Whitney Houston and Feng Fei Fei

It is true that nobody actually care when one person dies in some third world country but millions cry and reminisce when one well known person pass away. Anyways, just to share this song:

I heard it somewhere, some time back and I didn't realize that it was by this singer (Perhaps from here). Old but good.

On another note; oh my, I just went to a seminar where our faculty invited a Malaysian post-doc who is now attached with Cambridge to give us a talk on one of his past project. It was an inspiring talk and idea exchange - and all the more I strongly think that our country itself should really change its conservative mindsets to believe that professionals only involve doctors, accountants and lawyers. Science research may be wide (molecular, proteomics, bioinformatics) but this is a branch of science which goes deep and form the core of all other knowledge. *respect* (though the cold hard reality is that this profession is one which was over-exaggerated, exploited by irresponsible parties and of course, one with the lowest wages)! 

Bangkok-ChiangMai

Yes, I so wanted to visit JiuZhaiGou and scoop the cooling clear lake water in my hand. I wanted to stay a night in or near the park and get drunk on the beautiful natural surrounding but...there's always a but - I've got 4 weddings at hand this year and also, I have bought myself something really expensive...not to mention my Kinabalu trip as well as a potentially possible Lang Tengah excursion. So...That was how it came about that Gecko suggested Bangkok and you are right! Airasia was having this BIG sale and I've got my ticket at RM79 to Bangkok and ~RM300 from ChiangMai.

There you go. My backpack destination set for year 2012~~~
This time, you will see this bunny braves the train trip!

 

Yesterday was Valentine @>+-----

Valentine's Day - the day of love, the day of gifts-giving or perhaps, it is simply a day of grief? My news feed was updated with all sorts of lovey-dovey photo of with the couple themselves or the gifts/surprises that they receive. So I heard that there was no romance whatsoever related to this late marytr called Valentine. Somehow, it just cropped up from nobody knows where that this guy somewhat symbolized love and dedicated Feb 14th as a day of love to...maybe remember him for...marrying off couples in the olden days when marriage is forbidden.

Ehem...

Anyways, modern times' business makers are taking full advantage of this day by selling gifts and flowers at a higher price - often double or triple the normal rate. I'd say it is a very good time to make money!

So, Yes...it may be a loving moment but to some, probably this day would be used as a 'break-up' day for that dramatic effects. I couldn't help but to have this wicked feeling about all these loving couples. I supposed any day is a Valentine's day with the right person, so I seriously can't help to think otherwise - these self-proclaimed so-in-love couples, are they the right person for the other half? You promised that person the moon/sun/universe/and so on and yet when things no longer work for you guys, then you shatter everything.

What is the use of giving gifts when the gifts are nothing but just a present you chose and buy so that you could make a day special for someone? A gift should be one that comes from sincerity and only to be given when you do mean it. A word can only be spoken when you really mean it.There are so much lies around - even I lied. Therefore, it is much better to stay mum and only speak when it is meant to be spoken...

Just for Fun - A letter to my 17 years old self

I was reading Kath's blog and I think her letter format is really cute. It'd be interesting if I do find such a letter to myself 18 years back. I googled and found several of blogs writing about the same thing. So, this suddenness gushed into me and here goes:

p/s: preferably I will find this letter after SPM - before I decide on where and what I should do (that's to my 17 years old self)

Dear Bunny,

This is written by your old age self who finally has a regret at this age. Trust me that you'll be extremely and totally glad that you've found this letter sent back in time by the time capsule because This is The Letter that will guide you to the Right Path.

First, Never follow anyone's footsteps and forget about STPM. You will find a brighter future in life with that path ignored. Seriously, do you think some old guy with only a few strands of hair left on his skull will be able to explain Biology to you - especially when all he does was to ask you copy his writings on the board? Smart, he was only trying to get you to buy his text books...so let alone trying to get you interested, he forced you into buying a book he authored. Besides, a Panda in the class would not make you understand Chemistry. I know how confused you were trying to understand his notes. So what if you do get into local university? You can't survive there with so many cons lurking and waiting to pounce on you, a white Bunny. So, honestly, LISTEN to me...start Pre-University program RIGHT away. At least, you'll enjoy classes and dissect your first rat. Moreover, you get to listen to lectures from a lecturer who truly cares if you understand her or not and yes, there is nothing called Pengajian Am, an energy waster.

So, that will lead you right to the University and yes, go into science. I know you will love it and ehem, no matter how much fun you had or the many types of liquor you tried, try to keep it to a minimum. Also, do not agree to help your friend with modeling because that will be the last thing ever that you'd want to do, seriously. That was also another waster even though you eventually had fun but there was a price to pay. Yes, this is a grave warning and you shall abide by it. With that, you will then be rewarded with a good Msc - just bear this in mind - never go for viral-related projects. That person is your bad news. No matter what you do (even if you have to kill your competitors), grab that project from the cancer lady. You will survive better under her wings.

I am sorry though that at this age, I can't provide you with the miraculous 6 digits but let's just say, you can start early with some funds investment since you don't have much luck with gambling. Try to save as much as you can because your later hobby turns out to be rather expensive. Well, it seems that you have a great liking in traveling and you will be climbing a mountain in May 2012 too. Worry not, really, I knew you guys can make it through and to the top for the sunrise! (and still in one piece for the rafting)   

This letter will self-destruct in 5 seconds.

Adios,
Me

Melaka

History text books in Malaysia taught us that Parameswara, an Indonesian Muslim, who came to our potato-shaped land in 1400. I don't know what happened in between that ever since then, any other races who traveled on foot or across the sea and set foot on this land was then a minority. History was a great piece of artifact from the past but modern 'heroes/heroines' have tampered and attempted to reproduce history by offering nonsense made-up stories. These people - may they rot in hell.

That is the history of my country, which in any timeline - pretty uninteresting. Perhaps, the authors tried to feed school children with uninteresting write-ups and eventually made them not to be bothered with history - with the ultimate goal of easier info-feeding process later on in their life.


Anyways, Melaka reminds me of a fort and a huge pirate ship. I didn't learn much from my textbooks other than knowing that Melaka was first colonized by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, followed by Britons and later on, the Japanese. So, that was why, I didn't realize that the Fort A. Famosa was a little square building at the bottom of the hill. Well, I kinda thought the St. Paul's Church is the Fort, until only last year. Yes, a Malaysian who have never visited the Fort everytime she visited Melaka. I can't be blamed from going for the food instead of the historical remains.







This is the warm, soft and chewy glutinous rice ball which is to be eaten with peanut bits. Super awesome food - especially the first stall on the Jonker's Street!

Melaka is also famous for their Chicken ball rice; especially the one located on the Jonker's Street as well. You wouldn't believe me until you have seen the queue with your own eyes. It is that long But, the taste of food is, well...OK. I mean, if it is to be compared with any other chicken rice, I would only give it an OK rating.

Besides that, the next common food in Melaka would be the cendol - another Awesome dessert because they use coconut sugar instead of just brown sugar. The lingering coconut aroma on your tongue is a to-die-for XD


Last time, my friend brought us to a Baba and Nyonya restaurant for some authentic cuisine - spicy petai, fried egg cencaluk etc etc. Also another awesome meal but that place itself is jam-packed. However, I have yet to try the lok-lok there (sauce type-steamboat)- maybe I will...someday. ^__^
It is only 1.5 hours drive away from KL anyways!

Geographer Cafe where there will be a live band on certain days and they also offer vegetarian dishes (not much varieties though) if you can't find any along the street. I'd also recommend one vegetarian restaurant nearby the Menara Taming Seri where you can get a lot of choices and flower infused tea. (I stay nearby too)

St, Xavier Church

I love my toy...hohoho, though I took this photo using pre-set settings

The decorated trishaws here are almost like those jeepneys in Philippines - just that they don't travel that far; their route is limited to the Fort and Jonkers

The crowd is happily watching the uncle performing some 'martial arts'

St. John's Church! I was pretty disappointed that is the only remains that we have...