I thought that the most stupid thing that I did was to drench my car boot in battery acid, but I was wrong. I outdid myself today, in ways I am so ashamed to tell here. But I will.
So I drove back to Sleepy Hollow (a.k.a. Nilai) today with Albert and Sovatha (my Cambodian friend) and after I enrolled in my course, I checked into my room. I brought up a few valuable items and decided to leave the rest until I got the floor cleaned.
Halfway through cleaning my room, I decided to bring the other luggages up. But strangely, I couldn't find my car keys. I looked up, down, everywhere. I panicked a little but I kept calm, thinking that the key is either with Albert or locked in the car. I wouldn't even give rise to the thought that someone stole the key. I looked out my window and was relieved to see that my car was still parked.
I looked around some more for 5 seconds, and after that I wasted no time to go down to my car. And to my shock, I found my car keys dangling from the car door.
My car keys.
Dangling from the car door.
In public.
For 30 minutes.
If I were more stupid I would have slapped myself, but I am thankful that everything is still inside. But I am still feeling a little disappointed at my slip-up. Luckily there weren't many people around yet. Or worse - if I had left the key there overnight. If I had left the key in the ignition, people might not notice it, but it's dangling right there in the open.
I can get straight A's, but I can't take good care of my property.
I feel shitty.
30 December 2005
28 December 2005
The Singapore Journals
I know you are not really interested, but I'm shoving it down your throat anyway. 3 weeks ago, Dad and I went to Singapore. I usually keep a jounal of my travels, but this time I decided to go high-tech. I used my MP3 Player to record my opinions instead of writing them down. I soon found out that they are two entirely different things. So you'll hear of me getting stuck, saying bloopers, and sounding raw. That's right - this is me, unedited. When I write, I can just delete anything that doesn't sound good, but I have barely touched these recordings. It's the perfect chance for you, the reader, to get a glimpse into the real me.
Now, I gotta warn you that my actual personality can be rather dry, so I advise against downloading everything here. Read the synopsis and download those that you find remotely interesting. Along with the synopsis, I include the date and time of the post, as well as the length (minutes:seconds) and approximate file size in kilobytes. You'll find that some of the numbers skip - that's because I sometimes press the record button accidentally.
I also understand that some of you have better things to do with your time, such as paying bills and using the Internet for porn. So if you would like to listen only to the Best 3 posts, I recommend #17, #38, and #39.
Before you start, help me out by visiting my secondary school's website. Just click on the link and leave when the page loads. They have graciously allowed to host my audio files temporarily without charge. Actually, I'm the webmaster so I gave myself permission. :) At any rate, just help me boost up the hit counter as a sign of gratitude. Thanks!
(UPDATE 9/8/06: The audio files have been removed. Consequently I do not have a backup copy of this. But don't worry, I doubt you'll miss anything :P)
01: 7 Dec, 10.16pm (3:03 min) (719kb)
Introduction to the trip, recorded at the Penang bus station, talking about our travel partners Mr. C and my plans for the audio blog
02: 8 Dec, 1.40am (1:03 min) (250kb)
Toilet break at the petrol station. Talks about sleeping in the bus.
03: 8 Dec, 5.35am (2:22 min) (556kb)
Deja vu of my previous trip to Singapore, 8 years ago. Complains about my discomfort.
04: 8 Dec, 7.07am (1:11 min) (281kb)
At Johor Bahru bus station, getting on our way to immigration. Complains again about my sleep. Gave thoughts on Johor Bahru.
05: 8 Dec, 8.00am (1:59 min) (466kb)
Compares and contrast both government's immigration centre.
06: 8 Dec, 9.44am (1:27 min) (343kb)
As we couldn't check in yet to the Hostel, we had some breakfast and decided to walk around first. First impressions on surrounding areas.
08: 8 Dec, 11.20am (4:00 min) (938kb)
Describes the room which I will be sleeping in for the next 4 days, and talks about my main purpose in Singapore.
10: 8 Dec, 12.48pm (0:40 min) (159kb)
Describes the sights at Bencoolen Link and my lunch.
11: 8 Dec, 2.02pm (1:28 min) (347kb)
Describes the sights at Serangoon Road, along the way to Mustafa Centre.
12: 8 Dec, 2.55pm (1:01 min) (242kb)
Expressed my disappointment at Mustafa Centre.
13: 8 Dec, 2.15pm (1:45 min) (413kb)
Talks about the taxi ride back to the Hostel.
14: 8 Dec, 6.50m (2:30 min) (590kb)
Describes the Merlion Park, the Durian, and Japanese businessmen. Also on difficulties in framing photos.
16: 8 Dec, 8.44pm (2:21 min) (553kb)
Expressed my disappointment at the largest fountain in the world and my contentment with dinner.
17: 8 Dec, 9.34pm (4:40 min) (1095kb)
Back at the Hostel, I rant about the tiring day and my plans for tomorrow. Also a brief summary of the entire day.
18: 9 Dec, 7.20am (1:52 min) (441kb)
Early morning rant about sleeping in my window-less room.
19: 9 Dec, 8.30am (2:12 min) (520kb)
Describes a conversation I had with an Englishman over breakfast.
20: 9 Dec, 9.30am (0:52 min) (205kb)
The sudden rain threatens to spoil our Sentosa plan.
21: 9 Dec, 10.24am (0:57 min) (226kb)
Talks about the change of plans regarding the afternoon. Some rants about having to rant via audio.
22: 9 Dec, 11.25am (2:02 min) (478kb)
How do you pronounce "Outram"? Talks about Singapore's MRT system.
23: 9 Dec, 12.49pm (1:44 min) (411kb)
A noisy time outside Singapore Science Centre's toilet, being surrounded by those darned children.
24: 9 Dec, 3.40pm (2:00 min) (470kb)
Thoughts about the Science Centre and the kiasu edge.
25: 9 Dec, 3.50pm (1:04 min) (253kb)
I was mistaken as a local.
26: 9 Dec, 7.26pm (1:55 min) (452kb)
My amazement at the number of people on Orchard Road. My further amazement at my inability to buy any clothes.
27: 9 Dec, 8.55pm (3:52 min) (910kb)
How do you pronounce "Heeren"? Further rants on the expensive prices here, and how difficult it is to find dinner.
29: 9 Dec, 10.58pm (3:31 min) (828kb)
The tagline for this trip should be "A place I haven't come in years, and a place I will not come in years"
30: 10 Dec, 8.35am (1:36 min) (376kb)
Reviews plans for the day, and reflects on the photographs I have taken.
34: 10 Dec, 12.07pm (2:30 min) (589kb)
At Peninsula Plaza while Dad buys some camera accessories. And how to get a cup of Starbucks coffee for $0.40.
35: 10 Dec, 1.54pm (1:27 min) (342kb)
Posting from Sim Lim Square, the so-called IT heaven. So-called.
36: 10 Dec, 4.36pm (1:35 min) (374kb)
Nothing to do in Sentosa! More weather irony.
37: 10 Dec, 6.03pm (2:18 min) (543kb)
Stranded at Sentosa while Dad 'enjoys' Underwater World.
38: 10 Dec, 10.10pm (4.24 min) (1036kb)
Finally back at the Hostel, but nothing much to say except more complaints about the trip. Plus, what was the most memorable moment of this trip?
39: 11 Dec, 8.12am (4:12 min) (989kb)
The last day of the trip! You can hear the renewed vigour in my voice. And I talk a lot about why I don't want to backpack with Dad again.
40: 11 Dec, 11.53am (1:59 min) (467kb)
Legally back on Malaysian soil. And a review of Jet Li's English movies.
41: 11 Dec, 5.05pm (2:36 min) (614kb)
At Puduraya in transit. Talks about the terrible bus driver from SG-KUL.
42: 11 Dec, 9.24pm (1:33 min) (365kb)
Back at the Penang bus station, and what I did for the KL-PG journey.
Now, I gotta warn you that my actual personality can be rather dry, so I advise against downloading everything here. Read the synopsis and download those that you find remotely interesting. Along with the synopsis, I include the date and time of the post, as well as the length (minutes:seconds) and approximate file size in kilobytes. You'll find that some of the numbers skip - that's because I sometimes press the record button accidentally.
I also understand that some of you have better things to do with your time, such as paying bills and using the Internet for porn. So if you would like to listen only to the Best 3 posts, I recommend #17, #38, and #39.
Before you start, help me out by visiting my secondary school's website. Just click on the link and leave when the page loads. They have graciously allowed to host my audio files temporarily without charge. Actually, I'm the webmaster so I gave myself permission. :) At any rate, just help me boost up the hit counter as a sign of gratitude. Thanks!
(UPDATE 9/8/06: The audio files have been removed. Consequently I do not have a backup copy of this. But don't worry, I doubt you'll miss anything :P)
01: 7 Dec, 10.16pm (3:03 min) (719kb)
Introduction to the trip, recorded at the Penang bus station, talking about our travel partners Mr. C and my plans for the audio blog
02: 8 Dec, 1.40am (1:03 min) (250kb)
Toilet break at the petrol station. Talks about sleeping in the bus.
03: 8 Dec, 5.35am (2:22 min) (556kb)
Deja vu of my previous trip to Singapore, 8 years ago. Complains about my discomfort.
04: 8 Dec, 7.07am (1:11 min) (281kb)
At Johor Bahru bus station, getting on our way to immigration. Complains again about my sleep. Gave thoughts on Johor Bahru.
05: 8 Dec, 8.00am (1:59 min) (466kb)
Compares and contrast both government's immigration centre.
06: 8 Dec, 9.44am (1:27 min) (343kb)
As we couldn't check in yet to the Hostel, we had some breakfast and decided to walk around first. First impressions on surrounding areas.
08: 8 Dec, 11.20am (4:00 min) (938kb)
Describes the room which I will be sleeping in for the next 4 days, and talks about my main purpose in Singapore.
10: 8 Dec, 12.48pm (0:40 min) (159kb)
Describes the sights at Bencoolen Link and my lunch.
11: 8 Dec, 2.02pm (1:28 min) (347kb)
Describes the sights at Serangoon Road, along the way to Mustafa Centre.
12: 8 Dec, 2.55pm (1:01 min) (242kb)
Expressed my disappointment at Mustafa Centre.
13: 8 Dec, 2.15pm (1:45 min) (413kb)
Talks about the taxi ride back to the Hostel.
14: 8 Dec, 6.50m (2:30 min) (590kb)
Describes the Merlion Park, the Durian, and Japanese businessmen. Also on difficulties in framing photos.
16: 8 Dec, 8.44pm (2:21 min) (553kb)
Expressed my disappointment at the largest fountain in the world and my contentment with dinner.
17: 8 Dec, 9.34pm (4:40 min) (1095kb)
Back at the Hostel, I rant about the tiring day and my plans for tomorrow. Also a brief summary of the entire day.
18: 9 Dec, 7.20am (1:52 min) (441kb)
Early morning rant about sleeping in my window-less room.
19: 9 Dec, 8.30am (2:12 min) (520kb)
Describes a conversation I had with an Englishman over breakfast.
20: 9 Dec, 9.30am (0:52 min) (205kb)
The sudden rain threatens to spoil our Sentosa plan.
21: 9 Dec, 10.24am (0:57 min) (226kb)
Talks about the change of plans regarding the afternoon. Some rants about having to rant via audio.
22: 9 Dec, 11.25am (2:02 min) (478kb)
How do you pronounce "Outram"? Talks about Singapore's MRT system.
23: 9 Dec, 12.49pm (1:44 min) (411kb)
A noisy time outside Singapore Science Centre's toilet, being surrounded by those darned children.
24: 9 Dec, 3.40pm (2:00 min) (470kb)
Thoughts about the Science Centre and the kiasu edge.
25: 9 Dec, 3.50pm (1:04 min) (253kb)
I was mistaken as a local.
26: 9 Dec, 7.26pm (1:55 min) (452kb)
My amazement at the number of people on Orchard Road. My further amazement at my inability to buy any clothes.
27: 9 Dec, 8.55pm (3:52 min) (910kb)
How do you pronounce "Heeren"? Further rants on the expensive prices here, and how difficult it is to find dinner.
29: 9 Dec, 10.58pm (3:31 min) (828kb)
The tagline for this trip should be "A place I haven't come in years, and a place I will not come in years"
30: 10 Dec, 8.35am (1:36 min) (376kb)
Reviews plans for the day, and reflects on the photographs I have taken.
34: 10 Dec, 12.07pm (2:30 min) (589kb)
At Peninsula Plaza while Dad buys some camera accessories. And how to get a cup of Starbucks coffee for $0.40.
35: 10 Dec, 1.54pm (1:27 min) (342kb)
Posting from Sim Lim Square, the so-called IT heaven. So-called.
36: 10 Dec, 4.36pm (1:35 min) (374kb)
Nothing to do in Sentosa! More weather irony.
37: 10 Dec, 6.03pm (2:18 min) (543kb)
Stranded at Sentosa while Dad 'enjoys' Underwater World.
38: 10 Dec, 10.10pm (4.24 min) (1036kb)
Finally back at the Hostel, but nothing much to say except more complaints about the trip. Plus, what was the most memorable moment of this trip?
39: 11 Dec, 8.12am (4:12 min) (989kb)
The last day of the trip! You can hear the renewed vigour in my voice. And I talk a lot about why I don't want to backpack with Dad again.
40: 11 Dec, 11.53am (1:59 min) (467kb)
Legally back on Malaysian soil. And a review of Jet Li's English movies.
41: 11 Dec, 5.05pm (2:36 min) (614kb)
At Puduraya in transit. Talks about the terrible bus driver from SG-KUL.
42: 11 Dec, 9.24pm (1:33 min) (365kb)
Back at the Penang bus station, and what I did for the KL-PG journey.
27 December 2005
People of Singapore Part 18 & 19
Another double bonanza to make up for (soon to be) lost time:
A fisherman steers his boat towards Clifford Pier. This is indeed a rare sight in industrialized countries. Indeed, this was taken quite early in the morning.
An old man with a very hunched back pushing a trolley in Chinatown. People barely offer him a look of sympathy as he slowly wheels the merchandise across a road. I am reminded that Singapore has the fastest growing elderly population in the world, which explains the government's efforts to encourage child bearing.
A fisherman steers his boat towards Clifford Pier. This is indeed a rare sight in industrialized countries. Indeed, this was taken quite early in the morning.
An old man with a very hunched back pushing a trolley in Chinatown. People barely offer him a look of sympathy as he slowly wheels the merchandise across a road. I am reminded that Singapore has the fastest growing elderly population in the world, which explains the government's efforts to encourage child bearing.
Zemien Tour Services
The next few days promise to be exciting: Sovatha, the Cambodian I met in Bangkok last year has come to Malaysia for a holiday. And tomorrow (Wed), he's taking a bus up to Penang to meet me. He will be sleeping over at my place, and I'll be a tour guide for two days. I've never done this tour guide task seriously, so now it's time to prove myself as a worthy son of Penang.
I find this thing hard because, as I have wrote before, locals rarely go to tourist areas. So what I'm doing is checking up travel guides on the Internet and see what foreigners recommend for Penang. Isn't that ironic? Me as a local having to rely on some foreigner's recommendation? But I have no choice, so wish me luck.
I will also be leaving for college on the 30th, and Sovatha will be following me back. Due to my packed schedule, expect no extensive updates. So to keep you company, I will finally be posting up my audio journals from Singapore tomorrow. Feel free to download one, or download all.
I find this thing hard because, as I have wrote before, locals rarely go to tourist areas. So what I'm doing is checking up travel guides on the Internet and see what foreigners recommend for Penang. Isn't that ironic? Me as a local having to rely on some foreigner's recommendation? But I have no choice, so wish me luck.
I will also be leaving for college on the 30th, and Sovatha will be following me back. Due to my packed schedule, expect no extensive updates. So to keep you company, I will finally be posting up my audio journals from Singapore tomorrow. Feel free to download one, or download all.
People of Singapore Part 16 & 17
A double bonanza for you today:
A DJ showing off his skills along Orchard Road. Looks more like local talent, as there were no crowds of people dancing around. But then again, it is in a public area. And he was nice enough to continue doing his stuff while I took a snapshot, so I'm grateful. Of course, Singapore is home to Zouk, one of Asia's most highly rated nightspots.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it - shoppers queueing up to enter the Gucci boutique! Consumerism in Singapore is very high, and so is their fashion sense. I thought these things only happened in Western countries, but apparently people here starve for fashion as well.
A DJ showing off his skills along Orchard Road. Looks more like local talent, as there were no crowds of people dancing around. But then again, it is in a public area. And he was nice enough to continue doing his stuff while I took a snapshot, so I'm grateful. Of course, Singapore is home to Zouk, one of Asia's most highly rated nightspots.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it - shoppers queueing up to enter the Gucci boutique! Consumerism in Singapore is very high, and so is their fashion sense. I thought these things only happened in Western countries, but apparently people here starve for fashion as well.
I Can't Be A Maid
The past two days have been boring. Dad & I spent our mornings cleaning the house. Because I'll only be back from college on Chinese New Year Eve, we had to bring forward our annual spring cleaning. We've been doing this for years and we have pretty much a set routine - I'll do the windows while he jet-cleans the porch. I'll remove the lizard droppings in the guest room while he removes the cobwebs. You pretty much get the idea.
While I don't complain much, those are very mind-numbing tasks. Anything that doesn't really challenge my mind tends to make me drowsy. That's why I realize I better get a good job because frankly, I can't be a janitor.
While I don't complain much, those are very mind-numbing tasks. Anything that doesn't really challenge my mind tends to make me drowsy. That's why I realize I better get a good job because frankly, I can't be a janitor.
26 December 2005
Pen Pals
Have you ever had a pen pal? For those of you too young to know, a pen pal is someone you befriend with through the mail. That's right, snail mail. Your entire friendship is built and maintained via letters and postcards you take turns sending. Depending on the postman's mood, a letter can take weeks or even months to arrive, especially if your pen pal is halfway across the globe.
In this age of e-mail and MSN Messenger, you might think, "Why the hell would I want to wait so long for a reply? I'll just send an IM!" True, and that's why the practice of pen pal-ing is long dead. But in the Dark Ages, before the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web, pen pal-ing is the way to know friends from different places. And it is such an allure, don't you agree? Imagine telling your friends that you know someone from the U.S.A. or U.S.S.R.!
And for the moment you've been waiting for: yes, I am old enough to have dabbled in pen pal-ing. But I only have one real pen pal, and I kept all his letters. I don't remember any others I have mailed to, but somehow I treasured this guy's letters and I still have them today.
Judging from his first letter, it was him who initiated contact. I posted my bio on the Sunday Mail, a tabloid-style newspaper. In the past they had a pen pals column listing your name, age, hobbies, and address. (Ahhh.... revealing your address to strangers - those were the good old days)
Anyway, our friendship only lasted 4 letters, 1 postcard, and 4 months. Which was kinda strange considering how great our correspondence were! He somehow stopped mailing me, or perhaps it was I who stopped sending him detailed proof of how bad his grammar was (yes, I did that even when I was 11). But I kinda missed him, and I kept his letters really well.
A few years ago, I tried to reestablish contact. I sent a letter to him but never got a reply. I wonder if he moved away, or worse, died. When I cleared my room today, I came across his letters again. Curiosity overcame me and I decided it's time to put technology to good use. I scanned all his letters in and also his photo and I display them for you to see. I have blurred his address to protect his privacy, but he stays around Taman Seri Andalas, Klang. His name is Nah Swee Wayne, and he's born in 1986.
If you know him, or are him, please leave a comment. I'd really like to track him down for the sake of catching up. Feel free to read the letters to find out more about him. I promise I won't cry if I ever meet him, like those TV shows where they reunite long-lost family members. Really.
If you are there, Swee Wayne, I missed you.
In this age of e-mail and MSN Messenger, you might think, "Why the hell would I want to wait so long for a reply? I'll just send an IM!" True, and that's why the practice of pen pal-ing is long dead. But in the Dark Ages, before the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web, pen pal-ing is the way to know friends from different places. And it is such an allure, don't you agree? Imagine telling your friends that you know someone from the U.S.A. or U.S.S.R.!
And for the moment you've been waiting for: yes, I am old enough to have dabbled in pen pal-ing. But I only have one real pen pal, and I kept all his letters. I don't remember any others I have mailed to, but somehow I treasured this guy's letters and I still have them today.
Judging from his first letter, it was him who initiated contact. I posted my bio on the Sunday Mail, a tabloid-style newspaper. In the past they had a pen pals column listing your name, age, hobbies, and address. (Ahhh.... revealing your address to strangers - those were the good old days)
Anyway, our friendship only lasted 4 letters, 1 postcard, and 4 months. Which was kinda strange considering how great our correspondence were! He somehow stopped mailing me, or perhaps it was I who stopped sending him detailed proof of how bad his grammar was (yes, I did that even when I was 11). But I kinda missed him, and I kept his letters really well.
A few years ago, I tried to reestablish contact. I sent a letter to him but never got a reply. I wonder if he moved away, or worse, died. When I cleared my room today, I came across his letters again. Curiosity overcame me and I decided it's time to put technology to good use. I scanned all his letters in and also his photo and I display them for you to see. I have blurred his address to protect his privacy, but he stays around Taman Seri Andalas, Klang. His name is Nah Swee Wayne, and he's born in 1986.
If you know him, or are him, please leave a comment. I'd really like to track him down for the sake of catching up. Feel free to read the letters to find out more about him. I promise I won't cry if I ever meet him, like those TV shows where they reunite long-lost family members. Really.
If you are there, Swee Wayne, I missed you.
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