5foot10

Fog

2011-10-29T22:50:00.000+02:00

It's been almost a good two months i am here in Copenhagen. and a few more months, hopefully not, i will be set sailing back to where i am from . It's been a rolling coaster ride . I'm getting used to it. By the frequency of the update you've got, you'll probably know how bad i am in juggling my uni life, my private life and also my virtual life (jnbl.net). I have folders of picture sorted up that should be up here! but I've surrender myself to my laziness.

It's getting colder here in Copenhagen, and this few days, the fog came in. The fog gave this city another depth of feel, another dimension and the strong ray of sunlight that's used to be there, on a fine days are now disperse off by the ice crystal suspended in he air. No more warmth can be felt on my skin. Just a pure blur vision not knowing whats coming.

Waking up, looking out the window, the fog had my mind playing the song "A foggy day" by Michael Buble. It's a nice feeling i must admit. Even biking in the fog, it gives u another sense of feel. You started off dry and slowly the water crystal in the air, crystalise on your attire and too, your skin. It is somewhat magical.

Do you like the fog?

en route

2011-10-07T14:15:00.001+02:00

Take a trip with me to the Den Sorte Diamant which is translated to Black diamond library. It's quasi-offcicial nickname is a reference to its polished black granite cladding and irregular angles, complete in 1999. I was here once, and absolutely love the ambience of it. Hence, i'm back here again to complete my never ending assignments.

the favourite route with the greens

tedious uphill bridge, "sour" leg

the black structure is where we are heading to

my bikey has a cap on it ;)

cobble stone!

entering the diamond.

up to the reading room

behind the glass facade

my temp work station

the live tv show

ciaoz.

Time to crank the work up... =(
Have a great friday .

Cafe Paludan

2011-10-05T16:31:00.000+02:00

J: Where are we you going later?
M: Some random cafe sit and work i guess
J: there is this cafe in the city center pretty good
M: oh. Whats the name of it?
J: It's cafe ..... no it's my secret cafe
M: ...

so eventually i had to wait for J's class to dismiss then only allowed to go to this "secret cafe". Since the it's a secret cafe of his, yeah i have high expectation on it. Whats so special? After a meetup, we had to this place straight away which is situated right at the city center. It was clueless walking for me trying to figure out so is this it? this? nope.. This one.. ? until i enter this cobble stone street and really familiar with the site. This is my usual hangout as it's filled with vintages shops around.

We reached, Paludan bogcafe which is translated to Paludan's book and cafe, it's a contemporary art gallery- restaurant packed with new and used books. Located right in the city amidst the Latin quarter and the main pedestrian shopping streets (Strøget, if i didnt remember right it's pronounce as "stole" ) and appropriately, right opposite to the university main building and the university library building dating back to the 19th century.

It started it's life as a typical bookstores all according to J. then slowly developed and with a name change into a fully fledged cafe in a bookstore setting. It's established since 1895. If you want something unpretentious but just plain good, this particular cafe should be on your radar. I just can't resists cafe/bookstore combo, am impressed about it and brought me back to the days when i am in Poland. A strong cafe latte, surrounded by all those books, - it's a match made in heaven. Great lightings for reading and doing work and free wi-fi. You always cant beat free wifi.

It's filled with people , lots of student doing their work, chilling, talking and eating. The spaces/rooms inside, sort of living rooms, the ideal for a danish style relax, perfect cosy bookshop cafe for a cold day. There were so packed with people that it's hard to get a good choice of tables. i usually go for the window seats. i like studying human and passersby. Anyway it was a good evening with good chats. I had Cappocino (25kr)

Paludan's Book & Café
Address:Fiolstræde 10-12
Copenhagen K

I'll go back for sure.

Back

2011-10-03T17:18:00.000+02:00

It's great to be back in Copenhagen. All i can say. Oslo is freaking cheap and constantly need to worry about how to get here and there it's just weird this question no longer pop up when i am in Copenhagen. Even walking down the street of Oslo, hey where are all the bikes and all?

Luckily i still managed to bike after 4 days of not doing it. Biking with one hand ftw~

The streets of Oslo, cold, quiet, lifeless and in your face. Im glad to be back to my 2nd home.

set sail

2011-09-30T14:32:00.002+02:00

My september ends here. Presentation was over 2 hours ago, and it all went well. I hope this tedious month ends here and not continuing it throughout the whole semester. Hoping it will be much easier then so i get a chance to breathe and live life. I hope so.

Next agenda, is a study trip to Oslo, i am not anticipating the trip much for no reason. Maybe it's because the sun and the weather throughout the weekend in Copenhagen look really promising. Nevertheless, I'll still try to enjoy it =) it would be my 2nd n 3rd experience siting on a boat for 16 hours straight. ( to and fro ). Have a great weekend.

1st month

2011-09-28T17:56:00.001+02:00

Today marks my one month in Copenhagen, i remember last week i was talking to my classmate, Q about out Oslo study trip which is coming up real soon ( this weekend )...

M: hey, guess what next week we will be in Oslo already
Q: yeah!
M: time passes so swiftly, i can actually see february around the corner.

Never screw with time, It pass so quickly once u start enjoying ur life. As i know most of the time when i reach a new place. the first month / weeks / days would feel terrible.

When i was in Poland, i felt terrible for a week.

when i first settle down in Australia, i felt terrible for a whole month,

and in Denmark, i felt terrible for almost 2 week.

all i can say is i felt the worst when i was in Denmark!

Looking back at the whole month in Denmark, i actually managed to pull off quite a lot of things:

I did my 2nd couchsurfing here for a total of 3 days.

I'm glad to represent Malaysia, for being the first Malaysian to be in Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Not sure how true it is, but i was told by the international student coordinator... and ironically, it's Australia that gave me the chance of doing the exchange not Malaysia.

I totally offended everyone when i were ask what will i be in 10 years time.. I would be SICK of Architecture.. ( the whole room went silence for 10 sec and i got the stare) awkward~

I master the art of riding bike, and totally bike everywhere now.. i am the stage where i can bike with one hand and text with another! By the end of 6 months, i would really want to bike with no hands. Especially when u have show off friends who always bike handless beside you... geez. it used to take me 40 min to cycle to uni, now i could do it in 25min ish.

I decided to deactivate my facebook decided that it's about to take charge of my life?Lets see how long can i last, doing pretty well!

I made a crucial decision in maybe taking a gap year next year. do some soul searching and experiencing.I also made a crucial decision in my personal life. for the good.

I made cool friends that i'm comfortable with.. crazy people... Q from America, B from Austria, A from Portugal, R from Holland, K from Switzerland, E from Estonia, J from Denmark. looking at the list, wat a diverse group =.= I made a good friend here as well.

I'm studying too hard here too.

Kaffekilden

2011-09-27T11:33:00.004+02:00

Right in between Nørrebro and Østerbro, is where my encounter happens today. Not accidental but more like a place guided by J. It's called KaffeKilden, a small cosy shop set by the the corner of the block, facing a busy street with vehicles, pedestrian and cyclist passing by. Weather is great once again and predicted to be this good for the rest of the week.

I went for the promotional set offered by the cafe, It's lille latte (Little latte) + croissant for 30kr. Reasonable price compare to other place. However, the coffee is not up to par to what i normally take. well, it's too watery if u get what i mean. I enjoy the bitter kick, but im not sure where did it go in this cup of latte. Croissant looks like it just went for an intense diet, i would prefer something more fluffy and cheerful looking. This just look way too skinny but no doubt it's tasty, definitely way better than the latte. Side note: i miss croissant ! one of my most love pastry, i just like pronouncing it, it feels so upperclass no? "Cro-song" with a flick in the tongue ;)

I guess coffee culture here in Copenhagen is still not as prominent, i am not yet impressed by or grab my attention, or suggested me to stay longer. I'm only persuaded to stay out here longer because of the weather, i need some sun to cheer me up. However, look at the bright side... there is wifi but.... no music. -.- i had to pop on my earphone just to create and artificial enviornment.

I have to go out more often, this is what i have to remind myself of everyday, winter is just around the corner, and everybody had been mentioning to me that weather during the winter season ain't gonna be pretty and i totally have to second that. Copenhagen weathers sucks everyday. PMS 24/7

and when tomoro comes, it would be my one month in Copenhagen, Denmark. Looking back at how i pass that one month, i have to say.. im pretty amazed by myself as well. :) and definitely deserve a pat at the back. Life moves on no matter you like it or not, time ticks and wait for no ones. This reminded me of the very meaningful quote given by my lecturer here in denmark. "Life is understood backwards, but must be live forward"

Let's see what have i done during this 1 month tomorrow.
as for Kaffekilden on Tagensvej 41
it's cheap but lack in taste (coffee wise) .

i dun think ill be coming back...

Grød

2011-09-25T18:33:00.003+02:00

Like i've mention before, I will try my best to go out as much as possible during the weekend, even when there is work required to be submitted on monday! Just have to be really hardworking at night and try to get things done =)

So this weekend, i was suggested by a mate to head to a street, which is refer to the the Hells angel street (Jægersborggade) in Nørrebro. Not sure about you guys, as i turn my bike going into the street, i find the road patches very intriguing. Almost would be able to relate to the Hells and angel thing or maybe yin n yang? There is another Coffee collective there, and it's well packed with people at 12pm when i arrived. It's not a long street but definitely feel with this boho vibe to it. Not exactly very, but getting there. It would be a nice street just to escape for a bit from the city.

It's a great weather to begin with, great companion, great mood, everything is just so great. It's really to describe this kind of feeling. It's just feel like the perfect morning where nothing is gonna turn bad. im a happy kiddo. So as, me and my friend walk along the street, one session of long clapping grabbed our attention. A crowd gathering outside one of the shop, accompany with loud chattering. Being the kepo guy yeah we went and have a look.

It's Grød. it's situated at the far end of the street. a humble small, shop with minimalist design but packed with people that day. Apparently it was there first day of business, see how lucky i was to actually to stumble upon it and hell yeah very glad we stumble upon this place. It was a long queue but judging on the queue they must have been doing something right!

A simple way of using space, rough decoration and clean cut. I am actually adoring the design. If u zoom out a little bit, it sets in this rough looking neighbourhood, anything posh or sleek looking shop would totally look out of space.

It's a good 5-10 minutes queue, so here am i introducing to you to my new second-hand leather shoes! (360kr) that i manage to get it from a Second hand shop, Københaven K (Teglgårdstræde 4). At last a shop that offers a wide range of street wear for both men and women! It was a good grab.

In the shop, everything is in danish, but stress free for me considering imma walking around with a danish buddy hhaha! I did manage to guess whats one of them rødbede risotto (pretty obvious it's a beetroot no?), and Havregrød med solbær (oatmeal with blackcurrant) is what i had. (30kr each) and accompany with 2 latte (20kr) which is surprisingly cheap.

I was quite reluctant to have something sweet in a savoury dish. I had this experience when i had a rosewater risotto in Tasmania, Australia and it was an absolute disaster in every way! I did squinch my eye as i put the first spoon into my mouth and...delighted =) It taste so good probably because of the acidity of the blackcurrant cut through the sweetness of the dish. Absolutely winner!

Manage to find a sit among the heavy crowds around the place, perfect ambient, like i say weather is great and the background chattering and laughing sound of people there. A restaurant can never fake that! Even the 20kr latte taste so good, it's standard but it's a perfect standard latte i had. Trust me i pay for more for sucky one before. I would strongly recommend this place for sure!

Imma definitely going back soon, perhaps next week?

Grød

Jægersborggade 50 tv,

2200 Copenhagen, Denmark

anybody joining in?

The Coffee Collective

2011-09-21T20:57:00.004+02:00

It was a saturday in Copenhagen, finally a weekend that i actually get some free time to explore around Copenhagen. Last week i was just so caught up with work, it kills me that i have to stay in my room when the sun is shining ferociously outside . This week, not a chance, heading out every minute i get, just to grasp, to feel, to experience, to stumble, to smell this foreign place.

My first pick was Nørreport, obviously because it was a the set where the flea market is happening. I'm totally a flea freak, Cheap vintage stuff ftw. However, sadly it's not happening this and next week due to the biking competition thats happening. bugger.

Just in that area there is two food market relatively new, Torvehallerne. Pretty eye catching as it's two large glass buildings effortlessly sitting on the square. The transparency of the glass break the distinction between the indoor space and the outdoor space. It sits in the heart of Nørreport, at Israels Plads, home to Copenhagen’s original fruit and vegetable market, also it's just next to the train station (S-train). It's a great location considering roughly 25,000 cyclists pass Nørreport everyday, and i am officially one of them as well ;) .. not to mention the commuters using the stations.

So imagine the crowd! the flock of people around this area bustled with families, couples and curious passers-by like me! I was there around 11am and the crowd were like having a celebration! I guess, as a student, i still don't find this market useful for me in every sense, the products they sell, the fine food they display, healthy organic foods.. ah heaven... but would be un-practical for me to get those yet. ...and at the end of one of the building is a coffee shop, The Coffee Collective

To be frank, I'm usually not very much interested in coffee shop in markets, often i would think they are very "commercialize" but the smell of the fresh grinded coffee, it smell so nice i could die! even my leg decided to go rogue on me. It even has a Q ! i guess it should be good. While, waiting at the Q, i started to look at the menu and deciding which to get. Something really funny happen here as i was discussing with my friend.

Me: What's Cortado?
Q: I don't know .
Me: Well, It really sounds like a beer...

Just as i finish the sentence, the guy behind me who was on the line, burst into laughter. I looked at him and yeah i know he is judging me. For instance, i feel like my hair turn blonde, and grew a G-cup breast in that instance...

Me: (I squinted i seriously squined... my eyes and look at him) Stop teasing... So..what's cortado .
P: bla.. bla.. bla....

So apparently cortado is an expresso, "cut" with a small amount of warm milk to reduce the acidity and no foam... Apparently according to this guy , he thinks "the coffee collective" has one of the best coffee in town and recommended cappuncino to me and refering it to a "dessert" coffee. Great! someone made a decision for me. =D Cappucino it is (33kr).

I've got my coffee after some wait, it was really good! The chattering sounds of people in the background, the slightly cold/gloomy weather, the colourful veges/fruits laying around accompany with a great cup of coffee. As a sweet tooth, i usually add a few teaspoon of sugar into my coffee, this time i walk away forgetting about the sugar! but regardless and to my surprise.. it's still really good =D

It's a promising weekend for me to start off my saturday with a great cup of coffee. This is officially my first cup of coffee in Copenhagen, and the cup deserve to be kept for awhile.

I must admit, i am a junk collector.

sigh

2011-09-19T16:16:00.001+02:00

Not sure what is wrong with copenhagen, but when i am totally hooked up with my work, the weather outside decide to be lovely.. lovely lovely.. and im stuck in here... doing my blardy work ... the mother-fucking work (quoted from my lecturer)... She is the funny one..

"You've got to dig into the space and find the shit! " Lecturer.

My bowl

2011-09-15T00:17:00.004+02:00

I am still weird off by the fact that, this house i am staying doesnt have bowls, i mean they have one, but more like a cereal size bowl... it is impossible to fit in this bowl of noodles + broth. i guess the dan's don eat things with noodle and broth together.. I just have to improvise.. A bowl of Tom yum, jam packed with flavour i familiar with and a little closer to home.

i miss using chopsticks.

Moon

2011-09-14T01:39:00.003+02:00

Nowdays, or should i say for this month, September, almost all of my weekend would be sacrifice for university work. It's not voluntary more like a mandatory, always have not been the most hardworking guy : / . Weekdays are somewhat more flexible for me, especially during the noon, after we are all done with lecture and here comes the studio time.

I did a site visit to my site, and decided it's too early to go back (6.30pm) since i never actually wander around the city much, haven had the time at all. So yes! i went to walk around the city. My trip started from Nyhavn and walk further north until i spot the famous little mermaid. As i was lone walking along the river, i already cant help to notice the moon, the full moon.

That reminded me yesterday was actually the mooncake festival known to most of the chinese. It sadden me a little, for not being able to eat one. (Happy Belated Mooncake Festival btw) Humans are too complex, if i were back home, not eating a mooncake won't even matter to me. But now, the body is in denmark, and if a mooncake came around it would have made my whole month.

Even though the cold strong wind is blowing, the whistling sound, sounded like a lullaby, sitting by the little mermaid on this quiet night, moon was sugar white perfection, cloudless sky, radiant beams of purest light. To top everything off, the gushing sound from the sea, just made the best symphony to heighten the sense of feel.

A lot of movies, uses the moon and refer it as a medium that connects our heart, the invisible link. No matter where you are, we are all looking at the same moon, and from the movie "Dear John" i've learned that if u close one eye, and hold your thumb up, the moon will never be bigger than the size of your thumb. Have you heard of this expression before in any movies? I know it's cliche, and we all do love this cliche things.

another take on another memaid, surrealism, out at Langelinie Alle

Looking at the moon shining by itself, feels like the master of reflection, you could be happy or sad and still looking at the moon. It reflects your expression. Some night it may be melting in the clouds of tears or even shinning your smile like a bright sun..

but tonight, the moon looks like
he's missing someone...
I see the moon and the moon sees me

I'm slowly amazed by this two wheels now, bring me around, and everywhere. Best buddy in cph. ;) gosh, im making friend with a bike.. now that's serious shit -.- . To all my friends in australia, who wandered whether the mermaid is back in Denmark! yes she did managed to get back to Denmark.. no longer in China =)

Have fun

2011-09-10T08:00:00.001+02:00

"Take it easy, Just have fun with it"

This sentence came out of my professor's mouth before ending out presentation session yesterday. I, because of this sentence, being me as always, procrastinate like no one's business (referring to yesterday night, instead of doing work, i went from nap to deep slumber)

Friday in Copenhagen, it's quite a big deal for students. Each uni ( i assume ) set up a bar, organised by the students, providing beer or other drinks to the students. A way of networking at the same time earn money. It's the last day of the study week, and kicking off the weekend with a beer. I'm not much of a beer person, but just sitting down, talking for once, doesnt much involve "living Community", "Social Roles and Expectations" (my topic for the presentation) feel so good. However, weathers gets really unpleasant in the late evening.

Now, the 72hr design charette, i hope i've got something to pin up. Somehow i think i need to leave a good impression. Like really a good one.

Yes to

2011-09-09T12:02:00.001+02:00

So 1 assignment down, everyone seems very stress and still doing, made me wonder whether i did enough. But i shall be content, it's only the first submission and this is the only the beginning, officially after 1pm i would enter another phase where it is the 72 hr design charette. To Analyse and produce a project within the time frame. I'm not sure i'll managed but i'll worry later.

There would be no weekend for me as well, kinda uncool right ;(, i guess i just have to get used to it. Weather is really good, sunny with light breezes, i have to escape from my studio, everyone here had their stern face on, tense in the air. Went out for a 10 minutes walk to the nearest supermarket near my uni, Netto. Wanna pick out something for my itchy mouth.

As i walk down the cookie aisle, this instant grabbed my attention. =) i've seen him before but skipped it the first time! not this time. Won't say no to spongebob, wont say no to yellow. A Simple box like this put a smile on my face, it's gonna be a good day today.

Spongebob cookie is so healthy! No hydrogenated fats, No artificial colour, No preservative!

Side note:
I love yellow,
I love spongebob,
and i told u it's not gonna be the same anymore.

My care package

2011-09-07T22:54:00.001+02:00

It was early in the morning, I'm still siting by the laptop, watching movie with a bowl of cereal - Cheerios. Paying very much attention on the movie, when i hear a familiar knock on the door. Because i'm only here for merely a week, every knock on the door is handle in certain way of formality. Making sure i have my cloths on, putting away the underwear that's lying on the floor, and just making my lair presentable, before i open the door.

It was my housemate, holding an object with a very cliche wrapped.

F: This is for you!
M: Me? really? whats this!
F: Open it.
M: omg, thanks! Thank you very much
(feeling whats in the package, it's soft)
F: Hope you like it.
(walk off with a smile)

It just put a smile on my face, i sort of guess what's inside but never know that it was nicer than what've expected. It's a blardy cute horn for my bike. It's so adorable that i could die ! The housemate, Mr.F, is a 4X year old friendly spanish guy, very fatherly attitude, who actually taught me tips and tricks of riding a bike. Although it's just a 10 minutes session, i did learn something. I really do appreciate the gift tho, so much that i think i'm not gonna use it. It think it's too cute to be expose to the world, people gonna steal it. Maybe one day i'll use it, watch out bitches! Horn's on it's way.

It was a rather long day for me today, from 1pm to 10 pm . Cycled home ( 2nd day without injuries =) ) and saw a box by my door side. Must be my care package from Liverpool. I know this package coming, but certainly dunno what's the content. Opening up the box slowly, full of excitement, exploring what's in there and digging in the treasure box. The excitement could be compare to a small boy given a lolli, or a fat boy given a slice of chocolate cake.

Thoughts on that second while going through whats inside was .. grateful. I'm grateful. Grateful that, i'm surrounded with great peoples around me. That actually cares about me, acknowledge my existence. I dun need much friends, i just need real ones. Thanks you.

I'm a happy kiddo today,
I'm grateful,I'm thankful.

Anybody wanna send me care package ;)

Life as it is

2011-09-06T22:35:00.009+02:00

"Life is understoond backwards,

But must be lived forward"

-Søren Kierkegaard

This interesting quote was introduced to me by my lecturer today. Applying this quote to the importance of keeping track of our work process and have it all jolted down in a book. But this interesting quote, had me stumbled and wandered into my wonderland - The wonderland of thoughts.

It is quite true what the philosophy says; that life must be understood backwards. History is what have shaped u, given us identity and the quirk to everybody. We as individuals can't have the same influence, each and our own circumstances , no individual are the same and most importantly everyone of us have our own histories.

However, understanding what happen backwards, one tend to forget the other principle: that it must be lived forward. The more one thinks and stuck in "backwards", thats where all the problem starts - not being able to move on. The more one thinks it through, it's a never ending or, life just can never properly be understood precisely in the temporal life in which refering to "backwards". For instant, u cant't find a complete rest in which to adopt a position : backwards.

Therefore, move on! Reflect! and move on.

I guess, i'm as well accepting the fact that i'll be in Denmark for 6 months. Having to fret about it is no point, just exudes more negativity and pollute my bright yellow aura. I'm definely near to finding my click. I guess i'm ok. Everything will be ok for me. And to all of u out there, you'll be ok.

Now, what did i miss when i was dreaming in class...?

"Livet forstås baglæns,

men må leves forlæns"

-Søren Kierkegaard

2011-09-06T00:18:00.000+02:00

Sunday. I shall declare sunday as the lazy day. The transition between sunday to monday blues, just made me wanna stay in the bed longer, to feel the warmth, the soft touch, to be able to snuggle in the bed, wiggle my toes just to caress the soft blanket. If only i, we could make time tick slower.

The alarm was up and ringing at 8am, initially planned to go for a meetup with new friends in the city for the exhibition week at 10.30am. Nah, fuck that, me needs more sleep and snuggle and that triumph everything! Reason being...getting to know new friends could be really tiring.. the questions u hv to ask, the answer needed to be repeat, got to think before u speak, seriously... mentally exhausting.. Don't get me wrong, i love making friends but man i needed a break too.

Only managed to drag myself out in late noon, and headed to Copenhagen Design weeks which is in the city center. I'm about to take my try, biking to the city centre, nervous? very much but well i'm still here blogging, so everything went fine. Some glitch but dealed.

Theme of the design week resolve around human, human's life. Concentrating on ways to improve our life through innovative designs. I guess it was good to actually go out for a walk, instead of staying in the room and face the square box. I'm glad i went out to explore a little bit, liften up my spirit as well, enjoy the view and more people watching =)

Info Center, made out of containers... picture below would be the interior of this space.

The playhouse, Situated right opposite the opera house, with cafes, and toilets, somehow i thought this building needs more function... some artsy fartsy store would be nice!

And not to forget! Freebies! Asians and freebies born to be together!
For more information about the design week in copenhagen click -> Here

The ride

2011-09-03T22:51:00.000+02:00

I guess, after the bad breakfast i had, it delay most of my itenary for the day. A lot of procrasination, lots of delay, lots of laziness in the air. Initially i had already planned out to get a bike really early in the morning. I didn't went out until it was 11am, even the process, the walk already put me off. But it has to be done. Force never works well with sagittarius, we belong to the sky and the ocean, wide and free.

Not exactly in my brightest mood, and having trouble finding the shop, is just another put off. I still managed to find it in the end, with some guidance. I guess this is where my day start getting into the right track. At first, there were no second hand bike at all, until the boss, maybe pity me, sold one of the used bike for 500kr. Was slightly surprise by the price, considering most of my mate got it for 800kr, and 500kr for the bicycle he pointed out is not half bad. At least there were no rust on it.

This is when everything got interesting.

S : "You wanna try it?"

M : " Ha Ha Ha , i dunno how to ride one! "

S : "Huh"

M : " i'm just gonna trust you on this! "

he was left speechless....

So yeah i brought this bike back via foot, passerby must be wandering why not ride it ... It's quite a long walk.. 30 minutes walk to home. I didn't dare to ride or try to ride it. The fear of being judge and laugh at.. ego. Just when i was approaching home, it was quiet, the whole street, so i hop onto my new baby and wow, i'm actually riding my bike. Thats when a huge sigh of relief came out. literally "Fuck yeah"

This is my new ride, a red centurion bike, looks pretty solid for me. Since i'm staying in Amager, way south of Copenhagen. It makes sense to take the ride to the Amager Strandpark. It was pretty near and not as crowded as well. So my afternoon, was dedicated to learning bike as well as the beach. There were few stumbles here and there, but no falling down yet.

The weather is getting warmer and warmer day by day somehow, but i guess it's only now i could enjoy the nature. Considering winter is approaching, it gonna be colder and colder.. Am looking forward to the snow but 3 months with snow its gonna be tad annoying. The water is crystal clear, although the beach is not much of a natural wonder, more like man-made, but still enjoyable in a lot of way with personality.

Surprisingly, when i was there in Amager strandpark, the oktober fest is happening where everyone to me, dress like a leprechaun dancing , shouting, and drinking around. Music was good, terribly good, i could imagine myself with buddies of course, dancing along to it. The 80s song... ftw ~

Another surprise i've got is this structure that looks like it floats on the sea. A project that i referred and used as one of my precedent in my project ;)! didn't know it was in copenhagen! Imagine my face lit up when i stumble this, happily walk through this amazing wooden structure as well!

To say i found my click, it's incorrect, but today - me day, definitely cheer me up a little bit. It sort of reminds me, why am i doing this and what i enjoy the most. The lonesome travel, the wandering days i had always, without needing to worry people or to wait. Positive thinking for the few hours, people watching and see what are they up to, good weather and im biking!! Relatively new skill and i've accomplished something, felt like i've overcome something inside me, stepping outside the shell.

I guess i should look forward to what cph could offer
sidenote : nuts hurt cycling too long =s

2011-09-03T10:01:00.000+02:00

The first night i managed to sleep for 9 hours straight, waking up with a bright mood matching the weather outside. Looks inviting except with less cloud more blue it would have been perfect. I guess i shall declare today as a good day.

Breakfast is the most important meal of our day, as said and, as proven. Being slight lazy, i just took my cereal ( coco-crunch ) , my milk, a bowl, and a spooon down to my room. Walking down the room sort of managing what would i do for the day . That includes, getting a bike, learning how to ride a bike and such.

I reached my room, place the bowl nice and middle, had a movie play up on my lap top. Poured the coco-crunch into a bowl, then the milk. This is when everything tumble down. The sunnyside turn into the darkside.

The liquid came out of the milkbox appear to be rather lumpy but still clear white. hmph? did i accidentally bought yoghurt instead? i google translated whats on the box, yeah it turns out to be milk and sour. There goes my whole bowl of coco-crunch, just sent them up to heaven. All faulty and sour.

Talk about having a good morning breakfast.
i just got screwed by one.

Just a click

2011-09-02T19:04:00.000+02:00

Needed a click, Just a click. waking up from the devilish thought that creep within. CLICK - it's like referring to a light bulb animation when u pop up with a new idea. To me , to recover. i needed a click.

It often takes lots of thinking and logic evaluation of my current situation. This is how i handle myself. My mind is constantly filled with thoughts, and it's rather hazardous, there were times where smashing my head into the hard concrete unforgiving wall is an option! It's amazing, if i got my click, it's like waking up from the bad dream, everything i see would be beautiful, even a pile of garbage i would appreciate.

Me now. In Copenhagen.. and today would be my 5th day here. My depression ever since i arrive is still there, it didn't subside at all but instead it got shifted to somewhere in between frustration and stressful. Every night , if i am not too tired, i do always reflect on myself, just sort of reminding myself where am i at, am i ok, and some other random intimate questions. It's a conversation with myself, my spiritual self, encouragement, and this few days, i thought, what did i get myself into.

I had a short class today, it just worsen my situation, requiring me to stay in uni for sept 2 - sep 30 from 9am to 5pm, no weekends (just knew it today), no holidays, just work and produce. Being a workaholic myself not only a perfectionist, i am usually excited with this statement. I would have get so pumped up. But this time round, there are too much other things pulling me down. hrmph... and i'm not afraid to admit.

I miss my family, I miss my companionship

I miss my laughter, I miss people who knows me,

I miss Poland, I miss my previous erasmus friends,

I miss familiar food, I miss cooking together,

I miss the weather, and I miss the warmth from a person.

A lot, i think, would have killed for a spot like mine, getting another exchange to another country and all. Even i would kill for it. And this time round, this 2nd exchange to Copenhagen, i actually did it by force..I was actually reluctant to apply for it. My body wants it, but my mentality refuse it. I know i would get grumpy the first few weeks (now), and maybe either feeling neutral or happy the next few...I know it would definitely benefit me and define me more as a being. Stronger identity, growth in thinking, network building. It really got me now. Didnt know my brain really hates it that much.

And ps. i'm not usually like this, all emotional and weak, thats because i always shut the fuck up, and move on. Expressing is not wrong, even crying is not wrong, not sure why people make a big deal about it. I'm a being after all.

And yes.. I'm expressing now.
Let me find my "click"

Chapter unfold

2011-08-30T02:39:00.000+02:00

Everything comes to an end, either good or bad, and i am not sure which part shall i categorized my case. Past month, i was in Malaysia, then London, then liverpool. I've got introduced to a few friends in Liverpool, all of them are one and unique.

Just before we got to know each other much the next day i started my 25 days backpacking trip to both Spain and Portugal. Both was truly amazing and we did really came a long way, also managed to meet up 2 good spanish friend of mine, which concluded our trip with a bang! halfway through the backpacking, for some reason i amended my trip, delaying my arrival to denmark, and shorten my stay in london and pay another visit down to liverpool. It was a smart move i guess.

Now, im in Copenhagen, breathing in the air for the pass 3 hours, soaking up and telling myself. Hey! semester is starting, and you're in Denmark!.. I guess this one be one of my most emotional day in the year. Partly cause by my friends in liverpool who is finishing their summer programme. All heading home to Malaysia, able to enjoy the warm weather and the good foods, probably companion and of course the currency. And yet i m here yet to start my semester.. totally bugger.

The journey from Liverpool to London via couch wasn't a great idea after all. 6 hours of lonesome, mentally torturing journey, a great medium for thought to brew. I'm a brainer + thinker. My brain is way complex then the way my face look. stop judging. Thoughts were just rushing in one after another and i dunno where to begin. But its good to have nobody siting beside me, got all the space i want this time.

Another 2 hours journey to Stanstead airport, followed by 2 hours flight to Copenhagen. All about travelling in different medium, it takes it's toll, starting to wear myself out. I had to stuff myself with food even though im appetite-less, i'm still aware that i would arrive Copenhagen midnight and finding food would be tough in a stranger country.

Reaching Copenhagen, i was greeted by a strong gust as soon as the aircraft door opens up, for a second, it reminded me slightly about the weather in Liverpool, but got smacked real hard by reality, as i am all alone this time. Lips sealed, no chattering. Reaching a stranger place, more or less, people get nervous, i'm human. I got to me even more, when i remember i'm accomodation-less and very much depending on mutual trust. I'm suppose to meet a Couch host in a metro station. the "what-if?" questions start popping out.

Considering i reach earlier, i got the right to get slight worry about it , but a text cool me down "i'm at the station" . We meet and yeah, the feeling was close to home, i've got a bed tonight.

Rainy London

2011-08-27T12:03:00.000+02:00

And 25 days had passed, concludes my trip hopping around Spain and Portugal. Ending my trip in London, being the connection hub to everywhere. Initially it was only gonna be London, then Denmark.. but mate managed to persuade me to head to Liverpool again before going off.

It was 37 degree in Granada, and after 12 hours of travelling

it's 15 degree in London.

It was sunny for the pass 25 days in Spain and Portugal,

just on my first day in London,

it has been raining cats and dogs,

heavy rains and drizzling,

you name it, they've got it.

It was really hard for me to communicate in Spain - language barrier,

and now in London, everything seems so familiar,

the signs i can read,

the conversation i could understand.

It was only us travelling in Spain and Portugal,

the two of us,

and now it's a huge packed,

non stop chattering, give and take.

A huge different. Moments, where i thought, where am i ? Is this real or a dream?i can feel raindrops on my skin, the temporary cold sensory shock, reaching somewhere deep within, as if, "re-aliving" my body.

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow and as much as i love rain, it annoys me that it gets my cloths wet. Otherwise i would get rained,let rain beat upon my head with silver liquid drops. I have to escape. This gets me back on track, reminding things are happening, i would need to get myself ready for studies in D.

Maybe this is why i like london a lot, still as a traveller's perspective still (not resident, only been there 3 times and 9 days in total), i like the rain + the gloominess of the city maybe not the busy side; the dark, grey, dull sky, the cobblestone walkways, the idea of taking "tube", black taxi, double decker bus are very appealing to me.

When you are in London no matter how tall or confident you are, you always feel like a little fish in a big pond because of its size. Its busy and anonymous. I always tell this to my peers, walking in london street (not oxford street per say), makes me feel self worthy, constantly mindful of the fact that life itself is a wonder; that it's wondrous and worth being thankful for . I know, it's wierd.. i guess this is what i've grown to this few years also putting my fingers towards architecture theories learnt.

It's probably a phase, im pretty sure i'll hate london one day too.

Thoughts on a bus

2011-08-16T10:09:00.002+02:00

Its the 16th day I'd been travelling now, and 19 days away from home, 13 more days before my 2nd semester commence in Denmark .

I am on my way to Lagos , down south in portugal heading to the beach for real tanning session. It's quite a long ride from lisbon - 4 hours. It's dark on the outside with road lights and car lights flashing here and about . Rumbling noise of the bus engine and local portugese chattering away. My travel companion has taken one of my shoulder as a head rest, leaving me very much immobilize for her comfort.

Dream a little dream by Michael buble is playing on my playlist roll, pink's song is playing on the background in the bus. The perfect moment to fuel myself with thoughts. Thinking, and grateful for the chance presented, travel companion that i could share moments with, someone i could share my knowledge with especially when stumbling into buildings like sagrada familia. Telling her bits and pieces why is it done this way and avoided. As much as i deny being an archi student, im already married to it. The experience from this travel I'm soaking it up fully like a sponge .

Its so much different that my past, previous trip where I go solo and lone. Although from times to times there were always lots of nagging from me,for being quite particular about certain stuff and you know what i, surprisingly am very much responsible when I'm traveling. Scolding away whenever something is not right which usually end with loud and thundering laughter among both us. No matter in the room, busy street or even small alleyway. Pretty sure the loud laughing like no one business on the busy street, would easily attract the term "fucking asians" :) But I do appreciate the companion, and the extra eye.

Thanks.

Porto

2011-08-16T02:52:00.000+02:00

No offence to any Portuguese out there. I’ve mention to a few of my mates that Portugal would be one of the place I’m heading this trip. The response I got is always a why.. It makes so much more sense, since I am traveling around Spain and Portugal stone throw away .. why not stop by then?

My impression on Portugal is pretty good, considering I got a good mate staying here… , the element of surprise and what is offered is very much anticipated. I guess a lot of times; Portugal would feel like an underdog to be set alongside Spain.

Porto, was my very first stop in Portugal. I intended to walk around the city for just 1 day, but after the first day, this stunning city just deserves another day. Hence, my plan visiting the winery, vineyard was canceled. ( Duoro Valley, Pinhao )

Porto’s dual nature presents travelers with rewarding opportunities to see both side of the coin… from walking around narrow medieval alleyways, looking up are residents hanging their laundry; extravagant baroque church with rococo style interior.. Exterior decorated with blue tiles drawing which are absolutely stunning to see. It’s a treat to the eye, wandering around the residential area and able to enjoy different tiles patterns and colour.

Porto’s old world river frontage district is a world heritage site, the picturesque Riberia district that lies along the waterfront are awesome hangouts, great bridges spanning across the Duoro river to Vila Nova de Gaia is the home to port wine lodges. Port wine lodges like Taylor’s and etc, offer free tours around and also free tasting. What could top that off? Definitely learn a lot more about wine, the process and the care of a wine . It’s my first time visiting, and leaving more knowledgeable.

Generally speaking, Porto city is small enough to be travel by foot and the lively citys clings to the north bank of the Duoro river, and the south bank is full off port wine lodges, as mentioned earlier.

To be honest, I never expected Porto to be that vibrant, assuming it’s just another metropolitan city.. My bad. It’s somewhat a nice city to do lazy walk around even though the city being rather hilly, still manage to stumble upon many many surprises, somewhat picturesque and friendly.. Compare Porto and Spain, i kinda think that their English language is much better than them, or maybe I was just lucky to always being able to talk with people who speak English.

Porto, is defintely a worthwhile place to visit, despite being a big city. A good 2 days for a relaxing walkabout, a tight one day tour would be fine. =)

Pastel de nata

2011-08-12T03:12:00.000+02:00

Always embracing my sweet tooth, touching down in the first city in Portugal. The first thing that came up on my mind is EGG TART then the grapes. It was a 4 hr journey all the way from Santiago de compostela, ride was pleasant... and thank god there is air conditioning in the bus.

Porto, is the city which took up 2 days of my whole trip. Having all the luggage put in places, no problem in the checking in. The next Q i asked the reception was :" Any recommendation for good EGG TARTS??" yes my eyes came alive, almost shimmering like how anime characters' eye enlarged when they got excited.

R : air tuck?
Me : no Egg tart ( still slightly hopping around)
R: er.. huh??
Me : Yellow, EGGGG with black black burn bitssss (slightly annoyed)
R: Pastel de nata? (start googling image )
ME : YEAH! Thats it!
R: Why do u guys call it egg tart?

the pasty

Add caption

Now i've learned, they don't call it egg tart! A Pastel de nata is a Portuguese egg tart pastry. Something really close to my heart. Still remember the first time i tried it, when i was in primary school. Sold in Southern bakery , right beside the Gk supermarket by the roundabout. If you're not a Miri-an... u could just ignore this part.

from left to right, some bacon-cheese-bread layered stuff, strawberry cream tart, egg tart, nuts tart.

there u go, a cut up Pastel del nata

I remember the pastry flakes in my mouth, custards melt on my tongue, both texture mixed up in the mouth is amazing. So as you can see the expectation is really high especially coming from Portugal ! So we were lead to this pastry shop where we order quite a bunch of weird looking stuff to share. The first cut into the "egg tart" was a dismay... i don't recall the base pastry to be that thin.. and i don't see flakes flaking ... My first bite into it was another let down... overpoweringly sweet custard has ruining my palette ... =( had to wash it down with the watermelon tea i've ordered.... Very much disappointed and coming from Porto's pastry

4 side mirror interior

Then i insisted, we order the wrong egg tart, the egg start aren't suppose to be that huge... tBought a smaller version one. As expected, another big disappointment. It's my first WTF moment in 10 days of travel and hopefully pastel de nata in Lisbon would do it justice.. otherwise it would be like a undone task that will haunt me for the rest of my life T_T and yes i am that big of a fan when it comes to egg tarts.

#2 attempt ... still no good

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

2011-08-10T02:36:00.000+02:00

Currently i'm in Santiago de Compostela, which is situated north west of spain. It's famous for being the ending point of the pilgrimage way, Camino de santiago. The Camino de Santiago de Compostela, also known in English as The Way of St James, is a collection of old pilgrimage routes which cover all Europe. They all have Santiago de Compostela in north west Spain as their final destination. For more than 1000 years pilgrims have been walking along the Camino de Santiago.

Something i am interested to do when later but not now. The excitement, the thought of having the lone walk, just yourself, the sore leg, blue skies and the sun for a whole 3 months! to me, it's thrilling to others it's stupid =p.. Well It's the food for the soul innit.

I'm amazed by the way this community work here. They entertain their citizen really well i must say. All the shows they put up for the kids every evening (at least all the evening when i'm there) right in front of the fountain is amazing. They were not pushy when it comes to donation and all, but all the effort put in is commemorable!

Beside that, at night, almost everynight there is a live performance show by a band in random places, could be in a plaza or in an alley way paired up with a bar. It's exciting to go out 11pm at night stand outside of the hostel, close ur eye and follow the music! To top everything off, the weather is superb! chilly and bearable... nobody wants to be sticky at night!! Music were very soulful, entertaining, and upbeat.

The first night's show was put up in a plaza with steps. There was a small platform, stage for performing and the steps were the seating . It started with some light tempo music, where people would groove around with their body. finger clicking, wow-ing and clapping.. As the night proceed, people start walking down, shaking the booty and dancing. Don't get me wrong .. it's not clubbing like, more like cha-chaing together and bonding! the experience was absolutely amazing and close to the heart. The other great thing about it is.. It's absolutely FREE!

Today's performance was in an alley way, paired up with a chocolate bar. Seatings and cushion were provided and no pressure on whether u had an order with them or not. Another stellar performance! this time round, all spanish song were performed and we were included in the performance... the ambient and the interaction just put a big smile in our face.. The bam ba la bam ba la and the bam bam bam ... Can't be put in words.. i'm starting to love this place more and more !

Will post up the video soon =) Porto next!

Spain so far

2011-08-06T21:20:00.000+02:00

Spain so far, 4 full days in Barcelona, Spain and not a disappointing one especially for an architecture student, Buildings that I’ve studied in text book came alive right before my eyes. Barcelona, full of Antoni Gaudi’s work, scattered around Barcelona’s city center definitely triple fold the value of Barcelona.

Attraction like Sagrada Familia, gave me goosebump when first sighted. Even with a friend that doesn’t really enjoy watching, let alone visit a building, always saying “building” in such a sarcastic manner says she got it to. The presence of Sagrada Familia is so dominant that, almost everybody couldn’t take their eyes off it. I was glad she enjoyed it too. This allows me to spend a full day in Sagrada Familia and I’m not complaining. The 14 euro student ticket was well worth in this case!

The other prominent work by Gaudi is Casa mila, Casa Batlo, and Park Guell. It’s also well worth a visit. All these attraction are worthly of it’s own post. SO be anticipated =) .

Spanish take their time, they enjoy their time, appreciate their break, taking everything easy and chill!!. It may take you awhile to adapt to this but meh it’s totally relaxing. They usually work from 9am-2pm, have a break then continue working from 5pm to late night. This in between time is siesta. Almost every time of the day, spill out café is packed with people, enjoying their pasta(pastry) and café. I’ve already consider the placed I’ve lived for 4 years slow paced.. but this definitely topped it.

Beach was packed with activities, people tanning, reading, volleyball and swimming! Life’s is very much beautiful in this context despite facing an economical crisis.

London

2011-08-04T02:47:00.000+02:00

And yes it has been a few days in Europe already. Im only starting to blog my experience. So i've reached london, after an 8hrs wait in the terminal, and 14hr long haul flight all the way from KL. Siting beside a small english educated boy who fidgets every second after his computer die off.. I had to open up mine and played "Rango" for him.. and the movie suck big time... London is just a stop over before heading to Liverpool and a flight to Barcelona.

Remember i mentioned about couchsurfing? i manage to arrange a host who generously offered me his place to stay and it's my first, going all cool with it. We only interacted less than 10 message, mainly important ones: address, time of arrival and such... and yes im not very much confident with all this thing.

i arrived london stanstead in a zombie like face as if i'm attending a halloween party. I feeled all winded up, dirty and smelly... I smsed the host and got no reply. boarded the couch to the city and thank god the coach offers free wifi! FREE wifi for the win. I start whatsapping and to no avail, i've got no reply still until the last 5 minute in the coach. Letting out a sigh of relief, and proceed to go his mansion.

the mansion

i was on the verge of walking away from it, the idea still scares me, with lots of "what if" question popping in my mind. Safety? Pranks? awkward? . i start telling few friends in europe what i am up to... at least they will know where i am at if something happen. i choose not to tell family about this coach surfing thing... im pretty sure they will be freaking out and rather pass me a few bucks to check into a proper accommodation. The place is an easy one to find.

the corner i find myself very comfy

the loo.

And thank god all went good. An avid tourist, a hiker fan like me, a peace lover, and very much a tennis lover ... we clicked and talked about travels, family, and traditions. Till now im still very grateful to be offered sleeping on a bed. It was all good and i left his place fully energize and rejuvenated. Another friend made.

orkid, dining room.

Sigh, Yay

2011-07-29T06:56:00.001+02:00

A sigh, and a yay in no particular order. It's time again for me to set sail and starting a new small little chapter in my life. Amazing or not? we'll know it after 6 month.

my territory at home.

I am heading for a student exchange trip to Denmark this time, in Europe. This is the yay part. . The chances to travel, to get to know people, the learning and of course the challenge i'm gonna be throw with. It's exciting and exuberating !

Vigorous planning ...

The sigh part would be leaving home again, Leaving my loved parents, Leaving everything behind and venture to the world. The pampering by mum with cookings and the delicate care, all the foods available that's absolute hazardous to the waistline will be missed terribly. Yeah, u hear me.. if u're thinking about getting a diet plan back in home, don't bother.. just flush the amazing plan of urs down the toilet ball. It happens every time when i am just about to go either to Australia or even other random travel trips. The heart sank more and more every minute the clock ticks until im on the plane. Follow by a few days of picking up the emotion up and move on. =s

Take care, me. =) see u on the other side of the wall.

tee hee.

2011-07-20T15:02:00.001+02:00

Was pretty caught up with doing my own stuff. Building up my portfolio, composing 4 years worth of works for the pass few days. Will be applying for a position and hopefully everything turns out well. Keeping my finger crossed needing all the prayer, blessing, luck i could get! Hence this site was ignored =p i guess i am not getting better in this at all haha.

Cheers.

Jeonbokjuk 전복죽

2011-07-10T11:10:00.007+02:00

Have you heard about women divers? They are only found in Korea and Japan. Women divers are symbols of Jeju Island. Women have dominated this profession because they are physically better suited for it than men; women possess a higher percentage of subcutaneous fat, which insulates them from cold, allowing a longer stay in the water.

The woman who dives for a living and catching marine products holds their breath for about 2 minutes at the depth of approximately over 10m below sea level. Most of the woman divers engaged at this kind of job since the age of 12 to 14 year old. Now, there are about 5600 woman divers in Jeju. It’s a rare job in Korea. I recommend tourists to see woman divers as they set foot in Jeju Island. It will be good opportunity, witnessing one of Korea’s cultural heritages.

This leads to why trying a seafood dish in jeju is a must in. In jeju, seafood are at it's freshest as it could be. One of the speciality is Jeonbokjuk 전복죽 (abalone porridge), a Jeju specialty made from abalone and white rice

We didn't know what and where is the best serve abalone porridge that's favour by the locals, never trust travel guide book. Thats what i always believe. With limited knowledge of korean language, i try to convey what i want as simple as possible.. asking a reception girl for recommendation.

ME: "JEon..bok..juk?" (wait for the reception to nod) .. put my thumbs up.. and shrug with a rich facial expression suggesting where.. remember frowning eyebrow is crucial! Task accomplished.. address obtained and it's decided that it's gonna be our breakfast tomoro .. sound rather porsche innit?

The things i like the most and never fail me is the Arrays of side dishes!!! with free refills and each have it's own distinctive taste and texture.. i could just die in heaven everytime..
As for the restaurant, it's pretty traditionally design and straight forward. It's bright, clean, neat and warm. Perfect to start off a great morning!

and finally the main! To be honest, it doesn't look that appetising in the first place.. i even wander where is the abalone... dun tell me they puree it! i would be furious.. I start digging in, and each bite i took it's like pulses of JEJU WAVE!!! and yes they have slices of abalone in it.. Am i exaggerating much here? but can u feel it! how yummy is it!

the only downside i could point out is , they could have done a better job in plating up, feed the eyes of the hunger. Despite that, it really doesn't take us long to finish off our porridge and had a good chat with the owner, the cook behind it.

Owner and theQings

I was impressed by her english, as we still managed to converse even with the limited english. With body language, we could understand most of it.. She start pointing bae yung joon's poster on the wall, and spotting the big big signature on the framed poster, we knew what she want to say. Claiming that He, bae yung joon, will defintely stop by every time he is in jeju. Gotta give it, cause if i were him, i would defintely come back for the next serving with every opputrunity given. The owner, always have a nice warm smile on her face, made us extremely comfortable dining in.

This is the address ive gotten from the recipient girl.. if u're heading to Jeju, maybe u could take a photo of this, ask the taxi driver to bring you to this place. trust me it's worth it!

costs : 15000w

They have a website!

Minto Cafe

2011-07-08T08:59:00.003+02:00

It's winter and the temptation for you to hide or get yourself to warm up in any available cafe is blardy high. I have to admit, ever since traveling and studying in the western country. Getting myself slightly westernised the need/ habit to have a cup of coffee or something sweet is necessary. Not a much but preferable yes. It's always nice to get a cup of coffee or something sweet to satisfy the sweet tooth. Moreover, it's winter.. there are no more reason not to or don't head to any cafe.

We just had dinner, and wanting to find something sweet to flush the tasting bud. Stumble upon this cafe, it was kinda eerie and really quiet. Probably girl's fantasy and would be easily their favourite hang out spot. As we walk down the stairs. it's like the stairways to barbie land. It was pink, blinky, waiter and waitress dress like some anime character, that potentially would change into sailor moon if you piss them off.. Kick your butt on the moon's behalf. (kudos if u get it =p)

It's the Minto Communitas,and i just realise it could be found in Seoul as well.

What i really like about this cafe is, we were handed a cup of warm water once we go in. The service was really fast maybe because we were the only dinner. Arrays of food but we were here only for the warm beverages. Besides the services provided, the attention to detail, the coherency of all elements were pretty good. i mean i'm not a pro but at least it's comfortable to my eyes.

I appreciate the sofa covering, the vintage flower pattern , slight romanesque with all the english painting, slight picturesque with a bridge going over the middle of the restaurant, slight alice wonderland with the wooden horse hanging off the ceiling almost making space surreal and no to forget the blink blinks on the ceiling. Their electric bill each month must be rocket high, i dun even want to imagine.

Another big tick to drawing on my green tea latte =)!

I was also surprised by the array of spaces in this restaurant! HEY there is a wii room in there ! It's my first time i've seen this offered in a restaurant and ping pong tables? i'm sure my dad wouldn't mind spending his time here - a vivid ping pong fan.

HOWEVER! they knew this was coming, so they only allow ur stay to be 3 hours max =). smart move!

Definitely give it a go if u have the chance. relax urself n calm ur soul =p
Bye!

JJimJilBang 찜질방

2011-07-05T08:14:00.009+02:00

A Jjim jil bang is an essential Korean experience. i never knew this culture or this thing going on until im there... it is a place that most Koreans go to with their friends and family or partner. It was often used for people to clean up and get over their hangovers before heading to work or home. I was introduced by my friend, Kim and also my fellow friend who knew this from all the Korean series that had been watching !

The first time at a jjim jil bang can be quite a baffling experience. The Korean sauna may seem a bit daunting if not outright surreal for the uninitiated foreigner. All around you are people wearing funny outfits (boys in blue, girls in pink) that make them look like they are members of a strange cult. Then they go inside these infernally hot rooms that look like dungeons and sit on potato sacks.

so why is it baffling? - u stripped naked , - bath together naked, - surrounded by lots of naked people bath together who care less how u look. I pretty much blend in well since im asian as well. ;0

A basic introduction about jimjilbang. Based on the one i went, there is 4 floors to the facility.

1st floor is the women's area,

2nd floors is the lobby / reception ,

3rd floors is the communal area.

4th floors is the male's area.

Male and female area is completely segregated for privacy issue. You wouldn't want to stumble a naked male/female in surprise would you? Basically there is 2 lockers 1 for ur shoes and the other one for ur belongings. After changing into the comfy wear they provide, you head off to the 3rd floor which is the communal area.

Thiss big common areas like a public living room with huge selection of facilities that could be used. there were TV room, Cinema room, Restaurant, Snacks bar, Computer for internet, Communal Saunas, and etc. depending on which Sauna u go . It's shared between the male and the female, where we would happily talk, play , munching snacks, and downing soju.

The heat of the sauna increases your circulation and makes you sweat profusely, it has a relaxing cathartic effect. Also increasesing your metabolism as well as helping to relieve shoulder, head and neck pain. It also improves skin quality and loosens stiff muscles.

After all the sweating and gossiping, it's time to freshen up. Heading back to your respective gender specified floor and enjoy the rest of the services to be offered.

In my male floor,
There are shower area, standing or on a stool and it's pretty normal seeing to guys scrubbing each others back although you may find it slight awkward. But make sure you do shower before jumping into the pools and no swimming suits in the pools! clothes are prohibited!

Do sit and relax in the pools thats shared with other people ( this is my awkward point, i have no idea what to do and where to look at, at this point... ) Pools are set in varied constant temperature, 15 ,25 ,37 ,45 ,60 degree... The process is more like going from medium hot, to hot then closing your pores by dipping yourself in the chilling water. It does make sense right?

The season i went to Korea was winter.. it's nice dipping yourself in a hot pool when outside is freeezing -10 degree, the hottest i've gone is 45 degree.. i tried going into 60 and went in too quickly, underestimating how hot 60 degree was. I absolutely created a scene in the peaceful, quiet environment, immediately jump out of the pool when my skin was in contact with the 60 degree hot pool... as if i am drowning in a knee height water level pool. RIDICULOUS -,-

If you are brave and don`t have sensitive skin, you can try the body scrub. Naked to the world, you will like down on a plastic table. Here, ajusshi will scrub you from head to toe with a special exfoliating glove. must say, never before have I seen so much dead skin come off the body. Definitely an awkward, shy moment for me as well cost me (16000w ).It is important to have u soak in hot so exfoliating skin would be easier later on..

That kinda conclude my trip to the first jimjilbang.. after the first, me and theQings went to jimjilbang ourselves, in different places like a pro. It is absolutely rejuvenating, and relaxing. Be warned tho! after a session in jimjilbang, u tend to be really lazy, and sleep. The qings slept almost the whole day after it. even me, i cant drag her out of the bed...

Every time I go to the sauna, I can`t help but notice all the strange body types walking around. Some men have strange scars or tatoo.... Some people have way too much hair in places where the sun don't shine. Then a fear strikes me. They must be scrutinizing me in the same way! But alas, there is no time to be shy at the sauna. Koreans have been bathing in public for ages and being naked together actually fosters a feeling of camaraderie.

Usually when I were ask, if i want to get naked and sit in a hot bath together, its a no straightaway. Then on second thought, im in Korea, it's a culture i have to experience, theQing doesn't mind.. CHOP! lets go ! Try not to look like an akward niddle school student as you now walk around naked. haha.. strong recommended and a must if u're heading to KOREA!

COST : 5000w - 20000w

P/s: theQings told me on their floor there are ever hairdresser, manicure pedicure, facial and all sorts!

shabu shabu

2011-07-03T17:49:00.004+02:00

21.01.11 Location unknown, Seoul.

Having hearing a lot about me, Kim's mum was pretty eager to meet me , just to get a grasp who, how do i look like. I was cordially invited by her for a dinner session with her and daughter. I am not sure how Kim's mum feel, but i was certainly very nervous about the meeting. haha.

We went for shabu-shabu...

Shabu-Shabu! Sounds more like an informal telephone greeting in the Middle East than a delicious hot pot meal in Korea. First of all, it's not a korean dish just a Korean variation of the Japanese variation of the Chinese hot pot, which is believed by some to be the variation of a dish which originated in Mongolia. It’s too confusing, and, in all honesty, unimportant for this article.

In Korea, shabu shabu is essentially a three course meal rolled into one. The 1st course : In the centre of the table, sits the heavy black pot above the flame, The boiling broth is used to cook the raw beef with raw vege accompanying the meal as well. the process repeats as one batch is cooked and taken out, a new batch is thrown in. Surprisingly i am not a fast eater when it comes to shabu shabu, i vividly rmb oma being really frantic with her hand and ask me to go faster with it. (We communicate with body language and also translation from Kim). haha, it was fun!

When the meat is gone, long, thick noodles are added to the broth which made up the 2nd course.

After all the noodles are gone, people would come and remove the hot dish and coming back with the 3rd course. The broth has been emptied and rice with seaweed and vegetables fills the bottom portion of the bowl. The exquisite taste of rice, seaweed and remains of vegetables, meat and broth with extra seasoning leaves you rehashing over the same point – this is a glorious meal!

PS: If you are looking for Shabu-Shabu at a restaurant, these are the Korean characters: 샤부샤부

Mugs for Rabbit

2011-07-03T11:33:00.005+02:00

21.01.11
Sinsa-dong, South Korea

After a hearty meal with my "extended" family. it's time to sweeten up. If you have a "selective" sweet tooth like me, only selective to certain sweet, cherish it :). me and theQings were drove around to find any available coffee shop. We stop by a few and almost all of them are jam-packed with beings. Thats was a surprise to me, Korean really do cherish the tooth! it was more driving until we stumble upon this shop call "Mugs for rabbit"

Mug for Rabbit has character period. The interior has quirks and charms - rabbit icon for the place, the lamps that spell out "R A B B I T" and even the coffee cup chandelier. How cliche but it absolutely work! Notice the black and white tile runway, it works in drawing people straight to the counter! It's a small bizarre, fashionable cafe which used almost all of the common construction material but making them work without overpowering each other!

There are also amazing photographs, so it has a gallery feel to it.The interior is decorated with its own mugs and rabbit items. A plenty of tables are available for seating.

This is a café with a friendly atmosphere. The first floor is a café called Mug for Rabbit, and the second floor is a wine bar called Cork for Turtle. They serve 'rabbit coffee' with a coffee-art picture of a rabbit in the milk foam. Their wasabi latte is very unique. I wasnt up for it at that time, but managed to take a sip and surprisingly it aint that bad!

The coffee shop also has homemade cupcakes in a variety of flavors. The flavors include blueberry, chocolate, raspberry, mint chocolate, red bean, cappuccino, English tea, and strawberry.Don go asking me how the cupcake taste, i couldn't remember much but absolutely soak up the environment, we eat with our eyes too u know. The only thing i vividly remembered is i killed the rabbit, swallowing it!

There were hours of talking, appreciate the companion of my eonni, Kim, her oma, and another friend, jung yi =) it was heart warming. BTW, The cute rabbit icon is also loved by many regulars. After a few sips of the drink, a cute rabbit print peaks out inside the mug and says "HI".

P/s: Oma was so kind, that she nearly wanted to buy the cup for me as a souvenir as she was talking to the bartender. My sixth sense told me so. The conversation was in Korean. and straight away went saying .. " NO YE PO" " PISAAAAA "!!! it meant... not nice, expensive!!! haaha..

***

Mug For Rabbit

Address: 534-25 Shinsadong, Gangnamgu, Seoul, Korea

Telephone: 02-548-7488

Directions: Line 3 Sinsa station (신사 역) exit 8 walk straight about 300 meters

and turn left onto garosugil street before J Tower.

Walk about 400 meters and Mug for Rabbit will be on your left hand side.

Steps taken

2011-07-02T18:54:00.004+02:00

Mug for rabbit cakery, South Korea

Could have been one of my most productive days after coming back from Oz. Managed to decide and bought the a new partner(camera) thats gonna embark his journey with me. He is one beauty but i have to say, when i hold it, i felt that i could easily squash him with my bare hands, a big NO to robust-ness, but i guess i shouldn't judge its robust-ness by it's solid-ness. Lets just hope he don't disappoint me at all.

There were countless of hour spend on ebay to suit and doll up the partner. Get him protected and presentable ;).
There were also countless hour on deciding whether to go London from Singapore or Malaysia. Price wise almost the same, however its never a great idea to reach a foreign country (London) at night. There are many things to consider then... safety, public transport, and accommodation. Decision is still to be made and status remains pending =s

Countless of hours went into finding a coach to surf as well. This is rather new to me. Many of u guys already heard about CoachSurfing. Basically it's a non-profit things, local people offering and hosting their place for you to stay. FOC. They voluntarily bring you around subject to availability, introduce you good food and places, exchange some cultural understanding as well. This time round, i would love to give it a go, never try never know. =) I'll definitely give a full review if i ever get the chance to surf a coach! Hope i dun chicken out!

Still a lot to do before travel and the list kept adding every single day!

About to

2011-07-01T16:44:00.004+02:00

It's very rare when one is given a second bite, and yes i am the very fortunate one. Just 1 year ago(2010), i managed to earn myself a spot in doing an exchange programme to Poland for just 1 semester. This year, i once again gotten the spot to go for another exchange programme to Copenhagen, Denmark and do 1 semester of Master of Architecture there. I'm pretty sure this time round it would be different from my previous experience.

1 years ago, it was my first time heading to Europe, being the curious bunny,

i wanted to go everywhere, i want to explore everywhere, the mindset was "try to conquer as many part of europe as i can during that 4 month duration"

and thus neglecting the beautiful krakow. I still managed to do lazy, meaningless walk around krakow but not enough. Often Poland wouldn't be people's choice for a vacation or even a stop by. Trust me, it's ur loss. Thats probably the one thing i regret the most, of not achieving. I would love to mingle more in Kazimier, sip some coffee and watch passerby, eat more Zapiekanka and stuff myself with more pierogi or even potatoes.

Nonetheless, i am still very happy with all the travel i did for that semester alone. Looking back i can't believe i did that all myself and all the obstacle i encounter! Man, who was that guy? This time round my aims are:Try to explore what copenhagen have got to offer, Carefree and more outgoing in socializing. I tend to curl up in one corner, blame the smartphone giving me excuse not to interact. Blog more, travel moderately and study well. =) All the best.

OMW Back

2011-06-23T17:17:00.000+02:00

Most of u guys heard bout the news. The volcanic ash from Chile has caused flight chaos across Australia causing thousands of people stranded! I am one of them, hoping to get my way to Melbourne from Sydney, and then catching an international flight from Melbourne to Brunei. It was pretty much a mess and too much to handle but still have to. There were cancellation of flights, changing time, much calling needed to be done. In this matter, my patience level dropped.

i even waited 80 minutes for the flight center to pick up my phone. Imagine being on hold for 80 minutes... Managed to "bitch" my way back and fortunate to be able to reach home. The flight was reschedule to 5am and i nearly missed it... Don blame me, everybody would be in their deep slumber except for passengers riding BI052 Boeing 777. I fall asleep while waiting by the gate and luckily the attendant wake me up to catch the flight.

Tell me about it. I was terrified. What if i really missed the flight =(. Boarded the plane, get comfortable, teared up the blankets packaging, have it wrapped around me legs and body, Positioned the pillow and sleeping we go =p. Woke up once in awhile to check out whats happening outside. What can i say.. i was kinda breath-taking.

-Landed-

Colour or no.

2011-06-19T16:43:00.002+02:00

Color. In this world of visual arts, a cull colour palate can be very attractive, very seductive, for the artist. Less is bore as suggested Venturi. A real temptation to create with every color possible, and it certainly can be fun. But, using all the colors of the rainbow for every project can be boring. Less is more by Mies.

Color, is meant to grab attention, to direct a person or impress something upon the mind in an immediate way. Presents of colors without a rhyme or reason becomes nonsensical and even worse. Distracting people from the very message the artist is trying to convey. This is definitely an instant where les is more.

Black and white. Especially in photography. If not used correctly can be a major bore. But i always think someone would be able pull off a black and white art work, is definitely one the should be watch for! Contrast is crucial among black and white. In the mind's eye, you see that there is a natural contrast between black and white: black and white exudes contrast. Without the correct tweaking, or lighting, it turns into splashes of dull gray. If you can master the drama of B&W, then in my opinion, u learn to use colour more effectively. The eye reads tone before colour.

I've always wanted to produce something black and white but the temptation of injecting a few colour in never fail. The thought always minger. If only one day, there is an eyewear could filter off all colours except black and white!

do what?

2011-02-25T04:08:00.001+01:00

What i have been up to, and life had been treating me .
Going to class, buying some necessities, getting a nw horrendous id and also doodling in class and taking notes! see i can multitask =p , doodle and note taking =D

Another year

2011-02-23T01:54:00.005+01:00

It's gonna be another long year. Reached Launceston, Tasmania a few days ago, continuing the studies... and like other of my mates, all of us sigh upon arrival. Looking at the familiar scenery on my way home, maybe its not that bad... study after all.. perhaps i'm just being really optimistic.

going back to my renting house, everything inside is the same except this year i am staying with a few of my close friend. Which is one thing that i could be happy. At least there are people to kacau around the house ;). And this year i chosen another room to stay in. A room with more SOCKETS!... slight bigger with a bigger window as well.

Still in the process of unpacking and sprucing the room up !

its a love-hate relationship with the chimney.. I am a big fan of rustic feeling in the room and the chimney definitely gives out the vibe. The room is probably converted from a living room and that explain why the chimney is there... but but but there is lots of cleaning up to do =s !

the built in wardrobe is terrible .. it cant fit all my stuff in it and no compartments at all! dam. bodoh furniture !

ended

2011-02-12T05:59:00.002+01:00

12/22/08 the day i bought him
10/02/11 the day i decide to let it go

My heart ache, the eyebrow twitch, when i say yes to the buyer. I just hope the buyer knows the potential of the camera and love him as much as i love him. it's trained hardy by me, in all terrain and also my very wonderful companion during my travel to countless country.

we travel together to

Egypt, Cambodia, Malaysia, Australia,
Poland, United Kingdom, Scotland, France,
Monaco, Slovakia, Greece, Turkey, Netherlands
Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Korea.

Special

2011-02-10T04:59:00.000+01:00

some special day =p

warm regards...

Ssamziegil

2011-02-08T11:47:00.000+01:00

21.01.11 Insadong, Korea

The quirky four-story complex, complete with a spiral staircase, brought an edgy, youthful energy to the tourist-heavy neighborhood.

But in contrast to the traditional teahouses, temple food restaurants and souvenir shops in the neighborhood, Ssamziegil, and the area around it, offers a fresh alternative for tourists and Koreans alike. It contains more than 70 shops offering everything from whimsical handicrafts made by young korean designers to vintage clothing and souvenirs. There is also a handful of galleries with works by emerging artists and a variety of restaurants. Even in the walls of Ssamzie-gil, people can't take their eyes off from lovable wall printings.

As you do your window-shopping through the lovely, cozy stores all the way to the top, you will arrive at Haneulmadang where you can get a extraordinarily clear view of the sky.

Tun-piang

2011-02-07T13:22:00.000+01:00

Ever wonder how shit taste like?

First of all, It's brown in colour, It's really warm and soft. When you touch it, it's actually quite lumpy, despite the smooth surface. Some of them may find it really smelly, but me and theQings think it's very refreshing. Something we never try before... Usually people dun eat it but we took it as snack. Not very filling but enough to make both of us smile.

We bought the shit that he produce.. we bought 3 for 5000w ;] It's call Tung-piang

we got another piece... anybody wants?

Bimbimbap

2011-02-06T12:56:00.003+01:00

21.01.11 Insadong, Korea

Talk about my favourite meal in South korea, would probably be this meal suggested by theQings. We take turn in deciding what and which meal to take. We went typing "Things to do in insadong, Korea" opened a few blog pages and start reading.. apparently this restaurant we were about to head got really good review and very satisfying.

We spend quite awhile to find the place, only to find that it's located at the basement level of a shopping mall, ssmaziegil! ( a very cool one). Go-gung, 古宮 the restaurant, was empty and the entrance itself looks really grand. We went in and greeted by smilling waiter dressed in hanbok. i guess It's a very fine dining restaurant ? not sure.. dunno where is the crowd. But i guess for the price i was paying is pretty expensive for Bimbimbap (11000w)

Bimbimbap is a popular Korean dish. The word literally means "mixed meal." Bibimbap is served as a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul (sautéed and seasoned vegetables) and gochujang (chili pepper paste). A raw or fried egg and sliced meat (usually beef) are common additions. The ingredients are stirred together thoroughly just before eating.[2] It can be served either cold or hot. (extracted from wiki)

What so special about this bimbimbap? It's called jeonju bimbimbap. Muh korean friend told me that bimbimbap was originated from there and all the tasty ones are there... i guess since i dun have time to step foot to there .. It's very far south.. This is the closest to what i can get. Me and theQings is very satisfied with all the side dishes..The triumph of this meal is the plum tea served last to cleanse the palate. It's light, sweet and refreshing. It sent me to heaven straightaway till i could find my way down... i had to ask for a second one and even drank theQings one's of.. guess her taste bud and mind does not ring on the same frequencies.

I guess now, i can give a shoutout saying.. :" This is what a bimbimbap bitch!"

P/s: Msia also have Go-gung 古宮 not sure it's the same though.

CNY

2011-02-05T20:03:00.002+01:00

The humble celebration in my crib

MMMG

2011-02-03T13:47:00.004+01:00

MMMG stands for millimeter/milligram, evidence of this Korean interors and stationery chain's commitment to precise service and outstanding product.

It's a cafe, which also sells stationary that's smartly design. i heard that it was started by a group of uni students. It's a pity that we didn't spent our time to enjoy the cup of coffee since we are rushing for time. As we decided to do a series of touristy activites. So time is really precious, since we usually only take off after we naturally wake up.

the arrangement of their product is arranged in such a way that, it doesnt look very obvious to be merchandise. Most of the walls are cement rendered. Very cold but warm up but the products sold in the store. I can spend hours hanging around the store. Looking at the interesting designs, notebooks, pens, bags and much more .

Was particular very interested in the scarf. It was a collaboration design with someone... forgotten the name but this scarf was featured in the magazine, FRANKIE .. However , i cant afford it.. it's ard 125aud T_T

Even though there are no repetition on the furniture, somehow it doesnt look weird! such a cool place to hang out. Drinks were a bit more pricey compare to others. We managed to get 20% discount, since we bought our drink during happy hour =)

Here comes, my green tea latte ... care for a sip?

How i wish i could take the whole cafe back with me ...

Happy New Year!

2011-02-02T17:00:00.000+01:00

Miss Lee

2011-02-02T01:13:00.001+01:00

22.01.11 Insadong, Seoul,

Located at the frontage(on the same street to Ssmazilgel shopping mall) of the insadong area is this hectic yet charming coffee shop, Miss Lee. This coffee shop is by far the smartest one i've been and pretty sure earn the most among all the coffee shop i visited. The key behind it is simplicity with the menu. The guy behind this shop is darn smart!

The interior of it is very chaotic,burst of colours, full of notes and papers left by the users. It's hang from one corner to another, on the glass partition, counters, lamps and everywhere possible imagine. With this kind of decoration is easy, It's fairly sketch and do not need to pay attention to details. Not saying it's a shortcut for design ... but it creates another vibe of the place. More homey, u can be more "careless" with ur actions, can pretty much talk in a normal tone. It's like a beautiful hawker center.

Remember how i say this cafe is really straightforward and simple and smart? They offer only 1 choice for lunch which is a bento box with rice, ham?, kimchi, seaweed and soup. it's all standard, nothing else for lunch. I love how they only offer this lunch set... not sure about you but i hate deciding food out of like 20 choices. It very annoying, cause i am fairly indecisive when it comes to food and concurrently gives me chronic headache.. So i really like this point about Miss Lee... Price wise, it's 5500 w which is kinda on the high side, considering u can get a "hawker meal" at ard 3000w. But i guess, i'm paying extra for the environment.

This is the bento box, it's serve in this golden box and u had to open the lid to reveal what's inside. During he wait for the bento box, i saw people shaking it before opening it. The idea behind is to mix all the stuff, like how u eat bimbimbap where u have to mix all the vegies and rice together. Again, i was impressed, so the lid also plays a part here.. not solely for aesthetic purposes. a fusion between contemporary and traditional! Kudos Kudos....

Of course, we got overly excited by the idea and concept of it... we start shaking frantically as if we are playing with maracas, about to play some mexican songs hey?... Then guess what, the lid is not water tight, so part of the kimchi sauce went flying around out of the lid... we stopped... and laughed.. even the korean siting the table beside us laugh at us.

Although!!! as expected the mixing wasnt as "mixed", we still have to manually mix it with our hand. But, i totally didnt mind it. I am still happy that i get to shake it. I guess my sister is right, about me always being childish and unmature =p. You might also think " dude, i totally can whip that up myself as well! " I AGREE... but the lunch tasted extra tasty . ><

Hazenut mocha after lunch, as my palate cleanser... Couldn't stop sipping the coffee while looking the heavy downpour of snow outside... I spaced out for a long while. This coffee shop cum lunch place, certainly gives me a good experience. Will totally come back for the environment.. maybe not the lunch box anymore.. It's not worth it =p ... try it once is good enough.

Man, the guy behind Miss Lee, successfully scammed me and theQings' 5500w for the simple lunch box =p ..

The table next to use :" (smiled) Bon Voyage~ "

farewell Miss Lee, till then!

Snow

2011-02-01T05:27:00.001+01:00

It's our last day in seoul (22.01.11), Woke up early to do some laundry while theQings is still happily jumping over the fence with the counting-sheeps in her dreams. i dun even need to be watch out of the noise i make.

Went out early in the morning, head to MMMG bookstore cum cafe to get some souvenir for myself. Considering i have to wait for the laundry to be done aneways.. no point waiting in the room.

To my surprise, when i was out.. there were small light lil flakes dropping down the skies .. must be another small snowing session.. i continue walking with my hands in my pocket. After spending a good half hour in the store. i walked back to our hostel. This time it might be different, i can actually see snow flakes collecting on my jacket, my glove and much much more visible.

It's not my first time encountering snow, but i knew theQings is still curious about how it feels like, walking around the snow. Especially "fresh snows" it's really light and fluffy. Leaving at least 1cm of footprints as u walk pass and compact it. i fasten my pace, wanting to tell theQings about the snow.

Me:"Faster wake up, It's snowing outside!!"
theQings: (eyes wide open)"really? or another tactic of waking me up"
Me:" Look at my jacket.. it's wet"
theQings: (she sits up) "OOO!!!! but im tired.. let me sleep"

i need to bang the wall... -.-

After getting all the laundry outs and getting ready... lucky her! it's still snowing and heavier than ever! As if the angels in the heaven are having a big pillow flight party! it immediately cheer us up and theQings claim that.. nothing will spoil her mood today!

not only her, i was happy too jumping into "fresh" snows like an idiot.. sticking out my tongue to catch the flakes..

Travelling in winter, u get to bundle up in warm clothes, mittens, coats, hats and gloves (not good for shopping).. but skip the real fur please. Winter is often a peaceful time of the year with unexpected , heavy snowfall during the night. Coating everything white. shining branches. The comfort of a cup of hot tea after you have been out in the cold with comfort foods such as steaming hot soup...

The crunchy sound made, by walking on hard snow. snowy plants.. magical fairytale winter landscape, and sometimes looking out the window, the full moon looks far more beautiful in the winter. To top everything off, u get to breathe in frost, crisp air...

Teddy Bear Museum

2011-01-31T18:29:00.002+01:00

19.01.11 Teddy Bear Museum, Namsan Park, Seoul

The Teddy Bear Museum, located in the plaza of the N Seoul Tower, also has branches in the republic´s Jeju and Phaju, and showcases a lot of bearssss. i am not particular a bear person, was hesitating whether to even step foot into it but then theQings insisted to go in. ah well, she is a girl afterall.. i almost forget.

they made a mini me painting ;P

The museum shows exhibits that chronicle the history, history of Seoul from past to present through the use of teddy bears. It is an amusing and innovative way for visitors to see how Seoul has changed and developed over time both as the capital of Korea and as an international city. Teddy bears are posed in scenes recreating historic events as well as various aspects of Seoul life. Dressed in traditional garb, royal attire or carrying the latest LVs, some of the teddies were mechanically animated to tell the story of how South Korea was founded.

Why teddies? Well, strangely, it´s mainly because of the folk legend that says Koreans are partly descended from bears! i guess i did sort of enjoyed it, a kind of experience, never put into an environment surrounded by stuff bears. not cheap my friends... its (12000W with the observatory tower included)

Platform for love

2011-01-30T17:49:00.004+01:00

19.11.01 N Seoul Tower, Namsan Park, Seoul

It's almost a must/ clich to have this coming along with an attraction . i think it's just absurd to have this lock sealing ur fate in love. It's like a fake marriage, fake engagement, just for affirmation... no i am not a troubled soul ok . I just look it in a different way.

On the other hand, kudos of not being traditional, Created a " steel tree" for couples to lock their heart outside the main hall before entering the tower. It's something different i appreciate compare to most of the places, where railing is the platform... Of course there are those "kiasu" couple who think they bigger the locks, the more stable the relationship is.. Haha .. from bike locks to small little luggage locks.

no wonder people choose to "date" here. They have love orange -.- . What a way to scam off ur money.. i guess eating this orange is like a love potion? blardy bodoh too much money. It's 4000 w ( RM 12 ) ok... not cheap!

And then walking aronund the cafes and souvenirs shops u'll be able to spot lots of "Love tiles"... This idea is quite smart. They save money on decorating the interior and hoping the couples would decorate it with them with their "love" . Save money on the paints and earn pocket money whenever a tiles is sell away hahah. It's love overdose.

N seoul Tower

2011-01-29T09:42:00.003+01:00

19.01.11 Namsan Park (Myeongdong), Seoul

Considering N seoul tower being the landmark of the metropolitian ciy of Seoul. It is a must to at least stop by and pay a visit. Scenic view of the city could be enjoyed from the observatory tower and also the nature of Namsan mountain. In My case everything was covered with snow.. so it's just snowy white with botak trees.

Its not cheap though... especially on winter its just too cold to climb up and u're forced to use the cable car service which is charged (15000) for a return trip and not to forget the entrance. Then again, since u're already here just do it right? haha

From Myeongdong subway station, gotta walk uphill around 15 minutes before u reach namsam park. N seoul tower could be spotted from afar. Then, u'll reach the foot of the Namsan hill. Cause it's winter, no flowers, no grass, no colours for u too sight and it's cold, better take the cable car to reach the peak of the hill. Otherwise, ill definitely would creep my way up it's spring hhaha.

Appreciate small little painting they did on the glasses so it's not that bare. However, i find it giving out a strong christmas vibe. Guess they can get away from it since snows are everywhere.

Despite the cold weather , winter, there were still many travellers as well. Me think it's either Koreans from other city or just couple who wanna find a romantic place to go . How can it be romantic with this crowd =/ i didnt manage to stand by the window in the cable car..=s. Getting out of the cable car, greeted by 2 "london guard drawing" by the door.

Sort of the view u be able to spot from the peak.

Paljakjung (an octagonal pavilion) is also on the peak of course with the tower. Below the tower there is a teddy bear museum, cafes and also souvenir shops, and lots of small little stuff. u know typical tourist attraction.

Reminis

2011-01-29T07:17:00.004+01:00

19.01.10 Bukchon, Seoul

This coffee shop i remember, the first time i pass by it i was deeply attracted by the wire feature of the shop. The way they deal with the wire is just brilliant.. instead of hiding it behind the way or watsoever way. They exposed it and turn it into an aesthetic element! The cold(concrete) and warm(wood) element are well balance to me ... with the white paint to just hold the two elements together. I'm happy. Are u ?

I never knew there were a second part to the coffee shop when i first pass by. It's home to a team of bakers/designer who baked presumably wedding cakes and do all the decoration on top of the cake too.. When i was there the girl was doing the trousers of a grooms pants.. Very very delicate.

Besides that, it was also a day home for two poddles.. are they poddles i am not sure. These timid ones are just too adorable. It takes a lot of time and sniffing for them to finally approach me and pat them. Me think it's a great tactic to have a life animal wandering around the shop. Definitely lighten up the mood, who can get angry at "poodles" But be sure to have a clean dog.. u wont want a Rottweiler to go running around and traumatizing the customers haha.

Now that u got fauna, gotta balanced it up with flora? hahah just my weird theory where yin n yang theory applies haha.

Great design + Great Green tea latte + Great ambient + Great team + Great doggies. I love coffee shops

Winter escape

2011-01-29T00:16:00.004+01:00

Throughout this trip, i kept telling theQings only crazy people travel in winter. Everyday we put ourselves in an harsh environment to walk and do activities. Not only do we put ourselves in that kind of condition, i've "force" my korean friends to do so too. HAha bo pian, i am there at this weird time!

Deep down in me, i love travelling around during winter, less crowded, the snows, the gloomy, monochrome world gives u a different perspective. i love it. even though i shiver i enjoyed it.

It's great to finally be back in hometown, minus the 12 hours wait in LCCT before i catch my another flight back to borneo island. Luckily for lcct there is free wifi and a place to hang around with aircond HAHA !

7 days in Seoul
2 days in Gyeongju
3 days in Jeju island

Certainly a very fruitful trip. But both of us, would really prefer to stay longer in Seoul then going to Jeju in this harsh weather, and to be frank, am not impressed by what jeju island can offer me. Maybe i am a spoiled traveller or prehaps the weather made it unenjoyable? certainly would recommend u guys to stay in seoul for as long as u can.

Shopping therapy.Great place for shopping as well ..but of course, it depends on how great ur bargaining skills are (in Dongdaemun - a 24hr shopping area), i made enemies and friends through that. All i can say dun try to scam a malaysian's money or to be even more specific.. foochow's. Vintage are cheaps here! my best bargain was a nice looking blazer for 20W which is ard rm 60. A normal topshop blazer would already cost u hundreds already.

Artistic n Caffeine.Great place for getting in inspirations, lot's of nice coffee shop with nice coffees, nice interior, nice vibe to it, definitely 2 thumbs up! some integrated the utilities and the design together... some have dogs in the cafe, some have nice little lunch box.. also giving a chance for users to interact with the cafe by leaving notes and more.. ahhh... this is what i miss the most.

Gastronomic pleasure.Food as expected... Spiciness! i ate too much spicy food that i think me face is actively erupting and still, body became so heaty that i've got 5 ulcers on the gum, on the left side of me mouth. and eventually all the 5 join into 1 gigantic one. kill me but kimchi is still to die for!

The social world.Great peoples u can meet along the way. Perhaps i am bias on this, but ever since i met my korean friends in poland. I grew fond into them and got really close with them. I appreciate the times they sacrificed to bring me around and the effort of making my stay as comfortable as possible. Trying to squeeze what they have eaten all their life, what they do, their culture into me world in 7 days. and i think i got myself a korean a-pa(dad) and o-ma(mum)... lets just hope kim dun get jealous hahaha

So much more that, its hard to be put in words, but for urselves to experience. Do visit Seoul, Korea. Maybe dun be as crazy as us... go during spring =) then again.. if its too warm... its hard for u to enjoy a hot cup of coffee... and impossible for u to sight snow.

**Fark.. i spilled my hazenut coffee

Korean BBQ

2011-01-23T04:09:00.004+01:00

18.11.11 Gangnam, Seoul

Korean is another asian country, heading to this place is as asian as it can be. People stopping u on the street grabbing ur arm and ask u come to their restaurant. Start gossiping and backbiting about other restaurant saying that they dont have that dont have this. Mines better and theirs sucks! very fun. It's like in malaysia everyone is "lengzai" or "lenglui" when u wanna buy stuff from Cheecheongkai

My first Korean BBQ. I guess i am really shallow about what Korean culture didnt know they have this specific BBQ very korean style. It's always happy whenever u eat a korean meal. So many side dishes. The table just lighten up with the colours from the food, dippings and the red kimchi!

and not to forget soju as well. not a big fan of it but since i am here... cheers man!

yet another fun filling and satisfying meal =D and we smell like BBQ

in heaven

2011-01-21T03:17:00.000+01:00

It was my first day(17th), walking around buchon hanok village where we stumble upon this shop called kikismith. i dunno why but i have this urge of going into it. there is this sense of mystery to it, glass door with a simple typo on it. the stairs going down is pearl white, this alone add on more mystery to it. We enter and bull's eye ! it was a vintage shop!

Me love vintage shop as much as a girl love her diamond. i saw this really nice really nice boxy bag. How pretty is it? if ur favourite star is megan fox or maybe Kim bun(theqings crazy crush). This bag certain beat that! i didn't buy it on the first day, cause i was uncertain about the price, remembering kim telling me it was really cheap to buy vintage stuff in Korea.

But to me it's already cheap! I spotted this bag, and theQings also spotted another bag. It's balenciaga but sold in a very very cheap price! we still are very uncertain how authentic is it. But after walking around and touching the quality of "fakes" bag. She thinks even its fake it must be a grade triple A.

So on the 19th we decided to go back to the shop and buy it!

This just made our day! i found the bag of my life hahaha .. konon, It's boxy, dirty with some patches of stain ( me like) carpet/ tower material on the front with this awesome patterns. very structural so it's really easy for me to find my stuff! ah.. i am dieing in heaven ever second i carry muh bag! =p

Easily satisy

2011-01-19T17:56:00.004+01:00

18.11.2011. Gangnam, Seoul, Korea.

The particular highlights of the days were also having to take "big head photo" it's been centuries, since i used that machine and now i get to do it in korea !haha i feel young and too old for a moment but who cares ! They were really experience in doing it so we just follow and pose pose pose. Certainly a memory carved! rushing to edit the photo before the times run out and such!

and then followed by this stupid, crazy, and intriguing idea suggested by qing.. going for fortune telling.There were really lots of fortune telling booth ard in the street. my response was .. "What the fuck were u thinking" (and in that split second i thought i never did this before..Why not). "Let's go!" the good thing is i am doing this in Korea with a translator telling me what is she saying... it was certainly a fun process. At first we wanted to do Tarots reading but then we ought for the names one since the names one we can "count" for whole year.

The first process is already a complication.. in deciding wat name they use since im not a korea. They sure are up for the challenge, either the chinese name or Jenabi is used? in the end.. THey ought for jenabi.

I do try to listen carefully what she says and often look into the eyes and pay really attention but man i really dun understand what she is saying. i know i look silly to he but i still act it out really well as if i understand bits or words.. hahah.and thanks to my friend for being really patience as well hahahaha and super fun experience!

this is what she told me ,
for this year have to watch out during March, August and November... and the rest of the year is good but February, May and september is the best. I should watch out what i am eating ( =/ ) .. wear more steel as it brings good luck!

I'll either get married next year or 29 or 31. will be back in korea after 2 yrs time. will do architecture till the age of 31. then ill be in doing business internationally. and much much more that i prefer to keep to myself bwahaha!

Qing's fortune teller ask her to wear steel as well for good luck and at least wear white underwear 3 times a day... ( Qings doesnt have any!)

Cup & Bowl

2011-01-19T16:50:00.004+01:00

18.11.2011. Gangnam, Seoul, Korea

Itaewon, i actually have really high expectation with this place. It's was describe like the Soho of London, Newton of Sydney, Kazimier of Cracow. With really high counts of gays in that area, that place should be really artistic, boho, and fashionable.

Turn out to be wrong, no i don't find it artistic or the other adjectives i used to describe just now. It's more like newtown where u walk along the streets and small little shops and coffee shops but really lack of personality. the vibe was wrong, crowds' age were not in specific range. After finished waking around we decided to stop for a coffee again while waiting the time to passby... meeting at 8pm. This one caught our attention in particular, it's set on a higher ground and the name of the shop i find really interesting - Cup and Bowl

its a really a tiny little coffee shop which can only accomodate like 6 people in a go. I feel really homey once i enter this shop. Spotting the homemade scornes, breads, cookies displayed under the glass lid. Almost could see what they are doing as well, as they are preparing our drink =)

They partition part of it but leaving a small opening on the wall. What a great idea, to increase to depth of the customer, instead of having solid walls. Interaction opportunity is there and u can feel the space widen up a little.

i had soy cafe latte and a piece of the macadamia cookie. it was perfecto for the coffee but maybe not to the cookie. I find the subway australia one better in the sense that, more macadamia is to be found in the cookie.

i forgotten what qing had, but i rmb her saying how hard is it to find a perfectly baked scorn. She could smell the freshness of it when cracking it open to half. so i guess thats a good sign?

ciaoz

Ediya Coffee

2011-01-18T18:55:00.003+01:00

I used to have coffees after meal, but was suggested by Joeng Ae to try Yujacha (Citron Tea)which is a Korean traditional tea made from thinly sliced yuja (유자) with its peel and combined with honey or sugar.. The yuja fruit itself is flavorful while it has a sour and bitter taste at the same time, so Korean people make it preserved and sweetened for making tea.Uniquely Korean. Why not.

it taste like orange but not that orange, just nice and not to sweet, very refreshing and refered as a "winter warmer". We just talked over the plans for the rest of the week and what we should not miss. And also decided to do a day trip to Suwon on thursday =)

We dismiss ourselves as each of us have stuffs to do and meeting up for dinner later. So, me and theQings decided is time to pay Itaewon a visit.

Catching up

2011-01-18T18:07:00.003+01:00

I used to thought before i come to Korea, i'll probably the one delaying and still be in bed when everyone is already ready. It's the other way round, man theQings is really crazy haha! she is glued to the bed. Today 18/01/2011 is another meeting with my remaining exchange student korean friends in Gangnam . i am still in a kinda disbelief mode for i am actually in korea and meeting them . It feels like i am still poland and we are hanging out just normally.

Jeong Ae as usual the crazy one! screamed on her way up the stairs and out of station when she saw us bunch standing there. Everyone is looking at her even i thought omg who is she! until i managed to give her a second look. My dear old friend =).

Another surprise was when Yook ( my ex-roomate ) suddenly approach me with a big smile. At first i thought who is this guy! He look so different.. gave him a bro-hug =D This is how he look like with his long beautiful hair =p (LINK). Jae was in the student exchange program as well just a batch earlier than me. Used to hear a lot of stuff bout her but finally got to meet her in person .

We went for lunch, Chicken thats all i know. didn't know wats the name of the dish but it's like kueh tiaw... the only difference is the chewy texture and semi transparent noodle.

Remember i told u about Korean food is like the art of mixing? here is theQings statement "omg. even the delicious sauce is useful! imagine my surprise when they poured the two bowls of rice into the sauce and started to mix it! delicious and not a thing gone to waste!"

Lunch is done, time for some palatte cleanser

Eating Octopus

2011-01-18T17:29:00.004+01:00

Very nice shot of our first expression spotting the moving tentacles of the octopus. Beside the octopus, is the sashimi plate of 2 different kind of fishes. It was arranged in different rows for a reason and each part of the fish, the textures are different, going from soft to chewy. Very complex, and i cant actually differentiate it but i could really taste the freshness of it. i am really not a seafood person to give u a really expert review. But i do have to remind u that i saw the whole process of choosing the fishes, catching it from the display boxes, slaughtered and served. Beat that freshness man! beat that!

I find Korean food is really about the art of Mix and matching. Sauces, Side dishes, soups with rices, Freshness and also chopstick really play a really important part in eating. Consider this, if u dun know how to use the chopstick how are u gonna smudge or deep into sauces in front of u.

For this type of eating, we ate it with a dip of sesame oil and salt. How healthy! I really feel the tentacle's suction, cleaning up muh tongue like a vaccum cleaner. U're suppose to chew it really fast and swallow but i had to take this picture! otherwise it will crawl out of ur stomach to ur mouth if u didnt kill it . U do know i am just kidding right haha. The taste, i would say its chewy, not disgusting, i would say a harder version of jellyfish but definitely not as crunchy though.

This is another way of eating it, where u can either wrapped the sashimis or octopus with sesame leaf or lettuce.. with all the dippings. Eat it! Like how the Vietnamese eat their spring rolls.

So the meat of the fishes were eaten raw, what happen to the bone? The remaining bones were used to made a "hot soup" literally translated to from korean =). it's really yummy, strong taste, spicy, and full of flavours! remaining meats around the bones are like tofu man! hahaha..

The whole meal were accompanied by Soju and also fruit soju (plum), Korean pride alcohol. we were taught the way of pouring soju, the way of drinking and lifting the cup whenever people pour. i cant pour a soju myself, so u have to pass the bottle for other poeple to pour it for u! how interesting.

the bottle cap can turn into a drinking game as well....my fun filled night!

2011-01-18T03:22:00.003+01:00

Since yesterday, the day we arrive, theQing had been talking about eating baby live octopus and yes it will still wiggle and "suck" onto ur skin. How fun is that by hearing that! I've taken tarantulas before in CAmbodia, certainly wouldnt miss the chance of french kissing a baby octopus!

WE meet up Kim again for dinner. Reach Noryangin market with aprox 700 stalls selling seafood caught from all the ports in korea. It's impressive. we never expected anything, i thought we just gonna go to a restaurant and order the octopussss.

we just follow blindly, and walk and walk and walk, until we reach this balcony area and were told to look down. dang! thats one huge fish market and really fishy smell eh!

Look at those fresh wiggling seafood, soo many varieties of it. me and theqing got Seafood shocked. I mean man, really never seen so many alives one, the fish looking up at me, octopus saying hiii.. !

It's great that you have korean friends now, cause all u do is look dumb and stand there, and have them do the talking! hahah we were just joking around and laughing at wierd looking seafood. if u can spot of them . one of them actually looks like a men's part and it's call " dog's xxx " hahah.

They choose the fish and some of the baby octopus that we gonna eat and send for slaughtering ... gonna eat all sashimi style. This is what i got surprise as well. I always thought only salmon and tuna can be eaten raw. but the korean almost have everything raw!

The fishes and octopus we just bought got sashimi-ed by the owner :) gonna be brought into the restaurant for makan!!! :) more to come

A good coffee

2011-01-17T20:03:00.004+01:00

Nowadays, having a good coffee is no longer enough to attract customers. Demands are higher and expectation is more. Certainly u wont fail finding one in Korea. While strolling around the hanok village (traditional single story housing)we stumble upon this coffee shop,Double Cup Coffee (DCC) . I already score the exterior of this coffee shop 4/5 and now the only things that will make this place perfect is the coffee.

We had to try it and also to escape the cold winter. Warm ourselves up with a hot drink! I got myself a Caramel Machiatto and the Qing got herself a Green tea latte. I really like the vibe, the environment and of course the coffee as well. For me, caramel machiatto can sometimes be too sweet, and the taste of expresso will be overpowered. But mine was just nice! and for Qing's green tea latte! It was super light and fluffy, no powdery taste or too "artificial".

Dig the decoration and the interior of the coffee shop but the only down side is the view from the first floor. Well, that cant be controlled. I would rate this place 9/10 very satisfy. ALTHOUGH, the owner/ manager thought we are thais. Otherwise, they are really friendly =) kapkunka?

The first morning

2011-01-17T19:40:00.002+01:00

Greeted by a Korean dog =p. So bias no matter we see now its all ye-po( pretty ) pretty sure if its Msia. We'll just ignore it. Good weather to start our day, having the sun high up in the clear blue sky. I'm happy. It wasnt that cold. bearable =D

Our first stop was changgyeonggung palace, however it's not open since it's monday. Mondays are usually the off days for museums and attraction . Guess this also applies in Asia =p if not korea then. We went strolling aroung Jung-nu area and headed towards Bukchon Hanok Village which is the area between changgyeonggung and gyeongyeonggung...

Note to self: do not update when im tired... i write 5 yo english

my 1st Korean meal

2011-01-16T19:25:00.004+01:00

It was already 12am and we are on our way to have dinner. Took a cab to an area which i have no idea but it was filled with Shiny sign boards and was told it is a clubbing area its really quiet presuming it's cause its sunday and everyone is working tomoro. We will be having seolnongtang. It's a pot of soup, and then u mix ur rest init. we ordered the dumplings one

Qing got over excited when the waiter actually brings out 2 large silver trays of kimchi and also radish. i went omg myself as well. Cause in Malaysia/ australia all the portion they give is so small and on a small round little dish as well. Finally get to eat the real kimchi? and also taste extra yummy. it wasnt too spicy for me =)

This is wat i was talking about it's Dumpling soelnongtang (7000w) very yummy especially cold days like this. well we catch up over the dinner and managed to contact my other korean friends and arranged for meeting as well =)ah. keep having flash back of poland days, and it seems like it was just yesterday me and kim hunts for pierogi( poland dumpings ) ;)

Kim's persuaded me to move to korea cause it's very good and everything is free. then he start reading this 5 sentence of korean words on the small little standup menu on the table.

1. if u need an apron, please ask me ( in case u're wearing white and dun want to smudges of kimchis)
2. If u want to recharge ur phone please ask me
3. If u want medication or emergency help, please ask me
4. If u want tampons, please ask me ( for girls la)
5. If u want perfume, please ask me.

dam this is really cool .now i really love korea =p

my first meal in korea! finished our dinner at 1.24am =D

Arrival

2011-01-16T18:55:00.004+01:00

so we arrived Korea at around 9pm... took us quite a long while to get out of the plane and to the immigration clearance. Went and suit ourselves up with thermal clothing while waiting for the baggages and i got really excited and nervous at the same time.

as soon as i step out of the gate, this familiar voice shouting out "JEnabi!! jenabi!!! " on top her lung.. i was jumping on the same spot as soon as i spotted her, she was too jumping on her same spot as well. i look silly, she look even sillier, jumping up and down in her posh looking leopard print outer wear.

i was speechless, we hugged and i didn't know where to start and what to ask.. she pass me a bag of donuts. that was one touching moment, as its the first batch of donuts i am going to devour ever since im back from aus. didnt get the chance to have jco even. This i appreciate. =) i never knew she knew i had a soft spot when it comes to donuts.

It was like a dream she say, she always thought its not gonna happen so fast. me in korea and such. but well im here =) and its freaking winter. really cold. =) .From Incheon international airport took us an hour to reach our hostel, anguk station via bus (10000won ard 10aud).

departure

2011-01-16T05:13:00.001+01:00

At this point, being in kl is no longer special. I am actually pretty bored of what this place can offer. Eat, shop and party. What else? Flight from Miri to Kl is not as often hence there were times I had no choice but to stay a night for transit.

So heading to korea today, very very exciting. Had my awful brunch – Roasted chicken rice in the airport while waiting for the qing. Man, the meat is like having a draught season; it’s as dry as the desert.

Surprisingly the flight to me seems very comfortable, maybe I am just not fussy about it. Or…I was just too tired to bother, that I could sleep in any kind of situation. It’s weird though when u wake up and seeing peoples standing along the aisle, chatting away, as if they were salesman trying to sell us, the passengers stuff. Perhaps they are just stretching…

i cant sleep after the guy beside me kept snorting away and the guy behind me kept coughing like nobodies business...

Packing!

2011-01-14T17:55:00.001+01:00

keh keh packing had never been this fun before ~

Can't wait

2011-01-14T14:19:00.003+01:00

Indeed a hectic day, went and did the student visa for my further studies. Involve getting stuff photocopied, passport pictures, medical check up, x-ray, more medical check up and driving up and downs. bah.. give me a break..

On the other hand, i'll be leaving to kl tomorrow, transitting before heading to Korea =D. How exciting is it. It 3 days time, i'll arrive in a new country where my mum claimed that i'll turn into an ice cube because of the weather. Let's see...Sunday (16Jan) the day i arrive its gonna be -9° to -16°.. Monday .. -4° to -11°.. Tuesday -5° to -8° .. So now the question is will i turn into a beautiful Ice sculpture? haha

i managed to get some local product for my beloved friends in Korea as well. I guess it's local enough.. haha. They were a bunch of Koreans i knew when i was doing my student exchange in Poland. Poland wouldn't be so fun without them. Without them, I wouldn't know anything about Korea. Didn't even know the difference between North and South until i met them. Didn't know that being a teacher ( for girls ) in Korea is a really big deal and much more. =D

Can't wait to see the KIM waiting for me n qing in the international Airport, Incheon =D. keke I should really start planning where to go and what to see haha.. still got some packings to do and 3 illustration to finish up before the big winter backpacking!

Galaxy

2011-01-13T05:55:00.003+01:00

Was hopping this art piece got chosen to be printed but it got turn down. =( i kinda like it, how i wished it would be printed. Me thinks its gonna look slamming hot. u think? i need more inspiration!!

On the other hand, Me gonna be in the land of kimchi in 3 days time =D . gonna meet my long lost sister and catch with her!

Lesson of the day

2011-01-12T12:16:00.007+01:00

Was commissioned to do a small little graphic thingy. I left the computer to sleep after a few hours of work. The next morning when i wake up, just after a few minutes of activating it. The grey blind came down slowly and requested me to restart the computer.

Guess i was overly confident with Mac. Now the heart is empty and the lesson of the day is remember to click "SAVE"

Wishing Bone

2011-01-11T15:28:00.000+01:00

Ever heard of wishing bone? Is it a small little myth that's pass down in your family? For my family, i was told that there is a wishing bone in every chicken. However, the bone will always being butchered into half and once that happen. It is no longer a wishing bone. ;) I remembered i got super excited about this bone and always put it aside in somewhere safe to save it and perform a proper wishing ceremony. Had to make sure i hide it from my brother as well.

Today, i was drinking the soup my mum cooked, and while devouring the chicken, i discover the legendary WISHING BONE. What shall i wish?

Graduation

2011-01-11T13:47:00.000+01:00

Finally 3 years, and a degree holder of built environment (architecture). Didn't know how did i got through this 3 years but this is only the beginning.

I've got another 2 years to go for Master of Architecture i have to endure before i come out to the society. And u never know, maybe i went kuku and decided to take another 3 yrs for PHD? haha.

It was my first graduation and never knew it was that bored. the only thing i enjoyed much is the attention i got, being the "graduate" and also with my family around flying all the way from Malaysia =). It was joyous and full of laughters.