Last page of Chapter 17- the Spirit

" My city, I cannot deny her. My city screams. She is my mother. She is my lover, and i am her spirit " - The Spirit in The Spirit.

Chapter 17 of my life is very soon to be closed. To forgive, yes, but never to forget- my mistakes, my experiences, my lessons and my memories. Year 2008 has been a fantastic year. I'm not boasting nor bluffing, but 2008 might just be my best and the most lovable year so far. I can go on and on from January to December but that'll take me some time and i rather not do so. Instead, i'll just summarize each month, for each month has a very special and dear moment in my life.

January was when i started my hands on part-time work at Maxis. It was a wonderful experience.
February was when i celebrated my Chinese New Year to the fullest!
March was the time i faced my destiny- the SPM results on my 17th birthday. And i'm contented.
April was when i met my all-time favourite female singer, Celine Dion. It was a night to remember.
May was holiday, i guess.
June, also, was holiday, before July.
July was when i started my uni life at UTP.
August was when i returned to thick books.
September was when my Grandpa turned 80. His birthday was a blast.
October was when my father turned 50. Another blast birthday celebration.
November was when i feared my examination.
December was when i holidayed to the maximum before the start of my second semester in uni in 2009. I've been to places i have always wanted to go.

Today is the last day of 2008. My brother, my sister and i went to watch 'The Spirit' in KLCC. We bought the earliest show tickets so that we could avoid unnecessary crowd later in the afternoon, when people would come to book their places for the countdown. The title of the show intrigued me to watch, and the man behind the mask, as always, make me want to watch the movie more. I spent near 2 hours in the cinema and i left it feeling rather satisfied.

The Spirit is Gabriel Macht. Directed by 300's Frank Miller, the stars of the show are Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson, Sarah Paulson, Samuel L Jackson and many others. At the start, i was slightly confused and couldn't get the idea of the show- i did not read any summary and i was therefore clueless when i started with the show. Then it slowly fills me in with the details, of which i'm not going to reveal it here, and i finally got what it meant. All in all, it's a good movie. It's different, especially how it is played. It's very black-and-white with some red. Most of the time in the dark and with less colour. Effects, not bad. Storyline, understandably good. Acting, great. Sound, a bit boring. Ending, yes, the predictable one as i have anticipated from the start of my understanding of the movie. And a happy ending, i would say. Recommend, if you like hero-types, pretty girls, then go. If not, then you might want to go just to feast your curiosity. Good piece overall.

The Spirit is Gabriel Macht.

Showdown.

Guys would want to be him, The Spirit. His sweet words win the heart of many girls.

Samuel L Jackson is the bad guy! Octopus...

Eva Mendes is up for a big deal. Diamonds are her thing.

Scarlett Johansson plays Silken Floss, for the bad guy.

Ellen played by Sarah Paulson is The Spirit's lover but...

Countdown party at my aunt's house soon. wc08 would like to wish all readers a Happy New Year 2009, for this is the last time wc08 will write. I'll evolve to wc09 in hours, and i want to be The Spirit! The Spirit is me.

Music of 2008!

" Music is what feelings sound like "

2008 is about to close, and it has been a great year for great music. I have to admit that my love for music has deepened and solidified over the year. Without a doubt, music fills me when i'm partying, lonely, down, or bored. Astro has two new channels, 808- Astro fiesta and 809- AXN Beyond, and i managed to watch 'Boyzone: Back Again... No Matter What' concert on the first night. Though they have aged, their songs are evergreen. And i'm currently addicted to many of their hit singles, especially 'A Different Beat' which came out during their heyday.

Like last year, this will be the post that i will name my favourites. Unlike last year, i did not do a survey and relied only on myself. Some may not be your cup of tea, but like i said, it is all about my favourite music this 2008. Whether or not if we are on the same page, i hope you enjoy- try downloading them or YouTube if you have not listened.

Favourite Male is James Morrison. His 'You Make It Real' has proven more than enough. With his other great songs in the past like 'Pieces Don't Fit Anymore', he becomes my favourite. Akon is my 2007 favourite.
Favourite Female is Leona Lewis. She has been fantastic, with 'Bleeding Love' and 'Better In Time'. Carrie Underwood is my 2007 favourite.
Breakthrough Artiste is David Cook, without a doubt. Winning American Idol 7 with 'Time of My Life' and his single 'Light On', he becomes the rising star with unique voice. Chris Daughtery is my 2007 favourite.
Perfect Comeback is Boyzone. Avril is my 2007 favourite.
Again, again and again is I'm Yours, Jason Mraz. Glamorous, Fergie is 2007.
Favourite Collaboration is Material Girl, Madonna and Sexy Back's Justin Timberlake 4 Minutes. Apologize by One Republic and Timbaland is my 2007 favourite.
Favourite Band is Coldplay. 'Viva La Vida' is real good, so are their past songs. Rascal Flatts is 2007.
Favourite Pop is Our Lives, the Calling. 'Do You Know' by Enrique is my 2007 favourite.
Favourite R and B is Superwoman, Alicia Keys. Umbrella by Rihanna stormed 2007.
Vocal is If I Were A Boy by Beyonce. She's powerful. 'The Face', RyanDan is my 2007 favourite.
Uniquely Weird is I Kissed A Girl, Kate Perry. Other close ones are 'Mercy', Duffy and 'T-Shirt'. 'Rehab', Amy W is my 2007 favourite.
Relive, revive, rejuvenated is Mamma Mia, Abba, no doubt. With the movie and play in town, this becomes a hit even in karaoke sessions too. 'It's My Life', Bon Jovi is my 2007 favourite.
Unheard of is Lift, Shannon Noll. Very less air time in Malaysia, but i discovered his great songs and becomes my favourite. 'Bubbly', Colbie Calliat is my 2007 favourite.
Special to 'Just Stand Up' and 'Here In My Home'. The songs are for good causes and they tie somehow for the spot.
Blast concert is Celine Dion's Taking Chances, it is the only one i went this year, so it is a win without a fight. She was indeed amazing!
Favourite Forever is You Make It Real by James Morrison. This song is so addictive and a great deal. 'How To Save A Life' by the Fray is my 2007 favourite.

There you have it, my favourite songs of 2008. wc08 is now listening to the songs again.

Link...

Finally, i have completed the post on my Papa's birthday, 'Party for Papa' at the Pavilion. I couldn't do so back in October because i don't have the photographs. Now that i have them, i hope you will enjoy every part of it as well. Click on the link below for the post- and be a little more adventurous!

Party for Papa @ Red Box, Pavilion KL

Merry X' Mas !!

" Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful " - Norman Vincent Peale

I love Christmas! I have to admit, i like Christmas very much. For me, it is not just about receiving, but giving, not only about taking but sharing. If you ask me whether or not i believe in Santa, i will answer you with a definite 'yes'. I want to know now, is it alright for me to celebrate Christmas and believe in the spirit of Christmas as i am not a Christian but a Buddhist? Nevertheless, i will always like Christmas.

Like last year, this is a post on the places i visited which are splendidly decorated for Christmas. I took them during my holidays and some while i was shopping for the Christmas gifts. Unfortunately, i did not go to the Pavilion and 1Utama this year, but it does not really matter much. Together we share the joy of Christmas!

Ipoh Parade's KBox's entrance. I was with my uni friends celebrating our freedom.

In a steamboat restaurant in Ipoh. I was there celebrating my friends' birthday.

Dataran Pahlawan in Melaka. Candies?

The new Jusco in Setiawangsa. It coincides with the opening so i'm not sure if this is the Christmas decoration. Anyway, it does have some red and green.

The Gardens. Simple yet elegant.

The lobby in Marina Court, KK, Sabah. Stayed one night there.

Warisan Square in KK is beautifully decorated. Walking around surely feels like it is Christmas already.

While shopping around in KK, i rested in the Le Meridien Hotel and took together with this magnificent tree.

I don't want to be in Santa's naughty list. I returned the presents after taking the photograph in Tang Dynasty Hotel. Christmas is a celebration in KK!

While shopping for Christmas gifts in Jusco Melawati, i helped my brother to take a photo of this lovely tree.

Grand one in Tropicana. One of my favourite this year.

Minus snowman, this year, the Swiss Inn Sungai Petani is with a tree.

The best place is still my uncle's house. The tree looks more than perfect with the presents. Thank you for the presents!

I can't wait for Christmas! wc08 is in the mood for Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone! Ho Ho Ho!!!

Day 5: Conquered the beach as well!

" High flying "

Last day in KK, and we were still not ready to head back KL yet. After breakfast, we made our final shopping in the markets nearby- wet, dry, handicraft, clothes. However, we did not manage to buy any item from the market. In fact, i did not buy anything for myself during the vacation. The photographs taken should be sufficient enough for me to relive the sweet memories. We packed for back and readied ourselves at the hotel lobby before heading for lunch.

The lunch was good, very good. The best lunch i had in KK. The 'tom yam' soup is super-delicious. The fish/seafood noodles was to taste too. Fortunately, we left KK with our taste buds feeling great.

Our flight was at 6.30 pm and we had lots of time to spend before departure. The uncles brought us to the Tanjung Aru beach to experience KK for the last time.

Me, looking far away at the islands, posing. Don't this make a good novel front cover?

The beach is splendid. It was clean and breezy.

Waves coming in along the Tanjung Aru beach.

Beach and coconut- what a perfect match! Thirst-quenching too.

A unique way to eat the coconut- using the coconut itself. Yummy...

AirAsia' calling. After the beach, we went to the airport and prepared to head back to KL's LCCT.

The exhausted side of me, in the airplane. Flew about 2 and a half hours before arriving at the LCCT. Arrived home sweet home nearly 11pm.

Sabah's KK is a great place to visit. It caters to mostly all. It has beach, islands, highlands, shopping complexes (though they are not cheap) and good seafood nearby. If you're a nature-lover, an ocean enthusiast, a shopaholic or an eater, you will enjoy just as much as i did. I will be back in KK to climb the mountain, try on the river-rapids, and dive in the ocean.

wc08 has enjoyed himself very much. The vacation was a wonderful charm and he will take it to grave. The wonders of life!

Day 4: Me in the wildlife centre

" Only the diamonds can cut the diamonds. Only the best can serve the best "

Tiredness began to wear on us. We got up and walked a distant to have pork meat noodles. It was very different to what i usually eat in KL. The noodles was OK but the minced meat was good. After the meal, we headed for the Sunday Market in Gaya Street- it was a recommended place to visit in KK by many websites.

The main entrance to the market. Don't you think it looks similar to the one in Petaling Street, KL?

Me looking away in the middle of the market. To be honest, it was nothing spectacular. There were pets, plants, and shells on sale apart from the usual market. If you do not have much time to spend in KK, i might suggest you to give this a skip.

Not far from the market, i noticed of the Atkinson Clock Tower. We did not bother to move any closer though.

We skipped lunch and decided to head back to the hotel rooms to rest instead. The next place that we visited is one that i kept on insisting to visit. Most brochure recommended this place and said it is a 'must visit'. I do have a heart for animals too, and i really wanted to go to this place. Lok Kawi Wildlife Centre was surely not a letdown and i would personally recommend you to go if you are in KK.

The entrance is very welcoming and inviting. Compared to the National Zoo in KL, this is better, and cleaner.

Nice shot don't you think?

The baby elephant looks so adorable.

We invaded the privacy of the sun bear. We could not even let the bear ease in peace.

Mr Tiger is on the lok out for food.

I enjoyed walking in the aviary. It felt as if i was in the jungle with plenty of birds. This bird here scared the most of us as we may or may not be the next victim of a destructible peck.

Taking a dip in the water here, the otters.

One of my most wanted animal to see in the WIldlife Centre is the Proboscis Monkey. I'm glad i did.

We went to the Amphitheatre to catch the animal show. We hoped it will be better than the two shows we watched yesterday. Luckily, it was. Little Marsha, the orang utan, is making her way into the stage.

She is still hanging on to the rope, refusing to let go until the personnel had to ask her a few times. Apart from orang utan, there were parrots, snake and two other birds. The show was too good to miss.

Me and the orang utan- shyly turns away from the camera. The show deserved a round of applause. It was good, much better than the other two. It was more professional and entertaining. Well done, and i'm pleased that this visit to the wildlife centre has been a wonderful one!

wc08 is delighted that he could see what he wanted to see, but is also saddened by the fact that he will leave KK tomorrow as well.

Day 3: Of flowers and crocs...

" Serve No Pork " - an unfamiliar sign as we could see it in most restaurants in KK, Sabah.

I made it! I could see it, with my own pair of eyes! I saw it! Getting up early was rewarding, no regrets. As soon as my alarm rang, i burst outside the lodge and rushed to the spot where i could clearly see it. I saw the Mount Kinabalu, and i am proud i did!

Me and the mount.

Our guide informed us that we could only see it in the morning as later in the afternoon, the clouds will blanket and cover the mount. What a wonderful, marvelous view of the mountain. I wished i could be closer though.

I Will Climb Mount Kinabalu- That's A Promise!

After enjoying the marvelous view of the mountain, we had our breakfast before checking out and later headed back down to KK city. The journey down was just as tiring and dreadful as the journey up to the Kinabalu Park. Luckily, we made several stops along the way to stretch our legs and rear.

Our guide drove us to the starting point of the hike up the mount. The view from there is fabulous. Someday, i will climb the mount.

After the short rest, we headed to a Rose Garden. It was similar to the one i visited in Cameron Highlands back then with my schoolmates- i will never forget the sweet memories. However, i would admit that this was not as good as it. Having said that though, the flowers here were lovely and rich in colour.

Me posing with one of the many flowers.

I like this shot! What say you?

And this too. Fresh and beautiful!

And this too! I am amazed and impressed that my handphone could actually take photographs this good. Credits should be given to the flowers, it is mostly their 'job' anyway.

Something unfortunate about the visit to KK was that we were unable to see the live rafflesia. Because of that, we could not stand the unpleasant odour from the rafflesia here.

Me busy snapping shots of flowers.

Eventhough it is known as the Rose Garden- because of it is a majority there, there Garden is divided into many other sections like the Orchid Garden and in the picture is the Cactus Garden.

It was relaxing to see the flowers, and i already slowly began to miss the Mount Kinabalu. It was nearly noon and the clouds had covered the mount from sight. We continued our journey down and rested again for lunch in a place near Tamparuli. According to our guide, it was actually known as 'Tempat lori' but when the word got around, mostly the Chinese, the name slowly evolved to Tamparuli. Lunch was good, and we later continued our tour to the suspended bridge in Tamparuli, made when there was a need to cross the river when the road is flooded.

Experiencing what the locals have experienced. It wasn't as heart-racing as on the canopy walk.

We were back down, no longer on highland very soon. The next stop was in Tuaran, where we visited the Crocodile Farm. It was all well, until something had spoiled the beauty of the place. There were many crocodiles in the farm and the set-up of the farm is interesting. We walked on bridges, over the crocodiles.

From the bridge, high up from danger.

They were large reptiles! Wow...

There was a place for the crocodiles born with defects. It was nice to see that they have a place to live too, just like humans do. This one here is born with a short tail.

This poor croc is born with a hunchback. There were crocodiles who are blind and one who is a bisexual.

After strolling around the farm, visiting more that just crocodiles- ostrich, lizards, fish, we went for the crocodile show. Sorry to say, the show did not impress me much. I had anticipated for a much better show and the crocodiles were not even cooperating much. In other words, it was a letdown. The photograph here shows the performer kissing the aggressive beast.

After the crocodile show, we shifted ourselves to the long house where the cultural dance show was to be played. The show started late and the place was steaming hot! When the performers appeared on stage, i was not blown away. If the crocodile show was average, the cultural show was not at all near average. It was boring. It was lethargic. We dreaded sitting in the long house and could not wait for the show to end. We still clapped for their effort though. The farm was worth a visit but the two performances definitely needed to buck up. There are still room for improvements and they better improve on it so that visitors will someday be impressed.

We reached KK city and checked into our hotel- Tang Dynasty Hotel. Dinner again was seafood. Most of us suffered from stomach upset and could not eat much. Me, as a seafood lover, took for granted and had lots and lots of crabs and fish maw.

What an interesting day it was? It was a wonder to see the mount, and a pleasure to soon climb it! wc08 is into the third day, and of flowers and crocodiles too.