Zoo time

"We have to get to know each other better...

... it makes us understand one another better,

trust each other more, and live together more peacefully." - United Buddy Bears

The year end is approaching. The new year is coming. Whichever way you see it, the end of a long year or a new beginning, life is here for us to continue enriching ourselves with experiences.

It had been on my resolution list for a long time, the bullet point flickering like a neon light, calling me to strike it out. I could blame it on the bad timing for the delay. Study. Not being here. I tried to accomplish it last year but after a day's effort, i fell sick the next day and i couldn't risk my health and my travel to Singapore. So i decided to postpone, or procrastinate, until this year, until this month.

Now, i can happily tick over that flickering bullet point. And feel a great sense of satisfaction.

I am referring to my volunteering experience at Zoo Negara. I knew about this volunteer program when i was in secondary school. I knew about the certificate awarded to volunteers after accomplishing time at the zoo. I made this my goal- the certificate, but i received more than that.

Becoming a volunteer in the Zoo opened my eyes and broadened my perspectives. I got to see the Zoo from an entirely different angle. As a full-day volunteer, i had to assemble at a meeting point after checking in. The officer in charge came to brief on rules while volunteering and gave a sticker to stick on my sleeves. I would be assigned to keepers who needed volunteers for the day. In my entire service, i did the Mammal Kingdom twice, Reptile, Bear enclosure, and Ape Center once (and still counting...). Along the way, i got to meet great people- friendly keepers who willing pass knowledge they possess about the animals under their care and other enthusiastic volunteers.

When i was there, i got asked a question numerous times: you're on holiday/study break, why do you want to come here and volunteer? The answer came easy: i like seeing the zoo from another view and enjoy the company of being close to wildlife. A practical student in the Zoo told me that other volunteers thought becoming a volunteer allowed them to touch wild animals. Part of me was with the majority. Not until some hard and rough work, i was then awarded the chance.

As a volunteer, through my experience, i had to sweep the exhibit of the animals- dried leaves, leftover food and poop. I had boots but the boots did not stop the odour from rising to my nose. Some can be really unpleasant. Then, in another exhibit, i had to wipe glass panels. I had to prepare meals for the animals like slicing bananas and cutting carrots to bite-sized pieces. I had to carry logs- and i can tell you now it is massively heavy, to help redesign exhibit or just transferring.

On the bright side, i got to feed the animals- and that is not one can do on a visit to the Zoo. I fed the porcupines, capybaras, hyenas, squirrel monkey, raccoon, otters, tortoise, deer and bear. I got to stand so close to a tiger, goats, iguanas, orangutan and chimpanzee- desire fueled by the Apes movie. I got the chance to touch a snake, a black bear (named Boy) and a tapir. These memories with the wildlife are forever remembered.

Feeding the capybara, biggest rodent, and...

...porcupines with their favourite- bananas...

...playing with Kathy, a young orangutan...

... entered an enclosure to feed the iguanas...

... patting after cleaning the tortoise, second largest in the world, enclosure...

...snapped a shot with a tapir.

As i said, i got the certificate, i struck the bullet point. But i achieved more than that. I realized that i enjoyed my time in the Zoo despite sweat and bruises. I like animals. Perhaps, one day in the future, i might adopt an exotic animal or set up my own zoo or animal center. I used to think zoos are sad places for the animals, limiting their freedom, inhibiting their growth and potential, but i saw that with caring and loving keepers, the zoo might, after all, be a suitable place for them. Nurture the community, let them know that animals are part of the inhabitants of earth. Take a day off to any zoo, tell them about the fauna and teach them to protect and conserve these uniqueness in life.

Will i be back at the Zoo? Count me in!

*****

On another note, the United Buddy Bears are now at Pavilion, KL until 15 Feb 2012. It is the first time a South-east Asia city become host. Visit to see the colourful Buddy Bears of 147 countries.

Taken with the Malaysian Bear.

Merry X'mas !!!!!

"Ho ho ho..."

The fifth installment of the X'mas series!

It's the time of the year again. Christmas. And like in the previous installments, i made an effort to take photos of Christmas decoration wherever i went; so this year's, i am grateful to have the chance to experience pre-Christmas mood in Taiwan, amongst other places, to be included and shared here.

Christmas decoration in Pavilion, KL was up early- I was there end of November. I like the candies and there was a carousel at the centre of it all!

With tree in Gardens, Mid Valley, KL.

Simple decoration at Jusco Wangsa Maju.

Greeting our arrival at Taiwan's Chairman Hotel.

Santa Claus welcoming visitors to a rest house in Taiwan.

At a restaurant entrance in Fisherman's Wharf.

Quietly and quickly took a photo at McDonalds in Taipei- why can't McD in Malaysia put up decorations as nice as this?

Standing in front of a tall Christmas tree at the entrance of Taipei 101 mall area.

Saying goodbye from the Taiwan's Taoyuan Airport.

Centre of attention at the lobby of Swiss Inn Sg Petani, Kedah.

Awesome decoration in KLCC. I was lucky to catch a caroling performance when i was there and they were good.

Tropicana City Mall.

I was at the Metro Tabernacle to catch a Christmas Musical- invited by my cousin who was part of the crew, entitled 'Two From Galilee'. The musical was amazing- i especially liked the score.

Fairies at Great Eastern Mall.

Newly opened KL Festival City impresses with Christmas tree and reindeer.

On the telly, I watched 'Dear Santa' on DIVA channel, a new Christmas movie, and if you have the chance, watch it. I was smiling by the end of the movie- in fact, almost all Christmas movies made me ache then smile.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

When do we learn to share? Or we don't.

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened."

I was at Pavilion, KL last night and i witnessed an incident which i am now inclined to highlight. It is a thought which i have long had but never wanted to write until what unfolded before my very eyes urged me to blog about it. The question is 'When do we learn to share?'. Or we don't.

I believe in life when we first open our eyes and enter this world, we start to share. We may not realize then but we share the air we breathe, the love amongst our family and the space in their home to accommodate us. Some of us share bed with our parents or our siblings, or share bedrooms. Then we share toilet, computer, television, calculators, food and may be even clothes. While we usually thought of something concrete to share like objects, we sometimes share laughter, joy and happiness and sometimes we share pain and sorrow of others. We may even share secret.

So when do we learn to share? When we are babies? And who taught us to share?

It is not easy to learn to share. I remember when i was a kid, some toys are exclusively mine. No one other than me is allowed to play them. But i was not a single child and i had to share. One of the ways we do is to take turns. I would first play as my brothers or sister watch me, and i would respect them likewise when my turn is over. Another way is to play together. Thankfully some games come in multiplayer mode.

In a crowd last night, i noticed a Middle Eastern girl watching a Chinese kid playing with his balloon. She was tempted to have one. She looked to him then to her parents who did not acknowledge her desire to have one. Kids do what kids do, and she approached the Chinese boy. The boy, surprised to see a girl coming towards him and tried to touch the balloon in his hand, he lifted it up high. The girl stood, watching him. Ignoring her presence, he played with the balloon by throwing it up in the air and letting it slowly descend to the ground, where he would then catch it. The girl followed him and tried to catch the balloon too. The boy caught it and hid it behind him so the girl could not touch it. She was adamant to have the balloon and the boy ran to his mother.

There were two more balloons with the boy's mother and seeing her wanting the balloon, the mother offered one to the girl. The girl happily accepted the balloon and returned to her mother and then both the kids played the balloon.

Perhaps, we learn to share from our parents. In this situation, why didn't the boy share the balloon with her, knowing he has two more with his mother? Probably, he might not yet know of the concept of sharing, or may be she was stranger to him. Either way, his mother showed him through her actions.

The concept of sharing, in my opinion, involves a great deal of give-and-take, tolerance and cooperation. The boy could throw tantrums seeing his mother giving the balloon away, but he didn't. Likewise with me and my siblings.

Learning how to share does not happen overnight.

In the crowd too, everyone was watching a band playing and a tourist danced in rhythm to the music in front of the crowd. It took sportsmanship, showmanship and even courage to do so, and i could not help to wonder if a Malaysian would do what he did. As i have said, we don't only share objects or things, but sometimes something more abstract. It might be in his culture to be daring enough to dance in front of the crowd alone. So it occurred to me then, that we can share culture too, if we want to.

I have learned that cultures are shared. We should realize that sharing can be transmitted by observing, listening, talking and interacting with other people. And when we are born, we share the cultures of our people too, and meeting others, we may share their positive traits that may eventually enrich our lives.

So again, when do we learn to share then and when do we share?

I believe the answer vary from people to people, but i can say that mostly it begins from birth. Parents of today were children of yesterday, and because of that, they share with us what they know about the world we live in and we continue to keep to that tradition, sharing then what we know later to our children.

What say you?

Deepavali 2011

" Let this diwali burn all your bad times and enter you in good times. " - Deepavali wishes

The Deepavali celebration had been recent and i'm not lying- i miss the muruku already! I visited my uncle's house this year whose wife makes fantastic prawn rendang. One of the best in the world! And to top that, mutton for the gluttony pleasure. I also visited my friend's house for dinner. This celebration- yes, i somehow celebrate it too since i am a Malaysian, is not all about food. There is the house visiting. The reunion. The decoration. There are many more factors that sum up the true meaning of this Festival of Lights.

I wanted to post this before the celebration but it got delayed.

When any festive celebration is around the corner, i enjoy chasing to see the decorations especially in malls.

Taken at Sunway Pyramid which used flowers for their decoration.

Jusco Wangsa Maju boasts with this beautiful kolam.

In KLCC...

...with simple yet colourful kolam.

This modern kolam at Concorde Hotel proves to fuse the traditional kolam for the peacock's tail and a 3D body of the peacock.

Once again, wc11 wishes Happy Deepavali to all!

The Pact

" Truth, you see, is in the eye of the beholder. " - The Pact

So my holidays have begun. Sarawak. Westlife. Friends reunion. Blog. What next? I always face this problem- before the holidays come, i'll have all sorts of ideas, or plans, in mind. Probably i should write it down next time because the list mysteriously disappears. To tell you the truth, somehow, i feel like i'm experiencing a 'mid-life crisis' now, at such an early age! Probably it's not. But whenever i open my Facebook page, i see my friends busy, doing something, filling their time with events. Then i look at myself. What am i really doing? One month down, three months to go.

There is still time, i always say. And i believe i'll be stepping up my game, and i'm going to do great things. How? Only time will tell.

I just completed my fourth book by Jodi Picoult, entitled The Pact (after Change of Hearts, Handle With Care and Picture Perfect). I was disappointed with Picture Perfect because of many reasons. The characters are not like-able and boring. The story progresses slowly and the ending is predictable. However, it made me take up an Anthropology course in my uni- so you can say that's a plus point of the book.

In The Pact, i was blown away. This is the real Jodi Picoult book that i fell in love when i first read her book. She is the master at mixing courtroom drama with family and love elements. The story starts with a bang- and i really mean a bang! When i read this title, i thought what kind of pact will it be. I least expected it to be a suicide pact- or that's what the writer wants us to believe at first. Emily Gold commits suicide in the arms of the man she loved, Chris Harte.

This book is artfully crafted. Jodi employs the 'now' and 'then' technique in this masterpiece of hers- one i am still yet to master. The 'now' is the aftermath of the suicide. The 'then' tells the story of the Harte and Gold families, living next to each other, doing everything almost together, and from the moment Chris and Emily were born, they were meant to be together. And one cannot recall any memory without having the other in it. Holiday. School. Then throw in sex, expectations and later an abortion. Until the moment of suicide. In the 'now', Chris is accused of the death of Emily, experiences prison life and later, he allegedly face a first degree murder trial- and he has to tell that he did not kill Emily.

This is definitely one of Jodi's best. The story develops well with many layers and subplots. I was deeply engrossed in the last few pages of the book. What really happened. What will happen. Inside, i knew i was on Chris' side but whenever the court drama unfolded, i doubted myself. This book kept me guessing until the end. I thought the ending could have been a little longer though, after all the drama, anticipation and adrenaline still on a high.

With interesting characters, the right mix of issues and elements, and the clever execution of the story by Jodi, The Pact is highly recommendable.

A satisfying read, i am fueled to continue with my own writing work. Hopefully, it can be ready by next year. wc11 makes a pact, with you.

WESTLIFE: Gravity -KL'11-

"Twinkle!"

Westlife will always have a soft spot in my heart. Growing up with their music, being able to attend their concert here in Malaysia was truly amazing. The feeling was incomparable and definitely unforgettable. As i sat in the concert amongst thousands of fans, i was immediately brought back in time. I recalled how i say 'My Love' in class, when i performed 'Flying Without Wings' in STE and a dedication of the song to my mum on her birthday, when i became a fan-made Eastlife presenting 'I Lay My Love On You' in a Pun Yau celebration, when i looped their songs like 'World of Our Own', 'Something Right', 'Safe', 'I Will Reach You',' Fool Again'- to name a few, over my playlist and keyed in Westlife songs during karaoke sessions with my family and friends. No doubt, they are one of my favourite bands of all-time, ultimately the king of covers, and even better with their own singles. Keeping it in their style, Westlife needs no further proving of themselves- because we know them for what they already are.

I first got to know about their tour in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia through my friend's Facebook share. Then one day, my mum asked if i wanted to go. I was all in! Purchasing the Bronze ticket, the days counted down to seconds, when they finally took the stage, mesmerized us, and...

Let me start from the start- how the day began.

After breakfast, i went to the movies to watch The Three Musketeers. Then, we had lunch at McD and proceeded to my friend's house. Nearly 4.30pm, i made my way to the Ampang LRT, boarded the train, transited at Chan Show Lin station and went into the coach that brought me straight to Bukit Jalil. I carefully made my way to the Putra Indoor Stadium as it was my first time there by train. On the way in, i noticed how stalls were set up to sell Westlife concert goods such as tags and shirts. My anticipation only grew bigger, wilder.

Just to take photographs with 'them', there were queues. I searched for my Bronze entrance. After looking at the VIP, Platinum, Gold, Silver then Media, the Bronze entrance was at the side since it was the upper deck. The queue was not as long as i thought it would be, yet. It was a quarter past five.

The ticket in my hand. I waited for my mum and sister to join me in the line. Slowly, the line grew longer. Despite the drizzle, fans continued to queue- i was lucky to reach the sheltered area of the queue.

My stairs up. It became crowded by 6.45pm. The doors only opened slightly past seven. No food and drinks were allowed in. Security was tight, good thing, and since i was somewhere in the front of the line, it was within minutes when we began our climb up the stairs, to our free seats and prepared for the night.

Waited patiently for the concert to begin. It was scheduled at 8.30pm. They had cam shots and played dance songs to keep us entertained while the clock continued to tick. Delayed for almost 45 minutes, lights went out.

The stadium roared with applause.

The entrance was rather long. Take your time guessing what song made their introduction. At the 2nd minute, you will be able to figure it out. What a start! (Note that the videos will have my voice too- i can't help it)

I thought they will open the concert with 'World of Our Own'. Instead, it was their second song. The energy level for the night flew over the bar!

Next, they performed 'What Makes A Man'. It was a good mellow down. After some chat in between, they performed their single from their latest album, 'Safe'.

Only the first verse and chorus of the song. They sounded really good singing 'live'. They sang 'Home' later.

Westlife did not sing the whole night but instead, there were some things interesting that will continue to make the night memorable- definitely to one couple. It was a different feeling to be witness to a proposal. They said they were calling a fan to the stage and when the man went up with his girlfriend, he was handed a mic to say something. Then, saying how much he loved her, he was down on his knees. I was among the thousands cheering when she said 'yes'. How romantic! And not only that, Westlife dedicated them a song!

'My Love' for the newly weds! Then there was a birthday surprise for their stage manager (i think). Seeing them on stage was simply entertainment. They performed 'Beautiful Tonight'. Later in the show, one of the members video-ed us to upload in his Twitter account and another shared with us his news of their first baby-to-be.

Then, they went in for a wardrobe change and came out wearing sporty attire, and performed a medley of songs by other singers. They sang 'Viva La Vida', 'Only Girl' (still wondering why they sang this song), 'Time/Dirty Bit' and Gaga's 'Bad Romance'.

The Irish pop band then mesmerized us with their singles 'Seasons in the Sun' and later, a powerful pop ballad of 'I'm Already There'. Their solo voices, particularly Shane, shone in this song. It was so powerful it sent shivers down my spine! They also performed their version of 'You Raise Me Up'.

You raise me up.

One of the songs i was looking forward to hearing live was 'I Will Reach You'. They did. Nice.

Reaching us.

The concert was shorter than i thought, and then they said their goodbyes. One song left still not performed- yet, which i terribly wanted to hear live. If they didn't perform this, it's like Celine not singing 'My Heart Will Go On'. Guess which song.

'Flying Without Wings' stole the night and left all fans eager for more. You can hear me calling, with the crowd, for an encore!

And they came out once again, smart, and performed two more songs. 'What About Now'- great cover, and ended the concert with the catchy 'Uptown Girl'.

Westlife needs no proving further. Their name sells. Going there, seeing them on stage, listening to them live. Definitely one of the greats and their songs are evergreen. They may be aging but their songs are a lifetime. It was certainly an experience to remember. I wish i could be there singing by their side, one day. I am a fan of Westlife- their songs, Shane, Mark, Kian and Nicky (and the other member), always.

wc11 is flying without wings!

The Kuching 2011 experience

"Finding adventure."

From the 29 Sept to 4 Oct 2011, i had another round of great adventure- this time, in the east of Malaysia. The holiday at Kuching, Sarawak will be one i will remember for life for so many reasons.

Read them here.

wc11 eats, sleeps, travels...

Passage of time: Doraemon's dimension

" Do you know why are eyes placed at the front?

To look forward. " - Nobita in Doraemon

When i was younger (i like using the comparative adjective 'younger' because it tells that i'm still young; instead of 'young' because then, it means i am already old) almost every night before i snoozed into dreamland, i would read Doraemon. Sometimes, i might finish the whole book. There is something about Doraemon that is so engrossing, so appealing that i sometimes wished i was there to be in the fantasy land.

What makes me enjoy reading Doraemon comics are the characters. Seeing how Doraemon helps Nobita, Nobita takes advantage at Doraemon's helping hand, and simply the journey of them together through ups and downs of life sell this comic like none other. Nobita struggles with his study and come home to the lecture of his mother, time and time again getting zero for his tests. Doraemon hails from another world, out from Nobita's drawer, and has since then became his friend, brother, and family. His friends, Sinyu and Giant, at some point, are fun to read. Giant and his singing 'talent' behind the bully never fails to show the softer side when it comes to his mother and sister. He shows respect and obedience to his family. Sinyu, on the other hand, is a rich kid with a boastful attitude, and it is entertaining to see at times when his action bites back. Sizuka, Nobita's girlfriend and future wife, portrays a loving and caring character. Chong Meng makes special on and off appearances and he plays Nobita's rival over Sizuka. In the evenings, they meet at the neighbourhood field and play baseball, and see how everybody runs whenever the ball strikes the glass window of one of the nearby houses. Sometimes, they go over to someone's home and play cards, or to celebrate an occasion. They walk to school together, or sometimes walk on their own and meet them on the way to school. I admire their friendship so much that i would want to live in their neighbourhood. The creator has definitely designed a setting for the comic that blends perfectly well with great characterization of the characters. Simply amiable!

The story of how i grew attached to Doraemon is elusive. I can't remember when it started but i'm pretty sure that it has something to do with a visit to the newspaper stand in the market. One stall in particular sold Doraemon comic books in Malay. Since i can't read Chinese and i don't find any English versions around, the stall became my target week after week. It was because new edition of the comic books would hit the store and i would be there to grab one myself. Like Nobita. I remembered it was Rm 4.50 per book. Then after breakfast, i would lie on a couch and start to read the book, page after page. At bookstores which sell Doraemon comic books, i would visit that section and spend time flipping its pages. Again, like Nobita.

The comic books offer a wide range of stories. Some stories made me laugh non-stop like the microphone which can captivate the attention of others or the one when a chair was throw out the window at a special reversal hour-glass story, while some stories are just tear-jerking. One i can still remember is Book 6's last story when Doraemon needed to leave Nobita and Nobita fought with Giant to prove to Doraemon that he can stand on his own two feet. I needed Book 7's first story to recover. Another was a story that brought Nobita back in time with his grandmother, who reignited his spirit to stand up after every fall. The stories are inspiring and has great inventions- though some might not seem plausible. I'm literally translating some of them to English from my own interpretation- Door to Anywhere (Pintu Sesuka Hati), Flying Bamboo (Buluh Terbang), Diminishing Lamp (Lampu Pengecil), all from his little pocket (saku).

What inspired me to blog about Doraemon in this third installment of Passage of Time was the chat i had with my friends about it. It brought me back to childhood and how amazing those times were. The times of innocence. And Doraemon has definitely taught a lesson or two about life and about people. I read them before i sleep. I read them in my toilet.

There are movies made for Doraemon and TV series based on the comics. There are games on Doraemon. But still, the comic books are my favourite. Drawn in a very circular geometry, Doraemon is undeniably a cute and cuddly cat robot. A cat who fears mice (or mouse). And funny how he never wins at 'rock, paper, scissors'.

Unlike other Japanese comic books, Doraemon has something special that i can associate to and with. And it is Doraemon, Nobita and his friends that i will always talk about.

Have you been into Doraemon's dimension? Share with me. wc11 excuses himself to dive into another Doraemon comic book once you see the full-stop at the end of this sentence.

Season 7, Episode 12: Four.Months

" Sometimes the world tries to knock it out of you. But i believe in music the way that some people believe in fairy tales. " - August Rush

Finally, i can breathe. The pressures of exam, the sleepless nights, loads of assignments, never-ending tests, will all be put aside for the next four months. Yes, four months and i will be away from uni, doing something else, something i enjoy more. Perhaps, this 4 month-long semester break might be the last in my years of university life. Counting my remaining years, after this, it's all work and no play. There are short breaks, but none as long as 4 months. Four. Months.

We go around asking friends 'how are you spending your four months?'. Popular question. Various acceptable answers. Some opt for pre-intern, some opt for part time jobs. Some go for exchange. Some just go do what they like. But me? What will i be doing? I'm not fixed to any plans at the moment but i have it sort of in mind. Four months is long. But then again, if we plan to work, minus two months at least. Then holidays, probably a week. Then some other work, ending up soon facing the next year, the next semester. I do not want to regret my 4 months doing nothing and i really need to plan my time, organize and prioritize what comes first, what comes next. Whatever it is, first things first, i need a break. 8 months of study is somewhat tiring and it would be a lie if i tell you that i'm not worn out. *exaggeration intended*

It has been a while i last cleared my room, completely. Moving the things from the room to the car, thankfully with the help of my friends, it was faster than i thought and definitely less exhausting. A fully loaded car on a three hour journey back home, always a sweet feeling!

Somehow, i purposely made this season a twelve-episode season. Why? It was just that the number twelve has time and again crossed path in my life. I was born on the twelve. My ETP group number was twelve. I thought it might seem a nice way to end this season with a twelfth episode. This series will take a break and comes back next year. wc11 sits down, plans, prioritizes his time and budget, for what lies ahead. Four. Months. I say 'Bring it on!'

" The music. I can hear it everywhere. In the wind, in the air, in the light. It's all around us. All you have to do is open yourself up. All you have to do... is listen. "

Season 7, Episode 11: It's seven eleven!

" The meanings of words are not in words, but rather in the people who uses those words. "

It has been a while since i last blogged. I visited my blog regularly but decided to put the updating task on hold. Well, to say i was just focusing on my final exams would not entirely be true. It was a mix of celebrations and stress instead. Celebrations of many reasons, non-academic related though. And a reason why i decided now to steal some time away from my heavily filled books of words, would be my friend's comment, 'You didn't update'.

Going back home welcomed much good food, and even better with the Raya and Merdeka air surrounding the little escapade days. It was the remaining few days of bazaar Ramadan when i was back but it still did not stop me from devouring on my favourites: murtabak ayam 'chicken murtabak', roti bom, roti john, crispy and succulent ayam goreng and sweet brown kuih we call kuih cawan- because it uses the cup as mold. The highlight of my Raya would be the visit to my father's friend's open house. It never fails to satisfy, especially with her incomparably delicious cakes (the Red Velvet picks the best spot, Chocolate comes second already) and Malay dishes of lemang, nasi beriyani kambing and the unforgettable beef rendang! The lunch treat was lip-smacking!

The next day was Merdeka, Malaysia's Independence Day. Somehow, my mood for Merdeka celebration had diminished over the years, especially when stepping into university with no more school day celebrations of Independence. I missed the moments we waved our Jalur Gemilang in pride during our school assembly, singing proudly our national anthem along other patriotic songs (Keranamu Malaysia, Jalur Gemilang, Tanggal 31). And recalling back even to when i was younger the moment my family and i had to wait by the roadside in KL to watch the parade. If it still has, i urge you, Malaysian or not, to experience it because it is an atmosphere you can hardly forget.

This year's Merdeka held another birthday celebration- my grandpa. Dinner was good, with a little too much white wine consumed. Sad to say, it was my second experience. Alcohol, oh alcohol. In another way, it is a sign that i should practice more! And i will practice more, come my 21st birthday in another year time.

Back to the dinner, it was good, and it ended with another devouring round of cake. Perhaps, it was one too many that forced it out.



After dinner, we went back home to wait for the fireworks display by one of the nearby restaurants. The restaurant was organizing a company dinner with fireworks in its agenda. So, matching the date and day together, the firework display was one for the Merdeka celebration too! Happy Independence Day, Malaysia!

As i have mentioned before, in earlier seasons, going back home pose much distraction. Like always, the television. There were just too many good shows airing now: The Voice, The Gates, The Glee Project, Hell's Kitchen, DIVA movies, Wipeout, you name it, it's there, or somehow among what is there. Much to say, books were the only standing, open thing between me and the television. With great technology comes great distraction. I don't mean just the television but other devices too.

Because too much play time, and relaxing moments, it's time to drill as fast and as much as possible these last few days. Exams are already rearing their heads while i buckle up to load my guns and missiles. I like study, i like learning, but i never like exams.

My friend said how we wished we could burn the books and drink them down. Doraemon ingeniously invented another, a bread in which we can print our notes on them and swallow them down, straight so that it is in our mind.

If Doraemon comes to my world, it'll solve the pressures of exams for now.

wc11 returns to hitting the books, with mind swaying on and off to the moment of his own 'independence'.

Season 7, Episode 10: Swimming above assignments

" So let the children remember the sun,
Let them dance, let them soar, for their lives have begun.
Let the children engender the rain,
As the river runs through fields,
Forever subsiding their pain, prayer. " - Celine Dion, Prayer (special tribute)

At the beginning of this semester, i remembered posting on my Facebook wall that i have positive feeling for this semester. A comment followed, welcoming me to the semester of mother-of-all assignments. Sitting down, typing this 10th episode, 13th week of the semester, i find the comment true. Deadlines are drives, but if all comes crashing onto the same time, or almost the same time, i have to remind myself of the date, day and yes, time. In case i missed out. In case i forgot. Either way, i needed to remind myself of the pending tasks. And trying to be optimistic during these times as a student is always a challenge. Perhaps, another drive is what lies ahead- the study week, dubbed the pre-4-month semester break. Of course, there's the final exam, but that's another story.

I am still swimming across the ocean of assignments. I'm blogging here because we all need time-out, right? Even with the heavy piles of work, remember, it is necessary to take care of yourself. And in my definition of taking care of myself is to have meals at meal times, movies at movie time, play at play times and study at study times. Plus, it's Friday night. Balance.

It has been past half the month of Ramadan. To be honest, i have grown a deeper understanding of Ramadan, thanks to my Cultural Anthropology assignment. In fact, one of the days, i had 'sahur' with my friends, as early as 1am, and fast until 7.30pm. One of the things i enjoy most of Ramadan is the moment of breaking fast together. You, your friends, your family around the table, food in front of you, and waiting patiently for the prayer. It reminds me of the Chinese reunion dinner. Then there is the bazaar. If you are to visit one, my suggestion is to set a budget, and if discipline cannot control you, i suggest you to leave only the amount you prepared to spend at the bazaar in your wallet and leave the remaining somewhere else. The urge to splurge is thrilling, looking at the colourful kuihs, variety of rice, chicken, murtabak, satay, roti john, and the list goes on and on. I'm looking forward to Hari Raya already!

Three down, three to go.

Planning ahead, the 4 months break is a long time. Any idea or recommendation of things to do? I have some in mind but i need to prioritize and make sure i use the time to the fullest. It will be my final official semester break in my uni life. After this, there will be no more long break. I'm planning to visit Siam Reap, Cambodia- a planning still at its earliest stage. Anyway, traveling is one of the listed things to do, probably somewhere on the top. So, you'll see me where i see you.

Enough of breathing time, wc11 continues to swim, in any style as long as it reaches the destination.

Season 7, Episode 9: So SEDEX...

"There will be no fade out, this is not the end.
I'm down now, but i'll be standing tall again.
Times are hard but, i was built tough.
I'm gonna show you all what i'm made of..." - Haven't Seen The Last of Me, Cher, Burlesque.

After weeks of working together, preparing, rushing and practicing, the moment of truth arrived. Our project prototype was tested and evaluated. Three rounds. First, it was by the supervisor. Then, the pre-SEDEX examiners. And finally, it qualified to be showcased at the SEDEX exhibition in my uni and evaluated by another set of judges. It was a journey well taken by the team. Meet AVIAxii.

So, what is it actually? What is AVIAxii? Explaining to you would not be my last, and definitely not my first. AVIAxii comes from two words- AVIA from aviation and xii the number 12, symbolizing our team's goal to fly high and our team number in the project course known as the Engineering Team Project, ETP. Our project involves the knowledge of rack and pinion, and the understanding to electromagnetism, or electromagnetic induction specifically. The device invented is an add-on to your shoes whereby as you walk, it charges the battery.

As you walk, the rack moves the pinion, which in turn moves the gear fixed with a magnet. The magnetic field cuts the metal plates fixed at the bottom, causing magnetic flux and induces emf. This project is inspired by the use in torchlight.

We were grouped randomly. The team comprises of another PE mate, and each from EE, ME, CE and CV. I set the goal of the project really high- a gold medalist in the exhibition. So, being qualified to the SEDEX was one step closer to realizing the goal. It was being optimistic and believing in the prototype, and pray for good examiners, that i believed got us through to the exhibition.

After our pre-SEDEX evaluation with the poster and prototype.

Our prototype, undressed.

On the day of the exhibition, i somehow felt our team project wasn't as fascinating as others or as big as those nearby my booth, and i began to question my team's fate. Whether it was gold worthy. Perhaps, i have been seeing it almost more than 5 weeks that i look to it as something usual. Anyway, i still hoped.

Against the posters in the booth during SEDEX.

Then we had our turn to present to the judges. The presentation was different. It felt different. It was different. Something broke during our demonstration. And i somehow thought the team might not be rewarded any medal after what happened. I didn't put my hopes high by i tried to remain as optimistic as possible, for the team, for myself, until the moment results were announced. Grateful and thrilled, AVIAxii wins the Silver medal.

Team members with the medal.

The Silver medal.

No doubt, the journey AVIAxii has been through, is one i will remember. The experience with the team members was amazing and despite the differences, i believe in the end we managed to pull through a pretty good show that bore us splendid results. Not gold, but a gold winner at heart- it's not a loser man's saying, it's the echo to the truth of what we felt. In fact, from my experience in SEDEX, or ETP on the whole, there are no losers. We have worked and achieved something together, and that lies deeper and far beyond the meaning of producing just a prototype. We learn along the way, of people, of developing a project.

This is not my first and clearly, not the last.

wc11 congratulates to all. Gold. Silver. Bronze. And other ETP groups. Remember, only you know if you really have won.

Season 7, Episode 8: U-bonding in the East

" If you have a ticket to travel Around The World, where will you go?
Malaysia?
'Tak Boleh...' (Cannot)
*scratches head* "

We had a Field Trip for 3 days; but really, the field trip was only over 4 hours. It was the bus ride to the destination, filled with unlimited fun; the amazing stay at a beach side resort along with people i grew to know closer that made this trip memorable. In fact, the field trip was surely an educational one but above everything else, i felt this trip bonded us closer- closer than ever.

It began on Saturday when we were divided into two buses and stayed in that particular group throughout the trip. We traveled south, stopping along the way for toilet breaks and 'makan'. As our lecturer commented, 'you eat at every stop'. It was true because on the bus, we only sat and when we had the chance to stretch our legs, we walked to the shops. Lunch was at McD and the entire group queued for the burgers! Great influx of customers.

In front of the McD!

Part of the group at Genting Sempah after lunch.

Traveled for another 6 hours or so towards Kerteh. Had dinner at Mesra Mall. It was better than some malls in KL. TGV Cinema was there. Bowling. Futsal. Burger King. Starbucks. Secret Recipe. I felt like strolling along the nights in a Western country instead. In short, i was really impressed.

Reached the Residence Resorts. Hurried to put our bags down, headed for welcoming drink at the cafe and discovered what the resort has to offer. Played Monopoly Deal cards until late, and with little 'night' time remaining, a good night's sleep was what we needed.

Woke up the next day as early as 6.30am. Had breakfast and departed to the tour site in Kemaman. Manage to steal some sleep in the bus.

Before we started our tour...

Had a short briefing...

Then a gist of the life of a Petroleum Engineer. Seen here is a choke manifold (no further explanation intended).

As i said, the tour lasted about 4 hours and we were off to lunch, again at Mesra Mall. Went back to the resort for 'free and easy' period. How can you resist the beach?

Of sands and seas!

Played football on the sands...

Taking a 'leap of faith'...

The Great Wall of China meets the Taj Mahal sand's imagination!

Hit the big waves... Sea was rough and clearly not advisable to play in it. On the edge of the waters, that's another story.

The beach time was great, with the right mix of people, the right things to do, the right time and obviously, the right place. I am always one with the seas, and sands, and nothing beats the music it creates.

Taking a chance on Paka, we walked to the nearby town to hunt for dinner. There wasn't much options and so we settled for a restaurant at a corner, opposite the police station.

I realized that the price per meal, or the cost of living, around the place was relatively higher than i expected. With the booming Kerteh nearby, Mesra Mall amongst others, no doubt my dinner plate of fried rice 'Minang' was RM 6.90. However, it was good dinner and as i've stressed again much in this post, good company.

Wore out by the day, i slept early and woke up to witness the sunrise. Alas, it was cloudy and when we could see the Sun, it was already above the horizon. Needless to say, there will be more opportunities for this in the future. Had breakfast and halfheartedly packed our belongings. I clearly didn't want to go back, and i can say much for the rest of us. Lots of stress await us back in uni. Anyhow, our time in the resort was up and we left to travel another 10 hours back.

I have never spent so much time with my coursemates and friends, and to say the least, i now know and remember at least most of their names. And became friends on Facebook. It was indeed more than just looking at metals. It was, to me, a great bonding trip that i'd love to rerun the journey.

wc11 says 'Hello' to a whole new experience.

"Nak pergi (Can go to) America boleh?
Boleh (Can)~~~"