busy bee chickadee

So I've been crazy busy with various freelance jobs. It's good coz it's something of great interest to me. And I can write and get paid lots of money for it.

Unfortunately the money has yet to come in so I'm still in debt for concert tickets and have not bought any christmas prezzies! But that will all change soon.

Yesterday was quite a day - Started off working on an article all morning. Then I had to review a play, and had an adventure just getting there. It was raining heavily so I called a cab, got there with 30 minutes to spare and was rather pleased. Turns out, I was at the wrong place as I confused where the rehearsals and previews were with the location of the actual play. And after wandering around for twenty minutes, exploring and taking my own sweet time, I realise I'm at the wrong place. It's pouring cats and dogs and I have 10 minutes to get a cab, get from Tanjong Pagar to Armenian Street, sort my complimentary ticket out and catch the show.

So after 3 minutes of running around wildly trying to get a cab (in the pouring rain) I get one. And it goes like this:

Substation Theatre please, and hurry!
eh? Substation?
Oh God. Of ALL the cab drivers in the world.
Yes, Armenian Street.
Armenian street?
kill me now.
OH MY GOD. NEAR THE FORT CANNING TUNNEL??
Erm...
City Hall. Just go to City Hall.
City Hall?
*getting ready to slit my wrists*

So we get there eventually, getting stopped at every SINGLE red light in the world. and I rush off leaving him an undeserved tip seconds before the doors close. And the world's all good again.

Play was awesome, so glad I didn't miss it.
Then rushed to a meeting to formalise a Free Burma campaign in Singapore ('bout time) and only at 9pm realised I hadn't eaten for the whole day.

And that was the adventure that was yesterday.

a few of my favourite things

There are some days that are awesome because of an accumulation of small things. Yesterday was one of those days.

Am doing some freelance work at the moment, it's for the National Library Board and is all about music in Singapore from the 40s till today and I've been tasked to write 2 of the profiles that will go into this project. Which is great coz it's about music and it pays well (perhaps this will make up for the money I owe NLB in fines).

So I've been spending a lot of time at Starschmucks, drinking coffee that's too expensive, coz that's where I get a lot of work done. It's probably a mental conditioning from school days. Sit at Starbucks with laptop = do lots of work. It made me miss Black Star in Brisbane. The coffee there was $3 and there was always new art on the wall and you could help yourself to huge bottles of really cold water from the fridge and there was once a guy walking around barefoot, collecting flowers, and when I smiled at him, he gave me one. I pressed it and still have it in my notebook.

Anyway.

I was rushing to meet a really tight deadline and was getting really out of the zone. And then I see Shaun walk by! I wasn't sure if it was him coz he has this cool haircut with shaved sides but I sent him a text and indeed it was him.

So he came to provide a welcome distraction to me, gave Redzman a call and then there were 3. After about 7 hours there, I was finally done and we went for a beer at a place called Sidewalk Tavern. And they had Pure Blond! First time I've had/seen it here. Yay Aussie beer.

While at Starbucks the boy gave me an unexpected call just to see how my day was going. =)

If only more guys realised, or realised more often, how simple it all really is!

Got home, gave him a proper call, sent my article off and headed out to meet the girls and we sat around till the wee hours talking about all kinds of secrets.

It did make me a little sad that they talked about many things I didn't follow - but that's my own fault for travelling all the time. I realised I haven't spent more than 3 months in 1 country at a stretch for the whole of this year. And that was because it was the start of the year and I was saving up to travel.

Was asked by youth.sg to write a review of a play for them but it was last night - and I had my article to finish, unfortunately, coz it was something I really wanted to do. But they were kind enough to get me a pass for another day so I can go. Yay!

So yes, lets of little things that made me very happy indeed.

After a while, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh.

And if you ever see me happy, it's because I'm manic

I heart CAKE.
and Butterfingers.
and Violent Femmes.

Please, please, please, I got something to show you

This is IT

So today, although it's technically tomorrow, I leave for home.
My flight is at 2.45am. Awful, I know.

I am looking forward to going home (for the people and the vinyl goodness) but at the same time leaving isn't exactly on my most-wanted list either.

If only I could tear myself in two. And then get lots of money for performing this amazing feat and living through it.

Past few days have been spent going to flea markets, attending a gay rights parade, watching lots of Daria. Oh and we watched MJ's This is It as well. He's wonderful, he really is.

So. Home I must go - there are new records that need playing anyway.

If home is where the heart is,
are we ever really home?

Why not, indeed!



Random street game.



Gay Parade!

Of Music and Madness

So we've been soaking in the music scene here with lots of gigs. This weekend was Buzzcocks and Midnight juggernauts.

Buzzcocks
Most awesome thing ever. I was right at the front of the mosh pit, the crowd was good and not too violent (perhaps coz they were all old, like the band) and I got a very cool tee. We also managed to steal a ticket stub (didn't have any coz we bought online) so I was happy enough with that.

And THEN. The gig ends and I'm thinking I'll try and find them for an autograph and perhaps a chat. Waited around the back exit and the front but no sign of them. So we headed back inside and the girl at the merch stand who I bought the shirt from said she wasn't sure but would try to get my cd (which I brought just in case) signed. Then I had the brilliant, devious idea of telling her that I came all the way from Singapore to see the Buzzcocks. That changed everything and, of course she'd help, and my cd was taken backstage.

After a minute of sneakily prowling around the door, the bouncer waved me in with a slightly amused expression and... I met the Buzzcocks! When they (Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle) asked, I tried to lessen the severity of my lie by saying that I was thinking of heading to Brisbane anyway but confirmed my trip after hearing they would be playing there.

They were wonderful and lovely and Toby reckons they were excited to have a sweet young thing sneaking backstage - it's probably been awhile since they had groupies.

Very, very cool night.

Midnight Juggernauts

Headed to Hi-Fi Bar with Toby's friend John and his 2 friends. I was most excited about the opening act: Cut Off Your Hands, a band Shila and I discovered in Tokyo SummerSonic. They've changed a lot but were still great and played my favourite songs too.

Midnight was good too but the tiredness of Buzzcocks excitement was catching up with me. =/

Yesterday was a day of many misadventures but the good points were: 1. Yi Han cooked lunch for me at his place. 2. met some of Toby's friends at a Bbq.

So it's all good as of now. =)

On the way to some Buzzcocks action!


Buzzcocks!


Steve Diggle



In case you weren't sure it was Spring Street you were on.



Some kids who amazed with their violin/cello skills.

Explorations

So the past few days have been spent up northern NSW, Toby's sister-in-law's birthday which had the theme Weapon of Choice.

Toby went as Christopher Walken (think Fatboy Slim) and I went as a peace-loving hippie. whenever someone asked what weapon I was, I'd say, I don't believe in weapons, and give them a flower.

Met the parents, went pretty well (I think). Cooked them dinner and all.
Also got on well with his niece and nephews, Miles, Josef and Mina, who are adorable.

We also headed up to Byron Bay which is gorgeous.

Tomorrow we see the Buzzcocks!

Mina showing off her jellyfish ring and bracelet.



Byron Bay



Mr. Walken and I



Toby's dad and I working the bbq.

most amazing story. ever.

So last night Toby and I had plans to attend a comedy debate between Engineers and Lawyers (who would survive when stuck on an island) and his brother was the emcee.

I didn't know that it was a rather posh event and went in my dirty pink all stars, leggings, schoolgirl plaid skirt and Never Mind the Bollocks tee. And was denied entry.

So we set out to find a shop that was still open hoping to buy a new dress for cheap, but no luck.

Then we found this one shop and I said, THIS is it! We went in and I started looking for something to wear while Toby explained the situation to the girl running the shop.

She then offered me her own pair of shoes (same size exactly) and started letting me try on lots of dresses. They were all things I'd never wear (bubble skirts and the like) and she finally found one that had me written all over it. It cost $120 bucks and she let me borrow it, and her shoes, for the night. With nothing to ensure I'd come back but a t-shirt and some old sneakers.

I was overcome, I really was, and she told me she'd had a feeling something special would happen the whole day and was waiting for something to happen, and once she heard my story she knew this was it - maybe just like how I knew THIS was the shop that would save me.

So I agreed to bring the dress back the next day and went on my merry way.

Seriously so awesome I could've just cried at the niceness of it all. Today I went back and we had a nice chat and are going to be facebook friends. I thanked her repeatedly and she credited it to both our energies meeting at a specific point that brought our paths together and made all this happen.

She really like my namecard too and told me I was amazing.

No, Rita, YOU'RE amazing. you really are.

Internet, at last!

So we're connected!

Such a relief.

I've realised how lazy the internet has made me. When I didn't have it at my fingertips, if I wondered about something I'd have to think about it. Try and recall what I already knew about it and all that. But now that it's back, thinking has been eliminated from my daily life. Have a question? Google it, come on.

Well, thank god for ungoogleable things that keep the brain cells working. Like the wonders of literary works of art and questions that no one has yet been able to answer.

Currently reading 100 Years of Solitude and it's killing me, it really is.

As soon as they took the body out, Rebeca closed the doors of her house and buried herself alive, covered with a thick crust of disdain that no earthly temptation was ever able to break.

Seriously, how can you not just die at the awesomeness.

*dies*

Gigs and stuff

Went for the Hard-Ons gig last night and it was not at all what I expected! It was a lot more metal (borderline Thrash even, Toby says) than the songs I'd heard on their myspace - apparently they've branched out a bit. So I decided not to buy a shirt but the boy stole a poster for me which is better. Stolen band merch is always better.

Today is butterfingers, yay!

The weather has been my favourite sort of late, light rain at night and lots of breeze too.

Toby's internet gets set up on Wednesday so more detailed and more frequent updates are on the way.

And tonight I shall cook pesto pasta.

=)

made it :D

So I've been in Brisbane for 2 days and some, I do really like it here. Indie coffee joints and record stores and 2nd hand bookshops and lots of lovely things.

Weather's a bit hotter than I was hoping for but the nights are cool so it's all good.

Have been exploring a bit and chilling out and tomorrow we shall see a cool punk band called the Hard-Ons (hehe) and on Saturday we shall see Butterfingers. Yay!

Feels like the boy and I never really parted - was all exciting at first but now feels back to normal, like nothing's changed.

Met Yi Han too and we had a nice reunion at The Music Kafe.

I love all the places to hang out here.

=)

And already I have spent half of one gift card at JB Hi-Fi.

four more sleeps!

Four more sleeps till I get to Brissie.
Can't Hardly Wait! (I miss that movie and need to watch it again.)

I've got us tickets to go see the Buzzcockz, adding to my list of bands from years past that I have the privilege of seeing live. Punk bands. First wave even!

I also got the most wonderful surprise in the mail yesterday. JB Hi Fi you are MINE.

While patiently waiting for time to pass, I have discovered a site that lists cool indie places to go to in Brisbane. Record stores, underground pubs that play classic punk tunes and new indie music till 5am, sounds like a plan to me.

Tomorrow's my last day freelancing and then I get PAID.

back at the desk

So today I started a week of freelancing at AdBox - pays pretty well as far as I'm concerned so it's all good. I left the industry hating it, but now that I've been away for so long it's not so bad. As much as I love writing just for myself, or for other less pressing publications, it's always a challenge to work with deadlines and other people and the whole thing.

One week from now I shall be on a plane on the way to Brisbane =)

these are your arms, that is your heart

Quote of the day:

The animals of the world exist for their own reasons.
They were not made for humans any more than
black people were made for white,
or women made for men.

brissie buckets =)

So I've just bought my ticket to Brisbane next month.
17 days to go!

Can't hardly wait =)

The brissie buckets are filling up well, although Green Day will set me back a bit, but it would be very uncharacteristic of me to not go to a gig because of financial reasons. Never have, hopefully never will.

I hope they play old stuff too.

Yesterday I met Krystle and Maira for a while, and during a veryx10 long wait, I bought some accessories to cheer myself up. Pictures coming soon =)

half a cold pizza, half-opened eyes

I'm tired.
I really am.

Perhaps the difference is (between now and previous, more tiring days) might be the copious amounts of red bull I used to consume. Possibly a habit I should go back to.

It's interesting how if you make a decision that you're going to have a good day, and you stick to that plan, nothing really can interfere with that. Of course I mean that in terms of general annoyances and disappointments, not unforeseen tragedies or anything like that.

But I do like working at Food #03 - so many interesting people. Yesterday I met the person I bought the abolish death penalty shirts from, the other day I met a psychologist who could tell after a few minutes that I was a younger child, the week before I met a part-time chef+jazz vocalist+tap dancer. Very interesting indeed. And in the weeks I've been there, not a single difficult customer. yay.

The only downside is that it's along a rather red area of Rowell Road where it has become the norm to be walking in broad daylight and getting asked, how much? But you get used to it, so it doesn't really bother me anymore.

Seems wherever I work this sort of thing takes place. First it was Hindoo Road, then it was the dubious-after-dark area of Jalan Besar - and now this.

If ever you're feeling unwanted (if you're a girl, or a very pretty boy) just come visit me at work.

so you play where you want to play
on the main streets where the creeps all pray
and you can feel like you're in dynasty
and you can be what you want to be

and the morning is for you
and the air is free
and the birds sing for you
and your positivity

learn something new every day

So I've been working lots and lots at Food #03, really fun place to work as I just spend all day serving vego food, talking to interesting people like psychologists, artists, writers, wanderers, etc. Except for today when I had to de-grease the stove. But anyway.

I'm saving up to go to Brisbane next month - the funds are being collected on a daily basis in two buckets that I stole from Vang Vieng, now christened Brissie Buckets. They're filling up well, yay!

Working lots means I'm missing out on some things, like dinner at the Lagoon or playing gin at home, but in the long run it's all good.

Met up with the girls on Friday night, went for free lychee martinis at Pan Pac's Stereolounge, pretty awesome stuff. Fifi asked me to sum up my travels in 3 words and they were: Forget your expectations.

I said them without much thought but the more I think of it the more true I realise it is. Nothing I had planned on my travels happened the way I thought it would. Things I wanted to happen didn't; things I didn't expect did, mostly to my delight. London and a certain boy respectively.

Another good convo I had was with Rai, a girl I work with at the cafe - she asked whether I was pro-life or pro-choice (as I had just returned from an anti death penalty forum) and I told her, both. One might argue that you can't be both, but I say you most certainly can.

Personally (and mum would say, "make sure you say by-the-grace-of-God =)") I'd like to think I could never, and of course would never want to, even consider it. So that's pro-life. In the bigger picture, I think every girl must have the right to make that decision for herself. So that's pro-choice.

Simple, yes?

Also I'm reading The Satanic Verses and I think it's gonna take a long, long time.

If she is electric,
can I be electric too?

Boy's Gone Back

So the boy left yesterday. We made the most of our time together and I'm glad for that - movies, the zoo, nights in and nights out.

All my friends like him, and my family too so that's great. I was bummed out at the airport as the stupid sign said Gate Closing 30 mins before it was supposed to open. 30 mins later, it was STILL Gate Closing. The plane took off (I was at the viewing gallery) and it was STILLLL Gate Closing. Which made me sad because we could have had a proper goodbye that was more than 5 seconds. But, perhaps it was better this way - quick and painful is better than long and torturous (Shila likened it to pulling off a band-aid).

So now I'm gonna do all I can to get more work, and money, and fill my days with family and friends and other wonderful things. Yay.

It's good to be home. =)

Close your eyes and I'll kiss you,
tomorrow I'll miss you,
Remember I'll always be true.
And while you're away,
I'll skype you every day,
and I'll send all my loving to you.

Wild animal at the zoo:


At Butter factory celebrating Shane's ORD and Sandee's last day of work. I'm loving the evil look.



Our first time on the flyer!

Vang Vieng - I Likeeee

So I can see why people get stuck in Vang Vieng (the way I got stuck in Phnom Penh). It's really so much fun - every day, everyone just goes tubing, stopping at bars along the way. Yesterday was my first time and it was awesome.

Didn't bring camera so no pictures (I was sure it would get lost/ruined) but might bring it today in a waterproof bag.

In the backpacker's area everyone just sits around watching endless reruns of Friends and Family Guy - which I haven't yet done for fear of never leaving the couch.

Will stay here another 2 nights (was supposed to be 2, and then 3, and now 4) before heading back to Vientiane, then to Bangkok, then home.

won't be long now =)

Spectacular view of mountains from my guest house:



This is what happens when you put a candle next to a BeerLao bottle. heh.


this picture I like:


branded by Q bar with spray paint while tubing:

Into Tubingville

So today I leave from Vientiene to Vang Vieng. It's been good but oh so expensive (compared to what I'm used to in Cambodia). Been here 3 nights - was supposed to be 2 but extended another to see more of this charming but not too exciting capital. had to see enough to write my article anyway.

Yesterday we went to all the national monuments, some really nice temples and pictures are on the way. Had a really long day getting everywhere by bike (cheapest way, $1.25/day) but it was good. Ended the day at a glam hotel swimming in their very awesome pool. It's REALLY hot here. And no rain!

The day before went to a vegetarian buffet for lunch, all you can eat for $2, which was pretty awesome. Went bowling at night and made friends with some Lao people - very cool. Have also been checking out the nightlife here and found some cool places. There's one called Future, and it's no Zouk but seems to be a place to be here. Then there's also Music House which is just round the corner from my guest house - live music every night.

Last night was Lunar 36 - best so far. Decent music and while the drinks were expensive, the crowd was good.

Random story: Spent the weekend getting from Don Det to Vientiene and most of saturday was on Don Det where there isn't so much as an ATM, and then a sleeper but from evening till Sunday morning - so no church for me. And then when we reached Pakse, where we'd have a few hours to kill while waiting for the sleeper bus, the bus went by a church and on it was the Sacred Heart image. So in my few hours there I made my way to the church and did the readings. Nice Surprise to find it and a very pretty church, yay =)

Sunset at a rooftop bar while waiting for the bus from Border to Don Det:




Bowling!









Church:

Laid-back Lao

So it's true what Mervyn told me about the people of Lao.

Extremely laid back and it's hard to get service in restaurants and things like that. But they are also really nice people. The island of Don Det is a wonderful place - no banks, atms, post office, the lights go off early and you're stuck in pitch-blackness if you don't have a flashlight after about 7. At 11 the generators go out and you're in the wild.

Yesterday we went to see South East Asia's largest (by volume, not height) waterfall and it was spectacular. Swam in the Mekong with a few water buffaloes. It was filthy but worth it for the experience.

At night Toby was talking about what he'll do when he eventually goes back to Aus and I was feeling a little bummed out so to distract myself I went to change the song on my ipod, we were having dinner at the restaurant of our guest house.

When I returned my feet randomly brought me past our table to stand by the edge of the restaurant for a bit and look out at the river. Not sure why I did, and was contemplating and feeling down about how temporary things can be, and then I was prompted to look up into the sky - after getting into a bit of a diffucult position (the roof's in the way), and still wondering what I was doing, I saw the most spectacular thing. The sky was perfectly clear and there were more stars that I've ever seen in my life. More than in Melbourne, more than in Perth, the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I could see the Milky Way and what Toby thought was Orion's Belt. Lots of constellations too.

And I was overwhelmed by the vastness of life and its possibilies.
Okay, big guy in the sky, I get your message loud and clear. =)

The biggest waterfall in SEA, Liphi Falls:




Even the cows in Lao are laid back:



Lao kids presenting us with flowers! =) too sweet


Travel friends from phnom penh to Lao


Happy swimming with water buffaloes!

On the road for a long time - 10 hours to Stung Treng, just at the Cambodia/Lao border, spent the night then headed across the Lao border and good news - my visa for Cambodia had expired and I was supposed to pay $5 a day which would come to $25 bucks, but they waved me on upon seeing that I was from Singapore. hehe.

Am now in Don Det, a little island south of Lao. loving it here =) more updates soon, internet is expensive here.

A storm approaching across the sunny sky



Some kids who kept giving Toby and me flowers =) too sweet



Me and the Mekong



Fishing by the Mekong Delta




Friends from our 10 hr bus ride.

I left my heart in Phnom Penh

So tomorrow Toby and I head up to Lao.

It's been sad thinking about leaving here. It really is a home away from home.
Said bye to the kids at school and they were sad, some ran out to buy me lollypops and one gave me her bracelet which is really nice. I cried in front of everyone! But, not goodbye, but till we meet again.

Last night had a big night out at Heart of Darkness with Tiny, Ben, Jacko and Toby - my boys! Lots of fun, will miss them lots and lots. Told Jacko I was leaving for a month or two and he said, that's AGES! And it is. But well, here's to new places. And good travel company. =)

Some of my students and I =)



Me and my moskito boys (and I'm not winking, my eye is being squished by Ben's nose)



Ben & Jacko in our tuk-tuk home



Toby and I in our tuk-tuk to the Russian Market



Last night hanging out at Same Same for a while =(

All By Myselffff

So mum and dad have left.

Today we started off with a nice breakfast, headed to Mother Theresa's orphanage, and then to the cool hammock-ed local place for lunch.

Had a great time at school yesterday, was a little bummed that they didn't catch the kids shouting at me, HELLO TEACHER HOW ARE YOU TODAYYYYYYYY but it was good having them there. Dad took some nice shots of the class.

Will miss them lots; they've left, Toby's in Siam Reap, I'm back on the road by myself. Loving it and a little sad all at once.

But it won't be long before I'm outta here for a bit, don't know whether I'm looking forward to it or not.

On a brighter note, I recently applied for a job as an online freelance writer on an international writing database and today received my acceptance letter. So I can write on the road, or at home, and get paid for it. Wheee!


Mum, Dad and me at Lakeside:



Mum, Paul (tuk-tuk driver) and Me:



Naughty boys from my class (yes, they start riding really young):



Me giving Dictation:



Me teaching:

Mum and Dad in town!

So Mum and Dad have been here since Thursday evening.
Picked them up at the airport, brought them to Lakeside, checked into Green Lake and it was all good.

Met Toby for drinks and dinner at Chiang Mai restaurant and that went well too.
I brought them to the FCC for a glam drink each and it was a lovely night.

Today we're heading to the Russian Market and then to my school and then to church.
Toby and I at the FCC:




Me at my Lakeside:


Daddy and I on the way to Riverside:


Mum and I on the way to Riverside:

Cokies, anyone?

A sign at this most awesome baguette shop (which is the cheapest shop around here) proudly displays an array of Cokies. Photo op if I ever saw one!

Last night Toby and I played Scrabble, as I was very upset about him beating me at Connect 4 repeatedly, and I am usually pretty good at the game. So we rematched with my game of choice and I won. hehe.

Let the mathematical mind win at Connect 4 and the Literary mind reigns over scrabble. My mama taught me well!

Mum and Dad are coming this evening for a visit, can't wait!

Was uploading pictures but it's taking too long, so they'll come soon.
Off to school!

Say Sushi!

Yesterday, another day off school, Toby and I rented a bike again and headed to the Russian Market - I bought a new pair of flip-flops (or thongs as he would say) and they're black, velvet and a grand total of $2. I swear, I'm turning into a local.

Showed them to Tom this morning, he has the same ones (which is where I saw them and wanted them) and he paid $3 for it, hehehe.

Went to the no-tourists chill out place by the river again and had cheap food and drinks while lazing about in hammocks. The life!

Saturday night we went out for sushi (my most expensive meal yet, $15 each) and it was wonderful.

Lazy day:





Sushi!



You can never have too much Japanese:

Kids of SCAO

So I've been teaching English at the Save Poor Children in Asia Organization (SCAO) and it isn't always easy but it's good fun for the most part.

Yesterday I taught them words like old, older, oldest and thin, thinner, thinnest. They have trouble with 'th' so spent half an hour trying to get them to stick their tongues out in the right way. Trouble is some of the girls won't do it, perhaps they think it's rude or something.

And then last night I helped Srey Lat, who has a sponsor and studies in high school and teaches the 6pm class, to transcribe Rise and Fall, Craig David featuring Sting. Needless to say I have it stuck in my head now.

Helped Toby with the 8am class and now back to school for my 2pm class!
It always starts with the kids standing up and screaming, as loud as they can, HELLO TEACHER HOW ARE YOU! Adorable little things they are.

The girls playing with a rope made out of rubber bands, do you remember the time??



The boys playing football:



Climbing trees =)



Many monkeys in this school:



My favourite picture which Toby put perfectly: Tola, the Asian Fonz.

Oh?

Had a nice night out with Toby last night - we went to riverside, had dinner at Chiang Mai Thai Restaurant, then headed to the superglam FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club)where he bought me one drink (all we could afford, it's more than twice the price of other places, though still less than half what I would pay in Singapore!) and enjoyed the breeze and the view, and then to a cool place, Garden Bar in the Shade for 70c beer - that's how we roll.

We got all dresed up and everything - he wore jeans and tossed the glasses for lenses, and I shaved my legs and wore a nice skirt. Exciting times indeed!

The other night was also a glam night out at Pontoon, where Francis, Toby and I formed a nice pantone of black to white. hehe. But, of course, I'm too cheap to buy anything there.

At Pontoon:



Black to white:



The most beautiful sunset yet:



On a bike to Riverside, here they come!



At FCC:



Pouty people:



I'm an emo kid, non-conformist as can be, you'd be non-conformist too if you looked just like me:



An ex-goth boy:



Finally see 'em smile:

Motorcycle Diaries

An unexpected adventure - Toby and I were bumming around on Sunday, the only day we don't teach at the school, and he had this great idea of renting a motorcycle and exploring out of the city for a bit. Thought we'd head somewhere to chill out, have lunch, bike around and head back by evening.

And then I found a place called Kirirom in my lonely planet guide and we decided to head there - 120km away, so we estimated it to take 2 hours to get there. Turned out to be 3, with crazy 2-ton trucks and a bike that didn't go too smoothly. By the time we got there it was mid-afternoon, and we knew we'd never get back before dark - and a motorcycle driven by a foreigner in a cambodia after dark = asking for trouble.

So turns out this place we went to offers homestays, so we checked in with a lovely Khmer family - Somna and Ravi and their 2 kids - and headed off for a hike. 3 waterfalls, steep hiking uphill, it was wonderful.



Girly toes are prettier than boy toes.


Chillin' by the 'fall



Our home away from home, away from home.


Our yummy dinner which they made vegetarian espescially for me =)


Check out how they power the TV


Ended up staying a bit too long at the waterfall and by the time we were on the way back, it was pitch black. Yes, it's true, me, the scaredy-cat, walked through a pitch-black cambodian jungle. At one point one of the locals was there and I couldn't see him and he said hello and I jumped about 6 feet into the air and screamed blue murder. But yes, it was fun.

The next day we woke up early for breakfast - rice soup, which I was excited about until I discovered it was porridge, urgh - and then headed for the mountain. Many mishaps occured, such as a lost helmet and a busted tyre, which is no joke when you're riding up a steep slope. Poor Toby had to push it all the way up, I tried and failed like a poor damsel in distress and was very annoyed with myself for not being able to.

Got help from an amazing Khmer family who had this ingenious way of fixing the large hole - they put this contraption on it with a piece of rubber, poured fuel inside, set it on fire, and submerged it into cold water once the rubber had melted. Took a bit of time but a good job indeed.



The family gathered round to watch the crazy foreigners who busted their bike.


After exploring the mountain a bit we were both tired, and headed on our 2.5 hour journey back home. The feeling of seeing Welcome to Phnom Penh! as we entered the mainland was similar to what I felt when I touched down in Changi Airport - oh, thank god I'm home!



We never made it to the top of the mountain - it had started to rain and we were both really tired. Toby asked if I was disappointed, and he looked pretty bummed out because he assumed I was.

Oh, not at all. I replied, to his surprise. You see, I'd choose adventure over mountains any day.

Toby and me very satisfied upon reaching the first waterfall.


Some cows on the road.



The mountain:


Born to be wild

The Road Less Travelled

Have been meeting SO many wonderful people lately.
Yesterday was a good day at school, these kids are really growing on me.
Loving the people I'm working with too - Toby from Aussie, Jennifer the Jersey girl and Francis from Sierra Lone.

After school yesterday we all headed to my guest house for the sunset which was lovely, then to Meta Cafe, run by the German Embassy, which shows free movies every night. Watched Rescue Dawn, a nice Christian Bale flick about the Vietnam War. After that headed to a local place for drinks and tapas and then to Memphis Bar which had a good live band and then heart of darkness - not my favourite place but seems to be becoming more frequent.

Hung out with a very international group - One from South Africa, one from North Africa, 2 from the US, one from Singapore (me), one from Ireland, one from Aussie, one from Italy and 3 from Spain. Good times indeed. They made me speak Malay which I very reluctantly did (I'm so bad at it, especially with an audience).

Everyone's very impressed with my bargaining skills - I got 5 of us from Lakeside to Riverside on a tuk-tuk for $2. Impressive, eh? (You'd normally pay about $5).

Me & my lakeside



Toby meditating



Sothea and I at Same Same



Just another happy same same day =)



The family of Same Same celebrating the day with some traditional Khmer dancing, which I tried, and failed, to learn.



A handmade raft



Partying at heart of darkness (That's Oirish Roy, Kate from the US, me and local boy whose name I can't recall =( )

'Cher, please

I have discovered that it isn't only Singaporean kids who call their teachers 'cher.
Cambodian kids do it too, except it's a lot more endearing coming from them.

Yesterday I taught my first class, exciting stuff indeed.
We taught them about places, like museum, swimming pool, amusement park, etc.
And Toby (aussie guy) and I felt really sad as we know they don't have any idea what these things are, and maybe never will.

But it's nice as well - why swim in a pool when you have a lake?
Why go to a museum when everyone around you who's over 40 IS history?
And amusement parks are nothing as compared to playing football in the rain.

Went out last night to a place called Do It All Bar and had to take care of my friend's drunk french friend who was about to fight with a local guy - not very wise. Why on earth a foreigner thinks he could out-do a local street thug and his boys is really beyond me, no matter how drunk you are. Bad news is the french guy stays in the area - they'll remember his face for sure. =(

Kids collecting rain water

Something Different

Have spent the past 3 days at a little school in a poor village.
Set up by a guy who lost his parents in the Khmer rouge, it was literally built by hand and is really transparent, in the sense that you know where every donation goes.

Today I'm co-teaching a class and am pretty nervous about it, but I think it'll be fun.

Was awesome watching the kids yesterday, it started to rain and they all ran out playing in the rain, collecting it in bottles, playing football (and if not for my stupid injured foot I'd have joined them).

2 nights ago I met an Irish guy Steve and a German girl, Bine, who wanted to stay up all night so as not to miss their bus/flight. And I was designated with the task of keeping them up so we hung out at Moskito bar till 8am. It would make an excellent joke because Ben's aussie and there was a french guy there too - A Frenchman, an Aussie, a Singaporean, a German and an Irishman walk into a bar.... waiting to be made, it is.

Great night except for an old man who's like 50 who I was chatting with about music - up until the point when he said, would you like to sleep with me tonight?

ah. The direct approach, how charming.

Big Night Out

Had a big night out last night - spent the day with Sothea, a local girl who hangs out at my guest house. Then we headed to Moskito Bar and stayed on till late, and then to Heart of Darkness, and Jacko reminded me how the last time I went there with him I left immediately because I hated it. But it wasn't so bad this time.

Also, he lost his phone for the third time so now we're in competition of who reaches 4 first. I think he might win, haha.

Am suddenly faced with many opportunities, though not all of them are paid, and am going to spend the day today thinking about everything and sorting it out (thought surely not with any ill-intentioned moto-driver!)

Oh and this morning, I decided it would be a good way to start the day by impaling the ball of my left foot on a sharp piece of wood in my guest house. Silver lining -it was really cute to see 4 grown men fussing over my poor foot and trying to fix it. Water (ouch) and iodine (#$!@*^ ouch) and a plaster and it's all good.

Ben rocking it up at Moskito.


Ben and Jacko who entertained us with white aussie-boy rap.


Me and Dee (and I miss Di).


Me and Tia, a hearing-impaired girl and I really wish I knew sign language but I'm picking it up bit by bit.


Me and Sothea, who I must say gets a bit tiresome after a while.

Another One Bites the Dust

Yesterday I was seeking a place to just have some quiet time to myself.
I thought it must be a nice twist of fate that one of the moto-drivers I used to use (before I found Tom) asked if I'd been to this place near the Mekong Delta, where they have private huts for people to just chill out - unknown to all tourists and backpackers, loved by locals. Perfect, I thought to myself, except that he gets off his bike and comes to join me in my mini-retreat.

And then proceeds to tell me what big eyes, nice nose and good skin I have.

Ah. So much for some time alone.

I wanna take you to a gay bar

Thursday night at Pontoon (think Phnom Penh's Zouk but on a smaller scale) is home to the city's only gay night. Merv and I were given a postcard saying there would be an 'outrageous live show' so naturally we went. Billy (boy from UK) came with us though his friend refused.

It was awesome, a great last night out for Mervyn. He was tearing it up on the dancefloor and it was hilarious. The outrageous live show was basically fat men in bikinis and lots of ladyboys. Headed back at about midnight and Billy and I stayed up till about 4am talking, about war, about life, about religion, about all sorts of things. Surprising considering he's only 20.

So many boys, so little time

Went to a fancy bar last night - Elephant Bar at the Raffles Hotel le Royal of Cambodia - with Billy and James, 2 english boys staying at my guest house. They have Singapore Sling and everything. Happy hour so cocktails were $3.50, so we went in pretending to be guests and sat in this most glamorous bar. Little did they know we put up at a $3 wooden hut!




After that Tom picked me up for dinner and we had a $5 tower of beer - he was amazed at how much we'd pay for that in Singapore. Everyone tells me how lucky I am to come from Singapore - and for the greater part I definitely agree. But when I see how happy simple things make these people, how they're not driven by money or power, how their families are so close and warm (mine is too but many aren't) I wonder if we really are all that lucky.

I wouldn't mind exchanging a stressful, privileged life for a simple, happy one. Like how I had so much more fun out with Tom than I did at Elephant Bar. The glam factor is cool for a while but I'd rather put my feet up and have cheap beer than sit around with cocktails and cigars. Especially when you're most aware of the poverty that happens just outside the walls you're in.

I don't know what to do with myself

Back in Phnom Penh - the only place I've ever felt home besides home.

The boys (Mervyn and his friend Kurt) have headed out to the Killing Fields and I decided to stay behind as I've already been twice. It's great to have people from home here but they do talk about beer a bit too much than I care to hear, hehe. They're both beer bottle collectors with hundreds of bottles from all over the place.

Am thinking a lot about what I really want to do with my life. This trip was supposed to make that clear, but all it's done is shown me things I'd love to do but am not sure if I can.

I guess time will show, I just wish stupid things like money wasn't a factor.

Kurt's baguette, which came with cheese and a free stamp.



Our guest house in Siam Reap


Some English guys we met at Angkor What? bar, Colin and Mark. Were talking about music from Manchester (where they're from) and they cringed upon hearing I was 10 years younger than them, hehe.



Me and Olivia before she left.

Get Back

Today, for the first time, we slept in and didn't set an alarm.
Today, for the first time, we didn't cycle crazy distances.
Oh, the relief.

Mervyn and I gave ourselves a treat - he got a traditional Khmer massage and I got a $5 mani & pedi. I was so tired I fell asleep while the nice lady was doing my nails and they were so sweet, they left me there sleeping till I woke up myself.

Mervyn's friend, Kurt, wanted to see the church (not the floating one) so I brought them there - it's nice when no one's around. Everyone was excited to see me again as they thought I'd left for Battambang (which we didn't do as we preferred to spend another day here instead).

So tomorrow it's a 730am bus to Phnom Penh. I think we stayed just the right amount of time here - a day longer and I'd be ready to leave.

One thing I'll miss is the free wireless here, which is why I've been able to update my blog so frequently. Ah, well.

My pretty pink toes, and my Tevas which served me well through the temples:


The little wooden church:



My cheeseless, vegan pizza:


A photoe I took of a sign outside a cafe.

Wild, wild life

Last night was crazy, and how can it not be when 2 buckets of alcohol gets you a free Angkor What? tshirt? And now we have two. Another two tonight!

After a long day we rewarded ourselves with a nice dinner and $2 jugs of beer. Going to Angkor What? has become the norm, the music is mostly awesome and you just can't resist a name like that.

The night ended with a burst of rain and everyone from all the pubs ran out to the street to dance in the rain; a circle formed in which Cambodian kids started breakdancing. Seriously, I'm loving it!

Blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohollll.



Party up!



Dancing in the rain.

I'm on a boat!

Woke up at an ungodly hour this morning - 4am, to ride to Angkor Wat for the sunrise. Was too cloudy for a good view, but it was good to be there without the crowds. Finally got a tourist-free shot.




Spent the better part of the day on a boat. Yesterday at mass they asked for volunteers to bring food to the kids on this floating church, and I gladly signed up. It was wonderful, the kids are adorable and I made lots of new friends. I even got a Khmer lesson and can now say about 11 words/phrases. yay!

Last night in Siam Reap, waiting for Mervyn and his friend to come back and we're heading out for dinner.

Lia Sunh Hao, Siam Reap, I'll miss you.

A Cambodian lunch on the boat.



floating market!



All the kids gathered for a church service.

Angkor Beer - My Country, My Beer

Had another great day today - we made it on our cycling adventure!
Yes, it's true, I cycled more than 80km today. Very sore, very tired, very bruised (the bike seat was too high so I very unglamorously fell off a few times) but verrry happy and satisfied. It's a wonderful feeling, to go on such a difficult adventure and reach the end, hell yes!



Dropped in to the Cambodia Landmine museum, this guy who used to be a child soldier in the Khmer Rouge and planted mines, upon realising what was truly happening, joined the other side and now hunts landmines. It really is sad to see so many people with missing hands or legs - the result of long-forgotten landmines. Bought some stuff from the shop, it all goes to kids who are affected by disability or landmine victims. A sad thing to note - there was a list of 13 countries who still produce this type of mines, and here I am thinking what lousy, good for nothing countries are these, and then I see, right there, Singapore. seriously disappointing.

But anyway, hats off to the guy who founded the whole thing.



Rushed (on wheels) for mass at this lovely wooden church. Divine intervention I'm sure, I took a wrong turn and was 10 minutes late - the priest was late and the service started 10 minutes late; I was just in time! His sermon was about the poor and giving all we can. According to his statistics, more than half of Cambodia lives on less than $1 a day.

A visiting missionary from Korea shared a story about a little girl who witnessed her mother gang-raped by soldiers, and how she's never smiled since. So many things to be sad about. =(

this trip has really made me feel like I'm living in the past - buying fruits from roadside stalls for 50c, cycling everywhere, it's great. Found this stall selling mini-watermelons which we split and shared. ah, the simple pleasures of life!



An early night tonight, tomorrow will be another long day!


At Angkor What?



A drinking game that Mervyn taught me and Olivia (new travelmate from Sydney) that we kept winning him at, hehe.

Angkor What?

Just got back from Angkor Wat - love it.

It's huge, and I mean HUGE. Instead of hiring a driver, we rented bikes and took to the roads. Honestly, there were times I regretted it, for example after cycling for like 10 hours and then seeing people in tuk-tuks cruising by. But it was awesome, and bike again we shall tomorrow.

Met a new friend on the way and are heading out to have dinner and drinks with her.

I don't think I've ever cycled so far in my life. We cycled almost all the way to the airport and sat down in a field to watch the sunset.

===

and 4 hours later I'm back - through no will of my own.
the atmosphere was good, the music was awesome, I was just loving it.

But, more responsible travelmates remind me that we have a long day tomorrow.
I really wanted to stay at Angkor What?, a bar whose slogan is Promoting Irresponsible Drinking Since 1998. But alas, the walk to the guest house is dark and experience has taught me better than to risk it alone.

Tomorrow we embark on a 37km ride - there and back, which makes it a cycling journey of at least 74km. With bated breath, I hope we make it. It was hard enough today!

In Siam Reap

Arrived in Siam Reap today - it's a beautiful place. Really different from Phnom Penh and not at all what I expected. We're staying at this place called Number 10 Guest House which is pretty near to the exciting areas but a bit far away. Mervyn and I found another one which is 100m away from Pub Street, a street full of cafes and pubs and we move there tomorrow.

Today we headed to the National Museum - a room of 1,000 Buddhas and galleries explaining the history of Cambodia and Angkor Wat. Tomorrow we begin our journey through the temples of Angkor Wat - three days and $40 but I'm thinking it'll be worth it.

Today didn't start of very well - last night in Phnom Penh one of the tuk-tuk drivers offered to get his friend to pick me up as he needed work. I said fine, but last I heard from him he showed me a message from his friend saying he wasn't in Siam Reap at the moment so I took that to mean he couldn't pick me up. Was planning to get a driver off the street, as one would normally do, but Mervyn said he'd get someone from the gust house he'd checked into to pick me up for free.

When I got off the bus, though, there was this guy waiting for me, sent by the Phnom Penh guy. I explained what happened but he was really upset and called his friend on the phone, who I spoke to and was really upset with me too. I felt so bad, but what could I do?

Spent a few hours feeling awful but words from Mervyn and mum made me realise it's really not my fault. Anyway, Tom (my Cambodian friend who everyone thinks is my boyfriend) told me that he's bad news and to stay away from him.

On a brighter note, last night Tom took me to this place that only locals know about - a jug of beer for $2, imagine that! We met some of his friends there and I had to sit there and smile while they teased him about me in a language I don't understand. But well, boys will be boys. When I get back to Phnom Penh he wants to bring me to his home town which is really rural and I''m really looking forward to that.

Some commotion at the guest house now about some stolen stuff so I'm off to bed.

Loving it

Day 2 back in Phnom Penh. Every walk down these streets brings me to more people I know. It's probably a waste of time but I'm just enjoying hanging out here, reading, thinking, writing, watching the view that used to be beautiful but is now being reclaimed for a school and hospital. Good things to build but what a loss for the rest of us.

We're literally watching a lake disappear before our very eyes, and it's sad.

On the way from Saigon to Phnom Penh I met a Belgian guy who's a psychiatrist and a writer. We chatted quite a bit and exchanged emails. He asked what I've written about/for and I was telling him a bit. He looks at me and says, that's great, but if you are a writer, write a book!

I told him I want to but don't know where to start, and he says, go to India. Which was funny because at the time I was reading Life of Pi, which was written in/about India.

Oh, the scary possibilities.

On a more decided note, my article for youth.sg goes up today, yay!
Unfortunately I couldn't find a nice profile picture for them to use so I just sent the one of me at Lakeside with the sunset. Not very glam but I guess it's fitting for what I'm writing about.

Aaaand Iiii'm back in the wild

Left Saigon for Phnom Penh today. Was a 6 hour bus ride that led me to a very exciting discovery about myself... I no longer suffer from motion sickness!

Indeed, it is true. This girl, the one who used to be overcome with nausea on a 30 min bus ride on the perfectly paved streets of Singapore, who bought lots of motion sickness tablets, has now been miraculously cured from this sick disease.

What's even more remarkable, I read on the bus. All the way through. Yes, it's true,I went on the slightly bumpy 6 hour journey from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh with my eyes peeled to the Life of Pi. Not a hint of nausea. Yay!

Am so glad to be back here. Everyone remembers me. Not all of them know my name (some know me as Hey Ho Let's Go! coz of my Ramones shirt) but people were coming out of bars and guesthouses saying, you're back! And giving me great big hugs.

I really love the people here. It's truly a home away from home. Especially happy to see me was the lady from the internet cafe that I am now at, who consoled me after my numerous robbings.

Got my backpack back from Tom, I have never been so happy to see inanimate objects before. By that I mean tees - Ramones, The Clash, Sex Pistols, SummerSonic, Beatles, wheeeeeeeeee! I just basked in their beauty for a few minutes after unpacking.

I don't know if it's the place or me, but it feels so much safer now. I guess everywhere has its dangers and its safety. Like the last time I was in Ho Chi Minh, drinking with a friend at Go2 Bar, he asked why a policeman, in full uniform, was selling a bag of weird stuff to the bartender.

Ah, my friend, I knowingly replied, you have just witnessed what happens to confiscated marijuana in these areas. I've become so used to such things that it's no surprise, even to my innocent Singaporean eyes.

Have been doing some writing - unpaid work but don't we all just wanna get published - one for a vegetarian e-zine and one is a new section I pitched to youth.sg. So I'm doing a travel guide for them for every country that I visit.

Was a bit worried as I haven't written in a while but here are the replies I got:

I'm looking at your article. You've even got links to all the
places! I have no major changes, just a few minor edits. Thank you for
such an awesome job!

Thanks for the article! It's very well written. Will let u know when we publish it online! :)

Much, much needed, after not writing for so long. Can you feel me beaming all the way from here?

Back on the Road

Flew to Ho Chi Minh this morning. No more airfare deals, $250. boo =(

oj <-- that right there was typed by this adorable little Viet boy named Quy (pronounced Kee).

He also came up to me and started dancing to Akon's Dangerous (don't judge me I don't know the song I just effing googled it). Notice youuuu, noticing meeee, he sang, while dancing gangsta-style. I could've died laughing.





Pity bout the lack of flash, that boyZ moves were so quick I couldn't catch him in time.

While I miss home, I'm excited to be back on the road. It was a long time that I was home. Now that I'm here feels like it wasn't that long. Can't wait to head to Phnom Penh tomorrow and then to Siam Reap on Thursday to explore the wonders of Angkor Wat with Mervyn - bicycles and beer, yay!

Leaving (on a jet plane)

Seems this is a year of departure.

Last night Yi Han left to study in Brisbane. Gonna miss that boy a whole lot but can't put into words how excited I am for him. Going off by yourself is something that everyone should do. Even if it's just for a while, surely there will be lessons learnt and experiences you wouldn't trade for anything.

Soon Shila leaves for SwitzerlandSweden. We're all going our separate ways and I can't wait till we're all back here together. But in the meantime here's to a great (but safe) time for all of us, this is gonna be awesome. =)

While my friends are leaving, there are some coming back. Noelle and Craigo are coming here! Cheap beer at Prince of Wales shall be first on the list, yes? hehe.

While in many situations, there have been some things and issues to sort out that I spent much time pondering and stressing and worrying about, in most cases, well in ALL cases there's nothing I can do about it. Just have to have faith that things will work out, which isn't easy when you're a do-er and fixer (or always try to be). So another lesson learnt - one doesn't need to travel far and wide to learn things and gain new experiences.

Am reading Life of Pi, highly recommended. It's about this Indian, hindu boy who's dad works in the zoo. I'm just starting out but already so many quotable quotes.

Here's one on aethism being agnostic.

Doubt is useful for a while. We must all pass through the garden of Gethsemane. If Christ played with doubt, so must we. If Christ spent an anguished night in prayer, if He burst out from the cross, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" then surely we are also permitted to doubt. But we must move on. To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation.

Sweet, right. Just what mum and I were talking about the day before.

And here's one on being Catholic.

Catholics have a reputation for severity, for judgment that comes down heavily. My experience with Father Martin was not at all like that. He was very kind. He served me tea and biscuits in a tea set that tinkled and rattled at every touch; he treated me like a grown-up; and he told me a story. Or rather, since Christians are so fond of capital letters, a Story.

And what a story. The first thing that drew me in was disbelief. What? Humanity sins but it's God who pays the price? I tried to imagine father saying to me, "Piscine, a lion slipped into the llama pen today and killed two llamas. Yesterday another one killed a black buck. Last week two of them ate the camel. The week before it was painted storks and grey herons. And who's to say for sure who snacked on our golden agouti? The situation has become intolerable. Something must be done. I have decided that the only way the lions can atone for their sins is if I feed you to them."

"Yes father, that would be the right and logical thing to do. Give me a moment to wash up."

"Hallelujah, my son."

"Hallelujah, Father."

It's brilliant, it really is. Where I left of:

I entered the church without fear this time, for it was now my house too. I prayed to Christ, who is alive. Then I raced down to the hill on the right - to offer thanks to Lord Krishna for having put Jesus of Nazareth, whose humanity I found so compelling, in my way.

I love it. I really do.

Pictures!

Come together

Having an awesome time at Milestones flea market.

Last night was by far the best night of all - made $112 in profit and the bands were AWESOME. I took videos but have just discovered the one fault of my new phone - it wins the award for worst sound quality on any device, like, ever.

Rai from Jack & Rai was good, haven't seem them in a while anyway.



Finally saw West Grand Boulevard who are full of cute boys, one of whom dropped all his guitar picks without knowing it and I selflessly helped him collect the poor scattered picks and returned them to him - on condition that I could keep one for helping him out. In the end he came to my stall and bought a cd, hehe.



Goodfellas, they're amazing. So versatile and funny and talented.



Someone requested Poker face and the guy was like, what?! You seriously expect 6 guys to sing Lady Gaga... And then, they played it.

It was great, better than the original anyway, except that now I have p-p-p-poker face stuck in my head. And it doesn't look like it'll be leaving anytime soon. ARGH.

It got so bad I even downloaded the damn song to listen to it. And then to my horror discovered my scrobbler was on and it was on my last.fm charts. So it's like, The Clash, Joy Division, Talking Heads, Dead Kennedys, Lady Gaga, Rolling Stones, The Beatles. yup, fits right in.

Fortunately I deleted it in time and my $3 subscription assures me that no one visited my profile in that time. HAHAHA kill me p-p-p-pokerface p-p-p-please.

Approached the goodfellas last night and they're up for the Stand Up concert, yay! (Maybe they'll play p-p-p-pokerface.)

Tonight's the last night of fun and good music with my our new friends :(
But I'm so glad I did this, never mind the money made.
We were all saying how the $120 rent was like buying a ticket to a 5-day festival so even if we didnt make any money it'd be worth it.








Can't read my, can't read my, no he can't read my poker face
(She's got me like nobody)

Seriously, omg.

Milestones

Having a great time at Singapore River Festival's Milestones.
Got to see bands from the 70s, 80s and 90s, and tonight is a selection of current bands.

A cool band of brothers.



Lead by this cool old man (who in true rock star fashion stopped to pose when he saw me snapping a shot).



and his hot (but skinny) nephew.



I wanna be like her when I'm her age.




Sales at the stall have been going quite well. Broke even on the 2nd day so whatever we made yesterday and over the next 2 days is profit, hehe. Doesn't even matter actually, we're having so much fun watching the bands and getting to know our stall-holding neighbours, who are selling some awesome stuff which I bought at neighbourly discounted rates.

One of our neighbours.



They just happened to have this shirt on sale. Obviously I had to have it.



And we also happen to have the same shoe size, so I bought these pretty things.



Another 2 days to go, I'll be sad when it's over.

Brand New

After 5 years, I have finally gotten myself a new laptop. Well it's actually 2nd hand but it may as well be new, still under warranty and everything. One of the guys trying to sell me another laptop said it was too small and just for kids. Really? Perfect, I thought to myself.

Was eying her anyway, it was between Eee PC, HP Mini 1000 and Aspire One. And another brand called MSI which sounded the best of the lot, but the place where I fix my laptop was selling this one, so I bought it coz of Jerry. (it's really funny the 2 guys who run the shop are called Ben & Jerry).

Awesome service, bring your stuff here if it needs repair or if you need a 2nd hand computer.

so here she is, the new Asus Eee PC.





I even bought a new skin for her (to protect her pretty face and prevent myself from covering her with stickers just yet).

But before we move on, let's have a moment of silence for my old friend. It's rare to come by such a small laptop that lasts for so long. He was cool as hell, covered with my favourite stickers and has been with me through school, work, travels, everything. It was a sad decision indeed.


---
(this is minus some stickers that I saved)


Yesterday was fathers' day, we went out to the beach to join my Godpa for dinner - some of his friends came along and one was drunk, extremely annoying but quite amusing.

Enjoyed the sea breeze with the kids.



Me and my pretty little cousin, Farah. She plans to come to my flea market stall to buy some Gwen Stefani stuff, which you know, I obviously own. I told her I'll give her a No Doubt Cd to show her how Gwen Stefani USED to be the coolest girl on earth. (I'm sure the poor girl is very sick of this lecture by now, I've only given it about 500 times).

This girl, she always says the sweetest things to me without realising it. =)

All in all a good day, can't wait for the flea market this week!

To my Daddy, who has played a big part in my most awesome taste in music (hehe not shy), and surely where my ability to write came from, i love you daddy, Happy Fathers' Day!

Back Home Again

After a long time, Sheelz and I finally returned home for a good night out.



Not as good as it used to be but still had some good songs. Plus, it's the only place you can go ape shit on the dance floor by yourself and not have anyone give you strange looks.

There was a guy with a flower behind his ear having the time of his life alone on the dance floor - and you just kinda think to yourself, only in Home club - the glamorous underground, they call it.

For the most part of next week I'll be running a stall at the Riverside Timbre flea market - a journey through music from the 70s til now. Juan told me about it and it's perfect, I have a lot of stuff to sell and surely money needs to be made.



Anyway even if I don't even break even (its $120 for 5 days) the atmosphere and live bands and whole concept will pretty much make it worth it. Gonna sell some of the records I collected along the way that never get played - I hope they find a warmer home. Clothes, CDs, some posters, hope it all sells.

Speaking of money, i got a call from my insurance agent anddddddd.

I'm getting $400 for my numerous robbings. Yay! Wasn't expecting any at all because I only reported the theft a few days after it happened - should have been within 24 hours. I even got $100 for my lost phone which I didn't have a receipt for.

So all is looking well. My penniless writer plans can be put on hold for a bit.

Brand old new

Had a long but great day today - went to Novena with mum and dad, we went early coz mum had no class today.

Went for breakfast and saw this lovely sight - 2 kids from the drink stall hanging out with these 2 men drinking beer. They were so cute we couldn't resist taking pictures.







Headed to parkway where I renewed my contract with Singtel and got.........


wait for it.......

A new phone!

Yes, it's shocking but true, I have a new phone and do not have to use the one borrowed from my wife (or the old school one from mum) anymore! Yay!

And because I have a contract to renew, I got it for free.



Isn't she pretty? Too pretty to be brought to Cambodia.

Went to parkway to meet the wife who had an event nearby, spent like an hour in cotton on and went for bubble tea which reminded me very much of school days.

I finally made it down to Food#03 for dinner (instead of just Soup Kitchen every monday) and the food's really good. Talked to Tien & Jennifer about the Stand Up concert merch and they're up for it - yay!

Met Juan before heading down to Prince of Wales - it's been a long time. Lots of backpackers about and it really made me miss the road - but seeing some of them looking rather lonely made me realise I was there with my friends and damn glad for it.

Fi had to leave early but Juan and I stayed and chatted over cheap beer and good music. We're both in similar situations in life, but different (haha Same Same but Different).

Tomorrow's my meeting with the folks from ONE Singapore, can't wait!

Where do we go from here?

Have quite a few exciting things coming up in the next few days/weeks/months - although none of them bring in any cash, of which I have none of.

But it's okay, things somehow get sorted out in the end.

Went out for Yi Han's birthday and Shila puts it perfectly - all you need is love, grass and good friends. Don't know what I'd do without those guys - especially at times like these when everything's out of sorts and there isn't anything stable in my life.

We got him a Jamie Oliver cookbook (he's good in the kitchen) and went for dinner at this place we've been meaning to go to at Tanglin Mall called Oomphatico - walked right past where Di works.

Went for drinks at Harry's where we had 25% discounts coz Shaun and Elin work at Esplanade.Then we headed to the rooftop where we made nuisances out of our soon-aging selves.







Went to pick Daddy up from Sentosa the other day and enjoyed the best sunset ever. Seriously, that place is really pretty. Tonight I offered my freelance proofreading services to him and oh, how much I miss it! It's so therapeutic to make wrong things right or right things better, even if it's as simple as cutting down a sentence or adding a coma.

I'd originally said that he had to pay me (but of course I didn't mean it) but my dad looking at my editing and telling me that I was good was payment enough for me.

Hehe, sometimes I'm such a child.

Day 52 - Oh, decisions, friendship and love

So I've made a decision on the next step - I won't post it yet in case I change my mind, as I tend to do, but I'll work on sorting it out over the weekend and hopefully all goes according to plan, or more importantly, the way they're meant to be.

Spent the day with mum and dad at Parkway and did some shopping - it's been so long since I bought new clothes and everything was a bargain.Not that I have much money to spend but hey, every girl needs new clothes now and then. Especially when they're so cheap. And mum bought me new shoes, which I very much needed.

Went to Yi Han's house for dinner and caught up with some old friends - it gave me such comfort to be with them after all that's been happening with some of my other dear friends. I think if there's any silver lining to this dark cloud, it's that it has brought me closer to my other friends, and that's always a good thing.

Darkness before dawn, as they said tonight.

Day 50 - pitstop

Made friends with some random tourists today. They were ordering lunch at Sim Lim Square and asked me about the food. We started chatting and turns out their friend is from Blackpool, where there's a music festival I hope to go to in August.

Recommended some places for them to go to (Thieves' Market, Crazy Elephant) and got the friend's email address so she can send me some info on Blackpool.

Later on I met another girl from Poland who was lost with a map - I wouldn't have done this in the past but I went up to her and helped her out, and she was really glad for it. I guess being a lonely and lost backpacker has made me really feel for people who are in the same situation.

Had dinner with Dad's side of the family today.
My aunt was telling us about her daughter and some stuff about school and I told them how I used to be not bothered about school either and was not at all driven except when I really had to be i.e 2 months before O levels.

And my aunt disagreed and said I was a very driven person and that it was obvious from what I've become. The best compliments always come when they're least expected. =)

Met Fi for awhile, kept her waiting for so long and I felt so bad. As mum says, always trying to do too many things at once. I'm so glad I have my wife.

Came home and read Charm's blog and was reminded of why I stopped reading it in the first place - I'm happy they're having such a great time there but it makes me sad too. Not them studying in Melbourne but of the closeness that they have while they're all there. But I guess I wouldn't give up the friendships that have grown here in that time that wouldn't have happened if I'd been anywhere else. The seafood gang, TCC friend, wifey, everyone. So, everything's good. =)

Sent an email to Jacko (Aussie guy from Phnom Penh) just to see how he was and tell him no hard feelings and all. I don't know, I was just prompted to, don't like having negative feelings with anyone. He said that Lakeside is being reclaimed and is filling up with sand faster than anyone can believe! This is really sad news - I'm glad I have lots of pictures by the lake because it really was a beautiful place.

Darling you got to let me know,
Should I stay or should I go?

Day 49 - Another Sign

Today in the papers there's an article about Somaly, the Cambodian woman I met at Fi's event.

It made me all excited to get back.

There are so many things I want to do, and I guess I can't do them all. But that shouldn't stop me from trying, right?

And then Mum reads out an article about how they want to extend the visiting hours of Angkor Wat - one of the places I'm anxious to get to. So in the papers today are calls for 2 things - one touristy and one for a good cause - that I really want to do.

Could it be more clear?

Anyway I was thinking about things that I want to accomplish in the near future and here it is so far:

1. Be published in a regional magazine. (Junk)
2. Be published in a regional newspaper. (Phnom Penh Post)
3. Be published in an international magazine. (Rolling Stone? haha, one day, one day.)
4. Be published in an international newspaper. (New York Times, perhaps?)
5. Be published in a local newspaper. (and I think this is the hardest of all)
6. Meet/see Paul McCartney.
7. Meet/see Mick Jones/Paul Simonon.
8. Get a diving license.

So this is what I hope to do by.... let's say end 2010.
Okay 1,2, and 8 by this year.
3, 4, 5 by 2010.
6 and 7 can't have a time limit.

There we go, all set for the next 1 and a half years.

Day 46 - Fear of Freedom

Yesterday was another day at the Soup Kitchen.
They were surprised to see me still around.

So I decided to be honest and tell them I'm scared of going back.
Not so much for myself but for my family and friends that I leave behind.

Wish I was the kind of person who could just up and leave without thinking about anybody else. But no, I have to care too much about everything, so I'm left here worrying unnecessarily about things.

And since I've come home, most of you don't leave comments anymore - one of the few things that gave me strength on this journey. But I guess it makes the ones who still do even more appreciated. =)

Day 45 - Leave your hands open

A long but wonderful day - woke up early to get the house sorted out and then rushed for mass at 915am. Yesterday and today I've been recruited by mum and her friends to share my journey with the kids at church. For those of you who don't know, Children's Liturgy is when they bring the kids out of church and give them a fun kids version of some parts of the mass.

So, being pentecost (the 50th day after easter and after Jesus was taken up into heaven and came back down to give the disciples the holy spirit) they thought my story would be quite apt - having ventured out and now hiding and afraid, needing something to fill them with courage to set out to do what they were meant to do.

With much anxiety I agreed to it - I said that it wouldn't be a problem if it was youths or adults, but kids? Scary.

It actually turned out quite well - I wasn't nervous once I was up in front all of them and they were so captivated by my story. I told them about how lucky we all are and about how those who have the least give the most - about how I was robbed and everything.

I told them, I had no money, no place to go, no friends, no food, no water, no mummy & daddy, there was only one thing I could turn to, you know who? And they all shouted, God!

So cute!

I was even thinking of approaching the youth teachers in church and offering to share with them - but this time about different issues.

Headed home and cooked - Jun joined us for mass and was a great help at home! - everyone came over and it was much fun. Haven't seen Dad's side so it was great seeing them. When it came time for them to leave I was so sad that I cried - I know it must have seemed really silly but I don't know if anyone understands what I'm feeling about leaving family and home again.

I'm still waiting for my pentecost flames to give me courage, y'know?

Anyway, some of them decided to stay on and I showed them pictures and notes from all the boys I met along the way - they said I was such a heartbreaker.

Mum, Jun and I headed to Speakers' corner for a demonstration for Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom. Met some great people including Braema Mathi, former AWARE president who now runs another Human Rights ASEAN foundation, MARUAH (it means Dignity in Malay), which she asked me to join and said I could work with them whether I'm in Singapore, Vietnam or Cambodia. Awesome!

Day 43 - More trouble than it's worth?

As I said on facebook, everyone who's on the first Singapore N1H1 Flu victim's case should shut up and sit down. If you have a problem, it should be with SMU for sending the students there, not with that poor girl. Seriously.... Unbelievable.

Not that I'm glad more people are ill but it's good that there are more victims now - then all these stupid people will stop attacking this poor girl for bringing the virus into Singapore - as if it wouldn't have happened some way or another.

The stupidity of people really amazes me - today in the papers there's an article about contraception - apparently many Poly and ITE students think that pre-ejaculation doesn't contain sperm and that doing a 'sperm dance' (some sort of jumping around to get rid of sperm in your body) prevents you from getting pregnant.

Now first of all, how can they be so misinformed? And secondly, it really upset me that they only interviewed ITE and Poly students. What about the JC kids? Wow, there has been so much argument about the quality of polytechnic education and in just on article they ruin it all by saying that poly kids do sperm dances to prevent getting knocked up.

Thanks, The New Paper, you really know a lot about good reporting, huh?

Anyway.

As the date of my departure draws near, feelings of excitement and dread overcome me.
While it's probably clear to everyone by now that I thrive on adventure and am fueled by wanderlust, it's more than clear to me how much I need my family and friends.

Sure, I found independence I wasn't aware I had, but it's not easy to be on the road by yourself all the time. I guess I've forgotten that I'm never really alone - met so many awesome people while traveling. And not to forget that guy up there of course.

I guess it's good that it's so near to home so anytime I feel like it, I can come home.

Yesterday I went to vivocity to meet Mum's friends for a while and then went on a date with Daddy. We went to this Spanish restaurant and had a great time - I love how I've grown closer to some (including both my parents) since my return.

After that we went to Modestos for dessert with mum and her friends - I worked at this restaurant when I was 16 so it was nice to see some of the old staff. They were quite surprised at how much I'd changed and couldn't believe I was 21.

It was nice to see mum with her girls - although there were some parts of the conversation I really wish I hadn't heard and am still trying to erase from my mind! - they said they'd been praying for me and asked me not to stay at Lakeside anymore.

I don't know - there was a Canadian guy who was stabbed and robbed - that was at Riverside, a more high-end place. It really just isn't safe anywhere you go! I guess if I get a job there, I'll rent a cheap place and make sure its' in a safe location.

I don't know - so many decisions to make.
When to go back, how long to stay, when to next come home, when to go to Siam Reap, where to volunteer, where to work.

I'm kinda really outta sorts.

Day 42 - Blame it on the alcohol

Alcohol is a dangerous thing.
It turns friends into fighters.
Soulmates into strangers.
Joy into distress.

But as always, I don't give up easy.
It's not that easy to make me not care about/give up on someone I love.
Maybe it's for this reason that I've been through so much this past month - so that when something bad happens, I'm all up for fighting to see it through.

I wonder, if I care so much about my friends, if I ever have kids, how much more can I possibly care about them? It's a scary thought.


I have the will to survive,
I cheat if I can't win.
If someone locks me out,
I kick my way back in.

Hate and War
- The Clash

Day 41 - Keeping the Faith

Today was a good but really long day - went swimming in the morning with mum and her friend, Aunty May. I managed 14 laps which is quite an accomplishment with my cough and flu (it's okay, no fever, I haven't been Swined).

Hung out in the jacuzzi and made a few rounds on that foot acupuncture pebble thing - mum said it would help my flu.

We went to Uncle Nick (my mum's uncle)'s place bearing gifts of tea and chips (haha so English). His 2 helpers told me how they pray for me every night and are so happy to see me. It's great how I don't realise how many people are with me on my journey - now that I come back everything becomes clear.

Went to meet Daddy for dinner and am now at home waiting for one last night out with the girlies at oBar. I'm quite sleepy but I don't know when we can do this again.

Another thing, while I was volunteering at Mercy Relief, the guy in charge asked me to apply for a job in Vietnam - it would be working there for 3 weeks and then back to Singapore for a week, every month. Sounds ideal to me - so keep your fingers crossed that if it's meant to happen, it will.

Day 40 - Where Do We Go From Here?

Spent another morning in Sentosa - it really is a beautiful place. A bit trying-too-hard, but beautiful nevertheless.

Went to Queensway to surprise my uncle Brian with a visit - it was great! I feel like since I've been back here, I've had all these conversations with friends and relatives that haven't happened before.

Was only planning to stay for half an hour or so but before I knew it, it was almost 6pm and time for Soup Kitchen - time flies when you're having good conversations, eh?

We managed to pack and deliver the food early so I was home before 9 - wanted to spend time with the parents but the late nights of the past week caught up with me and I was asleep by 10.

I feel awful about it now - I mean, one night I'm at home and I end up sleeping at 10pm.

I'm having a hard time trying to work everything into my schedule - and I've come to realise one thing. When you try to make everyone happy, the one most unhappy is yourself.

I wish I could buy more hours in the day so I could properly divide my time between family and friends. And then everyone, including me, could be happy.

Day 39 - A Day of Volunteering

After mass, went to Tampines where I was to volunteer with Mercy Relief, raising funds for the Sri Lankan war victims. At first I wasn't to keen on selling flags - seems like such a secondary-school thing to do. But it was the only area they needed help in, so we went.

Turned out to feel really good actually. Although most people, as usual, run in sheer terror when they see someone asking for donations, the others who realised to sincerity of the cause were great. My favourites were those who would give their kids money to donate and explain the whole thing to them.

At one point there was a girl with her boyfriend who totally brushed me off when I asked her to donate. The worst part is, she was wearing a Beatles shirt! So I told her, the Beatles would have donated. She seemed to find this funny.

We headed to the hunger strike going on in Little India - there's this guy who's on a 48-hour hunger strike to raise awareness for the war victims. The only thing I had a problem with was that they only cared about the Tamil victims. Sure, everyone can have their own opinion of who's the real victims - as far as I'm concerned the real victims are the Tamil and Sinhalese women and children who were thrown into the war by no choice of their own - which is exactly what Mercy Relief is raising funds and awareness for.

This woman at the strike started getting on my case about raising funds for a foundation that would probably give the money to the government. I argued with her for a while, for the sake of Mercy Relief, before giving up. The guy on strike came and apologised to us for her harsh words - he seemed quite embarrassed with her.

Mai's little sister had come along. Haven't seen this girl for years and now she's 11 years old and a pretty awesome young lady. There was an old Malay lady who donated $2 and then gave her $2 to buy herself a drink - if you saw how small she is you'd understand why - and this girl, she takes the $2 and goes and gives it to a beggar on the street. Amazing, right? It's even better when I remember how much $2 was to me at 11 years old.

Mai had discovered this vegetarian cafe in Chinatown and we went there for lunch. The chef came to chat with us and told us his life story - how he was vegetarian from birth but only discovered it's true importance when he was about 10 years old. He said he went to buy chicken rice for his mother and when he saw the chickens hanging in the window, he saw a woman with her head broken, hanging how a dead chicken's would.

He ran home and told his mum not to eat meat anymore and since then she's been veg as well. And since then, he says he's been able to see things, like spirits and people's auras. Wonder what colour mine is? A few years back I went to this Feng Shui type shop and they have a scientifically proven machine that can detect your aura. At the time, mine was a bright, fiery red.

Anyway, he shared with us how being vegetarian is important for your spiritual being. He said a lot of things that I'd always wanted to tell me friends but it sounds more objective coming from a stranger, so I was glad he said what he did.

After we left, Mai's sister said that she was going to turn veg. I haven't known this girl very much, but I felt so proud. And knowing that she's affected by the donation drive and the veg discussion, I'm glad I'm somehow managed to play a part in her decisions.

There's hope for the new generation after all!

Day 38 - Morning Swim

Went with mum for a swim yesterday - her friend has membership at this club.
It's actually been years since I've been swimming - forgot how fun (and sometimes therapeutic) it is.

Fi (my wife) had asked me if I wanted to come for this talk by a woman from Cambodia - she saves girls from the streets and brothels and puts them up in a shelter. The talk was great, this woman is such an inspiration, both to me and to the schoolgirls she was giving the talk to.

Managed to meet her after the talk - she gave me her card and I'll definitely go help out as soon as I get back to Phnom Penh - turns out the shelter is very near Lakeside!

And I love my wife for introducing me to this. =)

Met mum and Novena and headed to VivoCity for a dinner date with Dad. Went for drinks with Mel at Mel's Place and had an early night, came home at about 1.

Once I got home, I was overcome with restlessness and a bit of an empty feeling - I really needed company. So I messaged Mel and asked if she'd be up for another drink. We went to the beach and hung out on the breakwater where she was assaulted by a wandering cockroach who then proceeded the drink her Heineken.

Had great conversations about mothers, daughters, men, boys, work, God, everything.

We talked about the things we did in our teenage years and how much hurt they must have caused our parents, especially our mothers. I'm just glad I realised it sooner rather than later.

Kinda makes me really scared to have kids in the future though.

Day 37 - Sentosa Sun

Since my daddy is working at Sentosa, mum and I sent him to work and spent the morning on it's sunny shores. It's been a really long since I've been there and I'd forgotten how nice it was. To think it used to be an old haunted army camp!

Went for Mai's exhibition at La Salle - free dinner, free drinks, some amazing artwork.
It's on for a month, I think, so you guys (in Singapore) should go if you get the chance.

Met some friends from school for a fleeting 10 minutes before heading to Crazy Elephant.

Seth's band was playing and I brought mum and dad to see them. How cool is it that I can hang out at a bar with my parents and friends? They loved the band (I knew they would) and even plan on going when I've left.

Seth says he's planning a holiday to Phnom Penh - another friend who can help kill the homesickness!

Day 36 - A Day at the Beach

Had a lovely day today - started of with a rather futile phonecall from DBS.

After that mum and I went for mass and then lunch at this great vegetarian place in Fortune Centre. Didn't realise the portions were so big so we had to bring half of it home for dinner.

After that we went to the beach - somewhere I haven't been for a long time - and just lay a mat on the sand and read. It's been so long since I've had the freedom and time to do something like that.

Rays of sun glittering on the water, the call of the sea beckoning, and you're just there with your book and your water. It's beautiful, you know?

Headed to town and met Di and Maira - the night didn't really work out but well, everything happens for a reason.

Came home and watched my first episode of this season's American Idol. Turns out it's the finale! I think that Adam guy will win.

Being away from home has made me realise the things I thought I needed, I don't really need at all. Like cable, watching movies, air-con, everything.

Expect my records, those I need. I wish I could bring them with me.