Caryn's Travels & Adventures

My Dream - Updated! Again..

2010-04-09T11:09:00.003+08:00

It's been yonks since I last updated my blog. Then I realised I haven't been travelling much nor even diving lately... Last family trip I went was during X'mas.

Then I remembered... Hey..! It was a trip to one of the Wonders of the World! Oh... Yippeeeeeeeee...! That means I can update my wonders of the world journey post... woohoooo

So here it goes..

Ticked to Petra, Jordan! 3 more to go..! =) huuuhuuuu

No update for this one.. so still 9 more to go..!

Yesh...! I went to Jordan and Syria tour for my Xmas last year... Only one word to describe it... AWESOME...! =)

A new post after ...

2009-08-18T23:07:00.004+08:00

Yeshhh... a new post after agesssssss!

Well... I was complained that I have not been updating my blog. And... it is true.. so that is fine...

But, have you ever got a buddy who you are very good with that 'THREATEN' you for not updating your blog...

I was thinking to myself.. sh*t... what should i update... then... *light-bulb on* ... any blog is a NEW blog.. so what the heck... here is a blog post specially for my buddy...!

Thank you very much for your comments below...!

See got buddy like that one kah??? :P Teruksssssss!

And guess what he threatened me with?
"If you are not going to write something, I am going to say you're busy making babies ah... aiming for twins!"

PS: I actually don't mind twins. Best is one gal one boy then "tutup kedai". :P

More dive buddies...!

2009-04-22T10:41:00.007+08:00

Yes.. I know I know.. have been really busy lately and haven't got time to update my blog. Just dropping by for a quick update to introduce newbies to the underwater world...! :)

Please meet my new dive buddies:

Some of the divephotos on the day:

ahh.. such is life...!

Happy 2009 from Downunder

2009-01-11T17:05:00.006+08:00

The need for a breakaway... gave me an excuse to go downunder...

I had a wonderful time visiting Perth, putting aside work from my mind... relaxing and enjoy some retail-therapy... heeee... :P

Most importantly, I managed to meet up with my ol' buddy Freddy and his wife Sheirly.

Xmas Dinner @ De'Tymz

2009-01-06T21:47:00.005+08:00

Merry Xmas!

Oppss.. a bit late.. but better late than never.. :P heee...

GEMS team had a terrific time celebrating Xmas, exchanging gifts with Secret Santas.

The bosses of De' Tymz

Well done guys and thank you for the special arrangement of five course meals :P

Walk-a-hunt

2008-12-15T21:16:00.008+08:00

I had a fabulous time with my "partner" in hunt - Rachel, yesterday. Two most famous Brunei Bloggers were there as well - RanoAdidas and Anak Brunei.

Pictures above obtained & Copyrighted by AnakBrunei.

Pictures above obtained and copyrighted by RanoAdidas

We participated in the BSM Walk-a-hunt and spent the whole morning till 1pm walking and "hunting" for answers in bandar. It was aweeeeeeesomeeee...!!!

Buddies - Tat & Sui participated as well! Mike and his hunting partner, Ya Ching and her colleague and some BAGians..! We all were exhausted at the end but worth it. Why? Because we all won something! :D hehehe...

Now, I am so motivated for the next hunt... ! heeeee...

PS: my favourite question from this hunt...

Q: Nemo for example with a problem i hear
A: Fish masala (Nemo for example = fish, i hear = sounds like, problem = masalah)

Pengsannn... *FAINT* so difficultttttt! :P

Awesome-ness

2008-12-12T00:17:00.008+08:00

Last week, we had a great time having breakfast together-gether! Here are some pictures of me and my mates! Luv u guysssssss!

Ayu with her "awesomeeeee" american breakfast..!

Sharon with awesome breakie too! and Dran posing with Mona's mozarella cheese and tomatoes.

We bumped into my fav DJ too and managed to get some shots with her. Thanks Izan! :)

Mona & Izan

And the toy is.....

2008-12-08T23:41:00.003+08:00

So.... what is the toy? Heee... And the answer is.........

Toy - must be something fun and I love to play with.

Is it dive gears? Hmm... partly... but it is a something that I've been wanting.

And it is...

Ta-daaaaaaaa...! A Nikon D90! =)

Although I've been wanting D300, but considering my budget, D90 will have to do for now. :P

Loving it...! And will post more pictures taken using D90!

Till then, Good Nite!

De Tymz

2008-12-08T01:14:00.007+08:00

Gong Xi Gong Xi...! Nope.. not Chinese New Year yet.. but Gong Xi = Congratulations and I would like to congratulate Eric, Ai Thin and partners in their soft opening of De Tymz Cafe! =)

Yippeeee! New hangout place..! =D

Ohh.. and a famous photographer came along... I managed to take a cutieeee pic of him! :P

Breathing underwater...

2008-12-02T23:23:00.006+08:00

My msn status message: Feeling the need to breathe underwater
My facebook status message: Feeling the need to breathe underwater

This is good enough to show how much I am missing diving...

Then... my babeh posted some pictures in Facebook

Our pool lesson...!

Moonlight Divers

(There is an article printed in Borneo Bulletin on this. Will update you with the link once THAT woman in her wetsuit update her blog!) :P

At Bolkiah Wreck

I miss divingggggg! Why haven't I been diving lately? I wonder... Please pray for good weather this Sunday!

New Toy

2008-11-30T23:50:00.004+08:00

Been feeling this lately at work...

and sometimes it makes me feel like doing this....

(pictures and emoticons from www.maggiemarket.com)

Then again, today I am happy. My new toy has arrived! :D Heeee... well.. I bought a new toy, although it is NOT for myself.. but I believe I will be using it more often than the owner.. heeee...

What is it? Well, it is kinda late now. I shall reveal in my upcoming blog.. heee... So far only my babeh knows what it is... =)

And why do I even want to post this blog? Hmm.. I've been reading a lot of other people's blog lately... just felt that I should drop a short post before my babe starts leaving notes of "is this blog dead?" heee...

Well,.. it is alive and more posts soon to comeeeeeeeeeee...! =D

Good nite...!

Congratulations Dear...!!!

2008-10-29T22:25:00.005+08:00

Pressure pressure pressure... receiving lots of comments asking if this blog is dead and asking me for updates.. :P

So here you go.. and overdue blog for my dearest Dear.

She finally had her wedding last month in Singapore.

Congratulations Dear! Love you!

(to FS not to you ar KB.. heee...)

(left)My teddy bear, my dear, my Team Lead (who is now a Snr Manager!)

(right) Me and the bee-tee-ful flower gal...

Okie.. the pictures follow are not really from her wedding.. but.. but.. I am already in Singapore! Should take the opportunity to have some fun right? ;) *wink wink*

Watching F1 from Accenture's Office... Alonsoooo is that you?? :P

At Bellini's Room... How can we not have some MORE fun??? ;)

Trip to Paradise...

2008-10-12T17:41:00.009+08:00

I've been very lazy lately... especially after a beautiful trip with my family...

After some last minute planning, my sister and I decided to bring our parents to Kuramathi Island Resort. I personally labelled this place as "Paradise".

Enjoy some of the photos.

Ping Ping Mao Mao

2008-09-22T01:51:00.004+08:00

Yummiieeeeeee Barneyyyyy...

Happy Birthday Ping Pinggggg....!

Wish you forever 'kiut kiut' and surrounded by babesss yah... ;)

Unknown...

2008-08-17T19:40:00.005+08:00

At any point of times in life, there are bound to be ups and downs, happy and sad, troubled and fun, stress and free, tough and easy moments... Today is one of the days that I just feel like alienating myself from the rest of the world. To be left alone. To be left unknown... not doing anything, not thinking about anything, not saying anything and hearing nothing...

Am I in a depression? Or is this a repeat of my midlife-crisis when i hit the Big 3?

Many believe that their soul-mates are their other half, my soul-mate who never once stop comforting me when i needed her has again comfort me without saying anything... reading her blog is enough to bring warmth to my heart...

From Womaninawetsuit - Ever felt

like you're sailing through life with/without purpose... What's your purpose? What makes you contented? What makes you happy? What makes you sad? What scares you? What thrills you? What makes you say, when you've reached the end of the road that, you have lived life.

Life is a journey, they say. Filled with windy crossroads. Some have it easy, some hardluck, some stumbled upon a path filled with cracks and thorns, fell, hurt themselves BUT got up, move on and find it leads to a beautiful garden. There are days when everything just falls right into place. We all know how to deal with good days. We live in it, we cherish it and sometimes we also take it for granted. We never really questioned why we have good days, or normal days, it just seems that's the way it's supposed to be.

But when life comes crashing down at us? We wonder. We question. We dwell. We blame. Why do bad things happen? Usually to intentionally slap us out of whatever stupor we are in at that moment. We starts questioning our beliefs. We start figuring out what is and what is not important to us. People usually dont change unless they feel sufficient pain to overcome their resistance to change. Change takes energy. And nothing energises like tragedy or regrets. It's a real slap in the face. Wake up, it says.

Someone once told me when you're in a dilemma or facing despair, talk about it. If you cant talk about it, you havent really thought about it. Sometimes you might find before you even finish relating your problem, you suddenly click and realise what you want to do. Give people who care about you a chance to offer you a hand.

Grief. We grieve when we lose something, a loved one, status, sense of safety, pets, possessions, beliefs. Like a physical injury, the recovery and healing process can take time. It cannot and shouldnt be rushed. When we're grieving, it's difficult to understand what's happening. Initially, we may have feelings of disbelief, panic, confusion, leading to annoyance, anger and inconvenience. When recovering from a death, feelings are more intense, painful and last much longer. There's an empty space where before there was a living human being. Life has been upset and it takes a while to adjust to the new situation. We have to adjust to life without that person. All parts of our being may be affected - emotional, physical, spiritual and social - but the overriding feeling is one of intense pain. Our pain and suffering is the price we pay for loving. Any pain is tiring. While we're going through the pain, it's difficult to believe that we'll ever enjoy life again. But in time our grieving will ease and gradually life will become more bearable and even pleasurable.
When we're in pain for whatever reasons, it is ok to grieve, it is ok to be sad. But dont mope around for too long, it usually makes it worst. Pick yourself up and try again, start afresh. Hope is based in reality - it's not optimism, wishing or dreaming. Facing up to dark and difficult truths enables hope to emerge and new doors to open.

I guess our purpose in life evolves as we grow, with events and influences we face everyday. You have one life. I have one life. It's surreal like that. If you think about the one life that you have, will it change your attitude towards living? will it help you with decisions in your life? would you have taken more risks? would you grab that opportunity that's right infront of you? would you then fight harder for what you want? would you want to make a difference? Dare to dream and dare to chase your dreams.

Life undersea...

2008-08-17T19:00:00.009+08:00

My favourites for this collection...

*petrified*

*worried*

*what's behind the total darkness?*

*sitting on the swing*

*alien*

Thank you to http://www.flickr.com/photos/kwonyee for lending me his camera...

A taste of DSLR underwater...

2008-07-24T16:03:00.004+08:00

Thanks to my "bestest" dive buddy Andrew, I managed to get a feel of using DSLR underwater. I don't really know how to change the camera settings underwater yet... so here are four photographs that I feel can be displayed in my blog. :P *cannot show the others. the reaction will be "aiyooooo... why so green? why so blur? you call that a photo?"* :P

Nudibranch

Lizard fish

Underwater lollipop anyone?

My favourite has to be the last picture where the goby is dsiplaying...!

Can't get enough...

2008-07-23T20:02:00.008+08:00

The title speaks it all... every dives we are thrilled to discover species that we have not seen or capture in photographs before...!

Here they are.... :)

All photographs are copyrighted by Andrew Chieng.

The wonders of underwater Brunei...

2008-07-07T13:30:00.013+08:00

Yesterday while I was out 'treasure hunting', Andrew went out for diving at CLEAR Reef. And what goodies he spotted this time? Hammerhead Nudibranch! Many times we took Brunei's water for granted and all we have to say about it is... "viz not great la...", "what are there to see? always the same thing", "scorpion fish la... puffer fish la... nemo la..."

But... that's not all. Diving with Andrew has shown me that there are a lot more "treasures" to discover underwater Brunei. There are so much more unexplore reef and beautiful creatures to uncover! I just can't wait for my next dive....

Here are some beautiful shots from Andrew:

Goby on Barrel Sponge

Flat worm (left) Coral (right)

Juvenille Angel Fish (left) Coral looking like a baby clam(right)

Sea Cucumber

Yellow Sponge Coral

My favourite from this collection has to be the hammerhead nudibranchs:

Check out the many legs of the hammerhead
*look closely at the head of the nudi*

All photographs copyrighted by and courtesy of Andrew Chieng

Hornets Reef

2008-07-02T08:48:00.010+08:00

Should I dive or should I not? Is that even a question? Well not for me as the answer is obvious! Diving has been my passion ever since I started some 3 years back. I haven't dive for slightly more than a month due to some "freak" accident on my neck. What happen? Don't ask - but all I can say is it is not a lovebite! :P hee hee..

I was excited hearing that there will be a dive off Jerudong. It has been ages and I would like to return to Arun's Wreck. 5 minutes out the sea and Hj Kula's engine failed on us. :( So how??? Cannot dive ar?? Hell no! Azli came to the rescue, towing the boat all the way to Hornets Reef. And, what happen next? We had two wonderful dives....! :) Pictures speak more than a thousand words... so take a look at the pictures taken by my dive buddies, Andrew and Steven.

*My camera still under repair somewhere in Singapore - Boo...Hoooo....! :( *

Dive Date: 30 June 2008
Dive Sites: Hornets Reef
Visibility: 8m
Boat Captain: Azli & Hj Kula
Dive buddies: Andrew, Steven, Eugene, Simon, Joseph, Richard, Yeo, Rozie, Fanni, Novy (Norphy?), Uwais, Hakeem

Underwater shots from Steven Goh (photos taken using Canon 40D in Ikelite Housing):

Azli's Bahtera Perak to the rescue....!

Simon (left), Steven (right)

Buddy Andrew came to the rescue, the tank kept hitting my head! (left),
Me with Andrew's No. 2 Baby - Nikon D200 in Nexus Housing (right)

Coral Reef of Brunei

Nemoooooooooo (left) Honeycomb Moray Eel (right)

Underwater shots from Andrew Chieng:

Peacock Mantis Shrimo (left), Cuttlefish (right)

Goby displaying (left)

I like this shot.
It is something common in underwater Brunei
that very often we will not even capture a shot of it.
Yet, this photo potrays such beautiful texture...

The highlight of this dive:

Harlequin Ghost Pipefish
(photograph copyrighted by Andrew Chieng)

Juvenille Harlequin Ghost Pipefish Absolutely BEAUTIFUL...! :)
(photograph copyrighted by Andrew Chieng)

Another new journey...

2008-06-28T11:47:00.005+08:00

After Project in Bangalore, I was looking forward to "what's next?". This time round, I will be staying put in Brunei. This means... more catch-up with my buddies and more divings in Brunei (I can't wait for my next dive!). Hee hee...

On Thursday, my CEO Puan Haslina Taib and one of our Director J.V. signed the HRMS contract with the Government of Brunei represented by Tuan Sabali, Director General of Public Services and Tuan Jaini, the Deputy Director General. YM Dato Seri Paduka Eusoff Agaki was present as our guest of honor. My colleagues and I were proud to be there to witness this special event that marks another milestone in BAG Networks.

It was a great day with good show up of Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Perm Secs, Directors and Senior Officers from all Ministries.
I am looking forward for this journey...

Dining under the.... "stars"?

2008-06-05T13:20:00.007+08:00

Last Saturday night, some friends and I went for "Dining under the stars" at Jerudong Park Polo Club, except... we didn't manage to see any stars while dining... :P hee hee..

Nonetheless, the dinner was alright... performance was good and most important of all, our favourite DJ - Izan was there.
Here are some more photos of the night...

Andrew was asked to drink a bowl of soup at one go.
Funny thing is he asked Izan, "Can I have oxtail soup, cos I don't like mushroom."
Izan replied, "Aiyah... so fussy one...!"
I laughed my head off! hee hee...

Rano & Izan - Now who is proposing to who? and Using a plate of mee goreng kah? :P

Ohhh and I met Rozi the artist there! Forgot to get a pic with her! boohooooo :(

Anyways, what happen next? We partied on... BBQ-ing... :) hee hee

All in all, it was a Saturday night well spent...! :)

What logic?

2008-06-03T14:56:00.006+08:00

Oh dear.. what a longgggggg weekend. All I did was rest... recharged over the weekend, or... not? hee hee...

Anyways, didn't manage to visit Wardrobes :( . But a quick chat with Alim and I found out that they managed to raise "thousand plus" dollars and clothings for the Myanmar victims. Well done Alim & Counterparts! ;)

Today, I found interesting picture used as my baby Suzianti's profile. The picture - is definitely eye-catching and simply... bee-tee-ful....!

Where on earth she learnt to pose like that??? Hee hee...

Photos are courtesy of Stupidlogic.com. To see more of Suzianti - Model Shoot from stupidlogic a.k.a. Nizam, visit his flickr.

Is she the next Nizam's top model? Do you want to be one of the models too? Hee hee...

If you do and if you are interested, drop a mail to nizam[no spaces]rahman[at]gmail[dot]com

PS: According to Nizam, kalo model lawa or kiut - F.O.C. :P

My favourite Suzi pic of the lot. . .

Fundraising for Myanmar Victims

2008-05-30T18:09:00.007+08:00

I just got back from Wardrobes Inc, dropping off some toys for sale. If you are interested to contribute to the Myanmar victims, visit Wardrobes Garage Sale today!
I'll pay a visit to Wardrobes again tomorrow, this time hopefully I will remember to bring my camera! :P Will post some pictures up. Great job to Alim and his counterparts! I am really impressed with the effort you and your team has put in to help fundraising / charity.

Licence to Grill...

2008-05-26T10:45:00.013+08:00

"W e . . . a r e . . . B - A - C - K . . . . !"

Yes, the BAGs of FUN returns this time with a theme... "The name is BAG, BAGs-of-FUN". Sounds familiar? Yeah.. 007 Licence to Kill is now... Licence to GRILL... Hee hee...

Hitting the road down to Angel's Beach, we started off with lots of food... Hal's famous mee kari, fried mee hoon, sandwiches, sausages, crab sticks and with the "Licence to Grill" theme, it is only right that we have BBQ chicken wings, lambs and more...! The food... was fabulous!

What's more? We had Alim's counterparts spinning for us, 'lighting' the place up with wonderful musics!

On top of that, we have the coolest bosses; Puan Haslina our CEO and the very sporting Advisor - Dave. We kicked start our games with Limbo Rock with the female vs male team. Then, a few rounds of musical chair and I won myself Jacob's cracker with a free bowl..! Haha..

What's more? We had some team building games where the winnner won themselves a packet of "Assam Jawa" each. *bila lanja ikan masak assam?" hee hee...

Can't have enough, we continue with our next game. Battle of the Chefs...! CEO vs Advisor - who can make the best Sambar?

I think it is a draw; both tasted equally good! *trying to be diplomatic here* Later kena deduct bonus wahhhh...! :P hee hee....

Here are more pictures...

Harris and Maya - Puan's little precioussssss...

Sue's Little Putri....! Future Brunei's Top Model! :)

We had so much fun... and I just can't wait for the next one to come.... stay tune for the next BAGs of FUN theme.... ;)

ps: Thank you, Rano for dropping by... ;)

Rano "Gerrard" in da house...!

Can't take my eyes off you...

2008-05-13T19:50:00.008+08:00

OOoOoo... you're just too good too be true... Can't take my eyes off you... You feel like heaven to touch... I wanna "dive" in you so much...

Hee hee... don't take me wrong.. it is all about diving. Yes! Berakas Oil Rig Wreck.. again..! Why? 'Cos it is that good.

Sunday - 4th of May we went diving, two dives in fact at the beautiful new-found berakas rig wreck... Setting out using Bahtera Perak II, my dive si-fu's Azli second boat.

Well, I did not dive the Sunday 11th May as I was enjoying Jazz, sipping Mojitos at the Miri International Jazz festival. :) It was superb, with mini gathering of friends from Brunei! (including a French Woman) :P

My fav...! This guy "rawks" the jazz world..!

Anyways, so how was diving again in Berakas Oil Rig Wreck. Couldn't be better! This time, my dive buddy, Andrew Chieng, has decided to take wide angle shots of this beautiful "treasure" of Brunei...! Enjoy the pictures...

Andrew, also decided to test out his black and white shots. What do you think?

As for me, I am a big fan. Love all the shots and so do my new found dive buddies below.

Congratulations Ping Ping and Lue-Ben...! Welcome to the diving world. They are now PADI Certified Open Water Divers...! Wooohoooo...! :)

Dive/underwater photographs are copyrighted by Andrew Chieng.

Berakas Oil Rig Wreck & TAC Reef

2008-04-29T13:53:00.008+08:00

Azli: Mau diving sunday?
Me: Mau...! Of cos... ke mana?
Azli: Mana saja kamu mau la...
Me: Ada new dive sites?
Azli: Ada rig wreck baru... mau kah?
Me: SET!

Dive date: 27th April 2008
Dive buddies: Andrew, Allen, Elisa, Hung
Dive captain: Azli

Having dive in brunei for almost 4 years, there are still no sign of boredom. Why? Azli never run out with new dive sites. He is forever exploring Brunei waters and discovering new wrecks and new reef. That's why I called him, dive si-fu (master / instructor).

It rained heavily on friday. My buddy and me were worried about the visibility. A call from Eric who canceled the dive last sunday, complaining about the bad visibility his Friday's dives. We weren't putting our hope too high on good viz, but more on experiencing the new wreck site.

When we reached the dive site, my jaw-dropped and I removed my sunglasses, rubbed my eyes and look down from the boat again. Am I seeing the wreck? The oil-rig wreck from the boat?! My gawd.. visibility was excellent! I quickly grabbed any mask nearest to me, jumped down from the boat and snorkelled. I can see the WHOLE rig wreck! The viz was SUPERB! woohoooo... all excited, everyone of us quickly geared up and had a wonderful one hour dive at Berakas Oil Rig Wreck. A must return for those with wide angle lens!

For 2nd dive, we went to TAC reef. Discovered by Azli when Andrew, Tat and myself were doing exploration dives with him. Azli named this reef after us - Tat Andrew Caryn Reef; hence TAC Reef. :)

This dive site is famous with black ray shrimp goby and cute little cuttlefish.

Enjoy the pictures below! Photos courtesy of Andrew Chieng

Flabelina Nudibranch (left), Flat worms dancing (right)

Gobys on soft corals

Tube worms (left), Christmas tree worms (right)

Cuttle fish (left), Cornshell attacking / feeding on another cornshell (right)

Black Ray Shrimp Goby

My favourite for this dive collection - Black Ray Shrimp Goby front view.

Ma' cute cute housemate...

2008-04-23T18:17:00.004+08:00

That's right... another post dedicated to my housemate, Ping Ping. Why? Cos he is cute..? Hmm.. no comments... but okie la... can la... cute also la... :P *dont wanna get stabbed in the middle of the nite by my housemate!* Heee...

Anyways, imagine getting off work at 7pm.. tired and exhausted to even to drive to a restaurant for dinner. All I wanted to do is just go home. And, that was exactly what I did and guess what?

Dinner is served...!

by Chef Ping Ping
*who is again, shy as ever to have his picture taken while cooking*
Psstt... Z.M. I am sure you can imagine how he looks like behind that big hand! Hee hee...

My Dream - Updated

2008-04-23T18:08:00.003+08:00

Remember "My Dream"? I wrote about how me and my sister wanted to visit the wonders of the world.

Scrolling through my old posts, I realised that we have covered two more wonders of the world in our last Chinese New Year trip in February this year. Yippeee.... So here are the updated chart of my wonders of the world journey... ;)

Ticked to the Roman Colosseum, Italy! (4 more to go...)

Ticked to the Eiffel Tower, France! (9 more to go...)

New blogging buddy...!

2008-04-17T14:34:00.005+08:00

A-har...! Photography? You like photography? Then for sure you will like phoTEOgraphy lor...!

Huh? What is phoTEOgraohy? Click on the picture below and check check lor...

WAT? You don't like photography? Never mind never mind... you will still like phoTEOgraphy one...

WHY? Aiyah... just check it out la... Yo Yo buddies, peng ew, kakilang, si mi lang, em si lang,... check out phoTEOgraphy..!

More of underwater Brunei...

2008-04-14T14:28:00.009+08:00

Dive Date: 6th April 2008
Dive Sites: Cement Wreck & Pelong Rock
Boat Captain: Azli, Hj Kula, Edward
Dive Buddies: TOO MANY!

There were over 20 dive buddies and all I can remember about these dives was... BACK-BREAKING...! I carried so much tanks, gearing up-down-left-right, finning up-down-left-right assisting open water students including Ping Ping my housemate, Reuben and the cutest of all.. Boon who panic like a lost baboon! Hee hee... but still the cutest oo.. so boonie keep it up..!

Here are some pictures taken by my buddies.

My favourite picture:

For more pictures, see Andrew's flickr.

Dive Date: 13th April 2008
Dive Sites: Aruns Wreck & Hornets Reef
Boat Captain: Azli, Man
Dive Buddies: Andrew, Steven, Joseph, Uwais, Rozi, Natasha, Anny, Helmy, Edi, Fanni

It's been a while since we last dive off Jerudong. This time round I was very excited to dive in Aruns Wreck again. The last time I dived there, I saw pipefish and Yellow + Black goby sharing the same "home"! I want to take more pictures...!

The first to descent, I went to secure the anchor line and was soon joined by dive buddies Joseph and Steven. Waiting for Andrew, who I usually tailed like a remora fish, I can't wait for him to spot more goodies to show us. Engrossed by the school of catfishes, I was trying hard to get a good shot but I still need to learn how to work my strobes! ARGHHH...! When I spotted Andrew, I am only left with 10minutes bottom time. Boo-hoo...! True enough, he spotted lots of goodies - Sawblade shrimp and pikachu nudibranch! *CRY* 10 minutes is not enough for me when I still struggle to position the strobe and playing with the settings. :((

During surface interval, I asked all that I can to learn how to position my strobe. Andrew gave me a few tips and tricks. *Splashhh* After descent, I went straight to the sawblade shrimp. Guess what? MY STROBE decided to die on me! *CRY OUT LOUDER* sighhhhh.... the focus light works but the flash just won't go... Why Why WHY AR...??

Anyways, I am still glad that I managed to see all these goodies. Besides, my pictures can't beat Andrew's pictures. :( DSLR kali ahhh.... Asian Diver also take his pictures for their latest issue kali ahhh... hee hee....

Here are some of his photos:

My favourites for this collections are the black & white background effect:

Charity & FUN - Part 2

2008-04-14T11:55:00.005+08:00

Remember my first post about Charity & FUN? I seriously believe that both are the best combination ever... charity + fun... and the result = Satisfaction!

I had a wonderful night out at the Empire cinema last Saturday. My babeh and I were looking forward to the Pyjamas Movie Night, organised by Mr. Reeds. I was thinking if I should wear my Garfield pyjamas... till the day itself. I found out that most of them, the colour has faded (well, I have them since secondary school!) and some has got missing buttons... Hmmm...

I was searching through my closet and found my Japanese Pyjamas (Yukata) that I bought in Tokyo some 7 years ago. Still wrapped in its original plastic bag! hee hee.... So tadaa... Yukata...!

None of us brought our camera, but I managed to curi one from Stupidlogic.com hee hee... Thank you for the picture!

Photographed by stupidlogic.com

We enjoyed the movie, "PS I love you" very much... sobbing almost throughout the whole movie. The guys on the other hand felt that the movie wasn't as great. Sighh.. so not sentimental one...!

Thank you Mr. Reeds for organising the fantastic night. Thank you BAG for sponsoring fellow BAG citizens and friends. Thank you Rano for the pictures on your site!

For more pictures and posts about the night... visit Mr Reeds' and Rano's sites.

Brahmin of India

2008-04-12T15:07:00.009+08:00

Remember Satya from my posts a few months back? Most of the posts in Jan and and Dec 2007. Satya was my apartment manager in Bangalore when I was posted there for a project since Nov 2007 and also my lovely neighbour!

Anyways, the beauty of ICT allows us to keep in touch easily regardless where we are. Eventhough we are in different part of the world, skype allows us to update each other on our present situations.

Just about 30 minutes ago, Satya sent me a message through skype and updated me with some pictures of Balu, his son. It was taken in the recent thread ceremony in Puri, their hometown.

I did a quick check on my favourite "all-you-want-to-know" website, wikipedia and found...

"Upanayana, sometimes known outside India by the name, "sacred thread ceremony", is commonly known for being a Hindu rite-of-passage ritual. Traditionally, the ceremony was performed to mark the point at which boys began their formal education.

In Hinduism, the ceremony is performed on boys of at least 5 years of age from the Brahmin varna, of at least 13 years from the Kshatriya varna, and of at least 17 years from the Vaishya varna. The youngster is taught during the ceremony the secret of life through Brahmopadesam (revealing the nature of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality) or the Gayatri mantra. The child then becomes qualified for life as a student or Brahmacharya, as prescribed in the Manusmriti."

When I received the first picture, the first thing I told Satya is...
"Oh my god! Balu is bald...! What happened to his hair??"

Balu with his new look!

According to Satya, Balu is now a typical Brahmin of India. I remember Gayathri told me that they will need to get lots of sarees to give away as part of the ritual. And, she has already started planning and preparing for this ritual since I was in Bangalore back in Nov 2007.

Here are some photos of Balu's thread ceremony.

The ritual was taken at the famous Jagannath temple of Puri

Balu with his aunty and uncle (left), Gayathri with her sister-in-law (right)

The lovely Balu...!

It's really nice to get an update from someone who once been like a "2nd family" to you when you are abroad. Thank you for keeping me posted. I miss you all - Gayathri's cooking, Satya's ever-friendly chit chat (plus some drinks, hee hee....) session and Balu's jokes and stories..!

Take care and hope that our path will cross again. Till we meet... !

BigBumBum's Birthday

2008-04-09T09:27:00.003+08:00

Me: Woman, tonight I cook soup. You come and drink yah?
BBB: Eh woman, I confirm with you later. I am not sure.
Me: Huh? Why? I make soup wor..! Very rare okie? Drink already tmr you strike lottery ar!
BBB: Hahahahhahaha... I confirm with you again.

DOH! There goes our surprise plan for her. #@!@#!@# Fred is supposed to buy satay and Babeh and I order in Pizza and fried chicken wings. Now that she is suspicious... we have no choice but eat out ourselves!

BBB ended up went to send her car for washing and went for manicure! After my dinner, BBB (BigBumBum) dropped by my place and looking for soup! Hahaha... I called Babeh and Fred over and then... we have a little cake cutting celebration for BBB.

Happy birthday woman...! Wishing you forever young, forever mei-mei, forever cute-cute oo...! Wahahaha....

PingPing da Housemate

2008-04-08T14:32:00.005+08:00

"PING PING...!!!"

That's what I usually call out loud every working morning after I open my room door.

"Cuok Mok" (What?) That's the usual reply from Ping, my housemate.

This morning I did the usual but his voice comes from the kitchen! Huh? He is awake earlier than me? What's he doing in the kitchen? I called out loud.. "Make breakfast for me har..." And the reply was... "Makingggggg...." *JAW-DROPPED*

I went downstairs and saw...

Wahh! Lovely sunny-side up with baked beans and toast bread!

The first thing I said to him was... "Wow! I think I gonna strike 4D soon!"
PingPing's reply... "Whadda?! That's what my mom usually say.... and my dad too..!"

Hahaha.. Thank you Ping Ping.... Remember my breakfast request tomorrow ar... Kolo mee pok! Hee hee....

My shy shy housemate doesn't wanna show his face... :P

Baboon's day...!

2008-04-05T13:01:00.003+08:00

4th of April is the day I called it the baBOON's day. Why? Cos it is Boon aka Boonie aka baBOON's birthday. hee hee..

Happy baBOON's Day, BooNieeee...!

Wishing you all the very best in life...!

Madam Sophia Kuan

2008-04-03T12:38:00.003+08:00

Last Wednesday, BAG Networks the company that I work for celebrate International Women's Day. We had Dr Irene Cheong from UBD who gave us a presentation on Brunei Women and Environment; how we can play our role to save the environment.

Within BAG Networks, we had an internal survey / mini contest for fellow BAG citizens to vote for the 'most outstanding woman' in our lives. Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Princess Diana are some of the names that popped out from the survey.

I voted for Madam Sophia Kuan. And, below was my reason behind my vote.

"She comes from an average family, living life getting what she wants like most kids these days. That was some 40 years ago. Until her father fell ill, she and her mother sold off almost everything that they have got; including the bicycle shop that have been bringing income to the family. Losing income and her father, she has to turn herself as helper in her relative house, giving in to porridge and soy sauce as an everyday meal. Considering the family's current situation, she married early through an almost arranged marriage to a businessman, hoping for a better life, for her and her mother. Unable to complete her secondary education, she was trained by her mother in law to clean, cook for a big family and for business. Looking at her hands, although both hands are dry, wrinkled with scars and protruding veins, they are the most beautiful hands in the world to me. They are the hands that has gone through so much to bring herself up after every fall, to support her family, to support her husband, to support her in-laws, to bring up her 4 children including filling forms, enrolling them to university (eventhough she can't read / write in english, she bought herself a chinese-english dictionary). Today, she hasn't rest her hands, she is still doing all the duty as a wife, as a mother and most important of all, as the most outstanding woman in the family and among her friends. These hands belong to my mother, the most important woman in my life."

With that, I got myself a gift from BAG.

2 movie tickets and $20 body shop vouchers

Diving with BSADC

2008-04-03T08:40:00.007+08:00

Dive Date: 30March 2008
Dive Sites: USA Wreck & Cement Wreck
Visibility: 5m - 8m
Boat: BSADC's Downunder 3

I was running late. Unsure of how to get to Serasa Yacht Club, I called Simon to direct me. Arriving at the Yacht Club, Steven was there to help me unload my gears and I was told that tanks had been arranged and loaded. Sweetttttt.... One of the reasons that put divers off especially women divers are carrying the heavy tanks and gears onboard.

This is my first dive with BSADC - Brunei Sub Aqua Dive Club . It was a very comfy boat with plenty of space to move around with a bunch of enthusiastic divers and Nina a diver-to-be. Danielle the dive instructor and also the leader for our dives last sunday, briefed us on the dives sites, standard dive rules and procedures. It was very well organised, disciplined but yet fun. We even managed to stop over Kuraman to chill after two beautiful dives. How beautiful? Here are some pictures...

Beautiful cement wreck with abundance of marine life...

The highlights of the dives.

Pipefish spotted at USA Wreck. Click on the picture to enlarge. I love the red-dotted lips! :)

A couple of ornate ghostpipefish. Mommy is heavily pregnant! :)

Click on the picture to enlarge. If you look carefully, you can see the eyes on the eggs. Sigh.. if only I've got a DSLR or macro lens. Again... please donate to buy-caryn-a-dslr-fund! :D

Cement Wreck & Pyramid Reef

2008-04-01T15:41:00.005+08:00

Dive Date: 28 March 2008
Dive Sites: Cement Wreck, Pyramid Sand-Patch, Pyramid Reef
Visibility: 5m - 8m
Boat Captain: Hj Kula
Dive buddies: Simon, Joseph & Eric

Whaleshark whaleshark where are you? :( We didn't manage to spot whaleshark, but nevertheless we enjoyed these dives very much. It was a cosy boat ride with plenty of space for only the four of us. Thank you Hj Kula for bringing us out!

Our first dive at Cement wreck was really cold for me. Temperature was about 26 degrees and I shiver mad in my 3mm wetsuit. Still testing my strobe light, I did not venture much around the site. Our 2nd dive, Hj Kula anchor down at Pyramid reef. But after we descent, we can only see sand and oh my... sand! Sand patch...! I got excited and patiently move around to look for gobies. We spotted diagonal gobies and yellow gobies. Absolutely beautiful, only wish that I have got a DSLR or a macro lens at least for better pictures. :(

After about 25 mins dive at the sandpatch and snapping away with Eric on the gobies, Simon and Joseph signalled to ascend. Simon was wondering hard what Eric and I were trying to photograph! hehe... For our 3rd dive, we descent at Pyramid Reef. Simon and Joseph spotted anemone crab where as me and Eric did our usual, practising with our camera on whatever we can find. :)

Here are some pictures...

Gobies & Shrimps

Nudibranch on starfish

Softcorals of the sea

Octopus & Nudibranch @ Cement Wreck

Eric with his toy... Canon Powershot G9 with Inon strobe and macro lens

Cruising bollywood style...

2008-03-31T13:10:00.007+08:00

Photos taken by Reeda Malik aka Anak Brunei

Last Saturday nite, some friends and I had a fantastic dinner onboard river cruise in Brunei. It was catered by tandoor.com with yummy Indian food. My first Indian meal since I left Bangalore. The food was fantastic with varieties of veg and non-veg; personal favourite is the manchurian prawns.

Here are some pictures and more in Rano's and Mr. Reeds' sites. We were very happy to have onboard with us the two of the best bloggers and photographers of Brunei!

A night filled with beautiful memories to remember... wonder what's next... ? ;)

Whaleshark whaleshark whaleshark...!

2008-03-22T17:02:00.003+08:00

One of the most hardcore divers, Simon called me up from Kota Kinabalu yesterday. He saw three whaleshark from his dive and asked me to go down to KK for diving today. My gosh... he is hardcore but I bet my bosses will skin me alive if I do that! hee hee...

Simon the hardcore diver.. one of my favourite dive buddies!

As much as I wanted to dive with the whaleshark... I will just have to wait for my turn to come... will I ever dive with a whaleshark? Well.. it keeps my suspense going strong and making me even looking forward for every dive... there are so much more to see in every dive.... every dive to come...

Whaleshark.. or rather.. whalesharks... hope to see you next Sunday's dive!

Ohhh... It is Dive for Earth day starting from the week of 22nd April. Divebums will be organising some activites in that week... if you do have any suggestions, feel free to drop your comments.

Happy diving...!

Happy Birthday babehhhh....

2008-03-18T17:14:00.004+08:00

Oppss.. another late post.. but as always... better late than never... :P

Surprises for my babehhh...

Surprise number 1: At office... all set and ready in the morning, until she sms-ed that she is taking half day off...! Hence, we re-set the scene after lunch...

Surprise number 2: Maggie Market "Wuteva-look" cake from Ivan. She was totally surprised and her first impression of the cake was "My gawdddd... BEH KER (no-go) ar you all...!"

My message for her in facebook:
"happie burfffffdaeeee babehhhh...!!! Everyone can have best frens, top frens, good frens... but i am glad i have a TRUE fren! wish you all the very best in life... love ya! muakzzz..."

Love you babehh...!

Underwater Garden of Brunei

2008-03-18T16:43:00.006+08:00

One of my favourite divesites in the Abode of Peace - Brunei Darussalam is Cement Wreck. Last sunday I managed to have two great dives and lots of fun with my buddies.

I love these pictures (above) taken by Andrew Chieng a lot. Hence, the size of his pictures uploaded are much bigger than mine (below). Sobs... hint hint... donate to "buy-caryn-a-dslr" fund. Hehe...

Azli, my dive si-fu (instructor) will be leaving for a two weeks holiday...
"Have a safe journey and great holiday with your family, sifu!"

Until then, I can't wait to breathe underwater again...

Gong Xi Fa Chai...!

2008-03-18T16:29:00.002+08:00

Right... it is probably late for this post... but hey.. better late than never ... Hee hee...

Ever since I got back, it had been busy bee for me... and then I got to relax with my family in our first trip to Europe! Yipppeeeeee....

Our journey starts from ...

Kuala Lumpur - Rome - Florence - Vatican City - Venice - Verona - Lucerne - Rhineland - Brussels - Amsterdam - Paris - London - Kuala Lumpur

Pictures speak a thousand words.... so here they are... enjoy...!

Italy & Vatican City:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29923&l=5384f&id=645189594
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29929&l=dc411&id=645189594

Switzerland:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29930&l=8369f&id=645189594
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29933&l=30fdd&id=645189594

The Netherlands & Belgium:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30080&l=95b9c&id=645189594

Germany:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29935&l=6e6a7&id=645189594

France:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30091&l=962f1&id=645189594

UK:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30110&l=b2a2e&id=645189594

Ohhhhh my gawddddd....

2008-03-15T16:58:00.002+08:00

Yeapp... Oh my gawddd... that was what my babehhh told me a week ago.

Lee: Oh my gawddd babe.. you haven't update your blog for more than a month kah?
Me: hee hee... *shy shy speechless*

Sorry ppl... will update soonest possible... lots of errands to run ever since i got back from Bangalore. And lots of catch-ups to be done too.. hee hee...

Coming up... Pictures from my Europe Tour... and more...!

Time to say goodbye

2008-01-31T00:52:00.000+08:00

The day has finally arrived for me to bid Bangalore “Goodbye”. It has been 76 days in Incredible India.

I arrived in November 17^th 2007, as a service provider to Accenture Bangalore IDC. Today… tonight… I am taking back beautiful memories of times spent with my new found friends – Shikha, Madhuri, Shambhavi, Parul, Nava, Siddarth, Amaresh, Manish, JP, Naveen, the two Saurabhs and all in Project Quoin; lovely time spent with my neighbours – Satya, Gayathri and Balu – who had been looking after me and given me lots of home-cooked meals; times spent with my bummie who came to visit me for Xmas and NY, challenging work experiences and many more.

My Farewell lunch at Civet, The Bay – Eco Space, Marathalli.

Myself, Santhosh (my Manager) & SriKrishna who is leaving Accenture.(left)
Hiri presented me with a gift! (right)

I would like to express my gratitude to Satya and Gayathri who have been fantastic to me, not just in managing my apartment – but they have evolved to be more of my close friends; making sure I have food, making sure I get what I need and making sure I am safe and happy throughout my stay.

Picture taken during my farewell dinner - Gayathri's home cooked meals.

(Thanks Satya, Gayathri and Balu!)

Selvar who had been my driver for the last one month has been a great help too! I am going to miss those times where I get into backseat of the car, greeted “Morning Madamme” with newspaper handed over to me. Hee hee… Selvar has also brought me sight-seeing around in Bangalore, Kolar Gold Field and also Mysore!

Selvar on the far right. Picture taken in Selvar’s house at Kolar.

Believe it or not, he has enjoyed being my driver and also the time spent with bummie when she was here. Hee hee… He actually framed up our picture taken together in his house.

Selvar… selvar… I gonna miss the time when I have to tell you – “Evening coming, backside Whitefield shopping go!”

Thank you to my company, BAG Networks for this opportunity. Thank you my lovely neighbours, Thank you to my lovely team-mates for working hand-in-hand with me towards the success of the project. Thank you all for making my stay a memorable one! I have to thank those too who has been accompanying me via MSNs, chats, SMS and also phone calls!

Ehhh.. bah.. better stop. It is getting to feel like I won a grammy award! Hohoho…

*Caryn is humming… “I’m leaving… on a jetplane… donno when I’ll be back again…”*

See you soon! And finally…

" N A M A S T E "

Signing off from Bangalore with BangaLOVE!

******************************************************************************
I wrote the above blog early this morning - taking a break after some packings.
Sitting at my apartment's balcony now, I am having mixed feelings. I am happy and excited as I will be meeting my closest friends and family. Yet, I am sad to leave.

This morning Satya and Gayathri came by to see if I needed help with packings and told me to have my last dinner over at their apartment. Selvar's sister called me up to say goodbye and wishing me all the best in my future. I received loads of emails showing appreciation of my effort for the project and thanking me for being a part of the team. Santhosh came over to have a chat with me before I leave. My heart sank when I have to bid farewell to my project mates. I wrote them an email saying that I hate to say goodbye, hence, I've said... "Till we meet again.."
******************************************************************************

Mehndi

2008-01-30T09:02:00.000+08:00

What are some of the things that I should do before I leave? Hmmm..

Indian clothes - saree & salwaar kameez- CHECKED!
Indian food - CHECKED!
Indian accessories - CHECKED!
Hmm... what about Henna Tattoo?

A quick search on wiki and I found the below.

"Mehndi (or Henna) is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration. It is usually drawn on the hands and feet, where the color will be darkest because the skin contains higher levels of keratin, with which the colorant of henna enters a permanent bind.

Mehndi decorations became fashionable in the West in the late 1990s, where they are sometimes called "henna tattoos". This term isn't accurate, because tattoos are defined as permanent surgical insertion of pigments underneath the skin, as opposed to pigments resting on the surface."

Ah-har! So henna tattoo is a wrong use of terminology. It is called "Mehndi"!

In South India, it is typically used for special occasions, particularly weddings. The brides usually have Mehndi done on both hands up to 3/4 of their arms. Others as fashion will have Mehndi done (from palm to not beyond elbow) either on both hands or just one.

Gayathri has arranged for Catherine - my masseur to send her gal over for Mehndi. Catherine and her gals have been giving me massages and she is good! This is one other thing that I will really miss in Bangalore. I found out that the Mehndi gal is actually Catherine's sister Fatimma. Catherine is a very capable woman who owns a beauty parlour that does massage, facial, pedicure, manicure, bridal make-up, mehndi,etc etc. And, she also owns a boutique! I found that all up chatting with her while Fatimma patiently decorated my hand. Hee Hee..

Catherine & Fatimma (left) Fatimma in action (right)

The completed artwork! My beautiful left hand! Hee... hee...

After removing the henna...

Hmm.. I wonder how long will this last? Ohh.. And, I found out over lunch today that the darker the designed on my palm is... the more my other half loves me. Hmm.. So please turn darker!! hee hee hee....

Counting days...

2008-01-29T21:27:00.000+08:00

2 more days to leaving Bangalore
3 more days to meeting my best friends in Singapore
5 more days to be back in Brunei with my chillout buddies, colleagues and wonderful friends
8 more days to seeing my family in Malaysia
9 more days to our first family trip in 2008

I just can't wait...!

Meanwhile, I am chilling out here till the time comes...

Cheers with my Emerald Ice slurpee from Java Green (at the cafetaria la...!) Hee hee...

Rest & Relax...

2008-01-29T21:24:00.000+08:00

Sunday was a very lazy day for me. I woke up early... but decided to not do anything... feeling much relax without the project "baggage" on my shoulder, I dig into my blanket and decided to just watch TV. Night of the Museum was showing and I think it was my fifth time watching it! Hee hee

Feeling hungry after the movie, I decided to cook most of the stuff that I've got left. I opened the fridge, ahhh.. pasta sauce. So pasta it is! But no chicken! Bird flu remember? Hmm.. then I found a can of tuna ... ahhhh... Spaghetti Napoleone with Tuna, mushroom and cherry tomatoes...!

Wahh.. Can I eat so much or not? Did I finish it? Of course they are not all for me! Hee hee... I've made some of my lovely neighbours. This time round, what are their reactions?

Satya: Tremendous tastes! (Hohohoho... I will cook everyday if i get comments like this!)
Gayathri: It's really nice.
Balu: The pasta is really good!

Now I am shy.... Hee hee...

Season Finale...

2008-01-26T17:16:00.000+08:00

It has come to the last few episodes of my life in Bangalore...

This morning my project has gone live successfully. I am happy, relieved... but also very very sleepy! I woke up at 5am on Friday... too stress and excited over the project timeline.

View from my balcony at 5am

Then, worked till 9.30pm... got home and continued work till 3am.

With only 3 hrs sleep, I continued till I heard the good news from my project mates in Australia that the project has been signed off! Sealed "Up & Running"!

Gayathri rang, dropped by and must be shocked to see how I look like a mad woman with sleep deprived. She kindly got her girl to make me a glass of hot coffee... Ahhhh.. the tastes and caffeine made me feel better... more awake...!

Happy that the project has gone well, I am also excited to make full use of the rest of my time today... S-L-E-E-P...! But what about meals? Well, haven't you read my previous posts? The lovely neighbours remember?

I napped for about an hour, woke up and just 5 minutes after I woke up the door bell rang. I got to the toilet to check my hair - don't want to scare my neighbours with the "just-woke-up-look". Hee hee... I opened the door, and there stand Balu with big plate on his hand. He handed the plate over to me and said, "Food".

Wow! I felt so pampered! Got a hot glass of really needed coffee this morning, got my nap and then... FOOD...! I felt like a happy little fish swimming around blowing happy bubbles out from my mouth. Hee hee..

What have Gayathri prepared for lunch today? Here it comes....!

Fried fish fillets, vegetables, fries, dhaal and basmasti rice.

I love eating the dhaal on basmasti rice. YUMMY! (left) The after-math...! BURP...! hee hee(right)

To make some of my colleagues jealous - who are working in Brunei on Saturdays, I webcam them to show them the food. Here are their reactions...

Webcam with Pete:
Pete: Howddy
Me: Wanna see wut my apartment manager's wife just made for me for lunch?
Pete: How would i do that?
Me: webcam laaaaaaaaa
(after seeing the food)
Pete: No wonder u look so much better!
Pete: no longer the skinny you!
Pete: u hv cheek bones now
Me: Haha.. fine...! I wanna eat now... and grow fat...! :P

Webcam with Ping:
The man of few words as usual - short and sweet...
Ping: make me hungry nia
Ping: Good for you!

Hee hee...

I am scheduled to leave Bangalore 31st Jan. One thing I know, I am going to miss this apartment, the neighbours and the Gayathri's cookings.

With a full stomach now... it is time to continue my nap. Hohoho..! Namaste.

Fresh Prawns Curry!

2008-01-25T00:26:00.001+08:00

What's boiling? What's cooking? I can smell.... FRESH PRAWNS CURRY....!

It was all after my Mysore day trip. I decided to drop by Satya's apartment and pay him and his family a visit. We chatted over some coffee and then Satya just mentioned to Gayathri (her lovely wife), "Do one thing, I'll go get some fresh prawns and you prepare some dosa." And, obviously these friendliest neighbours in town had asked me to stay put for dinner.

So there I go, had another wonderful home-cooked dinner!

The yummiest curry - I can still tastes the sweetness of the prawns!

Yummy onion dosa prepared by Gayathri.
She had asked us to eat first while she's still cooking! The dosa are best eat while hot.

Thank you Satya & Gayathri for the wonderful dinner
&
to Balu for the ever-friendly company.

Heritage City of Karnataka

2008-01-23T21:26:00.000+08:00

*Alarm rang*

Me with eyes half-open, stopped the alarm and checked the time. It is freaking 6am! On a SUNDAY morning…! My Gawddddd…. What was I thinking to wake up that early on a Sunday when there is NO diving in Bangalore…!

I crawled down the bed… struggled to open the door and off to the kitchen; made myself a cup of hot coffee. Ahhh... I am feeling a lil' bit more awake. Then off to the shower and it was cold early in the winter morning.

Not long after I got ready, Selvar missed call me. It is time to my lil' adventure to the Heritage City of Karnataka - Mysore.

I was greeted by Pravi the driver / owner of Toyota Qualis - my ride to Mysore. Selvar was there who took leave to accompany me. One of the best driver you can get in town!

After I got in the car...

Pravi asked, "Madamme, you like Jackie Chan?"

I replied, "Huh? Jackie Chan? Of cos! Errm.. why?"

Pravi then said, "Ok, Madamme. I play Police Story."

What the...?? Play Police Story. For a moment I thought he was going to play the role of Jackie Chan and Selvar as the bad guy! Then, he took out a DVD, slide it into the player and clicked a button and there comes the screen in the car! Ho ho ho... I didn't know I get to enjoy a movie on the way to Mysore. Is that a bonus or what? Hee....

Upon arrival, here are the list of places that I've visited.

Srirangapatna
A town in theMandya district. The entire town is enclosed by the Cauvery River. I visited the temple and took a ride on the cute little ermm.. I donno how to call it - a round 'sampan' (boat)? Hee Hee..

Mausoleum housing Tippu's tomb
Sultan Fateh Ali Tippu, also known as the "Tiger of Mysore" was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. Tiger of Mysore? WHY?? I wikipedia-ed Tippu and found out the below story.

"He was called the Tiger of Mysore because of the following story. Once, while hunting in the forest with a French friend Tippu Sultan came face to face with a tiger. His gun did not work, and his dagger fell to the ground as the tiger jumped on him. He reached for the dagger, picked it up, and killed the tiger with it. That earned him the name "the Tiger of Mysore". He had the image of a tiger on his flag."

Tippu Sultan and his parents tombs (left) Tippu Sultan's relatives tombs (right)

Tippu Sultan's Summer Palace (left) Beautiful paintings on the wall (right)

Tippu's Death Place
Well, as shown in the pictures below... (which is the correct spelling? Tipu or Tippu?)

Watergate
At this next stop, Selvar kept having a smile on his face and asked me to come down from the car. I was excited thought there will be something interesting. Then he kept smiling and said, "Madamme...! This is a prison! We are standing in a prison!" Hmm....... right..........

Chamundi Hill
According to wiki, legend has it that that the demon Mahishasura, the king of Mysore, was killed by the Goddess Chamundeswari (also Chamundi) after a fierce battle. The hills hence got their name and a temple of the goddess was built on the top.

Nandi Temple (Bull Temple)
The temple is exclusively for the worship of the sacred Hindu demi-god, the bull Nandi, Lord Shiva's vahana (vehicle / ride)

Sidharta Resort & Restaurant
Beautiful restaurant in the resort surrounded by a man-made lake. I ordered a glass of Cranberry juice, had the chef recommended Spinach & Mushroom soup, grilled fish with boiled vegetables & chips. It was so satisfying! YUMMY!

Mysore Palace
This beautiful palace is an official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and also housed the durbar (royal offices). See wikipedia to find out more.

SHOPPING!
I bought the famous Mysore Saree, shawls, some accessories and decorative items. Spent BND500 here in one shop. I need to control my spendings! Boo-hoo-hoooo...

St. Philomena's church
This church built in the honour of St. Philomena and was constructed in 1956.

Brindavan Garden
This show garden has a beautiful botanical park, full of fountains, as well as boat rides beneath the dam. It also has a musical fountain!

As an end to a very worth-spent day trip, I watched Baazigar a Bollywood movie starring... the famous Shakrukh Khan..!

For more pictures visit the links below:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27263&l=d1da8&id=645189594
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27267&l=d95e6&id=645189594

Thank you for reading... Namaste.

Yo! FOOD!

2008-01-19T16:23:00.000+08:00

Friday after work...

Selvar : Madamme, new chinese food!
Me : Huh? What new chinese food?
(Selvar pointed to a newly opened chinese restaurant)
Me : Wow..! Yo! China!
(Well, the name of the Restaurant is "Yo! China" Aparently it is a franchise and it is everywhere in India.)

So I thought, what the heck? Since I am lazy to cook after a long day's work, I went in for some take-aways. I asked if Selvar wanted anything. He said... "Madamme, try tastes first".

I ordered two set of "double combo meal; comprising of two main dishes and fried noodles or fried rice. Selvar had asked me not to eat chicken for a month in India because of "bird flu". Isn't he one of the best drivers in Bangalore? Hence, I ordered prawns and lamb as my two main dishes. Of course, the other set of combo meal is for Selvar. =)

Yo! China - Chinese Food, Chinese Prices <-- wth? what does it mean by "Chinese" prices??

"Tastes as great at Yo place" - got website somemore okie? ;) hee hee...

The noodle was great. I had prawns and lamb. The combo meal came with some vegetables pickles (like acar) and fried spring roll. There are dim sum like "siu mai" and "xiao lung pao" too! Will try next time!

Today, I had a lazy morning... And, it was sooo.. soo.... misty and cold!

View from my balcony

I woke up and had coffee and a bowl of cornflakes. Then I continued with my DVD series Friends, a X'mas gift which has kept me entertained till today. And, I am on the last DVD now! Boo-hoo...

For lunch, I was thinking of pasta. But the weather was so cold that when I made my HOT coffee in the morning, it turned to ICE coffee after I finished my small bowl of cornflakes! So, I thought I should cook something that will help keep me warm.

Again, I opened the fridge and... ta-daaaa.... Kingfisher Beer...! Hohoho...!

Kingfisher DIET - 30% less calories! Now is that cool or what? Hee..hee...

I prepared the ingredients... as described as a friend of mine of "simply hantam" a.k.a "anyhow whack", I just take what I feel will be a good combination with the beer

Eh dont worry.. I didnt put the pineapple behind in the beer!
Just to support the container while I took the picture. Ha ha..!

And it tastes gooddddddddddddd..! Hee hee....

While enjoying my lunch, I realised I've got a gift from Shikha & Manish (my project mates) here and I have yet to open it.

They've gotten me a Ganesh / Ganesha souvenir! So sweet of them! Thank you guys!

Just two days back over lunch, we (me and my project mates) had an interesting lunch topic. And, it was all about Ganesha. Ganesha is a very popular elephant-headed God in India. His head is an elephant because his father Lord Shiva chopped off his head. Ganesha was guarding while his mom was taking a shower at the pond. Not knowing that Lord Shiva was his father (neither does Lord Shiva knows that Ganesha is his son), Lord Shiva got annoyed because he wasn't allow to see his wife and hence, chop off his head. Ganesha's mom then asked Lord Shiva to chop off a head of a living thing, put it on the son's body to recover him. Hence, an elephant head! How interesting is that???

Ganesha - taken at Kemp Fort temple, Bangalore

If you notice from the picture above, Ganesha wraps a snake around his stomach because he eats a lot of lettuce and doesn't want his stomach to burst.

All this is so interesting that I should find out more and make it a daily lunch topic with my project mates! Hee hee... Till the next lunch episode...

Namaste and Vanakam! It is time for my massage... hohoho...

The lovely neighbours

2008-01-19T09:38:00.000+08:00

So how did dinner go last weekend? It brought over some fruits and Sula Champagne.

Satya opened it with a "pppooooopppp" and everyone took a glass before dinner.

Gayathri was preparing the fish and it smells gooodddddddd...!

We had prawns, fish, chapati, basmati rice and lotsssssssss of salads! YUMMIEEE...

After dinner, we sat down together and chat about... hmm.. life. Little did I know that Gayathri had been through a lot to save and maintain this family. Satya used to drink everynight, coming home drunk and not taking care of the family. Gayathri used to work to support the family and take care of Balu, their only son. She told me stories of how Satya would come back shouting and banging the door, throwing chairs while she was scared not knowing what to do. According to Gayathri, she has thought of leaving Satya but holding on for Balu. Gayathri said in their culture, a divorcee is considered as a "bad woman" and will automatically be labelled as "left by the husband" and will be difficult or hardly can start a new family.

Nonetheless, Gayathri managed to pull things through. With her patience and tolerance, she managed to make Satya realised of what he has done. Overnight, Satya quit drinking and smoking. It is like a fairy tale... that they are living happily now. Drinks are only occassionally and a glass or two.

Satya said, "It is the past in me. I'm all OK now..."

When you're missing home...

2008-01-13T13:21:00.000+08:00

It has been almost 3 months now that I am in Bangalore. Feeling homesick, I still haven't been able to get rid of this feeling since I came. But I've also made a lot of new friends who had helped me and is still helping me to pull through the hardest moment...

Naming a few, I have my apartment manager Satya and his family - wife Gayathri and son Balu who are the sweetest neighbours that you can ever get.

Anytime, anything that you need, just make a quick call and they will do whatever they can to help you and make sure you got what you need. If you ever come to Bangalore, needed a few days, weeks, months or years of accommodation, please do not hesitate to check his website. You will not regret with the place and service that you will get.

What touches me most is that Gayathri knowing that I am here alone and usually cook dinner for myself, she will always invite me over for dinner whenever she feels that I am not busy. Last weekend, she again made dinner for me.

I thought it is only polite that I bring something over for dinner. This time round, red wine and some fruits! But we didn't have the red wine. Drank Bacardi Breezer instead. Hee hee..

Yesterday morning, I had a conference call with my fellow BAGians back in Brunei. I miss them so much! BAG had a special Arabian day and everyone dressed up beautifully. I can't help but had watery eyes after seeing all of them. MISS YOU ALL!

And not long after the call, I got a call from Gayathri to ask me to open my apartment door for 2 minutes. Wondering what had happened, I opened the door only to find out that she had prepared breakfast for me! Now how sweet is that? She had also made "chad" (like salad) for me on one evening when I was back home early for a conference call.

Yummy "idly" with dhaal and chutney made of coconut and peanuts.
This is also known as the healthiest Indian breakfast as there is no oil at all in the cookings.

With a full stomach, some of the closest project mates here had planned to visit the Indian Safari - Bannerghatta National Park. The 25,000 acre park is home to panthers, lions, tigers and a large variety of birds. The park is situated 22 km south of Bangalore. There is a mini safari that helps fund the reserve of Indian tigers, lions and other mammals. We opt for the "Grand Safari" ride which costs $125 rupees per person. The ride takes about 30 minutes and we spotted tigers, bears, lions, deers and some other.

After the ride, we then opt for a walk on the wild side...

School kids having fun at the park...

Caught a glimpse of some animal porn too! Pigeons mating.

This is how much I miss diving - practising my macro shots on land! Hee hee...

"I've got a fish! YumYum!" (left). Mr. Ko-ko-dile! I shall name you Andrew! (right)

Love the elephants...!

This cheeky lil' ones has been performing head-butt and head-bite acts!

The only elephant with tusks in the group. (left) Me and my new found buddies. (right)

I am feeling just how you are feeling! (Left). Walk up walk down walk left walk right (right).

Eventhou this is a tortoise, it reminded me of my bummie! (left). STUPIAK monkii (right)

Curling up! (Left). Owl apparently symbolises fortune in India (Right)

Feeling tired after all the walking whole day till about 5pm, we decided to call it a day and head home. On our way back, we were caught in a lil' bit of traffic jam. Sigh.. turning to my right, I saw Mr. Bull.

Mr. Bull wondering why there is a jam, when he is already waiting at the fast lane!

Back to my lovely apartment...

My living area (left) overlooking the park (right) where there are usually some Indian men playing volleyballs in the evenings. HmmMmMmMMmmmm....

It is always when I open the door to a total silence that gave me a rush the feeling of homesick. I miss my family and I miss all my friends. I am glad that even far apart there are the phone calls, SMS and Internet chat that helps bring me close to my family and friends. For those who had been spending time days and nights chatting and making sure I am "alive and kicking" here in Bangalore, I am thankful and grateful that God had bring us together as friends / buddies / bummies.

I MISS YOU ALL....!

Tonight, I'll be having dinner at my lovely neighbour's again. Satya had just called me, making sure that I'll be attending the 'seafood feast' tonight. This time round, I've prepared a bottle of Champagne.

I've been told that Sula produced the best wines in India.

ps: Boon-Boon, I am celebrating your birthday here with my neighbours. A glass of Indian Champagne toast to you! Happy Birthday!

Boon-Boon and me.

Chicken Beer Noodle

2008-01-08T22:01:00.000+08:00

I opened the fridge and then... HHHHMMMmmMmmm.... what should I eat for dinner tonight?

I've got a bottle of Kingfisher Beer left and two big bags of ginger (leftover from my bummie). Then I thought, what the heck? Let's have chicken beer noodle soup since I've been craving for it as my chillout buddy LUE-BEN Fang has been reminding me about Saemporna's Yummy Chicken Wine Mee Sua. Hmmffff....

Rueben a.k.a. Lue-Ben - new year new hair style kah?

So here it goes...

Kingfisher beer said, "Hello boiling chicken... are you ready to take a bath with me?"

The "secret" ingredients - Kingfisher Beer (notice it is DIET lagi tu...!), and Hakka Egg Noodles (well, what to do? can't find any mee sua). Can you see the "steam" from the beer chicken soup? (right)

The end product - Kingfisher Beer Chicken Hakka Egg Noodle Soup! Hee hee hee....

I gave a bowl to my Apartment Manager - Satya. Thinking that he might not like the taste as there are no spices or any curry or masala powder like a typical Indian food, I left him the bowl of noodles and went back to my apartment. So in case if he doesn't like it, he need not force himself to swallow in front of me.

20 mins later, he called...

Satya : Hi, Satya here.
Me : Oh.. hi satya
Satya : I finish completely everything
Me : Ohhhhhhhh! The noodles! You like it?
Satya : It's beautiful... the tastes is BEAU-TI-FULLLLLL....! I finished all completely.

Now was that a success or what? Hee hee heeeeeee....

Road Trip to Kolar Gold Field....

2008-01-07T21:33:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, I was pretty bored... with nothing plan for. My driver Selvar has been asking me to visit KGF (short for Kolar Gold Field). What so special about KGF?

Well, first of all.. it is his hometown and where he always said... "my daddy works in the gold mine". And, then secondly he will say..."Beautiful temple, madam. Many many small temples in the temple... many many hundreds, thousands small temples."

Hmmm... that I got to see. Known of its beautiful and some declared as world heritage sites, I am always impressed and keen to visit the temples and churches in India.

During Christmas day, my bummie and I celebrated in Goa and we visited some beautiful places in Goa.

The most memorable one to me is the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Built in 16th century at Old Goa, the former capital of the Portuguese at a distance of 10 kms. east of Panaji, it is the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. This church is connected on the southern end with the Professed House built by Jesuits in 1585 but was partially damaged in fire in 1663 and was rebuilt in 1783. The church is called 'Bom Jesus' meaning 'Good Jesus' or 'Infant Jesus' to whom it is dedicated.

The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. This church dedicated to Infant Jesus is now a World Heritage Monument. (For more details on our trip to Goa - visit my bummie's blog)

Back in Bangalore, we visited the Kemp Fort temple which is behind the Kemp Fort Mall. I always passed by the Kemp Fort shopping centre and thought it was very eye-catching to have a shopping centre designed in this way. Little did I know that there is a temple behind it! A very famous temple indeed. So we went through a small alley to go behind the shopping centre... and then... "Wow..." We were impressed.

Sitting in front of us is a majestic 65 foot open-air idol of Lord Shiva. Shiva is portrayed in the posture of Padmasan with the replica of the holy Ganga flowing from his topknot.

Behind the idol is the holy cave Yatra traditionally called the ' Amarnath Yatra'. Within the cave are twelve beautifully decorated Jyotir Lingas. There is the reverberation of "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra within the cave. The cave yatra is open to the public from 9 am to 9 pm. It attracts a large number of devotees. Puja (Offerings) services are offered free of charge for everyone.

There is a wishing pool where devotees can get their wishes fulfilled by lighting a candle, dropping a coin in the pool and by chanting ' Om Namah Shivaya' seven times." I did light a candle but only found this out after I google!

This beautiful temple is built by Ravi Melwani, a well-known business personality and owner of Kemp Fort. Ravi Melwani is also a staunch devotee of Shiva, was instrumental in the construction of this idol and temple.

Now what about the temple near KGF? The name of the temple is Koti Lingeshwara. It is located in a village called Kammasandra, about 6kms away from KGF. I was expecting Lord Shiva idol but it has been represented as Lingas. A quick check from wikipedia and I found out that "Shiva was and still is chiefly worshipped in the form of the linga, usually a short cylindrical pillar with rounded top, which is the survival of a cult older than Indian civilization itself...." There are more than 8 millions Lingas that have been installed in the temple since 1974. The biggest Linga is about 108 ft in height.

Lord Shiva (left) and the 108ft Linga (right)

Puja - offerings during prayers

On the way back, we stopped by another temple which Selvar claimed as the Eagle Temple.

Before we head back to Bangalore, Selvar invited me to his house. The moment we arrived, everyone came out to greet me; such a friendly family! The neighbours came out and peep at me, as I was the first foreigner to visit the house. Selvar's family lived in the KGF staff quarters. It was a small cosy house where every members of the family sleep together in the living room - convert to bedroom at night. I felt sad but towards the end after mingling with the family members, they are actually very happy and proud of this. And, it definitely bonds the family closer.

Selvar 2nd from left with his family (left).

Here are some other photos that I took during the road trip.

Bak Kut Teh

2008-01-07T21:04:00.000+08:00

"What's for lunch today?"

That has been my favourite question every noon Brunei time to my buddies, especially to my bummie who recently left back home after spending 10 days in India celebrating Xmas and NY with me. After only 10 days and she feast like a hungry ghost back in Brunei now!

Showing off each other lunches {well mine is always the standard Veg Combo Meal - comprises of chapati, rice, dhaal, veg masala and curd (yoghurt)}, I told her that today I will be having bak-kut-teh with cakoi and a glass of three-sour drink (san suan ping)!

Babehhh here is my lunch for today!

Papad (crispy Keropok as starter) with four pots of bak-kut-teh! (right)

See the bak-kut-teh on my plate? (left) and my big piece of ca-koi? (right)

Well they ran out of san suan ping - so I had fresh pineapple juice! And it tastes so refreshing...!

Sometime you just have to use your imagination ...! Hee hee...

And as a bonus, I had pistachio ice-cream for dessert... yummm yummmm

By the way, lunch was on Siddarth the birthday boy today...! Happy Birthday Siddarth!

What pizza?

2008-01-06T21:30:00.000+08:00

Yesterday evening I went for some grocery shopping at Cosmos Mall, White Field. Feeling hungry after doing some shopping... I decided to grab some quick munchie. I stopped by Pizza Corner and guess what?

How creative... a footlong Pizza called Footizza...! Hee Hee...

Did I order a Footizza? No... I went for....

Tadaaa...! Conizza...! Ho ho ho...

And it tastes pretty cool eating pizza like an ice-cream cone!

Happy 2008 from Bangalore...

2007-12-31T19:48:00.000+08:00

It has been a wonderful X'mas in Goa, celebrating with my bummie. We went for 2 dives in Xmas eve and the dive centre has put a little Xmas Tree underwater. (check out divebums website)

Now, I can't believe that the clock has finally ticking to the end of 2007. I will be welcoming the year 2008 in Bangalore. Will upload more pictures after the celebration.

Till then, goodbye 2007. You've brought great memories... good, bad, happy and sad... Scrolling through my blogs for year 2007, I can only see happy posts... And, I am glad I only written the happy ones.. it will be unforgettable...

I wish everyone a better year for 2008... best of health and and best of wealth...

Happy 2008!
Cheers from BangaloRe with bangaloVe!

We love webcam!

2007-12-30T16:52:00.000+08:00

It is a sunday morning... when you wake up feeling like doing something... but not work, not housechores and basically feeling like doing something that really does not do anything... Hmm.. am I making sense? Probably not.. and as the saying goes.. pictures speak like a thousand words... so here come the pictures to show you what I've been "doing" this beautiful Sunday morning... ho ho ho...!

Bel: "Haha.. that doesn't look like u!"

Me: "Well, you don't look like u too!"

This is soooo freaking scarie! Brrr...Brrr....!

This reminds me of some kind of sad love story! Sobbsss...

I love the one with star glasses and I sent it to Belinda in Facebook. Below are the message I wrote for her...

" So wat if ppl thinks we are crazy? As long as we think we are funny and bring a smile to everyone's face! =) Miss ya' Bel! Eventhough we are far apart... but it does not stop us from being funny together! Long live webcam and internet! :D "

And guess what? I accidentally clicked and sent to some other 200 frens of mine in facebook! Boo-hoo.. sorry guys.. but anyhow, I hope it bring a smile to your face! Hee.. hee...

Miss ya' Bel! Hope we can do this face-to-face next time...! Hugzz!

Vote for Woman in a Wetsuit!

2007-12-29T02:38:00.000+08:00

We were spending our lovely time in Goa to celebrate Xmas when Rano sent an sms to my bummie Lee Ming and gave her a fantastic Xmas present! She has been nomintated as one of the top 5 bloggers!!!

Here are the details:

Vote for Brunei's Best Lifestyle blog!After two weeks of public nominations in the fourth category of The Simpur Bloggies, the top 5 nominated blogs are now ready to be voted for! You can now vote to determine which blog will officially become Brunei's Best Lifestyle Blog.

Congratulations to Brunei's official top 5 Lifestyle Blogs, as nominated by the public. The nominees are (listed in alphabetical order)..

A. Brunei Fishing

B. Classic Articulation

C. Surkrew - Representing Brunei Rollerblading Scene

D. The House of E

E. Woman in a Wetsuit

So people.. vote for my bummie! :) Simpur is smart yeah? I tried to vote for more than once and it says... "opppss looks like you've already voted and your vote is not counted." Darnnn.. hehe..

3...2...1... Baby are u ready to rock?

2007-12-18T01:11:00.000+08:00

Well, in the name of privacy, let’s just use anonymous name for my conversation with a buddy of mine. Hehe…

Little Bunny: ?
Me: got concert
Little Bunny: scorpions?
Me: yeahhh
Little Bunny: the group?
Little Bunny: ****
Me: i dont even know who..
Little Bunny: bullsh*t
Me: but i think rock band
Little Bunny: Yah there r in

india

Little Bunny: this sunday?
Little Bunny: sh*t im goin over
Me: who are they?
Me: wut's the nice song?
Little Bunny: wind of change
Me: U KIDDING me?
Me: that's them?
Little Bunny: Dont talk to me ok
Little Bunny: shudnt tell me that kind of thing
Little Bunny: scorpions man
Little Bunny: classic!

Hehe.. so I decided to book myself a ticket (middle range costs Rs1500).
And who should I go with? *Light bulb on* Shikhaaaa…! She came to my mind right away. But then, she wasn’t interested when I asked her the next day. And, she was so eager to help me find someone to go with. Sweet of her! But, I told her no need to as there are two BEC (Bangalore Expatriate Club) couples who are going. I sent an email to Kevin and… tadaaa… I got myself a dinner and concert planned out! We met up at Koshy’s for yummy “fish n chips” (my first bite of fish in Bangalore… Tastes like HEAVEN!) and tasty roast chicken!

After dinner, off we go to the Palace Grounds… There are some crowd but bearable. Rienke (who lives in Brunei for four years when she was a child! What a small world?!), Victor and myself went in one car while Kevin and Carol decided to ride on their scooter. (I found out why they want to do this at the end of the concert. The traffic was crazy when we left! Smart move guys!

Now about the Scorpions.. the Scor-pi-ons..! What can I say about them…? Hmm… I don’t know much of the songs besides “Wind of change” and “Humanity”… But to my surprise, some of them are really good. Rienke got touched listening to “still loving you” and I thought that song is really sweet too. But… but… this is a rock band yeah? They rock obviously. There are actually lots of families in the concert. Standing only like 5 metres away from the stage, I could clearly see everyone in the band and I was surrounded by the fans… but it is not like we are squeezed like sardines. There is plenty of space to move around. When I said families – I meant: father, mother, sons and daughters. And guess who are the one that did most of the screaming and singing out loud? Yes.. the father! And, they rawkkkssss! Heee heee…

My favourite for the concert has to be when they played wind of change, and the ironic thing is when the band sang this song… I can really feel the cool breeze… I thought that it was just absolutely beautiful and no regrets that I went for the concert! Like what Barney from “How I meet your Mother” series likes to say… “It was LEGENDARY…!”

Scorpions you guys rawks Bangalore like a hurricane…!

PS: Just a little note, after the concert, my left ear sort of got deaf a bit for like hours!

Here are some more pictures...!

Victor and Rienke from Holland

Kevin and Carol from New York

Scorpions - Lead Singer

Rienke and Me

What better ways to have a team meeting?

2007-12-18T01:06:00.000+08:00

Daily we've scheduled for team meeting every 4pm. I was thinking.. hmm.. what the heck? Let's have a change. And, here we went to the Cafetaria and have a Badam Milk (Almond-flavored Milk) team meeting! Hee Hee...!

Badam Milk - hmm.. tasted like.. almond milk but also with ginger...

Some of the MP team - Siddarth, Shikha, Myself, Madhuri and Praveen. Others missed out on the badam milk! :P

Getting the Bangalore Touch

2007-12-18T00:28:00.000+08:00

Have been busy at work and also trying to settle here in Bangalore. Now, how else can you try to settle in if you don’t go for shopping and for restaurant hunting? Hee hee…

I was very lucky to have made great new friends here. One of them is Shikha and she is like my “local guide” here.. bringing me shopping and buying varieties of dishes for me to try. My favourite has to be the dosa and …. They are yummieeee and most importantly not too spicy. I always think I am someone who can take spicy food, well.. not till now. The green chilies here are so spicy that I can feel my tummy burning even after 2 hours taking it. Dohh…!

On two weekends, Shikha accompanied me. One to shopping and I’ve got myself loads of goodies… hehe.. for myself saja.. so don’t expect any souvenirs yet… haha… with all the rush in the packing, I found myself bringing lots of working pants but not much tops.. Doh..! So I bought myself some local salwar kameez (Punjabi traditional dress) and guess what? Some = 7 pairs! I have to control my spending! Any tips for the shop-a-holic?

On another weekend, Shikha and myself went to two temples famous in Bangalore. One is the one and only BullTemple (recommended by my driver) and the other is suggested by Shikha which is definitely a great must-visit site; Iskcon Temple. It is the largest temple in Bangalore and it was made out from lots of gold and precious stones. No pictures though as cameras are not allowed. Pity.

Pictures taken at Bull Temple - My driver insists that he helped me take a picture.

Here are some more pictures… Enjoy…!

Shikha and me enjoying our snacks at Garuda Mall. What did we eat? See below...

Steamed Momos - CHINESE apparently, and it is the first time i heard of it!

Rajkachori - and this is YUMMY!

Then for dinner, we went to Punjabi Times and had lots of food.

More pictures? Here it comes...
Satya (My apartment Manager), his wife Gayathri and Balu, their son. This lovely family has invited me for dinner and will be dining with them again on Xmas day

The Indian version of MacGuyver who opened wines using screwdriver!

Yummy curry chicken, paratha, chapati, basmati rice, salads and apples prepared by Gayathri

Dinner prepared by Manisha at Mukesh's House - I love the paneer which is like toufu but made of milk

My most expensive Salwar Kameez - BND150!!! Kena cheated kah me? But then.. it is nice! heehee..

Lunch at The Bay - In one of my punjabi traditional clothes. My pants macam aladdin kah? Hohoho..!

Journey to Bangalore...

2007-11-24T22:54:00.000+08:00

16th November 2007 – the day I left Brunei to start a new chapter of my life in India. It was the most last minute things that I ever done in my life. I was still doing my packing and stuffing things that I can find on the floor which may be of use to me. When I finally reached the airport, I look totally exhausted after checking in 45kg of my luggages. Some of my good friends came and sent me off. Transiting via Singapore – all I did on flight is S-L-E-E-P.

In Singapore, I was delighted to catch up with some good old friends – MM who picked me up and FS my dear who met up with us. MM rented a beautiful room at Raffles the Plaza and the three of us slept in the King-sized bed – not for long before MM got whacked by me and slept on the floor instead. Haha… Poor MM.

Mark my team lead bought us YUMMIE seafood dinner at Seafood Centre. I am going to miss eating the Crab noodle soup, black pepper crab, bamboo clams and more. We also managed to tour Guniang Nai’s new condo and sat in his brand new car. Not forgetting meeting his new found love of his life – Wei Wei. hehehe…

Buddies in singapore - from left Mei Moi, Fuei Sing, ME, Team Lead Mark, Guniang Nai Min

17th November 2007 – the day I arrived Bangalore. It was a journey to remember sitting next to a chap that can’t stop snoring (really loud) in the 4.5hours flight. Thank God for the headphone and Little Mermaid cartoon that kept me “alive” throughout the flight. I was delighted when the pilot announced the early arrival. First thing I did is to call and make sure my ride is here. After a very long queue passed the immigration, I thought it will be over as my baggages had been tagged priority, thanks to my buddy in Brunei. Nonetheless, the nightmare has just started. There was a HUGE and I mean HUGE crowd surrounding the conveying belt, all waiting for their luggages. There was no way for me to even take a peep of my luggage. It was unbelievable – I was left speechless waiting for at least 30 minutes. When I finally got my luggages, I walked out, hearing lots of shouting asking if I need a taxi. I found a sign with my name, held up by a young chap in clean white uniform. Phew…! Stalin is his name and he made me feel safer. On our way to my apartment, we witnessed an accident right in the very front of us. A couple on a bike got ran over by an SUV. Literally ran over. The passenger of the bike was screaming and yelling with blood on her face while the driver of the bike just lied on the floor. Stalin asked for my permission to go out and help. 1 minute later he came back in as the accident scene has been surrounded by easily 20 people and he said we should go. I was still in the state of shock and asked him a zillion questions about help for the people.

18th November 2007 - The next day Stalin told me that he read on the paper that they are fine and being treated in the local hospital. He then explained to me that there is no point to call the ambulance as it takes too long to call and get help from. He also explained that the accident scene is usually too crowded with everyone trying to help but none will really send the victims to hospital as it involved the police. This, I could not understand. But I did not say much as it is in the past and I really did not do anything to help. Where has my courage and EFR skills gone to?

Stalin drove me to my first destination out – the Reliance Fresh Food Store. I bought myself 3 bottles of drinking water, some fruits and snacks. Then, we head out for my first meal. McDonald’s fillet o’fish meal with a Mexican chicken wrap that I bought to-go as my dinner. We become friends in just over the weekend, earning me an invitation to his house during x’mas, together with his wife and mother. He took me out for some tour around Bangalore – the Parliament House, Summer Palace, Lake. And I helped him to earn some quick bucks by just walking around souvenirs stores for about 10 minutes. He got paid $200 Indian Rupees for bringing guest to the store. We stopped over 4 stores. Before I went to bed, I felt the urgent need to check my emails and have some chats with my bummie. I walked to the cyber café across the street and spend 1.5 hrs there, feeling like an alien. Hehe…

19th November 2007 – First day of work, got woken up by an SMS from poor little bunny. I had a horrible night trying to sleep with the noise from traffics and the pedestrians outside my apartment (which is ‘strategically’ located behind a bus stop and also next to a flyover). I requested for a switch in my apartment, an ID pass so I can go around the office (else I need to get help to get in and out the office for toilet and pantry break), prepaid mobile line, internet connectivity in the office and in my apartment, and also a bank representative to open up an account.

20th to 23rd November 2007 – The next four days of work is pretty similar. Better each day though except for the 1hr ride to work and 2 hrs ride back from work. The traffic jam is killing me. Hence, I can’t wait to move to a new apartment! Nearer to office, no traffic noises honk all night long and no dogs fighting and barking early in the morning.

24th November 2007 – I moved to the new apartment! Wooohooo…! Couldn’t be happier. It was absolutely beautiful – 2 bedroom, a living room, a kitchen of my own! After moving in, I went for groceries to stock up the kitchen and made my own pasta for dinner. Nothing fancy…. But at least I am satisfied! Heheh… And, I bought a $200BND webcam to show the apartment to most of my buddies.

25th November 2007 – It was soooooo good to wake up seeing bright sunny sun than in the middle of the nite with cars honkings and dogs barking. hehe.. I made my own omellete for breakfast rather than some chocolate bar! Hehe.. I went for more groceries so that I don’t have to eat out on the weekdays and can just rest at home after work. Kumar, the new driver asked me to help him made some extra allowances by walking in and out souvenirs shops. He told me four shops but ended up asking me for one last shop. Sigh.. I went in and greeted by a salesperson who then came and said.. “I remember you! You came last week.” Damn… it was one of the shops that Stalin has taken me to. And, I did not buy anything and told him I will buy next time. Well, next time came too soon!!! I bought two wine glass made from Onyx. Cost me $1000rupees! It better keep the wine cool as he said. (Babe, when you come visit me, let’s try out some wine on those glasses.)

Ohh.. I forgot to give a comparison between the earlier Guest House that I stayed and the current one.

Here are some pictures of the guest house (room with toilet attached but sharing kitchen and living area), Accenture Office and The Bay (One of the many cafeteria that opens till 11pm!).

Entrance to the Guest House @ BTM Layout

My Room 101

Toilet @ Guest House Room 101 - Hmm.. I wonder why the toilet is designed this way... Any idea?

Accenture Bangalore Office Building 4 - Yeap there are many offices here. 6 in fact!

Our Team Room - 30+ in the team!

My workspace. You can see that I only drink mineral water! :P

My favourite Cafetaria. The Bay. They even have McDonalds! Wide selections of North and South Indian food, Chinese Food, Sub-way, Domino's Pizza, Baskin Robbins, Cafe Coffee Day (I finally found a place for my Latte!), Hog Dog (for Hot Dogs - with vegetarian hot dog!) and more.

For pictures of the new apartment that I am staying - visit http://transitstay.com/

I will show you more pictures once I took them :)

Till then... VANAKAM!

Rig Wreck, Rig Reef and Elryn Wreck

2007-10-24T00:21:00.001+08:00

Bubbly bubble coral shrimp

On 17th August this year, Emily and Ricky decided to bring their buddy who just got back from UK to a dive trip. This blog is a special dedication to Lawrence. Hope you had an enjoyable time diving with us. =)

Here comes the photos... after lots of bugging from Ricky! :P

Ricky & Lawrence

Note the kettle in the picture is found in Elryn Wreck

Ricky - Lawrence - Emily (can u look at my camera and not yours? :P)

The Threesome! - as in buddies in diving. Hee Hee...

Bibii(Ricky) - LawLaw (Lawrence) - GeeGee (Emily)

So how was the dive? From Lawrence's smiley face... I guess the dives were satisfactory! Must be the cool DM trainee that assisted the dive... ;) Hohohoho...!

Big 3

2007-10-13T14:00:00.000+08:00

Ever since new year celebration this year. I dread for this day to come... When it hits... I was so prepared. Spending quality time with my family, I counted the moment before the clock strikes 12am.

At 12 sharp, guess who was the first to call and sang me a birthday song? My lovely bummie! Thanks babe... love u to the max! Lee Ming and Boon Hui cooked for me before I left for KL. You guys are the greatesttttttt!

So there I am well prepared to accept the reality of turning 30 years old. Gawd I feel old saying that! hehe.. Anyways, with all my frens (older ones especially) they make me feel forever young in heart! hehe..

I had a simple celebration with my family with lots of love, care and good food from my mom! (Mummy you are the best mom in the whole wide world!) And.. of cos, i cant never go away without a surprise from 'yee sou' who bought me a very yummy baskin and robbins ice-cream cake.

And... and... another surprise... from my crazy brother..! hehe.. Love you baby..! You always crack me up.

He surprised me with a bunch of vegetables while i was shopping for clothes!!!

ps: why do i feel all mushy suddenly? must be the mid-life crisis hitting again. hehe..