A nice finish to an awesome start...

" Goodbye Beijing, Hello London "

After 16 days of great sports, the time to close the curtains is up. Unfortunately, i couldn't follow this 29th Olympic Games as closely as i did with the Euro2008 due to time constraint in uni and because of that, i only, on and off, watch them during my breaks or interval. Having said that though, i tried my utmost best to keep updated with the progress through the newspapers or surf smoothly through the official Olympic 2008 Beijing website. China hosted this magnificent event and opened with an unforgettable start, and topped the table with 51 gold medals. I wouldn't say i love sports very much, but i have to admit that i like this as it is not only about sports but so much more- if you get what i mean.

Friday, again, i went back home.And this time, not in desperation. I even managed to catch the 1.30pm bus back to KL, which means i was back in an approximate time of 4.30pm ( giving about 3 hours ride ). Had dinner at home, not even thinking of the food in the cafe in my 'village', UTP.

Albeit going back means short holiday, still, i had to bring home some notes to revise- quizzes and tests are coming up! Allocated time to study over the weekend, i also reserved some time for other things like shopping and 'makan'. Plus, we had little preparation to a big upcoming event too. Days went by, and on Sunday, came another ceremony.

Olympic Games 2008 closed its curtains on the 24th August 2008 with a pleasant ceremony. As i missed the Opening Ceremony at home, i caught the Closing back home.

A great opening for a Closing ceremony.

Fantastic performances one after another.

Another reason to wow.

A sneak preview by the Olympic Games 2012 host, London.

Exploding fireworks end the night.

It was a nice finish to an awesome start. What can i say? Credits to all involved. Monday morning, back to life in uni, routine.

wc08 still feels the heat of the 'flame' and feeling great with the weekend!

Gather Together, F5...

" A simple gathering relives the memory of the past days of Form 5 "

As promised in my previous post, the reason why i was looking forward to head home was, first and foremost, be back with my family and second, a little gathering amongst the Form 5. I was eager to see them after months of separation, each and everyone moving closer and closer to their ambitions in life, and how they have moved on and changed in so many ways.

The little gathering i'm talking about here was held at Oldtown Kopitiam, Ampang Waterfront. I followed Jian's grandpa ( really reliving the 'old days' ) to the gathering which was scheduled at 9pm- now you know why i didn't take the 5.30pm bus! As soon as i reached home, i prepared myself and took dinner before heading for the late night out.

By 9 pm, we were there, waiting for the rest of the members to show up. Ten, Chong, Janis, and Chan came the same time and all of us progressed upstairs, met Ahmad and Germaine who were already waiting, and found the right spot for the night- and as usual, we will make the most noise there. Other customers, sorry, but to bear with it. Time ticked and more and more friends arrived. One by one, we placed our order for our little stomach. While waiting, we chatted.

We chatted and chatted. Each brings new story to the table.

Ahmad and Chan- they look different compared to the last time i saw them.

Janis and Chong didn't change much. Still the same bubbly friends.

Jian and me. Still a great friend, and always will be!

Ten with the guys- Waqi, Daus and Hafeez...

Mini group shot! Nice picture huh...

Without a doubt, all 15 of us did have a wonderful time despite the short gathering. We shared so many stories and things we are actually undertaking now. Almost everyone of us present there is doing different courses. Headed home at nearly 11pm, and did some work before a night sleep after a long day- include the previous post.

wc08 had a wonderful time spent with the Form 5 gang and hopes to see them anytime soon!

Pic courtesy of Jian.

Desperate back...

" Hope is... "

It's the start of school holidays, but not for me or any other UTP students. However, on Friday the 15th, i took an initiative to head back to KL all by myself- without booking a bus ticket home too. And that was one great adventure.

My last session ended at 12 but i had some things to do right after that. And so, i left my uni at about 1.35pm. I managed to board a direct bus from my uni to Medan Gopeng, the bus terminal. In the bus, i noticed many other students, not from UTP, who were also prepared to go back home. Compared to the previous time, this time, the number of students were exceptionally larger, and they were mostly from UiTM. I reached my destination on time and excitedly went in to buy my tickets. I panicked after doing so.

There were many other students, largely from UiTM, that booked their bus tickets for home and all the bus tickets back to KL were sold out- the bus ticket i was supposed to get, without booking. I headed to counters after counters requesting for any available seats but their reply was a simple 'sudah habis' (sold out). I looked in despair and in desperation, as if the only word in my dictionary was hope. I told myself that i was 'stranded' there. Questions kept on popping through my tired mind as i waited for some miracle to happen. I thought, how am i suppose to get back to my uni since i'm already here? Or simply, what should i do? I hoped.

I asked the Konsortium and Transnational staff if there was to be any last minute cancellation. They said it's not really possible but informed me to wait patiently until 3.30pm and if there was any, they would call me and sell me the ticket. I paced the floor even more impatiently as the time progressed. I continued moving to other counters and i found there was one bus to Shah Alam at 5.30pm- it was late and so i began to lose hope! Nowhere to go to, i waited in front of the Konsortium counter and prayed for some miracle to occur. I wanted to go back home.

3.15pm, and i kept looking at my watch and saw the number of people with booked seats coming to redeem their actual bus tickets. Calmly but impatiently, i waited. My desperation ended not long after that as the staff called me over and said there was an empty seat. I instantly bought the ticket and smiled in relief and thanked him. Miracle, as it happened, i even got the 3.30pm bus and quickly boarded the bus. I was grinning from ear to ear as the bus reversed, moved to second then third gear and rolled back to KL. Within my relief, i pitied others who, like me, wanted to go back home but couldn't because of the sold out bus tickets. Some came with families, hoping to go back but couldn't fulfil their desire as there was no bus even to other places like Penang and Johor. Therefore, I'm grateful to have waited and luck, i would say, was on my side that day.

I reached Puduraya at 7.30pm due to an extra delay caused by the traffic in the city. Only after reaching KL i realised the cause of my 'desperate' day- it was holiday for the UiTM students as well. If only i had known this fact, i wouldn't have taken the risk of going to the station without booking beforehand.

Didn't i tell you that it was a great adventure? Put yourself in my shoes and just imagine if you weren't lucky that day, what would you do? Remember, you really wanted to go back home! Why- as that will be in my next post!

wc08 is glad.

08.08.08!

" One World, One Dream "

Last year, 07.07.07 was a date and day to remember almost to everyone. It is true that it only occurs once in our life and on that date too, the new 7 wonders of the world were announced. As to this year- it happens to be 08.08.08, of which Chinese people see this date to be auspicious relating to number 8 which means 'fatt' or prosper, held the inaugural 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, China. As for me, i see this date to be memorable and just by watching the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, i hereby say that it was a wonderful day to remember! So, the question now is, what did i do during the '8' day that made it so memorable?

Due to unforeseen circumstances, i wasn't able to go back to KL this day and so i had to spend my 24 hours here in UTP. As usual, i have classes on Friday, from 8 am until noon. After noon, it was free time for me. My dad stopped by here en route back to KL and took me out for lunch. Chinese food, how i miss them so dearly? Walked around the small town of Pusing and packed back for my dinner. As night closed in, it was nearer in time for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to begin. Without a doubt, the opening was the main highlight of the day. I kept my dinner on hold as i was still full from the lunch i had and booked my seat at my nearby cafe to witness the highly-anticipated opening ceremony!

My cafe was crowded with Olympic-enthusiasts. Told you i had to be there earlier. Fortunately, i got quite a good view.

The Bird Nest Stadium, Beijing's pride and honour! The eventful ceremony was held there.

COUNTDOWN

60

50

40

30

20

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Olympic Games officially open!

A mind-blowing percussions performance!

They change colour too...

Actors in the outfit of the oldies.

Another jaw-dropping performance!

A night rich in colours and lights- you'll know why i say so soon...

We are more and more into the ceremony. Look at the crowd. Unfortunately, we had to move to other place not long after this as the 'people' there change to another channel. Desperate, we moved out.

Illuminate the sky with colours of Asia!

North and South America!

Australia, Europe and Africa!

The symbolic 5 rings of the Olympic. Do you know what it means? Simply, the names of continents above.

Performers performing on a 9 ring globe. Spectacular is it?

Only during the entrance of the contingent of countries i had my dinner. Cheered when the Malaysian team entered though. I continued watching when it was done with all participating countries. Wow... i'm blown away. I'm beyond impress. I'm speechless. I cannot find the right words to define or express what i've just witnessed that only could be seen once every 4 years- the igniting of the Torch! What an idea! Something so extraordinary and cheers could be heard as it was lighted. The spirit is there. The spirit of the Games is on! And i would personally like to solute everyone involved in making this ceremony one of a kind. 4 hours seemed long, but it was worth every second of the act. I liked every act done- just PERFECT!


And so 08.08.08 ends. Only once every 4 years, we get to watch this. But don't know when again can China host the Games and put forth another unforgettable opening ceremony. The photos are from the Internet except for the ones at the cafe, and how i wished i was there to witness it!


wc08 is never going to forget this date...

The weekend of all sorts...

" Because he is the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now ... and so we'll hunt him, because he can take it. Because he is not a hero. He is a silent guardian, a watchful protector ... a dark night... " - Lt James Gordon, Batman : The Dark Knight

After 3 weeks away from my nest, it was high time for me to fly back to my home- due to another postponement of the x-ray check and that my co-curriculum have not start yet. My last class was at 12 noon and by 12.30pm, i was all packed and ready to go home. From the gate of my university, i boarded the bus to Medan Kidd and from there, i again took another bus to Medan Gopeng before purchasing the bus ticket to go to Puduraya, KL.

It was all on schedule, until the massive traffic congestion near Puduraya interrupted and delayed my arrival in KL. As a result, i reached home about 8.15 pm, empty-stomached, only filled with excitement for the weekend. I had to rush through my dinner as we had planned to go out for movie later in the night.

Too late... but it wasn't the last. Since we missed the earlier show, the next slot was at 12.30 midnight. Who cared, i seriously miss the night life in KL. And so it was, the Dark Knight at midnight, TGV KLCC. As for the show, we raised our expectation so high that somehow, we didn't reach the point of satisfactory. Why?


Simply because we expected more in the 2 hours plus show. However, if you're looking for a show filled with dynamics and manipulation, this show shall be top in your list. Together with it's effect and old-time favourite, the BatMobile, this show might as well be the show to watch. Plus, this show has broken the record. Minutes of silence to Heath Ledger here as he played the role of the Joker incredibly outstanding. Credits should be given to others too, like Cristian Bale.

The show ended about 3 in the morning and we headed home. Broke my early morning wake up pattern, i was only up and about at 10.30am. Prepared myself to go to KLCC- Convention Center as there was a Pikom PC Fair on. My dad drove and found a place to park our car before descending the vehicle. Wow... The crowd was overwhelmingly huge. We were like sardine in a can and mostly people-see-people. We had to follow the flow of the current and tried not to oppose it- imagine the crowd. My intention there was to get a pendrive and try looking for a laptop. I achieved the first but not the latter. Kingston 4G was sold at only RM 39. I thought it was a value buy so i bought it. As for the laptop, i just browsed through the flyers and indecisively left without it. I recall, it was my first time to the PC Fair and it was an experience.

Had lunch at a newly-opened Kopitiam. Food was average, but here in UTP, i still miss the food there. Later, i did some report work i brought back from Uni before heading for dinner. After dinner, it was time for MTV Asia Music Award 2008, proudly held in the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands. The award ceremony lasted for 2 hours plus- from 11pm to 1.30am. Another late night...

Sunday. As evening started to roll in, i started to pack my stuffs to bring back to Uni. Two fully load bags. Had dinner at home before boarding the 8.30pm bus back to Uni. Safely arrived at Uni with my senior at 11.30pm. Too tired, i went straight to sleep and only unpacked the next day.

What a weekend of all sorts? wc08 is thrilled to have gone home and is eager for what this week brings.

Curtains closing, Closing Ceremony...

" It's the end of a new beginning "

Within a glimpse, i could see the end of the beginning of my 'migration'. I have to settle down and prepare myself for, who knows what, the future may hold. Yet, to be honest, the closing ceremony was a dear event and a memorable one for sure. Like the urge of experiencing working life, when i was in my orientation week, i longed for the end, but when the end came, i wished time was turned back impossibly to the registration day.

Together with the Director of MAS.

My group's facilitator, Cent and I.

Tagline as previous quote, the Discipline.

A token of appreciation, dear facee.

Bring it on! Bro Moorthi and us...

Male Facee of the MAS.

The facee that means 'time to sing the songs' when he is on stage.

Chun...

It's my second week here from home. And soon, here will be my second home- taking the title away from SMKHK. Without a doubt and i shamelessly admit, i do feel homesick on and off. Well, you can't blame me. It's my first time out and living in a hostel. Only time will tell when...

About my lectures, tutorials and laboratories, i would like to story those in another post. As i would hint, it will be a little 'desperate' story of a university student- me.

As to now, wc08, could hear his stomach craving for dinner and will be back to hit the books!

E-MAS for UTP...

Don't smile. I don't like your smile "

I've hatched my egg, experienced my first flight and fall, tasted succulent worms for breakfast and dinner, chirped with my other friends noisily, scampered around the ground blissfully and now, it's the time i leave my nest with all the abilities i possess and survive in the wild. Yes, i'm moving into another stage in my life, a stage not to be missed and is regarded as the 'best time' in one's life. My journey into the wild started as i flew from K L to an isolated, remote, quiet town, Tronoh, and flew further in adventurously into the sophisticated and modern nest- University of Technology Petronas.

The first week was the Minggu Aluan Siswa (MAS) which in other word means the orientation week. Throughout the week, loads of fun activities were being carried out and on top of that, i was exhausted with numerous briefings- almost by every department. Nevertheless, it was essential. Before i start, take a brief look at part of the campus.

Pocket C

A blend of all.

From afar stood the prestigious Chancellor Complex.

As to before i started my new journey, or any other journeys, there must be time to pack and prepare for ahead.

Stock up!

It wasn't my first time stepping foot onto the ground of UTP as i've been there during my EduCamp in April. Before the Sun had risen, i was already awake and ready to fly there. I reached my destination safely and cautiously registered myself in following the procedures. I was then directed to move to my Village (Hostel in UTP), Old V5- the same Village i stayed during the EduCamp. And from there, i started building my new 'nest'.

Briefings after briefings, games after games and meals after meals, i eagerly waited for the week to come to an end and start my studies. How i was surprised and i've decided to take my words back- the orientation week should be a memorable time of my life! I've met many people from different walks of life, seniors, coursemates, KL-mates and buddies. Some were mere acquaintances, and some grew into friendship.

Roommate, Jeremy, and under-the-same-tree, neighbour C. Chun.

Neighbour-coursemate, S. EE with KL-mate, Denson.

Platoon B!

Group picture during one of the Moral Activities.

Engineering Future! UTP!

Another Moral Activity in play. I'm not 'there', mind you...

Some facilitators facilitating the MAS- Lim, Chun, Evelyn and Amy.

My friends and i with Mr Kamran, another facee...

Jared and me...

Michelle and us!

I'll have to stop here for this post unfortunately. It's already past midnight and i'll have to be fresh for tomorrow's medical check-up. Dear friends, i'll be updating your photos, hopefully, when i get them. Dear readers, i'll be posting more photographs on the MAS week with my facees so stay glued if you want to see more.

As to those who may not know, i'm currently doing Foundation in Engineering and will be pursuing later on Degree in Petroleum Engineering. There you go, E for Engineering and MAS for Minggu Aluan Siswa. Join them and you'll get gold! As when i'm done with my posts on MAS, i'll move on to describe and story the life of a university boy, another wonder in life.

wc08 has spread his wings and took off!

Yeah, I can ... Drive!

" Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead " - Mac McClearly

Blame it on the Euro fever i've recently caught and cured, i had to postpone this post unwillingly a few weeks later as to not spoil and interfere with the write-up of the Euro 2008. Therefore, this post shall write about the day i took my JPJ test and how i've been doing on the road!

In my driving school, the JPJ test is done on a Friday. And so it was, i arose from bed early in the morning and prepared myself for the test- after hours of practice, it was time to face the moment of truth. Upon reaching my driving school, i mentally rehearsed the steps my instructor informed me for the 'on the road' part to get the 'free' points. As i reached the school, my instructor gave me some final instructions before we were told to be in a room and wait for our turns. We were divided into 3 main categories, separating those first timers from those resiting the test. As a first-timer, i was in the 'green' group and were placed later in the morning to sit for the test. Nervously but patiently, we waited for our time and by 11 in the morning, our numbers ( we were given the numbers earlier ) were called, one by one, and soon, it was my time.

I was the 63rd candidate and because of that, i, along with others, were tested on the slope, parking and 3-point-turn first. I was told that when i'm satisfied with my task, i should raise my hand, shout out my number and let out a 'honk'. It was my turn and the slope was my first task. I did as taught and let out a 'honk' when i was satisfied- car on the yellow line. Immediately, the examiner faced me, seriously and angrily said "Sabarlah (Patient)... Apa honk honk. You yang honk kan!?" I hated to admit but i did and even apologized- they may just fail me if not. Do you think what i did was right, i mean the being sorry part? Thankfully, he passed me and i progressed on with the parking and 3-point-turn. In both, i was already traumatised to honk and instead, i waited patiently for them to look as i raised my hand and waited for them to nod before driving off. Cleared all 3, Lulus.

After those, it was 'on the road' test next and we had to gather in the room again, and waited calmly for my turn to come. My turn was about 12.45pm and i had a male examiner. As i entered the car, i did as what i had 'mentally rehearsed' earlier. As i was doing, the examiner rushed me and asked me to start immediately. Hesitantly, i started moving, not knowing yet which of the two roads i'll be tested on. Slowly driving out from my school, i glanced at my exam score sheet (when he wasn't looking) and it was written a big '2'. To that, i knew it was the second road and ignoring the fact that he should have told me or should have i asked, i continued on as usual. Only later at the junction out from my school he informed me that i'll be tested on Road 2. He looked annoyed when he said that. At that moment, i knew we were going to face a hard time in a small vehicle together.

I continued my driving and suddenly, there was a phone call. Clearly not mine but his! In the middle of an exam? He talked over the phone and their conversation was about when they'll finish- and the other side of the phone talked something about finishing at 1 pm. He ended the conversation and rushed me again. Don't know why, he looked as if he was in a hurry. I wasn't the last candidate on his list, there was another girl after me. So, clearly, he was in a rush once more. He mumbled something, but i couldn't be bothered. I continued on driving.

Later, he turned to me and asked me a few questions- like where i was from and who was my teacher. I answered, but remained silent after answering him. Time and time again, he asked me to accelerate. I tried but it still seemed to not pleased him. Fed-up, i continued driving on as i had practised and ignored to drive faster. Turning back to my school, i thought that he would fail me but it turned out otherwise. Radiant, i said 'thank you' and left the car, with both my hands gripping the score sheet. How lucky was i? I passed my driving test. And with that ending my long, tiring day on a bright side and in an excited mood, a 'P' license is produced for a young, new comer to the dangerous field of moving metals!

Lately, i have tried driving to and fro, to fetch my younger brother from school in Bukit Indah. In actual fact, to drive is quite a challenge. As much as i hate to admit, i often drive slow. May be it's in the blood of a new comer. Having said that, i admire the drivers behind me who are willing to tolerate and be patient with a tortoise-speed driver like me. Patience, a vital value we, road-users, should bear in mind. Cliche as it may sound, it's better safe than sorry.

Whatever it is, wc08, has his 'P' license and yes, he can proudly announce that he can drive and hope to meet you on the road. Or hop on and he shall shut up and drive!

Euro 2008 ( Stellar Spain! )

" It is a great feeling, we cannot believe what we have achieved. You watch these European competitions on TV and you want to be a part of it- and we were " - Fernando Torres, after scoring the only goal in the final

Spain. What more can i say about them? They are simply superb in the final and redefined football. They outplayed Germany and overshadowed the likes and powers of Germany key players. The Germans set the bar high at the beginning of the match, but it was until the thirty-third minute when lethal Fernando Torres scored his goal to give Spain the lead til the end.


Plus, the Spanish has a strong 'defense wall' which seemed rather solid- the experienced Puyol! On top of that, they have the best goal keeper, captain Casillas which he was in his peak in the final. Their midfielders are undoubtedly great and spectacular, always threatening the opposing team. With these, Spain hands down deserve their win after a dry, quiet 44 years in the dark! And now, they're back, shining.

Cheers to the Spanish coach, Luis Aragones!

The first goalkeeper, as captain, to lift the trophy!

And so it is, the Champion of Euro 2008 is Spain!

Looking at them winning and lifting the trophy, i've discovered another meaning of life- success comes in great team work. The Spanish has very good communication skills on the field and to watch them pass the ball effortlessly to another player makes them simply splendid. They also seemed to have the connection with their coach, which makes them even better.

Actually, i'm a little down now that the Euro 2008 is over- i've been watching almost every day and i miss the late nights, i don't know why. Anyway, wc08 is thrilled that the team he has been supporting finally clinched the title.