Every time I resume blogging after a long break, I wonder how many 'followers' are still following.
Well, I must confess I have gotten lazy, hence the long long long 'break'. I used to think I would never succumb to the lazy bug-I remember asking a friend why she doesn't blog anymore and she said she was lazy and I was frowning in disapproval-alas! I too have contracted the deadly disease.
Laziness aside, a lot of it has to do with the fact that I take too long to pen my thoughts.
I deliberate over my words. I want it to be precise and immaculately accurate. That process, henceforth, takes a long time.
And as you would know if you have been following my blog, for the past one year, I was really busy preparing for my wedding.
The fact I can blog now is because, my dear Mr., is away.
Whatever happens to personal space, you say?
Nah, I am really just being lazy. I could have used the night to blog, but I was lazy.
I could have written my thoughts on the way to work and transfer it to the blog whenever I have time, never mind backdated entries, but I was lazy.
But you know what, despite being lazy, I must say this year has been an eventful year.
I have...
(almost) ended my contract, changed two jobs, got married and became a Mrs, gone to Europe and visited many cities within four weeks, moved house, cut down my daily (and settling into weekly) intake of coffee, completed 200 hours of yoga teacher instruction and am in the process of being a qualified yoga teacher, started on a pole dancing class, resumed jazz dance classes, successfully baked delicious marble cakes, lemon cakes and apple cinnamon muffins, and ...
I am still enjoying my process of self-discovery.
I am still raw in my current job, so it is really hard to say if I will stay here for good. I sure hope so! Seriously, I have gotten a bit tired of searching around.
The reality about life is, there is nothing known as a perfect job. There is only something called making the best out of whatever situation there is.
Like where I am now, it is not quite where I would have hope to land up. I was hoping to do something else...
But I was led here by God. And I believe that it will turn out good.
It is the same with my Yoga Teacher's Training. I would have opted to go to Spain, but the course was available, and I decided to fulfill this one aspiration I have been harbouring for a long time.
Life, time, waits for no one.
I will continue looking out for the blessings each day brings.
And marvel at the process of self-discovery each stint brings.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sunning out
Writing from Krakow, Poland.
The weather has been very unfriendly. Just yesterday, I saw a sign that says 41 deg.
I guess that is the highest of a range. The lower limit you wonder? 35 deg.
Yes, not good at all. In fact, from what I had gathered, this has been the hottest summer the regions have seen.
So much for my vacation!
I have been walking so much under the sun that I have grown slightly (or so, I hope) tanner. My feet are especially of a darker skin tone (because I wear slippers).
Today is the second day I am in Krakow, and I have already done three walking tours. Two yesterday and one today.
So far, I kind of like Poland. The communist history has left me very much intrigued. In fact, just today, I was in a neighbourhood supposed modeled after the communist-socialist ideology.
It was a different experience. We concluded the tour by a meal in a restaurant that used to be popular with communist leaders. That wasn't the highlight though. The highlight was learning about the compromised yet not marginalised role the Church played.
In the morning, I visited the site that used to house the Nazi Concentration Camp. That was a bit too heavy. I find it difficult to imagine the immense number of people killed in the site. I also find it difficult to imagine the humiliation and pain the Poles, Jews, Gypsies and even the Soviet soldiers had to gone through.
I must say this trip has been more of an eye-opener to history than a fun and laughter trip. I was never that good with history but after this trip, I dare say I would have known twice more than I knew.
One more week and I will be going home. Sometimes I do miss home, but it is probably more of my father's food than the place per se.
And frankly, I think I will miss a few places in Europe. I really like Budapest, Olomounc and Krakow. (I don't know about Vienna-that is my next stop but one thing is for sure, my wallet won't like it.) And not to mention a few Hungarian pastries.
But I definitely won't miss one thing about the whole trip:
The sun.
The weather has been very unfriendly. Just yesterday, I saw a sign that says 41 deg.
I guess that is the highest of a range. The lower limit you wonder? 35 deg.
Yes, not good at all. In fact, from what I had gathered, this has been the hottest summer the regions have seen.
So much for my vacation!
I have been walking so much under the sun that I have grown slightly (or so, I hope) tanner. My feet are especially of a darker skin tone (because I wear slippers).
Today is the second day I am in Krakow, and I have already done three walking tours. Two yesterday and one today.
So far, I kind of like Poland. The communist history has left me very much intrigued. In fact, just today, I was in a neighbourhood supposed modeled after the communist-socialist ideology.
It was a different experience. We concluded the tour by a meal in a restaurant that used to be popular with communist leaders. That wasn't the highlight though. The highlight was learning about the compromised yet not marginalised role the Church played.
In the morning, I visited the site that used to house the Nazi Concentration Camp. That was a bit too heavy. I find it difficult to imagine the immense number of people killed in the site. I also find it difficult to imagine the humiliation and pain the Poles, Jews, Gypsies and even the Soviet soldiers had to gone through.
I must say this trip has been more of an eye-opener to history than a fun and laughter trip. I was never that good with history but after this trip, I dare say I would have known twice more than I knew.
One more week and I will be going home. Sometimes I do miss home, but it is probably more of my father's food than the place per se.
And frankly, I think I will miss a few places in Europe. I really like Budapest, Olomounc and Krakow. (I don't know about Vienna-that is my next stop but one thing is for sure, my wallet won't like it.) And not to mention a few Hungarian pastries.
But I definitely won't miss one thing about the whole trip:
The sun.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
All in an entry
Right now, I am writing from the hostel in the Czech Republic's capital city, Prague. I must say this is one of the better ones we have been to so far. I like the room. It is spacious and comfortable (R said it is because I am claustrophic, hence big rooms appeal to me. Well, maybe.) The only bad thing is that there is no kitchen. There is a kettle though, and I am really thankful for that. For the past two hotels we were at, there was no kettle (and hence, no hot water when I needed it!) Anyhow, we were hoping for a kitchen (as most hostels would have kitchens) because we were hoping to cook sunny-side ups for breakfast! I guess hard-boiled eggs will do just fine.
In contrast, the previous hostel was the worst we have been. We were in Cesky Kumlov, a town south of Prague which is also an UNESCO site. Hostel M*** housed us in the attic and I knocked my head twice in a night because of the slanting roofs. Plus the staff wasn't especially friendly. That is not it! The worst is, the room (and the bathroom!) smelt of sewage. R said it was from the river outside. I don't know-rivers aren't supposed to stink, are they? Well, I guess we can't complain much since we only paid 9E per person, the cheapest so far. Although if you ask me, I will say this experience will make me think twice about a cheap deal-I definitely don't want to risk a concussion over some savings.
We managed to attend Mass for the past weeks that we have been here but apart from one young Hungarian priest who could muster "The body of Christ" in clear English amidst the whole jargon of Hungarian, all other Masses have not been in English. Apparently, English Masses are only for tourists, so for example in Salzburg, there are only two English Masses in the whole month. It is rather amazing though-75% of the population is Catholic in the cities that we have visited and churches can be located as closely as 50m to each other! Just imagine the bells that ring continuously one after another!
Apart for all these happenings, the weather has been weirdly unpredictable. I have always imagined that Summer is just about sunny days! Guess I was wrong. A few of our travel plans were thwarted because of the rain. For example, when we were travelling from Salzburg to Hallstatt, we were told that the railway lines connecting a few stations were closed because of some mudslides and we had to take a bus connector instead. That stalled up all the plans. When we were leaving, the railways were amazingly restored and we didn't even know! (Of course, neither of us spoke or understood German!) So we ended up missing a pre-booked vehicle and arriving at our destination four hours later.
The thing about Eastern Europe, if you ask me, is that it is really very authentic and exciting. I enjoy the thrill of gesturing and muttering bits of Hungarian and Czech (and trying to sound like one) and finding my way around the unfamiliar surroundings. But that in itself can be frustrating sometimes-I think I finally can emphatise with the Amazing Race participants who lost their cool at their teammates.
In contrast, the previous hostel was the worst we have been. We were in Cesky Kumlov, a town south of Prague which is also an UNESCO site. Hostel M*** housed us in the attic and I knocked my head twice in a night because of the slanting roofs. Plus the staff wasn't especially friendly. That is not it! The worst is, the room (and the bathroom!) smelt of sewage. R said it was from the river outside. I don't know-rivers aren't supposed to stink, are they? Well, I guess we can't complain much since we only paid 9E per person, the cheapest so far. Although if you ask me, I will say this experience will make me think twice about a cheap deal-I definitely don't want to risk a concussion over some savings.
We managed to attend Mass for the past weeks that we have been here but apart from one young Hungarian priest who could muster "The body of Christ" in clear English amidst the whole jargon of Hungarian, all other Masses have not been in English. Apparently, English Masses are only for tourists, so for example in Salzburg, there are only two English Masses in the whole month. It is rather amazing though-75% of the population is Catholic in the cities that we have visited and churches can be located as closely as 50m to each other! Just imagine the bells that ring continuously one after another!
Apart for all these happenings, the weather has been weirdly unpredictable. I have always imagined that Summer is just about sunny days! Guess I was wrong. A few of our travel plans were thwarted because of the rain. For example, when we were travelling from Salzburg to Hallstatt, we were told that the railway lines connecting a few stations were closed because of some mudslides and we had to take a bus connector instead. That stalled up all the plans. When we were leaving, the railways were amazingly restored and we didn't even know! (Of course, neither of us spoke or understood German!) So we ended up missing a pre-booked vehicle and arriving at our destination four hours later.
The thing about Eastern Europe, if you ask me, is that it is really very authentic and exciting. I enjoy the thrill of gesturing and muttering bits of Hungarian and Czech (and trying to sound like one) and finding my way around the unfamiliar surroundings. But that in itself can be frustrating sometimes-I think I finally can emphatise with the Amazing Race participants who lost their cool at their teammates.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Quieter moments
This entry was supposed to be completed in the morning. For me, it would definitely be easier to blog an entry in the morning. There is only one computer and it was occupied all the way from afternoon to 1130pm last night. That aside, it seems that the majority of the tourists/travellers to this place tend to like to go clubbing at night (and hence will all still be sleeping at an hour when I am already awake.
But because I was rushing to go to the marketplace, I hadn't been able to blog as usual. We set off for the marketplace and as R would say, that would always be the highlight of my trip. Interestingly, there were many vendors selling mushrooms. All kinds-if you can name it, I bet you will find it.
I am now in Pecs, a smaller town south of Budapest. It is not as busy and definitely not as populated. I can easily say for certain that half of the population on the street are tourists. If Budapest is Kuala Lumpur, then Pecs is like Ipoh.
This time round, R and I have booked a bed instead of a room. The double room here tends to be a bit more expensive and hence a dorm was a better bet. There are altogether three dorms in the hostel, an eight-bedder, a six-bedder and a four-bedder. Of course, such a difference translates into the price eventually, with the cheapest being the eight-bedded dorm.
And now at five in the evening, I am back in my hostel because we have roughly seen what there is to be seen in the town. Amidst the many sights we visited are a couple of religious monuments, which have fortunately or unfortunately, resorted to the commercial realities of the real world. Of course it would be unfair to ask for free entry to these places, but to charge for every single monument? I can't help but feel a bit, yes, cheated, especially when the entrance fee doesn't justify the things I am seeing inside.
We will be leaving for another town tomorrow, a town nearer to the sea. We will be staying in better (defined commercially in terms of prices) accomodation so I am having some expectations. The stay here has been pleasant so far-I haven't had any problems with the shower.
Well, fingers crossed.
But because I was rushing to go to the marketplace, I hadn't been able to blog as usual. We set off for the marketplace and as R would say, that would always be the highlight of my trip. Interestingly, there were many vendors selling mushrooms. All kinds-if you can name it, I bet you will find it.
I am now in Pecs, a smaller town south of Budapest. It is not as busy and definitely not as populated. I can easily say for certain that half of the population on the street are tourists. If Budapest is Kuala Lumpur, then Pecs is like Ipoh.
This time round, R and I have booked a bed instead of a room. The double room here tends to be a bit more expensive and hence a dorm was a better bet. There are altogether three dorms in the hostel, an eight-bedder, a six-bedder and a four-bedder. Of course, such a difference translates into the price eventually, with the cheapest being the eight-bedded dorm.
And now at five in the evening, I am back in my hostel because we have roughly seen what there is to be seen in the town. Amidst the many sights we visited are a couple of religious monuments, which have fortunately or unfortunately, resorted to the commercial realities of the real world. Of course it would be unfair to ask for free entry to these places, but to charge for every single monument? I can't help but feel a bit, yes, cheated, especially when the entrance fee doesn't justify the things I am seeing inside.
We will be leaving for another town tomorrow, a town nearer to the sea. We will be staying in better (defined commercially in terms of prices) accomodation so I am having some expectations. The stay here has been pleasant so far-I haven't had any problems with the shower.
Well, fingers crossed.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Heading off to quieter zones
I think I have more or less adjusted to the 6 hour time difference (slower here) in Europe. I am sleeping more normally, less lethargic in the afternoon and a bit more used to the pace and 'life-style' (if there is one!).
In half a day's time, R and I will be setting off to the quieter town of Pecs (we are right now in the busiest part of Hungary) and spending one and a half days there. I bet the pace will be even slower. There might be nothing much to do (not that we do much now; we merely walk. Alrite, let me rephrase), ok, walk. Well, I guess I take it more as a breather, to compensate for the two hectic days of walking we have done in Budapest.
Yesterday, we had spent the morning in the marketplace near the hostel. There was just SO MUCH selling in there! Strings of bacon. Piles of liver. Batches of vegetables (check out the eggplant, huge!). I think with that alone, I can relocate here.
Plus, the water is free. As in, Hungary has a rich underground store of water. There are fountains and taps (and yes, initially I would have thought the former served a decorative function while the latter is more of a public administrative function) all around the area. I even joked to R once that the tap was for drunkards to wash their face sober after a night. And I was right! The fact is, you can just fill up your bottles with the water and drink it (although it tasted a bit unusual). So far so good-no tummyaches.
We had a Communist Walking Tour in the afternoon, during which the guide had brought us around the more interesting communist-related sights and talked his way through. I thought this was more interesting than the first tour I had. Guess maybe I am more fascinated by the historical aspects of a country than its true geography. As I have mentioned earlier, these tours are free. From what I found out from one of them (there is one speaking guide and two accompanying guides), tour guides even like this have to take courses and pass exams before they are deemed qualified to 'show' Hungary. Each of these guides are rotated, meaning they would need to handle sights-tours, communist tours or the Jewish quarters tour. I would imagine they are a versatile group.
We ended the evening by climbing up to Buda Hill. At the top of the hill stands a lady statue known as the Statue of Liberty. Not quite the same as the American one which holds a torch in the hand, but I would imagine of a similar background. This statue was built by the Russians to celebrate the so-called liberty of the Hungarians (a big contradiction in many senses). Anyhow, the skies here don't turn dark till 9pm (because it is summer) so we wanted to capture the night city scape. It was yes, in retrospect, a night worthwhile because the city looks beautiful. The bad thing was however, the subsequent series of unfortunate events. First, I hadn't brought my windbreaker and I was freezing (we were up on a hill). Then, we kind of lost our way. That made me really terrified and worried. And the last of it all (no wonder, the Chinese like to say, bad things always happen in threes), we were caught in the rain. I chattered the whole way back (I have a fear of cabs because we were warned about them earlier).
The last sight we will visit before we set off to Pecs is the House of Terror. Sounds a bit of a guiness wanna-be place to me but it is actually more of a place of historical value documenting what happened during the world war.
Till the next stop with Internet access (whenever that may be)!
In half a day's time, R and I will be setting off to the quieter town of Pecs (we are right now in the busiest part of Hungary) and spending one and a half days there. I bet the pace will be even slower. There might be nothing much to do (not that we do much now; we merely walk. Alrite, let me rephrase), ok, walk. Well, I guess I take it more as a breather, to compensate for the two hectic days of walking we have done in Budapest.
Yesterday, we had spent the morning in the marketplace near the hostel. There was just SO MUCH selling in there! Strings of bacon. Piles of liver. Batches of vegetables (check out the eggplant, huge!). I think with that alone, I can relocate here.
Plus, the water is free. As in, Hungary has a rich underground store of water. There are fountains and taps (and yes, initially I would have thought the former served a decorative function while the latter is more of a public administrative function) all around the area. I even joked to R once that the tap was for drunkards to wash their face sober after a night. And I was right! The fact is, you can just fill up your bottles with the water and drink it (although it tasted a bit unusual). So far so good-no tummyaches.
We had a Communist Walking Tour in the afternoon, during which the guide had brought us around the more interesting communist-related sights and talked his way through. I thought this was more interesting than the first tour I had. Guess maybe I am more fascinated by the historical aspects of a country than its true geography. As I have mentioned earlier, these tours are free. From what I found out from one of them (there is one speaking guide and two accompanying guides), tour guides even like this have to take courses and pass exams before they are deemed qualified to 'show' Hungary. Each of these guides are rotated, meaning they would need to handle sights-tours, communist tours or the Jewish quarters tour. I would imagine they are a versatile group.
We ended the evening by climbing up to Buda Hill. At the top of the hill stands a lady statue known as the Statue of Liberty. Not quite the same as the American one which holds a torch in the hand, but I would imagine of a similar background. This statue was built by the Russians to celebrate the so-called liberty of the Hungarians (a big contradiction in many senses). Anyhow, the skies here don't turn dark till 9pm (because it is summer) so we wanted to capture the night city scape. It was yes, in retrospect, a night worthwhile because the city looks beautiful. The bad thing was however, the subsequent series of unfortunate events. First, I hadn't brought my windbreaker and I was freezing (we were up on a hill). Then, we kind of lost our way. That made me really terrified and worried. And the last of it all (no wonder, the Chinese like to say, bad things always happen in threes), we were caught in the rain. I chattered the whole way back (I have a fear of cabs because we were warned about them earlier).
The last sight we will visit before we set off to Pecs is the House of Terror. Sounds a bit of a guiness wanna-be place to me but it is actually more of a place of historical value documenting what happened during the world war.
Till the next stop with Internet access (whenever that may be)!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
In summary, we took a long walk
It is not 5am now, so yes, I slept better and I am not as snappy.
The second (or third, depending on how you see it) was rather hectic, marked by a day of walking and walking and more walking.
In the morning, we set off to look for a Catholic church so that we could attend Mass. After all, it was Sunday.
It is something that I often do while traveling.
The good thing about traveling with R (amidst other good things, of course..^ ^) is that he will also want to look for a church to attend Mass and to pray. So yes, in a sense, I don't have to worry too much about needing "time-off" to do my own things should I be traveling with another companion.
Anyhow, after a quiet 20min walk, we reached the church at 705am to learn that Mass has just started. The Masses on Sunday were all in Hungarian. The English one was already over.
So we went into the Church. I must imagine it must have seemed rather odd, two Asian faces amidst a scattered lot of Angmohs, obviously not reciting anything (because we don't know Hungarian!).
Frankly speaking, while it was not difficult to follow per se (after all, the Catholic Church is universal-all parts of the Mass are standard), it was difficult to connect. I couldn't finish reciting the Apostles' Creed because halfway, I got drowned among the mutters of the Hungarians. The only syllable that we could resonate with the rest was, obviously, Amen!
We set off for the Free Walking Tours after heading back to the hostel for breakfast. Breakfast is simple-bread, milk, coffee and tea, cereals, orange juice. The variety is not much but I guess it is sufficient.
With the Walking Tours (yes, it is free; I wouldn't have imagined such a venture taking off in Singapore because no one would bother to pay any tips but here, it is different), we explored Buda and Pest and the Castle District, all within four hours. It was a quick overview about the things to take note of, and the things to do while in Budapest.
We subsequently explored a bit of the Castle district and had a gigantic Hungarian dinner. (Please tell me if I have put on weight when I get back; I can take the truth!) I had some trouble walking back because I was still zonked out. Three-quarters of the time, I was lumbering in a slumber with my eyes half open (and my mind half-awake).
Anyhow, if you ever want to come to Budapest, do consider my current hostel. (Note the bold). No, it is not as comfortable as a hotel but it is in a good location. It is central enough for you to walk around and explore reasonably. Be prepared about taking hot showers though. Half the time, you will be frustrated and wonder if you should tell the management about the tap which seems to be faulty.
The second (or third, depending on how you see it) was rather hectic, marked by a day of walking and walking and more walking.
In the morning, we set off to look for a Catholic church so that we could attend Mass. After all, it was Sunday.
It is something that I often do while traveling.
The good thing about traveling with R (amidst other good things, of course..^ ^) is that he will also want to look for a church to attend Mass and to pray. So yes, in a sense, I don't have to worry too much about needing "time-off" to do my own things should I be traveling with another companion.
Anyhow, after a quiet 20min walk, we reached the church at 705am to learn that Mass has just started. The Masses on Sunday were all in Hungarian. The English one was already over.
So we went into the Church. I must imagine it must have seemed rather odd, two Asian faces amidst a scattered lot of Angmohs, obviously not reciting anything (because we don't know Hungarian!).
Frankly speaking, while it was not difficult to follow per se (after all, the Catholic Church is universal-all parts of the Mass are standard), it was difficult to connect. I couldn't finish reciting the Apostles' Creed because halfway, I got drowned among the mutters of the Hungarians. The only syllable that we could resonate with the rest was, obviously, Amen!
We set off for the Free Walking Tours after heading back to the hostel for breakfast. Breakfast is simple-bread, milk, coffee and tea, cereals, orange juice. The variety is not much but I guess it is sufficient.
With the Walking Tours (yes, it is free; I wouldn't have imagined such a venture taking off in Singapore because no one would bother to pay any tips but here, it is different), we explored Buda and Pest and the Castle District, all within four hours. It was a quick overview about the things to take note of, and the things to do while in Budapest.
We subsequently explored a bit of the Castle district and had a gigantic Hungarian dinner. (Please tell me if I have put on weight when I get back; I can take the truth!) I had some trouble walking back because I was still zonked out. Three-quarters of the time, I was lumbering in a slumber with my eyes half open (and my mind half-awake).
Anyhow, if you ever want to come to Budapest, do consider my current hostel. (Note the bold). No, it is not as comfortable as a hotel but it is in a good location. It is central enough for you to walk around and explore reasonably. Be prepared about taking hot showers though. Half the time, you will be frustrated and wonder if you should tell the management about the tap which seems to be faulty.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Summer blues
I would have hoped to blog an entry immediately after the wedding day, but I didn't have the time.
As you would have known, I had switched jobs and the current pace is quite tedious. Ah no, dynamic is the official word. And don't ask me if I like it or not, I think that is still a bit early to say. Although the truth is, the fact that EVERY single week hurts with a "THUMP" on the floor with a reprimand from my big boss can be a bit too hard to stomach and a bit too discouraging.
But anyhow, enough of work (I shall leave that to another entry).
I am in Europe now, on the second official day of my honeymoon.
Instead of opting for chic places like California or Italy, I am now in Budapest, Hungary. A place which I confess, I don't feel quite safe about.
People stare at me and give me angry looks. The money-changer. The people on the street. The other passengers in the train. Well, maybe because I am Asian? There really aren't many Asians in the street.
We are in a relatively quiet residential area served by a reasonable supermarket which doesn't seem to sell fruits that is too fresh.
We did nothing much yesterday except transit planes and entry-exit airports, take airport buses and traverse across metro lines.
And if you are wondering why I don't seem to be writing in a too-excited tone, well, that is because it is 550am but I am already awake (not wide) because the skylight is just too intense.
Geez, yes. How I like summer.
As you would have known, I had switched jobs and the current pace is quite tedious. Ah no, dynamic is the official word. And don't ask me if I like it or not, I think that is still a bit early to say. Although the truth is, the fact that EVERY single week hurts with a "THUMP" on the floor with a reprimand from my big boss can be a bit too hard to stomach and a bit too discouraging.
But anyhow, enough of work (I shall leave that to another entry).
I am in Europe now, on the second official day of my honeymoon.
Instead of opting for chic places like California or Italy, I am now in Budapest, Hungary. A place which I confess, I don't feel quite safe about.
People stare at me and give me angry looks. The money-changer. The people on the street. The other passengers in the train. Well, maybe because I am Asian? There really aren't many Asians in the street.
We are in a relatively quiet residential area served by a reasonable supermarket which doesn't seem to sell fruits that is too fresh.
We did nothing much yesterday except transit planes and entry-exit airports, take airport buses and traverse across metro lines.
And if you are wondering why I don't seem to be writing in a too-excited tone, well, that is because it is 550am but I am already awake (not wide) because the skylight is just too intense.
Geez, yes. How I like summer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)