St. Thomas Moore

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

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!)

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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!

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!