hungry?
Giant Pau, originally uploaded by happymouse.
Giant buns to last you through breakfast, lunch & dinner... and maybe even supper.Labels: travel, yumyum
when we conquered berkelah
Wow. I never thought I'd see this photo again until Kara and I finally found each other on Facebook. (P.S. She's awesome!) Just check out my young innocent face. Wahahaha...
All right. I'll admit. If there was just one point in my life when I was anything but innocent, it would have to be during that period of my life.
Just recently, I was going through some of my old diaries and weblog entries and it seems almost like I was a totally different person. "Eeew. What was I up to?"
Sordid history.
But anyway, Berkelah bears no vile memory. Every bit of our climb up (and down) was awesome. Perhaps it was that trip that made me fall in love with trekking. Not that I trek much, but I really do love it and I'm pretty good with climbing! The guys were nice then, they called me Tomb Raider -- for being the one girl who climbed so quickly and without any masculine help at all. But if they had meant to make it sound bad, like how Drew did once, you could call me a monkey.
I remember, also, the burning heat of the day and freezing cold of the night. There weren't space left in the tents so I stayed out by the cliff side with Mark and nearly turned into ice. He had a hard time helping his pet dino (aka me) thaw the next morning. LOL. Though we did manage to have ice milo thanks to the cold. The bottle of hot milo we left out the night before turned into ice cold milo. Yeah, it was that cold.
And there was that running joke about how Kara woke up in the morning asking, "What is that sound?" (the waterfall, duh.)
Speaking of all these makes me miss another place as well.
Bako National Park. :)
And while I'm reminiscing old times, d is drooling over the hot athlete on TV. Idiot. :PLabels: friends, random, travel
toys!
I wanted so much to buy this in Hong Kong, but the machine only accepts payment via Octupus Card -- which I didn't have. ):
But I did manage to buy so many other toys, I feel just that little bit comforted. Haa!Labels: toys, travel
Streets of Hong Kong
Labels: travel
the freedom I know
I have been reading the news on Irrawady ever since I came back from my Thailand trip, after flipping through the magazine while I was in Mae Salit. The news is forever -- almost, gloomy.
Sometime back, when I was at Kai Lun's(?) Karen Photo Exhibition, she told us about a Burmese lady who spoke to her. According to that lady, the Karens are not as pathetic as they have been portrayed and everything has just been blown out of proportion by outsiders. It brings to my mind how I've met people who think that Singapore is a very oppressed nation and how I'd often say that that's not true.
Perhaps it is just that I have never been persecuted, so I assume nobody else has.
But the story is not about Singapore. It's about the Karens.
This was the sunrise I woke up early to see one morning. It was about 4am that we woke up, and about 6am that we reached the mountain top. It didn't actually look so pretty. The photo has been edited. It was rather hazy/cloudly and I was freezing cold. But only the colours of the photo has been edited. The view was nonetheless spectacular.
Who else could have created something like that but the grand master artist of all?
My Papa, the great designer. :)
For such a beautiful sight, it's almost ironic to think that there is a war going on hidden behind that beauty. It is in that forested area that the Karens have their HQ, with the mountain range as their natural fortress against the Junta.
And just little steps away, are the many Karen villages littered all across the borderline of Thailand -- one of which I was staying in.
Collin, Yahui and I took a walk one day after brunch, to the border river. We thought we couldn't go further past the guard post but one local told us to go ahead. He showed us which way to go to get the best shots and there we were again, standing the middle of Karen state, and on the borderline of Thailand and Burma.
I wonder what would my life be like if I were Karen. Or even if my name was Karen, instead of what it is.
Life may just be very different.
I could have grown up stripping myself naked and jumping into the waterfall everyday.
 Labels: random, reflections, travel
Where everyday was filled with laughter
Where everyday is fun day
Originally uploaded by kareneee.
I'm back from Thailand and I don't know why I came back.
For if home is where the heart is, I just left home.Labels: in Christ, reflections, travel
When my Papa held me in his arms
"Have I faltered, Lord?" - I made myself ask
"Come, sit with me," - I hear him call
"Papa..." - I found myself say
"Yes, my child. I love you," - he whispered
Our conversation lasted a mere minute or two
But it came worth a thousand years
Then he carried me, and I held him close
His strength was apparent; not a hint of discomfort
I fell asleep in his arms
"Fear not, for I am with you." Isaiah 43:5
Naked, I came into this world
Naked, will I depart
All my fears, my weaknesses, and my final ounce of strength
Placed at the foot of the cross
With him, who holds this world in place
True joy was made complete
When I came face to face with the Creator of all things
A heart of awe; a heart of gratitude
The selfless love; the glorious sacrifice
The ordinary miracles of life.
I'm down on my knees once again
Completely surrendered to him
He is my everything
He is my all
He is my everything
Both great and small
He gave his life for me
Made everything new
He is my everything
Now how about you
Like honey in the rock
Sweet honey in the rock
For He tastes like honey in the rock
O taste and see that the Lord is good
For He tastes like honey in the rockLabels: animals, in Christ, travel
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
 Labels: in Christ, travel
the road less travelled
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12
Yes, I'm back and will be off again shortly. No time no time!
But before I go, here're more amazing photos of the beautiful creations of our Maker!
God, the brilliant artist; me, the smarty-pants (albeit, quite lousy) photographer. Wahaha. (:
Will post more when I get back!Labels: in Christ, travel
a cambodian maid & a golden mongrel
Taken almost a month ago...
Eu, Wendy and I went on a road trip to give us (me) a chance to recuperate. We were only away for a little less than 2 days and did I return refreshed? Hardly. Rather I came back to even greater malaise.
But it probably did good. I noticed how I tend to write more, and write better, during the times of my life when I'd rather not be alive.
Yet who can stop me from singing?
The photo above was taken at an old granny's home - except she wasn't home. The story is complicated, but in the simplest sense, we had a chance to tour the home and befriend a lonely Cambodian lady who worked at the home.
She held my hand as she recounted her stories and seemed as though she was ready to tear. We could see that she'd been longing for a companion, although she never said she did.
I held her in return and nodded to her tales. I hardly spoke, but that didn't matter.
I should have always been that way
Aside, I hadn't seen the evening sun the whole week. Morning - I see, Lunch - maybe, Night fall - surely.
I thought it was pretty when I finally saw it again today.
Still, there's nothing that will stop me from singingAnd without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. - Hebrews 11:6 Labels: friends, random, reflections, travel
Days when I missed that ol' market
Autumn Mood
Originally uploaded by boboniaa.
Ratchada market was one of a kind. I loved that place although I hardly bought a thing. But I did get the most amazing dress (which I haven't worn) and the cheapest - and tastiest - popcorn I've ever eaten in my life. At only 10 Baht for an amazingly big bag of evenly sweetened popcorn.
Yum. Labels: shopping, travel
the road together
We got ourselves two sets of couple tees, the above being the first set found in Suan Lum Night Bazaar. We thought it was a pretty funny design. And it was extra hilarious when we realised that our roads can't connect due to the disparity in height between the both of us.
The other set is a motorbike one that we found in Chatuchak - which we also got a set for Pee and Kai Ting for the fun of it. Haha. :)
Hope they'll like it!Labels: in love, shopping, travel
Now everyone can fly!
A day before I left for Bangkok on Airasia, there were news reports about the disabled being unable to fly. I thought it was quite funny and it must be really depressing for the poor copywriter and marketing team who thought they came up with the perfect tagline.
Anyway, I visited their Zoo. I checked all the websites online and they all told me the zoo admission tickets were 30 baht or so. When I got there, I realised it was 50 baht for Thais and 100 baht for foreigners. They're such suckers. I nearly got my way through with 50 baht but then I couldn't lie. I told them I'm not Thai and then they took 200 baht from us.
The zoo was small and badly taken care of. The animals were so few and they all looked like they needed a new home desperately. Or maybe I was too used to our zoo, which is really tops. :) That reminds me. I have a discount coupon from the NDPgoodie bag for 50% off Night Safari admission tickets. Yay!
This meerkat has a smiley face! Hehe :) I didn't edit it; I sweeeaar.
Children at the zoo
And then we also went to Ratchada Market, a really old non-touristy spot off the central shopping area. The place and almost everything it had was vintage! I bought a big packet of pop corn for 10 baht and it was all so sweet and yummy, unlike the lousy ones we get here at the cinemas where 75% is plain pop corn that didn't get the syrup on them. Yucks. :(
This, I didn't take at Ratchada but at Silom. But there were plenty of these (and Vespas) at the Ratchada market too!
Wish I could have one!Labels: animals, biker, travel
Food Fest Melaka!
Our weekend escapade at Melaka went pretty well. Save for the tedious climb up Bukit St. Paul for the Power Race. (Yikes!)
My favourite part about the trip was the toys I bought from Jonker Street. I would take a photo - when I have the time. They're so amazingly retro and I got one each for the girls in the office. They all squealed too! :)
We also had some yummy crepes cake from Nadeje Patisserie. I was wondering if I could cook my own. Hmm...
And I do love Jonker - not for it's food. I love it for it's old-fashioned quaintness, the ah peks howling hokkien songs and the aunties in sychronised line-dance sessions.
Nice. :)
And I loved the company I had. Youths, they may be, but so often remind me of myself. Sorry groupie, we didn't win the race (but anyway no prize. So never mind!) Hehe.
Maybe if we played the game in Bangkok, we'd have a higher chance of winning.Labels: travel
in the middle of my dreams
It probably isn't a normal kind of dream. I've lived by the border for most of my life - a view of Malaysia, separated by a body of water. But that was all. Every night before I slept I would gaze at the World Map stuck by the wall, and wonder... what is the border like for countries that don't have that water separator?
As a child, I would asked my daddy to show me where the midpoint of the causeway is - especially when we're walking across. He would point me here and there. Maybe by the lamp post, he would tell me. And I would stand right there and look. Which part is Singapore and which part is Johor? How do I know if I have really stepped into Johor?
Back at home, I would study the map so fervently I'd sometimes dream of myself standing in the middle - right where the border line is, with one foot here and one foot there. A citizen; a foreigner. A visitor at two countries - at the same time. :)
Last year, I found myself in my dreams.
I've never been to Myanmar but I have now seen its Burmese soil, from Thailand. The photo above was one of the many Burmese folk I met at that border, attempting to sell me crabs. I felt this little stir of excitement well up within me as I walked towards the bridge, and finally, on the bridge - which forms the border line between Myanmar and Thailand. The people I was with were not quite so interested in the bridge as I was. They probably never had my kind of dream. They didn't share my excitement, but I was so thrilled, I didn't care to explain. I told the two guys I was with, I wanted to go walk along the bridge. They said ok, be careful. And I was off.
At that bridge, I saw many faces and all sorts of wares - seafood, knives and contraband cigarettes too. A young boy, perhaps 12, asked if I wanted a pack - in Thai. I shook my head; he ran away with his face downcast. Further out, little makeshift huts stood bravely against the strong gusts of wind. I suppose these peddling folks slept there during the night, when they're not busy gathering their goods." What was life like for them?" I pondered. I wanted to ask, but we couldn't communicate. I continued to watch.
My joy was no longer. I fulfiled a little wilful dream but what good have a gained? A satisfaction, I have not. Everything I saw was nothing to be happy about. It suddenly became so evident that standing in the middle was of no good at all.
When Aaron made that expeditious sprint to intercede for the people who rebelled against him, Moses and God, death stopped its work. Aaron, whom I think would have been over 100 years old, stood between the living and the dead, giving all his might to save the very people who did him injustice.
At the cross, Christ tore the barrier between us and God, and built a bridge that would grant us permanant access to the very heart of God.
Are you ready to take that stand - between the living and the dead?
 Labels: in Christ, reflections, travel
Bangkoker, once again
My favourite photo...
Baby Pompom! Although the living conditions of the animals in Bangkok is really sad, I do love paying them a visit everytime I go because they have so many many many pomeranians! I love poms. Especially my darling Pon Pon, who has been with me since I was 11!!! That makes him really old. :( But he's still a darling.
Anyway, I digress. Here's another. Pug baby!
His grumpy frumpy face is so adorable! I wish I could bring them all home.
One of my favourite stops in Bangkok this time round, is down the fresh flowers market area. I love the bunches of roses that smell so fresh and colours so vibrant. And what's more, every bunch is only about $2!!! They don't have much sunflowers though. hee.
The desserts this lady was hawking looked so delicious I wanted to try them all! But hor... we just had a heavy breakfast. :(
And a random shot taken while onboard the River Taxi... I was pretty amused by the sign "Space for monks"
Buddhism is so deeply rooted in Thai culture. You're asked to give up your seats to them even on the train... on those corner seats where in Singapore, you'd have to give up to the elderly and pregnant ladies.
And that's it. I hardly took photos this time round. haha. I guess we'll all have to wait for eueu to post her many many photos. :)Labels: travel
At the airport
I don't like the budget airport. It really sucks. It's small and almost pathetic. Haha. Next time I'll stick to the normal flights and normal terminals. :)
Anyway, I'll be back Sunday. See you then. ;)Labels: travel
goodbye!
On my way out in less than 24 hours. Heehee. :)Labels: travel
Take a little trip and see
Take a little trip and see
Originally uploaded by Reinar.
Sometimes, very often, I miss Melbourne so much, my heart aches.
I'm glad I'm meeting Reinar tonight. :) Labels: friends, travel
Off, Over, Out
We are both packed and ready to leave... But there's something lingering about in my heart.
I miss my mice! and my lovely ponpon.
But yes, we're off in a few hours.
I'm praying that this won't be yet another mission trip, which I foresee, won't. Afterall, I've not met this particular people group yet. And whilst the Orang Asli trip seems close enough in terms of "terrain", I don't suppose I can predict anything.
God moves in ways I can't foretell!
See you in a week.
ren&reneLabels: in Christ, travel
Little Streets of Melbourne
On the corner of Little Collins and Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne.
I really like this shot by Reinar, my aussie lecturer - but I don't know why. And that makes it doubly strange, because Reinar himself says "I keep staring at this image. I'm not so sure why."
Maybe it's that woman, someone says.
But I think I know why. Why I like it. This shot brings back memories. A tinge of familiarity yet distance. I was there for awhile. Quite awhile. Yet not long enough to know it well. It's a scene where if you didn't caption it, I wouldn't know where it was, but something would tell me that I was once there - and many times I walked down that same street.
The little street with the same name as the neighbouring big street. Hmm.
Melbourne's streets are named as such. Collins St runs parallel to the small street next to it, Little Collins St. And the phenomenon runs throughout the city streets - which are so square and organised, it's hard to get lost at all.
I do love Melbourne, and all the happy moments spent with my classmates there. Mmmm. I can almost smell the air.
*mozzies! eew.*Labels: travel
Bangkoker
I bought bags, shoes, skirts, and the most adorable cherry/strawberry print fabrics! yay! Haha. Okay. This is just a sneak peak of my favourite buys.
The rest are still in the bag - the new faux LV bag I bought for just 199 baht. Cheap and so very pretty! And it doesn't look cheap either. I love my bag, and everything I bought, very much. Hee.
More Bangkok Photos here!!!Labels: travel
Mouseys, Bangkok and the Pasar Malam
Not for those who dislike rodents! :P
 
Toby & Tezuka
Tasha
 
Tasha, Toby & Theodore
I have another brown baby girly, Tania, but she's so squirmish it's so hard to take a photo! :)
**
My Bangkok photos can be found on my flickr
**
And if you thought I'd have had enough shopping in Bangkok, you're wrong. Haha. We went to the Pasar Malam (Ramadan coming up) and I found these lovely buys. Cram Cream and Disney tapes!
Also bought pyjamas and some socks. PJs to wear, but socks to make sock dolls! :D
So cute arh, my new PJs. Haha.Labels: animals, travel
Bangkoker
Me, back from Bangkok. :D
Unfortunately, it's back to work tomorrow and on a tight budget now that I've splurged a good lot on all that junk. Good junk. I began buying items in bulk from day one - 4 skirts. And then I bought gazillion other tops. But I only bought one pair of shoes, one pair of slippers and maybe 3-4 pairs of earrings. Which is really little. Hmm. The shoes were rather nice but not awe-inspiringly nice - except for some that was 500 baht onwards. At that price, I might as well shop here. Back home. Without the hassle of being lost in translation and the fear of getting cheated.
End of updates for now. I'm just waiting for my hair to dry so I can get to sleep.
Oh. And this is the first time I didn't buy a thing from Duty Free. Not even a small snack or a book or a newspaper. Nope. No fragrances. No alcohol. BUT I spent all my SGD on the damned cab fare to and fro the airport.
So bloody far.Labels: travel
chan ja bpai krung teep!
I'm off to Bangkok with my colleagues for a company retreat next month. Woo! How blessed I am. Just when I was telling myself I want to go to Thailand, fast, and practice my Thai and do some good shopping, the retreat comes along with close to 2 full days of free & easy shopping time.
Plus, accomodation, insurance and flight is paid for by the company. :D
11 AUG(FRI) SINGAPORE/BANGKOK TG402 0815/0935 HRS
13 AUG(SUN) BANGKOK/SINGAPORE TG401 1915/2235 HRS
Accomodation would be at Baiyoke Sky Hotel! - nicely smack in the middle of town. Near MBK, Siam Square and the likes.
Pratunam Market too. I've been wanting to go there. :P
Yippie aye yay!Labels: travel
|
