De one with Hong Kong 2008 (Part I)

13th - 20th Dec 2008Sincere apologies to my supportive readers for the arrival of this long-awaited blog. You see I couldn't help being lazy nowadays after a long 8-days holiday - something to calm all that's happened during the year.

Without further ado, comeon hopping into my memory in this never-done-before mega-blog of collective blogs.

Ready? Fasten your spectacles, have your finger hot on the "down button"/scroll cursor and let's go . - ~ ^ ' `*


De one with Hong Kong Here I Come!

Left house flustered, got into a cab and travelled to pick my travel buddy, Mohan, at his house. That accomplished, I complained to him about how my aunt and cousin keep annoyingly blubbered about how I'll be late and missing the plane. It's so irritating to have people "making noise" when you're in the rush hour.

Our touchdown, the first gag I told Mohan was about how those people lined outside the arrival gallery, were my "fans" waiting for my arrival. Lol. Ok, not funny. The both of us faced alittle "nick of time" situation as we considered between purchasing the "3 day pass"/"Octopus card" for our transit purposes. Pity we'd only realised the outweighing benefits (which consist of trip to and frown on the airport express plus 3 days of unlimited travel on the MTR) of the "3 day pass" while onboard the airport express. Whereas constant deduction for every trip we make if using the "Octopus card" (something just like our EZ-link).

Making our way to Kimberley, the two of us (I didn't have breakfast/lunch) ventured for food at this restaurant laid across the street opposite our hotel. I have to admit we looked helpless when it comes to their ordering procedures with limited experience and language barrier. Thank goodness, we managed with my Mandarin and their knowledge of English. After a S$15+ dinner, we headed along our area (Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui). I was desperate for cologne and got the latest "Gucci" for man at SaSa (which was located within every 10 metres around the vincinity - very successful compared to Singapore's).

De one with "Seh Mey"?

I believe everyone couldn't be more familiar with the fact that dim sum was a "must-try" in HK. These people have frequent dim sum sessions, like how we have tea/coffee on daily basis! Out of our 8 days, 4 days we had dim sum for lunch. Let's see, we went to one (which I forgot the name) along Nathan Road, Jordan; Maxim at Cityhall; Ming's Court (posh environment) and the one at our hotel. Shiu Mai and Hakkao were the "indispensibles", the rest we tried different stuff at the varying restaurants. There was this glutinuous riceball with mango stuffing. It's nirvana after bitting into it. Ho sei wor!

We note that some Hongkongers practice washing their utensils at the table before use. Which explains why at the very first restuarant we went, a glass bowl and a pot of hot water were served. Puzzled and uaccustomed, I asked the waiteress how we were supposed to go about washing the cup. She poured the hot water into our cups and left. The amusing thing was, the glass bowl was gone even before we emptied our water into it. Damn. I had to ask gain for the glass bowl. Abit paiseh looking dumb la.

I read from Mohan's lonely planet book that the some Chinese are particular over sanitization. Which explains why some resturants serve two pairs of chopsticks. One for serving and the other for self-feeding. It usually comes in two colors too! Mohan and I agrued over this at Ming's Court. I spent my attention observing what people around us were doing! Mohan can't help being amused by my being a "conformist". I thought, it was education! tsk tsk.

The normal Hongkong food limits down to Wanton noodles, Pork chop, Beef and more pig's organs. Well, there are a couple of japanese, korean, Western and even Indian cruisines. Mohan doesn't eat Jap. Western food included our lazy visits to Mc for breakfast, Delifrance.

One night, I was dripping from my nose and this was an amazing discovery. An "East meets West" dish (it's actually Hong Kong mee baked with cheese and ham). Never ever seen in Singapore before!!

Mohan wanted to try this famous dessert. I never knew how prominent it was until I heard it from my colleagues when they asked. Ring a bell? It's called "Tsu Liu Xiang" - the brand name of the shops which sells mango and other fresh fruits-laid on ice desserts. Hmmm.. Most of the time, we were just bloated by the time we ate that.

~Hong Kong food : Tantalising ~

De one with Encounter with Buddha
Come our 3rd morning, we woke up early and took about an hour to get to Lantau so as to pay a visit to the Giant Buddha. While transferring from one MTR to another, I dropped my wallet by accident. Thank goodness, these passengers were super selfless and helpful. This young-looking guy immediately picked up my wallet and rushed to me to return just before I approached the door. Hongkongers = Morale citizens. Or Buddha knew I was coming? *shrugs*

The MTR was fast. Nothing as fun when co mpared to this minibus (No.23) which embarked on a bumpy, road-winding ride to bring us up to the mountain on which Buddha sits.

It was chilly despite the sun's glaring down. There's this circular, three-staged parlor with flags on the tri-circled circumference. I believe and obeserved people actually stand in the middle and make wishes while facing in the direction of the Buddha. Me? I like what I told Mohan, "Buddha only grants wishes to good people. For the average people (who have yet to accomplish whole-hearted goodness), well..Buddha can only grant forgiveness and wisdom to remind us to be good." Not a convictious offense. Just a mere personal opinion on MY personal blog. *"V"hand-sign* We..or I prayed at the temple, something I take it as a fun experience. People were dropping coins into the donation box even before they pray. I did the reversed. Just don't understand why drop your wishing coin even before you make your wish? Hehe.


The chrysanthemum, catus and lotuses at the temple grounds were enchantingly beautiful! Couldn't resist sharing these here!
Then, we climbed what? 90 steps? before we met the magnificant Buddha which sits on a three-level platform, with six erm...fairies (3 on each sides) offering different gifts to the Enlighted one. Me? I'm considered the 7th gift! (as below) I was filled with profused enthusiasm so I climbed the steps in a hast. Mohan keep reiterating "You're supposed to think of the Buddha as you climb the steps. Not climbing faster than other people". Bet Clara would have thought likewise. I simply was too excited whenever it comes to climbing stairs. Of course, the army bunk building was a method of different thing. Hehe.

~Lantau Buddha: Spirit-and-Mind purifing~

De one with Disneyland HK!

If anywhere were to be located "Wonderland on Earth, there's no better place than Disneyland!! Endless delights and joy fills your heart from the moment you set foot onto this "dream come true" compound!

I droved a jeep..

Flashed my smile for the camera from day...

to night...

with "erupting geyser" too!

Appeared as special guest in Toy Story 3...

Met Princesses who waved and blew kisses (at me? *blushed*) when their Princes are nowhere to be seen....

Ate candy-foss, calm my nerves abit... as I watched the spectacular "Let It Snow" Parade...

Apart from the above, rides such as Space-mountain (thrilling roller coaster in the galaxy of stars), Tarzan river boat (I read it was a World famous), It's a Small World (see below) were not to be missed.

Well, I wished we came earlier, I spent quite awhile at the merchandise, browsing for sovenirs. And guess what!? I was successful in "kidnapping" the chipmunks when they were "patronising" the merchandise store. Had the cashier girl as my accomplice. Brilliant! Hehehe.

However, spending too long in the cold weather conjured running nose. Thanks to me not heeling Mohan's advice to put on something that'd keep me warm. Oh saint. Nonetheless, the dazzling fireworks displayed at eight (after waiting doing nothing for 1 hour) momentarily suppressed my flu. Made a clip but couldn't upload. So I attached the link to a youtube clip in courtesy of mutatedsilian. What you'll find in there is exactly the same magical display I've witnessed! (don't wait further, click on the picture below to get redirected!)

I heard it'd be even more stunning at other Disneylands. But, I guess this one at Disneyland HK was good enough for me. Everybody exclaimed "wow" during the finale (well, it seems the exclaimation was thoughout the video). It certainly melt our hearts!

~Disneyland HK: Elixir of Youth!~

Well well, that's all for Part 1. Stay tune for more in Part 2 coming soon!!

De one with Right Things

Heart-warming day

As much as I was rather disappointed that I wasted my time shopping for a jacket (Really detest shopping without getting anything), optimism reminded me of how equally glad I was because I did all the right things this evening.

More specifically, there were three things I'd love to share, that I did which couldn't have derived more contentment!

First and foremost, I am so proud of myself for saving the money which could have ended up buying a jacket. Think, it's wiser to get one from HK Disneyland? Hehe.. oh, that will have to be after "Chip & Dale kidnap" operation. *ssshhhh! >)

Next and more importantly, I went home early and bought my ah ma her favourite "Nyg Tau Hu" for dinner. I had healthy subway, love the vegetables man... healthy healthy!

Two and a half days more to HK. Looks like my Aeroworld unable to wrap up. At least I'm glad I completed 89% of the ground work required, earlier than I expected. Cheese!

De one with K-elebration

Ok-day

Second day at Changi Airfreight Centre. Although I never really like the idea of lunching alone, independence took precedence as I needed to shortened my lunch time to allow more time for audit.

And just as I planned to skip lunch, the gastric juice were rioting in my stomach as they didn't get their food in the morning. And I went jogging in the morning. Oops. Guess what I had for lunch, Nasi Briyani. Only completed half of the the plate (my usual appetite). Nevertheless, I guess it was as sinful lah.

Dinner wasn't that good. Went for K cum buffet for celebration of Rebecca's birthday. The buffet was really limited. Only some thrifty sushi, bee hoon, I don't know..what else I saw.. vegetable.. I tell you, it's like 1/10 of the standard at Sakura (and personally, I deemed Sakura to be lower than average place for buffet).

Sang a few songs, mostly Jay Chou, Gary Chow. Guess nobody enjoyed hearing to my voice. Haha. It's abit high-pitched today. Well.. grateful my manager was encouraging me on to sing, else, I'd be too shy and lazy to take the mic.

Efi had a great voice. Think it's a pity she never sign up to be a Singapore Idol contestant. Alice was all about English songs. Tan Sing entertained us with his unique taste for music. Hui min was sang "Blah blah Blacksheep" Omg. The rest were ok. We ended the session with "最長的電影". It was hilarious because the chorus "gimme 2 minutes more" describes exactly how we feel about having the chance to sing this last song despite our time slot was over.

Oh well, good day, great evening. What more can I ask for.

De one with Unprepared

5 days to HK

I don't like being un-organisaed. But the work's too much. By the time I reach home, hit the showers without delay, moisturise my body and eat. Then, blog and doze asleep.

Thankfully, managed to do abit of shopping today. Rumours speaks the truth, it's getting cold in HK and I still have yet to get a thermal jacket to keep me warm. Guurr.. nobody's free. And I hate this, yet to pack, decide my collection of clothes to bring.. omg, so last minute.

Ok, I know, I should have better efficient my time to blog for packing. Darn it. But hey, if I don't blog, I'd feel.. uneasy.. and how are you readers, gonna be updated about me?

Today I went to Changi Airfrieght Centre for out-of-office audit. Don't know why, the bullet-train in me just couldn't work. Sales doubled this financial year, causing an imperative need to have my testings increased. Man... delay my schedules. Only 3 days left.

Looks like I 'd have to skip lunch to free more time, in order to achieve my target for closurer, report and everything by Friday night. Of course, experience presents alternatives such as shortcuts to expendite my audit. However, my conscience forbides the coherent risks involved. Procedures need to be observed to safeguard not only statutory requirements but also delivering quality and assurance to client, as well as the interest of my Company.

Think, Thursday has to allow for a last minute shopping alone (since nobody's free) to get all that I could be missing. 5 days more.. uurrgghh.

De one with Rebecca's Present

Selamat Hari Raya

The weather seemed to change. I bet the temperature in Singapore must have dropped by a few degree Celsius. Lol. Too used to the heat but hey, guess the cold wouldn't hurt. Anyway, Christmas' coming, so must be be the North winds. Wonder if Santa's gonna be blown here too. Oh please Santa, grant me one wish.

D messaged me in the afternoon he saw Nat Ho whilst in Vivo. He was exclaiming how short Nat Ho turned out to be. I said " why are you sharing this with me?". Guess what he replied? He was excited to see celebrity. I swear three huge bits of perspiration rolls down my temple. Haha. Really ma, what's so special if you bump into a mediacorp artiste? I used to recall my late-band instructor, Mr Hashim, used to comment: "TV stars are also human. Not like they have additional eyes or noses." Although he meant to reminding us to refrain ourselves when we meet celebrities at Chingay or NDP rehearsals, I couldn't agree more with him back then.

I mean, I don't understand why people become "not themselves", exclaimed near funatic when they meet or brush pass celebrity? So.. unglamourous. Haha. Anyway, people have their own reactions la.. no right or wrong.. people's behaviour are like live-screenplay.. to me, people like this entertain my life.. Opps.. Hehe.

After venturing out these passed two and half days and night, I actually planned to be a good boy who stays at home until my colleague YW messaged me to ask if I'd like to join them to shop for Rebecca's present. I hesitated but heck, I replied "sure.. why not".

I took a cab..again. Amen. *Church bell strike* Ok..no excuses. I was late, I took a cab, as usual. No choice. Anyway, the meeting destination changed to Suntec and was reverted by to Raffles CSC. We proceeded to PS (third time this week) shortly. There, 30 mintues or so before the clinche of 4 decided to get our hands on a arm's length tall Hello Kitty from this Hello Kittish shop plus a hand massager from Osim, Best Denki. Both costs around $170+. Reasonable bargain. Hmm.

I typed my appeal letter to my university. I "da bao" again. Tax this time. Sigh, it certainly cast doubts as to whether I have what it takes to be an auditor. Questions whether I cut out to be one when I can't handle academic issues relating to tax and accounting. I discussed with Mohan. He gave pretty good advice: "If your work's your life, you better make sure this is the job you really want. Else, make your job a part of your life by making sure life has other things than your job."

Thing is I do love my job. However, as at now, I'm afraid if I don't work, I'd have nothing else to do. I get bored easily. Just do feel imcompetent when I do something.

Oh well, these long weekend was superb, except the part "with a friend". Next week.. Changi Airfreight Centre for audit!! Ready or not, here I come!

De one with Outing Again

Better

Fruitful weekend. I met up with Zhen Ze, Guang hui and his "friend", Xue Yun who was actually GH's girlfriend. Woke up at 6am this morning. Don't know why so. But I returned to sleep after opening all posts. Until Zhen Ze rang me up at 10+ afterwhich I went for a 5km run.

While Zhen Ze was late because he left house without his EZ-link card and when back for retrieval. The lovebirds turned up punctually. Surprisingly becuase I've never impressioned GH to be one who's gonna be arriving on time. Yes, I've never felt more brighter than the 30 mins spent with the couple who held hands whenever they go. Not that it's jealousy or what.. just feeling uncomfortable beign a gooseberry. God, I hate being one.

Anyway, we watched City of Ember. Not really fantastic but hey, it was entertaining for a sunday. The show storylined the appraching doomsday of an underground city, City of Ember, which is highly dependent on light generated on hydro-electrical power. Then there were two 12 year olds, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow who embarked on adventurous journey of oods to pursue a way out which Lina discovered using the clues she obtained from this instructional menu, kept in this box which was supposedly passed down from her uncle (the former 7th Mayor of the City).

The effects were not "wow" but rather simple mechanics, old town settings. The interesting part was the revealing part on how the two kids found a way out of the City. Nothing special la..

We had lunch and dinner at Billy Bombers and this foodcourt at Cineleisure respectively. Went shopping for abit. Me? I'm just glad I managed to have purchased the latest Britney Spears album. Watched the changed singer's "Womaniser" mtv. I can't deny, she's still as hot as ever, the same as her tune-addictive songs.

Not forgetting, the good of having went out with these friends after quite some time.

De one with A Friend

Dedicated to a friend

I don't enjoy hurting people. No. Not preaching that I'm an angel. Very sure I'm not. anyway Nobody is except Mother Theresa would qualify that identity. Nonetheless, all my life I've never ever wanna hurt anybody because I know how it feels to be hurt.

Not afraid nor ashamed of my history of being a screwed-up in my relationships and those stupid things I committed as a result of my peculiar perfectionist's possessiveness. That's primarily, due to me having asked and got forgiveness from my three exes.

Karma. Something I believe in. What goes around comes around. I hurt people emotionally and I got punished for that maybe.

Since the departure of Mummy, I begun to realise the importance of friendship. Unfortunately, I didn't know how to express myself back then. Till today, the sad truth remains. I only have friends whom I could related to and trust me when I say my left hand is enough to account for them. The rest are just friendly citizens.

I have never been more disappointed with myself. Or perhaps, disappointed in myself because of someone else. I always thought I have always been a friend who could occupy a significant bit in those I hold close to my heart. Turns out again and again, certain events just prove the reality fallible. The sharp blow from this is fatal like a bullet which spins for the next 3 - 4 days until I put myself together again. This sucks, I accept humbly. However, it wears me out eventually because I am not born super or have regenerative powers.

I thought I was sensitive and someone whom my close friend would feel calm with my presence.. or trust me enough to confide her/himself in me. True is, they don't. And its aggravated tragedy when that someone takes you for a punching bag because she/he was disappointed in another whom she/he thought was her/his true friend.

Live and let live - A philosophy scarred in my brain. Most of the time, I'm just being concerned and simply searching for an answer where the root problem lies. I need to know this so I can make things right. Or work out an alternative. Guess, it's just so difficult when the person you may treasure most, do not trust you at all.

I... don't know what to say.. Could have just sleep over it.. who asked me to care? Did that person ever wanted me to do so initially? It's worthless responsibility.. sincere responsibility. Please, just don't push me off even when you know I am just trying to help.

De one with Something's Missing

Feeling incomplete

Supposed today's which alot of uni students look forward to. Simply because it's the very last day for examination and welcome the days to play. Well, not referring to everybody. I'm just glad my friends did. Like Mohan. We dined at Baker's Inn. Impromptu appointment at Vivo.

We patron River I and I just could refrain myself from purchasing this two suave-looking shirts. The temptation was irresistible. I wanted very much to own a pair of customised Addidas shoes. Unfortunately, Mohan's "Recession coming" spoke depth of his discouragement.

There was a Xmas fair going on. Mohan wanted to get new stuff for is Xmas. I advised him that he didn't need a new Xmas tree coz he could be a live Xmas tree. In this way, it would be cost-savvy and all that is necessary would be some ordinals and decorative stuff to hang unto himself. Lol.

In the end, this cautious shopper took about 15-20 mins before being convinced and confirmed his effort-worth selected table-throw. The price tag shown $13.90. When the cashier scanned and voiced payment for $17.90, Mohan alertedly said "wrong! wrong! the price should be $13.90." Damn funny.. Of course I didn't do nothing. I helped the assistant find the evidence at the shelf hor..

There was a moment, the reality got me thinking how would it be like if only my mum and Jimson were still alive to celebrate Xmas. Silly why I allowed this spilit-second emo hit me like a short-lived electric shock.

I have a job I love, good friends, material wants yet I can't help feeling something's missing in my life such that I feel rather insecure or incomplete. Gee..wonder what could that be >[

Mr Jason in half a year ago would become emo and have declining mood because he'd be hard-pressing for an answer, as though a drug addict urging for a dosage of "relieve". The new Mr Jason strongly believes it is undeniable that we feel incomplete from time to time. However, I believe in time, these "gaps" would reveal itself as our capacity and access to resources and opportunities grows.. I just need to nurture my patience. Good things comes to those who wait. I think I shall too.