Recuperating from the wound of my wisdom teeth. Many plans were stalled and time was mostly spent on the bed. The first day was the most terrible as I had a bout of vomiting spell after consuming the medicine. It was a grossly mess and drinking water was another task. But things improved and the wound is healing. With one more teeth in a risky position, the dentist refused to extract it and I am left with the option of seeking more professional opinion.

My HK group mate and buddy has returned to HK and is asking me to visit his country soon. Looks like I will be having a tour guide to introduce me to more good food and shopping deals when I returned. It was quite a "cross-cultural" experience for my project as this time, we had group mates from Spain, Germany and HK. The Europeans complained that local food is too oily and consist of little raw vegetables (they like salad) and the HK complained about the long waiting interval for trains and smaller portion of local food.

With the recent triple breakdowns of our local transportation - the railway, it has invited the public intervention of the Committee of Inquiry which has only conducted two public questionings so far.

Social media has mainly painted a negative picture of it and there is huge public pressure for its Chief Executive to step down. It is appalling to realize shoddy routine checks of the railway surfacing and feeble attempts of service recovery prior to the second breakdown..of which was later greatly rectified. If we take a look at PA system of railways in HK, they are announced in Cantonese, Chinese and English and staffs are stationed adequately to facilitate even minor problems such as in my case, unable to locate the control station and accumulating enough railway reward points for a free single-journey to Disneyland.

While it is quite first-dimensional to blame the highest person in position for such serious disruptions, I believe what the transport analysts had said is right - to learn from operators in other cities (rather than continue pointing fingers). A public transport that has so many stakeholders involved requires good management style, empowered employers and org communication that efficiently facilitates its structure. Of course, I will want all repair works to be done faster haha (although the technicians and engineers have to work even harder..salute them) so that my traveling plans will be least affected.

At a time when I falter and question myself, I receive kind words from some of my friends. Although they are just a few, but I am already satisfied. They gave me the encouragement and perhaps they might not know, they actually provide me with assurance that the path I am walking on is worth it.

One late night after there was no bus and train, I was flagging a taxi and the taxi driver uncle mistook me as a Chinese national (PRC). Even when I tried to correct him, he was still bewildered until I started speaking in Singlish and he switched on the car's interior light to clarify. But jokes aside, I am still sort of cheena and I like Chinese philosophy and history. They are so rich and deep in meaning.

Took a Chinese history and political class many months ago and I like how Lao Tzu says about been satisfied with oneself. In chapter 33 of the Tao Te Ching, it says:

知 人 者 智 ， 自 知 者 明 。 胜 人 者 有 力 ， 自 胜 者 强 。 知 足 者 富 。 强 行 者 有 志 。 不 失 其 所 者 久 。 死 而 不 亡 者 寿 。

Loosely translated in English: Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing oneself is enlightenment. Mastering others requires strength. Masters oneself requires might. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich. He who acts with vigor has will. He who continues with the requirements of his position will endure. He who lives out his day has had a long life or longevity.

I think many times in life we will only come to appreciate what we have and enjoy the richness of life when we come to understand the meaning of being satisfied with our own lot.

It has been raining cats and dogs these past few days. Having a cup of hot drink or tea and listening to some soulful music are the best remedy to keep me awake.

I don't know whether I should feel sad or question the flaws in my character, but I have never felt so overwhelmed with such emotions that it sort of demands self-reflection. When I was younger, it was just purely of "I don't want to friend you," but now it is more of a "oh..that bitch." From my previous posts, I did mention about these few ladies whom I have met in my summer study trip.

With powerful social media and constant FB updates, even if you have no intention of intruding their lives, you are bound to accidentally read/see their comments/photos and the plain fact is they are excluding you from whatever activities they are doing "loud and clear". Not that I will fancy joining them too and I could have ignored their amateurish moves, but I just wonder what I am as a friend to all of my existing friends? What is my first impression?

Heard this rendition of Jayesslee's cover on dare you to move as a dedication to the people of Thailand. I remember listening to this song in the movie "A walk to remember." A slow and poignant movie that reflects the innocent teenage romance. What should I say? These girls are mesmerizing and I am in love with their sincere singing voice. Pray for the people in Thailand's flood!





An old album - Corrinne May's Shelter. What I want to achieve as a friend? Just as the song says, "I'll listen when nobody gets you, you don't have to be alone. Promise me that you'll call my name..let me be an answer cos' it hurts me to see you this way..I wanna ease your pain..let me be your shelter, my friend." If only every friendship can endure the evolving dark side of humanity and be a warm shelter to every friend in need.

Without proper mindfulness, the greatest sufferer is myself. When a person experiences happy encounters, greed and lust set in. You want more of it, yet you are afraid that they will be gone soon. However, when a person experiences setbacks, self-serving bias kicks in. How many failures does a person need to gather in order to be successful? It took Thomas Edison 3000 attempts. Mistakes are made but lessons are learnt. When similar mistakes are made, who are we to blame? A question that haunts me.

Sometimes I gazed upon the brightest speck of star in the dark sky or the moon by the window, thinking of you. It has been 5 years since you were gone and I say a prayer that you are happier. Free from the sufferings and smiling. On this special week, I dedicate a poem to you..from my favourite poet - Max Ehrmann's Song.

The night is here and through the sky
the stars are creeping;
The tired day has closed its door;
My heart is sad and I am weeping;
I see her face no more.

"Oh stars," I cry, "send out
within your golden gleaming
This message to my only love.
Perhaps she, too, is sitting dreaming,
With eyes that look above:

"Here, dear heart, how often
I've sat in summer weather,
Alone with stars and dreams anew;
The stars will bring us yet together,
I breathe a prayer to you."

And then my one-week break is over. It was busier than I had expected with more project meetings and commuting to school more frequently than any other weeks. Other than lessons, at least I managed to watch a couple of rented DVD movies, catch a few good dramas, and had ample sleep over the weekends in my scarce yet adequately sufficient spare time.

Well, I also did enjoy good old times with poly friends. Had dinner at Lao Beijing (where's my Peking Duck??), chill over beer at Mt. Emily, and had almost a buffet dinner at Sushi Tei.

I felt so much like a grumpy pregnant woman earlier this week, probably due to PMS symptoms. My mood flared up to such high levels over the earlier week that I almost had the tendency to curse people. But such negative mood is never a means to see things objectively, and I do admit that I have overreacted.

It's good to know that people and friends are also supporting you when you are merely sleeping 4-5 hours each night. Despite of any religion, I felt tranquility and motivation when friends send sweet sms or quotes to perk me up.

I love this one the most. How true can it get when I felt so much in a daily rat race. Click on picture below to enlarge.

Been listening to emo songs these days. Not because I am literally being in an emo state, but that emo songs sometimes relate to your own personal experience or the singer sings it with such emotion that it somehow has the "stickiness factor" in your mind and evokes such melancholic sentiments.

Well, as the semester progresses, I am still feeling quite stressed despite taking fewer modules. Perhaps you would ask me that how could this be? There are many factors - mainly personal pressure, the need to spice up my resume, more challenging coursework, etc.

Heard this at Tseun Wan's Neway Karaoke previously. Was on my way back from the toilet when I heard someone singing this song. I almost had the urge to barge into that room and asked, "What song is this?" If I had done so, it would be another story. And so the story ended that I didn't intrude into that room and it took me so long just to find out the song title and singer.

Janice 卫兰 - 大哥 (Elder brother). The MV explains how a female has a secret crush on her best male friend, but the male friend treats her as his little sister all this while. It is now in repeat play mode in my music player and sometimes, it just bring tears for some nonsensical reason. Truth is, 我都系不需要大哥啦！可唔可以忘记辈份再追？ The lyrics are meaningful.



Another song is Mag Lam 林欣彤 - 洗澡 (Bathe). The MV explains the painful experience of a relationship breakup to the extent that the female metaphorically, does not bother bathing, grooming or eating. I think this song has demonstrated Mag's powerful vocal and has also blended well with the song melody.

It's the first week of school and I am slowly adjusting back to the life of a student who needs to keep up with her readings, deadlines, and the daily routine of taking the long bus and train rides. Every time when I return to school, I will always realize how small a fish I am in this big ocean. But sometimes, maybe it's just fine being who you are.

I guess I am getting older and my metabolism is getting slower. The local night life scene doesn't excite me anymore..or rather there's this feeling that it doesn't sort of have the similar zest or excitement as in LKF. Ahh..I should just stop comparing all together..it's bad! Eating a little too much fried or high carbo food will end up with a bigger tummy or slight weight increase. No longer is it the times when I can binge on my favorite food without bothering about its after-effects. I have always admired Sammi Cheng for her fit body and strong drive to work out at the gym. Perhaps I should sign up for a gym aerobic package next time..when I have the money though haha.

It has been an eventful week. Met up with sec friends whom I have not met for 5 years. Can you imagine 5 years? Had a sumptuous and fun dinner at Hard Rock Cafe and they even attempted to "sabo" me by asking the live band to sing a birthday song to me. In the end, I broadcasted my thoughts through the microphone. Over the weekends, met up with poly friends for an expensive dinner treat at Brewerkz and had a great chillout session with all of them. Then had a simple and closely-knitted lunch with YJ and LH where we all had a heart-to-heart talk today.

It is the end of the summer break and the start of school again. Each semester has different challenges and the mad cycles of rushing for meetings and deadlines continue. As each semester progresses and being part of human nature, I will reflect upon myself and compare myself to other peers on setbacks, achievements and experiences. The route to learning and gaining new experiences is never ending and as compare to many of my other peers, my achievements and experiences are considered mediocre.

As everyone will soon enter the new phase of their lives - career, what differentiates myself from the rest, what will make employers hire me and what value-added capabilities do I have in order to serve the organization? I guess these are all strong and pending questions that loom in my head constantly and something that I should correct on. I know that many of them will be receiving a higher pay checks or even bonuses than me. With only me supporting my parents and myself, the tipping scale on my attitude towards work-life balance and financial freedom needs to be tuned optimally.

Overall, this summer vacation has being fruitful. I believe that I could have achieved much more, especially in terms of earning more money, but money is not everything and gaining traveling or cultural experiences is also important. I am still in the post-travel syndrome/mood and adapting to the less bustling and energetic lifestyle that I am currently in haha. I guess it will soon wear off though.

I am back in my home country. It has been a fruitful and exciting summer study trip to Hong Kong and I believe that I would visit this bustling and fast-paced city soon.

I miss the noisy hostel while I gossiped and had pillow fights with my girlfriends till wee hours in the morning, climbing steep slopes just to get to my lecture halls, enjoying the spectacular sea view, greenery and cheerful bird chirping sounds when I returned to my hostel in the evenings, trying different and unique food everywhere, sitting the various transportation (ferry, MTR, buses, trams, railways, etc)...and so much more! Perhaps, if I have no attachments in Singapore in the future, I might foresee myself migrating or even working in Hong Kong either permanently or for a long period of time.

Well, truth to speak, things have not been totally perfect and enjoyable through out the whole summer study. Despite me knowing 1 of the 4 girls through a previous module that I took and the fact that all 4 are from same school as me, our relationship is as good as the ladies in Beyond the Realm of Conscience(宮心計). Superficial and prone to back-stabbing. Sometimes, totally blunt that they just stabbed a knife right in front of me.

But thanks to them, I grew to realize that my trip is meant to be enjoyable and not an agony of constant dependence or tolerance of their nonsenses. I met new friends along the way, travel around the city or islands without tagging along with the 4 girls, and even managed to have random chats with the salespeople or waiters along the streets. And strangely, become part of the huge NTU family at my campus/hostel.

Went to Shenzhen for the second time for better shopping bargains and massage. Explored Disneyland to retrieve my long-lost childhood. Then traveled to Macau and Zhuhai. Later, resided at Metropark Hotel located at Waterloo road. And finally, had a memorable last day with time spent at Lamma Island, followed by eating Pen Cai (Basin of food) and delicious desserts with with my friends and his HK family at Yuen Long.

View from my campus. Romantic spot right?

Walking down the slope every evening


Scenic view just below my hostel


HK Disneyland!


Mickey Mouse in his magical cloak


The magical castle

Macau - Portuguese influenced region


The famous Ruins of St. Paul Church


Chilling at Darling's Seafood restaurant to watch the sunset


Lan Kwai Fong


LKF - Clubbing and pub paradise


Bustling wet market along the streets of LKF


Welcome to Lamma Island! The best trekking place to burn extra calories.


Laid-back Lamma where you see dogs taking a cooling swim from the hot weather

Finally, a pavilion to rest after trekking for 45 mins


Trekked for 90mins just to eat this famous Ah Po's Beancurd Jelly. Simply rewarding.


Houses along the coast


Sitting ferry from Lamma back to HK


Last day feast of Pen Cai


Cold mango chee cheong fun. Love the texture.


B仔涼粉 - Ah Bee's Grass Jelly Dessert


Till we meet again

This week was my first time experiencing traveling alone to explore other parts of Hong Kong. Took the shuttle bus then train to meet my other friend, who just flew from Canada with her boyfriend to have her vacation here. I am kind of a traveling noob to the extent that I had to relied on my MTR map guide to change trains. We went to Wong Tai Sin, Mongkok for more shopping and eating, and to Tsim Sha Tsui to view the symphony of lights. It's really fascinating to see the city skyscrapers synchronizing with the music, colorful lights and laser beams. My friend reckons that it would be even more spectacular during the Christmas festive season. Sat the night shuttle bus back to campus and it was kind of soothing to stroll amidst the park while enjoying the cool night breeze.

Oh well, the previous hiccups ended up to be a bigger hiccup..to the extent that it has become a matter of bothersome "indigestion". I received assurances from my friends back in Singapore, yet being alone in a foreign country, I need to constantly remind myself to be happy and mindful in handling this situation. I guess traveling to places with other new group of friends or alone do help sometimes.

Over the weekends, I went to Ocean Park with another friend. It was an enjoyable experience, especially viewing the jelly fish in their aquariums. I am an animal person, so rather than seeing how chefs slaughter live animals and feasting on them (a huge no-no for me), I will prefer to see happy animals living harmoniously with people. We got to witness amazing fireworks and lighting towards that evening..and balls of flaming fire shooting up in the night sky.

Entrance to Wong Tai Sin Temple

Night view of Symphony of Lights

Famous Michelin's recommended Wanton Noodle. Yummy noodle with chewy texture.

Roasted goose meat


Mango dessert


Are they gigantic wantons?


No haha!! They are cold mango pancakes.


Ocean Park at Aberdeen


Oh gosh! I laughed really hard after I took this photo. Goldfish says, "What's up man?"


Nice looking jelly fish


Translucent jelly fish that changes color with the color lighting. I can spent hours just amazing such serenity.


Paranormal view of the sunset from the Ocean Tower


Fountain that shoots water at such force. Super pump at work.


Silky milk pudding at Yau Ma Tei's Yee Shun Milk Company

What are weekends and resting breaks for? Well, for me, at least now..is to do housework and tidying up my room. I do not know when I become such a hygiene freak, but I have being diligently mopping floor, wiping and cleaning stuffs and disinfecting the room once in a while. At this rate, perhaps I am becoming a "wifey" material.

A call from my parents and knowing the I have friends back home who are still concern about my well-being were the greatest comfort I have recieved amidst some of the conflicting matters I am facing right now. Truth to speak, not everything will be perfect to start off with, so it's only through being optimistic that I learn or gather experience from.

It has been raining non-stop for this whole week and coupled with the pollution or dry air, people are falling sick. I sort of caught a cold earlier this week too. It's amazing there there are so many medical halls and outlets, such as Hoi Tin Tong, around Hong Kong.

Wanted to go to Ocean Park yesterday, but due to the rain, we headed to a Japanese buffet lunch at Isari Kiya which is located at Tsuen Wan instead. Recommended by the famous OpenRice, it's really a value-for-money buffet as we spent an average of SGD25 per person and got to enjoy superb Japanese cuisine (especially the Sashimi).

We sang K at Neway and yes..I got to sing my Cantonese ballads.

Clouds or mist at campus from the non-stop downpours

Cha Siew Ramen at Isari Kiya

Wholesome plate of sushi

Seriously, the sashimi is a must-have

I want my Mcdull..yet to find this cute soft toy though!

Gathering of dark clouds at Tsuen Wan

KTV-ing at Neway