my quaint world

Imagine an asian driving in busy Brussels.

The roads are so narrow and there are many loading and unloading trucks standing in the way. So I had a tough time manouvering myself around, keeping in mind that now I am sitting on the left side and that junctions are not how it used to be.

After a while driving in the craziness of the morning hour, I lost myself. In fact, I just kept going and going and finally realised that I am going in the wrong direction.

But I kept going because I did not know how or where to make a u-turn.

Then I did the asian thingy - went up the tram lanes, cut across, held up my hands with a big smile and stopped the next car coming along.

And so I got my u-turn and arrived in a piece to my workplace.

On top of that, every moment I was also praying that I will not stall (mati engin) the car - malu la!!! :-S

Leaving on a jet plane...








Me been missing? Yea, am on a holiday!

No, in fact, everything has been great so far except for a couple of hiccups. First thing is that my charger for my mobile phone is broken (it didnt survive the long flight!) and the wireless router at my home was acting stubborn for the first couple of days.

So, that explained my disconnection from the world for the first 3 days.

Apart from my missing luggage (and found 6 hours later) and broken window and stolen GPS from our car and the unstoppable rain, otherwise, it was a good welcome to cold cold Belgium, the heart of Europe.

I've begun to like my new home, the art donning of layers and layers of summer clothes to shield the chilly wind, got use to wearing shoes indoors, eating cheese and sitting on stingy cold toilet seat. (I should get a heated and multi-function one from Japan - with the powder option, aha) Ah, and also responding to people speaking to me in Flemish.

Went to the town hall to get meself registered and thruout the entire process, the lady refused to speak to me in English. I still think she understands english though. But anyway, I managed somehow... using my telepathy skills hahaha.

Admist all this, I can already imagine a beautiful summer coming up. I see flowers sprouting at every corners at gardens of homes, flowers on trees along the highway with unusual shapes and colors, beaming faces of people when the sun appears for a tempting moment and a vast sky view which I longed to see it in an entire bluishness.



Ma new home!










The Hall to laze.



The TV to stare.



Eating eating eating.



Not my cup of tea. But I'll try some chinese dishes soon.



First drink - Welcome Jaymy to Belgium :)

This is just the right song that sings my current feelings.

There is always a both sides in life and it's up to us to see whichever.

Last 10 years, there were countless ups and downs, but all the memories lingers. Bittersweets. And now to the new chapter, I do look forward to everything that life will bring to me.


Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell

Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons ev’rywhere
I’ve looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on ev’ryone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It’s cloud illusions I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all

Moons and junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As ev’ry fairy tale comes real
I’ve looked at love that way

But now it’s just another show
You leave ’em laughing when you go
And if you care, don’t let them know
Don’t give yourself away

I’ve looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It’s love’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I’ve looked at life that way

But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say I’ve changed
Well something’s lost, but something’s gained
In living ev’ry day

I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all
I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all

Books again!

1) Night



Author : Elie Wiesel

I am half way through the book and it is really a captivating but disturbing read. It is indeed important for us to know the other extreme opposite of humanity that could be inherent in us depending on choices and consciences.

2) The World Is Flat

Author : Thomas L. Friedman

I have not started on it yet. Bought this book because it is the bestseller now. I am really quite a sucker for these marketing antics. But wait, let me have a read and we shall know.

Well, on the second reason that spurred me to buy this book cuz I really thought I should read it. Its about Globalisation. And I think I will soon be zaboomed in a way into globalisation with my moving.

Well, it could also be just an excuse to fill up my bookcase with intelligent looking books or to give me more ideas so that I can continue my charade to converse intelligently like an adult.

I can't help to suspect that I am always a 18-year-old, unfortunately trapped in a growing and aging body.

Still as contradictory as ever...

And damn, I can't find the picture of the bookcover to beautify my blog.

Ma last 10 days in Singapore.

Of course, I will come back again someday for visits, holidays, business etc. But its different... Feels like an end of a chapter in a book.

Spent the last 10 years here. These days, I get pretty nostalgic looking at everything around me, listening to ma friends and even smelling the warm moisted air.

The 10 years had passed me by like a breeze. Thinking back - there were so many memories kept, friendships formed, lessons learnt. So much, so much that I couldn't put them all in words.

I mean, I could but it will take ages. Hehehe. Lazy bum like me!

Still remember clearly the first day I arrived here. A blur 17 year old kiddo.

It was an adventure.

2 big bags, a bus ride and a cousin to keep me company for the first 2 weeks.

Here I was, to start a life in Singapore that lasted 10 years.

And I would say, it was a good 10 years indeed!

These last 10 days feels just like an epilogue of a good book.

Au revoir, Singapour!

Oooh, my work permit is approved! Yippee!!!

Anyone who wants to buy me a farewell drink, don't hesitate to call me k! Hahaha...

Cure for a bad day :

3 Lychee Martini @ Harry's Crazy Hour
Return Ride @ MX5
Dinner @ Crystal Jade
Phonecall @ Ma mobile
Books @ Borders
A good long HOT shower ;)

Recently, I had a very deep conversation with my best buds. It kept me thinking for many nights. It drained me out quite a bit.

Nevertheless, it was worthwhile.

Is it the matter of the beginning or the journey towards the ending?
Is there a beginning or ending at all?

Death. It is inevitable to all. As much as we would like to be in denial, to hope for eternal mortality, to not think about it - someday we will perish.

It could be tomorrow for me. Or in 5 years. Or in 10 years. Or perhaps when I am 80 years old.

The journey of life for everyone is different. We encounter different obstacles - literally, rivers to cross, mountains to climb, ocean to sail - at all different points in our lives.

At certain point, we may meet the most impossible mountain to climb. Not knowing if we can survive the climb. We slog on, we climb on - hoping to survive the climb.

What if at the other side of the mountain is a desert? One will certainly suffer from exhaustion and dehydration.

In this case, do we define the other side of the mountain the beginning of life? Or ending?

Perhaps - instead draggin our feet thru the darkness, feeling the pain, sadness, despair... We could re-channel our energies?

As we climb the magnimous mountain - we could pick some flowers along the way, enjoy the passing breeze, lose our breath to the spectacular view, sing some songs aloud, laugh a million laughters, dance with our friends, do a jiggy when no ones lookin...???

That is living, isn't it.

Because who knows what lies for us tomorrow.

Mood : Pensive
It was disspointment-turned-anger-turned-pensive mood.

I guess I am not a person who stays angry for long. Quick tempered, I call it. But being a scorpio, I remember ;)

There was an expectation set and when the expectation was not met, dissapointment fills up the gap. Anyway, for today's dissapointment, the expectation = REWARD.

Well, what pisses me off is that I have to justify for my own reward! Which is silly la - in my view because I am hired for a purpose so I should spend my time fulfilling that purpose. Not justifying reward for purpose I fulfilled last year.

My working principles : I work with strong commitment and utmost dedication to fulfil and deliver my purpose - be indispensable! (I work and live to that!). And I trust completely that the reciprocal effect should come naturally - REWARDS!

Law of cause and effect!

Well, well, could it be of my naiveness? It doesn't seems to work this way in the corporate world unfortunately.

But I want to believe that the working way of life is the same as for personal, corporate, society etc. Meaning law of cause and effect is invariable, even in this big bad world.

I am torn now. Admist the dissapointment, a part of me refused to keep functioning - other part reminded me to be objective.

So, I thought I'll take a break now and write my thoughts. Maybe someone out there can give me some enlightening encouragement???

April 15 - 19, 2006

Tomyam-land!

3rd Street Cafe & Guest House

This is one of the Top5 pick for mid-budget hotels in Phuket from Lonely planet. And indeed is a great find for me!

Nice decor, great service and really great value for money! Can't wait to go back there!

If anyone happens to go there, please say hello to Kelly!



Oooh, yummy!





Drinking game which is pretty frustrating. Especially after countless beers... burp!



Mind battling game!



Well, well, don't be deceived!



Loud music, neon lights and sexy asses.



Joy ride!



Shell?



The brakes were exhausted! :S



Lost our way but found serenity.



Oooh, really yummy!



Sad thing is that all the corals are dead. I only snorkelled for 10 minutes and it gets too depressing...



Then again, magnificent view caught my breath.





Picture perfect!



Clear waters.



Heading towards paradise.

Treetops Arasia Luxurious Boutique Resort

This is a little indulgence of luxury for meself!



The bedroom.



Loved the sounds of water trinkling every seconds.



Dressing area.



Huge bathtub that fits two ;)



More of the bathroom.





Path towards terrace.



Lazed in the sun, overlookin the sea.



Cosy hall.



The view outside.



Ma jacuzzi.



Pool area where they filmed the last season of Temptation Island.

Just got back from my vacation! Seems like I've been away for the longest time. And don't feel like working yet now ehhehe...

For the first time, I was "unconnected" for more than 10 days. No internet, no gsm coverage!!! I didn't feel even a bit of uneasiness. Instead, I felt free and at peace.

Well, reality sets in again! Nevertheless, next few weeks will be a breeze (I hope!). Packing. Shipping. Farewells.

Now, the excitement starts creepin in slowly as the dream becomes a fact - A whole new living in Europe!

I will surely miss the sun!

Ma days have been passing so fast!

Been really busy! Projects, travelling, meetings, reports, visa application, cleaning, packing, reading, laundry, airport, laundry, airport etc :S

Didnt have time to take breather! I know I should!!!

Nevertheless, am really looking forward to this weekend. Its a long weekend! And I am off to Phuket (hols) and then KL (hols). And then Sri Lanka (work!)... :(

Just managed to post up the very little pics I took in Bangladesh.

Was in Bali last week for work too. But Bali is amazing! It captured my heart even for the very short trip I had. Its a land bursting with culture! I make a little post after receiving the other pics from Anita!

Remember, live every moments of our lives!

** She gives herself a knock to remember. She takes a deep breath and look far beyond the scenic view from her desk...

Hear her cry of innocence
Touch her soft skin
Watch the first flutter of her eyes
Hold her tiny hands
Tickle her little feets
Smile as her lip forms a little smile
Laugh as she gurgles

How beautiful and magical
How sweet and gentle
How pure and innocent
A new life is born
Kaitlyn

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!