Call me Wack: The Internship Experience

Seven months of internship just flew by, in a blink of an eye. So fast, that i can easily remember my first day at the office, even to the smallest details like my attire, choosing my desk, where i stood, and meeting the people that were brought into my life to guide me on a whole new experience. I used to believe, and still am a strong believer, that internship does not change a man; it makes us grow and mature in many ways and in various angles, to see things on a wider perspective and to serve as a prelude to what the future may hold. This post is going to be a very, very long post with as many pictures to include as i can because, above all, my internship experience cannot by summarized in one paragraph of five sentences. I apologize if this may dissatisfy you or bore you with narcissism; I meant no harm and my intentions are pure and noble with the sole purpose to share my wonderful journey with you, at the same time, thanking the people that made this journey memorable. To make this extra special, names will be used.

Every journey begins with a plan, even when you say you don't have a plan, that is your plan; this journey to SPT Group began in mid March when i first received an email stating that i was shortlisted for a phone interview. The phone interview lasted almost 50 minutes and a few days later, i was offered an internship placement in the company. Dilemma arose when i was offered another internship placement at another company, and having to choose one over another was not something easy to do. Eventually, i took the road newly traveled, found my way into SPT Group, landed in the flow assurance team and befriending a powerful simulator, OLGA. Reflecting on the decision i made, i wouldn't say it was the best choice (being best is an over-statement); it was the right choice- right because i came in knowing what my goals for the internship are and successfully achieving them in the end.

I came in wanting to have exposure to the industry, learn, meet new people, travel, and at the same time experience anything new- being general here. I can say that i have my fair share of them all, may be some portions larger than i expected. Before i traverse further on each element, let me first introduce myself, the title of this post, my username for the past twenty eight weeks, the surprisingly quirky: Wack. Never in my twenty one years of living did i realize this unique combination of my initials. By definition, a wack is a crazy or eccentric person; wacky is the adjective to describe funny or amusing in a slightly odd or peculiar way. Whether the person wears the name, or the name wears the person, i may just be using Wack for a long, long time- and always a reminder to this wonderful journey.

I have the luxury of spending my internship living in my home in KL with my family. They have been truly supportive throughout this journey and i can't thank them enough or tell how grateful i am. Sometimes, i found myself guilty for needing them to fetch me to and fro from the LRT stations at odd hours or to the office in the massive traffic, or cooking and keeping dinner or meals for me, amongst others. Their investments are definitely to be returned, in multiple folds, in the near future- my word is with you, loud to the world. On another note, as food and travel are our interests, this journey has brought us through various new places, and a revisit to one of my favourite attractions- caving at Gua Tempurung, Perak. We also explored Tanjung Sepat and its mushroom farm, fishball factory and passion fruit aplenty with the delicious 'pau's, Ijok's fried brinjals and found the famous beggar chicken restaurant, and Raub with its fantastic chicken 'kurma', tauhu-pok, super sweet jackfruits and peanuts! We ran the 'Terry Fox Run' together, celebrated birthdays and graduations. These are just snippets of my weekends with my family (and extended family) members.

Terry Fox Run KL 2012 with family.

 

Gua Tempurung trip.

Exploring Raub and its 'golden' nuts.

In the office, back to business, i have the privilege to work with the best supervisor, Dr Lim. He was helpful and kind, willing to share and dedicated in guiding me throughout this internship, equipping me with knowledge and expanding my scope of experience. His advices are also food for thoughts. There are so much more for me to learn and this was just another stepping stone. Leonardo, our Mexican colleague and lunch mate- who bought us unique and special Mexican cuisine lunch before our last week; Francis, Pei Wen's supervisor who also pushed us for the better; Murni; Francesco; Dr Bazlee; Ramon; Zalina- also for the Raya experience; Azwan; Jay Ee; Erni; Maryam; Wing; Misuari- i can still remember having a meeting with client on my first day at the office; Erwan; Nur; Firdaus; Azlin; Sophia; Asraf; Michael; Steve; Rahel; Hemant; Gunasekar, office desk 'neighbours' Brenda, Andreas, Alexandre and Iain, UTP supervisor, Mr Amin, and Pei Wen, my internship companion and compatriot. Thank you all for the experiences (and the farewell lunches).

 

With amazing supervisor, Dr Lim.

 

With Dr Pearce and Leonardo.

With Sophia from London office.

Farewell lunch with supervisors, Dr Lim and Francis, and Ramon.

Great lunch with Leonardo y familia at La Mexicana.

 

Pei Wen's supervisor, Francis.

 With Andreas from Norway office.

With Dr Bazlee and Zalina after presentation on the last day of internship.

With Azlin from Sales Department.

With bubbly Murni.

With Azwan from Perth office and Wing from Drilling Department.

Meet Asraf, the IT guy of the office.

With Michael from the Reservoir Department.

With Gunasekar from Dubai office.

With Rahel, the Well pro!

With the big boss in the office, Francesco.

With Brenda from the Drilling Department.

With Hemant from India.

 Meet HR officer, Nur.

There are good days and bad, stressful days in the office- but let's just look at the bright side. In my time, i got the chance to work on flow assurance projects. I had two pet projects with the opportunities to conduct presentations to the team in this region. They were really memorable as, while i enjoy giving presentations, nerves do sometimes get the better half of me. I further got to develop my presentation skills. Apart from that, i got to experience real project workflow, from start to the end- something i really wanted to experience in this internship. I got to learn things i didn't in UTP. The numerous trainings i went to were valuable, with new knowledge gained and good food. Simultaneously, i met new people in the training courses and appreciated their sharing on the industry- or life. Without this internship in this company, i would never have imagined myself dining in a sumptuous Norwegian seafood buffet in Mandarin Oriental Hotel, serenaded by Adibah Noor, 'buka puasa' dinner buffet at Impiana Hotel and local lunch buffet twice at Double Tree Hotel. Plus, the numerous times to House restaurant at Ground-Lower Ground Floors during days with training. I've also frequented the Ampang Park food court, Chinese shop in Ampang Park, Chinese Temple for vegetarian food, the nearby 'ikan bakar', Intermark food court, and occasionally to Imbi for lunches. One reminder: always have an umbrella, always be prepared.
 

Never had so much seafood all in one night, at Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Some of the food at the lunch in Double Tree Hotel, KL. 

 

Mexican food.

Being in the office most of the time for work, i found it a need to move about, sweat. And to sweat, i signed up for the gym membership at Elements Gym in G Tower. Convenient as it just few floors below my office, i have surely gained new strengths, literally, and skills through the classes i attended. My evenings at the gym were booked, each day different than the other. Mondays, Pilates. Tuesdays, Dance class. Wednesdays, Spinning and Latin dance class. Thursdays, swimming. Fridays, Capoeira. Body rested during weekends before the weekly routine of classes resumed. From these classes, i met great people- my instructors to the other 'classmates'. My first, trial class was the Capoeira, the Brazilian martial arts which i was very much inclined to learn. There, i met instructors Terry and Kennedy, seniors Wang, Natasha, Zhuo Yen, Zita, Akira, Sachi, and few other students i cannot remember their names now. I learned the moves, and combinations of moves; the reasons and physics behind some of the deadly moves and some of the reasons to my mistakes. It was interesting. On another note, i got to do a headstand against the wall and am still practising for a handstand. Also, lately, for the dinner together after class at Pelita and Subway.

Some of the Capoeira mates, met since the firs day of training.

In Pilates on mat, i have not had my body and limbs stretched this much. I disliked the 'hundred', guided by Frederick (hopefully it's rightly spelled). Having said that, Pilates does have a relaxing effect after the exercise and i was fond at the exercise routine. In Dance class, led by energetic Chris, i got the chance to release my artsy, dance side, one i have let sleep for a long time and never really have the courage to awake it. I have definitely learned to let loose and just move to the beat of the music- rhythm moves me, as it always has been. Same goes to the Latin dance class, where i learned mostly the 'cha-cha', 'bachata' and 'merengue'. One hour in dance classes felt so short. There, i met Rizal, Armia, and, blame it on my poor memory, some others i cannot remember their names now. Hopefully, these will ease me on the dance floor in the future and, not sounding desperate, pick a girl. One of the most tiring classes had to be the Spinning class- 45 minutes of pain, sweat and tears- exaggerating here, no tears. Pushed by Falcon, each 'ride' was filled with uphills and sprints. What i liked most was that, like the dance class, rhythm moves me, and the music that accompanied us through the 'ride' created a Rocky-feel. Also, working out in a team has its perks. To these classes, i've learned that loyalty and discipline made me go back, class after class, week after week. Needless to say, i tried Yoga- and in the first class, i was trying to refrain myself from laughing.

Dance 'Again' with Chris.

Pilates instructor, Frederick.

Falcon, the Spinning instructor.

Bringing out the Latin side at Latin dance class.

Being in KL also meant more time for meet-ups and gatherings with school friends. Though hard to schedule a gathering, we did manage to meet on several occasions- trying out the much-talkabout Burger Kaw-Kaw, movie dates and dinner at Subang. Oh, i just enjoy catching up- even if it's a week apart that we met. With some UTP friends interning in KL as well, likewise difficult to schedule gatherings, we did meet on several occasions- first day of internship dinner, MATTA fair outing, birthday dinner, impromptu lunches at Ampang Park, Wisma Cetral and the Chinese Temple, end of internship dinner, movie dates and visit to the Petronas Twin Towers' Skybridge and Level 86!

Since we didn't really take much photos, i use this to represent.

On the Sky Bridge at Petronas Twin Towers, KL.

 Celebrating birthday.

Likewise, i use these two photos to represent the several other gatherings.

Aside from these, i got the rare opportunity to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton in KL, amongst the sea of people. My internship experience also included Euro Football Championship and the great Olympics- means late nights on and off. Thanks to my friend's treat, i got to watch Jennifer Lopez (and her booty shake) live in Malaysia, despite the drizzle.

So close...

Queued for the free Baskin Robbins to commemorate the Olympics and Malaysia's silver medal. 

Here i am now, after i have submitted the report and all related documents to UTP, officially, my internship journey has ended. I have done my best and, truly, this remarkable journey is one i will cherish for eternity. Exposure to the industry, check. Meet new people, check. Travel, check. What else more can i say about my internship experience than to say how grateful i am to have this awesomeness! If i have unintentionally left your name out in this long list of names to thank, please know that by knowing and reading this, you-know-who-you-are, i am thanking you too.

A month's away from the final year of study, wc12 is away to finalize his trip to Cambodia, at the same time, making sure he's fit and fiddle through this festive season: here's to wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Season 8, Episode 5: Exhausted, excited.

"They say time flies when we are having fun. Exams make time zap through. So, exams are a thing called 'fun'?"

I'm exhausted. Mentally. I may be wrong, but think i'm not, that this was the first time in my uni examination life i had a three-paper marathon, that is, 3 exams in 30 hours. My mind literally flipped from one topic to another, economics to engineering and back to economics. Brain is a wonder, don't you think? And the body deals with the physical stress. It could be the weather; i wasn't feeling well, unfortunately, on the day before my first paper and until today, you can hear my sneeze and the change in my voice.

With four papers over, i am finally done for this semester- after battling the nose and the brain. And soon, the new chapter begins- life as an intern. Somehow, i'm looking forward to it- didn't i mention this in my previous post? Anyway, i'd say again. Internship sounds like a fun and interesting way to learn and i'm hoping to learn lots through this new territory i'm venturing into. Between now and then, i have at least 3 weeks. So my plans? Again, the firsts of many, i have not yet any solid plan for my holidays. My friend commented that it may be because of the long holiday i had. Probably, but a holiday is a holiday and if there is none yet, i'll find one. I'm out for adventure!

To sum up the last lecture day of the semester, we had a PE dinner to celebrate pre-internship of which we might not meet each other for the next 7 to 8 months- and i thought 4 months were long. In short, the dinner was awesome. Food and place was just okay, but the people were the stars of the night. Not the entire class but big enough to pose trouble for me to remember all your names. One day in the future, we will definitely look back at this memorable day. Each day is history in the making.

 

A group photo of us at the dinner.

 

 

 

 

During Foundation years, we had a similar shot of this where we pose like characters in a Chinese TVB drama.

 

A crazy shot during our 'class' photo- trying to mimic LMFAO if you know what i mean.

Group photo at the top of Bukit Kledang. In my other blog, i posted about it.

Briefly, this semester had been a wild ride. After 4 months of holidays, getting back into the mood took some time. I turned 21 midway through the semester. I traveled more places- my target is to explore most of Ipoh or Perak before i graduate.

Life is surely happening, or i make it happen!

wc12 closes the eighth season with...

KL... here i come!*

* you'll understand this better the next time around.

Season 8, Episode 4: Pulling through...

"If being likeable means changing who you are, will you change?"

My exams are just around the corner- two days to be exact. So why am i blogging here, now?

Well, to release tension, i suppose. Blogging or writing gives me pleasure and relaxes my mind from all the formulas and theories. I have stacks of papers filled with information which i need to understand, learn, or the worst case, memorize. Having said that, this exam marks my 8th time in my uni life- and the chapters are soon coming to an end. I always mention that time passes fast and really, it is. From four years ago, i am here now and again facing the exams. And a week away, i'm done for this season, for this semester.

Revising and revising, sometimes, i have to admit, i get a little exhausted and bored. Somehow, i am overly excited to begin my internship in June. May be at this point of time, i am inclined to do some 'other' thing than to study but when internship comes, i might say otherwise. But you get the point- that i am looking forward to my internship after the exams.

Midway during study week, i took some time out and watched The Avengers and it was, simply, awesome. I can't say much but to compliment on its brilliance at every level- characterization, plot, values, action scenes and the acting. One day, i will produce something as great as the Marvel did- not comics for sure, i don't have an artist's hands, but i am surely filled with imagination!

I guess it's time to revert to those papers and bury my nose in them. Since living life with no regrets, i shall do my best for the examinations and hope for the best that is yet to come.

wc12 prepares his suit like Iron Man, gets his hammer like Thor, carries a shield like Captain America, sharpens the arrows like Hawkeye and calms himself down like Hulk ready to challenge the villain- the eighth final examination of his uni life!

Season 8, Episode 3: Angry, at no one...

"Why would an amazing woman like you even talk to a man like me?"

"Sometimes, all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage." - We Bought A Zoo

At no one but myself. I thought i would be able to blog with a happy mind, if not a relaxed mind, but the table has turned and i am writing this with an entirely mix of emotions. I thought, after the test, i would be able to come back and watch a movie- as reward, but now all i feel is to beat myself up, and binge! I had the idea to score, if not ace the test, but now i only hope what i did was my best and best be rewarded.

It was one of the toughest tests since Organic Chemistry. And now that i expressed it out, i wish no further to revisit that thought.

Instead, turn mind to happier thoughts. The world is not ending; not yet.

I recently watched We Bought A Zoo and in short, it is highly recommended. One of the top animal movies, filled with brilliant acting, great storyline and amazing soundtrack. I was smiling by the first 20 minutes of the movie, and although in the end i wanted to cry, i couldn't because i was smiling. It is that good!

Hoppipolla, one of the soundtracks is an amazing listen! It has an inspiring tune, melodious, tear-jerking and fit perfectly at the scene of the movie. The song, i'm sure it sounds familiar to you, is also the theme song in the Earth Hour 2012 montage. Worth listening.



I have infrequent this blog, my apologies, and no excuse will be given. This semester is getting tougher- i know, it's now the last 2 weeks of the semester. Time passes so fast i feel like i did not learn as much as i should. I have projects piled and tests to undertake. I keep telling myself i have pulled through such situation before and this is another obstacle as a student. Having said that, it is still challenging and every obstacle- even though similar, is not but a raised bar. Sometimes i expect too much of myself, i exert pressure within. Now, i'm learning to let go.

Watching love stories, it makes me think if i will be finding my 'one' soon. I ask my heart if i'm ready to fall in love, and it says yes!

So now i'm 21, and i'm ready to fall in love.

wc12, angry is but a state of mind. If he chooses not to be angry and fills himself with happy environment and happy people instead, he will be happy.

"I'm happiest when i'm being myself, and i'm happiest when i'm with you."

Season 8, Episode 2: Decisions...

"What if life only has one path and you have no choice but to travel that single route?"

I am now officially 21. I had an awesome party with my family and friends, and i will post or blog about it in more detail soon.

Recently, i watched 'This Means War' and surprisingly, the movie was entertaining and good. A quote from the movie about mistakes made me think. Mistakes make us who we are, and i cannot agree on it any further. There are so many decisions to make since birth, as a child, and we are given the luxury to choose. Sometimes, unfortunately, our decision does not lead us to our destination. That is when we have to build ourselves up and learn from those mistakes. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. On the flip side, some choices made can really turn your life around.

Thinking about making decisions, my mind always flies back to the time i was in Primary 3, when i was offered the choice to pass Primary 4. It was a big decision. But being age 9, not fully matured, my decision was influenced by many factors that ultimately, i entered Primary 5 when school reopened. Fortunately, i see this decision as a life-turning point and i am mostly who i am today because of that leap.

Currently, my friends and i are searching for internship placements for our internship period beginning this June. I have said this timelessly, that waiting is a tiring game. We sent our mails and only hoped to receive a reply. We checked our mail box everyday, pressured when news that spread about companies emailing shortlisted candidates. Even more disheartening when i checked the inbox to find none of that subject. It made me wonder if i actually sent the application or if they received it. Or what criteria the companies were looking for.

I received two local 'calls' that might offer me a placement recently. I was overwhelmed and speechless when i first received the 'calls'. Really, i was speechless, because finally, someone read my application and called. After so much waiting, i was shortlisted.

Then it was decision time. When i did not get any, i did not get any. When i got, i got two, and i was in deep dilemma to decide which to choose within short time frames. In the end, i had to make a decision, and now i can only pray that my decision made will be one that i like and will forever remember.

Back to the quote at the top of this post, what if there is nothing to choose from? Would that make life easier? Definitely, but throughout my post, if you have not realized, decisions make life interesting; me different from the others. I made a decision to study Petroleum Engineering, i made a decision to be in UTP, and i make my decision whether to be happy or sad.

wc12 realizes every step is a decision made, consciously or subconsciously.

Season 8, Episode 1: Not forgotten...

"Life is like a book- no two pages the same, always a progression, and every value gained is forever."

The 4 months break went by in a whoosh! Cliche as it is, time do fly when we're having fun, ain't it? My four months were good. Could be better, but good. I know i enjoyed myself, i know i did what i wanted to do and although some may not yet reach its goal, i'm getting there. The thing is, it has started, it has rolled and it will continue rolling.

This post has been delayed for many many weeks. Delayed, but not forgotten, and here i am, blogging from the confines of my room. At the time of this writing, i am already at the end of Week 6 of my semester. Fast, isn't it, that those 4 months felt like yesterday.

I can feel the stress weighing in for this semester. Courses are tougher- but what they say about tough? The tough gets going. Growing up is filled with obstacles and challenges, and what i hope for myself is to grow further and leap past this hurdles and come out stronger than i already am.

With that being said, my perspectives have changed. With age comes maturity, comes wisdom. I'm blogging, a week away from turning 21. 20 years of living, no regrets. Could be better, but no regrets.

I am not entirely disconnected from the blogosphere. I just shifted my attention to another blog that focuses on food and travel. This series is coming to an end soon. Two more seasons- but look at how the 7 flashed in a second. Nostalgic, season 1 was good 3 years back! So being in Tronoh makes me want to explore the places around here and continue to experience new things. I've been to Sitiawan twice, Ipoh several times, caved Gua Tempurung, hiked Bukit Kledang, ate bean sprout chicken 'nga choi kai', 'hiong pang' and recalled Bukit Merah outing fondly. More is to explore and you can check them out and stay updated at www.wonderfoodtravel.blogspot.com.

After 4 months, i had my first test. And just to say, it blew me off. Could be better, but what is done is done.

This semester is also the time i start to scamper for an internship placement. The waiting game is torturing, but there is nothing i can do but to endure and pray that i will get somewhere. Time will tell.

At a week before mid sem. I promise to write more here. After all, this blog is where my first love resides.

wc12

2012

"Life's too short, gotta live it long..." - Young Homie, Chris Rene.

Clock struck midnight, fireworks shot to the sky, wishes swam in the sea of people.

There is something about the new year that, to me, is worth celebrating. Whether it is the ushering in of the new year or the exiting of the old, i enjoy new year countdowns. Sometimes, it feels rather nostalgic reflecting on all the wonderful moments the year had been. There are ups and downs in life but we learn on those down moments and pick ourselves up. Sometimes, it's exciting to imagine what the new year will bring.

At the rooftop of my house, a few friends and family of mine gathered, patiently waiting for the thundering sounds of fireworks to welcome the year. We wanted to initiate a countdown but the time on each of our watches were not the same. So we waited for the fireworks, assuming their time was right. One by one, the night sky was lit.

The new year. 2012. Begins.

Time to refresh and update resolutions. The year i turn legal age to enter the casino. The next phase of my study life experience. Try extreme sports. The list goes on and on.

Lately, i watched the reruns of True Beauty: Face of Vegas. Initially, i did not like the reality show. But as i watched, i found the show good not only for the contestants but the viewers as well. Trust me, everyone judges everyone some point, some time in their lives- may be everyday. And watching the show, nowadays, i felt like i was in the competition and someone was watching me, judging me. In the show, try putting yourself in the shoes of the contestants and see what you would do. Be honest. See yourself, measure yourself. I did, and frankly, i'd be embarrassed of myself at some of its challenges. Though i know i am not in any reality show at the moment, something inside reminds me to help others, show compassion and empathy, and be kind to the people around you. It doesn't hurt to be nice to people. It costs you nothing but it means the world to those you help, whatever size your help may be.

This goes on my resolution list- not for the sake of winning the competition but in becoming a better, more beautiful person. As the host of the show said, 'true beauty comes from within'. I may be one individual, but if that one individual becomes everybody, the world will be a safer, kindlier and peaceful place to live for all of us.

Let this year start the change in you if you have not been.

Two-zero-one-two. wc12.

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?