What a wonderful year~

As 2007 is approaching soon and 2006 tickering off the clock, how has your year been? Anything good, bad, interesting, loving, hatred, confusing, lost, caring... For me it is of everything.

The year started from a blend of uncertainties and joy. After two years away from Malaysia, I was finally back spending some time with my family and friends *those that I seen every now and then, those who I thought lost... * On the same time, I had to cope with the sudden withdrawn of work placement and waiting for another one to reply. As mum eldest sister said, "lost might not be so bad after all, it might be a blessing in disguise." Indeed, months later I was informed of a internship confirmation in Austria.

Having only two weeks to prepare my flight tickets and pack my luggages with only information such as, (1.) I have a place to stay (2.) Work starts on 2nd May 2006 (3.) Someone would pick me up from the airport, it was hard. It was really hard. I had no clues on what was ahead and no where to start on preparation. It was worrying and exciting. Having said so, living in a total unfamiliar environment and hardly could communicate to anyone, *They speak German over here... English depending...* I soon found myself nostalgic.

Walking on the streets that I couldn't associate with, looking at the unknown street sign, passing through the stranger-like buildings, listening to the unusual tone... It was quick, I started to miss home. I missed curry laksa, I missed coco black, I missed Dizzy's, I missed nasi lemak, I missed mandarin, I missed shiraz, I missed my frens, I missed mum, dad, bryan, pin and I missed... Many times strolling along the lane, waiting at the tram stop, I can feel tears in my eye. It was a time homesickness. Probably, I am strong and tough in heart. *Smile* Again, I am super positive and enthusiasm. I dragged myself off from the sadness and soon I found a place, I called home. It was nothing fancy, it was a restaurant, Restaurant Asia.

I could still remember when the day I had my first Chinese meal, it was so that I could grab on something that I could hold on. There, I met Lao Pan Niang, a motherly figure, who had taken care of me and helped me in many ways , which only can be seen and felt in a finest way. She will always add more beef cutlet on my Taiwanese beef noodles, sparkle some freshly cut onions and diced chicken on my hot and sour soup, treate me with tea, have a glass of red or white... Probably one will start to wonder whether or not it was only just the food? No, absolutely not! It is hard to summarise and all I could say, "It is all well kept in heart. Not words and phrases can articulate my thoughts and feelings... It is only a tiny humble thank you that I could say." The everytime of, "You are back, how was your trip, is it fun? Are you hungry..." always give me a strong sense of belonging and some comfort for away from home. Home is where the heart lies. This is home. I guess not only for me, it is also for the fantastic people I knew here as well.

Then, there were these great bunch of people I met through my traineeship. Those Austrians *smile, you know who you are~* and those who decided to reside in lovely Graz for sometime, all away from UK, Norway, Bosnia, Slovenia, Jordon, Greece, Marcedonia, Switzerland, America, Poland, Spain, Czech Republic, Finland *Slap me if I miss anyone...* We had fantastic time, travelling, hiking, eating, dancing, MASSAGING, *smile* clubbing, chatting, swimming, climbing, drinking... Life would be boring, without you guys. Okie now, an usual way, Prost! *Remember to look into my eyes and no crossing hands~ Smile* Missing the moments and I really do hope one day, one day and truly ONE DAY, we will meet again. If not, take care, you guys will always have my blessings and a place in my heart. *It is life I guess*

When the guys slowly left Austria, I got to know some people online. Fun, shit, ineteresting, boring... you name it. Somehow, some walks in my heart and some faded. What do ya think fox? *Crossed fingers* It was also the time, I started to travel by myself. A fantastic yet grilling experience I have to say, many stories for another time... One of the many good things, my mentor, my friend, Mr R got married, one who has great impact in my life. *Dude, all the best~ See ya sometime~*

Besides that, it was my work. I started with a pounding heart. Losing in touch with my engineering for like almost one and a half year, it was freaky. However my first day at work soften the tension, not because of the work was easy, it was just that the amusing while embarrassing moment made it better in a way. My big boss was wearing a jean and T-shirt, with loose hair while going through some basics with me. I, I was with full gears. I styled my hair, ironed my multi million suit, nice polished leather shoes... Gosh, that scene was quite funny. Work had been ups and downs, but I worked it through. In general, it is a fantastic experience and I score 80% on my job performance~ Nervous start with a superb ending.

2005 was a year full of personal struggle and 2006... What can I say... It is simply wonderful!

Happy New Year and a good 2007. My 1st January will be a grilling 24 hours journey back to Singapore, when most of the people still struggling to get up from bed and suffering from super duper hang overs~ *smile* John, it will be a good year ahead right? *laugh out loud*

P/S: To prevent unnecessary confusion and possibility of gossips. John is the Bohemian patron sage of old bridges. It was said that touching the statue will bring good luck, I touched it four times *smile* Hahahahaha~

Zi Jing, Fiona and meFiona and her paintings

Stefan and Zi JingLao Pan Niang and Me

Chilly and beautiful Prague.

Prague Old Town

Prague was not as cold as Graz, smart I was to put on just a thin jacket. Waiting at the tram stop for less than 5 minutes, I could already feel my bones shivering. I could not help rubbing my hands on the jacket. Although the dorm was just 5 minutes away, yet I was too lazy *Yeah yeah... Served me right... Laugh~*

Unlike the usual description of winter Prague, I was blessed with bluish clear sky and a sunny bright morning. Other than the cold, it was all fine~ I was in a good mood to explore. I started with Prague Castle. Although I am very sick of castle, this would be an exception. After all, it is listed as the largest ancient castle by World Guinness Record. It worth the time I guess... Swiftly, I signed up for a guided tour.

Guided tour is like a two sided blade, it can be either dreadful or pleasure, it all come down to the guide. If the guide mutters like my high school Bio teacher, it will be a pain. Somehow, they always have a unmistakable successive way in hypnotising me. There was no once that that I never dozed off. Fortunately, the guide for the trip was quite good, engaging and interactive. As we slowly walked, we passed through the Royal Garden, the President Office, the Cathedral of St Vitus, St Wenceslas and St Adalbert, the Basilica of St George, the Golden Lane... The 2 hours tour seemed short and we had gone through topics like histories, people, architectures, arts and politics. Also, seen bit and pieces of Prague. It was quite enjoying. After to tour, I headed up to the cathedral tower. There, a 360 degree view of Prague. It was windy and chilly, but the scene had captured my mind for while. It was sometime later that I finally realised I had been on the same spot for a long time. As the fog got thicker, the sun gradually lost in the mist, only beams of light broke through. Prague was gradually getting back to it usual winter self.

the Cathedral of St Vitus, St Wenceslas and St AdalbertPrague Castle

Stepping out of the castle, I took a path along Vltava and headed to the King Charles Bridge. Like any other tourists, when I reached St John of Nepomuk, I touched the statues. As it said to bring good luck *I will need luck for the coming year in all ways. Not superstitious, yet superstitious can be. Again, I am not Catholic, does it count? Smile...* By that time I reached the old town, my stomach was groaning. Time for for some nice Czech food. It was only a short one day, but the beauty of Prague has captured my heart. For many times, even when my hand was frozen, I would bear the pain to hold my camera with the mini tripod, *Seriously, it was a mixture of numbness and burnt...* Trying to keep the moment in a photo. However, I think the photos were not as nice and I will try again later. *Crossed fingers.*

Tower by north end of King Charles Bridge

Out of topic... For some reasons I had written this article for three times as the computer just went off line... Hmmm... Not much luck, John... and fox ain't replying after 3 hours. T_T

Prague Town HallAstronomical ClockDancing House

The memorial to the victims of communismLennon Wall

Heading to Prague

Train journey can either be fantastic or dreadful, depending on circumstances. For the past few trips, it had been bad. I guess the lack of sleep, constant transiting and rushing were mainly the reasons. After few nights of good sleep *Nothing much to do, as no shops were opened for 24th, 25th and 26th...* I was in a good mood, ready for the my trip to Prague.

Hopping on the train 10 minutes earlier, I took my time to choose a comfortable seat by the window and started to idle. Not before long, the train departed Graz. As compared to previous years, Graz was warmer and no snow to be seen even during the festive season. In a way, I was quite disappointed. I was hopping for a snowy Christmas and it failed. Somehow, my train journey comforted me slightly.

The train went around the mountains, passed through the valleys and went through the tunnels. Every time when the train came out from the tunnel, it was a different scenery. Once, it was the snow covering the wide grass field and I could see people gliding down the hills. Suddenly, the snow was no where to be seen. Then, there was thick fog around the valley, which peaks were not able to be seen and snow holding still to the branches. Just when I thought this was it, the fog was gone and the sun came out, while setting down west. The bluish, reddish velvet sky was like a postcard. The views just switched so unexpectedly.

As the night coming darker, I went for a snooze. All of a sudden, a gal and a guy dropped in my cabin. They came in and initiated a conversation out of the blue. I was surprised and did wonder whether it was a con. Later, it turned out to be such a great accompany. I joined their mates in another cabin. We talked a lot of stuffs, from traveling to studies, politics, philosophy, cultures, languages... till singing national anthems, folk songs and pop musics... sharing foods... Then to the events that the gals started to hit on some soldiers and a fellow who looked like Jesus the Christ. *smile* It was great fun.

All good time passed quick and when I checked for the time, we were already in Prague. The first impression, Prague is clean, clean and clean. From the main train station till the metro and on the streets heading to the hostel, it is noticeably clean. So far, everything has been nice, no hiccups, the receptionists have been friendly and I guess this will be a wonderful trip. *crossed fingers*

Merry Christmas

Early morning on a Christmas day, I am sitting in front of my laptop, listening to some musics and writing my blog.

The festive day is rather different from those I had been through. No party and no crowd, the streets are rather quiet and deserted. Christmas in Austria is intimate. It is neither extravaganza nor noisy, what it has is just a moment with family, having a nice meal, some cookies and a small chat. It is simple.

For the instance, I am wondering when was the last time that my family was together. I guess it was December 2004. That was when my elder brother and I graduated from our bachelor. It was couple of days, as days after my parents came to Melbourne, my mum's eldest brother passed away. Mum and dad have to leave sooner than they planned. Since then, family gathering always seemed to miss a piece of jigsaw puzzle for some reasons. Looking back the days in 2006, elder and younger brother residing in Melbourne, I took up my practice in Graz while mum and dad in Johor Bahru, family members scattered on three different continents... I am sure looking forward to get back soon~ *smile*

On this very Christmas day, took a second to look up into the sky, either dark, cloudy, gloomy, rainy or sunny, this very sky that connect us, may you find peace in heart and a sense of tranquility. Merry Christmas.

Bored in Florence

After eight months, I guess I am getting bored of traveling. I am in Florence and I am feeling bored. Sitting in front of a computer and writing my blog. *I sense danger... I can smell gun powder. Someone is planning to shoot me at the head for blar blar and blar...* Having said so, I do like Florence, much better than Venise. At least, no more boat trip. *smile*

Strolling lazily around the old town, I simply felt that Florence was kinda different, but I could not tell how exactly.

Like any other European city, most tourist attractions are located in the old town area and is more or less in a walking distance. *If you only plan to visit the city, do not waste your money on the 24-hour ticket...* While the unlike part is that most likely you will have to pay for the entrance and reduction price is only for EU members. Places like Giotto's Tower and Palazzo Vecchio will be good one to pay for. The first one will give a panaromic view of Florence and later the history of Florence. A bad example was Borgello, the national museum... There were only three floors n the museum. The floors aren't as big as the floors in Louvre and one was closed for renovations. Less than an hour, anyone would finish it... *Felt cheated...* Oh ya, seeing Ponte Vecchio from Pento S. Trinita at night time can be nice.

Giotto's TowerGiotto's TowerPonte Vecchio

The good thing to travel during winter, is that there are less crowd as compared to summer time. *Even so, there were still many people on the streets...* Thus accomodation is easier to get on last minute and don't need to experience sardin. The bad thing is less exhibition means some places are closed for public and not a good time to cycle to the suburbs. *Unless you feel like ice cream, then be it...* A visit to the country sight can be fantastic, too bad...

One thing to be aware of is to be sure of the price before you buy anything. I bought an waffle without knowing the price and it cost me $8 Euro. *While I know... only I the fool would get tricked... sob... sob... sob...* Also, if you wanna be debt free, do remember to leave your credit card at home and just bring enough cash. Or else, be sure to prepare to pay off your debt for the next 12 months. Things are absolutely super deliciously tempting and pricey. I saw two jeans and I love it, priced at $450 Euro in total. Luckily, I have the M key in Austria. I can imagine if I have the access, it would for sure be more than that... *Like... the Bally leather bag, the Energie jeans, Mandarin Duck luggage bag... Which one to start... how to end...* Thinking the position I am in now, I cannot be more fortunate enough... *I guess need to go through more meditation session, not so discipline...*

A little bit of this and that in Venice

Main Square

Not knowing a single thing about Venice, *While I do know it is sinking and gonna be another Atlantis soon...* I bought a cheap ticket and headed straight down south to Italy. It was only 4 days since I flew back from Glasgow, I was still yet to recover. *I am becoming a Chinese national treasure ----> Panda~* Sitting on the train for seven hours and only had 4 hours sleep before that, my brain was hardly functioning. The lucky thing was nothing bad happened.

When I finally arrived at the main train station, I swiftly headed toward the hotel and checked in. *Hehehe~ It was only a one star hotel and was really cheap $18 Euro a night. What a bargain~* The receptionist was good enough to give me some advises and helped me to arrange my accommodation in Florence. Once everything settled, I took the bus to Venice island. It would be a waste if I went to bed then.

Venice island wasn't really big. Roughly half a day was more than enough to walk around the Island and was pretty easy to get around. One would hardly lost one's way, as the island would be packed with tourists, like me, even during the winter. The drizzling rain and cloudy weather weren't stopping anyone to this super touristy island. Thus, as long as you are with the crowd, you will be doing fine.

Hehehe... Forget what it is...Pigeon rackMask for the masquerade festivalChurch in front of a Venice canal

Walking along the lanes and by the canals, there were typical things one would notice.

Firstly, there would always be huge bunch of people dragging their luggage while doing sight seeing. They would be using a luggage with attached trolleys. The sound, "grong... grooongg... groooooooooonggggg..." Never seemed to stop.

"grong... grooongg... groooooooooonggggg..."

Secondly, things are exceptionally ex ex ex ex ex ex expensive, nothing was cheap. I made a mistake when buying a pastry. I did not notice the damn chocolate pastry was sold based on weight not quantity and ended up paying at least four times more expensive than usual. The toilet was five time more expensive and with that price I could buy at least 3 liter of mineral water... Cash seemed to drain out so fast, in a way, I did not seem to understand.

Thirdly, there was hardly any night live on this island *More or less... Wait till I post the evidence and you will know the was-told-most-vibrant night life square...* and everything closed at 8:00pm.

was-told-most-vibrant square

Fourthly, there was Bata on the Island. Not one, but at least two branches that I had since saw. Mannn... I really did not know anything about this. All my life, I had thought Bata was a Malaysian brand and always had this impression of it closing down anytime. Hell... One of the last thing I would have expected to see here.

...

Frankly speaking, Venice did not impress me as much as I would have anticipated. Well... The churches were marvelous, but there are tons of churches across Europe that are nicer and bigger. Hmmm... The shopping street was nice and I was so tempted to buy a bag, *Sigh... I didn't have enough cash with me... Cry...* but there are for sure better place to do such thing... Errmmm... I guess the last one would be romantic and hell care when I was travelling by myself. *smile~* Oh ya, Venice has tons of canal and boats.

Talking about boats, a tip for future traveler. I would suggest only to buy the 24 hour ticket if you are planning to visit the islands surrounding Venice island. Don't bother to buy it, if you only plan to stay on the Venice island. Unless, you are too lazy to walk. So far, I only been to 3 islands. Burano, a place full of vibrant color houses and nothing else. Murano, a place full of ridiculously expensive glass wares and houses almost looked like collapsing anytime. Cemetri, a fortress island full of dead men in grave, six feet under.

BuranoMurano

Rainy day

Finally arriving at dear Glasgow had been great, seeing my cousin sisters, Diana and Julia~ I couldn't feel my smiles fading off.

Surprisingly, they are as short as before *laugh out loud... Sorry, I am mean...* but smart and pretty as usual. The last time I saw Julia was beginning of the year, when mom decided to pay his eldest sister a visit in Puchong. It was great then and listening to to how my aunt hantam *hit the hell out of in Malay...* some fellow, the stories on how their houses were rebuilt and contractor ran away~ *My aunt is no way near 160cm and skinny like a skeleton, but she is one you never want to mess with...* Then, there was Diana, the last time we met was few years back at my cousin's wedding. It has certainly a long while...

Although it is great to meet up with them, till later with Dylan and Jamie, but the rain... I was wet all the time... *Curse!* Till the 3rd day, I finally decided to buy an umbrella, or else how would my hair survive the shitty weather, cold + super windy + wet.

The very moment after I bought the umbrella, the rain stopped. The following few days, the weather became better and better till today. It rained like hell and the wind was damn strong... Just watched the news recently, there was tornado in London... I hope it don't hit here...

Some church some where in GlasgowRed brick houses = specialty of GlasgowReflection of the cityEdinburgh

Long flight to Glasgow

Finally I managed to get back to the dorm at 4:00am in the morning.

The good things were, the great company with Sophie, Zi-jing, Stefan and two little kiddos... And a HD for work performance~

The bad things were, I had not packed my bags, my dorm contracts ended then and flight was leaving in 7 hour time... ... ...

Quickly, I awakened from my fantasy and started to clean up my place. At one point I was so sleepy and I really needed to sleep. Woke up three hours later, I found myself with panda eyes and my trunks were no where to be done sorting. Leaving no choice, I woke Stony and asked for his permission to leave my stuff here for the moment till I fly back to Graz. Luckily, he said yes. So, I swiftly put in some clothings and stuff in the back pack. Then rushed out the door and headed to Asia for breakfast. *For Buddha's sake, it was gonna be a freaking long trip to get to Glasgow...*

I waited at the bust stop for more than 1.5 hours for the bus + 2 hours waiting at the Graz airport + 2.5 hours to London + 6 hours waiting time + 1 hour to Glagow + 1 hour to Glasgow city... = 14 hours to reach Glasgow...

By the time I went to bed, it was 3:00am in the morning. My brain was floating, my eye lips were half opened and my body was exhausted... ZzzzZzzZzzzzZZZZzz...

Good to be in Glasgow, seeing and chatting to my cousin sisters. It had been a while since then...

My contract finished.

On 1st December 2006, my contract with infineon ended.

As I had three unused leave entitlements, the last three days were holidays. Having said that, I was rushing my disciplinary report and would be meeting with the division manager for work performance assessment. It was kinda sad in a way that I had to leave. After all, I spent quite a big pile of my time here.

Although most of my time has been like a little wanderer lost mindlessly in a maze of high technology stuff and panic when a new task was given, I did learn lot out from this experience, how do deal with people, how to pick up stuff in quicker, how to kick my own arse to work harder... Until my last day, I was still in doubt whether or not I had fulfilled what were required from me. Frankly speak, I really thought that I didn't do good enough. Too many mistakes...

On the day of assessments, it was only till the moment I saw the scoring sheet hold by my division manager that I felt a sudden relieve. Sneakily, I peeked. Most of the performances indicators I scored 80 and 90, only three which I scored 70 and 60. Silently calculating the overall results, I hit the jackpot, a HD~ The highest I can get. *smile... I guess I didn't do that bad after all...*

Now I could fly to Scotland with a peace mind and enjoying the remaining of my trip with a honey bunny mood~

Failed my thesis...

Happily finished my thesis in an internet cafe, I mailed it to my professor. After my dreadful day in Vienna, that was the only thing that comforted me.

In Paris, 23rd November 2006, coming back to the hostel, I hopped on the seat and checked my thesis result. *Grin* I got a distinction. *Hmmm...* I deserve that, after all the hassles and the troubles plus time restriction plus plus... I am happy.

A week later, I went online to check on my results once more. DI ----> NN. *My eyes widen twice than usual...* I quickly logged out and login again. Alright... It is NN for sure. Grade definition, Fail! *WHAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTT... yelled dramatically in heart* What had I done... Calmly enough, I wrote an email to my professor. However, it was already Friday night 11:00pm. I had to wait for two days for him to reply...

Considering all sorts of scenarios, I couldn't think of any reasons to fail me...

Luckily, it as a computer error. I still have my DI, distinction on score~~ *smile*

Why beg?

I was hungry... very hungry... very very very hungry... Where was the damn Vietnamese noodle restaurant... I had been searching for like an hour. To spice things up, I hadn't eaten anything since 9am and it was like 4pm then. Also, I was walking under the rain. *Curse...*

Someone got my attention.

Mr T: "Hi, do you have a moment?"
Mel: "Yes, but I am not a local and I don't think I can be any help."
Mr T: "It is fine... You see, I had been traveling around Europe and used up all my money. I need some money and can..."
Mel: "While my situation is worst than you. Sorry and goodbye..."

I rolled my eyes.

I was totally in a disgruntle mood while my stomach storming, he just got me at the wrong time. *hmmmm...* Think of it again. If I meet him again and this time, with a happy bunny mood, I guess I will still refuse to help him. He is an European, and I couldn't see any reason why he couldn't work in Paris. The Brazilian gal in my room was short with cash as well, but she found a job in a local restaurant. Him being a man without any physical disability, begging on the street... While you can say I am mean or whatever. The fact is nothing comes free and everyone have to work to earn for a living.

Having said that, deep down I do know that sometime, things can be really awful and who will want to beg on the street, if only the circumstances aren't bad? However slowly seeing some bugger make begging as a life career. That's it! No more giving! Only on one exception, traveling monk.

Never a good place to be alone

Everyone will know that Paris is the the city of love, so pretty much says the reason of the article. You see, couples were like everywhere. If anyone threw a stone down the street and you didn't hit a couple, I would ________ *Please fill in, but whether or not I will do it, have to depend on my mood... *

Although I dwelled within the library, I did wander around the city. The days were bad, with gloomy, drizzling, cloudy and sad piece of dung, I was totally not in any mode to take any photos. *One can say that this is a represent of Paris during the Autumn Winter. Who cares, I don't care... I still prefer day with blue sky... * However, the night could be total different.

For many times, I revisited the same place just to get some nice shot on the Paris night. There are so many spots where one could have a panoramic view of the city. The sparkling lights from the buildings, cars, lamps and the drizzling night added a nice touch. You see, it would be good to share it with someone. Frankly speaking, it does not need to be boy, it can be with friends as well. How boring it can be when I being the only one who is excited about the night scene. So folks, don't worry... I will post the photos once I get back to Austria~ *smile*

Paris during sun set...Sacred CoreEiffel Tower

Center of PompadourLa Defense

French = rude?

Before flying to Paris, I was told for countless time that how rude the French people can be. However, is it so? Personally, I have to defend the French for that. *Alright, don't start accusing me for corruption or bribery... Let me finish...*

Yes, I did meet some shit fellow. In fact, the first day. The damn train staff gave me a wrong information and I ended up buying the wrong ticket. In short, I had to pay $20 Euro more, If I wanted to visit Versaile and La Defense. I only found out after I bought the ticket. *Screw the bugger...* After my tedious day in Vienna... *sigh...* Also, later the damn security at Museé D' Orsay, who gave a me a shit attitude. *Hmmm...* That was pretty much my bad experience. Personally, I just think those people have either an attitude problem or someone just oppss sorry, did something mean to them, which somehow distorted their character.

Now, the nice one. Whenever I stopped someone for direction with my broken French, the people would kindly stop and gave me some help. Although most of them replied in French, they had tried hard enough to gave me some direction with hand signals. By the end of the day, I can't blame and force locals who don't know English to speak English. Try asking a Mongolian to speak Portuguese... While... Doesn't sound right... Anyway, you know what I mean.

I don't know. Probably I am Chinese or I look like tourist!!??? They being nice, were all that just a fake? Can't be...

Queuing and queuing...

One thing about Paris was the constant waiting and queuing, everywhere I went, if it was something special, more or less there would be a queue. Some people had told me that the autumn and winter period will be less a pain, I guess it was like a reduction from maximum to 50%. By the end of the day, lining up was still mandatory.

You see, I hate lining up as it was such a waste of time. However, being a good global citizen, I have to do so. *Every time I had the wicked idea, somehow something would happen to remind me not to do so... Story for another time...* So, one will start to ask, "why queue then?"

Alright, here's my answer...

If I don't' queue to get in Museé de Louvre, could I say I had been to Paris? If I don't queue to get up Arc de Triomphe, could I say I had been Champs de Elyse? If I don't queue to get up Eiffel Tower, could I say I had seen Paris? ... The list would go on...

Anyhow, the weather in Paris had been really bad. There wasn't a day that it didn't rain, most of the time, I was half wet. *@#$%&... It was only 30 minutes before taking the train the Charles De Gaule that the sky shined with blue sky...* Advice to all future Paris traveler, bring an umbrella. So being an obedient tourist, visiting the sites and contributing to the economy did keep me dry for moments.

Crowd started to gather in front of LouvreMusee De OrsayChair collection of the 20th centuryHehehe... Just somewhere looking from Eiffel TowerNotre DameReflection of the royal palace

Why was it so hard to get to Paris?

Opening my eyes this morning, I was grateful that I wasn’t on the street. It was still early. *thanks Jose, my angel~* After restless few days, I really needed this rest. *the only good thing was that the thesis had been haded in…* Lazily I rested on the bed, 5 more hours before the flight would depart.

By the time I left a thanks note on the dining table, walked out the apartment with two mandarins and headed toward the train station, I was still 3 hours earlier. From there, it would be 45 minutes maximum to get to the airport and I would catch my flight for sure!

2 hours later… I found myself lost in the damn train station. To save this $3 Euros, I decided to take the local train to the airport. First I ended up buying the wrong train ticket, which I can’t use…*shit* Then followed by paying $30 Euros by cab to the airport… *sob sob sob…* The best thing was, the cab driver told me the damn train station I was looking for is opposite the damn main station! *Give me a gun… I want to shoot someone…*

Anyhow, I arrived in Paris safely. After all these dramas, the only thought in mind was really a good break. However, what happened in the main train station with this idiot ticket seller, and the shitty drizzling rain… What a day… *cry… crossed fingers and prayed for a nice week…*

… where is the pain?

The past few days had been really tough. In order to finish my master thesis, I had not been sleeping like I should have. *No sleep or average of two to three hours…* Eye lips were heavy, eye blood vessels were obvious, slowly panda I am, with a slow dysfunctional brain. Stomach is awful since Friday, I should not have pushed my limits that far and I am suffering *sob…* It is a matter of time that anything bad happen. Indeed… On the day to Paris.

I missed my freaking flight!

Everything was just wrong today. Shit day! Lousy day!

Only two hours in bed, I was already awakened to get myself ready. Brilliantly, I still missed my bus. Then, I miss my train to Vienna. Later, I found out I would for sure missed my 11:35am flight and that time, I was still in the train. *Somehow don’t know why I thought that my arrival time in Paris was departure time from Vienna, even after double times double check on the itinerary… I can bang my head on the wall and die…* Sweetly, the reception lady arrange the next available flight with a CHEAP fees of $160 Euros. *Someone please shoot me…*

Then I have to pay again to get back to town and I need a place to stay. *Jose wasn’t picking up his phone… cry…* While waiting nervously, I walked in a restaurant for a latte, but there wasn’t any. So, I ordered a cup of cappuccino which ended up being cream on espresso. *I would really appreciate a break free of drama…*

Mindlessly didn’t know what to do, I walked in a near by internet café to finish my remaining thesis. There, I was shock by some news. My heart was aching, something is falling. My face was smiling, something is not alright. My eyes was dry, something is coming. Are these real or just a nightmare waiting to awake from? Is it… I don’t know what to feel…

With thousands of thoughts flashing through my mind, I hopped on the tram after sending off my thesis, heading to the hostel I stayed during my last visit. What I found out then, the hostel is only a hostel during summer, only summer. A sudden question popped out, where should I stay tonight? Would it be another night of no sleep? Desperately enough, yet finally call of hope. I was able to get in touch with Jose. *I was about the wander around the street… sob… sob… sob…* He took me in for the night. Thanks man, I really appreciate that, no words would ever appropriate to express my gratitude. Nice chat we had as well. Thanks… Thank you.

What a day, what more could go wrong…? Probably it had, I am simply too tired to bother or notice. Emotionally and mentally exhausted… Now alone… can’t feel… why? I am calmer than usual… am I even worthwhile?

Autumn in Slovenia

Mountain view in Kranjska Gora

Frankly, the winter Central Europe Convention was not very well organised. *Sorry guys… If you see this…* I was expecting something more serious, but apparently not, it was merely a social event.

Well… there are some workshops. However, could that be classified as workshop? It was more a discussion group and experience sharing session. *Probably it was different in other groups, but mine was… Ahem…* Facilitator only did an ok job in managing and leading the discussions.

After splitting to smaller groups, my team was very enthusiastic in the discussion and came out with great points after sufficient debates and thinking. When we were asked to present, we were merely requested, “Can you put in one word?” *That pretty much said a lot…* I replied with a mono tone, “Unless further explanations are attached, it will be too shallow to put everything in one word.” Basically, our comments were ignored in the end and I couldn’t be bothered to involve in the following session. *I was sketching some funny stuff on the paper… while the facilitator was into her flower and pie building… Trust me, you don’t wanna know…* I guess my group took her too serious and was too much for her. Everything was and intended to be done on a very surface level. *While... u could also say I was harsh or what... Doesn't bother me...*

The night parties were nice. The first night was usual like, while the second night had an international flavour. *Will skip the first night, nothing much to say… Hmmm… yes the music was bad most of the time, but the company was great~*

On the second night, delegates were asked to bring local specialties from their region. Knowing Europeans for quite sometime now that basically means bring all your local wines, beers and schnapps, the amount of alcohol would sure to KO Mr. Kidney. Sticking to my no alcohol policy, *… with font 3 by laws, ‘…with the exception of wine’* I had some wine, other than that, just juice and water~ *the dining hall was full of stoned zombie the next day… ermmm… some were still in bed * Also, foods like dips, cheese, bacon, sausages, pancakes, pastries, chocolate… were available. I have to said my favourites were the pumpkin seed oil stirred fried with shredded onions and eggs from GRAZ~ and the Swiss smoked salmon role. I wasn’t at the dance hall most of the time, I was chatting on a comparatively quieter area with some guys from Slovakia and America. *Again I stressed my total dislike on Bush administration, but hey~ nice conversation with another American~*

My bed was calling me and with my eyes lip half closed, I didn’t stay late for both nights. By 12 midnight, I was already on bed, reading the Paris guide and slept roughly an hour later. Also, I was suffering from starvation during the convention. It wasn’t the shortage of food, it was the timing… I had to wait 3 hours more than usual for the meal. My stomach was groaning like hell, if there were McDonald or whatever around, I would have hell care to wait and went to get some food. *I am Mr No McDonald and I was desperate enough to go for McDonald… I hate to be hungry… sob… sob… sob…* I just wanna take some rest. Alright, it is fair to say that I was anti social as well.

Mel not happy with McDonald...
Dining hall at the convention... lunch at 2pm...
Looking out through the windows of canteen~

Word sculptures in a deserted corner
Falling soon...

Regardless my mixed feelings toward the convention, I was happy to be in Slovenia. I met some friends, who I hadn’t seen for sometime, *kisses and hugs as usual* just felt great seeing the gals again. Then, we spent sometime in the national park near Kranjska Gora and the beautiful lake city, Bled. *I will let the photo says it beauty~*

National Park near Gozd Martuljek
The river bank where I am standing now dried up... not sure why...

Walked through the canyon~

Some things I have to mention about Bled are their wedding tradition and a dessert.

Newly wedded couple will take the wooden boat across the lake, to the island that situated in the middle of the lake. From the dock, there will be a 100-step-stoned staircase lead to the church. The groom will carry his bride with his hands and walk up the hill, to the church. By the church, there will find a robe, which they can use to sound the church bell for good wishes and luck for their marriage. So sweet~~ *… Hmmm… where is boy…* But again, if the groom is half the weight of the bride, then dead mannnn… the groom is gonna get crushed. *Hahahahahaha~~*

The, it was this cream cake. Fantastic!!! It might not look as great, but the taste was wonderful. One layer of crunch pastry with sparkled sugar powder, one layer of light cream and one layer of vanilla pudding… No too sweet nor oily, so tempting~

Anyway, I am thankful to be there~

Bled
Mountain view from Grad Castle... Damn Euro$6.50 to get in... Everyone decided to skip
Anyone has their eyes opened?
Panoramic view of Bled from a secret corner, one that might kill someone.
F A B U L O U S creeeeaaamm cake~
Lonely duck... It was still there when I walked pass again...
Another ducky enjoying a moment of solitude.
Family... missing...
Loibl Pass