Thursday, December 31, 2009

Stonehenge 巨石阵

一个充满神秘感的圆形石林
一个在考古界依然让人迷惑不解的遗迹
一个让百万人从世界各地慕名而来的景点
一个让我在那儿呆上两个小时的世界遗产
她的威力何在??
她的气势何存??
就等待您来亲身探索,体会了....

巨石阵也叫做圆形石林,坐落于Amesbury。那里的几十块巨石围成一个大圆圈,其中一些石块足有六米之高。据估计,圆形石林已经在这个一马平川的平原上矗立了几千年。

巨石阵的形成和其用途,意义至今仍然是个谜. 有人说她们是由居住在那儿的巨人僵化而成的,也有人说是个恶魔运用魔法让这些石头飘洋过海,堆栈而出的.种种传说道出了人类对她的好奇,对她的期待,欲知....

巨石阵的存在有何意义呢? 与宗教信仰有关吗? 古代墓葬 ?? 抑或与天文扯上关系呢?? 奈何,迄今为止,没有人确切知道当初建造它的目的到底是什么..

如果有一天
人类不懈地探索揭露了真相 ...
那么美丽的传说就不复存在 ...
遐想空间也被剥夺了....
其神秘感也会随之消逝...
是好还是坏呢? 则见仁见智了...

~~ 或许生活中有些事应有所保留比赤裸裸地呈现在眼前,才会显得更完美,不是吗??

http://elal.shutterfly.com : Salisbury & Stonehenge

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Was there in year 2006, still remember that it was a good day with blue sky.... brought along some food, sitting in the green field and enjoying the sun there ... it was so great !!

Had a day trip from Florence by train. Once got out of the train, just followed the sign and crowd, walked past the Arno river and University di Pisa, then the famous tower that just won't stand up straight was appearing in front of me !!
The height of the tower is 55.86 m (183.27 ft) from the ground on the lowest side and 56.70 m (186.02 ft) on the highest side. It is now leaning at about 3.99 degrees which means that the top of the tower is 3.9 metres (12 ft 10 in) from where it would stand if the tower were perfectly vertical according to the wiki. 3.9 m ?? almost 2.4 of me .... amazing !! Really didn't feel so when i was there .. There are 2 buildings nearby the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the lovely Gothic Baptistery which is best known for the hexagonal pulpit and the Cathedral of Pisa which make it as one of the world's most memorable squares.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Cigar 雪茄

cigar ... a special topic for me to write about as I am not a smoker. Just found few pack of cigars on the table which the packaging caught my eyes. Those cigars were given by my uncle to my aunt who is having her holiday with us now. I took a few photos of them just for fun and searched for some basic informations to share over here...

Cigar ( 雪茄 in mandarin was translated by a poet 徐志摩 ) is a tightly rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco that is ignited so that its smoke may be drawn into the mouth. It undergoes 5 processing steps :

  1. Curing 烟草加工
  2. Fermentation 发酵
  3. Sorting 甑选 ( bale, inspection, unbale, reinspection and bale again repeatedly as it continues its aging cycle )
  4. Rolling 捆卷
  5. Keeping 保存 ( suggested 21°C & 70% relative humidity in a wooden box )
Cigar is made up of 3 compositions - wrappers 茄衣 , binders 茄套 and fillers 茄心.

Wrappers 茄衣 are the outer layer used to wrap the fillers which determines much of the cigar's character and flavour. The colour of the wrapper is used to describe the cigars.

  • Double Claro 青褐色
  • Claro 淺褐色
  • Natural 自然色
  • Colorado Claro 暗红褐色
  • Colorado Maduro 深褐色
  • Maduro 咖啡般的深褐色
  • Oscuro 近黑色
Binders 茄套 are used to hold together the bunches of fillers.

Fillers 茄心 are the main composition of a cigar. The flavor of the cigar depends on the blending of the tobacco leaves. The leaves from the bottom of the plant produce less flavour compared to the middle of the plant, whereas the upper leaves give the strongest flavour as exposed to the most sunlight. The fillers can be grouped into 3 types :


  1. Long fillers - uses the whole leaves ( the highest quailty )
  2. Medium fillers - uses larger pieces of leaf than short filler without stems
  3. Short fillers - uses the chopped leaves, stems and other bits

The best cigar is said from Cuba ...

p/s: Cigar has higher level of cancer causing substances, toxins and more tar than cigarette. It is also a major source of indoor air pollution. So, think twice before you smoke :)

Friday, December 25, 2009

A Souvenir ... A Memory ...

Glass Cabinet
This glass cabinet was bought and special deliveried by my brother from Ikea in KL ....
It is used to fill in the souvenirs that i bought during my travelling and some are gifts as well ...
I have changed the arrangement, which the 1st layer is used to display the little things from Europe trips ...
  1. Picture of Colosseum, Rome, Italy.
  2. Plaster cast of Venus de' Medici, Greece.
  3. Venetian masks, Venice, Italy.
  4. Porcelain bell, Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.
  5. Thimbers from UK, France & Spain.





1. Eiffel Tower model, Paris, France.
2. Eiffel Tower keychain, Paris, France.
3. Wooden Paper holder, MSM, France.
4. Ticket to 3rd level of Eiffel Tower
5. Sweets case with William Shakespeare, Stratford Upon Avon, England.



  1. Parliament House fridge magnet, Budapest, Hungary.
  2. Funicular railway ticket to Royal Palace, Budapest, Hungary.
  3. Bear shaped paper holder, Kyoto, Japan.
  4. Elisabeth of Austria, Sissi's reuter porcelein, Vienna, Austria.
  5. The Last Supper plaster model by Leonardo da Vinci, Rome, Italy.
  6. Wooden Paper holder, MSM, France.
  7. Ticket of London Eye
  8. Pewter pin badge of the Phantom of the Opera, London, England.
  9. Pewter violin model, Salisbury, England.
  10. Wolfgang A. Mozart porcelain plate, Salzburg, Austria.


  1. Various brands of perfumes
  2. Glass, Prague , Czech Republic.
  3. Hair grip, Bangkok, Thailand.
  4. Postcard from Europe countries.
  5. Green glass candle holder, Dubai, UAE.
  6. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China.
  7. Alabaster clock, Italy.








1. A wooden postcard, MSM, France. ( sent: 14th Nov , received: 24th Nov )

2. Wooden paper holder, MSM, France.

3rd level

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Key chains & badges from Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China , Taiwan , Dubai, England, France, Spain, Italy, Australia .......

  1. Koala bear, Sydney, Austria.
  2. Colourful sand bottle, Dubai, UAE.
  3. Mickey & Minnie hair band & hair pin, Osaka, Japan.
  4. Crab shaped paper clip, Namba, Japan.
  5. Essence sticks, Bangkok, Thailand.
  6. Chopsticks, Bangkok, Thailand.
  7. Ticket to Disneyland, Hong Kong.
  8. Ticket to Universal Studio Japan,Osaka, Japan.
  9. Keychains from various countries.
  10. Dinasaur model, USJ, Japan.
  11. Paper holders, Namba, Japan.



  1. Specimen of sakura flower, Yokohama, Japan.
  2. Sake bottle, Osaka, Japan.
  3. Paper fold crane, Namba, Japan.
  4. Mobile strap, USJ, Japan.
  5. Bear shaped fridge magnet, Oxford, England.
  6. Camel keychain, Dubai, UAE.
  7. Eiffel Tower keychain, Paris, France.
  8. Pisa keychain, Pisa, Italy.
  9. Venezia keychain, Venice, Italy.
  10. Shells in sack, Pulau Redang, Malaysia.
  11. Petronas Twin Towers keychain, KL, Malaysia.
  12. Petronas Twin Towers bottle opener, KL , Malaysia.
  13. Elephant toothpiece, Negombo, Sri lanka.
  14. Envelope opener, Shanghai, China.
  15. Transformer 2 movie ticket .. why do i keep this ??

Plaster cast of Flamenco dancer, Barcelona, Spain. ( My favourite )

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry X'mas & Happy Birthday

happy birthday to u ...
happy birthday to u ... happy birthday......... happy birthday .......
HaPpy bIRthdAy to UUuuuuu....

Tomorrow is Christmas Day .. it is also my brother's birthday. So, yesterday and the day before, i was trying to bake a cake, hope that this year i can make one by myself to my dearest brother.

The 1st trial was not really successful but the 2nd trial was good. The cake was basically finer in texture and tastier after some modifications on the ingredients.

Today, i will bake another bigger one with topping .... (the LOOK isn't good but the TASTE is really nice... hehe!! Thick topping as i have whipped too much but it is okay as it doesn't taste sweet )

BROTHER, WE LOVE YOU FOREVER !!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

1st Trial

Last Saturday, was having a gathering with friends after the 15th anniversary CL reunion dinner ...
A friend of mine taught me the way to make a baked cheese cake ....
Was thinking to make it on Sunday but due to my laziness ..... hehee .....
Today, i am quite free. So, why not try to bake a cake ?? Then, i started to prepare the ingredients and materials that i bought on Sunday ....
Here we go .....
Ingredients
cream cheese : 250g
sugar : 1/2 mug
melted butter : 150g
egg : 4 pcs

biscuit : 150g
lemon juice : little


Step 1 : Smash the biscuits
melted butter ~~~ smashed biscuits
Step 2 : Mix the smashed biscuits with the melted butter ( heated by microwave for 40 sec )
Step 3 : Place the mixture into a baking plate and put them into freezer till it is shaped
Step 4 : Blend the cream cheese and sugar until it is smooth

Step 5 : Add in egg yolk
Step 6 : Blend the mixture evenly
Step 7 : Whip the egg white
~~~~~whipped egg white~~~~~
Step 8 : Add the whipped egg white into the mixture
Step 9 : Pour the mixture on the freezed biscuit

Step 10: Heat up the oven
Step 11: Bake it at 220 C for 20mins then cover it with the aluminium foil, lower the heat to 150C and bake for another 40 mins
Put the cake into the fridge and it is ready to be served after 30 mins ( should be like this , but i didn't know earlier )
Not a successful work ... but still acceptable lah ... heheh !!

I am thinking to have the 2nd trial with a layer of peanut butter as my nieces like peanut butter very much !!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

2010

Year 2010 is just around the corner ....
Time flies ....
I have back from my trip and started to work as well ....
In the new year, will allocate more time for myself lah ...
I should have learnt something new as having 12 hours extra per week ...
The most challenging should be taking up a course as reading makes me sleepy ...
Learning a new language ?? Or I should just concentrate on my violin ??
Should come out a list ... if not i will end up doing nothing !!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

My Dinner in Mont St. Michel

This is my beer, good to have one in the cold day ....







Starter .. a seafood plat

The oysters and the snails are so fresh and delicious .... a good starter!
..............................................................

Traditional Mont St. Michel roast lamb leg is the main course .. too rare for me, was thinking to ask them to recook but i didnt ...
Roast Lamb's Leg ............ Apple Sorbet
** The Apple Sorbet is immersing in the Brandy ! too strong for me lah......

Bill please !!






Feeling so warm after the dinner .....




French cuisine... have it twice ...mmm....still prefer chinese food !! he he ...

在圣米歇尔山的日子

十一月十一日

在圣米歇尔山的日子

咋听之下,似呼是段很长的日子…..

其实,在圣米歇尔山只有短短的几个小时. 我非常地珍惜在圣米歇尔山的每一分每一秒,可能是时间太短暂吧 !!

十二日,下午二时五分,抵达圣米歇尔. 背着沉重的行囊,踏着轻快的步伐,寻找早已订购的酒店. 沿着斜坡一路往前走,不削一会儿, Hotel Le Mouton Blanc 即呈现在眼前. 101, 哈哈… 我的房门号码!!
酒店服务员领我到房间, 古色古香,蛮不错的!! 放下行囊,步行到旅游资料中心,询问关于Bay walking tour的资料, 给了一些小手册,要我自个儿拨电话询问. 其实,临来之前,在法国的朋友已帮我拨电查询了. 不晓得法文的我,就那么轻易地放弃了不, 也没什么遗憾的感觉.

啊,雪糕,期待已久了,选了Passion fruit + Chocolate 的口味,酸酸甜甜的,蛮不错的… 这里的风很猛,雪糕以极快的速度融化了,拍了几张照, 就沿着岸边走. 海鸥的叫声,潺潺的流水声,游客们的喜笑声,真是棒极了….

不知不觉,时光就流逝了,我沿着直通圣米歇尔山的马路,一直往外走,就只想从远处观看这座奥秘的小岛.一座我期待已久的目的地, 走呀走地,偶尔往回望,拍摄下不同距离的圣米歇尔山…风,不停地吹,好冷好冷,三三两两的路人,偶尔擦身而过,一个微笑,一句 bonjour…..

由三时许一直步行到五时许,天色渐渐的暗了,岛上的灯光也渐渐地亮起了,是时候我往回走了. 入夜的圣米歇尔山更加地迷人, 橙黄色的灯光罩着她,真是非笔墨所能形容的…..偶尔乘着车子出入时将她 给摄下,路,是那么的寂静.除了离开的车辆,几乎都没什么人了… 回到酒店时已将近七时….

要了壶热水,吃了些饼干,酸乳酪和热呼呼的泡面,真是人间极品啊!! 放了热水,泡了热水澡,超级舒服!! 看了电视,全都是法文,只有CNN是英文台… 上床休息时,已是九时了, 不晓得几点入睡… 醒了两次吧!!

十一月十二日

约六时许,离开了温暖的床褥,准备好后就到Terasse吃早餐.但是,早点还得多等十分钟.拿了相机往外溜,不行,外面好冷好冷啊!! 还是进去好了!! 跟酒店人员聊起,她的手是那么的温暖,而我的却是冰冷的!!等待的时刻,回房去拿了背包和大衣, 然后,就开始用餐了,很简单的早点. 啊,薄荷味的绿茶,蛮好味的,清清的薄荷芳香,值得一提.

九时半左右,就开始探索这座被誉为七大美丽的奇景之一了. 首先,来到了一所小小间的教堂 St. Teresa. 虽然是间小教堂,可是,身处其中却是那么的舒服.朴素的装穔,却可媲美其他大教堂!!好喜欢她, 是感觉吧… 留了几个字在教堂内的簿子,坐了一会儿,就离开了….

沿着斜坡往前走,一步一步地靠近圣米歇尔修道院.在我眼里,每一个角落都是那么的美,景色更甭谈了.今天的天气蛮好的,蓝蓝的天,白白的云,非常适合拍照,赞!! 走呀走的,来到了一个观望台,哇,太棒了, 真是不晓得用什么字眼来形容她. 当风吹起时,不知名的种子,随风旋转而下,太美了!! 还捡了几颗作为纪念呢!!

图中的照片是在众目睽睽之下拍的,将三角架放在约三四米远的台阶下,然后,在观望台用遥控器拍摄. 此举切吸引了其他游客的目光,其中一位还给我打了手势,表示行了!!

糟糕,啪的一声,放在一旁的三角架抵挡不住狂风,倒了,还断了呢!! 应该是我放不稳吧!!我该庆幸吧,相机握在手中. 风,真是好强啊,我几乎都站不稳了!! 没有架子了,就得找地方放相机, 又怕相机被风吹倒. 不停的往前进,拍下了无数的照片…….

真是不可思议,当我买票进入修道院时,已是而时半了!! 我已经走了五小时了,曾经有人对我说,这座岛屿只需四个半小时就`解决了!! 哈哈!! 我的步伐真的是超慢的. 圣米歇尔修道院并没什么特别的,哥德式的建筑,就是灰灰沉沉的, 用了约一个小时逛完了整座修道院. 此时,相机的电池也没电了… 离开了修道院,在小巷的店子逛了逛,买了些纪念品,就回酒店了. 肚子好饿呀,吃了些东西,休息了一阵子,洗了个澡, 又到小巷逛. 找了间餐馆享用一顿丰富的晚餐.

圣米歇尔山的点滴 http://elal.shutterfly.com

10th Nov

I am now on the coach leaving for Paris. It is said need to check in an hour before the bus departure …. So, I was kinda rush ...

I woke up early in the morning, around 6 am. Then, I took my bath and did my packing. After breakfast, I checked out and started my exploring…

Got the one day pass, then headed to Westminster Abbey. I had been there last night, but it was night. So, I went back again to take some day photos for Brian. I didn’t go into the Abbey as it costs £16 and no photography is allowed. I have seen so many churches and cathedrals in Europe …. Milan Milan’s is the best …

I am sleepy … I think I should take a rest then only continue …..Milan Milan’s is the best …
Today is 12th Nov liao … so fast .. too fast … I am on my way to Mont St Michel, the old lady who is sitting beside me told me that it is the seven beauty in the world … she was there 20 years ago !!

After the abbey, I walked past the Thames River, Parliament Square and Big Ben again .. the other side is London Eye … Got my ticket for a ride on London Eye and a 3D show as well … hehe.. I took some photos when I was in the show but not good at all .. hhaa ..blind shoot as photography is not allowed again !!

Oh, yea .. there are lot of places in England where tripod isn’t allowed to use .. I asked the reason, they said it is a rule especially in private place … the guide in oxford said he also don’t know why have such a stupid rule … but the other told me that as lot of people walk around, so, it is afraid that someone will trip over and fall … this is the most reasonable answer I got !!

· I am listening to the Music of the Night ... love it very much !! My tears dropped when I was in the theatre !!

Riding on the London Eye … what’s the feeling ?? mmm … not really have any special feeling … not high enough actually .. 125 m ?? Am I correct … heehe.. will check it back later …

No time for photo lah … I have to head to Haymarket where the Majestic Theatre situated … find the place, I have walked past it at the 1st night there … confirmed the place then looking for a place for lunch.. I had KFC at last .. a snack box and a breast fillet !!

1415, I was in the theatre hall .. it is not so grand as thought .. kinda small … I took a few shoots of the theatre hall … 1440, here it started .. I made a very stupid and embarrassing stuff … when I switched on the small torch to slot in 50 pence to hire the binoculars, I pulled the panic alarm accidently … wowow .. all the people looked at me … luckily, I was able to fit it on quickly .. phewwwwww !!

The theatre was really GREAT especially the Christine Daea, EXCELLENT AND GORGEOUS!!
Her fiancé is handsome as well but the Phantom is kind fat and short … He should be by someone who is tall and handsome .. anyway, it is okay as most of the time, his face is covered … hehe … but he really sings very very well !!

I would give 6* for the show … the changing of the stage, the decorations , the costumes … it is well worth !! yea, i got the matinee show for £39.50 … GO FOR IT, I would suggest to anyone … I met a traveler who had watched it in New York too , she said it was great as well

After the theatre, then I walked around the city and took a bus to The London Tower .. walked across it and took a few shoots, I should have back to hostel and took my coach to Paris ! Rush.. rush .. rush .. and I have no time for my 3 courses dinner in England !! Anyway, I would and I must do it on the last day .. will be going to Cambridge if the time permitted !!

15 minutes earlier from the check in time … once I was there, only I knew that, I am not necessary to check in an hour before the departure time … so, was waiting there for 1 hour 15 minutes !!

Ahhh…. I almost left my passport in a small grocery stall.. it runs by a Sri Lankan .. luckily .. bought some food there … still with me .. too greedy !!

Got on the coach .. free sitting .. got a seat and started to sleep … really old liao .. can sleep tightly during journey … around 0030, there was a passport checking at the custom but no stamping on the passport book ?? why ?? I am going into France wor !! Took a few shoots , then I fell asleep again !! see, I am really tired !!

I didn’t even notice how the coach got in to the tunnel train, when I opened my eyes, the whole coach is in the cabin … basically, there is a coach in each cabin … when it arrived .. the door opened and the coach moved out of the cabin … fun fun fun !!

0530 ( UK’s time ) and 0603 ( Europe’s time ), I stepped my feet on France !! Looking for the ticket machine to buy the metro ticket , it Is very easy but I didn’t have coin and note is not acceptable and I don’t have European credit card .. so, I went to the counter, thinking of made some changing .. the guy asked me to go to the ticket counter to get the ticket !!

Got my ticket .. and got my way to my destination !! It is very easy to catch the metro in Paris as long as you have a metro’s map !!

Get out of the station .. Volontaries Station , then followed the instruction, I found my hostel .. 1st of all, I looked for the Toilette .. they called it so, never used washroom !! The guy is a bit lazy to stand up to do my check in … he said that I can go for my breakfast if I like which wasn’t included for today !! After wash up, then put my luggage in the luggage room then I went for my 1st meal in France .. took a photo of course !!

Went online for free…rest a bit then started my day in Paris .. I decided to go for a Free Tour and put my planning aside … I reached the gather place very early … so, I wandered around the place … looking for ice cream .. but the shop wasn’t open yet … and I lost my way in the small alley .. bought some potatoes to try .. I told them I wanted 200g … was it was quite a big portion … costed £2.30 !! It is a big price in Malaysia then for baked potatoes !! The taste is as the one usually served when having western food but nice to eat the hot stuff during cold weather …

The best way when you lose your way is to go to the main road .. then it will be easier to find the way out than strolling in the small alley … so, I managed to join the group but I stopped half way with a Chinese lady from Canada .. she loved to shop very much … it is funny to see the way she shopped … Tous .. a Spain brand .. see if I could get a better price when I am in Spain … to get some souvenirs for siblings …

I headed to the Royal Opera .. it was crowed there … took some photos , shopped and then got on the Metro to go back to hostel .. I was exhausted !!

Once in the hostel, ate something, packed my things, took my bath … and came online .. thinking of going to Eiffel Tower but BO LAT LIAO ….

Headed to bed around 9 pm and woke up around 0430 as the roommates from Mexico were leaving to Rome .. they gave me 4 Metro’s tickets that they left !! Since I couldn’t sleep, so, I went downstairs ( Yea, I stay at the 3rd floor , around 40 stepssss ) to go online .. after that, I got ready myself to Eiffel Tower but I didn’t manage to reach there .. it is said 15 minutes by walk ! NO way, impossible !! I walked for almost an hour … even though I did stop for shootings but it also didn’t take such a longer time .. I asked a French lady, she asked me to take Metro 6 !!

So, I walked back …

8th Nov

Woke up early in the morning, around 5 am .. but it is too early. Tried to sleep back but on and off and finally left my bed at 6am .. did some simple packing and got ready myself to go out for a walk … there wasn’t anyone on the street beside the street cleaner …. It’s already 7 am !! Good, then I could enjoy my photo shooting liao … hehe … my target was back to the Salisbury

Cathedral … the most beautiful and finest cathedral in England … yea, definitely it is !! The most beautiful Cathedral that in my mind is always the one in Milan, Italy … no one can beat it ….. but now this Salisbury Cathedral is another which I really wanted to go inside when I reached yesterday …. I caught lot of pictures of it last night .

Back from the walk, straight away headed to the dining area to take my breakfast, I planned to be back to YHA at 0830 but was late for around 15 minutes … had a fast breakfast , 3 glasses of orange juices , a sausage, ham , potato and baked beans … and some pickled fruits with dressings !! Then, checked out and left the YHA at 0910, my coach to London is at 0930. Reached the bus station at 0920, 10 minutes before departure …

Yea … I am now on my way to London via National Express … the bus was broken down and sent to service .. so, it delayed for almost an hour .. wasted my time actually .. in fact I wanted to buy a sweater that I saw in The Next( open at 1030 on Sunday ) .. hopefully I can get it in London, only 22 pound !! When I was about going to ask the driver if was there possible for me to go and buy something, he walked out and said the bus is coming !!

It is very cold today and was drizzling ….. now, getting warmer in the bus … I should have taken off my jacket !!

Salisbury .. I love the most

7th Nov

I love Salisbury the most !!
Today is a cloudy day out there !! 8th Nov …

Time, dont go too fast

6th Nov

Wow …today is 6th already..
I planned to write every day but once I back to room … I am just so tired
After emailing, almost feeling sleepy …

Ok, I have to rewind back my stay in Stratford Upon Avon on 4th Nov
Play back ……..
I was waiting almost 7 hours at the Stansted Airport …
Basically I didn’t sleep …
Wandered around the airport and took some photos …
Was sitting there and listening to 2 other guys chatting …. Very funny, one of them was in the same aeroplane .. they travel a lot and know a lot of things .. I am shame of myself then …
The guy that same plane as me was kinda “innocent” ..i remembered the Indonesian guy asked him do u know about XXXX .. he answered I don’t know and said I am not familiar at all with London then the Indonesian guy asked him again , do you know stansted … haha… he answered I don’t know … then after a while he realized … eh, here is it …
I shopped at the groceries ..bought a bottle of mineral water and a bottle of chocolate milk … I did take a photo of it … 2 items costed 1.81 pound ?? I ate the corn flakes as breakfast from Mc D, LCCT .

P**achelbel Canon … I am listening to it now .. I am now on the coach to Bath Spa … depart at 0950 arrive at 1155 …

Around 0530, I prepared myself to take the coach then walked to the coach station through the underground …

Looking through the window …. The scenery out there is so nice … green field and birds flying …
1st time to catch the National Express, so, better to ask where to wait for the coach … how to open the door ? oh, push the button , I thought that is for disable as there is a man on the wheel chair symbol .. ahh .. I should take it later !!The lady told me where to wait .. then I walked to there .. no way .. I am going to Stratford upon avon .. not London Stratford … so, I asked the driver there … then I learnt to the way to get the coach !!

Got on the bus … there was only ME … the coach left sharp , never like in Malaysia .. have to wait the bus almost full then only started …It is still dark out there , the bus driver is quite cool ..i was thinking to ask if he is allowed to talk to passenger s during driving but I didn’t …
Ohhh…. Again horses in the field ( Music of the night is playing … cant wait to watch the theatre play in real ) haha…I just took some photos of the wind mill … modern type .. there are 4 of them in white … will upload and show .. there is no sun today …

Back to the topic … yea , I was alone in the bus together with the driver … as a precaution I got ready my swiss army knife and the pepper spray as the panic alarm wont work !! dark and silent road. After around 30 mins of drive, arrived at a station, picked up a lady then I started to enjoy my photo shooting lah …. From time to time, getting more passengers on the coach … the stop at the Luton airport was the best stop, the airport is just open , you can see there are lots of private jets and the taking and landing is so near to you … I did catch some photos too , yeah …. And a photo of a guy who was going to Milton Keynes, the place where my friend, Theresa stays!! We planned not to meet as my schedule in UK is rush rush rush …. But fun fun fun !!

If you ask, do you feel bored travelling alone !! No, definitely not .. I met roommates from Taiwan, parents and daughter … will write more later !! Oh, now is 1035 .. time never stop for us, it just flies ….

Basically, the coach driver is a serious guy. He didn’t talk much but he is a very patient guy or this is the driving attitude of uks’ .. there are so polite and well manner … he almost greeted the other drivers on the coach … some, responded but some didn’t …

0935 I reached Coventry .. my coach to SUA ( Stratford Upon Avon ) was at 1100 … so, I wandered around the city .. Coventry University is just situated beside the station … I saw a Cathedral when I was on the coach … so, I followed the signboard and walked there …. Pretty old cathedral … took some photos and visited the internal of it … a priest was playing piano … it was so peace and comfortable inside it … there will be a function at 1030 .. but I was not able to join though …..

Ahh, I met a “guy” when I was shooting outside the building … he asked why do you want to take such building … they are all rubbish… he said that he doesn’t like here … and kept criticizing the place … I didn’t respond to him actually … then, he walked away …

After that, walked back to the bus station … the coach reached on time and left on time as well … ahh, this driver was friendly. I kept shooting from time to time and slept on and off … the driver was trying to post for me … hehe ..cute !!

At 1100, I reached the leisure centre, I saw the hotel that booked on the way there … so, I just walked all the way down there with my heavy luggage !! why is it so heavy and it is getting heavier !!

Peter let me checking in earlier as the room was well prepared, he showed me my room and the wash room …. Oh, I forgot to turn off the heater !!

Then I walked to the information centre after the instant cup noodles … bought a ticket to visit 3 houses of William Shakepeare birth place … I was able to visit 2 houses only … mmm.. the Anna Hattaway wasn’t as beautiful as in the picture … kinda disappointing after a long long walk.. November isn’t the season to visit Europe … but this is my only holiday !!

After that, I went to Shakespeare birthplace ….I came to know that William Shakespeare married Anne when he was 18 but Anne was 26 and pregnant as well …. I couldn’t imagine , in that time 15 century … how did the people “see” Anne??

Bought some souvenirs ….
Wandering around the city … it was drizzling … back to hotel around 1750 .. took a bath and had my meal …. Came online .. thinking of going out for a walk again but couldn’t TAHAN liao … headed to bed around 1900 ?? and slept tightly …….. woke up around 0130 ( 0930 in Malaysia ) then came online again, emailed home and chatted for a while … back to bed again around 0345 lah … woke up around 0600, then cleaned myself and well packed all the luggage … it was raining, went to a nearby park and shot some photos …. Back to the hotel at around 0815 and had my breakfast .. an English style breakfast .. unfortunately, I am short of time …. Didn’t even taste the tea ….

Sheep in the green field again !! Love it … I can go close to them when I am in Mont St Michel !!
Checked out and said goodbye to Peter .. then left for train station … I wanted to catch a bus to Stratford Train Station but the people there said you could just walk there …. It was quite far ler … but the driver told me just 4 minutes is needed … no way, I walked pass it yesterday !! after walk for a while, I asked again , the lady told me around 10 minutes walk … ended up I walked around 30 minutes to reach there …. My walking pace must be very slow then !! 1st time to use the ticket machine, followed the steps, then I got my ticket … so convenient !!

Waited at platform 1 for my train to Leamington Spa then to Oxford … will be continued!!
Wow ..what a lovely city is this …. I am in the Bath though !! ok, better get ready myself lah …
OXFORD …. I am stepping in the Oxford Universtity …

Oxford … oxford … where did I stay yea ?? Really old liao …. Ok, I was staying at Oxford Backpackers Central … I reached oxford by train …. Followed the map , I got my hostel .. but turned a big round .. hehe …. Walked past it but didn’t notice … rang and checked it … put my luggage then started my exploring ….

1st of all, I went to Oxford Castle 6 or 9 pound entrance fee ?? I forgot again …. Since I hv some time , so, I climbed out the little hill, it used to be …… of the castle but was destroyed !! Oxford Castle is a newly open tourist spot … it used to be prison as well … so, it has no luxury interior design like all other castle … the guided tour started at 1230. The guide’s name is Jack Keith , a very humour guy, I should have enhanced my poor English … basically, it was great not due to the castle itself but a well experienced guide … climbing up 100 stairs … I was always the last although I am not the oldest … hahah … shooting ma ( what an excuse ) .. really the stamina is not as good as last time … should go for more exercising lah ….

After the oxford castle .. I tried to walk to Christ Church … should I pronounce it as kris or krais ??? was kept walking … then I reached the Pitt River beside it , there was the university botanical garden … took few shoot then found my way to the Christ Church … finally I reached the entrance of it .. was able to find the exit before the garden …

Oh, I forgot to save the earlier part that I have written?? Where did I stop ?? Christ Churh … a very famous church due to its dining hall .. The Harry Potter ‘s dining hall got the inspiration from it …..

**Better I skipped and go into the exact date !! à 8th nov
**ok, finished the 8th Nov … haha …

Passed through the arch , walking up the staircases …. There was a small hall before getting into the dinning hall … wow, it was ZHAN !! Not as big as the one showing in Harry Potter .. may be just 30% of it ?? Dining tables and chairs were well arranged … so did the cutleries !! There were portrait painting on each side of the walls , I didn’t know who are them but they were very attractive under the yellow table lamps …

After leaving the dining hall, went to the church ?? Oh, I have forgotten though .. have to check back the photos .. then I went into the Christ church .. will elaborate more on the structure later !!

It was kinda late though, walked past the library .. visitors are restricted .. through the window, there were lot of books in the library, the spiral staircases just like what In the Harry Potter .. took a few shoots then I left the church …

Wandered around the city, bought something to eat then back to hostel !!
Checked in , the lady told me this and that, showed me the places and my room …. Oh, there were 2 black guys in the room and no one liao … once left the room, I asked the lady, how many will be there in the room tonight, she answered 5 to 6 persons … that better !! After showing, she asked me if I have any questions ? I answered , Yea, I lost my way back to my room !!

After bathing, then I met new roommates from Taiwan, a late 50 aged lady started the conversation with me .. they are from Taiwan , Tao Yuan, her daughter is studying in North Uk and going to be graduated at the end of Nov , they have been travelling for almost 50 ++ days and will be leaving soon , I wondered why they didn’t stay to attend their daughter’s graduation ceremony … they had been to Greece ( 16days ), German, Scotland and now back to England ….
They are nice, we talked a lot especially the other day’s morning .. and we did take photo together ..i promised to email her the photo but the hostel’s line was unstable and I must do that when I am arriving London lah !!

After finished the simple breakfast, then I went out strolling again … yea, I did back to the Christ Church as I didn’t take any photos of its out look!!

Hurry .. hurry .. hurry … grabbed my backpack , checked out and left for the bus station .. on time !! Leaving to Bath on 6ht Nov !!

Paid 2.50 pound for the Church and 11.50 pound to The Roman Bath …. Sleepy now, better I stopped lah !!

Here goes my trip

3rd November 2010

0840
Slept for around 4hours…
Woke up at 5am and got ready myself in 30 mins .
Dad sent me to the Penang Airport. Reached at 0605..
Checked in then waited … Landed LCCT at 0805.
Claimed baggage then I am now having my breakfast at Mc Donald’s …
Flight to London is at 1535 .. now is only 0845 …..
London, I am coming !!
Please welcome me … hehe

1153
Another 2 hours 35 mins to check in….
Time passed quite fast too ….

2054
I am now on the flight …
Board at 1510 and took off at 1613 ..
Oh … only 4 hours 41 mins … another 10 hours ler ..
I did sleep ... on and off …
Should do some readings then I will fell asleep easily ….

4th Nov
0223 ( Malaysia’s time )
Just finished second meal …
Another 3 hours++ … I will be reaching London
Ahh.. hope that I can get through smoothly …
Good luck to myself …

0708 ( Malaysia’s time )
I am In London now … hooray
Was worrying about the entry ..
It ended up so easily with just few questions..
Is this your 1st time to UK? yes
Why are you here ? holiday
Where are you staying tonight ? airport as I hv to catch morning bus to Stratford upon avon
Which hotel ? applegarth
He asked so because I didn’t fill in the name of the place that I am going to stay on the arrival card as there are so many different accommodations I am going to stay ..hehe
Why are you going there ? it is the birth place of Shakespeare and the scenery there is so attractive .. he smiled and said very good…
So, u are going to stay here for 18 days ? yes
Do you have friend or family here ? yes
Are you going to meet them ? No, as I am short of time ..
Do you have the return air ticket ? yes, do I need to show you ?
Is okay .. you seemed to be well organized… he he!!
Nonetheless I did show him my return ticket too.
Yea, another question … you will be departing from this airport too ? yes !!
He he …. Nothing to worry actually !!
Now is 2314 in uk … my bus is at 0600 ..so, I have to wait another 6 hours and 46 mins …
Another waiting !!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

I AM HERE AGAIN

Today is the last day of October... haven't written here for quite a long time though !!
3 more days, will be on the flight to my destination ...
Haven't travelled since the Japan's trip ....
Time flew ....
Log in again ....
Thinking if i can write a bit about my trip as a memory ....
Friends asked : feeling excited for the trip yet ??
My answer will be : no wor, may be a day before the trip lah!
Anyway, this is normal to me ...
Nonetheless, still looking forward the 2 nights stay on the Mont St. Michel !!
Come to know about this island from a friend ... and told myself i want to be here one day !!
Hopefully i can get through the UK custom smoothly .. pray for me !!

Friday, February 20, 2009

心灵枷锁

很多时候,总有很多莫名其妙的想法浮现在脑海里,
总喜爱将这些毫无关连的点子串在一起,
编织出自个儿的梦想,
描绘出无名的画像,
偶尔涂上艳丽的色彩,
偶尔让她留白.......

心灵枷锁.....
总有一天我会将无形的妳撬开,
让我跳出框框,
让我活得更精彩 ....

(待续)

不续了....

Thursday, February 19, 2009

百感交际

让音乐在这夜里响起....

一首首熟悉的歌曲,一首首触动心悸的旋律....

在宁静的夜里, 特别容易扰乱我的思绪.....

曾经与你分享的曲子,曾经深深喜爱的歌曲....

因为你的离去,不禁让我觉得百感交际 ....

回荡的琴声,跳动的音符....

似乎在呢喃着...

为何你有着一颗令人难以捉摸的心.....

偶尔的无情,蓄意的残酷...

一次又一次伤透了彼此的心.....

也许你早已离我而去....

也许你已再不是你.........

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Nine Emperor Gods Temple of Butterworth

The Nine Emperor Gods Temple is one of the biggest temples in Butterworth. It was an attap shed that set up in 1970. By the effort of the devotees, the temple was rebuilt started from year 1996 and fully completed on 26 April 2000. The total cost for the rebuilding was RM7 million.

The Nine Emperor Gods are part of a Taoist cult belief known as Kao Ong Yah (Hokkien) or Kow Wong Yea (Cantonese). Every year, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. During the festival, the followers will practice vegetarian diet for the least 1 day to 15 days in order to have a clean body. There are firewalking, spear skewering, playing of hot oil by the tranced mediums and many other events in these nine days that shouldn't miss.

Here are some of the photos i took last night. Still having the problems on the setting of the white balance, this time were too yellowish compared to the Kek Lok Si Temple which were too reddish ... More photos : http://www.flickr.com/photos/35124934@N05/

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Kek Lok Si Temple

Went to Kek Lok Si Temple on the 4th day of CNY in the evening. It was the 1st time i went there at night time . My last visit was in May 2008, went along with friends from Japan. Hehe ... will only go to Kek Lok Si if do have friends come from abroad.

Departed around 5pm from B'worth, had dinner then arrived Kek Lok Si Temple around 9pm. So, can imagine how terrible the traffic was. It was jammed starting from the triangle path in front of Chung Ling High School. So, we had to use the other road to avoid it. Few cars broken down as driving up the inclined slope and had to queue for the car park space as well !!
Anyway, it's worthy as the night view ... wow ... was so stunning with the lanterns and colourful lighting decorations.
Did bring along my camera of course the tripod too. This was the 2nd time i took the photos at night ... tried few settings but still couldnt get what i want .. ended up the photos were having the grainy feel as the ISO was set to max ( too greedylah me ) . My shi fu told me shouldnt set higher than 800. Anyway, it was a good lesson. Due to lack of time ( stayed till around 1230am ) , so, was unable to walk and shoot from different angles.
Met a Form 6 CL's schoolmate as well, were looking at each other .. why so familiar the face ... haha, luckily still remember each other name !!
Just bought the remote control this morning ... hopefully i can get the photos of the fireworks on the 9th day of CNY lah :)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The 3rd day of Chinese New Year

Wow ... so fast this is the 3rd day of CNY though .. was busy for past 2 days especially the 1st day, visited 5 families and had a gathering with friends till late night ... really a fruitful new year day.... and i won RM100 while trying on my luck with my relatives ... hehhe !!

The 2nd day, went to my uncle's house for lunch .... knowing that my 10th uncle would go for match making ...... most of the guys went along with him. Just remaining me and my cousin brother and sister ... i kept on asking my cousin bro to follow but he didnt want ... haha !! Lastly, we went for shopping with my daddy as i wanted to look for a pouch. Unfortunately i couldnt get it after 2 malls .... but we had ice cream instead of that ... not bad yea!! Had another gathering with friends till late night ...

I was home on the 3rd day, my sis's friends visited, we were playing cards for fun .. some relatives were visiting too ... now all are out ... i should take a rest tonight ...

2 days before CNY, went out with my parents to buy something for praying ... while waiting for my mum, I did take a photo on panning. I like it quite much .. not really clear but this was the 1st panning with people in ...

Thursday, January 22, 2009

回顾 . 展望

坐着... 想着.... 回顾2008年,这一年,对我来说并没太大的收获,当然,亦没任何值得一提的损失 ....

回想... 再回想... 发现自己越来越不留意周遭所发生的事情,也不太在乎身旁的一切... 并非是所谓看清了人世那般清高而是再也找不到那份热忱,那些许的兴趣 ...

曾经嘻嘻哈哈笑过...亦曾伤心哽咽哭泣... 然而此时此刻,却无法从记忆中掏出让我影像深刻的片段... 或许是时间冲淡了一切吧!!

展望2009年... 希望欢乐永远萦绕在你我身边,幸福伴随我们过着每一天.....

. .. ...... ........... .............. ..... ..... ..... ....... ...... .... 一个充满爱与关怀且温馨的画面 ( 摄于 12'22'08' 北赖飞禽公园 ) . .. ...... ........... .............. ..... ..... ..... .......

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Seedlings ..

from there ... a hope is generated .. a good sign for a new year .. a good start for you and me ....
2 months ago, i plucked some seeds from a mother plant and sowed them in a glass pot. It is a kind of plant which i like very much but do not know its name. It produces little yellow flowers just like the daisy as shown in the photo. Aren't they charming ??

I got this plant while i was on my way to a kid's house. They were blooming beautifully and caught my eyes. So, i requested some seeds from the owner. It was few years back. This plant grows only at the end of the year, at least this is what i found after years ... it will grow up and bloom. Then, it will disappear ( die ) and the next year it will appear again .... it is like seasonal!!

4 days ago, i found a seedling in the glass pot. I was so excited as i thought it will never germinate anymore . The next day, the other seedling shot up ... haha .. now there are 5 of them sprout new leaves. If i have given up that day ( while doing the cleaning ), i meant throwing it away or stopped watering, then i will never have chance to enjoy the excitement while seeing the seedling sprouted one by one .... this is the task i do every morning just after woke up.

Happiness can be gained so easily as long as we are not too demanding .....

Successful is just after the patient, timing issue and how much the effort we put on it .... as long as we don't give up easily ... it is not far from us ...

Anyway, i should have to keep them out of my room in order to let them obtain enough sunlight for photosynthesis process.

Hope they will grow into a healthy plant just like my wish to all of the people around me .. having a successful and prosperous new year !!