writer in the making

Home sweet home

2009-05-31T00:04:00.004+08:00

I am officially back for 10 days, and so have lived past my quarantine period.

Not that I was booked by the authorities or dragged against my will to Aloha Loyang, or me exercising self-discipline by staying in and avoiding crowds, but it was the end of paranoid hands-sanitizing and the freedom to rub my nose and eyes.

If you ask me, nothing's changed, yet everything's different. Furniture re-arrangements, new shopping mall in Tampines, extra TWO stations on the green line, a roundabout line opened, minor changes in ministry, EXTENDED widescreen screen in Woodlands sanctuary, Pam's gone and the soft toys on my piano are banished to the plastic bags.

It's nothing much, yet everything piled up at once.

I'm still living in denial, like the "I don't think I have ever left" denial. Trying to get some control and system back into my life instead of heading out or bumming around everyday. Other than that, God has been good and so life is good too.

Oh, and I'm moving back to wordpress (http://hislovingkindness.wordpress.com). I mean, this place will still be left open, but I think I will lack the discipline to update. Yup, that's all for now. I hope I can be back with more pictures of hong kong!

Last night

2009-05-20T00:13:00.002+08:00

In my last 12 hours here in this land, I count my blessings:

Thank God for His omnipresence.
You have been here from the start; You have been with me since the start; You have kept watch over me; You have never left me; And You'll bring me home.

Thank God for awesome parents.
Who learnt how to use skype to talk to me. Who are so supportive of me. Who came over despite scares from H1N1 virus.

Thank God for awesome friends here in Hong Kong.
For May, Sheryl, Sara-Jean, Chi Hei, Sihui, Passion & Han. Who eat, play, act crazy and be with me all through these months. Cheers to friendship.

Thank God for Jun Yue.
Who accompanied me through the nights. Who heard all my rants and put up with my absence when I went out to gallivant.

Thank God for besties who are in different parts of the world.
For Chang Yang and Pamela who try their best to keep in touch. For birthday calls and skype calls and long emails.

Thank God for Jerelyn.
Who played around with skype and webcams. Who sent letter and present.

Thank God for awesome friends back home who msn me ever so often.
For Shu Hui, Sherilyn, Tzi Yun and Alicia.

Thank You my Alpha & Omega.
Home is where I'll spend eternity with You.
Home is where I'm called to do Your work.
Home is where You've set my heart to me.

#2 - Hong Kong 101: Hong Kong Island

2009-05-18T00:05:00.000+08:00

I've probably mentioned before, Hong Kong is separated into 4 main sections: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories and the outer-lying islands. Most of us will be more acquainted with Kowloon since it's where the most awesome and cheapest shopping will be (read: Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui). In contrast, Hong Kong Island boasts more as the business district of the city. It also appears more atas and more crisp and clean.

Central is the REAL business district of Hong Kong. With many banks and office buildings around, it's not surprising to see so many people in black power suits strutting down the streets. But it does not mean that there are no fun things there! For one, it boasts of Lan Kwai Fong, the party district of the city. Then there are nice food to be found such as:

This 牛腩 noodles is awesome! The broth is clear soup and you're given the choice of vermicelli, rice noodles, thin noodles or even mee pok noodles and they are really generous with their beef. You're also given the choice of curry broth which is another makan experience.

How to: The nearest MTR is actually Sheung Wan, the final stop of the Island line. Walk out from Exit E2 and head towards Queen's Road Central. The shop is called 九记牛腩 and is located on Gough Street. The best landmark is actually Central District Health Centre, which isn't considered as much help. If lost, just ask any local on the street. Most of them would know where this place is.

If you're out to do some electronics shopping, Wan Chai is the place for you. But before you lose yourself in the Wan Chai Computer Centre, take some time to walk the street opposite the computer centre.

The street isn't very long but you can find treasures here. Browse through the makeshift carts and also the shops by the side. Don't miss out the teahouses by the side! It's where we found our level 9 milk tea. And beware of the snake soup shop if you're terrified of the reptile.

How to: Exit from Wan Chai Station Exit A3. The street is directly opposite the MTR exit.

After you have eaten your fill, head over to Wan Chai Computer Centre for your electronics shopping. They sell camera equipment, PSP, DS lite, computer parts and every computer accessory you need. It's like Sim Lim Square but in cantonese.

How to: Exit from Wan Chai Exit A4.

The Island line designs their stations slightly differently. For instant, most of their more "famous" stations show the station names in Chinese calligraphy.

Other than that, Hong Kong Island boasts of tourist attractions like the Peak (Central), Central Piers to bring you to the outer-lying islands and Happy Valley (Causeway Bay). Not much of a shopping and eating paradise. For more information, you can always ask me personally. I'll be glad to help.

Next up: Mongkok

#1 - Hong Kong 101: Kowloon Tong & Kowloon

2009-05-13T00:47:00.003+08:00

Hello to one and all! True to my promise, here is my own view of what to do and where to go in Hong Kong. It's not comprehensive, but it suffices for me in these 5 months here.

Facts titbits:
Hong Kong is one of the 2 Special Administration Regions of China. With 7 million inhabitants, it consists of 4 main parts - Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories as well as the outer-lying islands.

You can't do without the trusty MTR map. It helps you to plan your route more efficiently and effectively. For more information on fares and travelling time, you can always go to http://www.mtr.com.hk.

From the map, you can see that Kowloon Tong is the interchange station between the Kwun Tong line (Green) and the East Railway line (Light blue). The significance is in how Kowloon Tong links you with east of Kowloon and also up north into New Territories and Shenzhen. It only takes around 25 minutes for a train ride on the East Railway line to reach Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau. It is also one stop shy from Hung Hom where you can travel to other parts of Mainland China by ferry or railway.

Kowloon Tong also boasts of many education institutions, mainly the Australian International School, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.

It only has one shopping mall: Festival Walk.
How to: Exit from Exit C if you're travelling on the Kwun Tong line or Exit H if you come from the East Railway line

It's nothing fancy, yet everything fancy. Which is to say that it's your extraordinary atas mall. To name a few, there's Coach, Vivienne Westwood, Calvin Klein, MAX & Co., Montblanc and more. Of course, what attracts me most is the H&M store. It's two storeys big but is still not the largest H&M store in Hong Kong. The largest H&M store is located in ELEMENTS shopping mall, Hong Kong's largest mega-mall.

ELEMENTS is located directly above the Kowloon MTR station. Kowloon station is yet another interchange station, this time for the Tung Chung line and the Airport Express line. The funny thing is that although it's relatively near Jordon (Tseun Wan line), you'll either need to take the Tseun Wan line down to Hong Kong Island to change to the Tung Chung line or travel up to Lai King to change to Tung Chung line. So in my opinion, if you're heading to ELEMENTS from places like Mongkok or Tsim Sha Tsui, try taking the free shuttle bus from Hankow Road (YMCA Salisbury) or Peking Road (Outside DFS). Or if you're feeling adventurous, alight at Jordon and attempt walking in the direction of Baoling Street. I wish you luck.

Next up: Hong Kong Island

Day at the museum!

2009-05-12T23:32:00.001+08:00

As I have mentioned in my earlier post, we visited the Hong Kong Heritage Cultural Museum last Saturday. You must be wondering why the 4 of us urban city-dwellers girls decided to grace the museum with our presence. As what my friends would say, sometimes it just so happens that you start feeling arty-farty and ache for an "indie" experience.

The museum is situated at the outskirts of Shatin and is relatively near to where we live. It only took a 10 minute bus ride on service 85M from Kowloon Tong Bus Terminal.

What a beautiful day to visit the museum!

Shatin looks and feels like Seng Kang or Punggol new towns with its planted greenery and man-made structures.

Exterior of the museum

It's really quite amazing. There's like a creative pictorial photography exhibition, cantonese opera exhibition, some stuff on 山水画 and ceramics, a walk through Hong Kong's geographical history as well as a toy museum.

Brochure and ticket

The verve of lights and shadow: 光影神韵

Cantonese opera exhibition

This is really interesting. It documents the transformation and growth of cantonese opera from its days in travelling opera troupes who performed on boats and then eventually in opera houses, to how it made its way into mainstream early Hong Kong cinema. They have loads of artifacts, props, costumes and photos from the glory days of cantonese opera. The most interesting thing is virtual make-up where they take a picture of you on the spot and attempts to transform you into an opera character. The results were hilarious. It was also where we had the most fun.

Development of Hong Kong's geography

We dressed up! It felt hilarious! Alas, May gave us the scoot.

Why so serious?

Toy museum

This is where May enjoyed herself the most.

All in all, it was quite an eye-opener (as well as raised eyebrows from those who know me). Not the kind of activity you expect us to do in 买东西，吃东西 Hong Kong, but you need to break out of the norm once in a while.

No?

God's Chisel

2009-05-12T11:18:00.002+08:00

If you have 9 minutes to spare

You are God's original masterpiece.

"In this relationship, I hold you up"
-God-

Thank you Alicia.

Welcome to my humble abode (for the past 4 months!)

2009-05-12T00:27:00.000+08:00

Hello hello and welcome welcome to Hong Kong Baptist University!

Situated in the bustling and exciting Kowloon Tong (which also happens to be rich people's land), it first opened its doors to knowledge-thirsty students in 1956. Now it is an established institution in Hong Kong, encompassing of a wide variety of disciplines and of course boasts of the most famous communications programme in Hong Kong!

Now as I'm about to end my exchange here, let me bring you to my humble corner of the city. It is where I called home for the past 4 months: the Hong Kong Baptist University Residence Hall!

This is the road, or should I say deadly roundabout, that leads to our university residences. It is treacherous to navigate but necessary to overcome in order to get to the other side. Not to mention the onslaught of crazy drivers and possible-drifters mini bus drivers.

View of the residences buildings

The very first sight that greets you upon walking through the gates/barricades

The walkway right outside the lift lobby. I live directly above this walkway and it irritates me loads whenever people gather in the wee hours of the morning and make a din.

South Tower lift lobby, where I reside in

The North and South towers are basically linked by the common area in 1/F. HK flooring system works slightly different. They start counting from Ground level (G/F), followed by the numbered levels. So in essence, both towers are connected by the second level.

I usually climb the stairs since I stay on 2/F.

The corridor which leads to my door

My room is actually the 2nd door on the left and so is really near the lift and pantry/lounge.

Welcome to room 210. As you can see, my roommate and I attempt to personalise our doors.

Joy is in Room S210!

So walk right in to see...... a mess! HAHA! My side is on the right, as per tradition since my ntu hall days. (Can you see gui gui?)

Just my side of the room

Before I fail to remember, we have a mini- bar fridge in every room, as well as a common refrigerator in every level's pantry. NTU should provide such awesome facilities.

My organised mess

No, you're not allowed to comment on HOW messy it actually is.

This is my attached bathroom. It's similar to Hall 1 & 2 where 2 rooms share one bathroom. The difference is that we do not actually have to clean it ourselves. Cleaning aunties come in once a week to clean it for us. Cool right?

And so we end our little tour of my tiny humble abode. It's currently in lesser mess after I had cleared my notes and other non-essentials as well as pack some stuff into my not-so-huge suitcase.

All in all, the room has been a safe haven and a source of private space for me. Can't say I thoroughly enjoyed staying in HKBU hall, but can't say that I'll fare better without it too.

Sounds fair right?

Liberation

2009-05-11T00:18:00.001+08:00

You must have been wondering where the heck I disappeared to.

I was one of the rare people who finish exams so early, and a good thing to be rid of them too. I think I'm too well Singapore-trained to not not study for them. Anyway, as I was saying, my exams finished last Thursday and it was immediately non-stop mega hits! Had dim sum lunch, karaoke in the afternoon and caught Wolverine on screens that day. First reason it being the end of my exams, another is to celebrate my friend May's birthday.

Happy 22nd birthday May May!

Slightly more than 12 hours later, I met the 3 of them to head out for non-stop shopping. Where else, but our favourite shopping haven!

Welcome to Mongkok!

I am planning to do up a document/entry/file on places to go/shop/eat based on MTR stations. I should just stop procrastinating and start doing it before I fly home and sit longer on it. Though I don't think it'll be anything special or different from what you would have perceived hk to be, it'll still be nice to draw up a list of to-dos for anyone who's planning a future hk getaway.

We spent Saturday visiting the Hong Kong Heritage Cultural Museum. Yup, you read me right, but I shall leave it for another entry.

Let's start the countdown clock.

It's frightening how fast it actually is now.

Char Siew Bao girl

2009-05-05T17:53:00.001+08:00

My first 2 years of existence were spent in this small HDB area called Jalan Batu, or the more famously-known region called Tanjong Rhu. My grandfather's barber shop was neighbour with this coffee shop which sells excellent wanton mee as well as house to the first outlet of the famous Tanjong Rhu Bao. In fact, my dad was working as bao-maker for this bao store, which was, I suspect, how he met my mother. So, as what my parents told me, the uncles and aunties would always present me with siew mai and char siew bao whenever I came down to play. Even up till now, my dad still frequents that store and buy back boxes and boxes of char siew baos (Which costs $0.70 for one bao that is just big enough to finish in one mouthful).

It's no wonder why I love char siew bao so much.

hk char siew baos. cantonese char siew baos are different coz they have an opening in the middle where you can peel

the fillings

Other dim sum

char siew su

sara-jean's love: pigeon, which I shun like mad

pan-fried carrot cake

siew mai, black-peppered beef and yam pork ribs

another example of 杨枝甘露

mango pudding in the form of fishes. huat ah!

This entry is dedicated to all you souls who are unable to fly to the land of dim sum and spoil your taste buds.

PS: all pork in the making is processed over 71 degrees and thus is safe to eat.

Awaiting home

2009-05-05T17:25:00.005+08:00

I'm in a very blah mood now.

Exams have officially started for me, having finished my first paper this morning. Next paper is tomorrow morning, which I'm struggling to finish my revision, and my final paper will take place on Thursday morning. Not much to call as "exam period" but there's the urging in me to study as well as the rebellious streak in me that just wants to break free and do what I want.

Add on to the blahness knowledge that the Tiongs are not coming over this Friday! I was so looking forward to touring HK with them. Sigh, what can be done? This whole hype over swine flu and also fear of being quarantined just spoils everyone's holidays. Heard from my friends here that their friends and family might not be coming over too. I think my parents are the only brave souls who are still planning on continuing their itinerary. It really feels depressing that this incident has to happen so close to going home. It dampens my mood and takes away the anticipation of airport pick-ups.

I shall upload food photos soon to make myself feel better.

And retail therapy, I need retail therapy.

Confessions of a chick-flick girl

2009-05-04T12:37:00.002+08:00

I so want to watch "My Sister's Keeper" although... the trailer does not look very promising. It just seems too far-fetched from what the book has created for us. Urgh.

Thank God for other better summer chick-flicks!

Me love Katherine Heigl and Gerald Butler!! Me love Irish accent! I think I rave enough about his accent ever since "PS I love you".

It looks like fun! But it looks like Proposal Daisakusen too, just a little more on the comedy side.

Ah summer, how I love you.

I'm a click-flick girl.
I'm a click-flick girl.
I'm a click-flick girl.

Okay, back to studying.

It came, eventually

2009-05-03T20:28:00.002+08:00

And so I'm currently in a region where there's a confirmed case of A(H1N1) flu virus.

Despite the fact that he's non-local, his case only became full-blown sickness when he's here in Hong Kong. Due to the nature of the virus being able to be contagious without visible symptoms, it meant anything and everything can happen.

I came to realise how often I rub my eyes when the conscious effort is being made NOT to. Blah.
And I bought face masks coz they're compulsory in order for me to enter exam halls. You'd think hk is paranoid, but I think they're just more cautious after SARS in 2003.

You'd also think that I'll stay in to avoid public areas and to mug for my upcoming exciting exams. Well, you think wrongly! Chi Hei recommended going to Shek-o (石澳) since we're nearing the end of our exchange and we have been exploring the same old places. Not to mention that Sheryl has been wanting to visit a hong kong beach. So, we set off to the eastern part of Hong Kong island to see the waves and to soak up the sun!

Welcome to the beach!

It really felt like summer is here! Sun, beach and crowds! (Although I'm supposed to avoid them) The beach is awesome! I mean AWESOME! More awesome than Palawan or Siloso Beach anytime! The waves are so strong that you can wind surf anytime!

check out the waters!!

So you see, we're trying to live life as per normal. Like study for exams and explore on weekends. Just more cautious in terms of personal hygiene, and more paranoid over sneezes and coughs. Not to mention us bickering over the issue of quarantine. Blahness.

the day I turn older once more

2009-04-30T00:00:00.002+08:00

I think when I look upon this day for years to come, I will exclaim out what a joke it is. That life and death can be separated by just one line. But it's no joke. It's more of a timely reminder that birth and eternity are just a breath apart.

And how more timely that a health epidemic plagues us at this moment.

I'm not afraid of what is to come. Even if I'm called home at this moment, on this day, at this place, I am not afraid. It's all I've been looking forward to. But what if I have not fulfilled the extent of my calling here on earth? I don't want to leave any things undone, any stones unturned. I want to live out the life my God has planned for me, to shine as He has commanded me to, to fulfill the commission He has given.

How apt it is to discuss death on my birthday. Other than the fact that someone dear to me passed on to be home with the Lord one day after I turned 18, I think it's just right for me to die to self once more on the day I was given life.

Father,
I thank you for wonderful 22 years here. I know that this world is not my own, I am just passing through on my way to Heaven. And on this day which I was given physical life, I re-dedicate myself unto You. Mold me, break me and use me O Lord. Forgive me for the times I took for granted the Grace You've had so freely given.
On this very day, I set my priorities right once more.

You are First in my life.
You are All in my life.
You are God is my life.
None, no one and nothing can ever compare with You.
Teach me to love you more. Teach me to yield more unto You.

I surrender all to You.

I love You.

In Your Holy Name,
Amen.

Given in!

2009-04-27T15:52:00.004+08:00

I finally did it!

I finally gave in to temptation!

And spent money at H&M!

I couldn't help myself! The colour are so bright and pretty in the shop, and it has been beckoning me to enter in since January! Now that I've done it, I feel no remorse at all. Despite having spent around SGD$60 for 1 dress and 1 cap (what a bomb, considering how cheap shopping can be at Mongkok), I console myself by telling myself H&M is a good brand, the dress is pretty and made with good materials.

Not to mention it's my pre-exams incentive and also my birthday present.

Justified.

I'm a happy girl.

Post-demonostration

2009-04-27T15:15:00.001+08:00

If you're interested in knowing the follow-up action after the student demonstration...

The school administration hastily put together a dialogue session to reach a resolution. Even as this entry is being churned out, they are still engaged in deliberation (something I learnt from my ethics module hur) and dialogue.

If you ask me, I actually salute the school administration for their prompt reaction to the student's demands. It took them only 4 days to organise this whole session and they're so open about it! Seriously, in Singapore's context, the ringleaders would have been caught and executed in the dark. Okay, I'm exaggerating.

At least WKWSCI had an open discussion after the chronicle incident.

I find Hong Kong more open to different opinions and also more open to discussion. Despite the fact that they only can elect 50% of their legislative council, the people are more vocal about the issues that surround them, (as compared to singapore bo chap attitudes or just a selected few vested parties) and the fact that they actively participate in such discussions show how much more democratic and concerned they are.

But the fact that they speak in rapid cantonese means I can't follow their disucssion so for all I know, they're just sprouting crap. Hur.

Still, it's a generalisation since I'm always stuck here in HKBU. Things may be different elsewhere, somewhere.

DEMONSTRATION!!???

2009-04-24T17:45:00.004+08:00

DEMONSTRATION in Hong Kong Baptist University!

So exciting!! Tell me huh, when do you get things like this back home? The only thing we're allowed to do and will do is to hold "peaceful" demonstrations in Hong Lim park. (read: the chronicle incident)

Let me give you an overview: It was the same matter of discontent as we had last semester. The uni administration is introducing the 1 room-3 residents policy. The rationale for the move is to accommodate more mainland students. The school administration is promising definite hall room for mainland and foreigner students, but overlooking the needs of local student. So these local students are unhappy that they have been "sacrificed" as a result of the uni wanting to attract more business from up north.

It started peacefully (or should I say quietly) yesterday. They gathered outside the main library and just sat there. Today, however, they made their pilgrimage to the halls and ask for some big figure to step down.

NTU only saw the hall presidents and clubs presidents gathering to hold talks with the school administration, and also some proposed "wear-black" day which didn't come through. It's amazing what Hong Kong students are capable of.

Quite interesting to end my study semester here. Hur hur.
Btw, today is the official last day of class.

Sweet for my sweets!

2009-04-23T14:57:00.000+08:00

There is this awesome Hong Kong mango dessert that my mum raves about and has me slurping it up happily. Considering how much I don't really like mango, it's amazing that I always head to the same dessert store to have it. It's called 杨枝甘露 and it's really just mango, pomelo, ice and some milk stuff which I deduce to be condensed milk or coconut milk.

And they're into mango, sticky rice and black glutinous rice. I had it once in thai style and my friends have tried it thai-style and hong kong-style! Oooo lala!

Desserts here in Hong Kong make me happy by default. They make me grin and pat happily on my bulging tummy. They make me forget about the cold or the heat or the hole I've burnt in my pocket after shopping. Sugar sure does release the endorphins to make me happy!

And why am I raving about awesome sweet stuff?

Because although they cannot be in my mouth now, thinking about them helps to release some endorphins to make me less unhappy about last minute work bombs and ambiguous project instruction and blahness in life.

Plus my looping praise and worship songlist on itunes = all-surround calmness.

An attempt for the sake of it

2009-04-21T01:12:00.002+08:00

This entry is of no importance.

But otherwise.

Today marks the turning point of my return. As of tomorrow, I will not be able to enjoy the same numbered day in the next month. Because by May 21, I'll be on home soil. And we're having a farewell party for exchange students tomorrow. How timely can it be, right? It seems a tad too early to be saying goodbye but since it's the last week of school and we'll be scooting off once the curtain falls on this stage of life, it's better to catch us when we're still loitering around.

Oh, and today is cranky day. So much bad emotions accumulated ended the day in frustration and tears. Blah. I just need to unleash.

Goodnight world.

Gem from facebook

2009-04-19T23:53:00.007+08:00

Who says facebook is only meant for social networking?

I found a gem from surfing facebook. Chang yang, you'll love this too.

Treat of the month

2009-04-19T22:46:00.000+08:00

Here in Hong Kong, my friends and I will try to reward ourselves once in a while. Like for instant the expensive dim sum treat at Serenade Restaurant that overlooks the waters, seafood at cheung chau and our already-twice dim sum treat at awesome New Star. (Note how I'm sprouting out restaurant names easily rather than just referring to "this" or "that" restaurant. hur)

Although these treats are really occasional, usually once a month unless there's a special celebration that particular month, we still feel the pinch on our wallets when we sum up our accounting every month. I think it's a foreign-student syndrome - the i-need-to-watch-over-my-expenses streak in us. Seriously, who ever thought of doing accounting back home? Then again, it makes me reconsider my spending ways back home and perhaps even start a habit of keeping track of my expenses.

The point is, today we had our spurge of the month! Except that we didn't pay a single cent. We met some Singaporeans in the church we had been attending since Jan but only got to know them last week. Their hospitality overwhelmed us immediately. They offered to bring us out to lunch today, which they did. We went to this atas Shanghai restaurant for lunch which had never ending supply of food. I lost count of the number of courses that were served one after the other.

And the most priceless thing (other than dining with big names in SG and HK universities and the occasional awkward silences and the umpteen times we introduced ourselves): the bill.

A roaring total of $7777 HKD which amounts to more than $1500 SGD.

Go ahead, let your jaws drop.

BREAKOUT!

2009-04-17T21:48:00.003+08:00

My face has been experiencing a series of pimple breakdown for the past 2 weeks.

It started as innocently as one or two irritating pimples at hinge of my nose bridge at the area between my eye brows. THEN it spread to the entire nose bridge region. That part subsided and now it's my MOUTH area that's giving me problem!

It's like from upper lip to my c-section! AND they're small tiny pimples which you can see the whitehead and so feel like squeezing them! AND also huge red pimples which I hope don't leave a scar (though my itchy fingers gave way to one and I think THAT ONE will leave a scar).

As of now, my entire area around my mouth is like a battlefield. Which seems to be a losing battle for me.

Whatever it is, dirt under my skin or "heatiness" in my body, I just want to purge them out!

To-do/Deadlines

2009-04-13T23:37:00.002+08:00

I have:
1) European film paper - 2000 words minimum
2) Intercultural paper - 1200-1500 words
3) Ethics deliberation report (group effort) - 3000 words
4) Persuasion project - at least 14 pages long
5) Asian cinema essays - YET TO BE RELEASED

And people say that exchange students can afford to slack off. Seriously speaking, do you really think that students who have been trained under the iron fist regime of Singapore education will slack one bit even when they're away from local soil?

You've got to be kidding.

My second very-long holidays

2009-04-12T23:53:00.001+08:00

Unlike NTU, we do not have recess week here. And rightly so, if you ask me, considering how they give out holidays like WATER. They had one whole week off to celebrate cny and now another week off to celebrate Easter. I realise something, other than these 2 week-long holidays, there were no other public holidays that interfered with school days. So in other words, for every public holiday that coincides with classes, they just give the whole week off. How cool can that be huh?

Anyway, some happy moments in the past week; we went to ocean park! In some sense, you won't feel as kiddy as you would if you're in Disneyland but it was still scream-able and enjoyable fun. There were the rides that you can find in Genting's theme park and of course the fishes and dolphins.

I laughed my heads off, the usual way I always do when I'm in scary rides.

the beautiful ticket. and you don't need to guess whose ticket that will become.

welcome to ocean park!

hello little jellyfish

us with Whiskers, ocean park's mascot

A death that was good

2009-04-10T00:58:00.003+08:00

I have a certain habit: I write a Good Friday post every year. It's more of a personal reflection of what Christ has done for me. Despite not being in Singapore to celebrate the bread and wine together with my family and friends, it does not mean that Good Friday is less good this year.

It's funny what Christian celebrate. Don't you think so?
I mean, how can people celebrate a death? It wasn't meant to be happy thing, nor is it an occasion to pop your party boopers to. How more inappropriate can it be but to mention "death" in a conservative society?

It's true. Death is never meant to be happy. Yet this death, despite not having a happy ending on Friday, will lead to eternal victory on Sunday.

We celebrate a death because of what is to come.
We celebrate His death because only through it, then can we have life.
We celebrate death now before we know it has no hold on our Saviour.
We celebrate a death on Friday, and eternal life on Sunday.

all for love a Saviour pray
"so Abba Father have Your way
Though they know not what they do
let the cross draw men to You"

Surprise!

2009-04-07T00:52:00.003+08:00

What other great ways to start my second last week of class than having a surprise test!

Yup you read me right. It wasn't supposed to be a surprise. The test was scheduled for Wednesday but apparently the date got changed on the day we decided to skip class. And no one had the courtesy to pass the message to us.

So we 4 blur exchange students were still exclaiming out innocently why she gave out empty OAS sheets when Prof dropped the bomb on us. We thought they were used to do teaching evaluation or something. Poor Sara-Jean and May didn't bring their books to class (it's an open-book test) and they had to run all the way back to hall!

As Sheryl said, it's an angry day. Totally blah-ness.

Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T23:05:00.002+08:00

I wonder if You knew what it would be like 5 days later?

You do, don't You? That beyond the triumphant entry, the faces of people, the palm leaves and them supposedly shouting "Hosanna Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord", eventually they would reject and despise you 5 days later.

Yet You chose to enter into the Holy City, knowing what it held for You; knowing that it was going to be the last week of Your ministry here on earth.

"I will run to the Hiding place
Draw me ever closer to look upon Your face"

We celebrated Palm Sunday in church today, with songs of victory and triumph and also with little children waving palm leaves. It was so special, coz we've never really celebrate Palm Sunday back in LE. Truly one of the memories I'll bring home with me.

Craziness personified in me

2009-04-04T22:40:00.004+08:00

You wonder if I'm more sane here in Hong Kong.

The answer is NO! In comparison, I'm more insane right here! Our justification is that no one knows us here so no one will remember our crazy moments. Though I think some locals we see along the street may get fascinated at times when we students/tourists act too nuts at public places. (i suspect someone was taping us down when we went a tad too crazy talking while waiting for the mtr!)

Oh, and of course we have photos to document down any evidence of madness.

see how much i love wan chai

the lol signs in hk

Nearing the end

2009-04-03T12:16:00.002+08:00

I think I might need to readjust back to ntu pace when I return.

I'm enjoying too much of life here. Need to get back to Singaporean paper chase soon.

And everyone sighs along with me.

remnant sign of doing work

Food Day!

2009-03-29T23:57:00.001+08:00

As far as we all know, Hong Kong is a food paradise as much as Singapore is. But of course, we hail of different delicacies. While Singapore boasts of really awesome fatty goodness usually unseen (that is the oil and the lard in chay kuey tiao and what not), Hong Kong proudly presents authentic localised food like dim sum and the stall side eatery places that sells all parts of a pig. Of course, who can forget the ever famous milk tea and their creation of yuan yang by mixing coffee and tea together.

Yesterday, we four courageous girls embarked on our journey for good authentic food. Armed with recommendations from our local group mates, we made our way to Central, the business district of Hong Kong, rumoured to be really expensive with no possibility of dingy goodness. Or so they say. Then again, we learnt a lesson: do not trust every recommendation.

Our first stop is a small and dingy tea house place or more commonly known as 茶餐厅. It was highly recommended by our group mates who thought that the milk tea is awesome. We added our Singaporean critique to it and decided that it's not worth the walk and the price.

This average-looking cup of milk tea costs HKD$13 and HKD$15 (approximately SGD$3) for ice to be added into it. But then the tea house has a rule, which is that each person has to order a least HKD$20 worth of food or drinks. Which translates to HKD$80 since there were 4 of us. Alas we weren't able to just enjoy a cup of nice milk tea after walking such long distance. In order to appease that rule, we order french toast with kaya in them (contrary to the peanut butter filling available elsewhere).

The oily good french toast that could help us keep the price quota (HKD$14).
After that expensive and unfulfilled episode, we decided to trust our local group mates once more and prodded to the second place of recommendation: 九记牛腩.
As the name suggests, it's a place that sells only noodles with 牛腩.

Now this is a good recommendation! Although the bowl looks small but the portions are generous; the 牛腩 is really tender and the clear soup is super tasty. They gave you the choice of 米线，河粉 and noodles. I got the mee pok-looking noodles and it made me really happy (HKD$25).

Of course, what else to complete a satisfying food trip other than hk dessert?

So we travelled a few stops down to Causeway bay to taste this steamed egg and milk dessert. It tasted real good but you may get a little sick of it if you have too much of it (HKD$20). Again this shop has a weird rule: if you do not order anything, you still have to pay HKD$10 for sitting in there, which means if you cannot not eat in that place.

And so we ended our food day at Hong Kong Island. It also explains why I feel so bloated.

And so it continues...

2009-03-26T00:12:00.001+08:00

Week 11 into my study semester here! It's amazing to note that it's my 11th week here in hk already! (although i arrived 1 week before sem started, i went back for cny so it's considered the 11th week)

Anyway, since it's always so uneventful coz it's school week, (other than the fact we watched a porn film in class today all in the name of art. It's called "The wayward cloud". Really arty farty which I'm trying to figure out the true meaning of the plot) I shall post photos! Or rather, Polaroids(!) of people I love dearly and miss loads!

my besties

Wow, it has been 11 years of friendship! Come to think of it, at this time last year, we were wailing and sobbing about chang yang's impending departure. I remember going to the airport from boon lay just to see him one last time before he flew to the land of sakuras and awesome sashimi. Somehow, you look back and it doesn't seem like 1 year. Sometimes it feels like it's more than a year but sometimes it felt as if time has just flown past us. Then again, it didn't feel like 11 years of friendship; it felt like a lifetime =)

the yeo family

Now that I'm away from home, I realise what role I play in my family. Not that I'm boasting, but I've come to realise how important I am in my family, like how I can gel everyone together. The exasperation kicks in sometimes when your mum tells u to pass a message to your brother when she's physically closer to him but I do understand why and it pains me that I'm not there. Maybe it's the distance, but I do talk to my mama on a more regular basis here in hk, as compared to the times when I was staying in hall. Still I miss quality time spent.

sci friends

The resounding message from my awesome friends back in ntu sci are "killing workload" and "it's better to be overseas now!" Truth is, I miss slogging through deadlines and assignments with them, the constant crap and crazy moments in class, plus the ever-present need to search for good food during lunch time so as to make ourselves happy through the day. Come to think of it, we only have 2 more years left in school. (everyone says "awwwww")

sp friends

Okay, this is like a huge umbrella of people ranging from my dear JETA friends to gyl people to my supper/crap kakis above. I miss going crazy with people; the occasional dinner and supper dates. PLUS ultra crapping!

ohana

I wonder if there are ohana outings during the period I'm not there, and I seriously doubt there is any. Really miss meeting up for a meal or dessert with them, times with them are always filled with so much laughter. It's amazing to note that our average age is above 20 and we've known each other for more than 5 years. Can't wait for more white celebration!!

And I can't wait to return to Speedlight Worship team! Other than the fact that I'm separated from my piano, I'm also separated from a group of people who serves as a spiritual support and great musical friends. Can't wait to drill through music chords together, scrutinise mp3 and figure out certain riffs and notes and to pray for revival and change in SPD.

And I miss you. For just times together. I know exams are trying times, but silver that goes through fire gets refined. Hang on in there.

Korean week

2009-03-22T16:52:00.001+08:00

What an uneventful week here in Hong Kong, only to be flavoured with occasional kimchi.

The past week was the most hectic so far, with one mid-term that constitutes 40% of the final grade, one assignment deadline and a rush to compile a project/presentation that is due tomorrow. Yup,it was considered as "the worst"; something that is barely scraping the surface back home. So nope, I'm not complaining that I'm busy coz it's nice to have things to do once in a while. Not to mention my poor friends back in ntu are probably dying in the pile of deadlines and facing the impending doom of exams.

Anyway, the UP value of this week is the korean dinners we had! The first one was at Festival Walk (the atas shopping centre near my school). The Korean said it was good and who else to trust but him when it comes to Korean food.

Passion said I fail at mixing it well and he took over. Totally pro at mixing! And so my dinner turned out to be:

Then last night, Passion decided to cook us dinner, real authentic Korean style! Although it was just simple kimchi fried rice and cha jiang mian, it was absolutely delicious. And you have to give him credit for cooking for so many people!

kimchi fried rice

cha jiang mian

the proud and happy chef

Add in 2 bottles of soju and 1 big bottle of mr.juicy = happy dinner and happy people!

school and such

2009-03-19T22:06:00.004+08:00

It feels like NTU when workload starts to pile up. Like deadlines after deadlines, presentations to prepare for, tests to study for and the ever familiar feeling of sitting in front of your laptop staring at a blank Microsoft Word file, thinking how to start on your essay. Take the pressure for scoring an A and the self-motivation to maintain a certain GPA and you get what I have now.

Classes are similar to what we have back home. One-way lectures and occasional class discussions; readings to do which is not as required as we thought they are BUT here's the catch: some of my readings are in chinese! And profs and classmates can sprout out in Mandarin and/or Cantonese in class anytime! Sometimes I blank out in between rapid Cantonoese, but I'll try to follow the disucssion as best as I can. What a challenge it sure is.

Oh ya and the tentative timetable is out. I finish my papers by the third day of the exam period. Someone please tell me that it does not resemble my exam timetable in ntu!!!

Trip to Cheung Chau

2009-03-16T13:39:00.002+08:00

Week 10 into the semester and counting. It's a busy week with a mid-term test coming up this Wednesday and preparations for a presentation deadline.

My friends here in hk say they live for the weekend. And thus, weekends are exploring days!

Presenting to you: 长州
I almost died in the ferry trip to and fro to the island. I've never been a fan of ferry rides but it's the only transport to the island. Thank goodness we took the "Fast Ferry" which halved the travelling time.

People say that the best thing to do there is to eat seafood. Well, in my honest opinion, there's NOTHING to do there AT ALL. We tried to take in nature by going on a hike. Mind you, we wore super thick clothing coz the weather forecast said that it'll be 13-17 degrees C with the wind going up to force 8 GALE but it was so hot and felt so bulky while we climbed the mini Great Wall so it wasn't that enjoyable. Not to mention that the view looks the same everywhere: sea and houses and mountains. And rocks. Did I mention that every path leads to a rock?

Happy pose with a rock

We saw rocks everywhere. Although they tried to make it different by naming their rocks, it does not remove the fact that they are just plain stones.

We had a seafood lunch. Contrary to popular beliefs, no it's not that cheap and no it's not that nice. Maybe it can be a nice treat after all the char siew and beef but you'll take your first bite into the food and the first thought is "I've tasted better".

crab

We also went cycling around the island. It is like the most famous activity for every visitor coz we really saw alot of cyclists! It was difficult navigating the narrow alleys but we survived well. Darn cheap too, cost SGD$4 to cycle for close to 3 hours.

sunset view

And so we ended our 长州 one-day trip. It's one of those places which you'll escape to from civilisation. Now that I've travelled there once, I guess it suffices to say that I won't be returning there.

don't judge a book by its cover

2009-03-10T22:26:00.003+08:00

may i present to you:

curry fishballs!

if you have been to hk and have yet to try these little harmless balls, YOU MUST TRY THEM! coz they deceive you with their seemingly harmless appearance and name, BUT they are able to numb your tongue and mouth walls or anywhere that was in contact with their curry sauce! if you ask me, i think the whole fishball is filled with the curry sauce! like totally spurt out when you bite into them!

serious. i lost my tastebuds for 5 mins!

tuesdays

2009-03-10T14:57:00.004+08:00

i love tuesdays. other than the fact that i do not have classes today, it's also the day i keep to myself most.

i love solitude. like the kind of silent, keep-to-oneself space i leave for just me and me alone. with so much time for myself, i get to finish up work, watch a few shows, sit and stone on my bed, and do self-reflection. and you wonder why people love crowds so much.

tuesdays are days when it's quiet. quiet outside and quiet inside. it's the day i set aside to get things right, to find back what i might have lost in the past week. simply put, it's time for myself. time with God, time without the hassle and bustle of everyday life .

ever since young, i love being home alone. just to coop myself up in my room and let the world pass me by. what great bliss it is to have my own space.

i can stay in the whole day but that just makes me a hermit. or a female otaku.

Sounds from home

2009-03-08T00:03:00.003+08:00

In my Asian film module, we'll be dedicating 2 weeks nearing the end of the semester to discuss Singaporean cinema and also be screening "881". For all those people who have not heard of Royston Tan before "881" and think that it was his first attempt at musicals, think again.

I missed home so much that I went to search for his short films that made me like him so much. A film is not just about aesthetics; it's about being critical of the society around you.

"Cut" is made in response to the 27 cuts made on his gangster-themed short film "15".

The beginning of March

2009-03-06T00:40:00.000+08:00

It should have been spring but it sure is a gloomy spring.

Today is the first rainy day I experienced ever since I arrived in hk. It feels really gloomy, like there's-no-reason-to-smile kind of gloomy. The sky turned dark at 2pm in the afternoon, as if it is 7pm at night and it started pouring. I hate it when the sun disappears. If you knew how I studied for my O levels, you'll probably know that I'm solar-powered. Which means I'm happier and usually more productive when the sun is up. It feels super depressing to have NO SUN in the middle of an AFTERNOON.

And so that starts the first week of March. The weather looks gloomy for the next few days. I hate sprinkle of rain. I rather it pours everything down, but provided that I'm cuddled-up and warm indoors. I'll totally hate it if I'm caught in the rain, walking those slopes up to old campus for class.

Rants enough.

Headlines headlines!!

2009-03-02T13:44:00.005+08:00

People people!

NTU stabbing which resulted in one death (the student) and another injured (the professor)!
And you always want to see your university hit the headlines, just now in this way.

Oh well, I get my SG news from either Straits Times, my mother or my boyfriend. It goes figures how come I know of the merlion getting struck by lightning and this happening within minutes of them happening.

Paranoid trip to Shenzhen

2009-03-01T23:29:00.000+08:00

We went to Shenzhen yesterday! Yes! Amidst the gentle reminders from our family and friends, we went on a sightseeing and shopping trip up north! (So like our Malaysia trips!) Although we were slightly paranoid in the beginning, (read bag clutching, eyes shifting to look out for any suspicious-looking people) we had great fun breathing in chinese air and squeezing with LOADS of chinese people. Oh gosh, they're not called the highest-populated nation for nothing!

arrival at "window of the world"

sights of spring!

some cultural heritage place

Some updates about life in hk: I still haven't been able to sleep well. But camomile helps to keep me calm. So instead of crying in frustration or ranting out in anger at the inconsiderate people who yak till 3am downstairs, it keeps me relaxed and floatily happy. It also helps that I drift in and out of sleep as compared to staying awake in my bed for 2 or 3 hours. It has been getting better, thank you all for your concern. Thank you for your suggestions and prayers. I truly appreciate them =)

counting on God

2009-02-25T00:12:00.006+08:00

I've been having sleepless nights for the past 2 weeks. It's not a good feeling but I know everything is in control because I know Who holds my tomorrow.

It is nearing 2 months since I arrived here in Hong Kong. And the only thing constant is my Heavenly Father. It's something that dawns on me. Despite the differences in time, space and distance, He's omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient.
Unchangeable, Unstoppable, Unbreakable Him. So many things can change. But He remains faithful.

And even though I haven't been sleeping well, although I cry out to God each night, I will still say of my Lord, "You are my strength, my shield and my ever present help in times of need". Like the psalmist, I will say "Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You..." (Psalm 143:8)

I miss home, family, friends and church. But till I see all of you again, let's just say that I have unspeakable joy and sufficient strength for each day. So I am fine for now.

joy unspeakable that won't go away
and just enough strength to live for today
so i never have to worry what tomorrow will bring
coz my faith is on SOLID ROCK
i'm counting on God

Travelling around

2009-02-23T00:23:00.001+08:00

Well, I didn't exactly travel around but I really did went to Lantau Island, a place I have never visited in my previous HK trips. Main reason being that my family didn't see much point in going there coz the main attraction is the big buddha. Secondly, it costs MONEY to go up there, money which my mum and I will happily put into our shopping fund. This time round, the whole group of us are invited by May's friend for a 1-day lantau island trip.

The cable-car ticket. FIRST time for me =D

the view from the cable-car

It was an eye-opener for me. Treated it more like sight-seeing trip, instead of the "enlightenment path" the authorities were trying to promote. The view was great from the top, all blue and all green. Not to mention the wind! It was strong enough to blow me away!

arriving at the village

view from the top

We went Tai-O, another fishing village in Hong Kong. It was featured in a TVB drama my mother and I watched many years back. Well, it doesn't look as good as the TV, which contradicts what usually happened when people visit those nice filming venues in Korean dramas. One decade truly makes a big difference.

arrival at tai-o

It was the best one-day trip ever. Saw many things, been to many places and walked many roads I've never walked before.

Wish you're here with me.

R&B Nobody

2009-02-18T23:45:00.010+08:00

Passion is singing Wondergirls here.

But then, I saw this all credits to me surfing facebook and seeing Serene and Vinnie comment on it. And it's so so so much better than wondergirls. Anytime.

Sorry the dimensions is slightly bigger. But it's really nice =)

Compare it to:

My unhealthy obession

2009-02-17T23:26:00.004+08:00

Ask me what I usually do in my free time, and I'll reply
"WATCH BOYS BEFORE FLOWER!"

Seriously it's not your kind of k-drama like Hong Gil Dong or Capital Scandal (other than the fact that there's Kang Ji Hwan *swools*) that engages and entices you, "Boys before flower" is just a look-good and feel-good series. BUT it keeps me entertained and anticipating every single week for one reason:

KIM BUM!

Someone please knock me out of my frenzy! Alas he's 2 years younger than me so I'm not allowed to entertain any fantasy. But he sure is enjoyable to look at. He fascinated me first in East of Eden. Although I think he doesn't have much chance to showcase his acting talent in bbf, it's still an outlet for him to gain fame and eventually get better characters. Not to mention, to be an eye candy for us all.

Hands off ally and rachel! HAHA!

My Valentine Surprise

2009-02-16T23:54:00.000+08:00

When I saw that email from the hall office, I ran down.
Literally.
I pushed open the door, ran down the stairs and flew past the gantry.

They made me sign a load of forms and eventually passed me the package. Oh no, it's crumpled and the envelope is folded.

Nonetheless, I flew back up and tore it open. To reveal the prettiest thing I now have on my table.

It's something I've been anticipating for one week ever since he sent it out. I'm so touched to read the note that I actually cried. So true isn't it? One day further from the last time we were together meant one day nearer to my return.

Thank you for the valentine surprise darling. It made my day knowing that the last person to be in contact with it was you.

Hiking!

2009-02-13T23:43:00.000+08:00

This is like the first hike I've ever made in my whole life. LIKE a REAL hike from the foot of the hill to the highest point. The last time I climbed some mountain, it was at Korea but we took the cable car to a place to walk to the highest point, so that doesn't count.

Went Lion Rock Hill with Chi Hei leading us. I almost died! It's not as easy as I thought! The steps are alright to climb but it gets tiring as we go higher. AND then it gets steeper so I had to climb with both hands. There's a rope too but it is not available throughout the whole journey. Did I mention that we walked to the foot of the hill?

This is the view from halfway up to the peak. Quite breathtaking but alas, it was a misty day today.

Have you ever had that sense of accomplishment? Like after you've finished something you never thought you could in your whole life? Or how it felt like to stand so high up and have the world at your feet? It's like 400 plus metres above sea level only but it felt so good. The mist helped to make you feel better. It's like touching air and water.

Night view from our resting spot. I can spot my dorm!

No idea if this is going to be a once-a-week thing for me. Hopefully I can just stick to treadmill running! At least it was a different experience in cosmopolitan Hong Kong!

2009-02-13T16:11:00.003+08:00

I felt really sad yesterday.

When my mum was telling me those little small things, like what she ate, where she went with my dad and what she is planning to do the next day, a pang of sadness and guilt overcame me. I think I am my mum's closest confidante. My dad usually is out working, and whenever he's home, he just engages himself with TV, newspapers and sleep. And my brother is seldom home as well. To hear her share her daily activities with me over international call is heartwarming, but heartbreaking at the same time. Coz it meant that she didn't have someone to talk to back home. And she has to hear about my brother's busy work schedule from me, since my bro will msn me more often. There's no one there for her, and I am sad, worried and guilty.

I see my whole exchange trip as a selfish indulgence, an indulgence that I don't even have to pay for monetarily. In my applying for it, I have failed to consider the people who truly needed me. I didn't need to see the world. It was more of a want. But my mum needed me. Despite the days when I was staying in hall, she knew I was there and that I will be home for the weekend.

I wish I can be with her now.

On to happier things. I changed my return flight to 20 May, 8 days earlier than the previous return date.

I think of that as a "happy thing".

Study week 5 and counting

2009-02-09T14:53:00.004+08:00

School work is piling up! But that did not stop us from having fun and going to sing karaoke!

It costs around 10 bucks sing just to sing for 3 hours and to have a drink and lunch. And unlike lousy KBox, we get to have 7 choices for lunch! But they're not very into chinese songs, especially Zhang Shao Han. Poor girl doesn't have a proper MV for any of her songs haha!

Not to mention that I'm horribly sick. In the first two weeks here in Hong Kong, I fell victim to flu virus. Just as I was about to return to Singapore, I recovered. Maybe it's the happiness of going home that indirectly made my body well. So now here I am, back in Hong Kong and sneezing my head off. Add irritating headaches to the equation and you'll know how crappy I feel. And no, I refuse to go see a doctor cause I'll be wasting money. I might as well wait for my immune system to catch up with the virus.

And I miss Speedlight. My church service here starts at the same time as Speedlight and I miss it there =( the people, the chance to serve alongside them, seeking God in one collective body, I miss it all. Though I think the sermons here are real good too. They're doing the Jesus story, like Who He is, from the book of Acts. They have nice sermon titles and punchlines and take-home lessons every week.

And I think I should stop gallivanting so much here in Hong Kong. I don't even go out so much at home! I should set aside more time for reflection and time for self. Hmmm, let's see where I can squeeze it in.

Short update

2009-02-05T18:07:00.004+08:00

I'm in my state of denial.

No, I can't be back in Hong Kong again. No, my week-long holiday Singapore can't have just passed like this. Maybe, maybe I'll be coming home again in 17 days.

I should just wake up from my dream. I'm here to stay for another 4 months.

Anyway, things are picking up a little. More assignments are coming my way, and the readings are piling up on my table. Not to mention that it's only the first week I am back. Ah darn.

But if busyness helps to occupy time, then I don't mind being busy. It's been quite nice to stay in room these day. Cause the weather has gotten so well that we can go out in t-shirts and one jacket and I have been able to sleep through the night these days. Other than the fact that I miss home, my bed and everyone who is back in homey Singapore, I should be fine.

I'll try to update when I can. But photos and interesting things will be quite scarce coz it's classes time now.

Leaving on a jetplane

2009-02-02T14:10:00.005+08:00

Jun Yue couldn't be more accurate when he said that it's more difficult to leave the second time. I started dreading that very day even before it arrives.

I didn't sleep a wink the night before my flight. Other than the very reason that I shouldn't waste my last night sleeping, it was because I have to reach the airport at 4.30 in the morning and it makes no sense to just sleep 2 hours.

Thank you dear for staying up with me. That poor guy slept only 5-6hours daily in the week I was back. Max and Jun Hong came over to hang out before heading to the airport. All hail dai dee and bluff =)

Thank you for coming, guys. I didn't expect anyone to come and send me off coz it was so early. Even my dad was grouchy and he dragged my mum back immediately after I've checked in. It didn't matter if you came to send me off or be there to support Jun Yue in case he breaks down, thank you. I'm really touched.

I was really brave. I didn't drop a single tear from immigration to the gate. I didn't even tear while talking to my mother and you on the phone before I boarded the plane. But as I sat in the plane and watched the sky turn from dusk to light, a surge of emotions overcame me. At that very moment, I was still under the same piece of sky as my loved ones. Couldn't stop myself as I whispered my last goodbye. I'll be back again, although not so soon but I will be back.

I can't leave home so easily.

Promise me you'll wait for me
Coz I'll be saving all my love for you
and I will be home soon

Home

2009-01-25T16:38:00.001+08:00

But not for long.

I'm currently back in Singapore to celebrate CNY with family and friends. Really really happy to be back. Walking the lanes of Tampines central and everywhere, it feels as if nothing's changed. The crowd, the bus routes, the mad rush in town and my own place. It feels good, coz it feels like home.

Although I'll be returning in another 6 days' time, I already don't feel like going back.
I'm really not made for the world, just home.
Guess I'm easily satisfied being the frog in the well. At least I'll be happy in my well hur.

Helplessness

2009-01-19T23:07:00.003+08:00

So much for the technology age, when technology fails time and time again when put to the test.

I felt so helpless when skype fails, when web cameras fail, when connection lags and when my message could not get across the world wide web.
I felt so helpless when I could not contact my loved ones.
I felt so helpless knowing that my mum is sick but yet am unable to do anything at all.
I felt so helpless when everything gets distorted on the web and my intended meaning is destroyed.
I felt so helpless not being there.

Add in frustration and you just get buried in a heap of helplessness.

They tell you internet makes the world smaller. Don't believe them entirely, because there's always a price to pay.

Promise unfulfilled

2009-01-18T23:44:00.003+08:00

I am so sorry! Couldn't live up to my promise of blogging regularly. There is a reason for this drought. Classes have officially started on Monday and I was busy attending classes and begging professors to let me into their modules. YES, despite the fact that I'm on an extended holiday by coming on exchange, it actually means clearing credits and putting in some effort to earn them. By God's grace, managed to get 2 upper-level PR/advertising modules which hopefully equates to a better life, though I seriously doubt so cause I still have modules to clear for my minor. Why the begging? Because it's either the class is not open to international students or the class is full. Thank God they're nice enough to open extra vacancies for us.

Weather is turning better. It even reach 25 degrees this afternoon! But all's temporary. HK will be experiencing another winter monsoon from Thursday onwards. The catch? I'll be home in sunny Singapore. Yay! Or maybe I feel better cause I have just bought this super thick comforter quilt that is like made from goose feather or something. Last night was the first time in 2 weeks that I slept through the night.

Happiness is knowing I'm coming home in 4 days' time!

Subjective coldness

2009-01-10T00:26:00.000+08:00

Or the lack of heat.

It's like the feeling of how you loses control of your fingers, your feet gets numb and even your legs are cold even though you're wearing a pair of jeans that seem ultra thick in Singapore. And the cycle goes on and you keep asking people like how cold it actually is to check your level of endurance. Well, it was 9 degrees this morning. And when the wind blew at us at Victoria Peak, my face almost froze.

And the worst thing? It's not the coldest yet. It will be coldest only during mid-February. This is too unlike Singapore. I need some getting used to. Maybe it's just me. I'm not exactly a fan of cold winters, since I grew up in sunny Singapore. People have been telling me that it isn't that cold before I came but now I'm freezing in my own room.

Oh well, there's 2 more weeks till I'm going home for CNY, and close to 2 more months till winter is over. Hang in there!

Orientation Day One

2009-01-07T21:49:00.004+08:00

It was first day of orientation. What a day of information overload! And I have bad news for myself. The PE core I need is full class! Now all I can do is to activate plan B. Take another public relations and advertising module and take asian cinema in place of western cinema. Okay, I know this sound foreign. It just means things can't go my way. Got to start praying harder 4 days before add/drop starts.

It was mainly talks today but it's quite a good price to pay for free breakfast and lunch! HAHA this is what happens when you're a poor foreign student who has to do serious accounting everyday.
Tomorrow is going to be another day of talks. Oh well, since I have nothing to do, I might as well keep my time filled with activities, rather than go shopping and spend money.

We wanted to go explore Festival Walk, one of the biggest shopping mall in Hong Kong. BUT it apparently is atas to the max, like only branded boutiques there. Ate dinner there where Sara-Jean found her level 2 milk tea (where level 10 is the ultimate milk tea)

It's getting colder at night. The locals are telling us that it will be coldest during CNY period all the way till mid February. Like hur.

And and one PRC guy complimented me on my spoken Cantonese and Mandarin. Like were they ever good in the first place!? I can understand if someone says my spoken Mandarin is slightly above average BUT my pathetic Cantonese? Even the locals find it good enough that I can converse with them. Oh well, let me take this 5 months to brush it up so my mum will stop laughing at me. Oh and the PRC guy said I was pretty. That made my day, though he said it after sun has set. HAHA!

Aloha from HK

2009-01-06T10:25:00.006+08:00

I actually counted. And if my math did not fail me, I have 144 days left till May 28 which marks my permanent return.

You know the thing about living overseas with no family and friends around you, is that you start thinking funny. You start questioning why you chose to come instead of sparing yourself and your loved ones the agony of seeing you leave. You think about the money you could save for your parents. You start to ask why the heck you wanted to see the world when home was what matters most.

And you wonder why the heck people switches on air con back home when it makes them freeze up.

Yup enough ranting, for all you who wants to send me letters who make me miss home, here's my address

Joycelyn Yeo
Room 210R, South Tower
Student Residence Halls
Hong Kong Baptist University
5 Baptist University Road
Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong

Oh ya, Sheryl and Sarah-Jean are out to look for the ultimate milk tea here in HK, something that is level 10 up from what we can find in Singapore.

As of now, thank you those who came.

One day

2009-01-04T16:14:00.004+08:00

I never knew it would hurt this much.

Leaving on a jet plane soon. Goodbye people.

Same side of the moon - Corrinne May

I'm looking out the window
Where we sat to watch the stars
There's a chill within the air
It makes my heart long for your touch
You may be miles away
But as I kneel to pray

I see the same side of the moon
That we'll be looking on when the world turns blue
And know that time and space can't come between me and you
We share the same side of the moon
And though you'll never see all the tears shine through
I know I can't be that far from you
If we're both looking on the same side of the moon

I picture you across the ocean
In your corner of the world
I pray the wind will blow my voice
And gently whisper in your ear
Your night may be my day
And though the seasons change

It's still the same side of the moon
That we'll be looking on when the world turns blue
And know that time and space can't come between me and you
We share the same side of the moon
And though you'll never see all the tears shine through
I know I can't be that far from you
If we're both looking on the same side of the moon
I know I can't be that far from you
If we're both looking on the same side of the moon

And I can hear my parents sing this to me in the silent support they have shown me. Thank you Pa and Ma.

"You can fly so high
Keep your gaze upon the sky
I'll be praying every step along the way
Even though it breaks my heart to know we'll be so far apart

I love you, too much to make you stay
Baby, fly away"
- Corrinne May "Fly Away"

Photos in a bundle

2008-12-31T11:07:00.001+08:00

Ah let's see what I have been busy with. Surprisingly, I have been returning hall more for IHG this year as compared to last year. I've never been a sporty person so I never did cared much about IHG. BUT this year, I decided, no forget that. I was FORCED as a sub-committee member to take up at least 3 IHG games which kind of explains things a little. And of course, since I'm back, I might as well snap a few shots of the games =)

I myself TRAINED for squash but alas was not good enough to play. I can't guarantee I won't return with 2 sets down with 0-9.

Up next is Christmas. Busy Busy Christmas, and totally spent at pigging out. Go somewhere and the agenda is food. Not that I mind it as Singaporean but I need to look out for my weight! Especially with Hong Kong food up in my agenda too!

And of course, how can we lose focus on the real reason for Christmas. I'm quite glad church service this year is simpler than the usual hoo-ha drama extravaganza. Gives me more time and space for reflection and thanksgiving.

Met with my girls and ONE guy for Christmas and mini gathering before I fly. Thanks Ann Soon for the tortoise! Remind me to stop laughing at you since you're been through so much, up till massaging and kissing the heart, at the build-a-bear workshop. Thanks girls, thoroughly enjoyed your company =)

I finally did get to eat my long-craved chomp chomp cai tao kuey! And impromptu too! Like totally unplanned haha! Add on all other oily unhealthy but satisfying food and you get a happy but more weight/health-conscious Joycelyn who reasons that it's alright since she worked out more than usual these days. Though still not a lot haha!

And my dearest bestie. Went crystal jade xiao long bao buffet with her.

Gosh, I'll totally miss her coz when I'm back from HK, she'll be gone =( But you know, with Pam and CY, it really feels like the 5 senses can't separate us or spoil our friendship. We know they're there, always. So 2009 is going to be international year, with me in HK, Pam in Vegas and CY in Tokyo.

Go see your world best friends. But remember to come home. Because I will be coming home.

Okay, that's all for now. For more photos, please check out facebook.

Chrismas aftermath

2008-12-28T23:31:00.000+08:00

It has been a busy week for me. Started with Camp Purity last Sunday, followed by Christmas celebration at church and at friends' houses. Before I knew it, I'm left with exactly one week before I fly.

I don't feel like going now. It's like pre-departure jitters.

It's not good.

Reason for Christmas

2008-12-24T23:17:00.004+08:00

Father,
forgive us if the ways of the world have blinded us to the sacrifice which You've had freely given.
forgive us if the hype and celebrations have led us to forget the true reason and source of Christmas.

It's our dear Lord Jesus Christ's birthday.
And that's all that matters.

Happy Birthday to the greatest Love of all.
I love You Jesus.

Avalon - We are the reason

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys we knew we’d find
But we never realized a baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by we learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves and what that means
On a dark and cloudy day a man hung crying in the rain
All because of love
All because of love

I finally found the reason for living
It’s in giving every part of my heart to Him (every part to Him)
And all that I do every word that I say (you know I’ll be saying)
I’ll be giving my all just for Him, for Him (every thing for Him)

Don’t you know we're the only reason
That He came, only came to save us
When He gave His life for us, He suffered and died
For a world that was lost He gave
Everything that He had He gave
To show us the reason to live

Bringing to light

2008-12-16T19:55:00.004+08:00

Let's start my engine rolling =)

I'm currently busy with preparations for Camp Purity, Hall IHG as well as packing for my coming adventure. Oh, and did I mention how popular I am? Everyone seems to want to ask me out these days. Hah! I really do wish to spend more time with family and friends before I fly off. What used to be 3 months is now only 3 weeks!!

And I started packing up my room since I'm scheduled to move out this coming Monday. Nostalgia sets in pretty quickly when you're packing up memories that were with you for one and a half years. I wonder if some things will just remain stuck in time just for me to return to. Oh gosh, I love this room. It was really God's providence that gave me this wonderful room that is so near to all essentials and so conducive for studying. Oh well, there is an end to all good things.

A glimpse to emptiness

Opening Up

2008-12-15T01:30:00.001+08:00

I'm making this public.

Since I promised my friends to blog more once I'm in HK, I figure out it's good to start practising what I promised them.

I really do hope that I will be able to fulfill the "regular" and "frequent" clauses of the promise.

=)

Shu Hui's 21st Birthday

2008-10-20T03:01:00.007+08:00

_MG_4114
Originally uploaded by joy.yyy

It was a great honour to be the photographer for my dearest girlfriend's 21st birthday celebration.

How do we describe friendship and relationship? Or even how much someone means to us?
Perhaps all it needs is unspoken memories.

Then again, how can we put words to a relationship? Or define a friendship by the number of years?

Happy Birthday Shu Hui.

You are a great friend.

One against another

2008-08-31T23:52:00.000+08:00

I'm sorry, but do pardon this budding filmmaker who has yet to make a film herself, BUT what is the whole hoo-ha on "Becoming Royston"?

I admit that I'm kind of slow in catching on this phenomena, considering how much I've heard about it from my girlfriend. We've recently missed the movie release which Shu Hui insisted that it should be better than the episodes posted on the Web. I don't think it's any loss. The web episodes failed to capture my attention. The content was dry, some shots are too long and I can't pardon bad acting, especially when there was so much hype created!

In contrast, "MirrorMask" is awesome! Great parallel of fantasy and reality, great shots, awesome editing, great effects and wonderful use of colours! I can fully understand why Rachel loves this movie! Which makes me question why it wasn't properly released on our big screens? Or did I miss it?

Ohana means family

2008-08-19T17:31:00.001+08:00

It started as innocently as it could be, people from different walks of life with different characters and attitudes. And yet closely knitted we are, making time and effort to celebrate each other's lives and to participate in the joys that walk us through.

Oh how can I show love? How can I tell you how important you are to me?

Ben, Sharon, Jeremy, Clara, Johnathan, Jerelyn, Collin and Claudia: Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind.

Patriotism redefined

2008-08-09T22:15:00.001+08:00

Today, Singapore celebrated her 43rd year of independence.

Nothing significant, you say. Especially in comparison to big nations like United States who perhaps are celebrating Independence Day without noting the figure or China who has 5000 years of history behind them.

National Day is always able to induce the patriotism in me. I fault propaganda for it. Seriously, who can not feel excited about a national holiday when all you hear on TV and radio are national songs and all you see is red? Plus, the keyword is "holiday".

But what's the use of National Day when the citizens only feel a sense of love and belonging in this one day of the entire year? Where's the true significance if we're unable to retain our own people?

My brother was commenting on leaving for greener pastures as he was watching the parade with the family. What irony it actually is.
Well, I've been through this argument with many of my friends who think that there's nothing worth staying for in Singapore. But let's be fair. Inflation is worldwide, economic recession is global, and would you rather a government who cares or a government which proclaims liberty but doesn't give a damn whether you have food on your table?

Don't get me wrong. I'm no PAP advocate or government watchdog. I don't fully agree with all government policies and I complain just as much as every driver over ERP. But I want to be fair to the land that has seen me through my 21 years. I'm grateful for the presence of meritocracy and equality of chances, as well as freedom in things that matter like religious freedom.

And who has the heart to leave familiarity? It's not that I fear going into the big unknown. I just can't bear the thought of leaving 21 years behind for vastness.

One of the national songs goes like this:
"This is my country. This is my flag.
This is my future. This is my life.
This is my family. These are my friends."

My response to my brother was simple. I told him I will never leave because "keluarga saya di sini." (my family is here)

Singapore doesn't has to be perfect.

It just has to be home.

black and white

2008-08-07T02:00:00.002+08:00

28
Originally uploaded by joy.yyy

I've always thought of black and white photography as absolute photography. You know, like how we'd like to see the world in just these 2 shades. But I've come to realise that there ARE grey areas in black and white photos, just as there exist grey shades in life but we refuse to admit.

So how do we define absolute? How do we minus out the grey parts? Then again, how we decide which stays in colour and which don't?

Who makes the final call?

Photography Expression

2008-07-16T01:40:00.004+08:00

Well, allow me to direct you to http://www.flickr.com/photos/joyyyy.

It's a collection of photos taken on my Canon 400D, which I'm willing to make public. I know I'm starting out, still amateurish and still learning so I really do appreciate your comments and feedback.

I want to portray something more than a picture, something like a story behind every picture.

Well, tell me what you think.

Plain Truth

2008-07-04T23:50:00.002+08:00

What an irony it is that I was writing about movies in my previous entry.

I chanced upon "Plaint Truth"! Not the book, but the movie.

Well, I was just happily channel-surfing when I was attracted by the dialog going on. And considering that I had just finished the book one week ago, the lines were pretty fresh in my head.

Of course I was excited and eventually, that excitement evolved into disappointment.

Jodi Picoult is my favourite author. There's no word or phrase to explain the feeling when you see the books you love brought to life by people, background sets and music. But to have them do injustice to the story? Well, you'll burn with rage and then start screaming at the TV.

I felt that the character development was insufficient, that story development was too fast and little emotion details were left out. They could not bring out the emotional intensity both in the farmhouse and the courtroom. Relationships were left blurred as well. AND they did not have introduce Amish traditions at all!

The screenwriter tried to keep as close to the book by taking exact lines BUT I felt that he lost the kick. Jodi Picoult has a way of writing punchlines that end the section with such impact it lingers in your head chapters after you passed that page.

I was disappointed. Not in the production, but that the world who watched did not get a chance to be exposed to the excellent fiction world of Jodi Picoult.

Movies never do the books justice.

Preferences

2008-07-01T22:38:00.001+08:00

I love watching movies.

Well, if it falls within my budget.

Yet as many of my friends will know, I am not easily satisfied with any so-called "blockbusters" acclaimed by newspapers, magazines or unreliable word-of-mouth. I judge and critic by my own standards rather than through the eyes of public opinion. Sometimes I get disappointed with my own choices, sometimes I shoot myself in the feet for not catching supposedly good movies, but most of the times, I stand by my own preferences.

Then again, I can be pretty predictable. Like the fact that I love history stories and will catch any historical war movies, especially if it involves World War II. Or the times I scrambled to catch Robbie Williams on the big screen ever since he fascinated me in "Dead Poets" Society". Or the times I anticipated those books-to-screen adaptations of the books I've loved since as a child.

I do realise that my taste in movies may not coincide with those of my friends' but I always rather pursue my individuality rather than blend into the crowd. Thank God that I do have certain people to turn to for satisfaction of my niche interests. It's the company and the after-movie discussion that always brings enlightenment as well as identification that you're not alone.

Of course, at the end of the day, it's the company that matters. Which explains why I willingly spent an jaw-dropping daylight robbery of $10 to watch a mediocre "Incrediable Hulk" with Geri and Leonard.

When the opinions of many overwrite the voice of one. Blah.

Control and Power

2008-06-14T00:42:00.003+08:00

"Who controls the past controls the future;
Who controls the present controls the past"

How has that affected the politics of this world?

"Power is not a means; it's an ends." - George Orwell "Nineteen Eighty-Four"

The centre of attraction

2008-05-20T23:58:00.000+08:00

Asia happens to be in centre of the world's focus this week.

But for the wrong reason.

Cyclone Nargis' visit to Myanmar nearly 3 weeks ago left Rangoon in total disarray. What left the international community in absolute jaw-dropping dismay were the junta's refusal to allow international aid into the country and how they pushed the referendum to justify military rule on May 10 despite the magnitude of the disaster.

Less than 2 weeks later, the Sichuan earthquake shook and destroyed not only the walls of the buildings in Sichuan but also the hopes and faiths of people who had not anticipated the unexpected.

"No news is good news".
Perhaps we do not understand the true meaning of it until catastrophic events like such happened and all that commanded newspapers space are articles and photographs bringing you devastation and loss.

This must be the reason why no news is good news.

If there's any good out of it, then it must be the fulfilling of prophecy and the closer anticipation of the Second Coming.

Singaporeans being singaporean

2008-05-05T23:03:00.006+08:00

I was waiting for the train at Raffles Place MRT Station last Monday (28 April 2008) when I chanced upon this sight:

Singaporeans who either can't read the bright yellow arrows on the ground or simply do not possess enough courtesy to stay clear of doorways and let other passengers alight before chiong-ing into the carriages.

It is simply horrifying to note how singaporean Singaporeans can be. And it is yet another testimony of how the courtesy campaign of the 80's had failed.

My close girlfriend who works in the area and frequents that station told me that it is a perfectly normal sight, which just adds on to how horrific it is. Normality in the lack of courtesy? Doesn't it makes you wonder how other civilised countries like Taiwan and Japan can achieve it in simple places like train stations?

Well, like what people say, kiasuism is a Singapore trait. Should we be proud of it?

The Olympic Flame

2008-04-12T18:26:00.002+08:00

Apparently the Olympic Flame has been receiving more attention than any other non-living thing for the time being. Well, if you do not consider global rising food costs as attention-grabbing enough.
Perhaps it is due to the fact that it, being a symbol of international representation, capitalises the possibility of change such that extremists thought they could tap into its influence to push for their cause.

But I thought it amazing that something, representing international sportsmanship, brotherly love across the globe and a cause of celebration in every 4 years, had to bear the burdens of Tibet and Darfur.

So the poor thing had to take a diverted route in its attempt to avoid protesting extremists who perhaps aren't even Tibetans.

If protests and demonstrations are able to propel change, Myanmar would have advanced after last September bloody military uprising. The only tail hanging out from the incident is regional and international pressure to open talks with Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

What made them think protesting halfway around the globe is going to make any difference?

I was quite proud to read of our PM's insights on the recent happenings revolving around the Torch. ("Why torch protests are a bad move", ST, 12 Apr 08)

I felt he brought out 2 important points: culture differences which include languages differences, and the power of the emerging net. I felt the differences in upbringing in the East and the West have caused them to view issues like "freedom of expression" or "human rights" in different lights.
The East has always been more of a collaborative society; we were taught to respect community, family and society while the West centres more on individualism. Which explains the big outburst by the Chinese regarding the Olympic Torch as they view it as undermining their nationhood.
So they do what we like most: post their grievances and unhappiness on the Net. And it snowballs.

PM Lee brought up that if the Chines outbursts were in English and easily available to the Americans and British youths, perhaps they would be more aware of the implications of their actions.

Extremism unbalanced can be dangerous.

The Road not Taken

2008-04-03T00:38:00.005+08:00

Allow me to share with you one of my all-time favourite poems

The Road not Taken - Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Communication and Me

2008-03-31T16:04:00.000+08:00

Communication is directed to the masses, like how media is created for the sole purpose of reproduction and dissemination. With the explosion of online mediums and the exponential increase of news and information being brought onto the Web, privacy can no longer be protected, or perhaps has become less protected.

I can't exactly pinpoint that reason which led me to direct my public blog to this address. I'm not the best writer you can find, nor do I consider myself as a good writer. Still, the passion to write, to air my views without discrimination and the desire to share information linger in me.
I am going to continue writing, unabashed by my limited grasp of the language, no hesitation and no regrets.

In other words, I just can't keep silent. Or more like, I won't.

So, welcome into my world of thoughts, where I hope I'll be able to question the right our media has depicted, correct the stereotypes and freely speak my piece.

writer in the making,
joy