my quaint world

Yup, I went home especially to watch The Homecoming. Because my best bud, Ian was starring in it ;)

Firstly, Sentul West is absolutely beautiful. Especially in the nights, the ambience was great - silhouette of trees whishing in the night breeze across the walls of old buildings.

And the play was very good! I would say it suprised me a lot and made me very proud of our very own talents in my home country! Way to go, guys!

And of course, Pinter's work worked well into my mind. My mind didn't stop postmortem-ing the play, well up to now. Its just so intriguing and I kept on wondering of the past and the future of each the characters.

Nevertheless, the cast did a good job, lotsa efforts put in and I was glued (100% span of attention) to the entire show, trying to absorb every little words, actions, gesture and even the twitching of the mouths.

Afterthat, we went for quick dinner... See, we started on the beers even before the play!



And chilled out at La Bodega.









Joey, The Boxer @ The Homecoming




Mun, the story teller. I was concentrating more on fishing out the apple strips from the white Sangria, so couldn't remember the story hehehe...



Listening very attentively!



An outburst! I guess, it should be funny :S



Moi girls!



Oh, this I remembered cuz it was a very cold lame trick :)- Can money fly?



Then ring ring and she picks up. Rather irrelevant at all! I guess, the drinks worked us all up for a good laugh!

Except Daniel, who looked really puzzled!



Ah, sweeties!



All in all for the night!




Also, visited Alvin and had an adhoc kueh-mueh party (didn't stop eating entire weekend!). Kimmie is such a lovable bouncy furball!



Oh yea, am sure gonna miss this view from me work desk!

March 21 - 24, 2006

Full Name : People's Republic of Bangladesh
Capital City : Dhaka
Area : 143,998 sq km / 55,598 sq miles
Population : 138,448,210
Time Zone : GMT/UTC +6 ()
Languages : Bengali (official) English (other)
Religion : 83% Islam, 16% Hindu
Currency : Taka (Tk)
Electricity : 220V 50HzHz
Country Dialing Code : 880

Touched down in Dhaka at 10.35pm. Phew, almost missed my flight AGAIN! Hehehe...

Pretty slow flight. It was quite empty. Met lotsa people in the flight. I guess the industry is small and everyone is going to the same event.

Well, Dhaka - firstly, imigration was slow. Airport is pretty basic, yet clean.

Traveled about 20minutes to Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. Checking in was slow.



Hotel was ok but the bed was fantastica! Really comfy! Didn't feel like waking up many mornings ;)



A view of the city, Dhaka!

Traffic jam, traffic jam, traffic jam. Almost 24 hours of traffic jam, man!



Most popular common tranport - Baby Taxi!

Its everywhere...



A stall by the road side.

Pretty little girl.





And her friends came to join her!



And they laughed excitedly after I showed them their pictures.



And then, more kids came to join the fun!

I think they are really poor kids. Perhaps homeless? We couldn't communicate as there was no common language except smiling and waving.

But they are lovely! And just happy the way they are! Playing playing playing all day long...



Lovely trees! Gives me a mellow swinging feel. See how the leaves are droopy.
(But somehow the picture doesn't capture the right sense... sigh)



Yep, this is the steam-boat that we were gonna take. Cruising slowing down the-damn-huge-river - River Buriganga!



I call this a "sink-boat" - look as if the boat is sinking but in fact, its not!

Its used for transportation of sand, bricks, fruits... saw many bobbing along the river.



They are curious. Stared for a moment, then they started waving at us hehehe...




A lone boatman...

Good take eh!



After the long boat trip, we were back to land. While we were waiting for our bus to pick us up, a huge crowd formed and surrounded us. They were just staring and staring. I guess, pure curiousity! But it was indeed a sight!




A young boy making his living.




We took a Baby Taxi to the nearest shopping centre! I forgot the name :S




And it fitted 3 of us in perfectly!



A modern shopping centre.

Oh yea, I did some shopping. Couldn't resist it! I bought 3 very nice shirts for me men! And a set "salwakamis" (think the spelling is err) for meself :)


Overall, people in Bangladesh gave me a very nice and warm feel. They are gentle and soft spoken. Country is still developing and still need lotsa development. And education for the people is a must,for a more rapid progression!

It was a short trip. Spent 3/4 of my time in the hotel attending meetings and conference.

But its was a nice glimpse of Bangladesh I had!

Ma ladee is too busy to write.

She says to have a good week all of you...

Woof, NaM

Dhaka - Capital of Bangladesh. Land of 140 mio people!

I am here for a week to attend GSMAP meeting. A technical tourist I am! ;)

It's not bad, lotsa people from the region attending... customers customers customers.

How's Bangladesh? I guess, the people here makes a big difference. They are warm, friendly and pretty gentle people. Poverty is still amass. Kids peddling, begging, knocking on the windows of the cars passing by...

Gulp - I looked ahead, couldn't look at them. If I start giving, it'll be endless. Nevertheless, I can't help hearing the plea, noticing the barefooted, the clothes that clads them BUT they do smile at times and those smiles are real!

Anyway, I'll do a proper post of Bangladesh with pictures soon ;)

I also learnt - Bollywood dance made simple :
1) Flying kite
2) Riding bike
3) Pumping a bicyle
4) Fixing the lightbulb (Kindly contributed by Siva!)

I'll do a demo next time ;)

Food? Mostly yellow in colour. My boss told me that they love the tamarine.

Ok, gotta catch some winks. Tomorrow we are going on a slow steam boat ride, down the river of Bangladesh...

Good nite!

Just had my job evaluation :)

And its very positive! That is INDEED a great source of encouragement!

As Ikeda Sensei always remind us, "Be indispensable wherever you are!" - and I've always remembered and worked with this phrase kept in mind.

For me, this is indeed proving Buddhism in my daily life! Yay!!!

Although, I know I can still do much better becuz there is the teeny lazy bit part of me that can't help indulging into these little guilt-ridden fun during office hours :

- MSN-ing (until my IT dept blocked all possible access) but I still have my PDA. Using that stupid stylus give me finger cramps, so I gave up eventually!
- Updating my blog (can't help it, when the ideees come, it comes!)
- Surfing the net for all sorts "fun" stuffs
- Reading "all-kind" of blogs
- Checking my hotmail, gmail
- Sending funnies to my friends
- Chatting via emails (Last resort!)
- And occasional drinkin binge in the office (with camouflaged wine glasses!)


Allez! Time to work now...

How was your weekend?

I went home to my parents @ Klang, my hometown where I grew up and have lotsa wonderful family, friends and major part of my sweetest memories was formed there.

It was a fabulous weekend, well spent but I am absolutely drained out!

Left work slightly earlier on Friday, got a ride with Cat and her hubby back to Klang. There was a unexpectedly heavy traffic at the causeway, so by the time we arrived in Klang it was almost midnite!

And all my friends have left to Sri Hartamas for Nihal's birthday bash! So being a good friend as I am, I did a quickie makeover ;) and drove myself up to Sri Hartamas. The drive kindda intimidated me because I had no idea of the twirling roads in KL. But anyhow, I survived and managed to give Nihal a nice sweet suprise.

I came without a birthday pressie though, so he shall have to make that up with my presence! Muahhahah...

Anyway, we partied till 5am! (Phew, I thought I am getting a little too old for these late-nite-outties!)

Next morn, my parents woke me up at 9am for breakfast! :( Hehe, being as a good daughter as I am, I dragged myself outta bed and went breakfast and ran some errands with em.

Attempted to be a line dancer entire afternoon at my ma's studio but well, look more like a lost rodeo-girl. What a hilarious sight of myself! But I still aspire to be a dancer! In the evening, caught up with the girls for over 2 hours coffee chat and then attended a last-minute notice wedding dinner of the most beautiful couple, Mike and EH. (It was so last minute, I had to donne on my mom's most stretchable dress and hell, she was grumbling because she said I will outstretch her dresses with my extra size heheheh)

Then, the supposedly quiet night that I planned (wanted to go to bed after wedding dinner), the girls was all dressed up and ready to go for some beers and boogies. So off again I am to Sri Hartamas (this time, being driven!) and partied till 4am!

Oh by the way, me bestbud, Ian is gonna star in the upcoming local production, Homecoming! Be sure to watch!

Its Mambo nite! And I am all ready for some boogie-ing. Hehehhe

Its Benny's birthday! This is the 3rd year I am going for his birthday bashes. Usually, there'll be a great crowd, lotsa drinks and night will end up funny! (What else, after many drinks he!)

Cheers!

Yippee, passed my medical examination! (no crawlies inside me)

And no more thyroid (but have to check every 3 months la!)

Anyhow, its celebration time!



This is by far my funniest picture - it did cheer up a good fren, perhaps it will for you too now???

Yesterday, (as I do each morning with a slight hint of guilt! Hehe), I hailed a taxi to get to work. After giving the usual directives, the taxi driver, unexpectedly offered me a candy.

And I took it. Its a just a normal mint candy in fact.

But for a second, my mind made an instantly fast calculation. Calculation of risks : The face of the driver, his expression, his name on the card exhibited, his driving style, the little ornaments displayed on the dashboard.

Then I looked at the candy, read the tiny prints, and finally popping it into my mouth! And it melts. And 5 minutes later I am still enjoy the sweet refreshing taste. And still have clear awareness!

I know its a silly realisation but I was amazed of my own thoughts! How my mind has been trained to work!

I guess, its how we were brought up. My ma used to tell me, "Do not accept gula-gula from strangers, they'll drug you, kidnap you... bla bla". So, I became automatically PARANOIA ;)

Anyway, it does feel good to know that I've just met a nice soul. I mean he is nice! He tried and did make a difference to my daily ride. He even had a small box prepared for throwin of the candy wrapper!

Well, the usual notion in a taxi - driver and passenger in cold silence. Passenger caught up in one's own world while the taxi driver maneuver his way thru the crazy traffic to save a couple of precious seconds.

** As she steps outta the taxi, she did a little twiggy shake!

Sigh, its really a blue Monday.

Looking out from my seat, across the view of the city, sky is cloudy.

Don't feel like working, don't feel like doing anything at all.

Just feel like curling up in bed and hide under me blanket the whole day.

BUT I can't. I have to come to work, have to pretend to function, have to force my mind on work... Sigh. But that's life!

Weekend was ok, gone a little overboard. While everyone was crooning to songs, I was drowning in beer. Then had to nurse a terrible hangover on Sunday. Not good at all!

Bad girl!

"You are as young as your faith, as old as you doubt;
as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear;
as young as your hope, as old as your despair."

- Samuel Ullman (1840 - 1924)

Been reading the blogs of others in the cyberworld. I think think ma blog is really boring! Hehehe.

I know, I know, I shouldn't benchmark meself to other!

But anyway, aside from the roller-coaster (the ride is on auto-mode for now), and as my knee is almost perfect again - its PARTY TIME!

In fact, started of this week with a nice cool kilkenny at Harry's last night. And then with OD (overdose) of Singapore hawker food at the Esplanade. It was a fantastic meal and its been a while since I've been a real glutton... ahehe...

Lined up for tis week - Thu @ Siam and MoS to groove into the weekend.

Anyone up for a bière?

Here's a gift from my godma - a poem to bring with me to the faraway land ;)

Life’s Mirror - Madeline S. Bridges

There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
There are souls that are pure and true;
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you

Give love, and love to your life will flow,
A strength in your utmost need;
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
Their faith in your work and deed.

Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind,
And honor will honor meet;
And the smile which is sweet will surely find
A smile that is just as sweet

For life is the mirror of king and slave,
‘Tis just what we are and do;
Then give to the world the best you have
And the best will come back to you.

Its so beautiful! I promise I'll live a life just as expressed ;)

Last couple of days has been rather a roller coaster ride in me - euphoria and melancholy. I guess, its fine line between the 2 state.

Nevertheless, most of ma frens wishes me well, giving much encouragements but there are those who painted the worst scenarios. And some even nasty remarks :( Sometimes I do really wonder what lies in the real hearts of humans. I would like to believe it is always and pure goodness that we are all born with.

I tried to ignore the words from the dark hearteds but somehow, the words just kept reprinting in my mind. Its like a curse set on me. BUT I WILL NOT let these external negativities come in between my life journey.

I guess, these are just part and parcle of life that help to make us stronger and develop deeper convictions to fulfil our own missions.

I keep looking forward, focusing on my objectives. And keep chanting...
I grit on my teeth and trust meself!

"I will, I can, I must"

No matter what happens, everything happens for a reason!

I am imagining myself stepping into a huge big wild jungle. So many unknowns. But I found a stream! I know as along I keep to the path by the stream, I will reach finally the right destination - the faraway land where chocolates grow on trees and white wine flows endlessly down the river ;)

Just an illustration la! I know that as long as I keep chanting, my life will flow in the right direction, in the flow of the mystic law. That is faith!

Of course nothing comes easy, I'll still have to walk thru the difficult paths in the jungle - under hot sun, torns of the bushes, wild animals, pebbles and stones, blisters and... grrrr...

Guess what! Soon I'll start new series of adventures in a land where wine flows down the stream and chocolates grows on the trees ;)

I certainly look forward to it!

And will keep sharing the little funny and not-so-funny stories and adventures that my path crosses and my eyes catches and that my mind registers (being the forgetful me, I know you will all forgive me as when needed) Ok!

For now, nothing much to report because it is ALL boring forms to fill, getting a doctor to inpect me upsidedown, insideout - to make sure no teeny weeny fellas that will take a ride with me to the new land and papers and forms and more papers :S



In fact, I will soon go living is where this lil fella stands pissin - Manneken Pis!

He even has his own website ;)

The most famous belgian boy! Muahaahhahah

When reality sets in, its a hard pinch he.

When its just dreaming and visualising and hoping, it seemed more fun and exciting.

I do not dare to look beyond. Just like the lesson of ski. Look at the next point that you would like to head to, don't look yet beyond the slopes, for the unseen and uncertainties will just scare our wits off.

That's what I will do now. Step by step.

Nevertheless, I know, all my chantings these days (haven't chanted as much in the last 10 years as I did in these last 2 weeks!) will lead me in the right flow of life! The power of the mystic law!

Step 1 is achieved. I think I will soon start a new life in a new place.

Wish me luck and I sure will miss you all!

Was indeed a great Saturday. I met up with Mei at The Balcony (cool place to chill out!) for lunch. We barely ate! Kept talking non-stop for almost 4 hours. Then I had to go for a short appointment at 4.30pm. Met up with Mei again and went to this sake place in Mohamed Sultan. Again, more words that came pouring out than food that we take in.

BUT we drank 3 bottles of sake ;) and 2 beers before calling it a night.

It was rrreally great! Great catching up. I missed talking to her in fact. We were best of friends when we were 13 or 14 years old. Used to sit at the back of the classroom, hid our faces and chat. And continue chatting on the phone when we are back home. Usually stuffs - dreams, boys, family, books, love, romance, boys, boys, boys etc etc. Hahaha!



We have known each other for about 18 years now. Phew! I am so proud of her. She's grown to be such a fine lady. Full of confidence, joy, love and being just herself!

Later on, H and a colleague popped by. Took me off to MOS for 1 hour of dancing in Pure Room. Imagine, limpy chinese girl in bohemian skirt and birkenstoks. A sight to be missed! Hhehehe but who cares as long as we are having fun!

"Dreadful Sunday"

First, we woke up very late! Had lunch only at 3pm :( Then I think the gastric striked me. Was feeling really woozy and yet they insisted that I have to see the Chinese sensei for my knee (post-ski! hehehe...)

So in the midst of pain and wooziness, we went around looking for a Chinese sensei! Found one somewhere at Middle Road.

Then, there was all these punching, pushing, pressing, twisting and sucking (using some small cups) from a very strong armed Chinese doctor (daytime horror!) and lotsa laughing and squeeling from Yeni and me bro (they tried to stifle their laughters but still find ME too amusing!). And poor me - screaming, wriggling and trying to get away. Sob sob.

But then, I had the best sleep ever for 3 whole hours. I guess, the "tui na" really works he!



Marks from the suction of the cups.





Some chinese medicine for me to slab onto my knee.


Funny doctor he was! When we arrived, he said "Welcome, welcome. People come here to buy pain!" and twisted that with a big HAHAHA at the end.

** She was indeed petrified that sunday!

Just bought this book last nite!



"Life is not measure by the number of breaths we take but by the places and moments that take our breath away" - anonymous

Interesting - just wanna see whether do I feel the same when visiting the places they mentioned. Every experience of a place is rather personal I guess.

You can either love it or hate it.

For me, I've been blessed to see the vast world and have loved every single moments and treasured every single picture that has been captured via my eyes.

I just wish to share. And to inspire others what I see thru my eyes... the way it has inspired me.

Can't help it but I must say - last nite while queueing to pay for this book in Borders, just 2 more before my turn, a guy turn around (quite cute!) and passed me a 30% discount voucher! Yippee, made my day ;) (I know its small savings, but cheap thrills and I just loved em!)

And then Yeni who was also buying the same book, got her little thrills just right on our turn at the cashier. An angel (lady!) gave her an extra voucher she had.

So both of us did our little hop-kick-twiggle under the spotlights of Orchard Road.

** She chuckled!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Some pictures to share the vibrant and excitement of Chinese New Year celebrations!

We celebrate this occasion for 15 days from the start of the Lunar calender.

Its a vibrant celebration (very exhausting, at least for me!) where all family, relatives, friends, neighbours gather around.

The married ones give "hong bao" (red packet containing money) to the singles (so lucky me!!!) Forgot to take a picture of hong bao though!



Getting ready in position to Lou Hei!



Absolute mess!



Everyone is concentrating to toss it the highest! The more luck it will bring for this year!



Entanglement!



Phew, what a sight!







Lotsa home cooked food!









And drinks! ** Burp!






Greetings to one another!
Gong xi! Gong xi!



Gambling!



Gambling!!!



More gambling!!!!!



Getting ready for family shoot!



Ma cousins! :)



The TEHsss!

And lastly, Cherry Blossoms and Mandarin Oranges... A must in every home!

These days I've been in the highest mood! I guess, love does me good ;)

Anyway, been putting some efforts to get my blog right. Simple, clean and easy. I know, its looking a little bland now. Let me a bit of time to figure out how to put a picture behind the header! Gimme some tips!

Next on my list - I would like to put up some past travel logs. I have copies of my scribblings everywhere now, need to spend sometime to compile them and put up nicely. My travel journal online!

Maybe it could be of good use to someone out there :)

** Her face beaming!

So here I am, back again in Kiasu-land ;)

Man, just been lookin at the blogs nominated for Bloggies 2006 and they do look interesting. Look at mine! Its just a squarish me, writing about me boring stuff :)

Anyway, just got back from Swiss. Picture perfect place, great air, wonderful sceneries, interesting people but bad food :( At least, the cold dishes and weird smelling cheese still did not get to me!

Been starving the whole week there. Sandwich lady this morning said I look as if I've lost weight, so I guess, bless the swiss food!

Joke of the week was the chinese girl, jet black hair in a pink rented ski suit, trying to ski but instead rolling on her bum down the wonderful slopes of the Alps. I think that is a hilarious sight! Absolutely million dollar scene!

Anyway, I twisted my knee at the end. For a moment, I thought I broke something. Heard a crack. Ma heart stopped a beat. Then I wiggled my right leg - ok. Wiggled my left leg - ok too. So I tried to stand up. Pain shot right up. Anyway, poor chinese girl limped all the way down slope at the end.

Nevertheless, I am home and beaming with joy.

Chinese girl beaming! Life is beautiful!

** Big kiss!