Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Melbourne-Three and a Half Days
So it has been two and a half days since I arrive Melbourne. Just 2.5 days, I was already tortured with food! As usual, being a Malaysian, my aunt brought me around Melbourne trying different Malaysian and Chinese cuisine. So its a nice experience to taste what is Malaysia outside Malaysia.
Frankly, the taste is more or less the same. (sorry, forgot to bring camera that day, so no pics), I was at a restaurant called Petaling Street on the day of arrival. I had 炸肉干捞面，and my aunt had鱼头米. I also had the best crab noodles in town the night after. I doubt there is such 姜葱蟹炒生面 back in KL. So first few days is all about food and after that, its all about adventure.
So tomorrow I will be embarking on an adventurous journey on my own. The itinerary is as below (do Google if there are some place you are not familiar with).
(1) Monday 19/7/2010- Great Ocean Road
(2) Tuesday 20/7/2010- Sanctuary Hills, Balarat
(3) Wednesday 21/7/2010- Phillip Island.
These are important things I brought before I do a solo travel.
And my ever reliable hiking bag. A typical solo traveler will always have these 10 items with him.
The items above are
1. my red Uni jumper
2. blue parker
3. maroon sweater
4. black beanie
5. gray neck warmer
6. blue gloves
7. Tasco binoculars.
8. red water bottle
9. most important of all!! Camera Tripod!
Walking shoes. Its really really really important to have a pair of good shoes. That is because adventure is all about walking. If you're lost, you must be prepared to walk. Guess what, this 'sophisticated' shoes, a.k.a 'My Hiking Shoes' cost me RMB70/RM35/AUD10. That's dirt cheap considering it has served me in China, Uni and Oz.
So guys, there will be heaps of photographs to be uploaded here in the next few days. If I slack a little, please don't blame me la. Really tired after each trips and will need time to chill before I start to re-narrate again.
Till then, wish me good luck and see you all soon.
Frankly, the taste is more or less the same. (sorry, forgot to bring camera that day, so no pics), I was at a restaurant called Petaling Street on the day of arrival. I had 炸肉干捞面，and my aunt had鱼头米. I also had the best crab noodles in town the night after. I doubt there is such 姜葱蟹炒生面 back in KL. So first few days is all about food and after that, its all about adventure.
So tomorrow I will be embarking on an adventurous journey on my own. The itinerary is as below (do Google if there are some place you are not familiar with).
(1) Monday 19/7/2010- Great Ocean Road
(2) Tuesday 20/7/2010- Sanctuary Hills, Balarat
(3) Wednesday 21/7/2010- Phillip Island.
These are important things I brought before I do a solo travel.
And my ever reliable hiking bag. A typical solo traveler will always have these 10 items with him.
The items above are
1. my red Uni jumper
2. blue parker
3. maroon sweater
4. black beanie
5. gray neck warmer
6. blue gloves
7. Tasco binoculars.
8. red water bottle
9. most important of all!! Camera Tripod!
Walking shoes. Its really really really important to have a pair of good shoes. That is because adventure is all about walking. If you're lost, you must be prepared to walk. Guess what, this 'sophisticated' shoes, a.k.a 'My Hiking Shoes' cost me RMB70/RM35/AUD10. That's dirt cheap considering it has served me in China, Uni and Oz.
So guys, there will be heaps of photographs to be uploaded here in the next few days. If I slack a little, please don't blame me la. Really tired after each trips and will need time to chill before I start to re-narrate again.
Till then, wish me good luck and see you all soon.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Melbourne Trip-First Day
As I am writing this blog, I’m currently 10.2km above sea level, on the way to Melbourne. This is the first time I am blogging on air!!
This morning, I woke up at 5.05am. took a shower, make a hot drink and started to pack last minute stuff. At 5.45am sharp, I made sure I off all electric appliances and locked up my house as instructed by Vivian, my housemate. I had to drag my 15kg luggage, pick-a-bag pack of 5kg and a laptop of 5kg and walk 1km to the train station. It was so tiring and first time in my Oz life, I was sweating like a pig at 6am in the morning.
By the time I arrive at the train station, I had to top up my go-card as I ran out of credit. With my heavy load, I walk the whole station trying to search for a ticket counter and after all the searching and walking, a fellow traveler told me that Indooroopilly Station has no ticket counter. CRAP!! So I had to take a train Central Station, walk downstairs to the ticket counter, top up my card and walk up again to platform 3 for the Airport Express.
This is the first time I’m traveling alone. Along the way, I notice many incident worth taking note of. On the train from Indooroopilly Station to Central, the train captain PERSONALLY came out from his cabin and asked me ‘are you going to the airport?’ I replied ‘yes’. He asked again ‘Do you know your way? You have to switch train at Central’. I replied again ‘Sure mate, thanx for your advice’. A train captain actually bothers about a customer. That is really commendable. Back in Malaysia, I doubt any train captain will give a @!#$ about where are you heading to!!
Upon arrival at Brisbane Domestic Airport, I was looking for Tiger Airlines check-in counter. After some searching, Tigers was actually behind all the big companies such as Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue etc.. I was then greeted by a pretty lady. Tigers, being a budget airline, they are very very very strict of the luggage weight. That is how budget airlines make money. 100grams exceed the limit, u have to pay that excess right away. Guess what? My luggage weight is 15.0kg ON THE DOT. Not even slightly off the limit. Even the pretty lady was commenting on how well I packed. Awesome. Now I can happily put aside the heavy luggage that I had to drag for 2km (include ticket counter searching) that gave me some blisters on my palm and go and have my breakfast at Hungry Jacks. While I was eating by myself, I realize it’s so fun traveling alone. I don’t have to wait for people, don’t have to worry for those around me. Nice.
After waiting at the lounge I manage to board the plane at 8.30am.
An hour later, here I am, 33465feet above sea level, on my way to Melbourne. Trust that it will be a good experience. I should be landing in one and a half hours time. Melbourne is now 5 degrees celcius in the day and could reach negative at night. Not too sure how true is it, but I hope the winter clothing I have is sufficient.
Will continue my story later when I arrive in Melbourne
Cherio
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Feeling the Feeling of Failing to Feel
9.30am
Today, my housemate, Vivian, flew off to Melbourne for holidays with her sister. In my heart, I was so happy because finally, I can have the whole house to myself. I can watch TV all I want, on all the lights, do everything and anything as if the whole world is mine. I have to admit, when she is around, I'm more conscious of myself. I try hard not to dirty the kitchen floor.
So today, since she is not around, I cooked the most messy dish anyone could cook-Chicken Curry. I dun have to worry of the splattering oil, oily stove etc and I can clean it whenever I want to. After that, I took out my laptop to the hall and occupy the sofa she used to occupy. Come at night, I watch 谈情说案on the sofa with a drink in front me. Wah!! Have not experienced this feeling for a very long time.
However, after everything, as I was laying down on the bed, some flashes came through my mind. I think back of the time I chat with her about Hong Kong dramas, she tells me what is life in Hong Kong, she shares with me what is the education like in Hong Kong etc. Recently, as I was hunting for a new place, we even talked more as we start comparing Oz with our respective countries. Then I start to feel, I really miss her. I feel so quiet now. I have to admit, I don't really talk spontaneously with her (just chat on some topics) but I miss her.
Then thinking of the time I have, she returns to Brisbane on the 15th of July. By then, I would be in Melbourne myself. If everything goes as planned, I will be shifting out from here to a new place next Monday. In other words, last night was my last time seeing her-forever!! This thought really struck me.
I now take this opportunity to show you all my current place before I move out. Sorry, I forgot to show this earlier on when I moved in from Sean's place.
The kitchen that needs cleaning. Vivian always clean it for me and I seriously feel very bad-Now.
This is the hall. The arch is where I stand and chat with her while she sits on the sofa and turn her head and talk to me.
The dining hall which is never used for dining. That pile of books is mine. Her sister occasionally comes and sit at the far end to do her work.
The hall. This the sofa she occupies all the time. That is how her laptop is positioned.
OK, please stop laughing....That is my room. I WAS ROBBED OK?? still under renovation...stop laughing..
Today, my housemate, Vivian, flew off to Melbourne for holidays with her sister. In my heart, I was so happy because finally, I can have the whole house to myself. I can watch TV all I want, on all the lights, do everything and anything as if the whole world is mine. I have to admit, when she is around, I'm more conscious of myself. I try hard not to dirty the kitchen floor.
So today, since she is not around, I cooked the most messy dish anyone could cook-Chicken Curry. I dun have to worry of the splattering oil, oily stove etc and I can clean it whenever I want to. After that, I took out my laptop to the hall and occupy the sofa she used to occupy. Come at night, I watch 谈情说案on the sofa with a drink in front me. Wah!! Have not experienced this feeling for a very long time.
However, after everything, as I was laying down on the bed, some flashes came through my mind. I think back of the time I chat with her about Hong Kong dramas, she tells me what is life in Hong Kong, she shares with me what is the education like in Hong Kong etc. Recently, as I was hunting for a new place, we even talked more as we start comparing Oz with our respective countries. Then I start to feel, I really miss her. I feel so quiet now. I have to admit, I don't really talk spontaneously with her (just chat on some topics) but I miss her.
Then thinking of the time I have, she returns to Brisbane on the 15th of July. By then, I would be in Melbourne myself. If everything goes as planned, I will be shifting out from here to a new place next Monday. In other words, last night was my last time seeing her-forever!! This thought really struck me.
I now take this opportunity to show you all my current place before I move out. Sorry, I forgot to show this earlier on when I moved in from Sean's place.
The kitchen that needs cleaning. Vivian always clean it for me and I seriously feel very bad-Now.
This is the hall. The arch is where I stand and chat with her while she sits on the sofa and turn her head and talk to me.
The dining hall which is never used for dining. That pile of books is mine. Her sister occasionally comes and sit at the far end to do her work.
The hall. This the sofa she occupies all the time. That is how her laptop is positioned.
OK, please stop laughing....That is my room. I WAS ROBBED OK?? still under renovation...stop laughing..
Thursday, June 24, 2010
WInter Experience
Hello there..
Sorry...I know it has been forever since I last update my stories. But then, 90% of my faithful blog readers are full time students and you know how stressful is it during exam period. My finals took up 2 weeks. Three weeks before finals that I started burying my head in the books, trying to do what I was suppose to do in 5 months. Two weeks before finals reduced Facebook time to 2 minutes a day. Still no progress and started to panic. One week before exam cold sweating. Feel like dying. Now imagine all these 'before exam tension' multiply by AUD$1 = MYR 2.98. That is the total stress I experienced.
Now that my exam is over, it was really a relieve. Feel so nice and care free. Then I remembered. This is the last semester break I will ever have. After that, its all graduation, work, work and more work stress. So, this holiday, I will travel to Melbourne on the 15 of July till next semester starts. Cool eh? Plus, I'm planning a trip around Queensland like Moreton Bay etc. And here is the interesting part. I may go by myself. First time doing backpacking. Hopefully all will turn out well.
It's now winter in Australia. As a Malaysian, of course, winter is like 'the thing' of overseas education. Whenever we meet an overseas graduation, we never ask how is the overseas culture? how are the people there?
What we ask is how was the snow? was it fun playing in the snow? The answers are all obvious! What other answers do we expect from them? Yea, the snow was fine and felt hot? Duh?! So being a Malaysian, when winter approached one months ago, the night was terrible. So freaking cold! If the windows are kept open, the water in the bottle can go down to 12degrees Celsius.
Then as I walk on the streets for the first time in my winter attire, I felt so great! it was like feeling as though you're a local doing same thing as what local would do. Then in the afternoon, once the sun is out, I felt warm and started to walk around the mall in T-shirt and shorts. Then, I realize, others are still in their jumpers and I thought I was the Malaysian who is afraid of cold!
This went on for quite some time and it still kept me wondering as I thought 'guai lou' are cold people, used to winter and these sap sap sui cold temperature is nothing as compared to the negative degrees celcius in Melbourne.
After much days and speaking to people around , I came to one conclusion. Westerners from cold countries are really not that tolerant to cold weather! We, Malaysians on the contrary are more capable of surviving cold temperature as compared to them. The colder the country is, the more they hide in their house (this fact explains why Oz shops closes at 5pm), they live in heated house, the heater is on practically 24 hours a day, 180 days a year. Which means, they are actually living like summer 365 days a year. Where as in Malaysia, most people sleep in air-cond, our car has air-cond, we have a 'Cold Weather Training Center called Genting Highlands. Therefore, we are more tolerant to cold.
But then again, applying it backwards, the guai lou might be more tolerant to heat then we Malaysians. We are 365days a year hot like furnace, always grumbling about the weather. When the ang mor goes to Malaysia, he will be like: "the weather is fantastic! how can those Malaysians say the weather sucks? Its good! It is hot enough to make my white ass turn black!"
So folks, the grass is always greener on the other side. Winter is a nice experience as it is cool. However, winter normally has shorter day time. Here in Brisbane, sun start to set at 5pm. By 5 20pm, it is pitch dark. So to some extend, depending on individual, it can be quite depressing.
And this is my starting-winter experience in Brisbane.
Sorry...I know it has been forever since I last update my stories. But then, 90% of my faithful blog readers are full time students and you know how stressful is it during exam period. My finals took up 2 weeks. Three weeks before finals that I started burying my head in the books, trying to do what I was suppose to do in 5 months. Two weeks before finals reduced Facebook time to 2 minutes a day. Still no progress and started to panic. One week before exam cold sweating. Feel like dying. Now imagine all these 'before exam tension' multiply by AUD$1 = MYR 2.98. That is the total stress I experienced.
Now that my exam is over, it was really a relieve. Feel so nice and care free. Then I remembered. This is the last semester break I will ever have. After that, its all graduation, work, work and more work stress. So, this holiday, I will travel to Melbourne on the 15 of July till next semester starts. Cool eh? Plus, I'm planning a trip around Queensland like Moreton Bay etc. And here is the interesting part. I may go by myself. First time doing backpacking. Hopefully all will turn out well.
It's now winter in Australia. As a Malaysian, of course, winter is like 'the thing' of overseas education. Whenever we meet an overseas graduation, we never ask how is the overseas culture? how are the people there?
What we ask is how was the snow? was it fun playing in the snow? The answers are all obvious! What other answers do we expect from them? Yea, the snow was fine and felt hot? Duh?! So being a Malaysian, when winter approached one months ago, the night was terrible. So freaking cold! If the windows are kept open, the water in the bottle can go down to 12degrees Celsius.
Then as I walk on the streets for the first time in my winter attire, I felt so great! it was like feeling as though you're a local doing same thing as what local would do. Then in the afternoon, once the sun is out, I felt warm and started to walk around the mall in T-shirt and shorts. Then, I realize, others are still in their jumpers and I thought I was the Malaysian who is afraid of cold!
This went on for quite some time and it still kept me wondering as I thought 'guai lou' are cold people, used to winter and these sap sap sui cold temperature is nothing as compared to the negative degrees celcius in Melbourne.
After much days and speaking to people around , I came to one conclusion. Westerners from cold countries are really not that tolerant to cold weather! We, Malaysians on the contrary are more capable of surviving cold temperature as compared to them. The colder the country is, the more they hide in their house (this fact explains why Oz shops closes at 5pm), they live in heated house, the heater is on practically 24 hours a day, 180 days a year. Which means, they are actually living like summer 365 days a year. Where as in Malaysia, most people sleep in air-cond, our car has air-cond, we have a 'Cold Weather Training Center called Genting Highlands. Therefore, we are more tolerant to cold.
But then again, applying it backwards, the guai lou might be more tolerant to heat then we Malaysians. We are 365days a year hot like furnace, always grumbling about the weather. When the ang mor goes to Malaysia, he will be like: "the weather is fantastic! how can those Malaysians say the weather sucks? Its good! It is hot enough to make my white ass turn black!"
So folks, the grass is always greener on the other side. Winter is a nice experience as it is cool. However, winter normally has shorter day time. Here in Brisbane, sun start to set at 5pm. By 5 20pm, it is pitch dark. So to some extend, depending on individual, it can be quite depressing.
And this is my starting-winter experience in Brisbane.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Best of Both Worlds....DreamWorld and Sea World
Hello people!!
It has been some time since I last drop a message. Well, past few weeks was crazy for me. I had to study for mid semester exam, shift house, pack and unpack within 4 hours. It was really crazy. Coming this July I have to be crazy and shift again. But before that, its finals and so all back to stress..again.
However, I stil had a little time to visit 2 of the 3 worlds in Queensland. Dreamworld which includes White Water World and Sea World. So just leave you all with some photos to admire these place. All of us went for rides together. So I have limited photos as nobody is taking for us.
White Water World
Water Slides to the theme of Nickelodeon
Me and White Water World
Dream World
Playing Alien vs Predator vs MeCool game. Its like playing real life counter strike
After a day of being wet and wild
This is what we did a night before. Me and Tiffany having a blast!!Sea World
Shark
Sea Lion
Orchids..duh!!
海豚
mini 海豚
On Jet Ski Rescue
Seeing Penguins
Molesting Star Fish
Being molested by Sea Lion
All in all, it was indeed a good experience. Really had a good time with buddies.
Cherio
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Simplicity of Life- Part Two
The title seem interesting. My blog today is about the simplicity of life. In another secret blog I have with some close friends, messages of sadness, complaints, hatred, stress, love, heart aches, betrayal fills the pages.
Somehow, during the week, something strike me really hard. I was thinking of some facts in life- The Simplicity of Life (Part Two).
Often we stress, often we complaint, often we loose hope, but then there will come a time, we will enjoy the day.
Last Saturday, after exam, I went to a house party. First time...FIRST time...FIRST TIME in my life, I got tipsy. We had dinner, we played innocent games, and we finally drank easily 20 bottles of beers and few wine and whiskey. At 1.30am, I was light headed and I feel like dancing. With Black Eye Peas as the background music, I was feeling 'Oz culture'. And you know what? All the stress, I felt during the week, was all flushed out with the alcohol. The simple party, was able to make me smile once more.
So to all dudes and p**s out there, when you feel down, always remember, the sun will rise tomorrow morning. The exam will pass. The people around us will leave. If we're not prepared, the sun will still rise, the exam will still end, the people around us will still leave. So what can we do? If the sun is going to rise, make sure we're there to enjoy sun rise with your love ones. If the exam is going pass, make sure you're prepared to sit to the end of the examination. If people around us leaves, make sure we follow them all the way before we leave. Being sad won't initiate or stop any events.
All we have to do is to see each day differently. Do something you haven't done before. Example, people laugh when we sit play in the playground. Who cares? Go! Sit the swing, hop on the see saw. Play in the rain, jump in the mud.
Have a celebration! Who says you need a special event for parties?
Do something different, get a bikini wax! Shave all you want. You will feel different. Change the hairstyle. Ugly? Who say so? We're just being different.
Those who say we look ugly in a new hairstyle are stereotypes who doesn't know how to enjoy life.
We posed for 20 shots before getting it right. Stupid isn't it? not exactly. This photo will remind me of the best times I had with my good friends. 'Doing the Stupid Things Right'.
Therefore, my friends, life is not easy, but it doesn't mean it sucks! What makes us happy are not the expensive accessories that suck the cash out of you, but the little new and different things we do, the people and friends that we do it with, that will add fun and spices in your life.
The Simplicity of Life.....
Cherio.
Somehow, during the week, something strike me really hard. I was thinking of some facts in life- The Simplicity of Life (Part Two).
Often we stress, often we complaint, often we loose hope, but then there will come a time, we will enjoy the day.
Last Saturday, after exam, I went to a house party. First time...FIRST time...FIRST TIME in my life, I got tipsy. We had dinner, we played innocent games, and we finally drank easily 20 bottles of beers and few wine and whiskey. At 1.30am, I was light headed and I feel like dancing. With Black Eye Peas as the background music, I was feeling 'Oz culture'. And you know what? All the stress, I felt during the week, was all flushed out with the alcohol. The simple party, was able to make me smile once more.
So to all dudes and p**s out there, when you feel down, always remember, the sun will rise tomorrow morning. The exam will pass. The people around us will leave. If we're not prepared, the sun will still rise, the exam will still end, the people around us will still leave. So what can we do? If the sun is going to rise, make sure we're there to enjoy sun rise with your love ones. If the exam is going pass, make sure you're prepared to sit to the end of the examination. If people around us leaves, make sure we follow them all the way before we leave. Being sad won't initiate or stop any events.
All we have to do is to see each day differently. Do something you haven't done before. Example, people laugh when we sit play in the playground. Who cares? Go! Sit the swing, hop on the see saw. Play in the rain, jump in the mud.
Have a celebration! Who says you need a special event for parties?
Do something different, get a bikini wax! Shave all you want. You will feel different. Change the hairstyle. Ugly? Who say so? We're just being different.
Those who say we look ugly in a new hairstyle are stereotypes who doesn't know how to enjoy life.
We posed for 20 shots before getting it right. Stupid isn't it? not exactly. This photo will remind me of the best times I had with my good friends. 'Doing the Stupid Things Right'.Therefore, my friends, life is not easy, but it doesn't mean it sucks! What makes us happy are not the expensive accessories that suck the cash out of you, but the little new and different things we do, the people and friends that we do it with, that will add fun and spices in your life.
The Simplicity of Life.....
Cherio.
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