I am who I am

Timeline

2011-06-15T11:17:00.004+08:00

On special request by my missus, I'll try to write my mind here as often possible. Consider this a theraphy or memo for myself in future (if I ever go senile), information portal or pure entertainment for the rest of the world; take it anyway you want it since everyone is unique in their own thinking.

Everyone have their milestone in life. But I'm not sure if dates are remembered as vividly as mine. My path ahead and behind me are always marked by dates more so now than ever. I can't even remember the date I finish my secondary school, when I entered Uni, date of my 1st job etc. It wasn't that significant back then. But this job, this is one different job altogether. I can't remember for life of me how it all happened but the dates are always somehow indicated somewhere to mark my progression in this profession (wow.. it rhymes!). This is just pure work so bear with me! To make things fun, what were you doing during those dates? Do you remember?

Joined the company 19 Jan 2007
ATPL date 24 July 2007 (imagine SPM or O-levels crash course in 3 months)
Left for Jandakot 17 Aug 2007
Left for Maroochydore 17 Nov 2008
Ground school 4-29 May 2009 and repeat 10-26 Mar 2010 (mind you, doing the exam twice doesn't mean you're twice as clever)
1st Wide body Take off and Landing 28 Aug 2010 a.k.a. SO appointment
1st Flight (to Johannesburg) 23rd Sept 2010
Completion of training 10th June 2011.

Feels just like yesterday

This is home, surely

2010-09-07T18:05:00.003+08:00

HDB prices going up or going down? Harder to buy and sell new apartment? Noisy roadside traffic and constructions? Noisy maid banging on the pastel and mortar? Who cares? This is my lair, my den and I'm proud of it! Gonna start missing this view when I'm away flying..

Election is Coming!

2010-08-23T09:35:00.005+08:00

Dear Folks of Kingdom Of Sarawak!

Hear 'ye hear 'ye. The election is coming 'ere soon. All over the internet, ye hear folks rambling their thoughts of the tyrant government and unjust treatment of the native caretakers of the land of Hornbill. Hear ye then if ye want a change for the better. Ye decide!

Ye go to this website and ye see if ye is registered as a voter. If ye 're, then go forth and vote when the time comes. But if ye is outside Malaysia then how?

This website says ye try to REGISTER at the Malaysian embassy or High Commission. I say try 'cause this service is not always available overseas. Heck, even in Malaysia ye would have trouble registering what more to say overseas. I was just reading some comments on website about some people trying to register but they were told that they ran out of form in Malaysia!! What the hell, just photocopy more of the form idiot! For that matter, they need 'special' forms printed from KL to be used!!? ('special' means the forms are printed using normal printers but since the job is contracted to some cronies of the government, they charge extra $ for that little piece of paper, which then the information is transferred into computer and then the paper will be left to decompose, forgotten and filled with cobwebs)

If ye 're overseas as I mentioned just now, its only to register as a voter OK? Under the overseas voter category if ye 're a civilian then ye have to go back to vote during the actual day. Not very fair and productive ye think? Only government servants get to do postal votes. Queer (as Enid Blyton always puts it) don't ya think?

Good luck folks! I'm registered and I'll see what changes I'll make! How about you? Time to stand up and be heard!

Time and theory of relativity

2010-08-03T16:32:00.005+08:00

I remembered when I was young, I read about this theory of relativity presented in simplified form. If a guy has an identical twin brother, and you send this guy up into space to a distant planet few light years away. And if he completes the journey and come back, he may felt that he had just been away for 2 years for this guy. But in reality, on earth, 50 years may have passed and his twin brother may already be an old man on earth

Or something along that line.

Another way to explain theory of relativity: A person in love would feel time passes so slowly when he's away from his sweetheart but when he's around her, an hour passes at the twink of an eye.

For me, time just passes by so fast everyday. I should be studying and doing things that's important. But all I'm doing is Facebooking most of the time, read online news and suddenly its evening!! Books are left untouched, outdoor activities are non-existent, house is in a mess and I've yet to clean my lunch plates but I'll do it later..... You get what I mean.

The wierd thing is that there's should be so much time and yet, discipline and morale is low. I know I wanted to do all this things before nightfall because I want to spend quality nights with my babies (one big baby and one small baby.. gotcha.. you'd think I had another baby didn't you?!?)

I know I gotta make the change. This bad procastinating habit has to go. Time isn't slowing down and yet things need to be done. Its time for change! For all I know, time is accelerating because your body and mind slows down as you get older (theory of inner relativity?).

From today onwards; study, housework and exercises has to be accomplished before nightfall. Few more hours to go and by sundown, its time for family and friends. How I wish Einstein's theory does not apply to me. I'd like time to slow down all the time!

The bosses have spoken!

Not so wise anymore

2010-07-15T14:08:00.006+08:00

My right and left wisdoms

Right wisdom came out in multiple pieces. This was extracted one year ago.

Right wisdom in 2 pieces for my yesterday's operation. Different tooth extraction technique? I guess different dental schools do produce different quality of dentist.

Of all the wisdom in the world, there is one that pains you most. The dental knowledge. Better not scare the kids around the world. Dentist is a fun, nice and funny person. Actually I like going to the dentist cause everytime I'm done, I know I'd go home a cleaner person.

Here I would like to diverge a bit on the statement of being a cleaner person. The exception for this statement is the one time that I went to a run down Sarikei dental clinic near the wharf - paid a hefty sum for a 10mins job not well done at all! Never have I seen a dentist who works with such a primitive tools and no proper lighting at all! The dentist had to strap on a headlamp (like the ones you use when you go caving; or when we go night flying in small aircraft). I swear on my wisdom tooth that never again will I sink my teeth in that clinic again!

Back to the whole point of this entry.. This blog is dedicated to the one thing I had, which I don't need but when you lost it.. its blardy painful ok!? Not to scare the kids, again... its not that painful at the moment because I'm still feeling numb in my cheek and my tongue. Its kindda funny that when you numb your tongue, you can't really speek properly. Opps.. I guess it affects the fingers too!

Anyways, this is my second time and my last time extracting my tooth (and I swear on my tooth that I'll never do it again!). Its a pity they had to go cause my mouth is too crammed to fit all the teeth in place. My recently adopted motto is: 'Don't fix what's not broken' seems very appropriate here. I wouldn't want to do any artificial or surgical procedures to my body unless situation warrants it (hell ya.. I'm happy with the rest of my body parts man.. hint hint).

Both my lower wisdom tooth was growing sideways due to space constrain. Its wierd considering most people I know would say I have very big mouth and still this happens. Useless crying over spilled milk now. This year I thought I'd do the operation in a family clinic, away from the city, nearer to my place. The dentist was chatty and claimed that he is very good at what he does, he offers the cheapest teeth whitening programme in the whole of Singapore and so forth.

Must say he was fairly quicker, slightly less discomfort (but hey, its tooth extraction.. don't expect it to be as painless as hair cut or manicure). He also said I'd feel the difference in post-operation which would be less painful than my last operation. That is yet to be seen since its less than 4 hours since I lost part of me....

What surprises me is the whooping bill! Wow.. I didn't know it cost almost a grand just to go through a one hour of tooth extraction (careful what you write and say... a tooth extraction is different from operation!). I didn't know about this cause last time everything was done paperlessly. This time around... I had to pay upfront for the CPF medisave portion. Wow.. that's a lot of money for an hour of your time doc!

Well, I guess it pays to be a doctor.. but even more to be a dentist!

So long my tooth, farewell.. you have not done much for me except bring me pain. I hope that you won't cause any more misery to the world. I kept wondering now as I keep typing to ease my discomfort, why do people call you wisdom. Is it even possible to lose the thing I have yet to gain. Farewell, I'll visit you every now and then in a jar for inspiration.

p.s. Will take photo of the wisdom in jar and post it here. Provided the fairy didn't get to it 1st.

BTC High rise litters

2010-06-04T15:07:00.003+08:00

Got very sick today. Sick to my stomach these people never learn. Still continue to throw rubbish down the kitchen window. Damn pissed. This afternoon, it suddenly rained very heavily. Then as I was rushing to close the windows, there it is. A bundle of hair wrapped in tissue paper, hanging on our window!

I got so pissed I shouted upwards (not to God), but to the low-life-btc-killer litter who stayed above our unit. Desperate measure needs to be taken. This is not the 1st time. We had endless tissue papers, food in tissue papers, corroded blades (yes! blades=knifes), toys and I just saw a nail cutter which landed at the ledge of the unit below mine! Bloody hell.. where does these people come from!?

Anyways, like I said, this calls for 'shock' treatment. I just sent the rubbish they threw down up! But how to make sure the correct people get the message?

Happy Wesak and Happy Gawai!

2010-06-02T14:37:00.003+08:00

Happy Wesak to everyone celebrating it! There was an exhibition at Orchard Road themed passport to happiness. Quite catchy theme and nice setup as well. I keep trying to take photo of the Buddha being blessed by believers.

I have no photos of any people celebrating Gawai here.. so.. this is the closes photo I took with regards to the celebration- A pure Iban warrior! WOoooooHaaaa!

I am Ironman!

2010-06-02T12:41:00.006+08:00

Haven't found a proper time to catch Ironman 2 in cinemas but I'm sure its a blast! One of the weekends I saw this man in the suit inside Taka's kids department (Hey! I'm still one big kid!) - mommy, can I get the suit? Would be super fun! Now.. where's the villain?

Nahhh.. this is not the villain... this is a baby with a bear patch over the forehead... though she's trying her best to look nasty!

No time to study but got time for blog :)

2010-04-06T13:00:00.003+08:00

I always have this funny habit. If I'm free, I won't get anything done. But if I'm starting to get busy, then I'll start to be productive and everything will start to fall in place.

I was suppose to study for tomorrow (1st official day in Sim!), but now its lunch time, I started cooking 'nugget de la bruchetta' (nugget with bruchetta?). Anyways, not only did I cook it.. I manage to write it down on my long abandoned blog!! I've been 'free' all this while but no updates here at all ya..

My newly improved study corner.. brightly lit! (3M light you see...). Somehow there's a higher level of organization on this chaotic table

Enjoy the lunch! For your eyes only! Notice the two capsule on the side? That's the fish oil that I left overnight.. now its soggy

Oh Isabelle oh Isabelle

2010-03-14T15:15:00.010+08:00

Can a person's life change overnight? I certainly believe so now. My heart is split in two. I felt like I'm cheating my wife, but at the same time, it the mutual feeling shared by Felicia.

I think I should come clean here.. I am no longer just married. Now I have to share my time and love between Felicia and Isabelle. Both names sound so sweet. But now just looking at Isabelle makes my heart melt. Yes, its a dirty job but somebody just gotta do it. Its not a simple thing to do, but it doesn't take much effort and motivation to do it.

You'd think she's angel and at times she's the devil as well. I know there will come a time when she'll break your heart and also make you so proud you want to burst from within. But for now.. lets savour her baby smell. The touch, the crying, the sleepless nights, the smelly diapers, the first time she smiles, flips over, says 'mama' and 'dada', her first solid food will all come to pass in the blink of an eye.

I'm just happy to be here at the present.

With Granma

Hurray! Confinement's over! I'm off to see the world!

Patriotism on Wheels

2009-10-17T10:33:00.006+08:00

Looking down from my house, I felt very patriotic. Felt a 'BIG' connection to the government; or as Mr Brown would call it, Gah-men. I suddenly felt I contributed to this country that I now call home. I felt I've done a big favour to my fellow MRTians now that they have more place to sit, more room to stand. I think the SMRTians and SBSes are happy the bus queue is two and half person shorter.

I would like to contribute the same amount of money to Malaysian Gah-men, but I think it might just end up as somebody's pocket money. But at same time I wish that Singapore Gah-men is not so clever at sucking money out of working class citizens. Maybe more free parking at some places? Lower parking fees? Insurance (ok, this is not caused by gah-men but maybe can be regulated). I don't think that we wanted to 'contribute' so much money out of choice.. but rather this was done out of necessity. Time, comfort, health - its all necessity.

Time - busy schedules for her, high housing cost forces us to move further from her working place. Of course the gah-men can say that you can move to a smaller house, but from where we come from, space is a necessity but here, its a luxury! Due to that, 45 mins to 1 hour of idling in the bus and MRT does not justify the value of missing the time with your kids!

Comfort - especially to a pregnant lady with a cantilever stomach in front. 2.6kg and counting...

Health - everytime we had to wait for a bus, the exhaust from the bus waiting to pick up passengers are pretty damn potent to cause you carbon monoxide poisoning. The yellow Malaysian bus from over the causeway and SBS 170 also contributes to this. They'd wait for passengers (although I don't see any) while the other passengers had to inhale the smelly by-product (disclaimer: that doesn't mean that I'd like to inhale it if bus exhaust smoke smells good like perfume or KFC). Maybe one solution is to move the passenger waiting area away from the bus waiting area or even better, airconditioned terminal like in AMK and Boon Lay.

Well, all I can say now is this: I think Merlion government could do a lot with my 'contribution' but can't you give more discounts?

Baby Bump

2009-08-28T00:59:00.003+08:00

No, that's not fat... people on the train, learn to recognize a baby bump so you can offer to give them your seat. That's about 4 months worth of baby inside.

This month I'm 122mm tall. See my tiny hand as well? Beginning next month, I'm going to be measured by weight! Yippie!

Aunty ah.....

2009-08-28T00:45:00.002+08:00

There's a lot of worries when you buy a house. Firstly you pay lotsa money for it so you expect everything to be working well. Recently one good friend got harrased by loan sharks or 'Along' as you call them here and in Malaysia. His front door got a free paint artwork from strangers although the real culprit does not live there anymore.

My story is nothing as serious as that. Its just that we got our current place from an aunty and her daughter. So what's the issue? Look at the photo below. I had a tough time removing them from every conner and nook of my house. I've never seen anybody so obsessed with having wall mounted hooks all over their place. Its like there's hooks to hang your stuffs EVERYWHERE in the house. Imagine a housewife (or househusband like me) cleaning their house.. then when she (he) takes a breather from wiping the window... "Oh, thank God there's a hanger, now I can hang my cleaning cloth while I rest for a while!??@!!"

We manage to get most of it from the house walls. But there's still some evidence the 'AUNTY' was here. Just open my kitchen wardrobe and you'll see what I mean. Please tell me when Ikea has a sale on kitchen cabinate door systems! Meanwhile.. here's a fun quiz for you guys.. try to count how many hooks in the photo. The prize for this game? What else? Lifetime supply of wall mounted hooks!!

Chingay Parade

2009-05-11T09:55:00.010+08:00

Ok. I'm super duper dead bored although I should be studying for my ground school! But I did and I think a break would be good. So here goes a recap of the dark and lonely time during last CNY... (this is where I rub my chin and the screen starts to ripple and fade away - try watching David Letterman's flashbacks and you'll know what I mean)

Kitty on the prowl

The gals started posing as soon as I aimed my camera....

Well, after coming back from Maroochydore on the 4th day of CNY, I stayed in Singapore instead of going back to Sarikei due to some constrains. To get into the mood of CNY, I joined the crowd to watch the Chingay parade! I was pleasantly surprised that for the first time in ages, Singapore actually had fireworks! That's more like it 'gahmen!'. The irony is this: the Chingay is originally celebrated in Penang at different time of the year and Singapore introduced the parade to distract people after banning fireworks. Interesting facts right? I hope that Malaysia would not get so serious about fireworks although there's already regulations on fireworks. Its like banning cars from the road when some people got knocked down by irresponsible drivers if you ask me....

There were real fire action by China's dragon dance troup and multicultural extravaganza. Plenty of colourful floats, bands, people dressed up as bees, spaceman and cultural themes consisting of Korean, Japanese, Philiphines, Indians, Brazilians and many more. Its a nice parade to watch with all the musics. I enjoyed especially the drums and beats that resounds 'Stomp!'. Perhaps just one comment on the local scene though.. it would be nice to see more cultural stuffs which represents the composition of Singapore instead of the usual futuristic (ie NUS team which is about Dream in the City, or some metalic robot float bellowing steam into the air) or developements (ie HDB floats are just squarish buildings!). Kudos to NTU which had a nice floating palace and supercharged Chinese theme. Gotta get the balance in development and maintaining Singapore's culture! Ok, now that I got the cultural part out of the way.. its back to work!

Nice big grub....

1st Photograph

2009-05-06T16:07:00.003+08:00

Hullo world! My name is XXYY. I'm 3 months old. I'm 66mm tall. I am very tall for my age. I've been nice to my mummy because she always eats well for me. Today we took my 1st photograph. Its not very clear because it uses ultrasound instead of the normal photography technique. But Dr Jocelyn is very clever and manages to make out how I look like. She took a front, rear and side ultrasound of me.

I look just like a bean from the rear

At the moment, you can see the skeletal outline of my face and body. I even saw my own heartbeat! Wait for my photos next month and you might just see my features even more clearly!

Peek-a-boo!

House in Singapore

2009-04-29T11:11:00.002+08:00

I was just thinking about the house price in Singapore. HDBs are meant to enable every Singaporean to own a house when it was first initated. I guess it has achieved its aim. But nowadays the price of the houses are artifically escalated by the very locals staying here!

If you read on local newspapers you'll hear about the balloting system where people will put their name in for a chance to buy a new HDB flats. Its a no obligation system where non serious buyers can just put their name in for fun. Then if they get the option to purchase the flat, they can just reject it! Its an abuse of the system and this is just one part of the problem.

With this, locals who already own a house (and have nothing else but making profit in their mind), would try to ballot and if they get a good location and view etc, they'd purchase it for the sake of selling it out later for a quick buck!

Thus the saying the richer becomes richer and the poorer can just eat dust. The richer have extra cash so they'd just keep doing this to earn more. I could use the word 'investment' but I guess this is plain abuse of the system. So, did the HDB's policy changed now that they think everybody had owned their own house?

The other thing I heard is that locals move every 5 years if possible. They'd buy a new HDB, then when the price picks up for that house, they'd sell it off and move to another place. Perhaps another new HDB and then they keep repeating the same process over and over again until one day the price of HDBs will become unreasonably high and then what?

Just a gripe when you have too much time alone having just moved into a resale HDB....

Home sweet home

2009-04-13T20:09:00.002+08:00

Home... I guess must be lucky to have few homes. It can be confusing at times as well I guess. Haven't been writing since I was back last 2 months cause back then I don't have a place called 'home' just yet. But now I do!

To have a place called home is a happy and liberating time. You know.. its like when you first move out to study in university (freedom!) or when you get your wheels for the first time (to get out of home.. how ironic since it contradicts whatever I am trying to say here.). You get what I mean.

Anyway, its really lucky to have good friends around to help you during the needy times (moving, painting, drinking!? etc) . I guess they can always count on me for help anytime (not drinking except during 'chee mui' sessions!)

I guess I'll try to unwrap the happenings last 2 months in days to come. For now.. I just got the internet and cable TV working at home... so.. just sit back and relax.. for now...

Sarikei and Brisbane

2009-01-16T15:02:00.003+08:00

If Sarikei is located next to the sea.. it'll look like Brisbane! (minus the population of course). Some part of the rivers that I see is murky, there's plenty of mangrove growing near the rivers. The weather is tropical and hot, with plenty of vegetation around. You get what I mean for Brisbanites or Sarikeian readers.

Other similarities? Sarikei has couple of interesting bridges as well the lastest two being one over Nyelong river that's just completed and opened for public use and on the other end is the 'Red Bridge'. This Red Bridge is nearer to Bintangor but its like smaller version of Storey Bridge here. Everytime I drive under these bridges I can't help but feel amazed and start looking up instead of keeping focus on the road.

Brisbane is also home to the crocodile hunter... whereas Sarikei is home to the crocodile which is caged in Murudu temple next to the Sarikei River.

Actually what I'm trying to imply here is that I miss Sarikei for once during this time of the year when everyone is going back for Chinese New Year. This will be the 2nd year I'm missing CNY. In fact, this year will be a near miss. I'm scheduled to finish flying here on 26th January itself which is the 1st day of CNY. There's another similarity here. That very same day... its Australia Day which means its public holiday here! Due to that.. even myself can't conclude what's gonna be the plan later...

What does CNY mean for most of us? It used to be visiting open houses and enjoying the foods there. Foods range from chicken curry, rendang to red dried cuttlefish, bakua, kuachi (dried sunflower seed) and pistachios. But more recent years, as all the friends start to work out of town, it becomes a social reunion with family and friends. Its an excellent idea and time cause everyone will be back at that time unless situation does not permit that (like me!!)

Oh well, I guess CNY and life still goes on.. Happy Chinese New Year to everyone especially the 5Sc1 guys Class '96 (you guys know who you are!). Hope to see you guys soon, will try to edge my way back soon..

December Smile

2008-12-08T16:44:00.003+08:00

Few days right after I arrive at Maroochydore.. I saw a shooting star. I made a wish which I can't reveal right now. Even before I arrive, I tried to read up on what's interesting here. Surprisingly, one of the tours that this particular Brisbane website recommended is the UFO sightings. I guess this is few of the more unconventional tourist attraction to the home state of the Great Barrier Reef.

Two weeks later, I gazed into the sky again.. and guess what I see this time? See for yourself!

The sky is smiling down on me! How wonderful.. why worry about tomorrow? Live in the moment.

Some extract from Fox News:

Australians are getting a big hello from the heavens as Venus, Jupiter and a waxing crescent moon combine to create a celestial smiley face.

Local astronomers said that Venus and Jupiter had appeared side by side in the evening sky over the past week or so, but Monday night would be the best night to see the "face" appear.

Viewers in Western Australia have the best view, with the moon appearing closer to the "eyes" formed by the planets.
While the planets and moon appear to be close together, in reality they're not. The moon is 250,000 miles away, while Venus is 93 million miles away and Jupiter 540 million miles away.

"Home is where your heart is... God doesn't promise to protect us from problems on His earth. Instead He promises to give us the courage to face our problems with His strength. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.... It's about learning to dance in the rain"

Happy Advent to everyone. It'll be Christmas soon!!

Sunshine Coast-Brisbane-Gold Coast

2008-11-30T12:57:00.005+08:00

Some background about Brisbane. Its the state capital of Queensland which covers the north east of Australia. Described as the fastest growing city in Australia, evident by the number of construction and road works in and around the city. Its the gateway to great barrier reef to the north of the city. The city is flanked by two tourist destinations namely Gold Coast to the south and Sunshine Coast to the north. We're staying in Maroochydore which is an hours drive from the city in Sunshine Coast. Weatherwise, its similar to tropical countries minus the humidity, plus all the beaches you can get and some kangaroos along the way. Brisbane in general is quite low lying and you can see marshlands not unlike those in Sarikei where I grow up. Queensland is also home for the Australia Zoo which hosted "Crikey!" Steve Irwin.

For 1st time since we reach Queensland, its time to chill out. My initial impression is that everybody here will be friendly and good natured as in Perth. I'm half correct. The other half is monster when it comes to driving in the city. Everybody was driving into the city on Friday night to see the Christmas Tree light up and that caused massive jam. I guess that's how it is in big cities around the world.

Sandeep missed our Swan Valley road trip when he was with us in Perth so he made sure that there was a road trip organized when he's around this time! So down south we drove to Brisbane in our huge 8 seater Terago.

The plan is to have no plan! We'll its all well until we found out that we're having difficulty finding accommodation there at the very last minute. All the happening places are near the backpackers and there's plenty of chicks all over the world walking around. After having dinner and sending cadet off to the airport, we went to check out the city by foot and then settled down for a beer or two. The view of the Brisbane Bridge is quite nice and the city is still bustling with people looking for night life.

Next day we drove down to Gold Coast only to manage Surfer's Paradise. Along the way we passed by all the theme parks such as Dream World, Movie World and Water World. That's for another trip due to time constrain (and not to mention gloomy sky). Gold Coast's skyscrappers are as impressive as Brisbane itself if not better. We walked around for a bit before driving back to the City's Direct Factory Outlet and then straight back to Maroochydore. I guess we'll be organizing more trips after Deep is back in Singapore again.. muahaha....

The drive into Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise

A month In Singapore

2008-11-14T12:30:00.009+08:00

For a month, its lotsa happenings here.. as compared to a month in Perth. The action started from the time we got the call to leave Jandakot that fateful morning. Anyways, I took photos along the way.. but only manage to get it downloaded now (priority of task.. muahahaha). Well, here they are!! Enjoy!

0. Cleared JDK. Take photo.. play with the 'Gong', play with the Solo bell (waited 9 months to finally ring the bell)

Half in the photo have gone home. We're waiting for the other half to join us!

Bye bye Perth!

Helloooo mama!

1. Parents came over for a week's holiday

2. Bought a house

This is not the photo of the house. Its actually our current rented place. Think might just miss this place.

3. Went to see Airshow in Boon Lay with Bunny (almost as good as Red Bull Air Race)

Singapore's own Peter Besenyei

4. Completed our Learjet ground school (dun play play.. 3 weeks non stop study ok? plus exam some more)

5. Got my CPL licence

6. Had my 1st snow crab to celebrate passing the exam

7. Went for basic theory to convert my driving license (almost!!! Just give me one extra day!)
8. Going to Brisbane (one day before my theory test)

One Month Break

2008-11-06T19:45:00.002+08:00

In case you're wondering what happened.... I'm back in Singapore. Just for one bloody month. That's why I'm utilizing my time not updating the blog.. but just savouring the sights, the sound, the taste buds and the companionship.
That and as well as juggling the ground school at hand. Think I'd have more time by the time I'm in Brisbane hopefully for just short of 3 months. But until then, which is just 2 weeks away from now... don't think you'd see any updates.. even on my own 'gong'ing!

Breaking of the Fellowship

2008-10-11T00:09:00.008+08:00

The fellowship of this course began the day we went for briefing. We hardly know each other back then. But little did we know that our life would be so intertwined with each other. It doesn't take long for each individuals to feel a sense of belonging here. Everyone is unique but in their own way complement the group, bringing flavour to it.

We were here too long, that we almost forgot that there's an end to our stay. Then when Macha and Iswen cleared their flight test, we were estatic! It was a sign of hope after so much turbulence in our course. To set the record straight, the course on its own is very strong. Its the external forces that bumps the whole course around, upside down, left and right. After so much trials and hiccups; we are finally reaching our goal.

On the other hand, there's a sense of sadness that the core of our group is breaking up. Its exactly the same feeling that I had when I read LOTR.. but alas, do not despair and be sad! Because as we know in that classic, we know that towards the end, the fellowship will cross ~~swords~~ paths once again.

Cleared Round 4!

2008-09-27T19:53:00.003+08:00

Round 4! Start!

The fight begins from the bed. Psychological warfare starts from the time you wake up. You think you're good enough but the person sitting next to you will try their very best to bring you down. You try to keep your spirits high throughout the two and half hours of something that should be enjoyable.

Aim high, hit lower. Always be on your guard! If you identify flying with boxing, then the left hand guard is HSI, right hand guard is the Altimeter.. and your aim is always the Altitude indicator.

As the fight ends, there was no clear winner. The judges retreated to delibrate on the show they had just seen. Finally the verdict is out! The contender won with just a narrow margin! The judges weren't exactly impressed. He just slipped through this final stage! He's victorious! Its marginal but a win is still a win!

I guess I'm just blabbering out the words of wisdom from my instructor as well as what just happened this afternoon. Not a fantastic finish at the moment but a closure nevertheless. I think I should be going head over heels about it but I'm not. Not sure what's missing from the picture. Arghh.. for now I just wanna relax for a while. Tomorrow I'll worry about improving myself. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

My heart goes out to the rest who's in my same predicament. I really hope all our guys from 126.07 get through this unscathed. God do I pray everybody will be fine.

The Beginning of the End

2008-09-23T20:50:00.004+08:00

22nd September was suppose to be a day of celebration. Instead, it became one of the devastating day of this new career. I thought I was ready for anything that comes my way. And I couldn't be far wrong. But I've moved on. Retry is the word. You can only rise up stronger everytime you fall. I have to admit that my flying was marginal. Is there any exterior motive involved? I don't know and I don't care. The next time I fly, it would be so good that nobody could dispute it with any exterior motive and no weather be it good or bad could stop me!

Apart from flying, Mark and myself had been busy trying to sell off our car.. our faithful and loyal Nissan Pintara that brought me safely to Augusta and back. The roaring of its Porche engine marks our presence everywhere we go. It marks (hopefully) the end of our stay here. How soon is the end is yet to be seen.

Once the deal was sealed between us and the buyer, I quickly took the chance to take a photo with it since I realize I had never taken any photo of the car with me in it. 2.4L engine is definitely a very powerful car but I have a feeling that this would be the biggest c.c. car I would ever own for now. Having said goodbye to a piece of metal, its back to concentrate on my confidence building flight tomorrow.. and then another shot at my ticket home!

Patriotism From Far Away?

2008-09-11T12:17:00.002+08:00

I'm not sure I'm that patriotic. But reading about what's going on in Malaysia outside of the country somehow makes your heart burn with desire to see the country move forward. It is sad to say we have come to this crossroad. I like my multi-cultural friends. They're unique in their own way and that enriches your life. But politicians are harping on it as if its a sin to be of different skin colour. But at the same time, I'm a strong believer of equal rights. When they say give special privilage to the bumiputera they are being hypocrete as well. I heard grudges from the Sarawak bumiputeras (Dayaks) where they are also sidelined.

‘I Have a Dream’ - Speech by Martin Luther King Jr.’

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.” But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating “For Whites Only”. We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.”
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

Results of City to Surf

2008-09-08T00:17:00.007+08:00

Obviously City to Surf happened last Sunday but we've just seen the official results published in the local newspaper. Before the run, organizers issued us with a transponder which we tied to our shoelace. At the starting and the finishing line, we're suppose to step on the mat at respective location to activate the transponder and to record our finishing time (quite cool).

For the event that we participated which is the 4km run, only the top 2000 results were published. All of the guys from our course who participated manage to get into that list (of course). Quite surprising considering Macha just recovered from his hamstring pull two weeks earlier and the rest of us literally stopped jogging the same time he got his hamstring problem. Talk about giving him our support and being united (just another excuse to slack). The results are as follows:

Nicholas (hehe.. they got his name wrong) in 357th place!

Uvaraja aka Macha at 372th place

Hao the Stretch at 470th place!

Tristan (instructor) with his long legs managed 453th place

And myself at 363th place!

Anyways, Nic and I just casually talked about our 20 days fitness regime beginning with a 6km run tomorrow morning and increasing in distance by 1km everyday to a maximum of 15km by the end of our target period. Personally I did 8km run yesterday and another 6km today. The main question now is can we maintain this discipline? We'll find out soon.. for now its good nites everyone everywhere in the world!

This is how I celebrated Merdeka Day

What I did last week

2008-09-05T04:47:00.006+08:00

Since I still can't sleep after my insomniac post, I thought I might as well just write about what I did the week Sandeep was here which is last week of August. Thanks mate for the encouragement... so I might as well give a weekly report until the day I leave Perth which I really really hope is very soon.

Trying out Hog's Breath Cafe has been one of our aim. Coincidentally when our Crack was around and we had nowhere to go for dinner, we decided to try HBC. Appearently the signature dish is the slow cooked rib steak. When they say slow cook they mean 18 hours of cooking. All of us tried Mega cut of the portion which is worth it. This is one of the most thick portion of steak I ever tried. I had the special blackened sauce rib steak with vege and baked potato on the side. Coincidentally the cut that they gave me was shaped like the Australia continent!

That week as well, we went to Yummy BBQ for dim sum and Happy Meal for chinese. At Happy Meal we ordered tons of chinese food unfortunately there's no photographic evidence. There we ordered so much that the waitress was shocked. Most of the staffs there actually made a bet whether we'll finish the food or not. As usual, our appetite never let us down.

Towards the end of that week, most of us 'volunteered' to join the City to Surf run. Because we 'volunteered', we participated in the shortest run which is the 4km. In the end it turned out to be fun event for health freaks and some horny guys trying to 'cuci mata'. Big crowds of 30,000 participants liven up the event. I manage to run, tumbled and continue running to finish the race. At the end there was a medal presented to all those who finish the run.

This is the crowd for 4km run/walk. The bulk of the other runners had started earlier for the 12km and the half marathon.

A walking sunflower

Bored after run, we tied the balloons to make an impressive string of baloons which eventually we let loose

Insomniac

2008-09-05T04:25:00.005+08:00

For the last few days my sleeping pattern have been haywired. Nowadays I can't fall asleep after midnight. In fact, my bedtime used to be around midnight. My sleeping time has shifted to about 5 to 6 hours later. I'm now officially on Europe time. And when I sleep, I could sleep up to 12 hours straight and that just messes up my sleep the next night. This morning is no exception. I guess I might as well bore myself to sleep by writing something here.

Just now Nic and myself went to pax Bunny's 1st flight with Dave, an instructor known for his super-duper-high standard in flying. We were surprised how nice he was departing from the various stories we've heard before. So I guess rumours are not exactly correct or it might just be Bunny's charm. I guess on first impression Bunny scored big time tonight.

Unfortunately for him, we were caught unaware of the weather building up in Pingelly, one of our waypoint for tonight. It was kindda scary because we didn't actually know what we're going into and the weather information was rather limited in the air. So we made the most prudent decision of all. Divert back and live to fly another day.

Now, back to imagining that my bed and pillow is just like this fluffy cloud and I might catch a wink or two.

Is this what I'm coming to?

2008-08-29T19:47:00.004+08:00

I was about to put another gripe blog then I suddenly realize.... this is what I'm coming to? There's more unhappy entry than the happy ones recently. I just wanted to complain that I am latent for 9 days and still counting since instructor is off for the weekend. It seems that I've always been planned for the end of the week (where bad things seems to happen ie aircraft is unservicable, bad weather to fly like what happened today etc). But who do I complain to? There are some people still few sorties behind me. So if I express myself they'll just think I'm trying to be funny.

I think I'm griping because initially I thought I would have completed my training here before my sister's wedding back in Penang which is scheduled for 1st September '09. Now everything went down the drain and I'm gonna miss it. Am I allowed to vent my frustration? Definitely! But would anybody understand? I doubt it. So there.... my blog's the only one that understands me...

Promise

2008-08-03T14:48:00.000+08:00

Today felt really frustrated. My feeling may show to people close but not to all. I have made a promise to return as soon as possible to my loved ones. And that's the part that's really causing the anguish. It doesn't help that I try to do things this week to expedite my training but nothing good turned out from it. It doesn't help that you felt that the system is against you, slowing your every step of the way.. just last week I felt I was soaring like an eagle. And this week, after being crippled by not given any chance to fly, I feel just like a snail pacing in the cold winter garden, leaving a trail of slime behind.

Good ol' times

2008-07-25T16:41:00.000+08:00

Kota Tinggi trio (photo from Jimonge)

Looking at some old photographs, (it so happens that most of the photos we took were topless and we pose like monkeys) can't help feeling ticklish reminicing about Lewis' trip back to Malaysia after so many years abroad. It was the first time we met after parting 4 years earlier after our Form 5 SPM (equivalent to O levels).

I guess Lew, Jim and myself were the lucky ones to have chance to meet up and went for trips. I guess it helps all of us loves outdoor and adventure and thus during Lew's trip to JB, we brought him to places like Desaru beach and Kota Tinggi waterfall. We wanted to plan for off Mersing trip but I guess time doesn't permits. After JB, we went together to KL to meet his sister there.

But I guess the fun is in the company itself. So, with that in mind... hmm.. end of the year is coming and I'm planning a trip. One of the idea is to visit either Lewis in UK or Jim in Rio. Lewis would be more accessible with direct flight but Jim is coming back permanently soon which means he's the only chance for a guided tour of Rio.. decisions decisions!

See no evil, hear no evil speak no evil

Mr Bean spotted in Perth!

2008-07-23T01:26:00.000+08:00

Sandeep and Alvin harrasing Mr Bean for autograph

You won't believe this but I think Rowan Atkinson aka Mr Bean is learning to fly in Jandakot! He looks like he gained some weight though....

Winery Tour

2008-07-13T18:53:00.000+08:00

This is the second time I been to Swan Valley but I must say its the first time I had so much to drink (and thus so much fun) in quite a while. The only reason I can do this is because I'm not driving, and I went with a bunch of people who can really drink and knows how to have fun.

David Tan got his CPL(IR) recently and while waiting to go home, he'd graciously became our Swan Valley tour guide. Went to couple of nice places which I would uncover as we go along. 1st stop was Sandalford Estate for a full list wine tasting. This is quite a big estate almost similar to Voyeger or Xanadu in Margaret River. This is where I first tasted the late harvest wine. Its basically wine which are sweeter because the grapes are picked later and thus there's more sugar in it.

Posing for the camera at Sandalford

Then we went to Houghton for more rounds of wine tasting. The interior and exterior of the winery boast spaciousness. Next to the winery is a huge park for visitors to picnic with family. The vineyard was founded by a man named Jack who does not believe in oak aged wine. Instead he used stainless steel container to store its wines. Therefore, from outside, the winery looks more like a factory. Although unconventional it was at that time, it still wins plenty of awards for its wines.

Space and steely Houghton

Don't be fooled by the name. Contrary to what the name suggested, there's no olives on sale in this place. Historically, the owner of the place used to have olive farm as well as vineyard. This is one of the winery where the owner was around to greet visitors. We were treated with chilled and sweet red wine called Autumn Cabernet. It has a easy and light texture of cabernet except that it has a tinge of sweetness in it. There also have liquor muscat which comes in a very nice bottle. It makes a good wedding gift I must say.... Overall, the wines was superb and the ambiance of the place is very classy. It even offers a huge glass window where you can view the production area for the wines and some barrels stored under the staircase.

Contemporary settings at olivefarmwine where you can try the Autumn Cabernet

Sunset shadow show

The next stop was to a rustic looking place called Edgecomb Brothers. Meticulously planned, we save this place to later time because this is one of the places where its open later than the other winery. By now, dusk is falling outside (that's why we have the shadow show earlier). This place looks quite rustic outside some dining table set beside the main building overlooking a lake. The symbol of the winery is a tortoise which coincidentally is the name of the lake (in aboriginal language) right next to it.

Edgecomb Brothers offer a variety of liquor wines as well as some home made grape and strawberry jams. Again, the owners are there to give you a personal touch. The building itself is also cosy with a corner where they have fireplace and choices of muffins, nougat and cookies. We were introduced to a way to enjoy the liquor shiraz. First, take some vanilla ice cream, top it with grape jam and then top it with the liquor shiraz to your liking. The combination is superb! Although I can't take much of liquor shiraz on its own because its too sweet, this receipe is just nice and its a very simple and nice idea of a desert.

Edgecomb Brothers with their liquor shiraz

After lots of dosage of wine, comes the beer. Went to this place called Feral. They pride themselves in being able to brew beers similar to the Belgian ones. They are generally pale in colour and have that clean taste just like Hoegaarden.

Feral's choices of beer

Every person have to eat when the time comes. And ours come just at the right time... when everyone's hungry and the temperature falls. Few minutes drive south of Swan valley and we're at the heart of Guildford. It doesn't seems much at night but at one corner of a crossroad, there's a lighted neon lights with the sign Alfred's. Many people are hanging around outside having hamburgers, sandwiches, soups and so on. And we weren't disappointed. If you ask for everything in your burger, you'll get hamburger patty, steak, bacon, eggs, cheese slices and vegetable. The catch is; make sure you can open your mouth wide enough to take a bite! The burger is sensational and there's just something about eating hot burger outside in a cold weather near a fireplace made for its customers.

Alfred's humungus burger taste better in front of fireplace (and after plenty of wines of course!). Macha doesn't seem too pleased being disturbed during his meal to pose for a photo though.

Overall, it was a very nice outing and everyone unanimously agreed that this is one of the best outing ever... (without Sandeep.. we had to rub it in big guy!!)

The entourage with our loot

Bibi and Mickey

2008-07-12T00:54:00.000+08:00

That's the name of my 1st pair of dogs. I didn't know what breed they were so I'm looking it up on the internet. Somehow at that point of time we never bothered to know. What I know is that our family really love them. Even the egg vendor loves them and would always spare an egg or two raw eggs for them. He'll crack raw eggs and Bibi will just lick them up in no time!

Saw online Akbash (which means white dog in Turkish) which looks similar to my dogs (RIP) but it doesn't have pointed ears. Gotta keep on looking...Saw Samoyed which was similar but it has longer fur than what Bibi had.

Then I saw American Eskimo Dog which looks right! I guess there's always a slight variation because the one in this picture looks quite small. Then I found out that this particular breed has 3 different sizes from toy to standard. I think I found my answer. No wonder I didn't know the name its because not many people I know have it and the people who kept such breed it in Sarikei doesn't care about the breed and normally just feed them with leftovers (buying dog food was unheard of or reserved for the ultra-rich people last time).

Dogs in Sarikei were mainly kept as watch dogs. I guess it was partially true for us. We'll know there's guest coming when the dog barks. No need for doorbell. But the breed was tainted when the dogs mate with neighbourhood dogs (for you see, Mickey's a bitch). After that, we kept some of the offsprings which were mongrels. This lasted for few more generations of Bibi's lineage until at one point, we stop keeping dogs. But in future, I would like to have dogs as pet and company once again. And this time, if I go to the pet shop, I would know the breed I would like to have....

This is not Bibi but the closes lookalike photo. Will try to get hold of some actual photos

Sandeep the CPL(IR)

2008-07-08T12:01:00.000+08:00

Not many people in this world can say that he had achieved his dream. But this one man who had set sight on aviation before he could spell the word itself has done it. From Perth to KL to Singapore, he had always done something related to flying. Last night, he has completed his mission and with flying colours we must say. He is now officially a licenced pilot- CPL (IR). We are all so proud and happy for this jolly fella who's from Malaysia, grows up in Perth and shall be having his career in Singapore. This will be the beginning of many happy landings for him... and soon we have to bid him adieu until we meet again in Singapore! Congratulations my fellow Malaysian and my fellow Seletar housemate!

Completed his day flight test. But he is just pretending to be drunk

Completed night flight test- group photo with his lookalike cartoon character (but he's really gone this time)

Frosty Morning

2008-07-08T03:04:00.000+08:00

ATIS information Zulu. Temperature -1degC. Result: Perth is one big freezer. Consequence: As shown in the photo. Call me 'sakai' (Sarawakians will know what it means) or whatever... I was quite excited seeing frost with my own eyes. Guess I can say I've seen every facade of Perth.. rain, shine, thunderstorm, frost. Oh yes, frost gives you that Christmassy feeling which I hope to spend time with my love in Singapore.

Looks like dew on the grass from afar

Nearer inspection its actually frost on the grass

Looks cool from afar and up close

Single flower frosted flower on the field

Even on the leafy plant

And hoar frost on the cars

Ice droplets on the grass. Wonders of God's creation

Current hairstyle is the in thing.. almost same length as the frosted grass. Photographed by Fadhli

Frosted even ~~my balls~~ the tennis ball

Little Caesar big on toppings

2008-06-25T21:31:00.000+08:00

Today on Edisi Makan-Makan! (Eat edition).... pizza galore!

To get there from Jandakot, take Roe highway, exit to Great Eastern highway, drive until you swallow your saliva 3 times to balance your ear drums because you're climbing up the Perth hills and there's some pressure difference, and then you're there!

Little Caesar is situated at Mundaring. A place known more for its reservoir's beauty more than anything else. Well, maybe the pizza is well known as well because.... they're considered the 'World's best Pizza!' Its not an easy feat to be called best in the world. You see, for an athlete to be considered the best, he/she have to join the world track and field or Olympics and train endlessly. I guess it might be similar for this pizzeria. Oh, but you see, I'm a harsh food critique for that matter. And I don't consider the result from a competition the pizzeria entered dictates if its really delicious. The judge for the night shall be my palate..

Enough on the description.. lets go straight to the menu. I have to say that this momentous night, that fateful night, that night I had the close encounter with the world's best pizza was sponsored by Iswen who just cleared his P-Check.

First of all, let me introduce you to Janes. She had an addiction to marinated prawns, proscuitto (Italian Bacon), garlic cream sauce, wild rocket pesto and mozzarella cheese. She tops all that up and walla! We have Janes Addiction.. very rich in cheese, the prawn's fresh and the bacon's superb! It was good! Really one of the best pizza I ever had!

Janes Addiction.. its mine as well now.....

Next, comes the Lamb pizza. Its not just any Lamb, its Greek Lamb! And oh.. it just melts in your mouth!! Then I knew I had the best pizza in the world.. if they had to order some pizza and put in a time capsule to be sent into outer space so that alien civilization knows about humans, this had to be the pizza they should order. The lamb is marinated in rosemary, topped with caramelized onion, fetta, kalamata olives, lemon juice, cracked black pepper and tzatziki (garlic sauce). Gosh, my stomach is growling as I'm recalling the night I almost had my tongue orgasm...

Greek Lamb.. mmmm... I like!

Next on our menu was Sub-marine. As the name suggest, its a seafood pizza topped with cheese, mussels, crab, prawns, anchovies and fresh tomato. Its a bit fishy but the taste is good. Each seafood complements each other and you know the individual ingredients that you bite into. Not for those who don't like seafood with passion because of the fishy taste.

Imagine having chicken fettucine with sundried tomatoes, cream sauce , parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, chicken and bacon. The twist? Having all those on a pizza! Surprisingly it taste perfectly fine! This would be my 3rd most favorite among all the pizzas we ordered.

Chicken Fettucine on pizza.. why I'd never thought of that?

And for dessert, why not have more pizzas? Chocolate on pizza? Isn't that wierd combination? Nope.. its superbly nice!! Its one of the better desserts I had. Well, apart from anything that have cheese in it, this pizza had change my perception. Mudhoney dessert pizza is basically chocolate mudcake on pizza base. Topped with honey, icing sugar, chocolate buttons and chocolate sauce, its really a must for the sweet tooth.

Mud honey.. more chocolate than meets the eye

New York Pecan Pie.. sweet for the sweet, sugar for my honey...

The last on our order list was the New York Pecan Pie. It has toppings made of butterscotch pudding mix, pecans, icing sugar, golden syrup, caramel sauce and tecan toffee. The tips for ordering dessert pizza is; make sure you got enough mouth to finish it. Its generally very sweet so a piece of each pizza would be more than enough. In sequence of my favorite pizza to the lesser (I'll take the lesser pizza anytime compared to fast food's pizza) for this trip:

1. Greek Lamb
2. Janes addiction
3. Chicken Fettucine
4. Mudhoney Dessert
5. Sub-marine
6. New York Pecan Pie

So there you have it, the world's best pizza unveiled! And it is found on a secluded little town on the hills of Perth! Now.. I have to look for something to have for supper.... all this food review have made me hungry.

The Past...

2008-06-22T14:03:00.000+08:00

Bird's eye view of Sarikei and majestic Batang Rajang

I realize I haven't been focusing on my past. Then I read the blog of an old friend (she's not that old.. its just a figure of speech). Then I realize how much I have missed in the past. How many friends I did not keep in touch with.. or try to keep updated with.

It is them who influence us to become who we are today. I guess the way she wrote the blog reminded me that how fragile a life can be and we should take every opportunity to grasp it, to keep it near to our heart. To live like no tomorrow... I know its very hard to believe this coming from a person like me. If you're hanging around me, you'd know that I'm wasting my time away by sleeping most of the waking moment of my life... hehe....

Home is where the heart is

But the urge is there to know what's happening in other people's life (not to kepo but to keep in touch). To know how they doing and to wish the best in their undertaking. Facebook is a good place to do it, but I think we are clouded by the various applications that they introduce... I say no to the applications but yes to the connectivity!

So, if you know me from you previous life or current one, YES, I would like to know how you're doing! I know Gideon actually posted a comment and I am indeed happy to hear from him! I'll probably try to dig into my past and see if there's anything I can write. I would say that the Sarikei blog is doing a very decent job, reminding me of where my origin is from. I'll revisit it even if not physically...

Good ol' Sarikei town centre

Too many questions!

2008-06-17T19:27:00.001+08:00

What do you do when you talk and the receiving end doesn't seem to get what you're saying? You can:

1. Say again in the same way

2. Say again the same thing in different tone

3. Rephrase the things you were saying

4. Don't say anything... a.k.a. give up and save your breath

Option 4 is ok if you're not pressing for time. I've just learned about assertiveness... and this is one big lesson for me. I tend to just give up when people don't listen. Let them rot in hell, or if its some loose nut in the car, just let the nut come off and let the person die in some road accident etc.

Option 4 is probably not the option if the person is someone you care and you don't want anything bad happening to that person. Or even if you might get sucked into one hell of situation. So... how do you do it? I think I post more questions nowadays in this blog that I should rename this as Q&A blog.

Yada yada yada. You know all the text book answers like: you need to understand the person's background and appreciate what she/he knows or doesn't know.. know his culture and seek to understand than to be understood etc. Well, I can tell you that its not that easy in real life. You wanna say something but the other person just doesn't get it. It doesn't ring a bell at all. I guess that's why for our line of job, training is important because everyone knows what is important and what is not, what should we do in certain situation and what is the correct words to use...

Why (I just typed 'y' instead of 'why' for 3rd time... what has SMS technology done to me???) don't we have training in life as well??

Sometimes I wish I could just dive whenever I feel like it....

No more... you know what

2008-06-14T10:50:00.000+08:00

Taking the cue from fellow colleague, we're taking precautionary measures. No self potrait in uniform, no more sensitive photos regarding work etc.... kindda sad, but expected. Would it be different anywhere else in the world? Anybody got opinions on this? Would be very interesting to hear from people in this industry. For all I know it maybe the same...

More updates on you know what since I've passed my you know what last you know when.....

Report Card

2008-06-06T00:15:00.000+08:00

I guess this should be the 3rd Quarter Report card for Perth. The end of phase 3 is very near.. and for once I can see a pinhole light at the end of tunnel. Because of this, I get even more anxious to get home to my dearest.

How did I manage to get through almost 10 months downunder? Initially I thought it must be my natural aptitude since I've been away from home right after secondary school. I suddenly realize that there's more to it than just aptitude. Staying away from your natural environment in a foreign country and not missing home requires few factors:

1. Friends to keep you company

2. Strong sense of direction as to what is your aim there and your timeframe there

3. Support from your loved ones

4. Break once in a while and get away from everything....

I've worked in Kapit for a consulting firm where I have to take 3 hours boat ride from Sibu and then 1 hour car ride back to Sarikei. Doesn't seem very far and foreign, yet it didn't work for me because I don't have a combination of the 4 things above.

Coming to Perth was a novelty on its own even few months after I reach here. Everything I wanted to do seems to point towards this direction. Heck, previously if you name me any 'Ang moh' country I would say its better than Malaysia. That's why I even felt optimistic for my sister when she said she's moving to States. I was so sure that everything would work well there since States has always been potrayed by the media as a great nation (that perception changed even more after I watched SICKO last night about the medical mis-establishment in US). I still haven't changed my mind just yet about Australia. But will it work out here in the long term? It will if there's the 4 factors above.

For now, I am still hoping for the best for my remaining time here. I hope that my Phase 4 would be expedited. I must say that I enjoyed my experience here but not without regrets to certain stuffs such as being there for the passing of people you respected and for the many happy matrimony of dear friends - which bring me to this: Congrats to Ling Dak & Olivia on your happy occassion!

Reflection at Scaborough

No results yet from going to gym

SIA Course 126.07

2008-05-24T09:46:00.000+08:00

I couldn't wish to be in any cadet programme than with the current course that I am in. Tomorrow's our exam but I couldn't help posting these photos cause they're simply fantastic (Aww.. those bunch of lunatics). Photos are taken by yours truly but the 'impromptuness' of the interesting subjects also makes the photos interesting....

Just pretty proud of the course cohesiveness. Keep it up! And so the journey continues.....

Seriously serious

2008-05-14T19:49:00.000+08:00

For once during my flight today, I doubted my ability to fly. Had previous hiccups but this time it seems more real. I need to keep reminding myself that this opportunity is hard to come by but easy to lose. I guess the previous basic flying skills are more important than ever now and that marginal weather is not an excuse not to perform.

After flight was so down that although I'm hungry from my light morning breakfast (that could be a factor I couldn't perform as well), I couldn't bring myself to have lunch and thenafter dinner.

Its time to get serious.

Opps.. they did it again!

2008-05-06T22:10:00.000+08:00

At the Dewan Rakyat: RM39.11m spent on space programme

From Thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: At Tuesday's Dewan Rakyat sitting, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said that the Government paid RM39.11mil for the Angkasawan space programme.

The first phase of the Angkasawan programme was not totally free of charge for the Government.

Maximus said that of the RM39.11mil paid, RM16.8mil was born by the ministry and RM22.28mil by government-linked agencies.

He added that the Russian Government funded RM75.8mil for the programme as part of a deal when the Malaysian Government purchased Sukhoi SU30MKM fighter jets from the Russian Government.

I still remember last time the government said that Malaysians didn't pay a single cent because its all sponsored by the Russian government (which is actually paid using taxpayer's money). And now something official from the Gah-ment themselves. They're just shooting themselves in their feet.... I really doubt gah-ment's ability to manage their funds... total over RM100million which could be spent on so many other developments.

So Bored

2008-04-23T00:54:00.000+08:00

I am so bored that I had some drink and I got a bad hangover due to it. And then I can't sleep at nights because I slept during the day due to boredom. What more can I say... oh, and I will not gulp down red wine ever again. Ever. It gives you bad headache and stomach ache and makes you overeat.. well.. it could be signs of boredom in the first place. Dejavu.. its the feeling of phase 1 all over again....

Unconventional Photo

2008-04-15T15:11:00.000+08:00

I'm definitely taking Freeways whenever I drive next time. When Felicia was here for the last trip, I thought it'll be a good idea to take minor roads just for a change of scenery. Bad idea. Suddenly at a corner, a flash with lightning-like intensity caught my eyes. Problem is its not even raining in Perth at that time. I was doing over 60km/h at the downhill road (you know how it defies logic to press brake downhill when its safe to just let it roll downhill?)

And sure enough, it was a nicely set up speed camera in front of a bus stop. I'm not exactly happy with what had just happened but I didn't want to express it because its suppose to be a holiday for her. A month or so passed since and there wasn't any news of it. I thought that I might just be lucky and got away with it. Then at last I got a letter last two days. Most people was actually quite amused when they saw it because the letter actually comes with a photo of the driver. I guess I got a unique 'souvenir' from the Perth police. Problem is the 'souvenir' cost $75...

Amazing Albany (Pt 2)

2008-04-07T18:03:00.000+08:00

Albany boys aka Nic, Macha and Me planned for the Albany flight during one of the marginal days. To boldly go where no one has gone before... not exactly accurate because many cadets before us went there as part of our requirement. It wasn't exactly the best weather forecast to go down south. But with winter days coming in on us, it was probably worthwhile to give it a shot.

The trip there was uneventful except for the low hanging fluffy cumulus which didn't totally cover the sky. Half of the time the clear blue sky take a peek with the sun shining down to the ground. As we approach Albany, the majestic Stirling Range suddenly appeared to our left looking like one of the scenes from LOTR. Too bad the visibility was quite low but from what I understand from my roommate, during the flight there, the visibility was even worse than that. So I guess I'll have to start counting my blessings.

Stirling Range from two different point of view. Top one looks better but the bottom one has the overall view

The weather was much better at Albany itself. The sun is everywhere with some patches of clouds. The airport itself was quite busy with aircrafts coming in and out of the airport. Initially what we imagine as a relaxing one hour break there turned out to be at most 15 minutes break with the remaining time used up to refuel and for necessary planning to go back.

The wind turbine (or wind farm) overlooking Southern Ocean

Does this look like Rio to you Jim? View of King George Sound.

As predicted, the weather was closing in on us and therefore on our leg back, the cold fronts was pouring its heart out. Lucky for us again that its in patches and therefore we could maneuver our way around to get back. It was somewhat of a different experience because normally we'd only fly in good weather. This being our last navigation, it was truly an adventure of its own to experience the marginal weather. To feel the excitement of flying again. It also enforces the need that safety always comes first when it comes to flying and the appreciation of life (here's looking at ya babe!).

What a way to end the visual navigation chapter!

Margaret River

2008-03-31T15:10:00.000+08:00

Normally I drive to a destination. Never had I imagined that I'd be sightseeing (that's not exactly the technical term to use when you're undergoing a flight training) on a plane!

Margaret River and its vineyards- birds eye view

But last week I did just that to Margaret River. All I know of the place is that its full of vineyards. What I didn't know is that there's a place called Cape Leeuwin just south west of Margaret River where Indian Ocean meets Southern Ocean. According to Darren, the latest south WA tourist attraction expert, the cape is marked by a historical lighthouse which is a must go destination if you're driving there. So now you know too!

To the left of the cape is Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean on the right

And they live happily ever after....

2008-03-30T20:50:00.001+08:00

5 days ago I went back to Sarikei to attend my sisters wedding on the 26th March 2oo8. Initially I thought that I'd have time to spend with her before she's 'sold' off to Tie family (pronounciation different from a type of clothing accessory). Speaking from experience, I know that the last few days leading to the biggest event of one's life is probably the busiest and thereafter any breaks are rare and far in between. Therefore, I hardly have time to talk to her during this trip. The fact that I reach home very last minute does not help as well. In fact, I reached home 7 hours before the whole wedding day rush starts for her.

I took lotsa photos during the day but not using my camera... I took photos using my cousin's camera and I still haven't got hold of it (shall be updated). Before the trip, I was planning to get my own SLR but didn't manage to at that point of time due to time constrain. It was a pretty short and tiring trip but I was happy to be able to see a lot of my relatives I haven't kept in touch with for very long time.

I think it might be a while before I'll see her again. That's the sad part. But I guess the joy is knowing that she's happy. I wish her all the best in her new life.. and I feel really happy for her! Now... anybody has any idea the most economical way to call States using call cards?

Albany Flight (Pt 1)

2008-03-18T19:15:00.000+08:00

After passing Phase 2 (Navigation Phase), we're now given longer and more interesting navigations. One of the more interesting flights is down south (yes! further south than Perth!) to a place called Albany. Its part of the requirement in our programme to complete this flight. I'm quite excited about this flight because it will be one of the very few flights where we get to land outside of Jandakot, refill and then get back to home base.

As with any navigation flights, preparation is done before the flight. For this particular long flight, our normal visual navigation chart (VNC) is insufficient. We'd need another map which covers all the way to South Ocean since Albany town faces that particular ocean. Lines are drawn to indicate the flight path on ground, distances and bearing measured. All this are normally done the night before.

However, the next day when the flight was suppose to take off at 10am, the forecast for Albany wasn't very good with low cloud base and the flight had to be canceled. Part 2 of this flight when the flight is completed and there's photos of Southern Ocean to show...

Crabs! (but I'm not talking about VD)

2008-03-06T17:13:00.000+08:00

Crab or no crab. That is the question. Location: Peel Inlet which is one hour drive south of Jandakot at a place called Mandurah. This inlet is a unique geographical feature where rivers meets the sea and forms a huge lake but waters are just knee deep. Don't know when the season begins and when it ends. Legally only 2 months in a year strictly no crabbing i.e. September and October. However, we didn't want to take the chance missing the crabbing season as there's sign that summer is getting shorter by day and therefore conditions may not be favourable for crabbing anymore.

Its a pretty interesting device that we use to crab. It is made of spherical wire mesh hooked to the end of a stick. We had to saw away some end of the broomstick so that it fits into the car boot. Because the mesh is wide, we have to carry a pail with us so that when you scoop up the crab, you put it immediately into the pail or else it'll scurry around and fall back into the water.

Evening and night is the best time to crab. Walk around in the inlet and sometimes you'd spot something moving in the water. As you approach it, the crabs (which has camouflaged back and quite hard to spot) would be in its attack (or defence?) position with its pincher raised. This would actually cause its white contrasting bottom to stand out in the water and thus making it easier for us to spot and catch it. Kindda silly isn't it?

Interesting part of the trip was some of us got pinched by the crab at night because we can't see where they are and we're not wearing slippers. I guess that's the best time for them to take revenge on us. Also at night, wherever you shine the torch, there'll be some silly fish swimming in the beam and most of time we mistaken it for crab. Too bad the fish is too small to be eaten and too ugly to be kept as a pet.

Anyways, we caught some crab and missed some, let go of some which are too small (minimum size is 127cm at its widest). And in the end, the number of catch for the day tallies to 8! But I guess its not the number that counts but the fun and excitement of catching them. The chilly and egg crab dish we had for supper is just the bonus....

Just can't resist posting this news

2008-03-01T10:57:00.000+08:00

Flash floods hit Shah Alam
By SALINA KHALID extracted from The Star Online

A SUDDEN downpour coupled with clogged drains was the main cause of the flash flood that hit Shah Alam on Wednesday, said Shah Alam parliamentary candidate Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin.

“The cause of it all is human; it is something we cannot control. Bullshit. Things we cannot control is earthquake, tsunami, cyclone etc. Human nature we can control. Is this the future leader? I say vote for a person who knows what he's talking about and have a plan in mind!

“We could be spending millions to improve the infrastructure but if people keep disposing of garbage into the drains, causing them to clog up, then it is very difficult for us to solve the problem,” he said. Then do something about it bugger!

Fairies in the Sea

2008-02-12T16:46:00.001+08:00

Finally Felicia set her feet in land down under. This would be the 1st entry since she's here.

Best kept secret in Rockingham unfolded! Initially thought as a laid back suburb that boast only two rows of shops and a big anchor as a landmark; it finally unveils its wonders to the people who seek them.

And the open secret is the Penguin Island where the fairy penguins live. They're the smallest of the penguin family growing up to 40cms tall. That's pretty big since I'd imagine it to be smaller; say the size of a pigeon.

I must admit that I'm a nature freak - albeit I did most of it in front of a TV / National Geographic channel. (There's the grey area that I'm addicted to watching TV rather than watching just nature shows.) But when given the chance, watching it right in front of your eyes is thousand times better compared to watching it even on a Plasma TV (no pun intented for plasma owner like KG.. I'd wish to own one too!)

Except for one wild penguin we saw in the wild, the rest that we saw are permanent tenants of Discovery Centre on the island. They waddle clumsily as they walk but when they are in the water, they can really swim gracefully and faster than a fish! Its important since fish is their main diet. Their 'wings' are called flaps which they use in the water. Their feathers are 4 times denser than any other bird which keeps them dry after a good swim. I guess old folks tale about "the more fish you eat the better you can swim" is true after all!

Navigation Flights

2008-01-29T11:49:00.000+08:00

From general handling, its on to another chapter of flying.. navigation. It wasn't exactly the way I'd thought about going from one place to the other since there's no signboards saying where you are or which direction to go to the destination.

The way to go is Time-Ground-Map. Kindda new and againts my habits to go as we're so used to looking at features around us then looking at map to see if it matches. And time? What time? The views in WA ranges from ocean and salt lakes near the coast to mounts further inland passing the escarpment. Dams (which I never get to see in my previous company although there's couple of dam projects that were were doing) and reservoirs are a common sight inland and a good landmarks for navigation.

Must say its quite an experience and I underestimated the workload during navigation flying. My initial perception of navigation flights would be looking out for features (aka sight seeing) to reach a destination. Did I get that so wrong! There's still other things to do and it does demand quite a lot of your attention. I've often do a lot of things when I drive and I do it with ease. While driving a car, I can (Kids don't try this at home.. leave it to professionals):

1. Take photos

2. Eat dinner/lunch/breakfast
3. Find my way with road maps

4. Read

Don't get me wrong, I'm a safe driver. And whenever I don't feel comfortable I can always stop the car anytime. With planes, its a totally gameplan all together. Stopping the plane at the roadside? That happens only when I ran out of fuel and forgot to top up the plane. One common trouble for me when flying and driving would actually be thinking of mathematical sum and talking. Well, guess I do get too engrossed with what I'm doing sometimes.

However, practice does makes perfect and I can't wait to go on solo navigations on my own to brush up on the technique and hopefully it'll all come to me like second nature like driving a car.

I guess next time if I own a small plane, I can cut down travelling time from Kuching to Sarikei to just one hour! For guys and gals traveling back to Kuching and Sarikei, Happy Chinese New Year!

Bon Jovi

2008-01-26T13:49:00.000+08:00

There's various artiste that tour the world. But none international artist actually held a concert in Kuching. I guess the population is too small to generate revenue. Then in Singapore, the international gigs are normally Taiwan or HK artist.. which I enjoy their music but don't would not go for their concert. Occasionally there's international 'Ang Moh' gigs but its quite rare.

Then Bon Jovi comes to Perth.. and everything else is history... They dish out quite few songs almost non stop for two hours, some classic ones and others are new. But all are good! The crowds were cool as well. Girls were moving to the music, everybody was clapping and cheering at the same time. The only thing that would make this more interesting if we had front row seats and if they had sung 'Always'. In the end we had to sing along to the song on MP3 player during our drive back...

Round 1 - Cleared!

2008-01-12T22:16:00.000+08:00

Everytime you play an X-box or PS and complete a round, there's always the word: Round Cleared. This time its real life and for us its called Phase 1 or P1 check. GFPT is the other synonymous term which stands for General Flying Progress Test.

In the same way, satisfaction of completing a stage in a game is similar to the feeling when I pass this check today except the satisfaction is multiplied hundredfold! Its an honour to fly with Patrick as my in-command supervisory.

But no time to be complecent.. time to move on for more interesting and bigger stuff... Phase 2 here I come!

I am Legend (at Sleeping)

2008-01-08T22:15:00.000+08:00

Slept away most of my waking hours, and thus effectively I have only about 6 hours of efficient time.. which includes at least 2 hours for meal (lunch and dinner). Think even then most of the waking hours I spent in bed with a book I am reading: The Dan Brown Companion. Good buy from Convention Centre during the last day of the Books and DVD sales.

At least I am on to something apart from my pillow and bed.

Then watched I am Legend just a while ago at Southlands. Hmm.... can't say I've not enjoyed the movie but I can't exactly say I did as well. Guess I'm picky when it comes to cinema-able movies. Guess the real reason I went for the movie was because I should spend time away from my bed as the mattress is sagging in the shape of my body where I always lay....

Outrageously MAS!

2008-01-04T15:02:00.000+08:00

Pay extra for MAS tickets
From The Star Online
PETALING JAYA: Air travellers will have to pay extra when they purchase Malaysia Airlines tickets from travel agents in Malaysia because the national carrier has scrapped commission payment to the agencies under a new marketing plan.
Passengers will have to pay at least 5% of the ticket price but it could be even more if they pay by credit card or the travel agents deliver the ticket.

Previously, MAS paid their registered agents 2% commission for the sale of special fare tickets.
MAS and Malaysian Association for Travel and Tour Agents issued a joint statement yesterday confirming the scrapping of the commission effective Tuesday.
However, the two parties stated that commission was still payable tickets issued on full published IATA international and domestic fares.
MAS has already announced that they would charge a service fee of RM15 per domestic travel transaction and RM30 for international transactions for both cash and credit card purchases made either through its 24-hour Call Centre or its ticket offices.
This also took effect on Tuesday.
Matta president Ngiam Foon said agents were charging the service fee because the national carrier had withdrawn the commission.
“The service fees will vary depending on the services requested by the customers. Customers will have to pay more for their MAS air tickets now but the ‘more’ depends on the services asked,” he said, adding that those on credit terms will generally have a higher service fee according to the credit level.
Asked about the impact of this latest move which effectively increased the prices of air travel, Ngiam said: “I cannot say if this is a positive or negative move but we will need to see the reactions from the public.
“I believe the travel industry will still go strong. People will still travel.”
However, he pointed out that travel agents were not just ticket issuers but also offer professional advice on destinations, flights and schedules.
Ngiam added that agents also collected the fuel surcharges and airport taxes for MAS and Malaysian Airport Berhad (MAB) but were not paid for carrying out these tasks.
“There is cost involved for agents when they transfer the money to MAS and MAB,” he added.

Are they totally brainless or what? I remember last time I went to buy tickets directly from MAS ticketing office in Kuching.. we had to wait 1 hour for queue although there's only like 5 person ahead with the numbers. Most counters are closed although you do see staffs walking around!

The most efficient way to book ticket is through your travel agents. And now that they've withdrawn commissions and therefore the agents had to charge extra! Did they not realize that the agents actually help to increase their ticket sales? I can't wait to see the result of their action...

Wild Kangaroos

2008-01-03T21:21:00.001+08:00

Photographic evidance that kangaroos are rampant here like rodents roaming the city... like flies in summer... like weed in the field.. ok, I'm not very good at describing this... you get what I'm trying to say. We've been here for 4 months and suddenly they seem to appear everywhere.

The kangaroo has a baby in the pouch as well... I think they're checking us out....

Does Anyone Care?

2008-01-02T22:42:00.001+08:00

The song Ode to my Family rings in my ears sometimes because I feel it resonance my sentiments. Being here with fellow cadets is reassuring because everybody is going through the same training, the same challenges, share the same food and even the same toilet!

But somehow I think that everybody is different here. Sometimes I would wish that people around you would respect your background and understand the circumstances that influence your decision making. Free will! Where is the freedom to think your own thoughts, carry out your own course of action and make your own decision?? Respect others who have made that decision I say!

I wonder as well when somebody is down, does people around him notice it and try comfort him? It could be that person can really hide what he's really feeling so that others wouldn't notice it. Sometimes its not comforting words that is required. Time definitely heals and sometimes a pinch of sincere action would help.

If only you could paste what you think around you like this.......

I wonder if people actually really try to go deeper and understand what is going through the mind when the other person decides to do something or they just become critical and judgemental. Let this be known: People act because environment shaped them to be who they are. Furthermore there's a lot more things happening at the background that meets the eye that makes a person who he is... and I am who I am.

Dolphins Sighted in Swan River!

2008-01-01T18:46:00.001+08:00

Unexpected surprise during the New Year ride today. Went cycling during this quiet day since the weather is good. So I headed to the city. At Mount Henry Bridge stopped to see a couple and a dog sailing in their small boat. Quite fun thing to do from my point of view.

Then I continued north to Mill Point where took a long break while watching a family fishing by the river overlooking Swan Breweries. The Breweries is now a building used for some restaurant. I haven't venture to that place yet but I read it online that the speed limit for cycling near that place is 10km/h or else its a fine!! Wow.. never thought that you can get fined for cycling above speed limit!

Then I lingered around in South Perth checking out the historical wind mill built in 1835 there. The place was closed so just manage to read a bit on the history at the main gate. Quite interesting fact that windmills in Perth becomes obsolete because it is not economically viable to operate compared to other ways of milling. I still hard to believe it because its windy most of the time here.

As I was riding back from the city along Swan River, I saw 2 wild dolphins swimming around near the riverbank! Its definitely a sight to behold.. unfortunately the camera is not as sharp as the eye and all I got was a blurry zoom in. Another reason to get SLR? *hint*hint* Hmm.. instead shall I start a hoax saying Nessie sighted in Perth?? Heheh.. what a way to start 2008!

St. Thomas Moore

2007-12-31T12:22:00.000+08:00

This is where I go for masses every weekend. I realize I haven't posted anything just for the sake of being secular (not!). Anyways, I took some photos of the church but photos does not do justice to the actual feeling when you're there. The church building itself is not really eye catching if you actually pass by it. Unlike the architecture in Singapore, most modern church here looks quite utilitarian rather than aesthetic. But on the contrary, the old church here looks majestic compared to Singapore church that I've seen maybe except St. Andrews above City Hall MRT.

In general, the Sunday evening masses are normally more lively since they're animated by the youths. There are 2 priest and 1 deacon serving the parish. The Aussie priest (Fr. Michael Keating) is quite old but he's quite funny. He always starts a sermon with a story. Then there's a young Asian priest (Fr. Thai - don't think he's from Siam though- Burmese maybe). There used to be another young priest but he's been transferred to other parish (Fr Clayton).

Next year being the host for World Youth Day, they decorated the Church with the themes from that event. In front of the altar is a Christmas crib recently set up during this Nativity season. Well, it reminds me when we build an actual full size manger in Sarikei for Christmas (sigh.. no photos of it as a momento). I wonder whether they still keep the tradition there now?

Cycle cycle cycle

2007-12-31T09:13:00.000+08:00

Still excited with my new toy, I'm exploring surroundings of Jandakot for the moment. But I'm pretty impressed with the facilities for bikes. You'll see signboards indicating how far it is from the destination of interest and there's dedicated bike / pedestrian path which is made of asphalt concrete (or more commonly known as bitumen in Commonwealth countries). There's plenty of signs saying where bicycle lane ends or starts. So you just need to look out cause its definitely idiot proof.

Cycled to South Lake and saw few birds with the crooked beak like the statue in the picture above. I'm still trying to figure out what's the name of the bird. Can't take pictures using my camera phone cause they just look like white dots with green grass background. Anybody with bird watching interest have any idea the name of the species?

In the end I found a website with the picture of the bird and its called Australian Ibis!! Hurray!!

My Christmas Present (BYO!)

2007-12-28T14:32:00.001+08:00

Normally I don't really wish for anything for Christmas. But this year, I've bought myself something special. Something I've always wanted since young. Most of my younger days I cycle everywhere. We'd even cycle 5kms to the swimming pool when I was in secondary school. Before my mum allows us to ride on bicycle, I had already borrowed my neighbours bike, then my classmates and any bikes I could grab for free rides.

Its not that we don't have a bicycle at home but its just that I was too short then and the only bike we had was the big wheeled made in China bike which normally the older uncles (ah Pek) ride on. Then my mum bought a lady bike which has a chopper like handle (the harley davidson style) but it was for my elder sister. It was much later during my secondary school did my mum bought a mountain bike for me. But the ultimate bike which I really wanted was a road / racing bike.

During Uni days, it was unheard of people buying racing bikes to get around (or even for recreation). Motorbike or car would be a more practical mode of transport. Then back in Kuching, cycling is definitely out of the question. I never see anybody cycle yet in Kuching....

Next thing to buy is the floating thing behind the bike

Then here in Aussie.. the chance suddenly drop in front of my feet. Perth has a big cycling community and its so established here. I must say the government provides sufficient facilities for this sport/ recreation/ exercise to blossom. They have dedicated cycling lane from Mandurah down south to north passing the city. Chance came when some fellow cadets wanted to sell his bike. The price is right. Environment is right. The interest is there. Deal!

But I'm cautious about this hobby for now. I'm on tight budget so I'm keeping everything at bare necessities. No super duper wind resistant jersey or helmet or any fancy shoes and pedals just yet (unless there's a sponsor.. say Discovery Channel??). Its a bike and it gets me places. That's the most important thing and this morning I manage to see the other side of Swan River on my bike..... magnificent!

Dog's fave past time- throw a stick and it'll fetch.. even in the river...

Tipsy on Christmas Day

2007-12-26T00:52:00.001+08:00

I've seen people getting drunk before but never in my existance have I got that tipsy as on Christmas day. People say I look like a lobster after about 1 bottle of beer, 10 shots of liquer and 3 glasses of wine. All for fun.. but I won't do it again.. I just wanted to test my limits and I got my answer.

This is when we're still sober, and having superb meal of steak and lamb chop - alfresco. Happy Birthday Macha!!

We're half way there (Nash looks happy and I wonder what's Nic's doing)

Gone. There's few more photos after that but its just too gross. (photos by Nic and whoever got hold of my camera that night)

Moral of the story: no point doing this kids. Its a waste of good food and wine. I won't do it again. Ever. Merry Christmas to everybody out there whom I know and who's reading this. Have a Blessed New Year too!!

Christmas Pagent 07

2007-12-22T13:45:00.000+08:00

When I asked people to join me for the Christmas Pagent in the city.. everybody stared at me and their eyes seem to ask me is there a Beauty Contest during Christmas? Its actually a Christmas Parade. Sort of like the Chap Goh Meh parade that I use to go in Sarikei on the last day of Chinese New Year. Its just as loud and colourful except that this time its Ang Moh version...

Few of us went in two cars and we parked at different place. Then we try gather at a meeting point. Unfortunately, we ended up being on the opposite side of the road and unable to cross the road because the parade was passing through.

It was a sight and sound to behold. Unfortunately my camera is unable to perform as I wish it would. Therefore, I am wishing for a Digital SLR camera this Christmas... so I can take clearer pictures at night and during the day.... anyways, some of the photos which I can discern are mostly posted here. What is funny is that Falun Gong actually participated in the parade with their own Chinese costumes and their own band!! Pretty impressive how hard they try to spread their wings....

When the parade had passed us, everybody from both side of the roads converged and joined the parade as it moves along the streets of the city. It was quite fun. We walked for a while before packing some supper of kebabs, meat pies and fries from nearby shops and went to see the Perth skyline at night. And with the nice early summer weather and couple of underaged gals asking for smoke from us, Kings Park's view of the city really made our night even more worthwhile...

Northbridge Festival - 10-11 November 2007

2007-12-08T12:50:00.000+08:00

We sort of like stumbled into this festival. We actually went to Northbridge aka Chinatown to have dinner at the Shed. I wanted to try out the Jack Daniel pork rib that was recommended by most of the guys who have been there. The serving was huge.. enough to feed two adults or 20 Dafur kids... (that's what our Head of Ground School Prakash liken us with).

We were wondering why most of the roads there were blocked by barriers. And then we saw huge towering guys walking around and then (Yes, I'm street smarter than a 5th Grader!) we know there must be some festivities going on! Very carnival feeling although the concept here is slightly different from Malaysia or Singapore. When you think about a carnival there, its mostly commercial settings.. people set up lots of stalls to sell drinks, foods, cars, products (like Tongkat Ali etc..). Here, there were only some stalls selling stuffs. There's a moustach painting stall which sells brushes and paint and few stalls displaying their handicraft but basically that's all. The existing cafes lining the street set up extra tables in the middle of the road so it feels like street cafes.

The Northbridge Festival is an annual event. It celebrates the liveliness of the neighbourhood which is where it is the melting pot for all sorts of culture. Compared to the city centre, more eating outlets could be found here. You'd find lotsa chinese restaurants here especially along Williams street.

The Festival itself presents events or act every hour. We manage to catch the group Strange Fruit presenting act called The Spheres. Quite an artistic presentation which I interpret as a mirror of our earth and relationship with each other. There was the Evil Queen who tries to make everyone miserable but reconciled with the rest of the characters at the end of the act.

After that was presentation by Grrilla Step which feature music and drum beats and topped by presentation by DJ Kentaro from Japan with his gold plated turntable till its midnight. I can't really appreciate the turntable performance although this guy was the 1st guy to get perfect 10 score for some turntable competition in 2002.

At the end of the day and after a Latte from Dome, I had to conclude that I was happy I went to City that day.. don't think I would be here next year to see the next instalment of Northbridge Festival but I'll definitely lookout for what's in store at http://www.northbridgefestival.com.au/

Settling Down...

2007-12-02T22:56:00.001+08:00

Its been almost a week since The Passing. (as JRR Tolken calls the Shire Reckoning as day one this shall be my bench mark for time being). Took the LOTR book from home which I had bought for almost a year or so but never manage to read it. Would try to finish it during my course of training here (how I wish we already have auto-pilot so I can finish the book during long navigation flights).

Nic and me having solo drinks after our 1st solo

It seems like there's lots of things happening the one week since I'm back here. Flew two solos on my own time and pace (and Iswen pointed out that I was quite privilaged to be able to do solos on Runway 30 as beginners normally don't get to do it). Well, it was really fun indeed to be up there all alone (well, there's other planes ahead and behind you and there's the tower buzzing in the background).. but yeah, you're quite alone and its peaceful up there.

Then there was the 127 initiation which I manage to keep clean record of not being drunk. I really hope that Alvin never ever get to see this or else I'll be in big trouble. Then we went shopping for Levi's on Friday.. it was a steal at 50% off. Got each of us (Nic and me) a denim jacket and we're pretty satisfied with it. Was pondering a jeans but it'll be unnecessary for now and I think my return luggage would have exceeded its limits.

Then we celebrated with Kai his Jonas' 1st birthday (we really don't need much reason to have a celebration at all). As usual, with every birthday, Sandeep just seems to get it.

I almost got stripped in my own room, Kai and Deep got a huge spider pet in their room etc etc. Oh yes, about the spider, it was huge and had this ferocious looking fangs.. hairy and all too! But we being kind souls let it back to the wilderness.

We also had BBQ at Deep's place to celebrate Fong's solo.. many a lewd photos were taken there but we'll keep that for our own eyes only!!Good food all the way until our stomach can't take it!

Too many things to write and I still gotta prepare for a stepping stone flight tomorrow. It'll be my 1st return to training area after clearing my solos. The practice is basically for emergency in case we need to land when there's no airport around.

Guess I'll just have to disect this into sections and present my case over the next few days.. which I hope would be calm over the next few days... nice spidey, dun come into my room ya....

Tribute To Philip Lee

2007-11-21T20:17:00.000+08:00

There is a guy whom I called dad. He's not my blood-parent. I am related to him because I married his daughter. But I respected him like (and maybe even more) than my real dad.

Well, I find that he's a real role model for me. Lots of good friends around him, talks slowly but clearly what he wants (a trait that my real dad and myself lack in), hangs around with his family and not rushing around doing things that are puny and useless, thinks before he talks and thinks before he acts, knows his stuffs and he makes sures things are organized well (especially household things) and so many good traits I can't even put into words. Its just the little things that certain people does that makes you comfortable and have confident in him.

But that certain people is no more with us, especially with his family. He had lived a good and meaningful life. Everybody around him accepted the fact that everything must come to an end. Everybody came to terms that he had done all he could in life and he did it well. And I totally agree with them.

What I don't understand is why all the good people in this world have to pass from this world early? I didn't shed a tear as I think there's nothing to regret in his life. But during the funeral mass, when they sang the song Amazing Grace, tears swelled in my eyes... then I regreted that the family would never enjoy his company anymore. His future grandchildren wouldn't have the privilage to know such a good man.

As such, I could only pray that his soul would find eternal rest and peace. I could only pray that there'll be more people in this world who'd be as kind, considerate, loving and caring as him. I could only emulate him and try to be a better person like him. And most of all, I could keep his memory always in my mind and hope that he'd watch over all of us from Heaven.....

My 1st Solo

2007-11-14T20:44:00.000+08:00

Finally after much waiting, sleeping, more waiting.. finally the day came! Good sunny weather (minus the strong wind), instructor is available, I'm alert and wide awake and there's available slots in Jandakot (by the way I think I've mentioned that Jandakot is the Southern Hemisphere's busiest airport but I can't stress enough of it)... and then I'm off!!

My solo bird is VH-LTM. Instructor is Andrew Spencer - a cool guy who bikes and keeps fit for hobby. Don't think there's a better instructor for my solo check than him though he's busy most of the time. I first did few circuits with him until he thinks that I'm competent to do a flight safely on my own - have to work for his trust!

Then he'd get out of the plane (of course after we landed! No, he didn't take a parachute with him and jump out mid air if that's what you're thinking of). He'd then gave me some last minute instruction and wished me luck. With my taxi lights on so that he can recognize which is me, he'd stand at an open location to see my 1st flight. I then take off, do a circuit and then land. Then I picked him up and then we headed back.

Anyways, only after I landed did Andrew tell me that its more stressful to be out of the plane watching me taking to flight and land on my own than be in the plane cause there's nothing that he can do to help me if anything goes wrong. Luckily (actually its more of skills and talent and practice.. ahem.. ahem.. ok, I'll stop with the bragging here...) I landed safe and sound and manage to post this online...

9/11/07

2007-11-10T00:18:00.000+08:00

How was this day for me? Been few years since 911 incident. But the chance to fly today feels great for me.Woke up around 9am, played Need For Speed 2 on Xbox, did some flying on Flight Sim, then did actual flight with my instructor on a Max 12 knots crosswind. Obviously not the best time to go solo but a good practice after being shelved for 2 weeks..

Anyways, landing haven't come as naturally as I hope it would be. Anyways, watched Sin City until pass midnight and now I can't get myself to sleep. Thinking about exercising until I'm wide awake. The guilt of missing one day's gym is getting to me... will try to read Harry Porter and the Deathly Hallows and put me to sleep... good morning everyone!

Red Bull Race Coming to Town!

2007-11-08T19:49:00.000+08:00

Everybody was excited! The city is abuzz with life! Engines are zooming overhead! Carnival mood is everywhere! Jandakot is quiet for the first time in many days.

The focus is at Langley Park and Swan River just south of city. Red Bull Air Race is literally the F1 in the sky. The aircraft was superb and magnificent. Built for racing and thus they don't have flaps that are normally used for landings. It will reduce the aerodynamics of the aircraft and the pilots don't want that.

The race starts with static display of the aircraft. Visitors can go upclose with the aircraft. I just missed the display when I reach Langley Park. After that, there were some air show- formation flying, some aerobatic show and the introduction of the race circuit using a helicopter. I'm amazed that the helicopter can do a half Cuban 8.

Only during Red Bull race would one see any aircraft flying nearer to city's skyscrapers. The skills of the pilots are superb! Turns, spins and sideslipping and also withstanding high 'G' forces when they do tight turns.

Wish I could learn to fly like them!

What am I doing here?

2007-11-06T20:07:00.000+08:00

One wonders when she/he reads my blog if I'm here in Perth for holidays or training. Well, I'm here for training but there's more news of me travelling here and there simply because there's not so much actual training going on to date.

I'm almost 3 months here and yet the progress of training is crawling snail pace. I'm not 'complaining' but its just that we're so used to working all the time (this is especially true for a Foochow like me. Well, probably I emulated my dear mum. She had to do something at home like hand wash clothes etc even though she's retired). But situation is as such and thus I need to make the most out of it. Just that knowing me, I work better when there's dateline, some pressure and something to do! Without all this, my motivation just dips off the chart and everything else (like going for exercise, shower, eat) is shelved...

Luckily there's people like Nic that I can go to gym with or play tennis or table tennis (not to mention beating him most of time inculcate that feel good effect).

Anyways, sleeping is now major part of my daily activity. Well, with this public announcement that I want to turn all that around, I have no excuses except to execute it to my best of abilities..

Macha and me catching fourty winks

Backman's article

2007-11-06T19:57:00.001+08:00

Malaysia's PM seems to be failing his people at every chance
by Michael Backman
The Age
October 24, 2007

ON OCTOBER 31, Abdullah Badawi, Malaysia's Prime Minister, will have been in office for four years. Abdullah came to office promising to fight corruption and to be a breath of fresh air. He has failed on both counts.But he has achieved one remarkable feat none of his predecessors could: he has united most of his country's elder statesmen, established businessmen and intellectuals.

They are united in their utter dismay at his performance, a point that many such individuals made to me on a recent visit to Malaysia.The despair is compounded by the near impossibility of getting rid of Abdullah.

Before 1987, anyone who wanted to challenge the president of the ruling UMNO party (and hence prime minister), needed to get endorsements from just two divisions of UMNO. Previous prime minister Mahathir Mohamad had that changed after his finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah challenged him for the leadership and almost won.Would-be challengers must now acquire the endorsement of 30 per cent, or 58, of 191 divisions. This means that the prime minister's office needs to pay off fewer than 150 division heads with government contracts and licences to ensure their support.

Critics within UMNO are anaesthetised by patronage and sadly the Prime Minister probably thinks that he is doing a good job because his inner circle constantly tells him he is. He is their ticket to riches, after all.

Ramadan has just ended and once again Malaysia has been treated to the spectacle of government ministers and other officials fasting and playing the pious Muslim on the one hand and stealing from their fellow Malaysians on the other.Abdullah has had three chances in recent times to show that times have changed in Malaysia and to clearly assert his authority when presented with examples of such theft.He has blown each one.

The first was when it emerged that his Trade Minister, Rafidah Aziz, had handed out to her relatives, government officials and former officials hundreds of lucrative licences to import cars - without any clear procedures or transparency. A good leader would have fired Rafidah immediately. She is still there.

Another opportunity arose with revelations by the auditor-general last month of fraud and corruption in government purchasing. Some of the more flagrant abuses were at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs. It had wasted millions on purchases such as paying 224 ringgit ($A75) for sets of screwdivers worth 40 ringgit, or 1146 ringgit for a 160 ringgit pen set.More seriously, the ministry's head, who had the authority to approve contracts worth less than 5 million ringgit, was found to have approved contracts for almost 450 million ringgit. The ministry claimed that the then minister and now Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had written a letter of authority for the purchases but this disappeared during auditing. Despite all this occurring under Hishammuddin's watch, he remains in the cabinet.

The third incident relates to an ongoing scandal at the Port Klang Free Trade Zone - Port Klang is Malaysia's main shipping port. Essentially, the port authority was forced by well-connected individuals to buy far more land than planned for the free trade zone and at highly inflated prices, even though it could have compulsorily acquired the land, literally saving billions.This and development costs, and "professional fees", blew out the total cost for the zone from 1.845 billion ringgit to 4.2 billion ringgit. It is a scam of outrageous proportions and is just the sort of thing that is turning foreign investors off Malaysia in their droves.Rather than make arrests, the Government is using taxpayers' funds to bail out the authority. The auditor-general tipped off the responsible minister (a term I use loosely) - Chan Kong Choy, the Transport Minister - about the problems, as did a foreign partner in the zone, but Chan ignored the warning. Has Abdullah fired Chan? Of course not. Has the previous minister Ling Liong Sik been questioned by the police? Of course not.

These three instances were good opportunities for Abdullah to show his ministers who is boss. Well, he certainly did that.One might ask what on earth the Finance Minister has been doing in the face of all this waste and theft. Or, indeed, even who is the Finance Minister?

Extraordinarily, it is Abdullah. In a break with tradition, he occupies that post as well as being Prime Minister. The firings should start with him.After all, it's not as if Malaysia has a shortfall of ministers.

On the contrary, Malaysia has no fewer than 72 ministers and deputy ministers at the federal level. By way of comparison, Australia has 32 ministers and assistant ministers. Is the quality of public administration in Malaysia more than twice as good as in Australia? Let the facts speak for themselves.Malaysia is truly at a cross-roads. It has many good people with great potential but it is slipping beneath the waves of mediocrity, weighed down by officials intent on an orgy of plunder while the ship's captain stands idly by.The process of government needs to be dramatically and urgently overhauled. Malaysia needs a dynamic, strong visionary leader who is up to the task. Instead, it has Abdullah Badawi.

The Sarikei Trip

2007-10-31T18:07:00.000+08:00

I went back this time with a mission. To spend time with people I care and show them that I mean it. Time is not on my side, but I'm really grateful to the management that I'm given chance to visit my Father-in-Law.

Most of time back I spend accompanying and driving my in laws around, going between hospitals and coffee shop which I am very happy because I'm able to help in the littles things.

In fact, I didn't have much time to hang out with friends this time around. But I'm definitely satisfied that the trip was fruitful. I'm super happy to see that he's feeling contented and well. We're all praying for miracle now and nothing is impossible in the Lord. For His thoughts are not our thoughts and ways are not ours. We have heard of miracles from Mt Hosanna in Sri Aman and we're praying for one now. Seek and you shall receive.

I went back this time and took photo of Felicia's house to remind me of where we began, where we call home, where we grow up, and remember our roots and never to let it go.

The trip was refreshing and invigorating for the soul. It reminds you the value of life and to appreciate family members around you. I still remember a teacher who once said: Time and tide waits for no men. True.. So true

Of Strawberries and Rockingham

2007-10-22T23:54:00.001+08:00

More time to kill on a Sunday, where should we go this time? Beach is the generic place, but which beach exactly? After much delibration, its off south to Rockingham. I had high expectation of beaches here since my visit to the sand separating Indian Ocean.

About half an hour drive from Jandakot, we went south along the Kwinana Freeway. As we are about to exit off the Freeway, we saw some signs saying fresh strawberries for sale. Well, being strawberry deprived, went made the detour to the small farm and bought a $4 pack worth of strawberry. Although the size of the berries are small and medium, it is one of the sweetest strawberries that we've tasted (endorsed by 4 cadet pilots).

The day was too cold for a beach outing. I was in my shorts but everyone else were in their jeans. There's nobody in sight on the beach as well. Well, quickly took some snapshots of photo and off we go for dinner since most of us are hungry. Couple of typical restaurants are available: fish and chips, kebabs, KFC, Chicken Treat and a non typical - Roasters. So, I went for a beef roaster which comes with vegetables. I wasn't disappointed at all. It was quite filling but I manage to squeeze in some pretty decently priced fish and chips.

Rockingham itself is just a small town with two major rows of shops. There's few jetties lining the beach. The beach is very calm as it is sheltered by Garden Island just offshore of the beach. Just another beautiful day in Western Australia...

Route to the Skies

2007-10-19T13:31:00.000+08:00

Every achievement comes from small little steps. To proceed on with this flying career, every person (politically correct compared to 'man') has to take the step of clearing his solo. I've done almost 18 hrs of flight and now its the next big step. Big for me because it will be significant in getting that confidence 'boost' to proceed on with the next training.

Most people says that going solo is the most memorable part of the training. It is so simply because you'd put your life on the line. But of course, proper instruction was given prior to that to build confidence with proper technique. Suddenly I realize it is similar with our life as well. Literally, how we want our life to be lies in our own hands as well!

With few more flights, I hope to have achieve something here before I return to see the loved ones soon....

Life is Fragile

2007-10-11T23:33:00.000+08:00

Life is fragile, life is like a smile,
Time permits there's ups and downs
Take our day as it comes
Make it thine O Creator one

A life is worth the living as it is
See the beauty that's within
Live each moment as it last
Make each minute as your last

Reach out to them while you can
There's not a second to delay
Felicitate with the company every day
Rejoice at the chance to be there

Happy are those who have seen
How wonderful the world have been
Who has no regrets or doubt
The road they took and beyond

Though far a yonder you may be
My thoughts and prayers goes to thee
Respect is all that I can give
To follow a life as fulfilling as thine

To a life I shall salute
No tears shall flow a smile instead
Each happy moments in my head
Shall forever be engraved

Why dwell in past oh you precious
When the present is at hand
Rejoice rejoice I shall sing
At the company of the Kings

See the smile at his face
Its not fading but growing strong
Life is fragile life is sweet
Life is good just keep the spirit

Viral Gastroenteritis Attacks!

2007-10-08T00:26:00.000+08:00

Attention all earthlings.. you are now being attacked by gastroenteritis virus! You shall feel dizzy when you try to sit straight or walk. You shall feel nausea and thus feels like vomiting. In worse case scenario, you will vomit and loose bodily fluid. You will feel stomach discomfort and also diarrhea.
Lucky for me, it was all very mild- no vomiting or diarrhea, nevertheless not any comforting than a full blown fever like feeling. For whole of beautiful Saturday, I had no appetite to have any breakfast or lunch. Only after consulting doctor in evening, I manage to eat some porridge cooked by Kai..
Lesson for the day, watch your hygene where ever you are... I thought I had stomach made of stainless steel. Today you won virus, tomorrow I'll fight back by eating twice as much!! Mwahahaha!!

Room Entertainment System

2007-10-03T19:55:00.000+08:00

To keep myself entertained in my room, we acquired a TV, a DVD, Yamaha 5.1 Sound system and X-box with some original games. Its not that I'm extreme by buying so much, but its just that it all comes as a whole package. The seniors are graduating and therefore they're selling it all off. They got it from some other seniors as a package and therefore passing it down as such. Well, part of my aim of spending my limited income on them is because I would like to save more money!

How's that possible? By having an entertainment in room, hopefully I'd be less tempted to go out and spend money.. hehe.. but so far, I've yet to see the investment doing its job.

And to get around in Perth? Couple of us shared a car as well, namely Kai, Mark, Devan and myself bought a Nissan Pintara. 4D anyone? 8DC-328 is the plate number. Looks decent and price is within our budget. The seller was a friendly guy as well. Car is a necessity, just like in Kuching and Sarikei (although cycling and bike in Sarikei can get you lots of places as well), and that's why there's a certain homey feel here.

With wheels, everywhere is within reach. With wings, we can go even more places!!

Most of the expenditure when I go out is on food. One of the example of the favorite eatery is Nandos. Here, Nandos Peri Peri Chicken is very popular. Unlike its counterpart in KL, the chicken here taste a kazillion (if that's even a measurement for quantity) times better that the dry and tasteless chicken in Key El. Another culprit is the Fish and Chips from Freo. I've tried every shop F&C shops there and the last row was Joe's. Not the best compared to Kaili's and Cicerello's.

Guess I better start budgeting for other things that I would like to buy and do here with limited resources (and by that I mean $$$):

1. Go whale watching boat trip

2. Go Swan Valley for Winery visit (would need a driver as I'm planning to indulge on the fermented grapes)

3. Buy a nice leather Bush hat for summer

4. Buy some Kangaroo parts for souvenier

5. Scout for some nice leather jacket (saw some but sadly out of size)

6. Boomerang (was thinking of that but where the heck to use that in Singapore?)

7. Buy a house here? Ok, lets leave this KIV for the next 30 years..

Happy MoonCake Festival Ala Italiano

2007-09-30T21:27:00.001+08:00

This mooncake festival is weird. Instead of having mooncake, we had pizza (and imagine its mooncake). I'm sure if they had mooncake festival in Europe, pizza would be renamed as moonzza. But it wasn't the only occasion. The gathering is also because someone's wife here for a visit but he (Cough*my room mate*cough cough) wanted to keep it a secret. Didn't bring my camera for the occasion and therefore all photos courteousy of Nash.

The place we went for dinner is called Ciao Italiano. While waiting outside the restaurant - yes we had quite a wait just to get seated cause its really tiny in there. The weather was cold but there were upbeat Italian music that lightens the mood. Italy has a big Australian community.. opps.. the moment we step into the small restaurant it feels like were actually in Italy with Australian diners! Rephrase myself. Perth has quite a big Italian community. Therefore, the guys working there talks like italian (because they are!). If I had visited Italy, I would imagine the ambiance is just like in that restaurant.

For starters we ordered a pizza (imagine its mooncake for now). The moonzza was quite different from normal pizza I've had before. Instead of cheesy toppings, it had pork salamy toppings all over and tomato cooked but still succulant topped the centre bits. Baked to perfection!

Next, each of us ordered a main each (bad idea). Why you say? Unless you're the size of the Rock or some sumo wrestling guy, I would not suggest you try downing your own pasta. Its delicious but the servings are very generous. I personally ordered Bolognise (beef) pasta. Others ordered Marinara (seafood which includes prawn and mussel), and there's Carbonara (this one is really recommended that you share with others.. for a cheese lover, even I find its too much of cheese). Their lagsania (Garfield comes to mind immediately) is big cube of lagsania layered with beef and tomato puree.

On top of that, we ordered chilly mussels. So you can imagine, by the time were's done, were really done. But the best part is that we celebrated Bunny's very belated birthday.. the staffs burst out singing Happy Birthday song with a chocolate coated ice cream desert and held fire works in their hand.. well, cause he's a jolly good fella!

Top it off, good authentic Italian ambiance, good company and good music makes one good outing!

Pissed off

2007-09-26T11:33:00.000+08:00

Pissed pissed pissed.. think I've never peed so much before. Not literally. Getting bumped here and there. I'm not angry at anyone. I'm just angry. Now I can't fly and I'm back to square one.
Woke up, got ready in uniform and all, only to be told that my flight's canceled due to some circumstances. Glitches in the system.. I wanted to post about the nice dinner we had at Ciao Italia for Mooncake Festival yesterday but that will have to wait.. I'm still pissed off here.

Cottesloe Beach

2007-09-23T15:07:00.000+08:00

Everywhere is near in Perth. Half an hour's drive and you're there. City, beach, biggest shopping centre in W.A., Fremantle (and maybe winery- maybe because I've yet to plan a visit). But where do I stay in relation to Perth City? Jandakot is tagged 'the busiest airport in the southern hemisphere'. Its located South of the city where the land is flat as far as your eyes can see except for the sea in the East and hills in the west.

After wandering the city, the port town of Fremantle and our neighbourhood in Jandakot, its time for some beach. Australia has 34,218kms of coastline and thus it is worthy of mention and visit.

Cottesloe Beach is located at the East of the city. Its one of the beach along the stretch of beaches and therefore don't worry about the lack of beachline. In fact, this beach is one of the landmark when we fly. Its early spring and therefore the wind's still very cold. However, during this particular day, the sun's quite bright as well therefore making the day out in the beach comfortable. You get sun but its not hot!

People come here mainly just to relax rather than have heavy activity. Sunbathing, playing freesbie, reading and just to chill out. There's some folks who came here for surfing as well. But I guess the water might be too cold for a swim unless you have a wetsuit.

I particularly enjoyed feeding the seagulls. I even tried to feed one off my hands but its too timid to approach close to humans. As dusk approaches, the sun hid behind the clouds, and then a couple walked pass on the beach. It was so romantic I had to snap the photo..

We stayed until its sunset and then its dinner time. Since the beach is just a drive away from Fremantle and there's nowhere interesting to eat nearby... Fish and Chips it is!

Don't wanna do anything!

2007-09-22T11:30:00.000+08:00

Do you get this feeling at times, when you just don't feel like doing anything? But its at these times when you push yourselves, you achieve the best results? Was just wondering if its just phsychological because when you think of the worst, but then you actually obtain something better the difference is so much that you actually felt that you've done better!

Well, today is one of the days where I could hope to sleep in and have a slow start for the day. I have still outstanding stuffs to be taken care of but the motivation is not quite there. Arrrggh!

I wish I could just chill out like this guy here with his cool didgeridoo. Even the name of the instrument sounded so cool. Maybe I'll look for this guy and "pai si fu" when I ran out of work to do. Otherwise, I think I might just hang upside down like the other guy. Even then, doing handstands is hard work....

Today & Fremantle

2007-09-20T09:31:00.000+08:00

Today I woke up later than planned. Was suppose to go over and meet my secondary instructor to find out if I can get airborne. Appearently the lead caded that's suppose to handle this issue might not like me cause I keep calling him Bob after he'd dismissed that it is not his name :P Well, its kindda funny cause this 'Ang Moh' instructor actually called him Bob simply because his chinese name is too mouthful for them. Think I'll stop calling him Bob from now on.

Ok, as promised, I shall recall my trip to Fremantle. I've not explored the whole place just yet. But for now, when I think of Fush and Chups that's the place I'll go. There's few to choose from (Cirerello's, Kaili's, Joes) but overall I would recommend value, quality and ambience at Cicerello's. Its quite a holiday mood place with people sunbathing on their boat and the crowd there and just to walk along the old colonial buildings (wait! Aussie was never colonized so that might not be the correct term to use.. gotta.. get.. myself... out... of.. this... stereo... typing...).

What I'm saying, the architectural there is mighty fine and it brings you back in time. There's also a flea market where people sell fruits, vegetables, handicraft, foods, kites, kangaroo scrotum, tattoo palor (non permanent), paintings etc. Oh, yes. They sell kangaroo scrotum as a souvenier. Creative Aussies! Ok ok, I'm just pulling your leg. What it actually is: its a leather coin pouch but it's really made of kangaroo's balls.. ouch! I hope they don't do that when its alive! Arrghh... the though of it made me have goosebumps.

Out near the flea market, there's a guy basking and catching attentions people. His performance range from skits to juggling to making fun of people he'd just pulled into his performance. Hope go just go there one day when he's performing and see what's its all about..

Its only half an hour drive there which is about the same duration as the drive from Jandakot (YPJT) to city. The town has the rustic look, with railway crossing that you can't miss, marketplace and eating place (I wouldn't call it restaurant) that's overlooking the jetty. Water from the Indian Ocean is crystal clear; so clear that you could actually see small tiny cute little jelly fish swimming in it. But once you get big jelly fish sting in your legs you might just change your mind about it being cute though.. touch wood, for me they're still cute.

Not much photos here cause the other day I brought my camera along.. with spare batteries. But little did I know, I forgot to reinsert my memory card cause I left it in my laptop for downloading the night before! Very clever of me. So, here I am, with my camera but unable to snap away. Luckily my handphone can actually take photos but the quality is not up to mark. Nick bought his as well so we tookthis group photo using his camera instead. Next trip, might try to look what's interesting at Maritime Museum there and try the rest of Fush & Chups place.

Musings from Perth

2007-09-19T13:06:00.000+08:00

Hullo Hullo! Welcome to Perth Daily Edition! I'm counting down to Christmas this year. Its gonna be a special one for few reasons dear to me. Most dear is that Felicia will be here after long absence. Well, they say that absence makes heart grow fonder and I totally agree with that mate!

Pick up from where I stopped. Ah yes, Dome is like McD in USA. You'll probably see it everywhere in Perth. And Woolworths is to Perth as NTUC Fairprice to Singapore.

One very special thing about Dome in Perth is that it originated from Perth! Yes, the 1st Dome was set up here! Who'd thought of that now its outlet is all over the world, even in Rio! And the thing about Dome is that its not just about coffee. Breakfast is something you should try here. The Big Breakfast will definitely boost your day. Bacon, mushroom in garlic, eggs made to your preference, hash brown, bread toasted to perfection with butter spread on it. It was a perfect breakfast for an almost perfect day. Well, there could only be one perfect day and it was on 31st Jan 2006. Anyone could have prepared this meal at home but the novelty of sipping coffee and savouring the Western breakfast with a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows swimming in it was just too irresistable.

I think since we're talking about Perth, I might as well show some photos of Perth City and what it is composed of. Here is a photo of Perth city as seen from King's Park. The city itself is quite pleasant to be in as its not very big and therefore not congested or anything. Lots of one ways so you'd better know where you're going before driving into the city. But there's free buses going within the city so that's a plus. And there's actually a dedicated bicycle lane leading in and out of the city along the main freeway. I'm not sure about other areas but there's one from Jandakot (about 18kms away from City) all the way to the city. I'm tempted to take up cycling but with the cost of bike equivalent to a moving car, I'd take up the car anyday for convenience.

The flower featured here can be spotted in King's park and is called a Kangaroo's Paw and its the native flower here. Its popularly used as the flower symbol for Western Australia. The incredible thing about this flower is as the individual flower is pollinized, the shaft of individual flower would actually move aside so that the next flower could open up and be pollinated. Incredible what evolution has done to the fauna's here!

More to come.. Fremantle in a brief.. now its time to bathe after good game of tennis!