it's.not.holland

Since I am going to The Netherlands in a few weeks on a transfer programme, I thought I share with you some of my findings taken from The AA Key Guide on Western European Cities which I am currently reading.

Holland Doesn't exist.

The Netherlands is made up of twelve provinces, which include North Holland and South Holland, both in the west of the country on the North Sea coast.

The capital of South Holland is Den Haag, although the largest city is Rotterdam.

The largest city in North Holland is Amsterdam, but the capital is Harlem.

Amsterdam, however, is the capital of the whole country, despite the seat of government being in Den Haag.

It isn't surprising visitors are sometimes confused.

Who would've thought, eh?

Then it goes on with...

About half the land is less than 1m (3ft) above sea level, and much of that is actually below sea level,... A complicated system of sea walls, known as dikes, and pumping stations all help keep the North Sea from flooding in. The very fact that the country exists is a testimony to the determination and ingenuity of the Dutch people.

How ace is that?!

Too bad, I don't think I will be able to go to the coast to see these dikes and pumping stations.

So that is a little insight of The Netherlands for now. When I get there I will see what else I can see and let you know.

day.out.to.yellowcraigs

Late evenings and late nights has prolly taken a toll on the body.

Down with cold last week. Luckily (almost) cured in time for our outing to Yellowcraigs on Saturday.


Glorious day for a picnic. My friend Chuah was generous in all ways and effort to prepare a wonderful spread for the picnic - nasi lemak, chicken rendang (so full of flavour and the burnt bits was the yummiest!), fried mee hoon, fried chicken, sausages, vegetable rolls, and the assortment of cakes. Too bad didn’t managed to take any pics of the food. Long story.

It was really windy. I don’t remember any time I had food with lots of sand. I’m sure some point in my life, sometime ago.

It was great walking about the beach, tossing the Frisbee and a torpedo thing with a whistle. My arms were aching the next day. Made TOH ran miles to pick up the Frisbee, interestingly it was mostly when I toss them. Ooopss...

The girls tried in vain to fly the kite. Somehow something wasn’t right.

How can a group of 14 not take any pics for the day? After numerous NG takes, this is the one that got loose.


We then head to Edinburgh for dinner - Chinese buffet steamboat. Not the best. I have my reasons.

Long day. We went home tanned and the few mat sallehs were burnt.

Ouch!

let's.go.to.the.zoo

It started out as a belated birthday celebration.

My treat to TOH to Edinburgh Zoo... So much for trying to wake up early, at least, by the time we arrived at the zoo it was only 1210pm - we left Glasgow at 11am.

It was a lovely day (by Scottish standard). Actually, it was a beautiful October day. We were prepared for the day, so a little shower now and then wasn’t that bad. At least when the sun was out, we did felt the heat.

Edinburgh Zoo was worth every penny we paid, and we even got £1 off each! - that was a bonus. The zoo is located on a hill so there was quite a bit of walking but it wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be. The zoo bus to the top of the hill wasn’t on a regular schedule the day we visited it.

The only part that was really difficult was the last leg of the hill to the hill top for the views. Other than that, it was a good walk on a lovely day.



The interesting thing that we noticed is that most animals are in pairs. It was almost like Noah’s zoo!

My fav couple pic.



Their tails were entwined together. So lovingly.

So is this couple of one horn rhinos.



Okay, so they are not ‘entwined’ but just lovingly cuddling together.

Our fav cat.



The Pallas Cat. So cuuuute!

The newly opened Budongo Trail was amazing.



This chimpanzee enclosure is equipped with all the tools suitable for education enhancement and is kids friendly too!



This is Cindy, she is 44 years old. That is quite old, I think - considering chimps live up to about fifty plus years old in the wild and sixty plus years old in captive.

The zoo has an incredible collection of animals - 160 species.

The highlight of the day was seeing the Penguin Parade!



Everyday, the penguins come out for a stroll around this particular path or circuit. And they do it on their own accord! Apparently, the amount of penguins out for walkies is uncertain, just depend on how many feel like a stroll.

Contrary to what it is like keeping penguins in Asia, the penguins here just sit out in the open. I wonder if the water is in a colder temperature or not. So is the polar bear, it just sits outdoor and not in an air conditioned enclosure.

Edinburgh Zoo is definitely worth a visit. It is also very accessible. And it doesn’t smell like Zoo Negara.

Depending on how you see it, some animals will be in the indoor enclosure keeping warm instead of roaming about in the open. Only down side is that some animals will be hiding or hibernating with the onset of winter. I can’t remember which animal, but one of it has been hibernating since September!

I think the enclosures were cleverly designed as well - like having passages where animals can travel between enclosures, almost like a Habitrail.

I’ll upload more pics on Facebook.

And as I said earlier, my birthday present to TOH, which somehow turned out to be our 14th month anniversary celebration. Unknowingly.

Actually we both enjoyed ourselves so much that we forgotten it was the 18th. At least, it was a fantastic day out!

med.hols

¡Hola! ¿Como Estas?

I think it is so cool to type the quotation marks upside down.

Anyways...

It is finally here!

In dos dias, I will be away to Espana for our much awaited holidays together. We will be away on el domingo for oche dias y siete noche.

I’m looking forward to eating authentic tapas: calamares, jamon, queso, anchoas y olivas; having café, te y churros for desayuno; drinking refreshco zumo de naranja; lying under the sun and just exploring Andalucia and Gibraltar.

It will definitely be good since it will be my first trip to Spain and a much awaited and a-needed holidays, as well as just being together with TOH.

Alas! The Southeast part of Spain is populated with English speaking expats/ community.

Oh well... Still, I'm sure it will be great!

I'll see you soon! Adios.

long.day.

Friday 15th February 2008

0430 Crawled Jumped out of bed, jumped into shower.

0525 Just finished getting ready and the taxi is already here! Five minutes early. Luckily I was ready. Phew!

0545 Lost somewhere in Govan because local taxi driver (from the West End) not familiar with Govan. Found AD and on way to Glasgow airport.

0600 Blink of an eye, we were at airport. So near. Well, sort of.

0610 Checked in at one of those self check-in machines - still had to go to the check-in counter to obtain our boarding pass because we don’t have the credit card that booked the tickets.

0620 Had breakfast. AD paid. We were going to claim under expenses anyways.

0630 Sauntered to the boarding gate. Only to be told that the flight is delayed a few minutes. Turn out the plane needed a shower/hose down/application of something(??), I don’t know.


Quite a dinky little plane, flight wasn’t too busy but you know that everyone on the flight was flying for business.

0840 Flight arrived on time in London City Airport. Whilst in the air, AD commented: ‘two breakfast before 8am?!’. But it was good, of course.

0900 Travelled into London City Centre. Line Manager called to ask a few questions because it was the Big Guy review day, which I normally attend but have to skip this time. Felt so business-like.

0940 Arrived at Chancery Lane Station. The mothership parent office is just a stone throw from the station. So we decided to go for a wander around the area.

I’ve never really been around this area and was very impressed with the buildings. Within the area are Lincoln’s Inn, London School of Economics, and the Court of Justice. Legal area plus it is London, so you can imagine the ‘poshness’ of it. We said that the company must be really doing well being in this area. And of course it is!

1020 Headed to parent office. Got lost. Newsagent didn’t give good directions either.

1040 Finally arrived in office. Luckily we were on time. Hang about and catch up with Karen who flew in from Edinburgh.

1100 Corporate Induction started.

1245 Lunch break. Must say that food spread was really good, fine finger food in the room next door. Posh-est finger food I’ve tried. Good to mingle around and spoke to people who are from sectors all over the UK.

1400 Events of the day resumed. Karen and I missed the grand tour of the office because we went to the ladies/ busy chatting with someone/ there was no announcement of tour. It wasn’t in the agenda initially. Still... Kick kick. @_@

1605 Agenda for the day finished. Stayed for a wee chat with people from the London office, after that, the Scotland team headed off to the nearest pub. Typical Scottish! I bought a round of drinks - note to self: expenses. Then we headed off to the airport.

1710 Arrived at airport and headed straight to departure lounge since all of us had checked-in in the morning, the joys of flying out and returning on the same day. Of course we all continued to have more drinks. Met up with people from Edinburgh office whose flight was delayed.

Someone from the Edinburgh group said that our flight was delayed as well. Bummer! And I had a train to catch going up north. But then just before the flight was due, I saw the nearest gate screen that our flight was boarding. Sheeshh. There were four of us within the company on this flight, so we downed our drinks. Luckily our gate was just beside the lounge. Thank God!!! It was also final call for the flight.

1820 Flight finally took off. Still feeling very lucky. Had dinner on flight, the joys of BA flight, not budget airline - best of all, it’s all paid for.

2005 Arrived in Glasgow and headed to taxi rank. Dropped AD and then me.

2108 Waited for bus since 2055. No sight of bus. Should have asked the taxi driver to wait while I ran up to my flat and grab my bag. Feeling very jittery as bus was delayed and I still had to walk to the train station. Panic settling in.

2142 Thank God, managed to catch the train with few minutes to spare - ran all the way to the station. Train was empty, probably because it was the last train out, couldn’t sleep on the train.

0020 Arrived Aberdeen, feeling extremely relieved and exhausted. It’s been a long day indeed.

helensburgh day out

Yesterday TOH and I took a wee trip to Helensburgh.

Helensburgh is a coastal town on the north shore of the Firth of Clyde. It is about 28 miles North West of Glasgow.

We decided to take the train from where I live. For a day out it is just perfect, tickets start from £4.70 to £6.00 for same day return, and it is less than an hour away!

I was excited as I’ve heard quite a bit about the place and there was even a short write up on it in Lonely Planet: Scotland guide book.

Unlike on a Sunday, there is no direct train from Anniesland to Helensburgh, so we had to change at one of the stations along the way. There were three stations to choose from and thank goodness we chose to change at Dumbarton Central.

Dumbarton Central station is not a big bustling station. Just like any commuting station, it is quiet but the size of the platforms/station is rather big. It has four platforms. We liked Dumbarton Central station because it is a very beautiful Victorian train station. Unfortunately, like a large number of beautiful station, it needs a lick of paint and some attention as well as possible maximised use of the station.

Nonetheless we took in the beauty of the station as well as the surroundings.

Just opposite the station, there is a very Victorian Goth-like building. TOH said it could be a school and I thought it could be a small infirmary. We’ll need to go back to Dumbarton again to have a nosey around the place.

It wasn’t long we hopped on the next train and continued our way to Helensburgh.

The train station in Helensburgh, Helensburgh Central station was a nice station as well. Being the last station on the line, it was interesting to see a sign at the ticketing window reads ‘trains leave from this station and 10 and 40 minutes pass the hour’, very practical. Imagine the hoards of people going up the station to ask what time is the next train.

I only suggested going to Helensburgh because I knew the weather was going to be good that day.

Stepping out of the station, I can’t help noticing the few banks on the same street. Personally, if a town can have a few banks that is more than the typical RBS and Bank of Scotland, you know there is more to the town.

Anyways, we continued to look around this seaside resort.

It is a nice, small town. You know it is a tourist town when you see a good number of cafés and souvenir/specialty shops. The buildings here are beautiful as well. Being away from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, the traffic here is not as busy but you can still get the convenience of Tesco Extra, Co-op and my favourite, the small shops: butcher, fish monger, deli, etc.

One thing I noticed is the amount of eateries this place has. Never short of a choice for food. Yummy!!!

Before long, we move on to the seafront esplanade. It wasn’t the brightest of day, but it was nice. It was rather windy. We saw some ducks (there was a variety of them) in around the shoreline, waddling in the water with the gulls as well. There was a very happy dog frolicking in the water and after that running about the pier area. We wondered where its owner was.

We walked to the end of the pier to enjoy the breeze (or almost gale like strong wind) and walked to the edge of the pier to see how far we can go. It is rather interesting from safety point of view that there isn’t a railing around the pier.

By that time, our tummies were rumbling, so we headed off to find food. Knowing that I was going to the seaside, I knew I had in mind either fish and chips or scampi and chips. Hmmm...

We found a café not far from the pier; sadly I can’t remember the name of the place. The décor of the place was a bit dated but we were so impressed that the waiter came with a handheld machine to take our order!

Both of us ordered the scampi and chips, and a portion of onion rings to share. I had a chocolate milkshake, which I think was a bit diluted compared to TOH’s strawberry milkshake.

The food was really good and I would definitely recommend the place and visit there again! The café also has a takeaway, which is located next to it.

After our meal, we continued browsing the shops. I would say the town has a good number of shops. I said to TOH that I can imagine living in this town. Although, I don’t deny that the place seemed to be a little small and one might get bored after a while, unless they retire here. On practicality, Helensburgh is possibly a commuting town, low possibility but not totally cancelling out. It is about 45 minutes into town on the train.



Sadly the pics don’t really do much justice to the place. It is a really nice place!

The only thing that we didn’t like about Helensburgh was the amount of rubbish. The stretch of journey before arriving Helensburgh Central was littered with rubbish but it was nice to see some sheep walking in a line. Then again the waterline along the beach in Helensburgh was littered with rubbish as well. The rubbish has probably travelled from Glasgow city itself, who knows?

It would be quite interesting to see if the place will be cleaned up for the summer. Otherwise, it would be a pity.

Even with the flaws, Helensburgh is definitely a good place for a day out or weekend, since it is not far from Glasgow and we look forward to going there again during the summer or even before that.

visiting site

Among the Commercial QSs in my team, I think I’m considered the luckiest.

I work with a great team. My Project Managers can be quite demanding and this drives me to learn more. But each one of them is very patient, nice and friendly too.

I consider myself the luckiest because there are nine QSs, not counting the Commercial Manager and I’m the only one who gets to go to site.

Out of the twenty or so projects that I have, I’ve already been to at least four sites. I missed out on going to one more site when I was locked out of my flat.

I get very excited going to site.

Just because I get the chance to be outside of the office. A change of scenery.

And it is a change indeed.

Most of the project sites are in the countryside. Often, we come upon sheep, sheep, cows, coo (shaggy brown highland cows), sheep, donkeys, oh and did I mentioned sheep?

I thought after my wee trip to Shetland, I have seen enough of sheep and Shetland Ponies.

But I guess there is just something about animals and the countryside.

Anyways, going to site helped me to understand the project more, making those numbers makes sense. Helping me understand the various issues on site as well.

And because I don’t have a car, I can only go to site with my Project Managers and sometimes with the Contractor(or in our case, we call them delivery partner)’s Contract Manager.

The long drive to site is made more bearable because we often have good chat about everything and anything.

I think it is good as well. It is a good opportunity to get to know the people I work with.

I’m so blessed that way.

It’s greener too!

This morning, I decided to ‘delegate?’ ‘dedicate?’ a bag for my site gear.


Good ol’ Ikea bag.

Now, I'm looking forward to go to Tobermory where the BBC preschool programme, Balamory was filmed in. I can't wait for the chance to see the colourful buildings in Tobermory.

And I will try my best not to sing the Balamory song. ^_^

shopping weekend

As usual TOH and I had another wonderful weekend.

Weekends are the only time we get to spend with each other. As much as the both of us wished it could be longer, other life commitments such as work, as well as distance, keeps us apart during the week.

Two weekends ago, we had a cultural weekend, which I will probably blog about it by end of this week, hopefully.

This weekend was a shopping weekend.

How can we not indulge in the activity that puts Weegieland 'The' place for shopping in the whole of Scotland?! Even if we haven't get paid.

Auld - Great Western Road
Our first stop after getting off the bus was to this bakery. I was in the mood for treats. I got a fudge donut and TOH got a rice crispies.

Ever since SR introduced Fisher & Donaldson's Fudge Donut, I have been going around trying various fudge donuts to find the ones that are better that it. So far, nothing can compare to Fisher & Donaldson's. Too bad Fisher & Donaldson is only available in Dundee and St Andrews. Need to get SR to bring a supply when TOH and him are down in a few weeks time.

Caledonia Books - Great Western Road
Our main reason to get off on Great Western Road was to go and have a look at this book shop. This is a second hand book shop that specialise in antiquarian books and quality second hand books.

I think this must be one of my first proper second hand book browsing experience, I think. I bought Autobiography of a Geisha all too typical with my love for autobiography. TOH bought four books from there.

Costa - Great Western Road
We then had a quick take away drinks: Mocha for me and Tea for TOH.

Felix & Oscar - Great Western Road
Walking past this shop to the bus stop how can we or at least I resist not to go in there?! Nice shop with interesting things for gift, interesting homeware by Alessi too!

Alessi have like the coolest stuff around. This caught my attention. So christmassy. Nice.


After a little browsing in Felix and Oscar, we then jumped on the bus and head into town. Our next stop...

Marks and Spencer - Sauchiehall Street
Our favourite store. Which actually is now our second favourite store because we found Peckhams during our Cultural Weekend. TOH needed to get some clothes for his alternate weekend home and I needed some additional work clothes. Nonetheless we still spend quite a bit of time browsing here.

As we continued our shopping trip, we stepped into Schuh (Sauchiehall Street) to have a wee browse since TOH is on the prowl for new trainers. When I mean on the prowl, it was more like 'it's been a few weeks since he first wanted a new pair and still have not get it'. hehehehe...

Apple Retail Store - Buchanan Street
We then have a short stopover here. Very impressive store.

Really nice acutally. You get to try everything. They have a big quantity of their products for you to try, play with and decide if this is what you want. You name it, they have it: iPods (all models) and Macs.

The new Mac desktop is very impressive with the superslim keyboard. It is a really nice and spacious store with a mezzanine level and a beautiful glass stairs leading upstairs. Cool store!

Now, I just have to wait for the iPhone to come out and test it. Yaaay!!!

Borders - Buchanan Street
The experience to this shop probably require a blog post on it's own.

In short, let's just say it was a 'visual overload' experience.

Nonetheless, TOH bought two books and I bought a magazine.

We then had McDonalds (Sauchiehall Street) for dinner, not realising we haven't had anything since scramble eggs and toast, treats from Auld and drinks from Costa. We were famished. Our blood sugar level were low. Low enough that we didn't realised it was too low for normal people like us.

Lesson: Always allocate food time.

Last stop was Cineworld for Ratatouille which probably also need a blog post about our experience there.

Sunday was another whirlwind of shopping.

Drop by Morrisons for a bit of grocery and later to In Store to pick up the much needed step ladder.

After that we just have a nice and relaxing time before the imminent goodbyes in the evening.

drained

I'm so drained.

I'm trying to change my sleeping pattern. And it has not been very successful.

#1: As much as I want to sleep earlier but I don't do it. Another case of the want and action does not tally. Even if I do sleep early, I end up waking up late. Or a case of waking up, look at the clock, go back to sleep.

#2: I'm not sure is it because I had been thinking too much. Adding the usual unnecessary stress to my already complicated and chaotic life. Why do I still do it? Urrrggghhh!

#3: Maybe I had been doing too much in too little time.

#4: Maybe I need to change my diet as TS commented that a good diet will lead to a healty and better life.

#5: Maybe I just need some time out. I will get a lot of this from Sunday onwards, until... until the time comes.

***

I love my roadtrips. And I had the chance of another roadtrip last weekend, playing tour guide to my Aunt's friend from Adelaide, who was on a round the world trip.

So 590 miles in three days. Which one day includes a 270 miles return trip in a day to see the client of my new job.

Day 1: Royal Deeside
Cambus O'May Suspension Bridge-Ballater-Balmoral Castle-Braemar

View from Cambus O'May Suspension bridge of Deeside

'By Royal Appointment' crests located on many shop fronts in Ballater. The town which provides Balmoral Castle most of their essentials.

Balmoral Castle. The Royal family's summer holiday home.

Day 2: Aberdeen-St. Andrews via Coastal Trail
Aberdeen-Stonehaven-Arbroath-Carnoustie(Scottish Open Weekend)-Dundee-St. Andrews

Arbroath Abbey

Dog Driver!

St. Andrews

Day 3: Aberdeen-Livingston
Aberdeen-Livingston-Dundee

country driving 101

During our road trip, I was telling TS who doesn’t drive, that when faced with animals in your path, drive on and do not step on your brakes suddenly. Just continue to drive. You never know what is going to happen.

You will not know if there is a car behind you.
You will not know if the car behind you is keeping the right distance.
You never know if you are going to swerve to the left.
Or to the right.
Will you be going into the fence?
Into the ditch?
Or into the gorge.
Or into the tree.
Or just into something.
You will not know if you will be going into the oncoming car.
If there is an oncoming car.

It’s okay if it is an animal. Road kills happens all the time. We can do with one less of a rabbit, a seagull, a deer, a monitor lizard, etc. But we can’t cause harm to another human.

Speaking of seagulls, I saw a group/flock of seagulls (about four of them) stopped traffic on Schoolhill as they decided to fight in the middle of the road. This Range Rover had to stop and not roll over the group. Should he just drive on? Would definitely be a sight!

Back to the story… And I continued, in Malaysia, you get cats that just like to dart out as and when they like. Any chain of events happens when you step on your brake just to save the kitty cat. (Mind you, both of us are cat lovers!)

Again, it’s okay if it is an animal.
But it is not okay if it is a human.

TS who had been listening intently went…
TS: It is okay even if it is human.
ennazus: … (hmm)

Not long after that…

ennazus: Oops… SORRY! I just rolled over a rabbit.
TS: Really?!
ennazus: Yeah, it was trying to cross the road. And I just rolled over it. I saw it rolling out and I think the car behind me rolled over its tail.

ennazus: Sorry rabbit.

ennazus: Like my theory says, do not brake suddenly.

Am I cold blooded or what?!

Current song that is stuck on my head.

Amazing Love
Words & Music by Billy James Foote

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken.
I’m accepted. You were condemned.

I’m alive and well,
Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again.

Amazing love, how can it be
That you, my King would die for me?

Amazing love, I know it’s true:
It’s my joy to honor you.
In all I do I honor You.

You are my King.
You are my King.
Jesus, You are my King.
Jesus, You are my King.

peace

After chatting with my Aunt I this morning, I did some surfing and then watch the first episode of the highly acclaimed Heroes.

Having just read the article on Wikipedia, I just realised the extend of the series. I think I may just rewatch the first episode again. Also, I noticed that to watch it on terrestrial tv in the UK, we are probably one of the last few, but then again, I may be wrong because most tv channels listed are subscribed channels.

Anyways, after watching Heroes, I was thinking its about time for me to go to bed. But as daylight starts to pour in, I thought, why not go down to the beach to watch the sunrise?

So there I was quarter to five in the morning all dressed up to go out.

Walking that early in the morning is not that all bad. The sky was bright enough, so there were no streeet lights on (come to think about it, I don't even remember what time the street lights in front went off?). The streets were quiet, in the sense that there were hardly any vehicles on the road. All you can hear is probably the annoying sound of seagulls. But then again, at least it is the sound of nature. ;P Not forgetting the early council workers cleaning the roads, making sure it is all clean when the day (for others) starts.

Speaking of which, it was rather interesting seeing them cleaning the road. Too bad I was slow not to have thought about whipping out my camera phone and take some pics. Normally, for a small area, you see people sweeping the streets, then sweeping them all into the dustpan (or whatever you call it) and into the bin, manually . But for a bigger area, you see guys sweeping rubbish from the pedestrian walk onto the road where another guy will drive by in a road sweeper to sweep up the rubbish. However, this morning, I was fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to walk pass a guy with a leaves blower, in this case, being used as a rubbish blower.

So, that IS a sight for you!

As I continue my walk down to the beach, I realised that I may not be able to see the sun rise because of the haar (pronounced hahr). I was disappointed expecting to see the sun rise, since I thought I missed it with AC. It wasn't all that bad.

I continue to walk along the beach front watching the tides coming in, strong and steady. The crashing of the waves, incessantly on the beach, not too far from me. It was nice. It was serene. There I was in the wee hours of the morning. I felt at peace.


I wished I could have been watching the sun rising but amazingly I wasn't really that disappointed. I felt that there are many other chances to do it. Today, it was a different scene altogether. It was good, nonetheless.

On my way there, all I can think of is Don Moen's Deeper in Love. It is such a beautiful song and I always find peace in it. Its been a long time since I heard this song too...

There is a longing only You can fill
A raging temptest only You can still
My soul is thirsty Lord
To know You as I'm known
Drink from the river
That flows before your throne

Take me deeper
Deeper in love with You
Jesus hold me close in Your embrace
Take me deeper
Deeper than I've ever been before
I just want to love You more and more
How I long to be deeper in love

Sunrise to sunrise
I will seek Your face
Drawn by the Spirit
To the promise of Your grace
My heart has found in You
A hope that will abide
Here in Your presence
Forever satisfied

Take me deeper
Deeper in love with You
Jesus hold me close in Your embrace
Take me deeper
Deeper than I've ever been before
I just want to love You more and more
How I long to be deeper in love

I better go and have a lie down. I have quite a few important things to do today.

road trip 279 miles

Am rather knackered from my road trip through the Cairngorms.

I had been invited to speak on Rotaract at District 1010's girls' RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) in Nethy Bridge today. So, hired a car and dragged TS along on the road trip.

It was a great trip, I would say.

We left on Thursday afternoon. Almost got a parking ticket because we forgotten to check the time on the parking ticket, and it has expired when we got back to the car. The warden was just about to print the ticket and all that came out of my mouth was 'NooooOOOoOooOooooOo...' Luckily he was nice and haven't printed it. *Phew!* That was even before we left Aberdeen!!!

After recomposing myself, we then head off. Since we had so much time, the journey allows us to stop anywhere we want. Me loving to drive and he being the guide/navigator/photographer.

It has been a while since I last drove and the route we took was just excellent! Just perfect for me since I love different terrains.

Along the way, we had pronounciation lessons since I have some difficulties in pronouncing some words. We drove by many towns and stopped at Tarland for some pics, passed by the ski town/area (during winter) of Lecht and then arrived at Nethy Bridge. Since we were early and didn't want to go to the camp, we then head on south to Aviemore and have our dinner there.

It was my first time to Aviemore, another ski town/resort during winter. I think it is a very touristy ski resort town. It's not grand as a ski resort, which IMHO could have been much better. Anyways, there is a really nice train station, which both of us think that all train stations in Scotland should have been conserved this way. Anyways, there is a The North Face outlet shop and I so wanted to shop there, but it was closed. *Sigh...* Too bad.

We then realised that time flies and it was getting late. So we hurriedly got to Abernethy Trust Outdoor Centre and arrived just in time for supper. Talk about timing!

Had a minor panic attacked when we tried to open the file for the next day's presentation. Apparently the file was not recognised! I was kinda lost for words. But luckily I had older similar files on my pen drive. Some amending and downloading pictures in the morning, my presentation was ready. *Phew!* again.

Did my presentation this morning, which I am glad was good. Had been invited to speak again next year. Yaaay!! Road trip? Since we weren't prepared for outdoor activities, we had to kindly turn down joining the girls. Its my fault actually.

We then head out for more galavanting, which those who don't know me by now, means more driving around aimlessly.

Arrived in Grantown-on-Spey for brunch (toasties, yum!). Again, my first time here. It is a really Really nice town! I had to use words like 'blast from the past' to describe the town, that our friend couldn't help sniggering at me! We went to a traditional sweet shop and bought some sweets there. I was literally a child in a sweet shop! I guess TS had a time of his life watching me or he may just be so embarassed at me! I couldn't help but ask the owner if I could take pics in his shop, obviously after I bought a bag of 'Soor Plooms' (Yum!). Such a tourist!

I found my daddy's car here too! I wonder if it got lost to Scotland! hehehee...


Since TS has never been to a whisky distillery, I sort of forced him to go to one. The next one that came along was Cardhu distillery, who distills whisky for Johnny Walker. Good, since I've never been to this one before.

After our wee tour, we then head on to a place called Blacksboat. So with my trusty navigator's instincts (since he actually been there in the past before) we then head off. Drive drive drive, only to realised we are at Cardhu AGAIN! You can imagine my expression 'CARDHU!'. Of course he never heard the end of it, even after we finally found the place. It was just so so funny!

We then finally head home. Funny thing, now that I am looking at the map, I just realised that we took a really huge round back to almost Grantown-on-Spey! However, however(!), I can't deny it was a good drive.

And like any The Company slaves, we had to stop by The Company's outlet in Westhill. We need a life man!

Having a car definitely has its advantages. We had to have one last detour before home, my favourite place in Aberdeen, Balmedie beach. Glad TS loved it, the undiscovered part of Aberdeen for him.


I better head off to bed now, I am so knackered. Tomorrow is another long day.

Thanks again to a wonderful Friday 13th. Am really thankful for your companion!

rediscovering scotland

Funny how when you go to the same place for the second time, the impression and memory can be different?

Earlier in the year I visited Dundee with my cousin and her friend. It was quite interesting as this time I felt that there is so much more to Dundee compared to the few times I've been there. I guess what made the difference was that instead of driving around the city, I had not much of a choice but walk into the city. And what I found was that there was this whole new undiscovered aspect of the city. It was like Wow!!!

Being the fourth largest city in Scotland, I felt that Dundee has more to offer compared to Aberdeen. Especially on the shopping aspect. Hmmm... when will we catch up? Not only that Dundee seems more arty and cultured, of course the scene is not as big as Edinburgh or Glasgow. But definately bigger than Aberdeen. They did say that Dundee is the 'City of Discovery'.

Today, my mini trip to Glasgow was rather interesting as well. I didn't really took much pictures but there was a good rediscovering of this city.


I remember years ago my first visit to Glasgow and my first impression of it was not very good. And I sort of decided that its the worst city I've ever been to in Scotland. Little did I know there was so much to see. While taking a nice stroll along the streets, my eyes capture mini photographs of various places in my mind. I could have done more with a camera but I wasn't really in the mood to take pics from my camera phone.

Whilst in Buchanan Galleries I saw some framed paintworks of the city and possibly that was something that opened my mind as well as trying to find out parts of the city that were in those pictures.

I guess if you look really closely the various style of buildings, the city does make it quite an interesting place to study the architecture and design of it. Take for instance the office I've been to today was a rather interesting studio. Large spaces but not much natural lighting. What does this place used to be? The fittings in the place seems like the orginial, is it? I'm so intrigued!

Of course no trip to Glasgow can do without some shopping!!! Goodness I'm such a slave to shopping, not to mention going to M&S. Sigh... Someone once said 'even on your day off!!!' So another aspect of the city that I've discovered is that there were so many shops for shopping!!! I almost went mad.

But then again, me being me, I'm rather fussy when it comes to shopping. Especially sale items. Wished I can just dive in like any shopaholics. Just that I have this thing that if clothes are untidy or there is a lot of them on the rack, it is a turn off for me. So yup, you hardly see me shopping where the good bargains are. Not that I don't want to... *Shakes head*

My trip ended with a nice meal I treated myself to at this Japanese noodle bar. Feel so contented!

Come to think about it, having a city pedestrianised does make a lot of difference actually. Hmm... think Aberdeen should seriously consider it. Can't deny though the new Bon Accord Master Plan does look rather promising.

I must make a special photography trip to Glasgow once again, when I get a proper camera.

Will it fall from the sky?

To those of you who were rather concerned about the news in UK... The massive flooding down south in England since last week is slowly, very slowly receeding. It will possibly be gone next week but the damage will take days, weeks or even years to recover.

Suicide bombers or bomb attacks in London and Glasgow airport: seven people has been caught but everyone still carry on their lives as normal. What is really disturbing is that the bombers this time round are doctors, professionals and they are foreign. That means that they are unlike previous cases of angry young muslim men who are British. Whats going to happen now?

Police presence are everywhere: train stations, bus stations, airports, hospitals and even on the streets. Some of them carrying guns. Tighter security measures?

Back to weather again, Wimbeldon has been hit by unsettled weather. So not very fun watching it since lots of games has been postponed.

Hahaha... so there you have it. Shows that I've been watching the news. Today. ;P

i need a lie down

Switzerland?

No. Its Shetland.

Just got back from Lerwick and had done my year's share of exercise in three days.

I need a lie down now...

down south: day one - the journey

My bags were all almost packed by last Friday.

I was going on a trip.

A last minute (sort of) decision.

Weeeellll... The long story of it was that Claire whom I started emailing a few weeks back, asked if I would like to go to the council meeting in High Wycombe in place of Gillian who will be away to India, who is the District Chairman of 1010 which my club is in the same district. I wrote back to Claire, whom at that time I still have not met, High Wycombe? But that is down south. Let me think about it. She came back to me telling me that High Wycombe is all paid for darling. Yup those were her words, well the main words.

Paid for?! Is all you need to hear of any trip. After some contemplation, I quickly booked my transport (flights and connecting train) over the internet so that I can get affordable seats and to save whoever is going to pay the tickets some money. Since I was going to be in the proximity of London, my flight was going to land in Luton which is less than an hour by train away from London and High Wycombe was about half an hour from London, I might as well stay and see my cousin who was complaining that I don't visit her (nah... she was just wondering when am I ever going to visit her).

Oooh... was I excited!

Which by the way, increased my expenses for the last month: adventure to Edinburgh, Edinburgh's club charter night, and now High Wycombe, which includes High Wycombe's 30th Charter (in Malaysia we say Installation) on Saturday, Rotaract in Great Britain and Ireland (RGBI) Council Meeting on Sunday, as well as my other expenses while in London. On top of that, I did quite a bit of shopping and food/drinks/'entertainment' expenses the last month too. Not helping was that the company decides to cut back on extra hours.

Anyways...

SH dropped me at the airport. I was thinking that checking in an hour before flight which is only 20 minutes considering that check in closes 40 minutes before take off, was sufficient. Consider, I have only one luggage, which can go in as hand luggage if I wanted to but didn't cos I didn't pack my liquids in a clear re-sealable bag as required, and I thought it was a bit of a hassle. Boy, was I wrong! There were queues and I have not seen the airport as busy as this. So I went into the line just to find out that the queue didn't start there but actually further up. There was a big gap there for people to pass. Ooops!

Later I found out that the check in counter opened half an hour later than scheduled.

By the time I checked in, it was about the time when the scheduled check in closes. But there was still a queue.

After passing through security check, bought some choccies for Lisa who was hosting me in High Wycombe I sat nicely reading my book. I was very ambitious and brought not one but two books, just in case I finished one I have another for back up. So I started reading Marian Keyes's Anybody Out There.

As time passes, we were all wondering why there was no call for our flight. There was no plane in sight. Everyone was anxious. I had a quick check with my train tickets to double check even I know it was open ticket and I was very thankful that it was an open ticket. Finally there was an announcement: the flight was delayed for an hour!

When the big white plane with the orange words easyjet.com emblazoned on its side landed, a fan fare almost broke out at the gate. Finally we were on our way!

Later it was revealed that some delay somewhere along the line has caused the delay to my flight.

...to be continued...

i'm back

Just got back from my wee trip to London...
Will blog about it when I do it...
:P

p.s.: Just to let you know The Shrink, my plane didn't crash. Otherwise I won't be blogging this. You crazy bugger! :P:P:P At least I know you 'cared'. hahahaha...

edinburgher

Pronounced as eh-din-bur-ger, is someone from Edinburgh. I've always wanted to know that and I finally found out. So chuffed!

Aberdeen = Aberdonian
Glasgow = Glaswegien
Inverness = Invernesian
Orkney = Orcadian

Last weekend was a really nice and busy one.

Friday. Rotaract Club of Aberdeen's 2nd Charity Pub Quiz. We were raising funds for James's Rwanda missions development trip and Emma's Spring Valley school in Kenya. Where both of them are going out to this summer respectively.

And as usual something has to go 'wrong'. Sort of...

The day before...
ennazus: Don't forget to prepare the answer sheets for the pub quiz ok?
James: Yup I remember that.

On the night...
ennazus: Where's the answer sheets?
James: Oh ****! I thought so I forgotten something!
ennazus: ...

But then a really nice guy, Iain came to our rescue! We are so ever thankful!!!

One thing I was pleased with, was my team wasn't last place. Well, we were scraping last almost two-thirds of the way but redeemed ourselves and got... second last place.. hahahahaha... at least we were not last! Too bad SH was not feeling well, otherwise I would think we will be at a higher position. -_-

I won two raffle prizes which I was the raffles draw-er. So what else would there be said? 'FIXED!'

Hey I can't help it if I was lucky eh?

After the quiz, some of us stayed back for a few drinks. Not long after that...
ennazus: Is that the fire alarm?
Barry: Hmm... sounds like it.

And yes indeed it was the fire alarm. So...

Grab belongings. Check.

Grab drinks. Check.

ennazus: I wasn't sure if that was the fire alarm.
Barry: Yeah, I thought it was part of the music.
ennazus: Yeah, me too.

hahaha... of course it was illegal to drink on the roadside. So the Union guys were there collecting everyone's glasses. Luckily we didn't have much left though...

I had two members of the Edinburgh club staying over at my flat. They were really nice, Julia and Barry. There was supposed to be four of them but Claire couldn't make it last minute and someone missed the train. And as always it is good to have people staying over. We stayed up chatting until 3am and then went to bed as most of us were tired.

Drink log: two pints of Strongbow and two pints of Guiness Extra Cold

Saturday. Woke up and chatted with Julia in bed. How cool is that? The three of us then chatted more whilst getting ready. It was funny watching Barry contemplating to shower/shave his head/shave his face. Again, great company for the morning.

We then went to the train station as both of them have to catch the train back to Edinburgh to prepare for their club's charter night. I then went shopping for a pair of shoes for the function as the two pairs of shoes I bought online still have not arrived!

Just my luck when I reached home there was a calling card telling me that the people did try to deliver my parcel but no one was home. Great! Just great! But then no regrets about the shoe. Will tell more about it later.

So hang around my computer, chatted with American Chris about the night before and what time the gang was meeting up with James. Packed, got ready and go to our rendezvous for our journey to Edinburgh.

We then finally left Aberdeen almost 6pm for our drive down to Edinburgh. Five of us (James, Chris, Jennifer, Felix and I) in James's little blue Peugeot which by the way I have a great respect for. We arrived at the venue in Edinburgh at 8pm. The function was supposed to be 7:30pm for 8pm.

As we get on the motorway...
James: Do you know where the place is?
ennazus: I asked you the other day if you needed the directions and you said you were going to sort it out. So I didn't find it.
James: I had too much to do and I forgotten.

Once again, the mobile internet came to our rescue! Quick text to Barry for the address and upon 'Googling' it, there was the option of downloading Google Mobile Map for Nokia N70. Ooooh... The program is just so ace! We used it to find our way to Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club and then later to Claire's beautiful huge flat where many of us crashed at.

On the way to the venue...
James: Where now?
ennazus: Take the third exit at the roundabout.
James: The what?!
ennzaus: Third exit.
James: The THIRD exit?! It sounds like something else.
ennazus: Turd?
James: You are not allowed to say third anymore. Say 'exit three'.
ennazus: ...

As it was a black tie event, guys were preferbly dressed in kilts and Chris refused to sit in the car for two hours in his smart clothes. So he has to change on the street just in front of someone's house! Well, I don't care if you are reading this Chris... But what an exhibitionist! hahahaha... No worries, there was nothing indecent about it.

Barry called my phone and check where we were and I said 'we were just outside'. Nonetheless we were the last to arrive but not least. Many episodes unfolds. As serious as I am a person, I am so glad we are a fun bunch. The Aberdeen club brought some secret humour (where only the four of us shares - sorry Felix) to the event.

So after some speeches, fancy dinner and event proper, the best part starts: the céilidh! It is one of my favourite Scottish 'invention' ever! Too bad it was quite short. -_¬

On the way I had a brief discussion with Jen on certain steps for a certain dance and I was so pleased that I got it right when the time comes. Anyways, I am so proud of my pretty and comfortable shoes. Even though I only did two dances *sad*sad* I was wearing my shoes the whole time and it didn't 'bite' me!

Even after the wandering about almost half of Edinburgh after the event looking for a club that was decent, my feet didn't blister. How great is that?! And still my shoes looked good, besides a few diamante missing. Of course, sadly I think I will be remembered as the one kept moaning about going to the toilet... And dropping the pizza on the sidewalk after Chris and I took a slice each from the eight slices. Whoops!

We also saw some firemen in action after someone decided to put a ciggie in a bin... Jen said the bin was melted.

Then it was back to the flat. We were so tired. As everyone fell asleep Chris and I were whispering there about... (I'm so going to be strangled!!!) I counted there were eight of us in the bedroom! And easily there were twenty of us in the flat. What would health and safety compliance say about this? Hey! but it was really fun.

Morning was a ruckus. Everyone going for the toilet. We later received great hospitality from Claire's parent's at their house and a good breakfast.

After breakfast we left Felix in Edinburgh and headed up the road. We stopped by at James's parent's home in Kinross, where we met his parents and sister. They were such nice people! Of course their home and garden was lovely as well.

Not long it was home time. Reached home, had a nap before going to James's and Jen's church just at the back of my flat for their first youth service.

All in all it was great weekend!

Saturday and Sunday's drink log: one dodgy glass of red sparkling wine (eewww - don't ever try that), glass of white wine, three bottles of Magners, too many cups of tea and a few cups of coffee.

After so many cups of tea and coffee, I can't stop having the feeling that I need to constantly brush my teeth.

epic adventure collage

For some reasons I cannot have this pic in my epic adventure post. Okay I guess the reason was the pic was too big to upload. So here it is...

epic adventure

Ever since I found out that Pixar will be holding its 20 years exhibition in Scotland, I knew I wanted to go and see it. So I spoke to SH about it in March and we said we will go and see it. However, being the busy people we are (yeah right!) we never really make time for it.

So I said to The Shrink that come Tuesday when both of us are off we should make it our little trip. But alas! The exhibition is to end on Monday. So I was told to 'Go Alone. Yup, you should definitely go.' I was like 'what?!'

After some contemplation, I decided in a spur of the moment (sort of) on Saturday to go down to Edinburgh on a missions trip: to see the Pixar exhibition! Came home after work on Saturday and went to check out if the National Museum of Scotland (NMS) was opened on a Sunday or not. Lo and behold, they do! But I was confused whether it opened at 10am or 12noon.

Anyhows, I couldn't book any bus ticket online since it was passed 1am (on Saturday night). Quick check at the timetable and jot down the times as well as a quick look at where the museum was located, I was very certain that I am going.

Went to bed almost 2am but was so excited by my trip that I couldn't sleep (great!). Who knows only to stirred before 5am this morning! I want sleep!!!

Finally after a little more shut eyes, I got up and got ready. Armed with my handbag (that I am so loving to bits!!!) loaded with that paper I scribbled the bus times, a wee map of Edinburgh, my new book, packet of juice, bar of chocolate, my MD player with two discs, I was on my way to the bus station to catch the 735am bus. Yup, it was early alright.

The sun was pouring into the flat through the window only to be greeted with showers when I open the front door. Hmm... is this a good or bad sign?

No, I'm not going to let some rain stop me from my adventure!

When I arrived at the bus station, the ticketing office was not open and only the London bound bus was there.

Me, having never taken an intercity bus for as long as I have lived on this island was told by the bus driver that I should really book a ticket since its the weekend and busses can be really full. :( He then said he can take me to Dundee but he can't guarantee if there is a bus to Edinburgh from there or not. I was like okie... And he continued to say that I can wait for the officer to come to work at 915am and possibly take the 935am bus which means I would arrived in Edinburgh at 1240pm instead of 1040am. :'(

So I sat down at the seats. Whipped out my phone and frantically trying to book online (through the phone) as well as to find a contact number to call to purchase tickets but I can't get what I wanted and I couldn't imagine myself sitting idling a few more hours wasting time.

Somehow I had to take the risk.

Went up to the bus driver just as he was almost leaving and said 'Yup, I'll come on the bus'. Got on the bus: all excited!!! I was going on a trip! An unplanned trip! A total adventure! Gosh, I was actually nervous as well.

I continued to try and find tickets for my return journey from my phone and quickly send an email to my friend Claire to let her know that I was coming, just in case (God forbid!) that I was stranded in Edinburgh, I had a place to spend the night.

To side track a little, weeks ago, I finally managed to fiddle with my phone to access internet from it. It has just been so ace! Especially trying to catch up info from my Rotaract email account on quite a few issues on numerous occasions.

There I was, thrilled on my bus trip, my first all alone bus trip to Edinburgh. Okay, not that I've never travelled on my own, just that I've always met up with someone on the other end. And possibly its been too long since I travelled. My only agenda was to see the Pixar exhibition. Okay, and maybe some shopping. As I gazed out the window I am comforted to see the rainbow and take it as a sign as everything will be just fine.

Arriving Dundee I had to change bus for Edinburgh. Again, I got told off by the bus driver that I should really book a seat during the weekend. He sold me a return ticket (since the last driver as me to pay this guy) and off I am on my second leg of my journey.

I can't help thinking of what both drivers said to me. The fear and disappointment that they instill. I can understand that they are trying to protect themselves and myself, as well as the bus company, just because I didn't book doesn't mean the company has to provide me with a seat. And it makes me wonder how often in our lives we say to others 'I dare not promise you... but you may or may not get what you want...' even before anything is confirmed. I know at least in my line of work, I do have to tell my customers this at least a few times in a week.

As the bus drives through the familiar sights from my numbered drivings or journeys to Edinburgh: the Forth Rail Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge, and the roads leading to Edinburgh city centre; my thoughts go back to my very first time to Edinburgh. It was love at first sight!

I was there to attend a free church weekend gathering. We arrived late in the evening when the city lights came on. Maybe it was the hustle and bustle of the busy city - it reminded me of KL. Maybe it was the beautifully lit castle sitting on the rock (later I found out the rock used to be a volcano eons ago). Maybe it was the yellow sandstone on the buildings. Maybe it was the greens in the city. But for whatever the reason, I knew at that point: I loved Edinburgh!

Arriving in the city I love so much I had to grab some grub. Quick bite at McDs (its been a long time since I last had one, too long) and off I go to my destination: The National Museum!!! Funny as I was walking there I was walking in a place that seemed somehow too familiar to me. My feet just brought me to my destination. No maps. No hesitation. Home? I wonder...

The exibition was great! And I had a good browse of it. I'm very impressed with the rest of the exhibits in the museum as well. Not forgetting the new wing of the museum as well. The architecture, the design, the natural lighting, the sights, everything!

After the museum, I had a stroll down the Royal Mile. Along the way, I stopped at the Museum of Childhood, which I had always wanted to visit. I then continued my journey down the Mile. This time I was met with the Scottish Parliament and The Holyrood Palace, both places I've never been to after my numerous trips here. But nonetheless I've finally made it. Sadly I only met with the entrance of it since it was closed. Another missions trip?!

Then it was shopping and sitting in the sun before I knew it I was just so tired, due to the fact that I need sleep! Claire gave me a text to said that she will come and meet me. It was really funny 'cos we've actually not met before but exchanged daily emails for the past two weeks. My phone was dying after all that jabbing earlier in the day.

So I waited for her and later her friend Barry. Although it was a short meeting but it was great! Claire is a really nice gurl. Maybe I'll blog about her in another post and when I get to know her more as well.

It was not long before it was time for me to catch the bus home. We went to the bus station only to find that the bus I had to take was full! Panic attack ensued. I was told that I can get the next bus to Perth and then to Dundee and then to Aberdeen. Okay, so I stood in line for the bus. But then what if I can't get a bus to Aberdeen? Panic. Panic!

I was running between the queue of boarding the bus and the queue of booking a ticket, confirming my seat.

I had to do something. So I went to the ticket desk and ask them to book me a seat to Aberdeen. Only to find out that the day return ticket I got from the second driver only gives me a return to Dundee and not Aberdeen. Great! Well, I got the Aberdeen to Dundee leg free, I guess. So I paid for the booking fees and the Dundee to Aberdeen leg.

So there I was, sitting waiting for the 2050 bus. A text message came through and just that very moment my phone died. Drained of all its juices. Oh no! Who knows that I am out here? What if I didn't get to get a seat to go home? What if I really got stranded here? In Edinburgh? What about in Dundee? What is going to happen? Does anyone care? No one knows that I'm making this trip. (Well, I now realised that The Shrink and my friend Mark knows my intention but honestly, no one knew I was here. Okay except for Claire.) Of course, the drama princess in me have to fuss about this all. What to do?!

So, after more waiting and reading. I was off home. Holding the ticket, I was actually glad that I didn't have to stand aside and wait if there are anymore seats left so only I can get on the bus. After crossing the Forth Road Bridge, I dozed off. I changed bus in Dundee. It was so cold!!! Of course after boarding the bus onwards to Aberdeen I couldn't fall asleep anymore. So I read more.

Finally reached Aberdeen at midnight. After putting my phone to charge I read the message that I received. It was from The Shrink. He asked if I managed to go and see the exhibition. And I told him I almost got stranded. But thanks to him, I had a great time today!

I think this is a long enough blog and I will blog later about my firsts in this trip as well as the lessons that I've learnt.

All I want to do is to shower and go to sleep. But how can I resist not to blog this?