where am i now?

Stepping down from the plane, the humidity and long immigration line greeted me.

Not long after, the immigration officer just got annoyed that there were 7 of us Malaysian passport holders in his queue when he was supposed to have his break and we saw him chasing 2 other of our group to the other lines.

taxi driver tried to con us by suddenly saying that we agreed to pay him 300 instead of the agreed 250 shortly after we departed from the airport. The first hon was sounded within 10 minutes of the drive and every 15 seconds interval from then on. Shortly after we've arrived at the city centre, he even winded down his passenger's window to scold the other driver for trying to squeeze into his lane during the ,assive traffic jam. I almost thought the drama would be over but soon after, he was stopped by a police for driving through a red light but it was settled quickly with some 'bread'. At least we got to the hotel in one peace and still paid 250.

We went hunting for dinner, found out that couscous (if that is how you spell it) is only served on a Friday. Had baguette and fried with our choice of filling of chicken or kebab with soup and more baguettes. Bought some pastries and only knew how much it was from the figure on the calculator, or even better, bought water and found out it costed 5 dirham from the one lifted hand with all fingers extended. Tried the pistachio ice-cream which tasted like cough syrup. Gave away one of the cookies while we were sharing from the box of it to a random beggar that came up so close to our group and quickly ran away. Ended up in KFC as one person in the group decided to treat all of us if we could find any branch of KFC which we did. Had people greeting us with Konnichiwa everywhere we went.

Came back and struggling to use this non-QUERTY keyboard and still itching to blog.

I'll reveal the answer and continue if I get internet connection the next time.

Christmas Dinner Round 3

I reached London on Saturday, just in time for my 3rd round of Christmas dinner. It was great to meet up with a few friends which I haven't seen in a long time and meeting new people too.

The whole bunch of us

I helped out with ovening and steaming some of the food. Somehow ended up becoming 'cheap labour' for YH by helping to tie the chives around the salmon for starters. Hahaha.

After everyone was well fed, we pulled the Christmas crackers all at the same time. You can imagine how loud the bang was. With our red plastic crowns on, we started our secret santa gift exchange session. It was like the prize giving ceremony in secondary school as one had to go up, announced the gift prepared and the recipient had to go up to collect it. I finally got my brown barret and my poor santa was complaining that there are just 2 Jane Normans in Edinburgh and she had to cycle to one of them to buy my present. Thank you so much PP!

My secret santa and I

The next day was a full day of christmas markets and funfairs. More colours to come.

Traumatised on the London tube

I would have prefered to blog about the happy and exciting things that happened in London. But this experience was too traumatising that I somehow needed to blog about it first.

I would have never expected that this could happen somewhere in London where people are supposed to be more 'cultured'. But men are still men. Some girls are just unlucky.

I boarded the tube on Central line heading towards central London and towards Zone 1, the tube started getting really packed and I was separated from my friend, squashed into the small narrow seat right after the doors on the left where usually people just stood and leaned their weight against those seats. It wasn't comfortable, but I rather sat there trying to occupy as little space as possible, almost plastering legs against the walls.

After each station, less people came out and more squeezed in. It came to a peak where every single space in the coach was occupied by someone right up to the doors.

A girl was just standing to my left where more people squeezed into the tube and this old man ended up standing directly in front of me and next to this girl. She was facing to the left while that old man was facing to the front like how I was facing. After a while, he changed his position to face to the left in the same direction of the girl. I didn't suspect anything at that point cause fair enough, he looked like he had more space like that.

Soon after, my panic alarms sets off. As my legs were touching his, I was wondering why was he trying to bend down, got really really close to the girl and I felt some weird jiggles too. As soon as I realised what he was trying to do, I was at lost of how should I react. The girl wasn't doing anything. She was facing a group of guys in suits and neckties and could have easily said something to them but maybe she hasn't realised. Should I have shouted at him and asked what was he doing? He could have easily punched me and being in that corner, I had no where to run...

My reflex actions took over. I turned around, and in the process, used my boots to push him away from her. He turned back to face the front and the moment the doors open at the next stop, he got down and disappeared. That really confirmed my suspicion that he was trying to dry-hump the girl. I seriously couldn't believe my eyes. He looked old enough to be someone's grandfather. Stupid bastard!! I can't believe that he did that even though I had a full view of every single thing that he was doing.

The girl got down a few stops later. All the while, I was in a dilemma whether I should tell her what happened or should I save the embarassment of both. Hmmm....I ended up not telling her. I think one person traumatised by this incident was better than 2.

I told this to my friends and H told me that she had been a victim of this a few times. Oh my god, a few times! In my impression, this would have never happened in London, of all places.

The guys of course asked for the description of the girl and yes, she was really pretty but she wasn't scantily clad or anything. Who can afford to wear so little in this freezing temperature? Of all further information that they wanted and they claimed that they would have stood up for her and protected her if they were there. (roll eyes)

Why are girls always the victim? Why do these things still happen in a developed country? Why do some men still behave like animals? I may be lucky this time, but not all the time.

Christmas buffet at Red Hot

Liverpool Malaysian Society organised a Christmas dinner at the newly opened buffet place at Liverpool One on Tuesday. I can't even remember when was the last time I had buffet.

Yup. That's the name of the place. Really crowded as everyone in Liverpool were queuing up to try.

So many people turned up! I don't even know most of them.

Just happily put my face into the picture whenever I see people gathering for a photo. Hahaha.

Back to main topic. I was spoilt for choices. There were all sorts of selection ranging from Japanese to Italian. I think my stomach has shrunk nowadays as I couldn't eat as much as I used to (good thing for my weight but not for value). I only went for 3 rounds. Hahaha. 1st round was the taster round where I tried a bit of everything. Loved the Chicken Tikka and Masala. The 2nd round was pure seafood which I enjoyed the most (tempura shrimps, fish, marinated prawns and loads of mussels). Of course I ended the meal with desserts (cheese cakes, tiramisu, fruits, etc). I could barely move after that. I don't think buffets do me any good.

Took another photo of the ferries wheel. Yet to go on it.

Spot the similarity from the previous photo? It was them who wanted a photo with the 3 of us. Hahahah.

Loved this massive poster of the Beatles.

I'm looking forward to the Christmas dinner in London this Saturday. I'm spotting a trend here. Good things come in 3s. It started with my birthday celebrations and now Christmas dinners. Seriously I'm going to get an overdose.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!!!! Have you thought of your new year resolutions?

My sanctuary

I relaxed every muscle from top to toe.

Feeling more relaxed, I positioned myself at the very top of a flight of stairs.

I slowly descended the stairs, exhaling with every step I took.

I took my time, paying close attention to my breathing as I continued descending.

Soon, I approached a door. This door leads to my sanctuary - My secret escape.

I reached and turned the large door knob, a smile slowly formed.

As I opened the door, I could smell the salt in the air, the sound of waves greeted my ears.
I stepped into my sanctuary, the light sea breeze caressed my face, the soft sun warmed me.

I threw a few pebbles into the sea, each pebble represented my frustration, my stress, my anger, everything I wanted to get rid of.


When the last of my worries were discarded, I sat on my favourite spot.

I looked up and blue sky filled my vision. A sense of peace and calm washed over.

I feel recharged with new energy. It is time to go back.

I returned to the door, now ready to face any challenges.

But of course, my sanctuary will always be there for me.

A place where I can run to.
A place where I can escape.
A place where I feel at peace.
A place where I can return to.
As long as I need it, as long as I remember its existence.

Final lesson from CCT at Llandudno before we left this beautiful place - Self relaxation therapy

Christmas Dinner and last day of GP

Monday - Christmas Dinner

My housemates in Llandudno decided to throw a Christmas dinner before our rotation ended. I felt so lucky to have such nice housemates throughout my stay there.

Everyone were so busy in the kitchen by the time I got back from GP. My mouth was watering just from smelling the food from the moment I opened the door.

Pulling Christmas crackers, wearing the red paper crowns, enjoying the delicious meal with a good crowd. What more can I ask for.

From Yorkshire pudding, roast chicken, roasted carrots, potatoes and parsnips topped with gravy and bread sauce. Yummy! I was surprised that everything could disappeared from my plate except for the thicken bones of course.

There's always room for desserts. Yule log and banofee pie. A good end to the Christmas meal.

Wednesday - Last day of GP

I had mixed feelings at the end of this rotation. I know that I will definitely miss it cause not only it was relaxing, the people that I worked with over the last 7 weeks were really nice. Haih, but of course, nothing can make me more happy than having my holiday.

Initially, we wanted to go to the Liverpool Arms for fish and chip. But when we got there, they told us that they do not serve food for lunch.

Luckily L recommended another fish and chips restaurant in Conwy and it is the best fish and chips which I've tasted so far! They even have a selection for senior citizen. It is a really nice cozy restaurant. Too bad I can't remember its name but I do remember its location.
The best fish and chips. Don't let the pale look of the fries deceive you. It's crunchy on the outside and tasted really nice. The cod was really fresh and tasty too. Blogging about it now is making me hungry. I miss it so much but now it's so far away. I will return one day.

We walked along Conwy Quay. The sun was out, the seagulls poses for photos, the ships rocked gently to the waves. I was glad that it all ended on such a fine day.

My only regret was not able to buy mussels from Conwy Mussels as it only opened on certain hours on weekends when I wasn't back yet.

Last stroll around Conwy castle area. I'll remember the unique little shops along the cobbled stone streets confined within the stone walls.

Last photo before I waved goodbye.

Pizza hut happy hour

Pizza Hut on Thursday was better than expected. We went for the Happy Hour offer at lunch time which was only 4 pounds for starter, a pizza or pasta and a drink.

We somehow ended up with an extra portion of broccoli and cheese pasta as they got our order wrong. Felt like it was a buffet instead as we were so full after that.

I could feel the Christmas season in town that day. With Reindeer and Santas parading in town.

The Snowlady on skates

Two person on a Reindeer

I can't wait for Christmas holidays. It's going to be my last week at Llandudno!!! Looking forward to the Christmas dinner on Monday.

Hairstyle evolution of 2009

What do I do when I'm really bored? Change hairstyle. So you all can guess how many times I was seriously bored in 2009.

There was a time

There was a time, when I mustered up enough courage

To follow this path, not knowing where it will lead me.

I came across many signposts, some real, some merely mirages.

They tell me many things, but I was only naive.

The sky got darker, pebbles started to make walking difficult.

I stopped at this barren land, feeling hopeless and all alone.

I turned to every direction, only to see jagged stones.

But the footprints tell me, others have been here before me.

I looked into the distance, this little ray shone ever so bright.

As it catches my eye, I wondered how did I walk past without noticing it.

I looked at the pebbles, they seemed so small now.

I look ahead again, this time fully taking in the beauty.

Filled with renewed energy, I continued my journey.

Always reminding myself, never to lose sight of that ray of light.

Pictures taken at West Shore, Llandudno.

Weekend in London

I went down to London on Thursday initially planning to make my visa for Morocco on Friday, but unexpectedly, they were closed for Hari Raya Haji. It just occured to me how much it made sense that they celebrate their main festivals even overseas like how we still celebrate the festivals that are occuring in Malaysia.

Little Venice, just 3 minutes walk from Paddington Tube Station. It reminded me more of Amsterdam actually.

Feeling disappointed and sleepy, M cheered me up with Beard Papa's cream puffs. That did the trick. The bun was crunchy on the outside and filled with lots of cream inside which wasn't too sweet. Yummy.

We went along Oxford Road and visited a few computer shops as M was planning to get a new laptop. The best offer so far is from Sony. They give a rebate of 100 pounds if you trade in your old laptop.

As I kept on complaining that I was hungry, M took me to Cafe de Hong Kong to have lunch. The cream puff didn't last that long.

I would say that the portion was quite small for the price that we were paying. Service is the typical service you get at Chinese Restaurants where they just collect your plates without first asking if you were done. I liked the Bubble Tea and even bought a packet home myself to make my own. Haven't attempted it but I hope that it's nice.

Covent Garden Market - I loved this place. There were so many stalls selling so many unique little things and impressive live string quartet. It does give me the feel that Christmas is just around the corner.

Benjamin Pollock's Toy Shop - M's favourite place in Convent Garden Market. I was suddenly brought back to my childhood. Loved those paper pop-up theatre and puppets. M seriously didn't want to leave her red dragon behind. She even went back to play with it. There were other street performers doing stunts which left the audience in awe.

The highlight of my trip - Chicago musical

M told me that we could get really good seats at student price depending on our luck, so, we went to Cambridge Theatre right after lunch. It was my first time watching a theatre in London and I was really excited. The seats that we got were stall seats, just 4 rows from the stage for just 28.25 pounds.

I would have to agree that it's the sexiest theatre in town. After getting past how sexy and fit the performers were (not to say that it's a liability), I was really impressed by the quality of singing, dancing, acting, and how the whole show kept me entertained throughout. There wasn't even a second when I felt bored. I really liked how the conductor of the band participated in parts of the act, how they depicted that Roxy Hart was mearly a puppet controlled by her lawyer whilst being interviewed by the reporters about her murder. I went home singing 'it's all....that....jazzzz'.

Being so nice and warm in the theatre, we didn't realise how cold the weather turned outside. My teeth were chattering all the way to Tomoko, a Korean restaurant where we had our dinner.

It was my first time trying Korean Tea and I liked the subtle taste and nice fragrant. The spicy rice cakes were named appropriately. They were spicy but I enjoyed it. M's spicy pork was not bad too. The thing I noticed about Korean food that we tried that day was that they were sweeter then most food I've tried and there were loads of onions.

Saturday:

M handed me over to my sifu, H, who was my weekend consultant for activities in London. As she has so many templates, she just fitted me into the Duck Rice at Four Seasons followed by desserts at Malaysian Students Department after.

The 3 classmates from college. M, my deskmate for 2 years and H, my sifu in makan but retired. We were supposed to meet up with A who came all the way down from Edinburgh, but he never appeared even after we've finished lunch till the moment they sent me to Bayswater tube station. Luckily he appeared later with proof of a phonecall and photos from H's blog, or else we'll call her scam!

At Four Seasons, we had boneless roast duck with char siew, and straw mushrooms with crab meat. Recommended. I had take-away sotong with fine beans from MSD as I had to make my way back to Liverpool by train that evening.

Thanks to M and H for making my weekend trip to London so memorable. Now to cultivate the motivation in me to complete my portfolio and face another exciting week of GP.