天将降大任于斯人也，
必先
劳其筋骨
饿其体肤
苦其心智
空乏其身
必先
劳其筋骨
饿其体肤
苦其心智
空乏其身
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
What am I doing？
These few days I have found myself trapped in my inner circle of thoughts numerous times. It's like an internal struggle within me of whether to stay in the real world or the world of my imagination and thoughts.
I get so engrossed in thinking about things that I completely block out what's going on around me.
I will give my friends incoherent answers. I will cross the road just when the cars a moving off towards me.
Better wake up my f***ing idea (to put it in army terms) soon...
By the way, the new minesweeper record is 149 sec!!!!!! What the hell am I doing man,
I get so engrossed in thinking about things that I completely block out what's going on around me.
I will give my friends incoherent answers. I will cross the road just when the cars a moving off towards me.
Better wake up my f***ing idea (to put it in army terms) soon...
By the way, the new minesweeper record is 149 sec!!!!!! What the hell am I doing man,
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Alton Towers gogogo (Pics Only)
Choir Girls = Vege Freaks hahahahah!
Beautiful Scenery
Jinfeng and Johari
The group
Sian in the queue...Daylight Savings
Daylight savings starts today. So that means time difference between UK and Singapore was 7 hrs yesterday and 8 hrs today.
Quite a perculiar thing. Isn't it?
I mean the Earth couldn't have suddenly jumped 1 hr backwards. It must have been a gradual process.
So that would mean other than the instant when then daylight savings started last year such that time difference was 7 hrs, everyone was essentially at the wrong time.
Now, what does that make "time" to us?
Quite a perculiar thing. Isn't it?
I mean the Earth couldn't have suddenly jumped 1 hr backwards. It must have been a gradual process.
So that would mean other than the instant when then daylight savings started last year such that time difference was 7 hrs, everyone was essentially at the wrong time.
Now, what does that make "time" to us?
Alton Towers gogogo!
Went to Alton Towers yesterday (28/10/06). Organised by SIngSoc.
Alton Towers is a famous theme park in the UK. Paid 30 pounds for it and it was worth every penny of it.
Its a 2-3 hour bus ride from london to Alton Towers. Reached at around 1000h and spent about 10 hours there. Arrived back at hall at around 0000h (all because of traffic jam on the highways).
Once there I got separated from my good friend Clinton who decided to bang seh me and disappear the moment he got off the bus. Anyway I went around the the together with Caroline, Liling, Grace, Jinfeng and Johari. They were great people to be around. Simply wonderful company for the day.
Come to think of it, luckily clinton left me alone. Hahahaha!!
Alton Towers is a beautiful place. Got its name from one of those old towers at the place(unsurprisingly also called Alton "something"). Apart from the rides, it has beautiful gardens. The setting is relaxed and the weather was good, apart from the occasional drizzle. However, I feel that it still could not compare to places like Disneyland in creating the fairytale atmosphere. And at night, it got kinda dark and we were forced to "stick together team"!.
We spent most of the time queueing(i'm not too sure how to spell "queue"-ing. sorry!) because the rides were comparatively short. For our last ride, we queued around 2 hours for something that could not have lasted more than 3 minutes. But it was worth it.
We had a great time talking, joking and just standing around for the time when we were queueing. Erm... that's until Caroline and Liling (choir girls) started to sing while we were queueing for the AIR ride. Hahahaha! The post-ride excitement was also something that we all felt and enjoyed within the group.
At this juncture I just wanna say to Johari that I respect you man. For your dedication and your mental discipline.
Now, for what you guys have been waiting for.... The description of the rides and events!!!!!! Alright maybe that's not what you guys have been waiting for, but I will describe it to you all anyway...
OBLIVION
It is a ride where you are seated in 2 rows. Then you are brought up along the track to a high point. As you slowly tilt and see where you are heading next, the notion of death creeps eerily into your head. The carriage pauses just long enough to tell yourself that you are going to die. Before you could realize that you actually have the safety harnesses to save you, ZOOM!!!! You are propelled down a 90 degree drop at blistering speed into a dark tunnel.
There's nothing you could do but scream your lungs out. Your heart is at your throat. It was sheer exhilaration for what seemed like eternity. Your mind is racing, taking in every single detail of what is going on around you.
We were still feeling the effects even 30 minutes after the ride. Too bad there was no time for a second try.
RITA-QUEEN OF SPEED
This time it's in one of those normal roller coaster carriages where you are seated in twos. But I assure you, this ride is nothing ordinary. For Oblivion, I mentioned "blistering speed". Well, for this one, I really dunno how to describe it, it's just SPEED.
Our group all went to chiong the front row. That means the first 2 seats only. We went in 3 groups. It was the right thing to do man. Grace and I went together.
You are propelled from 0-100miles per hour in 2.5 secs. You put your hands up in the air. In anticipation of the sheer speed. We knew it would be fast, but not THAT fast. From the moment of blast off, your hands are pushed backwards by the air, your head jammed onto your seat. All you can see is the track in front of you(cos we were at the 1st row), the surroundings which you see using your peripheral vision morph into white streaks (abit like star trek hor. haha!). Before long you reach a turn. The possibilty of the carriage being thrown off the track by the speed lurks ominously at the back of your head. But you don't care, the adrenaline was simply too much. It was fast fast fast!
AIR
This time we did not go for the front row. There was no time. In this ride, you are initially seated normally in rows of 4 with your legs dangling. When the harnesses came down, your legs were secured as well. Then before the ride starts, the seats get rotated such that you are facing the ground in a seated position. This is when you know 2 hours of queueing was worth it. Fun was heading our way.
The ride simulates the feeling of flying (that's how it got its name). Neither as scary as Oblivion nor as fast as RITA, it was SHEER FUN. The track twists and turns such that you are spun with the track as the centre of the circle. One moment you are heading up the next moment you zoom to the ground. At the lowest point, we could not have been more than 1.5 meters above ground. There was also a point where you are rotated to face the sky and the ride carries on with your back facing the ground. Not knowing where you will go next as you watch the horizon appear and disappear from your sight.
TEACUP
We decided to fulfil Grace's "childhood dream". It was to ride in one of those merry-go-round rides where you sat in a teacup. It's one of those Alice in Wonderland things. There's a big teapot in the middle of the ride and you just go around spinning around the teapot and on top of that the teacup can also be spun about itself by turning on an axle in the middle of the teacup. It was enjoyable.
FIREWORKS
All I can say that its really beautiful. It's not exactly those huge fireworks you see on National Day. But its one of those shows where the fireworks are coordinated with music and something which vaguely resembles a storyline.
It was wonderful and what better way to end a memorable trip. Especially when you have great company who enjoys themselves as much as you do.
The fireworks and lasers lit the night sky up as if it were day. Sending showers of golden dust onto bedazzled spectators. Impressing a beautiful memory onto the hearts of all who shared the magical moment together. (Damn! I'm still single! Haha!)
Anyway that's about it for the highlights of the Alton Towers trip. Will post the pics in the following blog...
Alton Towers is a famous theme park in the UK. Paid 30 pounds for it and it was worth every penny of it.
Its a 2-3 hour bus ride from london to Alton Towers. Reached at around 1000h and spent about 10 hours there. Arrived back at hall at around 0000h (all because of traffic jam on the highways).
Once there I got separated from my good friend Clinton who decided to bang seh me and disappear the moment he got off the bus. Anyway I went around the the together with Caroline, Liling, Grace, Jinfeng and Johari. They were great people to be around. Simply wonderful company for the day.
Come to think of it, luckily clinton left me alone. Hahahaha!!
Alton Towers is a beautiful place. Got its name from one of those old towers at the place(unsurprisingly also called Alton "something"). Apart from the rides, it has beautiful gardens. The setting is relaxed and the weather was good, apart from the occasional drizzle. However, I feel that it still could not compare to places like Disneyland in creating the fairytale atmosphere. And at night, it got kinda dark and we were forced to "stick together team"!.
We spent most of the time queueing(i'm not too sure how to spell "queue"-ing. sorry!) because the rides were comparatively short. For our last ride, we queued around 2 hours for something that could not have lasted more than 3 minutes. But it was worth it.
We had a great time talking, joking and just standing around for the time when we were queueing. Erm... that's until Caroline and Liling (choir girls) started to sing while we were queueing for the AIR ride. Hahahaha! The post-ride excitement was also something that we all felt and enjoyed within the group.
At this juncture I just wanna say to Johari that I respect you man. For your dedication and your mental discipline.
Now, for what you guys have been waiting for.... The description of the rides and events!!!!!! Alright maybe that's not what you guys have been waiting for, but I will describe it to you all anyway...
OBLIVION
It is a ride where you are seated in 2 rows. Then you are brought up along the track to a high point. As you slowly tilt and see where you are heading next, the notion of death creeps eerily into your head. The carriage pauses just long enough to tell yourself that you are going to die. Before you could realize that you actually have the safety harnesses to save you, ZOOM!!!! You are propelled down a 90 degree drop at blistering speed into a dark tunnel.
There's nothing you could do but scream your lungs out. Your heart is at your throat. It was sheer exhilaration for what seemed like eternity. Your mind is racing, taking in every single detail of what is going on around you.
We were still feeling the effects even 30 minutes after the ride. Too bad there was no time for a second try.
RITA-QUEEN OF SPEED
This time it's in one of those normal roller coaster carriages where you are seated in twos. But I assure you, this ride is nothing ordinary. For Oblivion, I mentioned "blistering speed". Well, for this one, I really dunno how to describe it, it's just SPEED.
Our group all went to chiong the front row. That means the first 2 seats only. We went in 3 groups. It was the right thing to do man. Grace and I went together.
You are propelled from 0-100miles per hour in 2.5 secs. You put your hands up in the air. In anticipation of the sheer speed. We knew it would be fast, but not THAT fast. From the moment of blast off, your hands are pushed backwards by the air, your head jammed onto your seat. All you can see is the track in front of you(cos we were at the 1st row), the surroundings which you see using your peripheral vision morph into white streaks (abit like star trek hor. haha!). Before long you reach a turn. The possibilty of the carriage being thrown off the track by the speed lurks ominously at the back of your head. But you don't care, the adrenaline was simply too much. It was fast fast fast!
AIR
This time we did not go for the front row. There was no time. In this ride, you are initially seated normally in rows of 4 with your legs dangling. When the harnesses came down, your legs were secured as well. Then before the ride starts, the seats get rotated such that you are facing the ground in a seated position. This is when you know 2 hours of queueing was worth it. Fun was heading our way.
The ride simulates the feeling of flying (that's how it got its name). Neither as scary as Oblivion nor as fast as RITA, it was SHEER FUN. The track twists and turns such that you are spun with the track as the centre of the circle. One moment you are heading up the next moment you zoom to the ground. At the lowest point, we could not have been more than 1.5 meters above ground. There was also a point where you are rotated to face the sky and the ride carries on with your back facing the ground. Not knowing where you will go next as you watch the horizon appear and disappear from your sight.
TEACUP
We decided to fulfil Grace's "childhood dream". It was to ride in one of those merry-go-round rides where you sat in a teacup. It's one of those Alice in Wonderland things. There's a big teapot in the middle of the ride and you just go around spinning around the teapot and on top of that the teacup can also be spun about itself by turning on an axle in the middle of the teacup. It was enjoyable.
FIREWORKS
All I can say that its really beautiful. It's not exactly those huge fireworks you see on National Day. But its one of those shows where the fireworks are coordinated with music and something which vaguely resembles a storyline.
It was wonderful and what better way to end a memorable trip. Especially when you have great company who enjoys themselves as much as you do.
The fireworks and lasers lit the night sky up as if it were day. Sending showers of golden dust onto bedazzled spectators. Impressing a beautiful memory onto the hearts of all who shared the magical moment together. (Damn! I'm still single! Haha!)
Anyway that's about it for the highlights of the Alton Towers trip. Will post the pics in the following blog...
Thursday, October 26, 2006
独自。伦敦
一个人
走在伦敦的街
冷风吹过我的脸
把我吹醒
把我吹回了从前
头顶上的那一片天
还是从前的那个吗？
一种淡淡的忧伤弥漫着周身的空气
一股幽幽的悔恨围绕在心头
难道往事不堪回首
难道除却巫山不是云
看着不熟悉的脸孔
听着熟悉的歌
一个人
走在伦敦的街
走在伦敦的街
冷风吹过我的脸
把我吹醒
把我吹回了从前
头顶上的那一片天
还是从前的那个吗？
一种淡淡的忧伤弥漫着周身的空气
一股幽幽的悔恨围绕在心头
难道往事不堪回首
难道除却巫山不是云
看着不熟悉的脸孔
听着熟悉的歌
一个人
走在伦敦的街
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Unbelievable!!!
Guess what I saw today at Harrod's.
A 200pounds umbrella!!!! That's like 600 plus Sing dollar la!!!
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
Furthermore, the umbrella was nothing special. It's one of those small medium sized ones. WIth a gaudy flowery design some more. And it wasn't even like displayed specially. It was just hung off the rack like any umbrella you could get anywhere.
What the hell!! What's the umbrella made of? Titanium alloy with space-age fabric? Is it gonna save your life by turning into a life jacket? Will it turn you into Huang Fei Hong?
Haha! It's such an eye opener. Imagine one of those rich tai-tais using one of these.
Bah!! I guess that's to be expected of the things sold in Harrod's anyway. Afterall, it is arguably the world's most high class and most expensive deparmental store.
A 200pounds umbrella!!!! That's like 600 plus Sing dollar la!!!
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
Furthermore, the umbrella was nothing special. It's one of those small medium sized ones. WIth a gaudy flowery design some more. And it wasn't even like displayed specially. It was just hung off the rack like any umbrella you could get anywhere.
What the hell!! What's the umbrella made of? Titanium alloy with space-age fabric? Is it gonna save your life by turning into a life jacket? Will it turn you into Huang Fei Hong?
Haha! It's such an eye opener. Imagine one of those rich tai-tais using one of these.
Bah!! I guess that's to be expected of the things sold in Harrod's anyway. Afterall, it is arguably the world's most high class and most expensive deparmental store.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Sweet Victory
Won my very first snooker match yesterday. It was the first round of the freshers' snooker league.
This is my first competition experience. That's why it's so memorable.
It was a best of 3 frames match. Prior to the match, I had to wait about 4 or 5 hours because there were not enough tables and I was one of the last to play. My concentration was sapped to the max man. So worried that I could not play well.
My opponent was a south east asian. I'm not sure where he's from, probably Thailand or Vietnam. But that's not important.
What's important is that we were evenly matched. Not that we were both pro or something. But when you are playing someone of your level, its the same as playing a match against yourself. And it's about going beyond your normal playing standards.
Cliched? Maybe. Nonetheless true.
All I can say is that it was nothing short of exhilarating. For me at least. He started the first frame. On my first visit, I potted a long red into the bottom pot. Confidence was SKY HIGH!!!! Haha!!
After that everything went more or less downhill. Haa!
There was one instance where due to unfamiliarity with the rules I even potted the wrong ball. Indirectly caused me to lose the first frame.
How could one wrong pot cause me to lose a frame you might ask. Like I said, we were evenly matched. So the score difference was always marginal.
All 3 frames went to the last black ball. My heart was in my throat all the way. Initially, I could still keep in control. Nearing the end, I started to get frustrated as my concentration wore off and I made silly mistakes.
So, after losing the first frame, I went on to win the next 2. Of course, otherwise how could I win the match. In the second and third frame, there were even instances where I was more than 20 points behind. Quite considerable, given that at the end of each frame each of us only had 40 to 50 points.
It was so close in the second frame that when I won the frame after potting the black ball, I was only 1 point ahead. Can you imagine how pressurising that was? The WHOLE match hinged on that single black ball.
After the second frame, I felt that even if I lost the match it was ok. The last black ball made it all worthwhile. Haha!!
Overall, it was an extremely long match. Both of us were tired, frustrated and fresh out of concentration. Many times I had wanted to give up and throw the last frame. But my pride didn't allow me to do that.
I was glad that I could step up my game and rise to the occasion.
Actually, 3 frames is hardly a judge of who is the better player especially when both are evenly matched. I am happy not just because I won, but also because I was greatly challenged.
I am grateful to my opponent. We had a great and gentlemanly game. I would definitely want to play him again not for competition, but to find out who is the better player...
This is my first competition experience. That's why it's so memorable.
It was a best of 3 frames match. Prior to the match, I had to wait about 4 or 5 hours because there were not enough tables and I was one of the last to play. My concentration was sapped to the max man. So worried that I could not play well.
My opponent was a south east asian. I'm not sure where he's from, probably Thailand or Vietnam. But that's not important.
What's important is that we were evenly matched. Not that we were both pro or something. But when you are playing someone of your level, its the same as playing a match against yourself. And it's about going beyond your normal playing standards.
Cliched? Maybe. Nonetheless true.
All I can say is that it was nothing short of exhilarating. For me at least. He started the first frame. On my first visit, I potted a long red into the bottom pot. Confidence was SKY HIGH!!!! Haha!!
After that everything went more or less downhill. Haa!
There was one instance where due to unfamiliarity with the rules I even potted the wrong ball. Indirectly caused me to lose the first frame.
How could one wrong pot cause me to lose a frame you might ask. Like I said, we were evenly matched. So the score difference was always marginal.
All 3 frames went to the last black ball. My heart was in my throat all the way. Initially, I could still keep in control. Nearing the end, I started to get frustrated as my concentration wore off and I made silly mistakes.
So, after losing the first frame, I went on to win the next 2. Of course, otherwise how could I win the match. In the second and third frame, there were even instances where I was more than 20 points behind. Quite considerable, given that at the end of each frame each of us only had 40 to 50 points.
It was so close in the second frame that when I won the frame after potting the black ball, I was only 1 point ahead. Can you imagine how pressurising that was? The WHOLE match hinged on that single black ball.
After the second frame, I felt that even if I lost the match it was ok. The last black ball made it all worthwhile. Haha!!
Overall, it was an extremely long match. Both of us were tired, frustrated and fresh out of concentration. Many times I had wanted to give up and throw the last frame. But my pride didn't allow me to do that.
I was glad that I could step up my game and rise to the occasion.
Actually, 3 frames is hardly a judge of who is the better player especially when both are evenly matched. I am happy not just because I won, but also because I was greatly challenged.
I am grateful to my opponent. We had a great and gentlemanly game. I would definitely want to play him again not for competition, but to find out who is the better player...
Monday, October 16, 2006
Brugge Sweet Brugge
Southwell Hall organised a day trip to Brugge last Saturday(14/10/06). Apparently they could not fill up enough of the available spaces, so Willis Jackson Hall tagged along. Of course, I went. Otherwise I wouldn't be spending time writing about it.
Quite worth it actually. 15 pounds for the whole thing. The "Team Singapore" consisted of Lap Hang, Clinton, Cheryl, Jinyang, Yunqin, Kenneth and I. We left at 0530h on a comfy double-decked coach. Reached Dover port at around 8. Boarded the ferry and arrived at Brugge at around 1200h. Spent 4.5hrs there. Came back more or less the same way except that we stopped at a french HYPERMART where we did some shopping.
For those not familiar with Brugge, its a small town in Belgium, the home of yummy CHOCOLATES!!!!!!!!!
Man, did we shop that day. We bought kilograms of chocolate. It was really good.
Brugge on the whole is an old small town. The streets are still "horse-worthy". There you will see lots of horse drawn carriages ferrying tourists all over the place. Very nice until you smell the horse shit that is. Haha!
There are also numerous old churches or church related buildings. We went into one of them and saw sculptures and paintings dating back century. The church had a very serene and solemn feel to it. I felt uncannily peaceful inside.
Anyway for Lap Hang and I, we only had 2 main objectives. Chocolates and alcohol. haha! I'm telling you guys, alcohol is dirt cheap. Chivas was going for 2 for 30 pounds on the ferry and roughly the same price in Brugge. That's like what, 45 sing dollars per bottle? Can you imagine? We were totally bowled over by the prices.
Something quite funny did happen in Brugge. On our way back to the coach, we got lost. So we were like roaming the streets and exploring. Some of us thought that it was quite "sian" getting lost. Frankly speaking, I thought it was great. I mean part of touring is about getting lost and finding your way again. I personally quite enjoyed having a close look at the small streets of Brugge and how Brugge REALLY looked like, not the way tourists are supposed to see it.
Now, here's basically how the list of our "spoils of war" looks like:
1. 1 kg of chocolates per person for Lap Hang, Clinton and I
2. 1 kg of chocolates for Zhong Han
3. 1 bottle of Jenever(Belgium's local liquer. Haven't tasted it yet. Will review it on the blog when I taste it.) for Zhong Han
4. 1 bottle of Jenever for myself
5. At the Hypermart, 1 bottle of whiskey (not as good as the green label. realised it last night with Zhong Han. Haha!) for me, 1 champagne for Lap Hang
6. On the ferry, 1 bottle of Bailey's for me and 1 bottle of Archer's for Lap Hang. (Irresistable prices)
7. 1 shot glass with the landmarks of Brugge on it. ( I have decided to collect shot glass of the places I've been to)
Haha! sounds like more liquer than chocolates right? True. Haha!
Friday, October 13, 2006
We will We will ROCK YOU!!!!! ahh!!!!
Went to the Dominion Theatre to watch the Queen's musical "We will rock you!"
It was great. The acting, the singing, the dancing I all dunno how to appreciate. Haha!!!!!
All I know is that I enjoyed myself immensely.
The theatre is a little old as the velvet on the seats were like "balding". But you get the feeling that the theatre has a lot of history behind in through its architecture and the carvings and decorations on the walls and ceilings.
I especially liked the strobe lights. It was SO bright that the whole theatre lit up as if it were daytime. Amazing effects.
But what's more amazing is the crowd. You know, it being a musical based on Queen's music, you are sure to see alot of Queens fans there. My friend Zhonghan is one of them.
It's so funny to recall how he's like singing the Queen's songs all the way to the cinema, specially dressed up in his suit. (Only he wore a suit. He says its out of respect for the Queens. Okay, wadever. hahaha!!!)
During the show, the songs just make you like sing along and tap your feet. It's that good. And like everyone there was obviously enjoying the dirty jokes and comedic acting.
I remember purposely not choosing to sit beside Zhonghan. We were going into our seats in a line. My seat was supposed to be beside Zhonghan. However, when going in I was coincidentally a few spaces behind him. At first some of us wanted to sit according to our seats. But I said that since we were already in a row just sit down. We know each other anyway.
Why? You might ask.
No, I do not dislike Zhonghan. It's just that its a Queens musical. Him being a Queen fan, I was wary of him singing loudly with the actors and I very the paiseh la. (cos i still remember liyang's ta zai kan wo incident. Haha!)
Guess what? I was right and wrong.
Yes Zhonghan did sing loudly. But so did every freaking one in the theatre, including me. Haha!!! You know you just get affected by the atmosphere there.
Especially when the actors sang the song "We will rock you!" I tell you, it was one times jialat jialat ah!!! haha!!! Everyone was waving their hands in the air, singing loud, clapping and shouting. You just feel like standing up and stamp your feet with the beat..
So this concludes the description of my FIRST theatre experience in London. I assure you guys it won't be my last...
It was great. The acting, the singing, the dancing I all dunno how to appreciate. Haha!!!!!
All I know is that I enjoyed myself immensely.
The theatre is a little old as the velvet on the seats were like "balding". But you get the feeling that the theatre has a lot of history behind in through its architecture and the carvings and decorations on the walls and ceilings.
I especially liked the strobe lights. It was SO bright that the whole theatre lit up as if it were daytime. Amazing effects.
But what's more amazing is the crowd. You know, it being a musical based on Queen's music, you are sure to see alot of Queens fans there. My friend Zhonghan is one of them.
It's so funny to recall how he's like singing the Queen's songs all the way to the cinema, specially dressed up in his suit. (Only he wore a suit. He says its out of respect for the Queens. Okay, wadever. hahaha!!!)
During the show, the songs just make you like sing along and tap your feet. It's that good. And like everyone there was obviously enjoying the dirty jokes and comedic acting.
I remember purposely not choosing to sit beside Zhonghan. We were going into our seats in a line. My seat was supposed to be beside Zhonghan. However, when going in I was coincidentally a few spaces behind him. At first some of us wanted to sit according to our seats. But I said that since we were already in a row just sit down. We know each other anyway.
Why? You might ask.
No, I do not dislike Zhonghan. It's just that its a Queens musical. Him being a Queen fan, I was wary of him singing loudly with the actors and I very the paiseh la. (cos i still remember liyang's ta zai kan wo incident. Haha!)
Guess what? I was right and wrong.
Yes Zhonghan did sing loudly. But so did every freaking one in the theatre, including me. Haha!!! You know you just get affected by the atmosphere there.
Especially when the actors sang the song "We will rock you!" I tell you, it was one times jialat jialat ah!!! haha!!! Everyone was waving their hands in the air, singing loud, clapping and shouting. You just feel like standing up and stamp your feet with the beat..
So this concludes the description of my FIRST theatre experience in London. I assure you guys it won't be my last...
Monday, October 09, 2006
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Hyde Park, one times jialat jialat!!!!
Went to Hyde Park today for the Freshers' Picnic organised by SingSoc. We had games like soccer and frisbee. It was ok.
Man, Hyde Park was so damn beautiful. Crisp green carpet grass, cool wind, huge pond and wonderful weather. It seems like everything just came together today.
Anyway for those who have no idea where Hyde Park is. Its a huge park just north of my school in South Kensington. And its also next to Kensington Gardens, which is something like the "royal" gardens.
Ya, so Zhonghan and I were walking around the park. And we found deck chairs to sit in. (in UK, they provide deck chairs for pple to sit in the park and bask in the sun) We got chase away by one of the park wardens five mins later cos you need to pay to sit on the chairs. Haha!!
In UK, I really learn to appreciate the sun. It just feels so good to have the warmth of the sun here in London. Otherwise its like cold and gloomy and miserable. It rains all the time, the wind cuts through your skin and you just get sick of wearing wet jeans and shoes. Haha!!!
Back to Hyde Park, I've never seen anything like it in Singapore. It's feels so relaxing to be there. Everything just seems to be happy.
However, I heard from the locals, that outside London, you don't get this kind of parks. Perhaps it's due to the Royal Family being here that you get such well kept parks. Anyway thanks to Her Majesty, people like us get to enjoy.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Sights and no Sounds of London
Big Ben. Gong!!!! Gong!!! Gong!!!!
Art museum on Trafalgar Square
On the bank of river Thames
Chinatown!!!! Very near to SOHO.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Argh!!! Argos!!!
Is it something with Singaporean students in UK?
I've been to ARGOS 3 times out of the last 4 days!!! All with Singaporeans.
For those who do not know what ARGOS is. Its this store which sell practically everything you need. You go into the store, pick up a catalogue, write what you want on a form, pay for the goods and the stuff comes to you.
Its like the favourite haunt of Singaporean students recently. We see loads of Singaporean students from Imperial loitering around High Kensington Street. Most if not all, will make a trip to ARGOS before going back to their halls.
Is it due to a compulsive need for Singaporeans to better their lives that we keep visiting these shops to try to find things that can make our lives easier? Do we really need all the stuff?
I mean if you need things, by all means go buy it. But going there 3 out of 4 days? A little too much right?
I've been to ARGOS 3 times out of the last 4 days!!! All with Singaporeans.
For those who do not know what ARGOS is. Its this store which sell practically everything you need. You go into the store, pick up a catalogue, write what you want on a form, pay for the goods and the stuff comes to you.
Its like the favourite haunt of Singaporean students recently. We see loads of Singaporean students from Imperial loitering around High Kensington Street. Most if not all, will make a trip to ARGOS before going back to their halls.
Is it due to a compulsive need for Singaporeans to better their lives that we keep visiting these shops to try to find things that can make our lives easier? Do we really need all the stuff?
I mean if you need things, by all means go buy it. But going there 3 out of 4 days? A little too much right?
Monday, October 02, 2006
塔格波欧德
Alright, after multiple requests by my good friends (actually 2 only la), I have decided to add a Tagboard to my blog.
So here you go. Say what you guys really want to say. Maybe things that you have wanted to say to me for a long time but hadn't got a chance?
Things like "you are beri hamsome!"...
So here you go. Say what you guys really want to say. Maybe things that you have wanted to say to me for a long time but hadn't got a chance?
Things like "you are beri hamsome!"...
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Here I Am Too
Alright, I splitted this post into 2 because I wanted to change the atmosphere a little.
My trip to the UK, other than a tinge of sadness, has brought me a ton of surprises and new experiences.
First of all, I arrived a few days beforehand, so I went on a tour of London with my parents. Went to all the "touristy" places like Oxford Street, Chinatown, Big Ben, London Eye, etc. It was fun. For the first time, I got a feel of what a CITY should be like.
London is just bursting with life. Everyone doing their own thing. Expressing their thoughts. Its like a dynamic equilbrium. Everything seems to fit so nicely together yet everything is constantly moving. Its like fractals reproducing itself within itself with no apparent pattern but the resulting picture is nothing short of amazing. The arts scene is really developed and varied. There's no esplanades but what goes on inside the theatres are arguably way better.
Next, is my room. It's small.
But pleasant. My window just overlooks a garden across the street. First day in, unpacked all my stuff and thats it.
The Hall activities are great. We got took on a boat party where we cruised along River Thames, local tours and BBQs.
Of course, the most exciting factor is the people. I met people from all over the place. People from the UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg. Funny people with different points of view. Different people with different ways of socialising and interacting.
Last but not least, something that you would see all over the place, BOOZE. My god, these people drink. There's beer all over the place. At the BBQ, on the boat party, in their rooms, etc. It's everywhere. That's not all. Different people have different drinking cultures.
There's too much to take in, too little time to do it, too little blog space, too little energy to write on...
My trip to the UK, other than a tinge of sadness, has brought me a ton of surprises and new experiences.
First of all, I arrived a few days beforehand, so I went on a tour of London with my parents. Went to all the "touristy" places like Oxford Street, Chinatown, Big Ben, London Eye, etc. It was fun. For the first time, I got a feel of what a CITY should be like.
London is just bursting with life. Everyone doing their own thing. Expressing their thoughts. Its like a dynamic equilbrium. Everything seems to fit so nicely together yet everything is constantly moving. Its like fractals reproducing itself within itself with no apparent pattern but the resulting picture is nothing short of amazing. The arts scene is really developed and varied. There's no esplanades but what goes on inside the theatres are arguably way better.
Next, is my room. It's small.
But pleasant. My window just overlooks a garden across the street. First day in, unpacked all my stuff and thats it.
The Hall activities are great. We got took on a boat party where we cruised along River Thames, local tours and BBQs.
Of course, the most exciting factor is the people. I met people from all over the place. People from the UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg. Funny people with different points of view. Different people with different ways of socialising and interacting.
Last but not least, something that you would see all over the place, BOOZE. My god, these people drink. There's beer all over the place. At the BBQ, on the boat party, in their rooms, etc. It's everywhere. That's not all. Different people have different drinking cultures.
There's too much to take in, too little time to do it, too little blog space, too little energy to write on...
Here I Am
I've been wanting to write this blog entry for days already. Didn't have the chance because I had no internet access.
Everything is impressed on my mind so clearly. I guess I will never be able to forget these few days.
I felt so reluctant to leave behind the family and friends so dear to me. Such a feeling really hit me hard during the last few days before leaving for the UK. It was there and then that I finally realized that I would not be able to see them for a long time.
Everything seems so surreal. Even when I was on the plane. Somehow I just couldn't believe that I had just taken a life changing step. With such ease, such calm. Now, alone in my room listening to Soon's CD(after a shot of Green Label. Haha!!), I think of the people dear to me again.
I will miss all my family members and friends.
Family, of course, is because we are related by blood. We are one unit, not a group. So to leave is somewhat like pulling a part of your body further away from its centre. It hurts. 血农于水，说的一点也没错。
My parents came along to help me settle down. They tried to do as much as possible for me. Carrying my luggage, cleaning up my room, buying rice and groceries and scouting out the best eating places. Sometimes the more they do such things, the more I feel that I owe them too much.
体肢发肤受之父母。百行孝为先。How can I expect them to do anymore for me, especially when I have done nothing for them? Besides I've got to learn to be independent sooner or later. What's the point of taking such care of me?
Of course this is the point of view of an errant son. I have come to realised that to my parents, taking care of me is the most natural thing in the world. So what to do? I reject them, they feel as if they fail in their duties as parents. I take them for granted, I am a 不孝子. The only thing I can do is to take in what they have to give with utmost gratitude and make sure that I repay them as much as possible. (What I owe them, I can never repay fully.)
I guess this is something that many people knows how to say. But you really have to experience it to fully understand. The weight of what you owe them is immense. 恩重如山literally. Of course I don't mean this in a pessimistic way. Sometimes this can be a powerful source of motivation.
Next is friends. Oh god, FRIENDS. What wonderful a wonderful concept of human civilization. We share beautiful moments, fun times, bad experiences; we fall on each other in times of needs and lift each other on our shoulders to reach greater heights.
I will miss ALL my friends. But these are groups I spent much time and shared much with.
The Main Gang
Eugene, Waishan, Kok Ping, Sye Chung, Hong Soon.
All the stupid things. From an idiot BBall CPT to Disipline Mistresses. From "lap sap" bars to bars. From Krystallers to Geraldines. From birthday presents to condoms. From slacking in a pub to puking outside MOS. From driving around for food to driving around at 4 a.m to go home.
We've done it all.
Dance People
Jerry, Hongda, Candy, Seok, Caichang, Zhihao, Zhiwei, Huixiang, Yanying, Eleanor, Shiyin, Huifang, Enlin and who can forget the Huang Su Zheng Laos.
Dance, I must say, has really been life changing. It's one of those things that you do and you know that you would be a totally different person if you hadn't done it. I can easily foresee myself mugging and playing computer games 24/7 if I hadn't danced.
Dance opened up a whole new world for me. And I am glad that I had wonderful people to share this experience with me.
This concludes PART ONE.
Be back after the break...
Everything is impressed on my mind so clearly. I guess I will never be able to forget these few days.
I felt so reluctant to leave behind the family and friends so dear to me. Such a feeling really hit me hard during the last few days before leaving for the UK. It was there and then that I finally realized that I would not be able to see them for a long time.
Everything seems so surreal. Even when I was on the plane. Somehow I just couldn't believe that I had just taken a life changing step. With such ease, such calm. Now, alone in my room listening to Soon's CD(after a shot of Green Label. Haha!!), I think of the people dear to me again.
I will miss all my family members and friends.
Family, of course, is because we are related by blood. We are one unit, not a group. So to leave is somewhat like pulling a part of your body further away from its centre. It hurts. 血农于水，说的一点也没错。
My parents came along to help me settle down. They tried to do as much as possible for me. Carrying my luggage, cleaning up my room, buying rice and groceries and scouting out the best eating places. Sometimes the more they do such things, the more I feel that I owe them too much.
体肢发肤受之父母。百行孝为先。How can I expect them to do anymore for me, especially when I have done nothing for them? Besides I've got to learn to be independent sooner or later. What's the point of taking such care of me?
Of course this is the point of view of an errant son. I have come to realised that to my parents, taking care of me is the most natural thing in the world. So what to do? I reject them, they feel as if they fail in their duties as parents. I take them for granted, I am a 不孝子. The only thing I can do is to take in what they have to give with utmost gratitude and make sure that I repay them as much as possible. (What I owe them, I can never repay fully.)
I guess this is something that many people knows how to say. But you really have to experience it to fully understand. The weight of what you owe them is immense. 恩重如山literally. Of course I don't mean this in a pessimistic way. Sometimes this can be a powerful source of motivation.
Next is friends. Oh god, FRIENDS. What wonderful a wonderful concept of human civilization. We share beautiful moments, fun times, bad experiences; we fall on each other in times of needs and lift each other on our shoulders to reach greater heights.
I will miss ALL my friends. But these are groups I spent much time and shared much with.
The Main Gang
Eugene, Waishan, Kok Ping, Sye Chung, Hong Soon.
All the stupid things. From an idiot BBall CPT to Disipline Mistresses. From "lap sap" bars to bars. From Krystallers to Geraldines. From birthday presents to condoms. From slacking in a pub to puking outside MOS. From driving around for food to driving around at 4 a.m to go home.
We've done it all.
Dance People
Jerry, Hongda, Candy, Seok, Caichang, Zhihao, Zhiwei, Huixiang, Yanying, Eleanor, Shiyin, Huifang, Enlin and who can forget the Huang Su Zheng Laos.
Dance, I must say, has really been life changing. It's one of those things that you do and you know that you would be a totally different person if you hadn't done it. I can easily foresee myself mugging and playing computer games 24/7 if I hadn't danced.
Dance opened up a whole new world for me. And I am glad that I had wonderful people to share this experience with me.
This concludes PART ONE.
Be back after the break...
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