Occupied

Alright, I know I sounded awful previously. While what can I do... The fox has some sharp claws and the cut is pretty bad... *Aiyo* Don't worri lar, the cat got nine lives, it will survive... Thanks for the concerns... *The cat bent his body 90 degrees low* Arigato.

...

Reading back where I left previously, I had not been updating my life in Melbourne as much, just went over and over on my heart break. *Grabbed some big fat tunas from the fridge and wallop the cat inside out... MEOW!!!!!* So somehow, my life here was packed.

Two weeks back was the day at Venus Bay and some time at the Melbourne Annual Moomba Festival with splashing fireworks. A week since then, it was the Thai Festival at Federation Square and the Yarra Art Craft Market. *Should I get the hand knitted white scarf?* This coming weekend, there will be choices (A.) Osaka Festival (B.) Flour Festival (C.) Wine and Food Market (D.) FINA community activities.*Hmmm... which one...* So that's weekend.

Then weekdays, I am basically preparing for presentations *Hmmm... When will Vanita confirm the date?* , sending CVs, lunches and dinners with different people, movies *I just watched a Taiwanese piece, Eternal Summer and a Korean piece, The King and The Clown... not bad~* being the lovely and homy house cat, cooking dinner for the gals *I made soup today~* Also, I have to spend more time with my brother! *I haven't been doing so...* Getting myself occupied and try not to think...

So, that is basically everything in a nut shell...

4 years

The last time was 4 years ago, then I was quite young, not even 21. Not knowing where I was, just remember the fun of digging out pi pi from the coast sand, throwing sand balls, doing some surfing moves, swimming in the chilly sea water, and got my first taste of shivering to my very bones...

4 years since, I was back again. Now I know her name, Venus Bay. Strolling on the same beach, beach no.5 and did the same thing. However, something more than just the same old smile on my face. Trying to get over the ache, trying to see what's right, trying to understand maybe it just ain't to be, trying to find the way in a dark path...

Things are different, it should be, after all it has been 4 years...

Birth and death

Early in the morning, I called Yaso, wanted to give her a surprise and had lunch with her. She is one of those who I misses heaps, she is a life mentor and a good friend. As she picked my call, the mood shifted instantly. I was expecting a polite and joyful sound from the other end, instead, it was low, sad, anytime-tears-coming-out voice...

Yaso' father had just passed away.

Foolishly, I asked her,"are you sad?". What was I thinking... *ARRGGGGHHHHHH!!!! someone just slap me please!!!!* Who would not be sad! I guess I was just too shock and words just popped out... Losing someone who one cares so much, can be a huge pain and a hollow one. Just like being pierced through by a javelin, something is missing and the emptiness in heart. Nothing that one can do to fill it up, only time will able to mend the scar. Even so, every now and then, it still hits your guts... Sometimes, I just think why am I doing this to myself?

...

Later that night, something good strike. My uni mate, Peter has just become a father~ I feel happy and joy for him. Also, I feel warm flowing through and it feels good. A father, my friend. It just reminds me of getting old... *Ahem...* I mean mature...

birth and death is just part of life... *trying to remember what Buddha said...*

Something just happened

I was in shock when mum told me that Esther was in the operation. For a moment, I thought that mum was just kidding over the phone... She wasn't.

Esther was doing high jumping during her PE class. When she fell, she missed the mats and hit the cement floor. It was a bad accident. The impact was hard and parts of her skull was cracked. The operation took more than 3 hours to complete. For God's sake, the impact was not on the brain. It was on the side of her ears and she is recovering quite quick. Nonetheless, everyone is still pretty nervous on the circumstances.

Considering that we just had breakfast on Sunday, never in our mind that this would happen, at least not so soon... Just feel that things do catch you off guard every now and then, can this be prevented? Or everything was preplanned... Hmmm... ... ... feel a sudden fragility...

Happy Chinese New Year...

Chinese New Year, it should be full of joy. Yes, indeed... However... To me, there is sadness to it. I just got rejected. The festive mood is hardly there...

Only when... Only when dad smiled brightly, had his hand on my head, wished me a happy new year... Only when mum laughed loudly on the great things... Only when my little nephews and nieces give me a hi five on hand... Only when my cousin uncle introduce me his wife... Only when knowing my god sister is getting married in a month plus time... Only when I hug my god father... Only when my long lost touched mates came together again... Only when... ... ... I can feel the joy in heart, inflicted by the festive season.

Then, it was moments of emptiness. Something is missing. I feel all my positive energy is sucked out of my body... I feel hollow... down... down...

Rejection is common, who has not gone through it? However, knowing it and able to accepting it, is different. It is a sucky feeling. Not good at all... not good... Especially from those who you care and feel for. If I can cry out loud and release the bitterness, that will be great. I can't... If I can instantly forget and release myself from the misery, that will be great. I can't... If I can choose not to love one who does not love me and release myself from the pain. I can't... If I can... ... ... ... I can't.

Relationship is a two ways thing, regardless of its context. It can't work only on one side, just like clapping with only one hand, it just ain't gonna sound. I know and I am writing it... Am I trying to convince myself? ... However, will anyone just simply move on without trying harder? I don't know the answer for that. For me, I will wait and try harder, even knowing that it does not always work out with hard work. Maybe, maybe not... ... ... too much things flashing through my mind... ... it is getting harder and harder to put down all in words...

Happy Chinese New Year. I wish you all are blessed, surrounded by your love ones and have peace in heart.

36 hours of high school reunion...

Jian Hong: "We just decided to drive down to KL, you wanna join?"
Mel: "Are you gonna pick me up?"
Jian Hong: "Yes, be there in half an hour..."
Mel: "Alright."

It had for sure a long while since the last time we got together. Myself being wandering around somewhere in the world, Zhan Peng spending most of the time on the ship, Fui stuck in Sydney, Boon and Jian Hong working in Singapore...

An hour later, I found myself on the car heading down to KL. All of a sudden, this had became a high school reunion. So unplanned reunion call for unplanned schedule. We took us more than 24 hours to reach KL, where normally 4 hours will be more than enough.

Why took so long... Considering a visit to the palm factory on the road, then having laksa and otak at Muar, followed by handing some hampers to someone and had some coffee with a friend... When we reached the county border, someone suggested to Genting. Thus, Genting would be then. While the guys stuck in the casino, I went straight to bed.

The same day, few hours later, time to check out... we dropped the key and went for some morning coffee. Finally when we reached KL... Great things happened... We were lost... Luckily, with a hand drawn map that hardly help and guessing + wild luck, we got to our destination, Mid Valley. While not so much of shopping, but just visiting some high school mates.

In less than 36 hours time, we were back in JB. So, Valentine was actually a high school reunion.

Blogging.

It is almost 20 days since I came back. The thing about being back home is that you can be as lazy as you want and no one will grumble. *Ermmmm... At least not at the moment.* This is an absolute good reason for not updating my blog. *While... The switching between the new and old version of the blogger system was a pain*

In the new year, I decided to give my blog a new theme, "What now..." Simply because I have no idea what will really happen this year and there will be a lot of uncertainties. Two more reports and a presentation, I will complete my master program. The plan is to be back to Singapore and work for couple of years before going back to Melbourne. Why? (1.) To spend some time with my parents (2.) A better starting work place for my study field (3.) It will be you~ *So... Have you figured out who you are?* I hope all these will work out. At this stage, I just have to believe it will work out *Crossed fingers* So I guess, "What now..." not only describe the simple yet complicated situation and also the feeling of walking on an unclear gloomy path. *Again, crossed fingers*

In the past few weeks, I have basically spent time with my family, catching up with friends *Starting to sweat... Still have a long list to go...* and reading books. Other than that, few things happened. I got scolded CB, as my dear lovely Racheal was dissapointed that I moved out from Melbourne CBD... we surprised Julian with a birthday celebration... Felicia is having her wedding banquet like now and she will for sure look great in her Nyonya dress... Celebrated Pin's birthday with a birthday song in car and he got a new mobile... *Smile* I ended with boy and he still think that it is my fault that everything ended up this way... Spending more time with fox and hope things will work out... *If he want so...* And... Cannot remember. *Smile* Oh ya, a new 8G ipod nano from mummy~

Dear folks, I am kicking my arse to blog now. So, don't nag... Actually I do love it, at least that tells me, someone is actually reading my stuff~ *Smile*

Good morning 2007 and goodbye 2006

As the fireworks shooting high up in the sky, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1~ Happy New Year! Everyone in the room gave one another a warm hug and greeted with wishful words. Then, there was champagne with berry liquor and Prost for a good year.

Good morning 2007 and goodbye 2006. I was leaving in less than 24 hours... So unbearable and I didn't feel like leaving. Yet, I had to leave. Before I stepped out from the door, Fiona gave me a warn hug with kisses and she said, "I am very happy to know you". Then, another hug. I was with no words, sadness in heart...

Headed down the staircase with Zi Jing, Stefan and their two kids, reached their car. Zi Jing walked me to the corner of the street. We chatted. Again, we hugged with kisses, no tears. I said, "leave with no tears, yet a big bright smile, so that we will meet one day..." and I walked back to where Stefan was. We had some words. Then, I walked back without turning my head back anymore.

When I got back. Lao Pan Niang was drunk *I guess she had couple more glasses of wine than usual...* and was sleeping on the couch. Yu Dong and Yu Xing were talking and drawing at the same time. I joined in and started to draw as well... We had champagne. The time tickled and soon it was morning. The first sun light of 2007 beamed through the chilly cloudy sky and I started to do some last minute packing. When time up, Lao Pan Niang drove me down to Vienna International Airport

We had some tea... Before I headed to the gate, I gave her a tight hug and said, "Thank you!" repeatedly. Waving goodbye, I walked toward the custom... My Europe trip ended on this day... For the moment... ... ... ... ... ...

Good year ahead and happy new year folks!

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