Home Sweet Home

I'm hoooooome!! Been here almost 3 weeks now, and there were so many things have happened, so much to tell but so very little time. And all the running around + the weather is making me feeling sickly with the usual coughing fits and runny nose. Haiyo, manyak susah lor...

It was only tonight that I could actually sit at home and surf the net leisurely. Seriously, I don't know how the time just flew past by; from the exam session to the packing & room cleaning to the 2-days journey back home to the 3-days leadership training to the wedding preparations plus family time, I haven't had a full day rest as yet. Not that I'm complaining because all of those moments are precious and memorable (except for the packing part) but even though I don't feel my age my body seems to be constantly reminding me that I am getting older.

I had to pack all of my stuff before leaving coz I might have to move to another place when I get back to Romania. Thanks to some misunderstandings and kecoh-ness I could only start packing a day before leaving. 1 DAY. Apa lagi, memang speed packing la jawab nya.

I wish Iasi is nearer to Malaysia, because traveling for 2 days is just too much. Although there are other airlines that offer a much direct and simpler route, but the fare is higher of course. So to be economical I took the one with 3 transits (the last one in Dubai was 10 hours), left Iasi Thursday afternoon & reached KLIA Friday night. Memang pancit by the time sampai rumah.

And then out of the blue mom told me that she had already signed me up for a 3-days leadership training by ESQ 165 in KL. At first I was like "What??!!" and was really annoyed (to say the least), but after it was over I didn't regret it one bit. I am now proud to say that I am an ESQ 165 Alumni Angkatan KL-36. It was really a soul-cleansing and mind-stimulating training that I feel everyone should attend for a better understanding of what our purpose is on this earth. And the best part is, once you have attended the basic training and become an alumni you can come again for recharging sessions for free! You can visit their website for further info, and they have trainings all over the country plus they even do in-house trainings. I have went and recharged once at PICC last weekend, and planning to recharge again for the coming training insyaallah. Maju satria ESQ 165!

And after that there was the wedding of my beloved cousin. Hah ni satu lagi. I was really surprised and touched that she would asked me to be her bridesmaid for both the wedding receptions, but seriously woman, why lah so late. I was worried that I couldn't find anything suitable to wear for the occasion but luckily I have managed to find the perfect baju kurung (a traditional malay costume) for both our side and the groom's side reception. It wasn't that easy to find a nice silver and rosewood pink dresses with matching scarves but somehow or rather I've managed to find really pretty ones at reasonable prices. And what's funny is that I found it all under one roof. Convenient eh?
The wedding itself deserves its own post so I guess I better save the juicy details for another time.

And fyi, that was the first time I was a bridesmaid, first time that I had (allegedly) caught the bouquet, and first time that I wasn't really bothered by the most dreaded question that I seem to get every time there's a family gathering. I guess I've gotten used to it kot. Abis nak wat camno, senyum je la...

Sigh, the downside is, whenever I come back home I always get sick. I guess the humid dusty weather is just too much for my body after so long in a dry cold climate. Fever I can handle, but the chesty dry cough is the one that I most dreaded because it usually takes me several weeks for the cough to disappear. As I'm typing now I am barking like nobody's business that I think it can even be heard next door at my aunt's house. Yup, that loud I am and it has been so bad that I have lost my voice since yesterday. Oh and I don't think it's H1N1 because it's been 2++weeks since I've been home so there's no possibility of imported transmission. But then again local transmission oso got right? Hmmmm......

All in all, it's really good to be back home again. I've realized I miss having the family and friends around, the family outings and makan-makan get-together, and of course, the fooood! Here I am spoilt for choices, but nowadays I can't really eat that much anymore. And since I've been sick some more lah got no appettite. Tapi tak jugak turun-turun, rasa badan macam kena pam-pam je ni ada la. Isy, bahaya bahaya ;p

NB: Tak tahan tgk deghoyan, pulasan, rambutan, ciku, manggis, jambu batu, mangga...& sushiiiii.....cedapnyaaa.....

The Moroccan Dream

One of my classmates is from Tangier, Morocco, born & bred. She's actually a Berber, and can speak several languages (jeles nya!). Eversince I've known her for 5 years now we have talked about lots of things, especially about our cultures, our homes and our families.

You see, I am an explorer at heart. I love getting to know about all these different cultures and their way of life, especially one that is so foreign from my own. I told her that one of my dreams is to go there for a visit, so that I can see the culture with my very own eyes and experience it, sample their cuisines while breathing the Moroccan air.
Sigh, that would be so lovely, wouldn't it?

Btw, I already have a standing invitation to go there. Tempat tinggal makan minum tak payah nak pikir dah, cuma kena beli sendiri tiket kapalterbang nakgi sana je. Bestnya kalau leh pegi.....


Disclaimer: All the piccas above are not mine. Click at the images to go to the original sites. Thank you.

My Mosaic, My Life

1. My first name
2. My favorite food
3. My high school
4. My favorite color
5. My celebrity crush
6. My favorite drink
7. My dream vacation
8. My favorite dessert
9. What I want to be when I grow up
10. What I love most in life
11. One word to describe me
12. My flickr name

Eu sunt aici...

This is where I am. Right here, right now.

But sadly it's quite far from where He once lived, which was here ...

...

I haven't been there yet, but soon, very soon.....

2 Things

This is a tag posted by a fellow Srikandi in FB. Still got a few more tags that I've got to do in the notes box there but kinda lazy to do them now. This tag may look simple, but boy was I scratching my head trying to answer them coz I realized that I have more than 2 answers for each of the questions!!
Typical Gemini I am, LOL...


1. Top 2 things found in your wallet:
- Money
- Blood type card (in case of emergencies, I'm O+ ok!)

2. Top 2 songs you can listen to again and again:
- Plush (Stone Temple Pilots)
- No Air (Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown)

3. Top 2 reasons to watch television:
- House (love the sarcasm and medical jargon)
- Battlestar Galactica

4. Top 2 places I'd want to visit:
- Paris
- Scotland

5. Top 2 obsessions:
- Jane Austen
- the Darkhunters

6. Top 2 favorite nick name:
- Eve/Evie
- Sophie (only Mdm Popovici calls me this!)

7. Top 2 favorite food:
- Caramel pudding
- Tokne's cooking (Y.U.M.M.Y!!)

8. Top 2 favorite snacks:
- Caramel popcorn
- Sour cream & onion flavoured chips

9. Top 2 favorite websites:
- www.thestar.com.my
- www.facebook.com

10. Top 2 goals you want to accomplish:
- Completing my hajj
- Publishing a scientific paper on a medical discovery

11. Top 2 favorite colors:
- Blue
- Pink

12. Top 2 favorite parts of the house:
- Bedroom
- Kitchen

13. Top 2 things I can't wait to happen:
- Financial independence
- Meeting THE one (that is IF there is such a thing lah...)

14. Top 2 places where I love to shop:
- MidValley Megamall, KL
- Any hypermarkets

15. Top 2 movies I could watch over and over again:
- Centerstage
- Drumline (it reminds me of the good ole band days, sigh...)


Okay peeps, I'm tagging everyone who are reading this. So, considered you're tagged!

Visa Scare

Tuesday February 10th, 2009

Malaysians can visit and remain in Britain for up to six months

By PAUL GABRIEL

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has retained its visa-free status with Britain.

This means that Malaysians can visit and remain in Britain without a visa for up to six months.

The decision was announced in the House of Commons by British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith late yesterday (11.30pm Malaysian time).

British High Commissioner Boyd McCleary briefed Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim on his government’s decision yesterday.

“I am pleased with this result. It reflects the hard work that both we and the Malaysian Government have put into this issue over the last few months,” McCleary said.

A senior Wisma Putra official, when contacted, said Malaysia welcomed the decision and the challenge would be to further reduce the number of Malaysians who overstayed or worked illegally in Britain.

Malaysia was in a group of 11 non-European countries whose visa-exempt status was reviewed by Britain from mid-2008.

Nationals from these countries were said to pose a risk of illegal immigration, crime and security, and all 11 countries were given a six-month mitigation period to significantly reduce the risks.

Britain had given Malaysia until December to prevent illegal immigration and improve passport security, crime and anti-terrorism measures and cooperate in deporting Malaysians who overstayed.

Among the remedial measures taken by Malaysia was improved security at the KL International Airport to ensure that only genuine travellers flew into Britain, a move which was welcomed by the UK Border Agency, a shadow agency of the British Home Office.

Visa-free access for visitors for up to six months will also remain for Botswana, Brazil, Mauritius, Namibia and Trinidad and Tobago.

The countries which failed Bri- tain’s visa-waiver test were Bolivia, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland and Venezuela.

(taken from The Star online)

Alhamdulillah...thank God for that. We've been anticipating the results because if Britain makes the first move for visa enforcements on Malaysian nationals, other EU countries might follow suit too. Let's hope that this will remain permanently. So, do behave ok...

Of Domestic Traveling

I love to travel. Going to all those places, seeing the sights and savoring the local customs and cultures are things that I love to do and wish I could do more of. But alas living on a student's budget does not permit me to do so however tempted I am. Sigh....

While chatting with a friend of mine the other day about places we've been, I realized that I've been to all the states in Malaysia. Most of you may think that what's the big deal about it, but I don't know why it is kind of a big deal to some people, honestly. Well, I am fortunate to have had the chance to have been to all these places for business and pleasure. I used to travel alone, or with my besties, or with my family. Traveling alone is kinda fun, your time is your own minus the headache of traveling with an incompatible partner. Just as long as you take the necessary precautions and be street smart you'll be fine. But nothing beats traveling with like minded companions. You'll have a hoot and helluva time, I assure you.

Let me see if I can do a recap here...

WP KL: Born and bred here. Went to school and graduated from uni here. Worked here. Lived here.

Selangor & WP Putrajaya: Jiran je kan...

N9: Current residence. Used to go to S'ban frequently to visit my siblings at school.

Melaka: During our high school trips, business and family outings and weddings.

Johor: Both parents are Johorians. Father from Muar and mom from JB. Cuti sekolah sure balik kampung nyer. Spent 5 years of high school in THE boarding school down south, STF. Got my driving's license here. We still go back during raya to visit our relatives.

Pahang: Mostly due to work; mine and also moms. Actually drove up to Jengka alone. Family vacations in Cherating, that was loads of fun. Oh ya, almost drowned here too...

Terengganu: Came here with the family. Got to see the turtles and other stuff. Makan losong sampai tak ingat donia. My bff is a native. One day I'll be coming here to go to the islands pulak.

Kelantan: Was here when I was in high school, for work and family weddings. Did my summer practice in the teaching hospital here last year. Great-grandma was a Kelantanese, maybe we still have relatives here, you never know.

Perak: Only been to Ipoh & Taiping couple of times for business. Tempat lain pegi singgah kejap2 je and also for weddings. Went to Kuala Kangsar visiting a friend during college days. Never been to Pangkor Island, would love to go there some day.

Penang: Mai sini for business, pleasure and family vacations. Stepdad is a local. Went on a backpacking trip with friends during college days, that was fun...

Kedah: First came here when I was in high school with the family. Crossed the border to do some shopping. Been to Langkawi couple of times, recently was last year in august with the family. Traveled alone to watch the school band comp. held in Alor Setar.

Perlis: Followed my uncle and auntie balik kampung with Tokne and Toktan. Went crazy bargaining and shopping near the border there and Padang Besar. Went exploring Gua Kelam too.

Sarawak: Went to Miri for business. Lived in Kuching for 1 year, sat for my UPSR exam here. A lot of fond memories here and would love to be back here again someday.

Sabah: Mostly pleasure purposes only. Been to KK couple of times; with my aunt where we went gallivanting around town and temankan my Tokne yg temankan my auntie yg nak bersalin kat sini.

WP Labuan: First came here to accompany my aunt who were recently transferred here, ended up staying here for 1 month plus. Since then have made repeated visits, and even went to KK and Brunei by boat from here. Love the peaceful ambience and driving is hassle free. Wouldn't mind coming back here again anytime soon.


Well, that's about it I guess. Apart from local destinations, other places that I've been to are Indonesia, Brunei, Beijing, Istanbul, Greece, Vienna, Budapest, Mekah & Madinah for my umrah, and of course, Romania. And as for the others? Well, I hope that one day I'll be able to travel to all those places that I've only read and heard about. Insyaallah...


p/s: This post is me walking down memory lane. Not intended for any other purposes, alright? Peace...

The New 7 Wonders of the World

Have always wondered which are the new ones. Someone sent this last year, but typical me just opened, read, and closed it with very minimal attention. So, as I was cleaning my inbox I found this again and might as well post it here for my personal future reference. ^_^

The New 7 Wonders of the World announced during the Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon , Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 - 07.07.07.


1. THE TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

2. THE ROMAN COLLOSEUM, ITALY

3. PETRA, JORDAN

4. MACHU PICHU, PERU

5. THE GREAT WALL, CHINA

6. CHRIST REDEEMER, BRAZIL

7. CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO

I've only been to one of the wonders of the world. And my dream is to visit all these places before I kick the bucket (after completing my Haj, of course)...

So, anyone kind enough to sponsor a trip? ;P

The day when an acrophobic went skiing...

ACROPHOBIA

Definition: Acrophobia (from Greek ἄκρος, meaning summit) is an extreme or irrational fear of heights. It belongs to a category of specific phobias, called space and motion discomfort that share both similar etiology and options for treatment. Acrophobia can be dangerous, as sufferers can experience a panic attack in a high place and become too agitated to get themselves down safely.

(from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Now, if I were to say that I’m an acrophobic, it really made sense that any activities involving heights is something that I would never consider doing, ever. So that is why you have to understand why I would say that I am really proud of myself in being able to do something that I would have never done, even if I was under the influence of ethanolic substances. Well, maybe I would do it if it’s an absolute emergency, but voluntarily putting myself in danger? I think not!

And people, NO, I’m not talking about something illegal here, ok. Come on lah, I’m talking about skiing...



THE VATRA DORNEI TRIP

Skiing? Me? If you had asked me before this, those two words would never have the chance to be in the same sentence of possibilities, i.e. Me skiing is an almost impossible and ridiculous notion. Never in my life would I have imagined my first time on the slopes would be here in Romania. But as far as first times go, I think this would be the most memorable one...

Started out waking up early to prepare but managed to be at the gara just in the nick of time (thank you asem for your early morning sprint! :-D), the lovely train ride with its magnificent snowy mountain views, and the hike up to the villa that we are supposed to be staying for the 2 nights. The air is fresher there, and the ambience was quite lovely. I would say that it’s a charming quaint little town, though it has its share of modernization (there’s a Fidelio outlet there lah people). As lovely as the sightseeing was, I think skiing was on most of their minds. But due to the fact that it was freezing cold out that day, it was decided that we would go skiing the next day.

After a hearty lunch, we headed straight to the ski park. Boy oh boy, I really can’t tell you how big the butterflies were in my stomach when I first saw the slopes. All the way I’ve been saying that “There’s no way I’m gonna be doing this people, no way…”, but when they were all strapping their boots and ski gears, I just thought, “What the heck!” and finally succumbed to put on those chunky robotic looking boots when a pair of those boots in my size were handed to me. Thump, thump, thump…..

“What in the world have I gotten myself into?!” was the first thought when, fully equipped, we all went out from the cabin with our skiing gears. And guess what; then and there one of us had the first fall, poor thing. I was so engrossed in keeping myself balanced and trying not to fall, looking very awkward and foolish, that some sweet guys took pity on me and showed me some tricks to maneuver those things. Thanks guys, but knowing is one thing, trying to make your body doing what you have learned is another thing.

But you know what the funny thing was, I really didn’t give two hoots about how ridiculous I looked or if others were laughing at me. In my mind there were only these things – get up safely without slipping, putting on my skis correctly, skiing down on my two feet and arrive safely at the foot of the slopes without any broken body parts. Well, no guesses as I managed to do it all except for the skiing down on my two feet part. Yup, I fell on my butt and/or my back countless times. Oh, but I did managed to ski down without falling once, at last, but that was after maybe the umpteenth times tumbling down. And then there was this one time that I actually continued to slide downwards on my back after I fall. Ouch! Yeah, embarrassing, I know, but not as embarrassing as being helped by a group of teenagers who can’t stop giggling at my antics. Yeah, it happened...

But then, after introducing ourselves and a brief how are you session, they turned out to be sweet young things and showed me how to ski. It was really nice of them and sweet too, but it really tickled me when they asked how old am I, if I’m there with my parents and which school I go to. Huh? School? Yeah, junior high school. Me. You should have seen the open mouthed astonished looks on their faces when I told them my age, priceless I tell you. I mean, people have been telling me that I look young, but a high school teenager?! Gosh, I haven’t been one in ages! Heheh…. At the end of the day we were sorry to leave the park, but I don’t think I would fancy a night skiing experience just yet. And as we parted our ways, the kids once again demonstrated their warmth and kindness by inviting me to celebrate Christmas (which was the day after the next) with them and their families. Aww, so sweet…but regretfully I had to decline as we had already bought our tickets for tomorrow.

All in all, this trip really was an experience that I would never forget. Not because of the bumps and bruises that thankfully have healed, but for the first time in my life I went skiing and also for the fun that I had on this trip with my buddies.

So, here’s to you guys….

- Asem: Thank you for early morning 100m dash with our bags!

- Dharma: Waaah…you ski like a pro lah, bro!

- Ganaga: Up for another round of the ‘Dinosaur adventure game’ anytime soon? I know I’m not! Gosh, it was really crazy, wasn’t it? But I really had fun lah, thanks for the very-much-needed laughter…

- Pandian: Thank you for persuading us to go when I nearly changed my mind and not go. I owe you one. Terima kasih, Mr. Tour Guide …

- Suzz & Loga: Next time if we go again we’ll make sure we borong the whole town ok! Oh, and I really like your bumble-bee boots!

- Ju: Glad you had fun skiing too. If you guys wanna know, this is one daring girl lah. Really lah ju, if it were me rolling down with my head over heels sumpah I won’t go skiing again. Hmmm, but I guess berbaloi kot main kat tempat tinggi-tinggi sbb “pemandangan” dia sungguh lah menarik nya, betul tak….

Thanks for the lovely time you guys! So, where are we going next? ;-)

And here are the photos :)

The Cranky Traveler

Have you ever been on a long-haul flight where you were practically stuck in your seat on a plane a few thousand kilometers high up in the skies for hours and hours? Well if you have, maybe some of the things below would struck a cord…


1. Crappy seats

Really, I think this is the major grouse that any frequent flyer would complain of. Some of the planes that I’ve been on have seats that are too small, with minimal leg room. If you’re traveling domestic or short distance then it wouldn’t really matter but long distance? Urghh…this is one of the times that I really rejoice in being short. Can you imagine someone who’s over 6ft tall having to accomodate his body to the oh so cute seats?…

Another thing that I noticed is that some Asian carriers provide bigger seats compared to European carriers. How do I know? Well, depending on the airline sometimes we had to transit in a neighbouring country before taking the next flight (operated by an Asian airline) back home. Correct me if I’m wrong, but after several observations I don’t really believe that my butt had suddenly shrunk after 12 hours of sitting. Seriously. Try and see it for yourself.

Oh, and another thing. Where you sit is also VERY IMPORTANT. Personally I find that seating by the window is warm, though you can have a good sleep sans interruptions. A note to snorers; please choose a window seat and do cover your face with a pillow or at least supply ear plugs for your neighbors to avoid your musical stylings from ‘rocking their world’. Do choose a seat next to the aisle if you can’t seem to hold your bladder for easier access to answer the call of nature.

And the other thing that I can’t stand are auto reclining mechanism seats. It’’s bad when the person in the seat behind you is fidgety and/or just kept pushing and pushing at your seat until suddenly you wake up from your partial slumber to find yourself in an upright sitting position! Oh god, it happened to me recently and it really really pissed me off royally. And no guesses why I was cranky throughout the whole flight…


2. Bad service, bad planes, bad landings

Cabin crews that are just plain rude or ignorant. Was really shocked when I encountered these individuals because have never experienced anything like it with our local airlines.Planes that are really bad that the interior of the plane practically groaned, squeeked and rocked especially during landing. I’ve been on one and let me tell you everyone onboard were covering their heads and some had even turned blue!Bad landings — self-explanatory. Never experienced those though. But a friend told of a landing where the plane skidded off the runway and jumped a few feet into the air before touching the ground again. Scary…


3. Sleep amount prior to your flight

Enough sleep and rest before you fly might work for some people but not me!! Why? Because I can’t sleep on the plane if I’m too well rested.
But if you do not get enough sleep and can’t even get a shut eye in-flight = Cranky+Furious+Extreme jetlag ...
Pros vs. Contra of enough sleep and rest prior to flights. Verdict is still out.


4. Special meals

Whenever I fly I would request for special meals. It’s really convenient, but I have one question though - why serve them early? Generally it’s a good idea, but there were a couple of instances where I felt bad especially when the stranger next to you started to get impatient waiting for his food and starts bugging you about yours (yeah it really does happen ok!)…


5. Last but not least…

Dehydrate, dehydrate, dehydrate…but do stay away from diuretics to avoid the hassle of visiting the lavatory for a time longer than you been in your seat (for me it is tea!)
So, anyone else have your own grouses about travelling by air? Do share!