasonably priced..at least we couldn’t find dried fruits going at the good price they offered anywhere else in the other cities, not even in Prague where its supposed to be cheaper? So highly recommended if you ever visit Florence..Can buy ingredients & cook up a storm!!=) Unfortunately we didn’t have a kitchen in our Florence hostel.pity.. The Academy Gallery
We expected some huge lavish building!! Okay maybe not lavish, but definitely something more presentable than the above!!! When we stood in front of it, I questioned myself if I directed them to the right building (Yes, I was holding the map)!! It looks like some old school building that got abandoned, & probably used for some random ~~nonsense~~ things now..I think any other building around looked better!=SMint, Niccolia, Coconut
Yes how could we forget about Gelato? WE WERE STILL IN ITALY!!=PIn Piazza della San Marco
I was still SAVOURING my icecream=P Too busy to take photos..haha excuses ttm!!!San Marco Statue
I was suppose to imitate his pose!!! So my icecream was the “sword”..hahaha..I look retarded la..dang..trust me to do such things!!Buggee or Car?
So small and easy to park yea?! But the sides are open la..so I don’t think it’s a car..hmmm why don’t they have this in SG? I think it will be quite cute to drive it down the highway..hopefully the wheels don’t start rolling off!!hahaPiazza della Republica
One of the closer piazzas from our hostel..Nothing much there, except for some really expensive concept stores along the same road..nice to oogle at though=) Cool artpiece!
There was this couple who were doing some art on the roads..super funky..they will draw the piece, colour (with I-don’t-know-what), drag it down to another rectangle (to create this faded effect)..Very impressed!!! Imagine the time needed!! & once the sky opens & showers fall upon, there goes the art pieces, washed away! Loads of patience my friends.
Halfway there..
This is the original richness of colour..then after they “sweep” it to the next frame it will fade like & turn out like the previous photo..Cool or what?=) At the doors of Cathedral do Santa Maria del FiorePiazza San Giovanni
One of the most impressive piazzas in Florence I must say..The cathedral, the bell tower, the dome..all really impressive..Just a tad too cramp & squeezy..just the few attraction buildings took up 90+% of the space, so it was pretty challenging to capture all of them together... Our hostel room
Dosen’t it look like some dodgy red light district room? Only plus: ITS HUGE!!! Okay maybe its just the lighting…but really it hurts the eyes BIG TIME!!! But the Alekine Hostel is in a very favourable location..so maybe another plus? Hmmm but for the chokey drainage & rude email..MINUS 90 POINTS (out of 100)..HAHA I’m evil=P
Our own trick or treat!!
We had our very own little Halloween party..TREATS FOR DINNER!!! NUTELLA <3<3<3<3!!>nThe others..
They still continued to eat the Nutella filled with our saliva!!HAHA sorry girls=P
My partner in crime
More Nutella?! How about Christmas?=P
Makeshift plates for the party!!
Florence Town Hall-Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria
One of the bigger piazzas..actually I think it’s the main one as it houses the Town Hall..We went there early in the morning, & it was buzzing with many tour groups already…Told you it was a tourist-filled city!
A "raping" Statue
..one of the few in the piazza.
Palazzo Entrance
Galleria degli Uffizi
Aka The Uffizi Gallery..known for being the most crowded museum in Italy..
Some random lion stone
I got told off by this old man for resting on the slab which this lion is standing on!! HELLO, EVERYBODY WAS DOING IT!!!grrrrrrr…US AGAIN=D
scoot-free?
You know how you watch movies/shows where Italian guys will sweep some girl off their feet on their little oh-so-cute scooters..Then he will scoot around the cities so freely with the girl hugging him tightly & leaning on his back..Scoot till the sun sets..etc…At least that’s the image I have..But when you come to Italy, you know all that is not true! I didn’t really see many people riding about..Hmm I think Danish guys biking in their vintage bikes are more attractive, how about that?=PPonte Vecchio across Amo River
The most popular bridge in Florence..There are many jewellery shops on the bridge selling mainly gold & silver..& expectedly we skipped all of them..haha
Looking down Ponte Vecchio
Because of the many stores that take up 2/3 the space, the bridge is very narrow..so being the most popular bridge in Florence, there are A LOT of people on this very narrow passageway..so not fun! Especially at the centre of the bridge where people can take photos of the Amo River..OVERKILL!!! So difficult to take one photo there without any random head popping in! Locks locked
On the bridge, there is this statue head with a little railing fence around, & there are many many locks locked on the railings..Almost all are like “locks of love” with the couple’s names on it..Maybe some good luck thing? Hmm…Read the words!
Hilarious thing is…there is this plate that states “IT IS NOT ALLOWED TO PUT LOCKS ON THE RAILING”..Did they do it on purpose? Haha..Im surprised they didn’t cut all the locks up! I think if this is taking place in SG, say bye-bye to all the love-locks?
Amo River
I managed a headpopper-free photo on the bridge!! Probably because my head is already taking up 2/3 the photo, there is no space for another!!!HAHA..but I think the picture is quite nice..love the water behind=)
Pitti Palace
Another disappointment..This is suppose to be a PALACE (used-to-be)!! It looks like a huge-ass library building..Okay why should I be surprised anyway? Hmm…maybe it was just one of the small palace which is not of not much importance?
Huge eyes!!
What do we do when waiting for lunch to be served?!
Michelangelo
We almost missed this statue..It was not on our itinerary (my bad)!! Then we got abit curious/suspicious when we start noticing many “little Michelangelo-s” in the souvenir stores..He got to be somewhere!! Ta-da!View from Piazzale Michelangelo..
Climbing is ALWAYS worth it!!=D
Flower Power
On the way down from Piazzale Michelangelo, we started picking pretty pink flowers & camwhoring with them..Stucking them into our hair etc…I think we spend more time at that weed/flower-wall than at the Piazzale itself!!HAHA Is the wall bare already? View, Me, Flower=)
Flower pinned
I sat there for a good 10 minutes (?!), as YJ & BX were SNAPPING THE TOP OF MY HEAD, trying to test out some colour picking effect on their Canons..
When the horses go round..
I miss sitting one of these..This was in the Republic Square..I wonder if its perpetually there.Certain nights, they will put pink feathers on the horses heads (so-pretty!!)..Totally random=P If only it was free!!!Lift squashed
The small lift that brings us up to our hostel..but its still bigger than the one in city-sleepin=PThe reception
This hostel was more of a apartment..The owner basically “rented” her rooms out to budget travelers (like us)..So there was no proper reception, just this huge armchair where the woman will sit when she is even around..Rushing for time?
Some random vandalism on the train station walls which I saw while waiting for our train to Venice!! Zebras just attract me!!=D
My one-souvenir -per-place from Florence
Not my favourite city, but one of my favourite souvenir!!! So like I mentioned earlier that SHOPPING IS GOOD IN FLORENCE..many many markets..& they are NOT some wet food markets..They are like flea markets (?), selling mostly LEATHER GOODS!!! If only I could buy more, if not for budget issues & BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT [damn the budget planes]!! So anyhow, I saw quite a number of bags that were oh-so-gorgeous, but they were not very practical to lug all the way back to SG..especially my the vintage bag=((( I was like 80% tempted to buy it already! Price was good; fab quality; beautiful design; different from my other bags…BUT it’s a hard bag..HOW TO BRING BACK?!=( All the whining & angst aside…I was determined to find a leather product for a souvenir..DUH. Since I had to put my hands off those too-huge-bags..a wallet will make the cut! I wanted either a vintage brown or bright-coloured one…& after much picking&pointing&bargaining, I decided on this pretty reddish-pinkish one..& I haven’t regret yet (hopefully never!)..Im excited to use it when I get back to SG!!!=D [plus point- the stall-owner gave us really good deals!! About ½ the ave price compared to other stalls for EXACTLY the same products!! Hurrays to being Singaporeans!!!=D]
So a nice souvenir definitely made this trip to Florence NOT SO BAD afterall..& of course it stamps a tick to my 9th destination on Wanders Wonders!!!=D
More pictures can be viewed HERE.

The PISA slice..

2009-11-16T05:41:00.013+08:00

It was not even a full day in PISA..
But it was time well-spent I feel=)
Not too short, not too long. Just right..
Pisa is really a pretty small city..tiny as can be.
We didn’t venture out beyond the expected,
Visited no museums, no palaces, no gardens..
(But honestly I’m not complaining)
Just what images light up when you say PISA=)

Not so famous wall
Okay what am I saying, its NOT FAMOUS AT ALL.its some unknown wall along one of the small alleys that we happen to turn into!! But the colours attracted us..looked closer, the figures painted on it were quite attractive too!! So being us, we decided to do utterly-embarrassing but fun shyt! Each of us had to choose a figurine and pose like it..The Maroon Man
This is mine..haha, I was the last, so I ddn't have much of a choice!! And this post is deceivingly very challenging..epecially having to balance on a bent leg..i had manymany re-takes=PGroup wor minus one
So we had a group one too..supposedly to imitate the five fingers behind..BUT we were toopaiseh to ask somebody to take it for us, so we were missing of "one finger"..Don't we look like we were doing some morning stretches?=S We surely attracted much attention to ourselves, spending a good half-hour (or more) infront of this unknown wall doing weird things & making helluva noise..Free entertainment alrghts!!! Santa Maria della Spina
One very small cathdral by the river that cuts across the city..I think its very amazing how they bother to carve so nicely & intricately even for such a small little church..Its understandable if its some huge-arse thing..How I respect them, for respecting every work of theirs, to the little details=) Why aren't Singapre churches like that? Sunny day in Pisa
While cossthe bridge to the other sde of the city for the expected.Botanical Gardens
Apparently you had to pay to get into the garden..Oh but I think EU students can enter for free? And they had weird opening hours!!! So a picture from behind the BACKGATES will do=P

We reached the big 3 expected buildings of PISA..#1 Leaning Tower of Pisa
#2 Battistero or Baptistery
#3 Duomo Pisa
The fmiliar marketplace
I vaguely remember walking down this market street & then taking photos with the leaning tower or Pisa after the last time=) Anyways these stalls sell almost the same things..ALL OF THEM..figurines after figurines, glasses, cups, keychains..anything touristy you can name=) Didn’t get anything though..
View from the steps of the Duomo

Time for sometouristy shots?Shadowy illusions
First I was pushing it up
Next I kicked it down
(don't worry, I'm not tha strong! It's still there!=P)Short tower/Tall people?
While I was testing the angle for a timer-group shot.Tower emerging
Jumpshots rule the field
We were taking turns to do individual shots..I think we were making quite a tad of noise laughing like we were the only ones around, plus all the random “CANNOT!! Jump one more time!!!” ETC.. People were watching us from behind..Normal tourists will be “supporting the Leaning Tower of Pisa”..but we were jumping like monkeys outside the Battistero!! So I think they were amused. The best part, we were so into our whole jumping affair we didn’t even realize! Until this really nice guy came and offer to help us take a shot..he went “1, 2, 3….jump?” YESH WE THOUGHT IT WAS JUST GOING TO BE A USUAL STAND-THERE-AND-SMILE GROUP SHOT!! HAHA so we were like retards smiling oh-so-sweetly when he expected us to jump..anyways we burst out laughing at ourselves & he captured a really nice candid shot..Genuinely happy
I really love this photo<3<3<3 This is why I hear candid shorts; capture the unexpected; frame the unaware; nothing is hidden; just so real=) *thank you Mr. Nice!!* Along the Duomo walls
The 3 BIG expectedS
So much for having a super widescreen..I still couldn’t capture them fully!!=( BUT I STILL HEART MY CAMERA!!!!<3>Sun is setting
We played/shopped/walked till the sun went down.Night lights reflected
Back on the same bridge once again to return to the starting point..but this time it was already dark. Who said night is not as good as day? See the pretty-ness of the lights? Everytime I see something like that, it reminds me of Clarke Quay & Boat Quay back in my little home country=)
My one-souvenir-per-place from Pisa
Gave all the displays/figurines a miss..so after walking down the market street earlier, I had nothing to buy..I went into many many souvenir stores on the way back, hoping to find something (even if its something teeny-weeny)..but always walked out empty-handed. When I saw this bracelet(s) in one of the fashion stores, I thought it was a rosary!!HAHA But of course on a second or third look, figured my eyes were playing tricks on me..Anyways it was the LAST PIECE (& if you know me well enough, I have a totally soft spot for lonely things), & since I can’t get a rosary as an accessory. Why not this rosary-look-alike?=P What an excuse right? Okay..I just couldn’t put it back; & bought it within 3mins of seeing it? Not the best to represent Pisa, I admit. But since it’s the ONLY THING I bought there..yeah you get the idea. At least it reminds me of Italy in general!! All the catholic/cathedral stuff=)

After buying a souvenir from this city (FINALLY.), I was ready to bid little PISA , my 8th on Wanders Wonders, goodbye!! I had a fabulous half-day with you!!=D

Photos from my half-day excursion can be found HERE!

Roaming ROMA..

2009-11-16T05:12:00.014+08:00

Ol' Roma was our first stop in Italy..
It was one of my favourites among the Italian cities we visited..
Just the ~~oh-so-boring~~ touristy sites were enough to win me over=)
It’s a very different experience..
Between tagging along in a tour group & venturing about ourselves..
Can’t decide which is better..
Probably the latter - when I’m not lazy that is =P

Our "tent"
After a spending a not-so-comfortable night in Stansted Airport, I was not looking forward to the (supposed) adventure we were in for..The adventure of staying in tents..Way back while booking the hostels, we read the good reviews..& thought “hell why not? It sounds not too bad!” But as tiredness (AND IT WAS ONLY THE FIRST STOP) got the better of me..”WHY DID WE?”=S Thankfully our lucky stars were on our side..Due to overbooking, WE GOT UPGRADED TO BUGALOWS, on top of the 40% discount we had from the website!!=D Smallest bungalow ever.
But I am definitely not complaining!! Throughout our stay there, we didn’t see the tents (we were supposed to be bunking in). Maybe they are slumped in some dark little corner of the camping village for a “true camping experience”, while we could look forward to warm beds & private ensuite toilets=P Oh and for the FIRST time in many trips, I didn’t sleep on the top bunk!! Barcaccia Fountain
Our 1st touristy stop…I remember an image of my dad getting water from a fountain in Rome, should be this one if I’m not wrong..hmmm..I shall flip back to our Europe tour album when I return to assure myself that my memory is not failing me=) Anyways it was rather shocking to see so many people as we exited the train station and stepped into Piazza di Spagna, a total different atmosphere from our tadly-desserted camping village..We had to patiently wait for our turn to step on that slippery slab of marble for a photo or two taken..Spanish Steps
There is something about Italians & sitting on long stairs like this..Hmm okay maybe this is not “just-another-flight-of –stairs”, but the rather popular Spanish Steps, so people like to leave their “marks” behind? I don’t deny that it will be nice to sit there with friends, have a chat; laughing away; basically enjoying the company & immersing in the whole lively atmosphere there..But when you are the one trying to climb up those steps to get to the top, I don’t think you will be a very happy person..especially when Italians…Just the beginning..
We had pizza for our very 1st meal in Italy..Raving about “oh-so-Italian”!!! Pizza is a must when you visit Italy right? But as the days go by..mindsets changed “PIZZA AGAIN?” Don’t they have anything else (affordable for budget-poopers like us) BUT pizza?Limoncello & Cherry cream
Also another start..but definitely to a very different conclusion…We (or they) went Gelato frenzy-crazy..seriously, They had a Gelato (or two) EVERY SINGLE DAY (except for the 1st night in Venice)..I’m guilty of this massive indulgence too, but NOT EVERY DAY!!! Anyways, I was determined to try different flavours every time I had a Gelato, no matter how much I love one flavor or two, I had to give promising flavours all a chance=P (so read on to see what flavours I had my tongue on!)Marked the center of the Vatican square
We stumbled out of bed not-so-early in the morning, but managed to arrive in Vatican City by 9-ish? It was already SO CROWDED!!! First experience of early-birdies after getting so used to the later-timings in Denmark..Oh wells..At least the Vatican City is huge, so we didn’t really feel the crowd until giants start blocking our views of things=S When you can’t take a straight picture with people’s heads popping in, TAKE UPWARDS to something taller & greater..So a picture of the “Spire” (so I call it) for you!=DThe Pope
Now we see why it was so crowded..The Pope came out that day..Okay apparently he does it every alternate day (?) if he is even home that is..So he will be driven in this little buggy-thing all around; cutting through the crowd; then to his “throne”..Something like how we see it for the president during National Day, just that the Pope’s seems less formal..But a grand entrance nonetheless..EVERYBODY STANDS FOR HIM!! Okay I think the people in front stand out of pure respect (they are probably some very religious people who got there super duper early to get a good seat way in the front), & because they stand the people at the back can’t see!! So subsequently rows after rows of people stand..This is just my personal opinion!!Shaly hands photographer
None of us were Catholics, and the many-many priests were taking turns to say the prayers (?), all in foreign languages that we understand NOT. So we decided to take our leave (as discreetly as possible)..I think if I can understand the languages, it would have been a way better experience..But at least I got a feel of the devotion people around me had ..The Vatican Square The Vatican Museum
We walked ALL THE WAY UP to the Vatican Museum, went in, saw the couple of figurines in the lobby, stepped into the Museum shop (or stand I should say)..Paid a visit to the FREE toilet..AND LEFT!! Hilarious shyt.. At least we used their toilets?=SStrawberry, Pineapple & ChocolateOn Sant Angleo BridgeView from Umberto I BridgePiazza Navona
This whole Piazza was filled with arty farty stalls/stands like this..The all claim they are self-painted and one of a kind thing..But walk down to another stall & find a almost-exact piece..Hmmm makes me wonder..but for the benefit of doubt, maybe Italians are really artistc?The tower in Piazza Navona Area Sacra
Supposedly some sacred area thing..but it looks more like ruins..no? Hmm maybe it was a used-to-be..This was the place where I was looking down & saw a cute little dog roaming about the ruins, probably lost in the maze? Poor little fella. Entrance to the Pantheon
This irritating guy deliberately put this darn white sign right smack in the middle of the space at the door, TO SPOIL PEOPLE’S PICTURES!!!! I mean it’s depressing enough that the whole lot of peeps out here couldn’t get in for the service inside (it was foc), just some decent photos of the place FROM OUTSIDE THE DOOR WON’T KILL RIGHT? Arghh.. Thankfully I clicked on the button before he got into my frame..but I feel for the rest..Could feel the tension and unease...Now tell me another reason why I don’t have good impressions on Italians?Tempio Adriano
Some partially-submerged building..But I think it looks pretty like that? Halfway pretty..HAHATrevi Fountain
I REMEMBER THIS FOUNTAIN!!! I was awed by it the last time I was in Rome, once again I am. But its perpetually so crowded!!! EVERYBODY was trying to snap photos of/with it..I'm not telling!!=P
And of course I made my wish..all the way there!!A humble Cathedral
Remember seeing a wedding couple exiting this church 8 years ago when I was there.. For obvious reasons we couldn’t go into the cathedral to look-see. So this time I went in, spent some much moments sitting there, took a walk around it, reading the little plaques of descriptions & explanations..This cathedral is definitely not the most beautiful, crazily-lavish or grand-est one I have visited.. But it was the feeling that was different, the sense of calmness..A very small & humble cathedral I love..
What's this?
First step out of the metro station, this greeted us, a GOOD morning indeed=)Are we caged?
While waiting in line to enter the Colosseo..Guess what caught my eyes? Times like that, rich vibrant colours never fail to amaze me, the little things I appreciate..Beam holes in the wall
These holes were from the past, where they stuck huge beams into the walls/pillars.Graffati on old marble tiles
People who visited the Colosseo for whatever events in the past were obviously bored to tears, they CARVED graffiti onto the MARBLE walls..and not some simple little kiddo drawings, but proper intricate pictures, from swordsmen to animals…The Old FeelThe group of 5=)
One in too many
The Colosseum has many such random steps all around, almost every one (decent enough to sit on) that we walked pass was occupied..Finally we came across this free one, so what better place to rest our tired-legs & gear up for the second half?=P The pillar stub
First time out, Second time in
After missing the opportunity to step into the Colosseum the last time I was in Rome, I was definitely one happy-trooper this time round, jumping at the idea of going in!!=D Money worthwhile!
The ColosseoALICIA! duh.
After the Colosseum walk, we unknowingly got ourselves into MORE walking..So much for Nat’s “we can just stand in the middle and turn 360 degrees to take photos!” SO NOT POSSIBLE!!! So to make this long long walk more entertaining, we camwhored amongst the ruins of Palatine Hill..Some funky tree bark
Nothing significant, but i just love the outcome of this artistic shot=DPalantine Hill
Just another one
I am starting to like photography, capturing the moments. Like this picture, happened to walk pass this little boy playing all alone among the fallen pillars..love the turnout=)Toes meet Toes
Directed by dearest WL once again..to her, black&white ~~should~~ MUST be emo-shots..Seriously, I was trying to hold my laughter under my breath & couldn’t stop grinning to my shoes!!
Dancing with lonely?
Disturbing my lonely friend
Classic Wait
While YJ, WL & I were monkeying around with our crazy shots, Nat & BX were clearly sick of waiting for us=PIt's Enough.
After walking what seemed like ~~forever~~ the whole afternoon, we reached the above. Looked down & almost hyperventilated! DO WE STILL HAVE SO MUCH TO WALK? And the best thing we had no guide, so they just look like plain ol’ ruins to us..Came back to do some reading, actually they are quite interesting..But just at that very moment, we threw in the white flag, WE HAD SO MUCH MORE TO SEE BESIDES RUINS!!!Arco di Costantino
An arch to nowhere..haha..they blocked it off, so people couldn’t walk through it anyway..What a pity..
Funky?
I don’t mind owning one of this..it will be wayyyyy easier to go self-take frenzy, without the fear of our faces plastering the whole picture & having no background!! But it will be such a hassle to bring around!!!=SMouth of Truth
Looks familiar? There are a million replicas of this all around, like those we find in shopping malls..”pay, put your hand in, have your fortune told..”or something along those lines..This is the real/original one!! By the time we reached there, it JUST closed (maybe a second or 2 too late?)..Such a waste..so all we could do was to snap away from the outside, while watching the last few people in the queue putting their hands in & having their photos taken by too many a people. The Republica
Expected to do some last minute souvenir shopping along this street..NOTHING TO BUY!! We chose the wrong street..but oh wells at least the lightings were nice, & we found cheap dinner? HAHAMixed fruits, Melon, BacioColours reversal
Okay actually my top was PINK, but Nat insisted its somewhat the same as the RED jacket she was wearing..Still I like this photo=)
Where is our train?
So we were early for our train..for once we were not rushing to catch the bus/train..The train was at 9.46am..We waited & waited. 9.40am, STILL NO SIGN OF THE RIGHT TRAIN! Dang. were we waiting at the right platform? Are we really destined to rush for our transports? After a little panic, we realized the train got delayed. To 10.11am (if I didn’t remember wrongly)=S My one-souvenir-per-place from Roma~
There was almost nothing to buy in Rome..Everything is like display stuff, which I don’t really know how to appreciate..Saw quite a number of pretty rosaries, but what can I do with them? I can’t possibly wear them out as accessories, can I? So we happened to enter a random local products (food) store..The salesgirl was really nice (one of the sparse few!!), we went around picking on all the samples (TRUFFLE BREAD!!!=p), & she gave us some alcohol to try too..First time trying limoncello by itself..It is NICE!! So I decided to buy a small bottle back for my friends who collects them..but when she handed me this very bottle, I really like it..Contemplated and hesitated, cos’ I know I will end up keeping it for myself if I bought it..AND BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT!!! Liquids are the darn culprits! But I still succumbed, later then worry about weight=P And guess what!!! IT ALMOST DIDN’T GET THROUGH THE CUSTOMS WHEN I WAS RETURNING TO AARHUS!!! Apparently the bags for liquids need to be sealed before being “approved”. So this bottle is too tall, & the bag couldn’t seal up..Thankfully the lady at the customs was nice enough to let me keep it cos she knew it was ALL THE WAY FROM ROME!! *THANKS A BUNCH!!!!=)* So now a beautiful bottle of Limoncello from the first city I had my taste buds on the very-gulpsome liquor=D

With that i bid Ol' Roma, also my 7th stop in Wanders Wonders, farewell.
Pictorial memories are HERE & HERE.

cooping COPENHAGEN..

2009-11-15T06:33:00.000+08:00

I HAVE TONNNNNEEEESSSS TO UPDATE ABOUT..
Just the trips, IS ENOUGH TO PILE ME FLAT!!=S
Huge thanks to the big word PROCRASTINATION.
So before it really suffocates me..
I should make use of this weekend to “clear my debts”..

Way before my last trip, right after Dublin & Edinburgh that is..
I paid a visit to the capital of Denmark with my German friends=)
Say HEJ to Copenhagen!!

First Step onto CPH.
My German friends actually took the earlier trai, so I ha to go down all alone..I stupidly didn't reserve seat in the train, so I had to hunt around for available seats..ended up with the not-so-comfortable ones, due to the rather full train..but I was super tired, & KO-ed..so the 3 hours didn't feel that long afterall=PA beautiful sight from the bridge
By the time I arrived, it was late afternoon..so not long after the sun was setting..it felt like a whole day wasted to travelling..but watching the sunset made it all worthwhile=)Dan Hostel
Apparently the biggest hostel in CPH(?)..It used to be a hotel..now its like a designer/boutique hostel..how cool is that? Everything felt very much like a hotel..except that every other little thing you need to pay pay pay..If you don't bring your own bed-linen, PAY to rent one..no towel? PAY to rent one..Besides all the paying nonsense, everything else was pretty much not-too-bad=) except for a little incident which happened to my friend, but the staff were very friendly&sorry about it, soI shall not spoil their reputation here=) Baresso's WARM CHOCOLATE<3
one word. HEAVENLY! Our cosy little pad
A 4-bedder room..with really good view from the 11th floor!=) The City Walk
In the couple of days that I was there, we walked endlessly..We never did take a single public transport..so imagine how tired I was..Dublin-walk, Edinburgh-walk, Copenhagen-WALK.all consecutively..Honestly I didn't think the city of Copenhagen was THAT spectacular like how some of my friends rave about..its just like an enlarged version of the city in Aarhus..I mean there are definitely more shops/options..but the main/more-popular brands/stores are the same!! Okay maybe I was just tired so I didn't enjoy it to the max. Some cool-shyt apartments
We saw this on our boat trip out..super cool right!!! I don't mind living in one of such apartments and owning a yatch ora powerboat, zooming all around along the waterway everyday, what a lifestyle=) This is why I want a powerboat license=PThe Little Mermaid ('s back)
Now I understand why people say she is really tiny..SHE ISPUNEYYYYY..trust me. We got to see her on our boat ride, the back of her that is..& decided against walking all the way down after that to get a front view picture of her..haha..didn't really think she is worth the little time we had=) We could easily get a front view pic of her on a postcard..so why not something different? take her back/butt?hehe Do you sail?
I wonder if the water-apartments or such boathouses are more expensive..hmm..I won't mind a boathouse too..will be pretty cool as well!=) Sunlingt sunshine
No matter where am I, whenever I see the sun,I appreciate it more..Make me miss homeland more..yearn for the sun more..Im definitely a tropical girl=) PIZZA-FULL
Jelka recommended this small-and-humble pizza restaurant..really cheap (for Denmark standard) & good stuff I must say..One lunch was not enough, we went back on the 2nd day for lunch too!!=D And each time, each of us ~~gobbled~~ ate ONE WHOLE PIZZA!!=PNot as warm as it looks=S
We walked through this garden..there was sun..BUT IT WAS STILL CHILLY, so we couldn't sit down and enjoy the sun and the scenary, like how people do it in summer=(( But the garden was really pretty I must say..Corinna~Jelka~Ina
My three travelling buddies for this trip..lovess!!!<3 Ina & her new beanie=)
Happy for her that she FINALLY found a hat to fit her head..according to her, she looks weird in them, so she never did own one until then!! She looks great, dosen't she?A chillax night
After a very late dinner, we decided t head to a nice cosy pu for a coupleof drinks before braving the biting-cold wind back..Randomly banged into this little Irish pub..Definitely not a wrong place..Nice ambience, melodious live performance..What better way to relax?
A picture taken by me, before I fell asleep on the "beach" chair for a good 20minutes?=P I could just lay there for a few hours watching over the waterway, seeing boats hoot by, people strolling pass, sipping a cup of hot chocolate/tea...awwwww...Our legs deserved it..
It will have been better if it was warmer..I woke up after 20minutes due to THE COLD!! The wind was getting stronger and blowing onto my naked face=(Danish Pastries
If there is only ONE thing you must try from Denmark, it's none other than DANISH PASTRIES!!! Especially for the sweet-toothers out there..oohhhh so finger-licking fabulous!!!=D If only I can bring some back to SG to share the joy..but it won't be fresh anymore (after a good long 27+ hours)? Do you think I should?Christiana
The result of not researching and just banging and crashing into places..Photo-taking is NOT ALLOWED in Christiana..Being the blur and ignorant me, I GENUINELY DIDN'T KNOW..still happily thinking that I could go snap-frenzy in there, cos' I heard of so much funky things in there..So this is the 1st picture I took..The Exit
..& this is the second (out of the 2 photos I took)..after snapping this photo, a guy stopped me & warned me that photos are not allowed in there..Apparently if caught by the "locals" they will send some gang/mob tosnatch your camera away & may even smash it & turn violent!! So I kept my camera straight in my bag after, didn't even dare to hang it around my neck like I always do! Thank goodness that guy saw me before any "locals" did=SA random house
..that caught our attention as we walked by..wonder how did they build it,.Wonder if it was intentional..hmmmm..The palace grounds
Sad to say..I was a tad disappointed with what I saw..Maybe I had sky-high espectations after seeing the huge;grand;magnificent;.. buildings;castles;cathedrals in Dublin&Edinburgh right before that..So oh wells..One thing its above those in Dublin&Edinburgh is..it is muchcleaner!!!=) Corinna & Jelka are hopeful=)
They are sitting and resting on the palace grounds hoping that the prince will come out..But isn the Danish prince married? or no?Nyhavn- Harbour
My favourite part of Copenhagen=DMy one-souvenir-per-place from Copenhagen~
I didn't buy a single thing from Copenhagen except for this pair of walking shoes..Like I mentioned earlier, almost everything is the same as Aarhus, so I pretty much convinced myself that I could get them when I am back here..Anyways not many things caught my eyes in CPH.. Thought of buying simple as a souvenir, afterall its Denmark's capital I am visiting..but before I started huning for my souvenir, we entered this shoe shop hoing for Corinna to find herself a pair of boots..With no intention of getting any footwear I just bumped around, digging my hands into the random sales piles..everything I pulled out were either hideous or not-my-size..UNTIL I pulled this very pair out..1st look at it; nothing special..but it was not hideous..since it was my size, I slipped it on..comfortable indeed..& stared at it through the mirror..the longer I stared, the more my liking for it set in..PLUS it was HEAVILY DISCOUNTED (70% OFF)...after braving my feet through all the cold in ballet flats & walking soooo much for the couple of days I was there, I decided a good pair of walking shoes will make a nice comforting souvenir for myself from CPH..so I sealed the deal=)

So this is pretty much my 6th destinaion on Wanders Wonders..
& of course more photos can be found HERE.

P.S. Stay tuned for a massive update spam!!

To that stranger..

2009-11-12T03:22:00.002+08:00

whoever you are [I have no idea]..
but if you are still reading my blog, this is FOR YOU!

My entries [ESPECIALLY PHOTOS] are..
strictly for viewing purposes ONLY!
If you want a copy of them, you can ask me.
I may or may not give them to you.
It's UP TO ME whether you can have them.
Please DO NOT take my photos,
& USE THEM AS DESKTOP WALLPAPERS FOR PUBLIC PCs.
Respect me AND the people in the photos.
Its BASIC courtesy.

Utterly disrespectful & rude.

check up EDINBURGH<3

2009-10-26T07:43:00.017+08:00

Almost 2 weeks since I left Edinburgh,
& I am FINALLY sitting down to blog about it=P
Out of the all the places (so far), Edinburgh is my favourite.
Just the architecture of the old buildings can wow me away.
Spectacularly magnificent.

p.s. Beware of the photos OVER-load.

We stayed over in Edinburgh Airport for the 1st night. Thought we could have our own little private “room”, but got chased away when the cleaner came along...So we had to move=(Such a welcoming sight as we took our first step outdoors in Edinburgh<3 Bus 100 brought us ~~all the way~~ somewhere near our hostel..We had to climb a long-slope & walk abit more..But the bus comes really frequently, & the journey is relatively short!!=)Brodies 2: Our hostel in Edinburgh, not that wonderful (especially right after our experience in Abigail’s-Dublin), but still live-able…Just an issue or 2 with the noisy neighbours in the room-next-door..But I was too tired to even bother, & KO-ed=P Our 10 bedder shared-room..Alrights ONE plus point compared to Abigail’s, the carpets didn’t stink!!Tron Kirk~ one of the 1st buildings that caught my eye=)9 plus on a beautiful Sunday morning, the cabs wait patiently.Random clock tower we saw as we roamed around..I like how clocks (towers/buildings) are so conveniently located around..What’s the time? No fuss.Mary King’s Close..Just along Royal Mile.. A part of St. Giles’ Cathedral. Also my favourite picture<3 The west-side entrance to the cathedral..A beautiful cathedral indeed.The old Scottish Parliament..Versus the NEW one..See the difference? HAHAKing Charles II..really entertaining story that statue carries..want to know? ASK ME!!! Haha..P.S. I will choose that BMW over that statue ANYTIME.Heart of Midlothian~ The locals spit on it when they walk pass (even till now) for luck. It’s a tradition (?!)..We were really lucky to have such fabulous weather on the ONE day we were there..It pours a lot apparently=..So happiness for us!!!=D MEET MY NEW FRIEND! Quotes carved onto the tiles just around the Writers’ Museum..One of the few that caught my eyes..Blue Blue sky!!! Clear skies are the best!!
“TRIP” STAIRS, Their very first “burglar alarm”..The stairs narrows as it moves up..so the supposedly-ignorant burglars will trip and tumble down the stairs, waking the whole house up..thus getting caught! One of my favourite building, The Hub. It used to be a cathedral, but they have since changed it & now its Edinburgh’s Festival Centre..So not like it right?hahaTraditional busker..Apparently where JK Rowling got her inspiration for Hogwarts & Harry Potter..Cannot really tell from here, but it sure look somewhat like it there=) And this is where she sat & pen her 1st 2 books of the Harry Potter series..

Some knick-knacks in a very funky store along Grassmarket Street..

And this is the cool-to-the-max vintage store=D

This is the famous dog that stayed by his owner’s grave for a good 14YEARS before passing on himself..Now tell me, why are dogs humans’ best friends?

Oh-so-EMO!!Im sure..

Seth~ Our very very entertaining& interesting tour guide=D Absolutely fantastic..Thank You so much..Just made me love Edinburgh more..& the best thing, he is not even Scottish himself!

Supposedly the best photo-view of the Edinburgh Castle..So you can see that it actually sits on top of a volcano (an extinct one that is).

Playing the old-school-scissors;paper;stone up the Playfair Stairs..Should have seen the stares we attracted..HAHA..but it was great fun=)

Looking down Royal Mile as the sun sets..

Look how gorgeous the buildings look when they light up at night=D

Some random door that caught my attention too many a time..Every single time I walked pass, I will turn to look at it, for some reason I don’t know.

Their very own local soft drink that top Coca-Cola on the charts in Edinburgh!! Tried it, I am not the biggest fan of gassy drinks, so I was not swept off my feet or something..BUT I definitely prefer this to Coke, anytime.

At the foot of Arthur’s Seat

Along the way..

View of the city, when we still somewhere near the bottom of the hill..

Pretty flower/weed along the way..

The climb was really not that leisure..maybe we took the longer & more difficult way up..But according to our (a few) sources, it’s supposed to be a (about) 30minutes climb..Sheesh we definitely took longer than that..

Now..somewhere nearer the top!!!

I WAS THERE!=D

Arthur shared his seat with me=)

View from the top is always better..

Doing yoga atop Arthur’s Seat?

What better place to take a group picture? Especially after such a great morning workout!=P

On the way down..we STILL need a rest=D

Now into Edinburgh Castle..This is my ticket into the castle!! P.S. take note of the picture on the ticket!!

On Argyle Battery..Definitely not the best location to be when there is a war=P

Does that picture above me looks familiar?! Yes, it’s the one on my ticket..I actually manage to find it in the huge castle..This is the birthplace of the king=)

Huge cannonballs..fake concrete ones..so people like me won’t accidentally fire them off..haha

Okay..this position is a way worse!!!! Kids reading this, please do not learn!!

Yes, we are attracted to musically-inclined dudes=D

Monkeying around in the Regimental

One of my favourite photos from the castle!=)

If only he came before….

I had to say goodbye to beautiful Edinburgh. First a welcoming sunrise, now a pretty sunset for a farewell=) Contented.

My one-souvenir-per-place from Edinburgh! Alrights I know first reaction will be “WHAT THE HELL? HOW IS THIS EVEN SCOTTISH-A-LIKE?” The thing is I am really not into the red or green checkered thing..So I didn’t want to buy something supposedly-SO-scottish for the sake of getting a souvenir..I was about to leave Edinburgh without a souvenir & just shortbread in hand..Until I saw this card in the airport..I LOVE IT!! So what’s the link to Edinburgh? Firstly, there are checkered patterns (supposedly Scottish right?), just that the ones on the card is COLOURFUL & pretty. Secondly, its ELMER(!!), one of my favourite cartoon (if you haven’t already know)..so it sort of represents Edinburgh & my love for it=) Thirdly, the birds flying around reminded me of the pigeons that fluttered all about & scared ~~the-shit-out-of~~ me when we were there..So reminder to self: EMBRACE the birds cos’ its probably going to be the same in most parts of Europe (thankfully not in Aarhus)..These reasons/explanations probably sound/seem like a bunch of HUH-ness..but just as long as they are true for me, & it definitely put a nice pleasing closure to my 5th destination on Wanders Wonders list=D

All photos from this trip can be found HERE & HERE!!

I will be back, Edinburgh!!=)

Toodles, my friends~

25 hours on the 25th!

2009-10-25T17:45:00.003+08:00

Thanks to time-saving (for winter)..
I HAVE A 25-HOURS DAY TODAY!=D
which also means more time for just-too-much-things.
Note: I'm officially living 7hours behind SG*

my biological clock..

2009-10-23T15:49:00.000+08:00

GOOD ~~NIGHT~~ MORNING world!!=D
I just woke up! fantastic yeah?
Screwed up biological clock, what's new?
I went to ~~nap~~ sleep at 6.00pm,
was feeling floaty yet restless..& HUNGRY!
Best solution..SNOOZE!!=P
Post-examination syndrome, period.

Yeah..I had an exam earlier today..
Corporate Finance 1.
So the past week was nothing much,
except for reading, whining (more than former), binging..
About the exam, NO COMMENTS. *praying hard*
but like what WL (or rather her horoscope) said ,
Don't worry/think about something that we cannot change.
So be it.

I will be leaving for Italy on Monday!=)
But before that, I have an ultra-long to-do-list to clear..
of which includes updating about my Edinburgh&Copenhagen trips.

busy busy BUSY weekend, but...
I LIKE!!!=P
Have a fantabulous weekend y'all!!=D
~Toodles

When I am supposed to be studying..

2009-10-22T00:04:00.005+08:00

..I see a whole mountain of distractions.
When I am supposed to be studying..
..I pace up & down my room.
When I am supposed to be studying..
..I munch & munch.
When I am supposed to be studying..
..I stare blankly at my greek-speaking notes.
When I am supposed to be studying..
..I get bored of NOTHING except my books&notes.

I am supposed to be studying NOW!
Why am I here? Now you see.

focus ALICIA. FOCUS!!

HIHO-ing down the streets of DUBLIN

2009-10-19T03:20:00.017+08:00

I am so overwhelmed by just SORTING my photos..
I don't know where or how to start this..
I don't want to imagine how it will be like the next trip=S

Dublin was our 1st stop..In fear of missing the bus to the airport (equals missng the flight), I decided not to sleep AT ALL. thus snoozing through the whole 2 flights=P Anyways Dublin was overall good..especially our hostel!! Considering we paid a rather cheap price for it, had our very on 6-bedder private room, GREAT location, friendly staff, cosy&welcoming atmosphere, not-too-bad breakfast..WE CHOSE THE RIGHT HOSTEL!!=D Definitly gave a plus to our stay in Dublin..So being situated in such fab location, we WALKED everywhere, literally. We joined the freetour & also explored around on our own..Streets; Castle; Cathedrals; Bridges; College; Prison; Museum; etc...

Donuts anyone?
12 donuts-4people!! They gobbled 2 donuts EACH..haha Im not a big fan of donuts so I was not "game" for it..Really amused by them..Donuts were the star, almost all of us were snapping pictures of them & extra care had to be taken to ensure they were not banging around the sides=P

Bus 16A
the only transport we took was this bus to get from the airport to the city & vice-versa..about 1hr journey.. It's Abigail
The very hostel I was raving about!! Highly recommended=DMy bed in Dublin
Shared the bunk with WL this time, & took the to-bunk..I like sleeping on the higher bunk, only minus point is the inconvenience of having to climb up&down to get my stuff..hoho First sight of Temple Bar
We ventured into Temple Bar in search for dinner on our first night there..I eally love th atmosphere there. Not too many people along the streets, but yet I could feel the live. Street-buskers performing, people gathering, couples strolling, friends having a drink or 2..I just love it=)OH?
Some cute sheep collection they had in the souvenir stores..oh-so-cute!! Irish enough?
The salesman was looking at us taking such photos, he must be thinking "Ahh..typical toursits!"HAHA Temple Bar by day
A totally different feel I got in he day..So quaint, calm..with the shops all closed, nobody steaming down the streets..It was as if we were walking down a TV set (those fake set-ups specially for filming)..One place, Two experiences, ONE LOVE<3 Openly gay!
I saw 2 gay pubs/clubs there..the flag onthis one is easily 10X bigger than the other one that I saw=P Love Box
The boxes along the roads/streets were mostly painted..NICELY painted that is & not some random vandalism of scribblings..I think they make the place more cheerful!!=D The City Hall
While waiting for the free tour to start, we decided to try some jumpshots up the steps of the cityhall & got the rest to help us take it from across the road..But the walls/railings were too high..So we could only cling on & get our photos taken from the bottom..Dublin Castle
The little part of the whole castle that is kept from the original building..I still prefer howthe old building looks compared to the new...Why didn't they keep it all? Our "tour-group"
I was supposed to be standing there and listening too..Now you wnder how did I get this picture. The word is SUPPOSED..But this guide was really -. He kept moving front&back, swinging his head round&round..all while talking!! Just his movements are distracting enough to make me not listen..So might as well, go around taking photos right?=PColourful castle inspired
No exact explanation why only these buildings are painted so brightly compared to the rest around..Apparently its just something the designer liked?haha..But I like how they stand out, really caught my attention once I turned into the lane.. Green Field near Chester Beatty Library Galleries
We wanted to return t this nice green field to capture some beautiful pictures..However due totime constraints & shytty weather (the next day), we didn't. What a waste! On a window sill
The colours of flowers in Europe are seemingly richer & more vibrant..WHY? The weather, maybe. I will be happier if Singapore had such bright-coloured flowers lining the streets.Dreaming.. One of the many small "holes"
In the distracting lane
Somehow we got really snap frenzy & distracted in this lane/backalley..We almost lost the group!! After rushing up the steps to rejoin the group.."What is the signifcance of that lane again?" Street by the Viking Remains By one of the many streets of Temple Bar Sign to Queen of Tarts
Wanted to try the tarts on the last day..Our supposedly-light lunch turned out to be not-so-light after all..We were too full..Another waste! But we did go in to the little humble cafe to awe at the tarts & take in some tart-ful air..Really nice ambience=)Liffey River
We were living along this canal, which actually cuts across the city centre..O'Connell Bridge
The main bridge (for cars at least) that links up thetwo sides of the canal..We took this bridge quite abit=)O'Connell Street
We walked here quite abit too..Pennys is just in front!!!HAHACourtyard in Trinity College
I think its pretty distracting to study in that college..I mean there are so many tourists (including me) walking in & out everyday..You really don't know who are the real students sometimes.Campanile in Trinity CollegeHello Natalie!=D
I forsee myself taking many of such photos in the near future, so bear with me!!!=PSt. Stephen Green Park
Can you even spot me in the picture? I like how contrasting colours are in this picture wih thre reflections on the water=)Autumn leaves blanket
Please stay longer... Grafton Street
Apart from the very-normal-and-sometimes-boring stores, they had random road side florists!! Its nice to have the flowrs bighten up the whole street..Pretty=) Huge-arse luggage
Looking at things, I may really need a luggage like that..Wait, will Emirates even allow me to check this in?HAHATriv?a Club Entrance
So many people turne their heads to look while I was posing or this photo..haha..but the design is pretty, isn't it?=) PENNYS
Ireland's Primark..I had a huge-r loot fom Primark in London..This tie in Pennys, I bought more practical stuff (for winter that is)..No more shorts. No more skirts. Only long sleeves! Such a good girl right?Self-cooked dinner
We whipped this up in 20minutes, cos' the kitchen was closing a 10pm, & we only got down to cooking at 9plus? haha..It was fast, easy & YUMMY!! Our estimation for 6 was good too!! Well done girls! Bailey's Loving
Spontaneous decision to indulge in some Baily's wth Ice-cream...Heavenly sinful!!!=P Cups of GOODNESS~
Who won the greed contest?=PCar Garden
Saw this in one of the porches..Something fresh which made our oh-so-long-and-unsure walk less boring.. Walls of Kilmainham Gaol (Prison)
After a not too short walk, we finally reach the prison!!! Chirpily happy to see the high walls!!!!=D Ot-of-bounds room alert!
In the Irish Museum of Modern Art..We were not supposed to enter this room, but we genuinely didn't know..And happily walked in & started snapping away!!!!HAHAOt -of-bounds CamwhoringFunky photo!!
Okay this is not in a out-of-bounds room..It is taken in one of the exhibitons..BUT photo-taking is NOT allowed..so this is ALSO an illegal photo..thankfully I had my camera on silent mode=PWe but no me
Another illegal shot..its funny how the woman "guarding" this certain room was just sitting beside the bench which we were resting on..Nat & I managed to snap it right under her nose (Okay Nat did it more discreetly, trying very hard to hide her camera while snapping. But I was dead-obvious!!=S)..Then when YJ wanted to snap, the woman stopped her..weird. Guinness Storehouse
Looked like some pok-factory..haha But Im sur inside will be nice la..Too bad none of us are really that into this black thing..so we didn't go in..Bank of Ireland
You won't want to know how I embarassed all of us while we were trying to self-take one of the photos=P Irish Apples
I really like them..Super crunchy with that little bit of sourness=)The Spire
Not an easy feat trying to take a photo of the WHOLE thing..Imagine me squatting by the not-very-empty pavement, putting my camera as low as possible, tilting my head to that same height...Dublin Doors
Somehow the doors in Dublin are quite a big thing..They have postcards, wrappers, cups...all printed with such..No idea why..Pretty they are, Maybe that's why=)Oversized Irish Leprechaun
An old buiding amongst the modern-essHow much do they drink?
Saw this printed on a T-shirt..Irish pubs are the thing there..THE THING, seriously! Peeped into a few, all are nice & cosy..Where Irish call home?

SUN
I was sleepy on the bus towards the airport, but my eyes widen when I saw this..Yes this is HOW MUCH I am missing the HOT SUN!!!Big Kinder Surprise
I wonder how isit like inside...Tell me why must I have a baggage weight limit again?=(Guinness Hairband
This totally reminded m of Mish & her clips..hahaBye Dublin
Not the happiest/smoothest night we had..Stupid Ryanair-ers spoil our moods..I shall not blurt everything out here, afterall the incident did not happen to me personally. But still it happened to my friend, so I'm pissed off (for her)..Unreasonable bunch of ~~people~~ monkeys..That aside, Ryanair claims >90% of their flights reached on-time (last year)..If you remember me mentioning in my london post about how they will announce/report it to the whole plane when they touch down on-time..This time they announced that the flight will be delayed for 15 mins (8.15pm to 8.30pm) only 5MINUTES before the actual take off time..So technically/rationally, they are already NOT on-time..However when we touched down on-(delayed)time, they still played that "on-time annoucement"..So now I wonder how credible is their punctuality..They can simply/conveniently annouce a flight delay a few mins before the take off, just to reach "ON-TIME"..dumb or dumb?Sucky.

My one-souvenir-per-place* from Dublin
Bought this skirt from TK-Max..Somehow Dubline (Ireland) give me the music-ful feel. Music along the streets; Live music in pubs; Irish songs thumping in all souvenir stores; Random songs playing in all other stores; Melodies hummed/sung/whistled by passers-by..Even while we were taking our walks, we immersed in the whole singing issue=) So when I saw&tried this skirt, I was 99% certain, this is it=)

Enjoyed Dublin well!! I think Irish are generally very nice people=) With that, a happy tick for my 4th destination on Wanders Wonders=D

My Dublin album can be found HERE.

Toodles for now..
Note: ohmygawd I still have Edinburgh, Copenhagen...all by this week!!=S

A morning thought before i sleep.

2009-10-17T13:35:00.000+08:00

Its 7.35am & I am still wide awake!
Is my biological clock screwed or screwed?
Brilliant.

Anyways..
I was msn-ing my mummy & sister ~~today~~ yesterday.
I was on the phone with A just now.
I am msn-ing C.
Ahh I MISS MY FAMILY, FAMILY UNIT & FRIENDS!!=(
If only I could be at the opening earlier on..
If only I can be at the party later on..
If only..
Boo.

Don't get the wrong idea,
I am having a great time here, really.
Just a bolt of home-sickness,
After a good ~~night~~ morning sleep, I will be all good.
Toodles~

p.s. So much to update!! Dublin, Edinburgh, Copenhagen..LATERS!

I've got mailS!

2009-10-07T10:26:00.004+08:00

LOVE SNAIL MAILS<3<3<3

So what did I get?=D Family photos

Now I can see them everyday=D I really love the photos from our photoshoot [ALL OF THEM]..I was supposed to put some up here after my big sis gave the greenlight..she has. BUT I don't have the pictures anymore (complicating&long story)..So I guess I will wait till I return to SG..For now, I am very pleased & happy with just these 3=DBig Piggy
Yes I was complaining that the small one, was way to small to hug to sleep..& I don't have a bolster [How sad is that?!]..& TA-DA I got this at my doorstep!!!=D How sweet is that? A pleasant surprise indeed.
FOODIE GOODIE
Finally some familiar food..Once again she heard my cries&calls all the way here=) Now I can induldge (more)..MUAHAHAHA=P

HEARTHEARTHEARTHEART SNAILMAILS TO THE MAX<3

THANK YOU!!~XOXO<3