New Year's Eve...........
It's shocking how fast time flies...The time between my SPM exams and now seemed to be lost somewhere....It was just like yesterday when I was sitting in the examination hall in my former school and now suddenly I'm transported through time and space and sitting in front of a computer in Seoul.
But in reality when I sit down and recollect all the things that have happened this year, there's actually quite a lot of it.
(i) Got my SPM results. Not as good as I hoped for, but I can live with it.
(ii) Got my first pay check, and I mean CHECK, working as a administrator and teacher in a tuition centre.
(iii) Got my driving license, though I'm not sure whether I still remember how to drive.
(iv) Was accepted into Labuan Matriculation College where I stayed for 2 weeks before
(v) I was offered a scholarship by JPA to pursue an engineering degree in Korea. Though it wasn't the country I applied, I took the offer anyway, not knowing what lies in store for me but putting my trust in God.
(vi) Went to INTEC Shah Alam for 3 months to undergo a Korean language preparation course. Most memorable thing about INTEC was that I met lots of friends there.
(vii) Came to Korea in September and experienced the worst Orientation I had for the past 18 years.
(viii) Started my one and a half-year-long Korean Language programme.
(ix) Learnt a bit of calligraphy, learning a bit of Korean traditional folk dance, and finally got my chance to learn piano as well.
(x) And ya, got my chance to see snow for the first time^^
I guess I did went through a lot of things this year, but everything happened so fast I just didn't really have time to save it on my brain....
But that's what blogs are for isn't it? To save all our experience on the net.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Christmas
Went to church in the morning. Few of my friends who were not Christians came along as well. I was actually quite surprised.
After service went back home, called a Korean friend to wish him "Merry Christmas" and then slept till evening before a friend phoned and asked me to go 구경 (walk-walk, lepak).
This time we went to Myeongdong, a popular shopping district in Seoul. There were lots of people there, fully packed as usual.
We went to Lotteria and had dinner. This time I tried the Squid Burger. After that, it was like the previous night, walking around aimlessly till we were tired and then went back home.
Got back and phoned my sweet Malaysia ^^
Thus ends my first Christmas in Korea:)
After service went back home, called a Korean friend to wish him "Merry Christmas" and then slept till evening before a friend phoned and asked me to go 구경 (walk-walk, lepak).
This time we went to Myeongdong, a popular shopping district in Seoul. There were lots of people there, fully packed as usual.
We went to Lotteria and had dinner. This time I tried the Squid Burger. After that, it was like the previous night, walking around aimlessly till we were tired and then went back home.
Got back and phoned my sweet Malaysia ^^
Thus ends my first Christmas in Korea:)
Christmas Eve
It was my first Christmas in a foreign land....
There was a Christmas dinner at church. Registration fee was 10,000won, which is very cheap at other times but rather expensive at the moment as we won't be receiving our allowance till February next year.
So on Christmas Eve I went 구경, walking around Gwanghwamun and City Hall with 11 of my friends.
Our lecturers told us that there'll be lots of people there, and indeed it was quite true: lots of couples dating there......But nothing to our interest.....
Ironically despite the cheerful atmosphere around me, I kind of felt....lonely....out of place....What on earth am I doing here!!!??? I was quite curious and still do, how did I spent all the Christmas Eves back home?
Went for dinner with my friends, had Squid Fried Rice...of all things for Christmas Eve
As we couldn't find anything else worth doing, we decided to go for Noraebang (Korean style Karaoke). One of my friend was given 20,000won by a Malaysian women she accidentally met at Everland the night before. So we decided to spent the money together.
It was my second time to a Noraebang, but this time I just wasn't as joyful as the first time. Firstly because I didn't have the mood and secondly it was already 12midnight!!!
By the time we reached home it was about 2.30am, and as there were no more buses, I stayed overnight with a friend in Oryu.
There was a Christmas dinner at church. Registration fee was 10,000won, which is very cheap at other times but rather expensive at the moment as we won't be receiving our allowance till February next year.
So on Christmas Eve I went 구경, walking around Gwanghwamun and City Hall with 11 of my friends.
Our lecturers told us that there'll be lots of people there, and indeed it was quite true: lots of couples dating there......But nothing to our interest.....
Ironically despite the cheerful atmosphere around me, I kind of felt....lonely....out of place....What on earth am I doing here!!!??? I was quite curious and still do, how did I spent all the Christmas Eves back home?
Went for dinner with my friends, had Squid Fried Rice...of all things for Christmas Eve
As we couldn't find anything else worth doing, we decided to go for Noraebang (Korean style Karaoke). One of my friend was given 20,000won by a Malaysian women she accidentally met at Everland the night before. So we decided to spent the money together.
It was my second time to a Noraebang, but this time I just wasn't as joyful as the first time. Firstly because I didn't have the mood and secondly it was already 12midnight!!!
By the time we reached home it was about 2.30am, and as there were no more buses, I stayed overnight with a friend in Oryu.
Everland
One thing different about the Malaysian programme at our Language Education Institute is that we have more fun than the international programme.
And the peak event for this year was - EVERLAND.
It's the biggest Theme Park in Korea and is the 6th most popular theme park in world ranking.
And many thanks to our lecturer who manage to strike a miraculous bargain for us: 10,000won for a one-day pass which also includes dinner and transportation. (The normal price would have been about 50,000won)
We went to Everland on 23rd December. The location of the theme park is outside of Seoul, and the journey took about an hour from Yangjae.
One of the most popular things in the park was the snow sledge, which unfortunately due to the lack of snow and the relatively warm winter this year, 3 of the most exciting course wasn't open.
I went in agroup of 6 people. We tried a few of the thrilling rides, but my memory of Times Square still haunts me so I didn't go for ALL the rides. Furthermore my friends were not so keen on the thrilling rides as well.
We went for the safari as well. The cool thing about it was that we hop onto a bus and the bus brought us into this park where the animals roam around freely and the animals were just inches from us right outside the bus.
But above all, the most interesting thing was the snow sledge. Although the more interesting course weren't open we still enjoyed ourselves. After all, it was the first time for nearly all of us.
Took our dinner at Maharajah. Our lecturers asked them to prepare Seafood Fried Rice in advance, as the Malays can't eat the other stuff.
At night we watched the "Magic in the Sky"- a fantastical fireworks and searchlight performance, then followed by a "Moonlight" parade.
We really had a great time at Everland, despite the untimely lack of snow. A wonderful remembrance to end this year....
And the peak event for this year was - EVERLAND.
It's the biggest Theme Park in Korea and is the 6th most popular theme park in world ranking.
And many thanks to our lecturer who manage to strike a miraculous bargain for us: 10,000won for a one-day pass which also includes dinner and transportation. (The normal price would have been about 50,000won)
We went to Everland on 23rd December. The location of the theme park is outside of Seoul, and the journey took about an hour from Yangjae.
One of the most popular things in the park was the snow sledge, which unfortunately due to the lack of snow and the relatively warm winter this year, 3 of the most exciting course wasn't open.
I went in agroup of 6 people. We tried a few of the thrilling rides, but my memory of Times Square still haunts me so I didn't go for ALL the rides. Furthermore my friends were not so keen on the thrilling rides as well.
We went for the safari as well. The cool thing about it was that we hop onto a bus and the bus brought us into this park where the animals roam around freely and the animals were just inches from us right outside the bus.
But above all, the most interesting thing was the snow sledge. Although the more interesting course weren't open we still enjoyed ourselves. After all, it was the first time for nearly all of us.
Took our dinner at Maharajah. Our lecturers asked them to prepare Seafood Fried Rice in advance, as the Malays can't eat the other stuff.
At night we watched the "Magic in the Sky"- a fantastical fireworks and searchlight performance, then followed by a "Moonlight" parade.
We really had a great time at Everland, despite the untimely lack of snow. A wonderful remembrance to end this year....
Out with Piano Teacher
Went out with my piano teacher on the 18 of December. She invited all 5 of us Malaysians student over to her place for Christmas celebration. One of our teacher's friend was also with us.
We went for a movie at Gwangmeong in the morning to catch the first show of the day. In most cineplex in Korea, all the first movie of the day is about 30% cheaper.
We wanted to watch the Incredibles, but it was dubbed into Korean and there were no subtitles, so we watched Taxi instead.
After the movie we went to our teacher's house, where she prepared Seafood soup for us. It was kind of like our Malaysia's tomyam soup. The cake and fruit salad were also splendidly delicious.
After resting for a while, we went to 노래방(Noraebang), which literally means "music room". It's kind of like a karaoke, but much "cleaner and safer", though I've never actually been to any before....
It was my first time to a Noraebang, and I really enjoyed. It was kind of like a revision of all the Korean songs I know.....not that much though....
We went for a movie at Gwangmeong in the morning to catch the first show of the day. In most cineplex in Korea, all the first movie of the day is about 30% cheaper.
We wanted to watch the Incredibles, but it was dubbed into Korean and there were no subtitles, so we watched Taxi instead.
After the movie we went to our teacher's house, where she prepared Seafood soup for us. It was kind of like our Malaysia's tomyam soup. The cake and fruit salad were also splendidly delicious.
After resting for a while, we went to 노래방(Noraebang), which literally means "music room". It's kind of like a karaoke, but much "cleaner and safer", though I've never actually been to any before....
It was my first time to a Noraebang, and I really enjoyed. It was kind of like a revision of all the Korean songs I know.....not that much though....
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Fun Day
Our lecturers brought us to the Seoul Art Centre to have an experience on Samulnori, which literally means the "play of four things". It's one of the most popular performance using 4 traditional music instrument being played together.
As each of us can only chose an instrument due to the limited time we have, I chose the drum, as it was easy and because I'm already taking a 10 weeks course on Korean traditional Mask Dance, which might give me the chance to learn the other instrument.
Tried the fast food at Lotteria, a fast food chain store originated either from Japan or Korea. Interestingly, they have Sotong Burger (Squid Burger). So my Malay friends either take the Sotong or the Prawn Burgers here in Korea.
Then went back to campus to have my first hair cut in Korea. But the result wasn't so satisfying. Think I better try Blue Club - a chain store for fair cuts - next time....
Had quite a fun time at the Christmas Party organized by the Office of International Affairs. It's the second party being organized by that the department. The first was the Wine and Cheese Party in September, if anyone still remembers...
And finally ended my day with some music at the Cultural Centre on Campus. The Christians from the Music College had some performance there. As it was mostly just music instrument performances, language wasn't a problem.
As each of us can only chose an instrument due to the limited time we have, I chose the drum, as it was easy and because I'm already taking a 10 weeks course on Korean traditional Mask Dance, which might give me the chance to learn the other instrument.
Tried the fast food at Lotteria, a fast food chain store originated either from Japan or Korea. Interestingly, they have Sotong Burger (Squid Burger). So my Malay friends either take the Sotong or the Prawn Burgers here in Korea.
Then went back to campus to have my first hair cut in Korea. But the result wasn't so satisfying. Think I better try Blue Club - a chain store for fair cuts - next time....
Had quite a fun time at the Christmas Party organized by the Office of International Affairs. It's the second party being organized by that the department. The first was the Wine and Cheese Party in September, if anyone still remembers...
And finally ended my day with some music at the Cultural Centre on Campus. The Christians from the Music College had some performance there. As it was mostly just music instrument performances, language wasn't a problem.
Updates for the Past 2 Weeks
Wow can believe it's half a month since I did my last blogging.....Where did all my time went to....?
Let me recollect....
Got my exam results back, 96.9%, 0.1% less than the previous test, but improved slightly in my oral exam.
Had a 100th Day Party on December 11....A party to celebrate our arrival in Korea for a hundred days...time really flies....
We booked a Pakistan restaurant at Itaewon. The place isn't really big, just about the size of Dong Guan at Central Park or Ameerali at Shah Alam.
The food was quite good though. Had nan( is it the correct spelling?), fried chicken, lamb, pudding, fried rice and some other food that's quite similar to Malaysian food....but of course Malaysian food is still by far better....
And then I went to a Korean church near my house last Sunday with a senior. I'm planning to attend that church next year. Thinking that since I have to learn Korean, might as well learn the Scriptures in Korean as well, and secondly it might help improve my vocabulary and thirdly I'm keen in meeting and making more Korean friends.
Speaking of Korean friend, there was this guy whom I've been bumping into once a month since my arrival in Korea.
The first time I met him was at the Wine and Cheese Party at Seoul National University in September, then at a bus stop near my home in October and November, and last Saturday night at Sindorim bus stop when I was coming back from the party.
We were suppose to meet again on Sunday to go to church together, but he had something on last minute and went to an earlier service, thus continues our jinxxed relationship.
But guess will be meeting him often once I start attending the church.
Let me recollect....
Got my exam results back, 96.9%, 0.1% less than the previous test, but improved slightly in my oral exam.
Had a 100th Day Party on December 11....A party to celebrate our arrival in Korea for a hundred days...time really flies....
We booked a Pakistan restaurant at Itaewon. The place isn't really big, just about the size of Dong Guan at Central Park or Ameerali at Shah Alam.
The food was quite good though. Had nan( is it the correct spelling?), fried chicken, lamb, pudding, fried rice and some other food that's quite similar to Malaysian food....but of course Malaysian food is still by far better....
And then I went to a Korean church near my house last Sunday with a senior. I'm planning to attend that church next year. Thinking that since I have to learn Korean, might as well learn the Scriptures in Korean as well, and secondly it might help improve my vocabulary and thirdly I'm keen in meeting and making more Korean friends.
Speaking of Korean friend, there was this guy whom I've been bumping into once a month since my arrival in Korea.
The first time I met him was at the Wine and Cheese Party at Seoul National University in September, then at a bus stop near my home in October and November, and last Saturday night at Sindorim bus stop when I was coming back from the party.
We were suppose to meet again on Sunday to go to church together, but he had something on last minute and went to an earlier service, thus continues our jinxxed relationship.
But guess will be meeting him often once I start attending the church.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Exam....... : (
Will be having my exam today and tomorrow.
Having my oral test within an hour and will be sitting for my listening, reading and writting tests tomorrow.
Here goes.....
Having my oral test within an hour and will be sitting for my listening, reading and writting tests tomorrow.
Here goes.....
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
First Allowance : )
Got our first allowance after coming here, HOORAY !!
This time we got an extra 50000won for household items allowance.
But on the contrary, we need to survive on this for more than a month and a half because January allowance will come in late, as usual......
This time we got an extra 50000won for household items allowance.
But on the contrary, we need to survive on this for more than a month and a half because January allowance will come in late, as usual......
Monday, November 29, 2004
Who Am I ?
Artist: Casting crowns
Song: Who am I lyrics
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,
Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,
Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am..
I am Yours.
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin,
Would look on me with love,
and watch me rise again,
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me,
Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am...
I am Yours, I am Yours.
I am Yours,
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours,
I am Yours.
~Corrected by Samantha "Raven"~
This is a song I heard recently.
It really touched me when I heared it....
Song: Who am I lyrics
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,
Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,
Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am..
I am Yours.
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin,
Would look on me with love,
and watch me rise again,
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me,
Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am...
I am Yours, I am Yours.
I am Yours,
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours,
I am Yours.
~Corrected by Samantha "Raven"~
This is a song I heard recently.
It really touched me when I heared it....
Thanksgiving Party (Again !)
After seeing a poster indicating that there's a party with of FREE food at a place called Hope Hall in Kangnam last Saturday, I took the effort to go there.
Arriving at the Kangnam subway station, I head straight out of Exit 5, the exit I was suppose to take in order to arrive at Hope Hall.
However, after coming out of the station and searched for about 20 minutes and to no avail I knew I must have got the wrong exit. As the party was suppose to begin at 6pm and it was already 6.20pm, I gave up the search and decided to go back.
Just then, a saw a sign that reads "사랑의 교회 (name of a church) 400m ". It was a church that I've heard several times and some of my seniors used to attend the church.
Being curious of how the church looks like and fearing that I won't be able to attend service on Sunday due to the Mesyuarat Agung PPMK (Persatuan Pelajar Malaysia Korea), I thought of checking it out to see whether there's night service in English which I might attend.
And WHAALA!!!
It turns out that Hope Hall Is a Building in that church !!!
And so I had the chance to feast at the party: with turkey, cranberry, mashed potatoes, salad, buns, apple pies and pumpkin pies!!!!
After dinner there was some performance by a jazz band, music performance and some drama. There was also an invited speaker who shared on.....ermm.....well I can't seem to remember....hmm....
But anyway, I really enjoyed myself : ) I can't wait for the coming Christmas Party...Muahaha !!!
Arriving at the Kangnam subway station, I head straight out of Exit 5, the exit I was suppose to take in order to arrive at Hope Hall.
However, after coming out of the station and searched for about 20 minutes and to no avail I knew I must have got the wrong exit. As the party was suppose to begin at 6pm and it was already 6.20pm, I gave up the search and decided to go back.
Just then, a saw a sign that reads "사랑의 교회 (name of a church) 400m ". It was a church that I've heard several times and some of my seniors used to attend the church.
Being curious of how the church looks like and fearing that I won't be able to attend service on Sunday due to the Mesyuarat Agung PPMK (Persatuan Pelajar Malaysia Korea), I thought of checking it out to see whether there's night service in English which I might attend.
And WHAALA!!!
It turns out that Hope Hall Is a Building in that church !!!
And so I had the chance to feast at the party: with turkey, cranberry, mashed potatoes, salad, buns, apple pies and pumpkin pies!!!!
After dinner there was some performance by a jazz band, music performance and some drama. There was also an invited speaker who shared on.....ermm.....well I can't seem to remember....hmm....
But anyway, I really enjoyed myself : ) I can't wait for the coming Christmas Party...Muahaha !!!
Friday, November 26, 2004
첫눈 SNOW
SNOW!!!!!!
Got my first chance to see snow this morning at 11am :)
We were all listening to our lecturer when suddenly my friend who sat closest to the window shouted " Look ! It's snowing! "
The rest of us turned and looked, and within seconds, half the class was outside trying to touch snow for the first time.
It's really amazing seeing these white things dropping from the sky. At first it was like the ice we use to make ice kacang, 팓빙수, but after a while the wind turned stronger and flakes of snow was falling from the sky!!!!
We were all so delighted at the sight of it.
And as we were having another lesson on "food ordering at the restaurant", our lecturers actually asked us to phone a pizza shop and ask for a delivery to be sent right to our classroom !! : )
Today is indeed a great day : )
Got my first chance to see snow this morning at 11am :)
We were all listening to our lecturer when suddenly my friend who sat closest to the window shouted " Look ! It's snowing! "
The rest of us turned and looked, and within seconds, half the class was outside trying to touch snow for the first time.
It's really amazing seeing these white things dropping from the sky. At first it was like the ice we use to make ice kacang, 팓빙수, but after a while the wind turned stronger and flakes of snow was falling from the sky!!!!
We were all so delighted at the sight of it.
And as we were having another lesson on "food ordering at the restaurant", our lecturers actually asked us to phone a pizza shop and ask for a delivery to be sent right to our classroom !! : )
Today is indeed a great day : )
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Application for Alien Registration
Had an stomachache when I woke up this morning, thought that it might be the bread pudding I ate last night.
Was feeling much better by late morning, but suddenly my head started to ache like it was going to burst open.
Despite the sickness, I had to go to Mokdong to apply for our Resident Certificate as we need to make it within 90 days of our arrival in Korea.
So there were about 40-50 of us and by the time I reached there, my number was 270+ while the current calling number was 70 !!!
As we do not want to delay the registration till other day, we decided to stay till our turn.
So there I was, waiting for more than an hour with my sick body and dizy head.
And of all things, when the first of us Malaysian student's turn arrived, then person in-charge told us that our documents were not complete and that we need to raise our visa status from D-2 to D-4 which will cost us another 50000won!!!!
So we had no choice but to head back home and get the documents and come again on the appointed day, which is this coming Monday.
Was feeling much better by late morning, but suddenly my head started to ache like it was going to burst open.
Despite the sickness, I had to go to Mokdong to apply for our Resident Certificate as we need to make it within 90 days of our arrival in Korea.
So there were about 40-50 of us and by the time I reached there, my number was 270+ while the current calling number was 70 !!!
As we do not want to delay the registration till other day, we decided to stay till our turn.
So there I was, waiting for more than an hour with my sick body and dizy head.
And of all things, when the first of us Malaysian student's turn arrived, then person in-charge told us that our documents were not complete and that we need to raise our visa status from D-2 to D-4 which will cost us another 50000won!!!!
So we had no choice but to head back home and get the documents and come again on the appointed day, which is this coming Monday.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Another Hari Raya Open House
Went to Mr Hamdan, the government officer in-charged of us JPA sponsored students and other government staff trainings in Korea, house at Oksu yesterday evening after church service, for the free food of course.
He had an open house yesterday but as he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to accomodate us 200++ students at once, he divided us into 7 groups from 3pm till 10pm at night.
But as any Malaysian would have guessed, most of us didn't go according to scheduled. Some went earlier and some later. Of course they were some who never showed up as well.
One thing worth mentioning was that the food was delicious, beter than the one we had at the embassador's home. There were rendang, curry, chocolate cakes, cheese cakes, fruit cakes and much more.
Really had been a great weekend. Two days of feasting for my stomach : )
He had an open house yesterday but as he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to accomodate us 200++ students at once, he divided us into 7 groups from 3pm till 10pm at night.
But as any Malaysian would have guessed, most of us didn't go according to scheduled. Some went earlier and some later. Of course they were some who never showed up as well.
One thing worth mentioning was that the food was delicious, beter than the one we had at the embassador's home. There were rendang, curry, chocolate cakes, cheese cakes, fruit cakes and much more.
Really had been a great weekend. Two days of feasting for my stomach : )
Thanksgiving Dinner
Went to one of the ABSK Bible study group member's house at Shinchon for a Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday evening. Thanksgiving falls on 25 November this year but as there's no holiday this Thursday, they decided to celebrate it a week earlier.
If I'm not mistaken, this is the first Thanksgiving dinner I've ever attended. But sadly as they couldn't find turkey they decided to use chicken instead. Roasted chicken, yum yum !
If I'm not mistaken, this is the first Thanksgiving dinner I've ever attended. But sadly as they couldn't find turkey they decided to use chicken instead. Roasted chicken, yum yum !
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Drama
Went to Korea University this morning to see the 2004 Korean Play Contest for Foreigners. Some of my seniors and friends took part in it, so our lecturers brought the whole batch of Malaysian students to give moral support.
They were 5 teams all in all, 4 playing some Korean tradisional story while another team performed a Koreanised Cinderella.
Well, in the end our team didn't manage to come at first, but but they won a best liked actress ( who was actually a guy playing the roll of a fairy).
I wanted to join The Seoul Players drama the other day, but couldn't find the location. May be I'll give it another try sometime later.
They were 5 teams all in all, 4 playing some Korean tradisional story while another team performed a Koreanised Cinderella.
Well, in the end our team didn't manage to come at first, but but they won a best liked actress ( who was actually a guy playing the roll of a fairy).
I wanted to join The Seoul Players drama the other day, but couldn't find the location. May be I'll give it another try sometime later.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Record Breaking
Muahahaha !!!!!!
Completed book one for my piano lesson in record time. Of course, most of my competitors are children below the age of 12.....
Anyway, it feels great to complete something, providing me with the enthusiasm to continue learning it : )
Completed book one for my piano lesson in record time. Of course, most of my competitors are children below the age of 12.....
Anyway, it feels great to complete something, providing me with the enthusiasm to continue learning it : )
DeepaRaya
As everyone knows, it was Hari Raya on Sunday. Instead of the Kongsi Raya that we had few years back, we had a DeepaRaya celebration.
My house mates stayed up till 2-3am in the morning cooking rendang, sent from Malaysia by their parents, while listening to some Hari Raya songs downloaded from the internet.
Well, personally I won't think that there'll be such a celebration if the ambassador wasn't changed more than half a year ago. And the new ambassador happens to be an Indian!
So on Sunday he had an open house and invited everyone to go. We, as loyal faithful Malaysian, went to visit his home, for the free food of course. I don't think that most of the people who were there would be there if not for the food.
It's no surprise actually, after all we wouldn't know what to talk about with him.
It was not that bad after all. Met some other Malaysians who came by themselves under the scholarship provided by some Korean (art?)university .
The food was filling, BUT I was actually hoping for more than what was served. But what can you expect when you have a party organized by someone who doesn't eat beef and most of the people that come doesn't eat pork?
My house mates stayed up till 2-3am in the morning cooking rendang, sent from Malaysia by their parents, while listening to some Hari Raya songs downloaded from the internet.
Well, personally I won't think that there'll be such a celebration if the ambassador wasn't changed more than half a year ago. And the new ambassador happens to be an Indian!
So on Sunday he had an open house and invited everyone to go. We, as loyal faithful Malaysian, went to visit his home, for the free food of course. I don't think that most of the people who were there would be there if not for the food.
It's no surprise actually, after all we wouldn't know what to talk about with him.
It was not that bad after all. Met some other Malaysians who came by themselves under the scholarship provided by some Korean (art?)university .
The food was filling, BUT I was actually hoping for more than what was served. But what can you expect when you have a party organized by someone who doesn't eat beef and most of the people that come doesn't eat pork?
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Piano Lesson
After 18 years, I started my first piano lesson on Friday. I've always wanted to learn piano, but hadn't been able to do so.....till NOW.
It's kind of strange though, when the other students are all below the age of twelve, except for we Malaysian students, that is.
Frankly, I like music quite a lot. But I don't think I'm musically talented and strangely I'm a rare specious among my friends as I know nothing about the "hot" singers and all their pop songs.
Though I'm having such an enthusiasm right now, I wonder how long it'll last. There was a senior who wanted to learn piano as eager as I currently am when she first came to Korea, BUT, she stopped after a month....
I like the feel of having a tighter schedule. It makes me think that I'm doing something worthwhile with my time rather than sitting in front of the TV everyday playing Kingdom Under Fire, Mortal Combat and other games like what I did for the last few weeks.
It's kind of strange though, when the other students are all below the age of twelve, except for we Malaysian students, that is.
Frankly, I like music quite a lot. But I don't think I'm musically talented and strangely I'm a rare specious among my friends as I know nothing about the "hot" singers and all their pop songs.
Though I'm having such an enthusiasm right now, I wonder how long it'll last. There was a senior who wanted to learn piano as eager as I currently am when she first came to Korea, BUT, she stopped after a month....
I like the feel of having a tighter schedule. It makes me think that I'm doing something worthwhile with my time rather than sitting in front of the TV everyday playing Kingdom Under Fire, Mortal Combat and other games like what I did for the last few weeks.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Bible Study Group
Today as I was going for calligraphy class, a Korean approached my friend and asked him whether he's a Christian. And not being one, he asked me to talk to the guy instead.
So they were telling me that Bible study is an important part for a Christian, we should study the Bible often, and so on.
He also invited me to join their Bible study. The place? Anywhere in the campus ground.
So being a curious person like me, I tried it out. Actually he wanted me to meet another guy who is better in English, but the person had other things to attend to and could not make it. So we had to communicate with my weak Korean and his English.
Fortunately the passage was a familiar one - Parable of the Seeds. So he did the best he could and we ended our short session.
However I'll be meeting his other friend tomorrow, and we'll see whether we'll be able to communicate better in English.
So back to square one, I'm confused whether to continue with this group of people as I'm currently joining another Bible study conducted by ABSK (Asian Baptist Student Koinonia) every Wednesday evening.
Guess I'll just have to wait and see.
So they were telling me that Bible study is an important part for a Christian, we should study the Bible often, and so on.
He also invited me to join their Bible study. The place? Anywhere in the campus ground.
So being a curious person like me, I tried it out. Actually he wanted me to meet another guy who is better in English, but the person had other things to attend to and could not make it. So we had to communicate with my weak Korean and his English.
Fortunately the passage was a familiar one - Parable of the Seeds. So he did the best he could and we ended our short session.
However I'll be meeting his other friend tomorrow, and we'll see whether we'll be able to communicate better in English.
So back to square one, I'm confused whether to continue with this group of people as I'm currently joining another Bible study conducted by ABSK (Asian Baptist Student Koinonia) every Wednesday evening.
Guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Korean Language - level 2
Starting my Level 2 Korean language lesson today. Though it officially started yesterday, we had a Korean language proficiency test set by the government, and gosh! It was hard. Lots of vocabulary and grammar that we've not learn. But by God's grace I manage to obtain 90%.
So the test took about 3 1/2 hours and another half hour was used for a brief orientation.
Starting this level, we'll be having hanja, Chinese character in Korean language. These characters are the traditional ones. So though I can read, writing will be something new.
We'll also be learning Mathematics and some computer skills this level. And the activity that we're all longing for is the trip to Everland!!!
Well, lots to look forward to : )
For those who wants to learn Korean, this is a good place.
So the test took about 3 1/2 hours and another half hour was used for a brief orientation.
Starting this level, we'll be having hanja, Chinese character in Korean language. These characters are the traditional ones. So though I can read, writing will be something new.
We'll also be learning Mathematics and some computer skills this level. And the activity that we're all longing for is the trip to Everland!!!
Well, lots to look forward to : )
For those who wants to learn Korean, this is a good place.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Daejeon Metropolitan City
After weeks of planning, finally I manage to go to Sophia's home in Daejeon. Even before I came to Korea, she gave me her contacts and told me she'll be back at the beginning of October. But sadly I was occupied with other things at hand and didn't manage to visit her then.
But anyway she invited me to go to her place and meet her brother and spend time with her family. And that's exactly what I did.
Frankly, I'm very impressed with myself. Being a young, inexperience foreigner in this country not more than 2 months yet I go out and about by myself, not without troubles, of course.
While Sophia asked me to buy a bus ticket to 대전정부청사, yet her brother asked me to get a bus heading for Yuseong. In the end, I bought a ticket to Buyeo, before making a transfer to Daejeon....(another of my typical ability -- getting myself loss).
I departed from my home at 9.00a.m and arrive at about 4.00p.m.
Despite the "tough" journey, I really enjoyed my 2 days 1 night stay at Daejeon ( which is literally "Great Field" from the Chinese charater)
I had my first trip to a cinema in Korea. Went to watch the Korean movie "My Brother" with Sophia's brother, John. And ya, the shop run my his mom is indeed beautiful and the food is great.
I also had my first experience of singing in a "music box" (?). It's this square box equipped with karaoke system in it.
John introduced me to 3 of his friends who are taking the same major as him. There were wonderful people as well. It was fun to be with the four of them.
And of course not to forget, it was my first time joining a Korean Church. We attended Central Gate Church on Sunday. As the whole service was conducted in Korean, and my Korean is still at kindergarten level, I could barely understand what was said. Fortunately the passage was a familiar one : Isaiah 6.
Daejeon, Daejeon....lots of memories to recall within the 2 days I was there.....
But anyway she invited me to go to her place and meet her brother and spend time with her family. And that's exactly what I did.
Frankly, I'm very impressed with myself. Being a young, inexperience foreigner in this country not more than 2 months yet I go out and about by myself, not without troubles, of course.
While Sophia asked me to buy a bus ticket to 대전정부청사, yet her brother asked me to get a bus heading for Yuseong. In the end, I bought a ticket to Buyeo, before making a transfer to Daejeon....(another of my typical ability -- getting myself loss).
I departed from my home at 9.00a.m and arrive at about 4.00p.m.
Despite the "tough" journey, I really enjoyed my 2 days 1 night stay at Daejeon ( which is literally "Great Field" from the Chinese charater)
I had my first trip to a cinema in Korea. Went to watch the Korean movie "My Brother" with Sophia's brother, John. And ya, the shop run my his mom is indeed beautiful and the food is great.
I also had my first experience of singing in a "music box" (?). It's this square box equipped with karaoke system in it.
John introduced me to 3 of his friends who are taking the same major as him. There were wonderful people as well. It was fun to be with the four of them.
And of course not to forget, it was my first time joining a Korean Church. We attended Central Gate Church on Sunday. As the whole service was conducted in Korean, and my Korean is still at kindergarten level, I could barely understand what was said. Fortunately the passage was a familiar one : Isaiah 6.
Daejeon, Daejeon....lots of memories to recall within the 2 days I was there.....
Friday, October 22, 2004
X-Box
Finally, at long last we got a X-Box!!!!! Not that I was longing for it, bit at least there's something to entertainment me before I get my computer...which is still quite some time from now....
So that adds up to our current household items which includes a 29" TV, a 10kg washing machine (why did we ever buy such a big one?), a toaster(which has only been used once)and a 270liter(?) fridge (which is not big enough).
This is our home.
The X-Box came loaded with 40 games. Unfortunately, I wasn't there on the spot to chose the games. So must of them are sports: basketball, football, racing, hockey, ice hockey, wrestling.....and the sorts which doesn't appeal to me.
The only game I'm playing right now is Kingdom Under Fire.
Anyway, I don't think this Xbox enthusiasm will last long, though....
So that adds up to our current household items which includes a 29" TV, a 10kg washing machine (why did we ever buy such a big one?), a toaster(which has only been used once)and a 270liter(?) fridge (which is not big enough).
This is our home.
The X-Box came loaded with 40 games. Unfortunately, I wasn't there on the spot to chose the games. So must of them are sports: basketball, football, racing, hockey, ice hockey, wrestling.....and the sorts which doesn't appeal to me.
The only game I'm playing right now is Kingdom Under Fire.
Anyway, I don't think this Xbox enthusiasm will last long, though....
Monday, October 18, 2004
Marathon
Took part in the marathon at Seoul National University this morning.
Well, not that I thought I could win, but every participant gets a free gift. Hahaha...it's especially tempting for poor, students like us : )
Anyway, the course was one round in SNU's campus. It was the first time we walked around the campus on foot. And indeed the sceneries were beautiful. Being able to see such wonderful creation of God is worth the 45 minutes walk.
Well, not that I thought I could win, but every participant gets a free gift. Hahaha...it's especially tempting for poor, students like us : )
Anyway, the course was one round in SNU's campus. It was the first time we walked around the campus on foot. And indeed the sceneries were beautiful. Being able to see such wonderful creation of God is worth the 45 minutes walk.
Mt Seorak
Went to Seoraksan (Mt Seorak) on Saturday with some of the people I got to know through a Bible study group. Got up at 4am, took breakfast with my Muslim friends and set off for the bus terminal.
One of the thing I noticed was that the people taking the bus and subways were the elderly people, which reminds me of the social problem I heard recently.
Anyway, the trip up to Mt Seorak was indeed worthwhile, though it took us 3 1/2 hours just to get there.
We didn't go for the highest peak though. Actually, few of the their church members were having some sort of health programs there (trying to loss weight by exercises, mountain climbing and the sort) . So we went to the place where they were staying.
However, we did hike up one of the lower peak till we reach Yongsa Waterfall. As it's autumn and the leaves are turning golden yellow, it's the season which attracts lots of mountain hikers to come.
We had an outdoor barbecue at about 5pm. An outdoor barbecue is actually a rare occation in Korea. But as the sky was getting dark, we burnt quite a number of the food. But it was a wonderful experience. It seems more like a campfire tome, as the weather was quite cold and everyone gathers around the fire.
Anyway, by the time we finished dinner and head back to Seoul, it was already 8pm. We got back to Seoul at 11.30pm, which some of us manage to take the last train back to their home. I wasn't so fortunate. Had to take the taxi back as the buses didn't run so late. Actually I'd rather spent the night in a 24 hour bathhouse than spending the amount for taxis. But anyway.....
One of the thing I noticed was that the people taking the bus and subways were the elderly people, which reminds me of the social problem I heard recently.
Anyway, the trip up to Mt Seorak was indeed worthwhile, though it took us 3 1/2 hours just to get there.
We didn't go for the highest peak though. Actually, few of the their church members were having some sort of health programs there (trying to loss weight by exercises, mountain climbing and the sort) . So we went to the place where they were staying.
However, we did hike up one of the lower peak till we reach Yongsa Waterfall. As it's autumn and the leaves are turning golden yellow, it's the season which attracts lots of mountain hikers to come.
We had an outdoor barbecue at about 5pm. An outdoor barbecue is actually a rare occation in Korea. But as the sky was getting dark, we burnt quite a number of the food. But it was a wonderful experience. It seems more like a campfire tome, as the weather was quite cold and everyone gathers around the fire.
Anyway, by the time we finished dinner and head back to Seoul, it was already 8pm. We got back to Seoul at 11.30pm, which some of us manage to take the last train back to their home. I wasn't so fortunate. Had to take the taxi back as the buses didn't run so late. Actually I'd rather spent the night in a 24 hour bathhouse than spending the amount for taxis. But anyway.....
Friday, October 15, 2004
Ice Skating
Yesterday was the last day of our Level 1 Korean Language class. Got back my results for the language exam. Got 97%. The highest among us was 99% and the lowest I think was 85%.
We also had price giving for those who got 90% and above. It was a golf tower (do they think we are rich enough to play golf?) , but better than nothing right?
To celebrate the end of Level 1, a few of my friends and I went to Lotte World and spent 3 hours skating on ICE!!!
It was my first time and considering that I have no roller-skating background I think I did quite well. Had a few falls, but in the end manage to "walk" around the rink several times without falling.
Too bad my camera ran out of battery ( why does this always happen to me?) or else it would have been a good remembrance......
Had dinner at 12 midnight last night (this morning?) waiting for my friends to come back from the mosque. It's the beginning of Ramadan today.
We also had price giving for those who got 90% and above. It was a golf tower (do they think we are rich enough to play golf?) , but better than nothing right?
To celebrate the end of Level 1, a few of my friends and I went to Lotte World and spent 3 hours skating on ICE!!!
It was my first time and considering that I have no roller-skating background I think I did quite well. Had a few falls, but in the end manage to "walk" around the rink several times without falling.
Too bad my camera ran out of battery ( why does this always happen to me?) or else it would have been a good remembrance......
Had dinner at 12 midnight last night (this morning?) waiting for my friends to come back from the mosque. It's the beginning of Ramadan today.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Mt Gwanaksan
Today our lecturers brought us to Gwanaksan, a mountain that is right behind our university. We gathered at 9.30am, took breakfast and started our journey up the mountain.
One thing I noticed was that different from the mountains I climbed back home in Kuching, the mountains here are rocky, we need to walk and climb over stones and rocks to go reach the top.
The scenery was indeed beautiful. From the top one can clearly see that the city of Seoul is built on a mountainous terrain. There are hills near the centre of this metropolitan city.
We took lots of picture along the path going up the mountain. When we reached a place where there's a Korean flag, we stopped there and rested. I've heard from seniors that every year the lecturers would bring them to that particular spot for group picture taking.
Waiting for the others to arrived, we chit chatted. Some of us saw a higher peak and wanted to go there, but our lecturers were not keen to go up any further (most of them were females).
When they prepared to take picture according to class, suddenly they realized that 2 person were missing. They started to worry and searched the surrounding for them.
On the other hand, two other students were on their way to the higher peak, where there is a military base. One of them had told a lecturer that he was going to the place. As they walked along, they met a Korean man who was going up as well. So they joined the man and continued the journey.
Arriving at the peak, they found out from the man that there's a temple there and quite a number of people go there to pray.
After taking photos and meeting an old Korean man who went to Malaysia years back, they wanted to go back to meet their lecturers. They talked to the man who was with them and found out that he was going down as well (at least that was what they thought the man said), so they decided to go down together.
After a while they arrived at a place with lots of people and began to queue up. Sensing something strange, they asked the man where's that place, only to find out it was a restaurant.
Wanting to go back faster, they asked the man for direction to Seoul National University (SNU), where they started the journey, and the man gave them the direction. Thus they moved on towards the direction.
Along the path, they sense that it was a wrong way, but the other travelers told them that's the way, so they continued on. Finally they arrived at the bottom, only to find that indeed it's a different entrance, but somewhere near SNU.
One thing I noticed was that different from the mountains I climbed back home in Kuching, the mountains here are rocky, we need to walk and climb over stones and rocks to go reach the top.
The scenery was indeed beautiful. From the top one can clearly see that the city of Seoul is built on a mountainous terrain. There are hills near the centre of this metropolitan city.
We took lots of picture along the path going up the mountain. When we reached a place where there's a Korean flag, we stopped there and rested. I've heard from seniors that every year the lecturers would bring them to that particular spot for group picture taking.
Waiting for the others to arrived, we chit chatted. Some of us saw a higher peak and wanted to go there, but our lecturers were not keen to go up any further (most of them were females).
When they prepared to take picture according to class, suddenly they realized that 2 person were missing. They started to worry and searched the surrounding for them.
On the other hand, two other students were on their way to the higher peak, where there is a military base. One of them had told a lecturer that he was going to the place. As they walked along, they met a Korean man who was going up as well. So they joined the man and continued the journey.
Arriving at the peak, they found out from the man that there's a temple there and quite a number of people go there to pray.
After taking photos and meeting an old Korean man who went to Malaysia years back, they wanted to go back to meet their lecturers. They talked to the man who was with them and found out that he was going down as well (at least that was what they thought the man said), so they decided to go down together.
After a while they arrived at a place with lots of people and began to queue up. Sensing something strange, they asked the man where's that place, only to find out it was a restaurant.
Wanting to go back faster, they asked the man for direction to Seoul National University (SNU), where they started the journey, and the man gave them the direction. Thus they moved on towards the direction.
Along the path, they sense that it was a wrong way, but the other travelers told them that's the way, so they continued on. Finally they arrived at the bottom, only to find that indeed it's a different entrance, but somewhere near SNU.
On the other hand, the lecturers and students were shouting out the name of the students that were missing, and wondering what could have happened to them. One of the lecturer met two men who told him they met two Malaysian students at the peak, so he went there to look. As he was searching, suddenly he got a call from a lecturer at the Language Education Centre telling him the two students were back in the centre.
So they stopped their search and came back down. By the time they reached the bottom it was about 2pm, more than an hour later that the original schedule.
And the two students? Of course they feel guilty. Later on they found out that the lecturer was just joking when she allowed them to go.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
End of Exam : )
Finished my exams this morning. It wasn't so hard, but I was nervous for the oral yesterday and didn't perform up to my standard (most of my friends suffered the same symptom). Thanks to all who prayed for me. God bless you all!
Anyway, surprisingly I didn't go anywhere this afternoon except to Daerim to borrow a convertor from a friend, so that I can get some contacts out of my handphone which is useless in Korea.
Did some planning as of where to go during the coming 10-days holiday. My plans includes COEX Mall, World Taekwondo Federation, Seoul Tower and a few historical sights in Seoul. Let's see whether my plans will come to pass.
Guess that's all for now. Waiting a phone call from a Korean friend so got to rush back home
Anyway, surprisingly I didn't go anywhere this afternoon except to Daerim to borrow a convertor from a friend, so that I can get some contacts out of my handphone which is useless in Korea.
Did some planning as of where to go during the coming 10-days holiday. My plans includes COEX Mall, World Taekwondo Federation, Seoul Tower and a few historical sights in Seoul. Let's see whether my plans will come to pass.
Guess that's all for now. Waiting a phone call from a Korean friend so got to rush back home
Monday, October 11, 2004
Site Updates
Just added a photo gallery at the side bars. Not many photos taken yet though. Everytime I go out either I didn't bring my cam along or the sceneries weren't so attracting.
Will try to upload more during the week-long holiday that is coming.
Will try to upload more during the week-long holiday that is coming.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Level 1 Korean Language Proficiency Test
Having an exam coming up this Monday and Tuesday.
On Monday I'll be having my oral test and on Tuesday I'll be sitting for the writting, reading and listening test. So do pray for me.
Due to the exam I may not be on-line till Tuesday afternoon.
Admit the exam coming up soon, lots of us went to watch the movie Brotherhood (In one of the classroom, not in cinema). It's quite a good film. Even more "real" than Saving Private Ryan. So if you have the chance, watch it.
By the way, I just signed up for a marathon that will be held in the campus on 18/10. Not that I think I'll win, but everyone who joins gets a free t-shirt. Haha..
On Monday I'll be having my oral test and on Tuesday I'll be sitting for the writting, reading and listening test. So do pray for me.
Due to the exam I may not be on-line till Tuesday afternoon.
Admit the exam coming up soon, lots of us went to watch the movie Brotherhood (In one of the classroom, not in cinema). It's quite a good film. Even more "real" than Saving Private Ryan. So if you have the chance, watch it.
By the way, I just signed up for a marathon that will be held in the campus on 18/10. Not that I think I'll win, but everyone who joins gets a free t-shirt. Haha..
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Home Cooked Sweet & Sour Fish
After missing my home cooked Chinese food for nearly a month, finally I decided to try my hands on one of my favourite dishes --> sweet and sour fish.
I bought most of the necessary stuff, and to my shock one fish, the one usually used for sweet and sour(whatever the name is in English) costs 7000won, which is about RM 21!!
I tried to search for corn flour but the supermarket was quite small and they didn't have the stock. So I had to use potato starch instead.
I had quite a hard time frying the fish (it's the first time frying one without any help at all, mind you) but in the end it turned out just nice. Though the starch was "slightly" thicker, I really enjoyed it.
I bought most of the necessary stuff, and to my shock one fish, the one usually used for sweet and sour(whatever the name is in English) costs 7000won, which is about RM 21!!
I tried to search for corn flour but the supermarket was quite small and they didn't have the stock. So I had to use potato starch instead.
I had quite a hard time frying the fish (it's the first time frying one without any help at all, mind you) but in the end it turned out just nice. Though the starch was "slightly" thicker, I really enjoyed it.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Exploring Seoul (3)
As it was Korean Chuseok Day on Tuesday, we didn't have any class. Initially my friends and I planned to visit few of the palaces on Tuesday, but we were so tired after the Moon Cake Festival gathering that all of us woke up late. So my friends decided not to go, and I had to go alone.
Firstly, I went to Deoksugung, one of the famous palace in South Korea. On other days, one needs to pay 500-1000won for entrance fee. But lucky me, I didn't have to pay a single cent because it was a national public holiday.
Deoksugung is indeed beautiful. But to my surprise there was a few western style building in it. Later on I found out that it was the Royal Museum. A place worth visiting, though many of the articles do not have English translation.
Coming out from Deoksugung I wanted to go to Namsangol Hanok Village, but ended up at Korea House. The Korea House had a display of traditional food, or was it food offered to the ancestors, I wasn't so sure. But anyway I didn't stay there for long.
Moving to my Namsangol Hanok Village (Korean Traditional Village in the Namsan Valley), I saw a huge crowd of foreigners and Koreans gathered there to watch a traditional drum performance.
The place is quite similar to the Cultural Village in Santubong, Sarawak. There's traditional houses, food, toys and the sort.
Walking around, I bumped into few of my seniors. They were "volunteered" by their language lecturers to participate in the traditional wedding ceremony. The ceremony was quite interesting, although I couldn't understand what the man was saying. It has some similarity to that of the Chinese tradition, though.
Firstly, I went to Deoksugung, one of the famous palace in South Korea. On other days, one needs to pay 500-1000won for entrance fee. But lucky me, I didn't have to pay a single cent because it was a national public holiday.
Deoksugung is indeed beautiful. But to my surprise there was a few western style building in it. Later on I found out that it was the Royal Museum. A place worth visiting, though many of the articles do not have English translation.
Coming out from Deoksugung I wanted to go to Namsangol Hanok Village, but ended up at Korea House. The Korea House had a display of traditional food, or was it food offered to the ancestors, I wasn't so sure. But anyway I didn't stay there for long.
Moving to my Namsangol Hanok Village (Korean Traditional Village in the Namsan Valley), I saw a huge crowd of foreigners and Koreans gathered there to watch a traditional drum performance.
The place is quite similar to the Cultural Village in Santubong, Sarawak. There's traditional houses, food, toys and the sort.
Walking around, I bumped into few of my seniors. They were "volunteered" by their language lecturers to participate in the traditional wedding ceremony. The ceremony was quite interesting, although I couldn't understand what the man was saying. It has some similarity to that of the Chinese tradition, though.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Moon Cake Festival
We had a gathering of Chinese and Indian students on Monday night to celebrate Moon Cake Festival. I've learn that it's an annual gathering to remember our festivals back in Malaysia and also an opportunity for all the students from different batch to meet and have fellowship.
The gathering was in a Galbi Shop, a Korean barbecue shop. The price is quite reasonable, about RM 24 per person for a buffet barbecue dinner. For the first time after so long I feasted sumptuously on beef, pork and lamb.
After the dinner we gathered at a nearby park. Our seniors brought lanterns and moon cakes from Malaysia during their trip back home in August. So we were able to enjoy Malaysia-made moon cakes in a far away country.
The night was followed by a ghost story telling, which I didn't really like at first, but began to enjoy later on. The reason? Our seniors were so horrible at telling the story that it wasn't at all scary, rather it was so funny till we all can't control our laughter.
Thus ends my first Moon Cake festival in this far Eastern country. Though the locals doesn't celebrate the festival, we Malaysian student's enjoyed it.
The gathering was in a Galbi Shop, a Korean barbecue shop. The price is quite reasonable, about RM 24 per person for a buffet barbecue dinner. For the first time after so long I feasted sumptuously on beef, pork and lamb.
After the dinner we gathered at a nearby park. Our seniors brought lanterns and moon cakes from Malaysia during their trip back home in August. So we were able to enjoy Malaysia-made moon cakes in a far away country.
The night was followed by a ghost story telling, which I didn't really like at first, but began to enjoy later on. The reason? Our seniors were so horrible at telling the story that it wasn't at all scary, rather it was so funny till we all can't control our laughter.
Thus ends my first Moon Cake festival in this far Eastern country. Though the locals doesn't celebrate the festival, we Malaysian student's enjoyed it.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Home at Last
At last! After 20 days of my arrival in Korea, finally I get to see my home yesterday.
Though our house is relatively bigger ( still much smaller compared to the houses in Malaysia) than that of my friends, one of the two-person-sharing room (which I'm sharing with another friend) doesn't have a window to it, so it's very humid if the two of us were to live in there. In the end I decided to put my desk in another room and use the room to put the shared closet and for sleeping purposes.
Did the cleaning on Saturday afternoon. Our Juin, landlord was very nice . He changed the wall paper and carpet before we moved in. However, the bathroom is extremely dirty and there's no sink in there. Thus we need to brush our teeth in the kitchen everyday.
Anyway, it feels good to have my own home. Muahahahaha...!!!
Though our house is relatively bigger ( still much smaller compared to the houses in Malaysia) than that of my friends, one of the two-person-sharing room (which I'm sharing with another friend) doesn't have a window to it, so it's very humid if the two of us were to live in there. In the end I decided to put my desk in another room and use the room to put the shared closet and for sleeping purposes.
Did the cleaning on Saturday afternoon. Our Juin, landlord was very nice . He changed the wall paper and carpet before we moved in. However, the bathroom is extremely dirty and there's no sink in there. Thus we need to brush our teeth in the kitchen everyday.
Anyway, it feels good to have my own home. Muahahahaha...!!!
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Cooking Lesson
As the Malaysian programme over here is a Language and Culture Programme, our lecturers decided to let us watch a movie on Friday and give us a cooking lesson, cooking 3 basic Korean food.
The movie was nice, but the most interesting event of the day was the cooking part. We made Udong (Japanese noodle), Gimbap (Rice Wrapped in Seaweed) and Tteokbokki (Stir Fried Rice Cake).
The Tteokbokki doesn't suit my taste, it's just like eating plain rice with chilli sauce. Gimbap is better, the radish we used had a sweet taste in it. But usually thr radish used in the shops are extremely sour, which to me taste quite strange. However, the Udong was really nice. All of us like it best compared to the other dishes.
Seems that we still need some more time to get used to the food around here.
The movie was nice, but the most interesting event of the day was the cooking part. We made Udong (Japanese noodle), Gimbap (Rice Wrapped in Seaweed) and Tteokbokki (Stir Fried Rice Cake).
The Tteokbokki doesn't suit my taste, it's just like eating plain rice with chilli sauce. Gimbap is better, the radish we used had a sweet taste in it. But usually thr radish used in the shops are extremely sour, which to me taste quite strange. However, the Udong was really nice. All of us like it best compared to the other dishes.
Seems that we still need some more time to get used to the food around here.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
First Bad Impression
On Wednesday one of my friend wanted to buy a digital camera, so another friend and I accompanied him to YongSan, a centre for electrical items.
Frankly I didn't quite agree with him buying it at this time because none of them actually planned to get a digital camera while in Malaysia. But because a few others of our friend got it, he also wanted one. He was telling me that the budget will be enough. I can't quite argue with him on that because he'll be "puasa"ing next month and will be cutting quite a huge amount on food.
Anyway, the three of us went to Yongsan and have a look. We entered a camera shop and started enquiring about the digital cameras. The guy whom we talked to was quite nice, telling us the function and explaining it to us the best he can using korean, english and some sign language.
After looking at a few cameras my friend chosed one which he liked best. So he wanted to go to an ATM machine and withdraw money. As we know not where the nearest AT machine was, the man "kindly" accompanied us to it.
Coming back to the shop and paying the money, another guy from the shop suddenly talked to the person whom we were dealing with in Korean. (Looking back know we know that he was "hasuting" the man) . So the guy quickly brought a few other cameras and begin to tell us how much better those cameras are compared to the one my friend just bought and that he's willing to give us a good deal considering that we're students.
We were really confused and I began to feel suspicious. But not being able to understand fully what the man said, I decided to let my friend make his own decision. And after giving it much thinking my friend decided to buy one of those cameras, which the man told us was 6 mega pixels and other advantages. So he went to withdraw some more money and paid the bill.
After coming out of the shop, the other friend and I felt really suspicious. Fearing that our friend might have been cheated, and thinking that the shops around there might somehow be linked, the two of us drop by at a few other shops far away from the one which my friend bought the camera and began to enquire the price for the exact camera.
Alas! Our poor friend really got cheated by nearly RM 600 and the camera had only 3 mega pixels. Not knowing what to do, we tried telephoning a few people, seniors, friends, lecturer, but to no avail. The only way was to wait till the next day when our lecturer was able to accompany us back to the shop.
So on Thursday, Mr Ham , one of our lecturer, accompanied my friend back to the shop. I followed as well to keep my friend company and in-case they need any witness.
So in the end after about an hour plus of dealing with the shop owner (who told us the camera had 3 years warranty compared to others which only had 1 year and that's why it was more expensive) and going to the managment of that building, our lecturer manage to get a 128MB XD memory card for my friend.
It really reminds me of Petaling Street where I saw lots of foreigners being cheated. Now it's our turn being cheated as a foreigner.
To all those who are else where overseas, may this be a reminder to be more careful. Check out the price and details of things in through the internet before purchasing them.
Frankly I didn't quite agree with him buying it at this time because none of them actually planned to get a digital camera while in Malaysia. But because a few others of our friend got it, he also wanted one. He was telling me that the budget will be enough. I can't quite argue with him on that because he'll be "puasa"ing next month and will be cutting quite a huge amount on food.
Anyway, the three of us went to Yongsan and have a look. We entered a camera shop and started enquiring about the digital cameras. The guy whom we talked to was quite nice, telling us the function and explaining it to us the best he can using korean, english and some sign language.
After looking at a few cameras my friend chosed one which he liked best. So he wanted to go to an ATM machine and withdraw money. As we know not where the nearest AT machine was, the man "kindly" accompanied us to it.
Coming back to the shop and paying the money, another guy from the shop suddenly talked to the person whom we were dealing with in Korean. (Looking back know we know that he was "hasuting" the man) . So the guy quickly brought a few other cameras and begin to tell us how much better those cameras are compared to the one my friend just bought and that he's willing to give us a good deal considering that we're students.
We were really confused and I began to feel suspicious. But not being able to understand fully what the man said, I decided to let my friend make his own decision. And after giving it much thinking my friend decided to buy one of those cameras, which the man told us was 6 mega pixels and other advantages. So he went to withdraw some more money and paid the bill.
After coming out of the shop, the other friend and I felt really suspicious. Fearing that our friend might have been cheated, and thinking that the shops around there might somehow be linked, the two of us drop by at a few other shops far away from the one which my friend bought the camera and began to enquire the price for the exact camera.
Alas! Our poor friend really got cheated by nearly RM 600 and the camera had only 3 mega pixels. Not knowing what to do, we tried telephoning a few people, seniors, friends, lecturer, but to no avail. The only way was to wait till the next day when our lecturer was able to accompany us back to the shop.
So on Thursday, Mr Ham , one of our lecturer, accompanied my friend back to the shop. I followed as well to keep my friend company and in-case they need any witness.
So in the end after about an hour plus of dealing with the shop owner (who told us the camera had 3 years warranty compared to others which only had 1 year and that's why it was more expensive) and going to the managment of that building, our lecturer manage to get a 128MB XD memory card for my friend.
It really reminds me of Petaling Street where I saw lots of foreigners being cheated. Now it's our turn being cheated as a foreigner.
To all those who are else where overseas, may this be a reminder to be more careful. Check out the price and details of things in through the internet before purchasing them.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
My 18th Birthday
Today is my birthday! I was suppose to move into the house in Daerim-Dongand I was going to make it my birthday present. But, about 11pm last night, the senior in-charge of my house came and told me that I am no longer moving to the house in Daerim and that my home will be Gochok-Dong. And because the contract for that house is not fully settled, we can only move in this Wednesday or Thursday.
So, after coming to Korea for more than 2 weeks I still don't have my own home.
Anyway, wanting to out and lepak today, I phoned my friends to see what plans they have. Initially they wanted to come to my home in Daerim tonight, but our plans were ruined. When I phoned them, they were about to go to another person's home in Daerim. As I've never been there before, I decided to follow.
At noon, one of the senior, Pek Fang called and made an appointment with 5 of the Chinese girls to meet at Sindorim. Having nothing better to do, I followed.
From Sindorim, Pek Fang and Angella ( another of our senior) brought us to Myeong Dong for lunch. The steamed chicken there is indeed delicious. I would have thought that it was a Chinese delicacy if not for the two bowls of Kimchi laid in front of me. (Later we met another senior who told us that such a meal cost about 8000won (RM 24) per person, and they were 8 of us including the 2 seniors. What nice seniors we have!)
As we were walking around Myeong Dong looking at the clothes, we bump into 3 other seniors, one whom I forgot her name and the other two are Kokok & A Sid. With her persuasive skill, Pek Fang persuaded Kokok and Ah Sid to bring us for a threat at Baskin Robins. At Baskin Robbins, the two of them got a present for me.
Coming out of Baskin Robbins, we saw a stall that sells teddy bears. All 6 of us juniors got a pair each. My was paid for by one of my friends. It will be a remembrance for us : the best weekend we had after coming to Korea.
Thus this was how I celebrated my first birthday overseas. Contrary to what I imagine: buyng a cake, sitting in the room, eating the cake alone, it was filled with fun.
And surely I will remember it.
So, after coming to Korea for more than 2 weeks I still don't have my own home.
Anyway, wanting to out and lepak today, I phoned my friends to see what plans they have. Initially they wanted to come to my home in Daerim tonight, but our plans were ruined. When I phoned them, they were about to go to another person's home in Daerim. As I've never been there before, I decided to follow.
At noon, one of the senior, Pek Fang called and made an appointment with 5 of the Chinese girls to meet at Sindorim. Having nothing better to do, I followed.
From Sindorim, Pek Fang and Angella ( another of our senior) brought us to Myeong Dong for lunch. The steamed chicken there is indeed delicious. I would have thought that it was a Chinese delicacy if not for the two bowls of Kimchi laid in front of me. (Later we met another senior who told us that such a meal cost about 8000won (RM 24) per person, and they were 8 of us including the 2 seniors. What nice seniors we have!)
As we were walking around Myeong Dong looking at the clothes, we bump into 3 other seniors, one whom I forgot her name and the other two are Kokok & A Sid. With her persuasive skill, Pek Fang persuaded Kokok and Ah Sid to bring us for a threat at Baskin Robins. At Baskin Robbins, the two of them got a present for me.
Coming out of Baskin Robbins, we saw a stall that sells teddy bears. All 6 of us juniors got a pair each. My was paid for by one of my friends. It will be a remembrance for us : the best weekend we had after coming to Korea.
Thus this was how I celebrated my first birthday overseas. Contrary to what I imagine: buyng a cake, sitting in the room, eating the cake alone, it was filled with fun.
And surely I will remember it.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Exploring Seoul (2)
Wanting to continue my exploration, I went to Garibong with 4 of my friends on Monday afternoon after class.
My friends have heard that the things in Garibong Market are quite cheap, so we decided to go and have a look.
Coming out of Garibong Station, we saw a map indicating that Garibong Market is just across the street from the station. So we came out of the station and walk straight ahead. However, either the map was wrong or our map reading skill is horrible, we do not know. The thing is, we lost our way.
Stopping in front of a shop, we asked the shop owner for direction to Garibong Market. The guy was very helpful. He explained in detail the way to our destination. However, he's explanation was all in Korean, which at our standard we still can't understand.
So, he decided to draw us a map. But the roads in Seoul are very complicated and his drawing is too simple. Finally another man from the shop volunteered to bring us to the market.
And truely, the things there are very cheap. My friends, being girls, have in their nature the longing to shop for clothes. But I can't blame them. Imagine buying a shirt for RM 6.00 and a jacket for RM 7.50. I myself bought a shirt and a t-shirt for RM 12.00.
Finally, we decided to come back after "visiting" evry shop that sells clothes. But at least now we know where to get the cheapest summer wear, winter clothing and all that.
My friends have heard that the things in Garibong Market are quite cheap, so we decided to go and have a look.
Coming out of Garibong Station, we saw a map indicating that Garibong Market is just across the street from the station. So we came out of the station and walk straight ahead. However, either the map was wrong or our map reading skill is horrible, we do not know. The thing is, we lost our way.
Stopping in front of a shop, we asked the shop owner for direction to Garibong Market. The guy was very helpful. He explained in detail the way to our destination. However, he's explanation was all in Korean, which at our standard we still can't understand.
So, he decided to draw us a map. But the roads in Seoul are very complicated and his drawing is too simple. Finally another man from the shop volunteered to bring us to the market.
And truely, the things there are very cheap. My friends, being girls, have in their nature the longing to shop for clothes. But I can't blame them. Imagine buying a shirt for RM 6.00 and a jacket for RM 7.50. I myself bought a shirt and a t-shirt for RM 12.00.
Finally, we decided to come back after "visiting" evry shop that sells clothes. But at least now we know where to get the cheapest summer wear, winter clothing and all that.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Exploring Seoul (1)
I was suppose to move into my house in Daerim-dong on Saturday, but unfortunately the contract was not settled, so I still can't move in. From what we heard the Malaysia Embassy couldn't pay the key-money, something like a deposit, so we need to suffer because of that.
The seniors were encouraging me to go out on Saturday, since I had nothing much to do. I wanted to go out with few of my friends, but I wasn't able to contact them as they still do not have their house phone. Those that are staying near by were busy buying furnitures and cleaning their house. At the end, I had to go alone. Not that it's somethig bad, just that I'd prefer some company.
Anyway, I took the subway and went to Myeongdong, a place where the young people of Seoul hang-out. The place is like a few Petaling Street joint together. Everywhere I went I could see people buying and selling food. I really wonder how Koreans can still stay fit even though they eat so much. Although the food seems quite delicious, I just did not have the appetite to eat. Missing my Malaysian laksa, chicken rice, chah kueh teow, kolo mee......
As it was raining quite heavily, I went into a shopping centre to avoid the rain. The one thing I don't like about the shopping centres here is that they are quite small. Some of the shopping centres are quite tall, but they are not as spacious compared to the shopping centres in Malaysia.
Following the seniors' advice, I didn't buy any unnessary things. In fact, I didn't buy anything at all becuase I don't know where to put them since I don't have a home yet.
As it was still quite early, I decided to go to Dongdaemun Stadium. My lecturer had told us that there is a flea market near the stadium every weekend. So, I took the subway and arrive at Dongdaemun Stadium's station, just to find that it was atill raining heavily outside and that I had lost my umbrella somewhere in Myeongdong Station. Feeling tired and not wanting to waste my money on a new umbrella, I decided to go back.
Thus end my first episod of Seoul exploration.
The seniors were encouraging me to go out on Saturday, since I had nothing much to do. I wanted to go out with few of my friends, but I wasn't able to contact them as they still do not have their house phone. Those that are staying near by were busy buying furnitures and cleaning their house. At the end, I had to go alone. Not that it's somethig bad, just that I'd prefer some company.
Anyway, I took the subway and went to Myeongdong, a place where the young people of Seoul hang-out. The place is like a few Petaling Street joint together. Everywhere I went I could see people buying and selling food. I really wonder how Koreans can still stay fit even though they eat so much. Although the food seems quite delicious, I just did not have the appetite to eat. Missing my Malaysian laksa, chicken rice, chah kueh teow, kolo mee......
As it was raining quite heavily, I went into a shopping centre to avoid the rain. The one thing I don't like about the shopping centres here is that they are quite small. Some of the shopping centres are quite tall, but they are not as spacious compared to the shopping centres in Malaysia.
Following the seniors' advice, I didn't buy any unnessary things. In fact, I didn't buy anything at all becuase I don't know where to put them since I don't have a home yet.
As it was still quite early, I decided to go to Dongdaemun Stadium. My lecturer had told us that there is a flea market near the stadium every weekend. So, I took the subway and arrive at Dongdaemun Stadium's station, just to find that it was atill raining heavily outside and that I had lost my umbrella somewhere in Myeongdong Station. Feeling tired and not wanting to waste my money on a new umbrella, I decided to go back.
Thus end my first episod of Seoul exploration.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Cheese & Wine Party
Went to the Cheese & Wine Party at SNU yesterday. It was organised for all foreign students and lecturers in SNU, to let them meet each other and meet some other Koreans as well.
But sadly, most of my friends were busy moving into their new house and none of them wanted to go, so I had to go alone.
Overall, the party was quite good. At first I was not able to socialize with the others. Everyone seems to have come with their friends and they were sitting in groups chatting in different languages, and there I was feeling so left out.
Suddenly, I saw this guy who looks quite similar to one of my seniors. So I went up to him, just to find out that he's a Korean. But we manage to strike up a conversation. He and his friends were there observing how other people organize such an event, because their society wants to do one as well.
The funny thing was, though they came as a group, they were actually finding opportunity to know people from other countries. But to them, everyone was chatting with their friends in groups so they dare not go and intterupt.
So, through this experiece, I guess I'll have to take the initiative to know others when I attend such a party next time.
But sadly, most of my friends were busy moving into their new house and none of them wanted to go, so I had to go alone.
Overall, the party was quite good. At first I was not able to socialize with the others. Everyone seems to have come with their friends and they were sitting in groups chatting in different languages, and there I was feeling so left out.
Suddenly, I saw this guy who looks quite similar to one of my seniors. So I went up to him, just to find out that he's a Korean. But we manage to strike up a conversation. He and his friends were there observing how other people organize such an event, because their society wants to do one as well.
The funny thing was, though they came as a group, they were actually finding opportunity to know people from other countries. But to them, everyone was chatting with their friends in groups so they dare not go and intterupt.
So, through this experiece, I guess I'll have to take the initiative to know others when I attend such a party next time.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Orientation
Arrived at the airport safely, excited and a little tired. We were expecting warm welcome from our seniors, little did we know it's the beginning of a 5-days torment for us.
The Incheon airport is not as big as KLIA, but it's quite organised. The best thing I like about it is that we need not have to walk so far to collect our luggage and go to the exit.
After our arrival we went to Malaysia's Embassy in Hangnam-Dong, met the embassador and the other officers over there. Later the seniors took us to one of Korea Exchange Bank's branch to open an account.
As we went back to the embassy, none of us knew that we were entering the 'gates of hell'. It was the begining of our orientation. We were punished for coming back slowly, not bringing our files with us, and any other excuses that they could think of.
All in all throughout the 5 days orientation, whether we were in our motel or during the camp, we must be prepared to do pumpings, half- stand, marching and other activities anytime of the day, be it 6.30am early moring or 2.30am before dawn.
The one event that I believe all of us will always remember is standing with our clothes and shoes on in the swimming pool for 2 hours !
We cooked our own meals during the 2 days 1 night camp. We did quite a good job, considering that most of us never really cooked before.
We also didn't have enough sleep throughout the orientation. There was once where I only manage to sleep for 1/2 an hour, which made me woke up late and got hukuman for it.
However, we do understand that our seniors were trying to prepare us for the life in Korea which is full of pressure and tension. They were also trying to make us unite as a batch and help one another.
But, sometimes I still don't really agree with the method they use. I'll definitely not use this same method on my juniors next time.
Anyway, the air here in Seoul is worse than KL I'm still trying to get use to it. I'm still very tired, recovering from the orientation. Hopefully will be better soon.
The Incheon airport is not as big as KLIA, but it's quite organised. The best thing I like about it is that we need not have to walk so far to collect our luggage and go to the exit.
After our arrival we went to Malaysia's Embassy in Hangnam-Dong, met the embassador and the other officers over there. Later the seniors took us to one of Korea Exchange Bank's branch to open an account.
As we went back to the embassy, none of us knew that we were entering the 'gates of hell'. It was the begining of our orientation. We were punished for coming back slowly, not bringing our files with us, and any other excuses that they could think of.
All in all throughout the 5 days orientation, whether we were in our motel or during the camp, we must be prepared to do pumpings, half- stand, marching and other activities anytime of the day, be it 6.30am early moring or 2.30am before dawn.
The one event that I believe all of us will always remember is standing with our clothes and shoes on in the swimming pool for 2 hours !
We cooked our own meals during the 2 days 1 night camp. We did quite a good job, considering that most of us never really cooked before.
We also didn't have enough sleep throughout the orientation. There was once where I only manage to sleep for 1/2 an hour, which made me woke up late and got hukuman for it.
However, we do understand that our seniors were trying to prepare us for the life in Korea which is full of pressure and tension. They were also trying to make us unite as a batch and help one another.
But, sometimes I still don't really agree with the method they use. I'll definitely not use this same method on my juniors next time.
Anyway, the air here in Seoul is worse than KL I'm still trying to get use to it. I'm still very tired, recovering from the orientation. Hopefully will be better soon.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Merdeka
Today is Malaysia's independence day. But to be exact, it's Malaya's independence day. Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963. Anyway, the merdeka spirit is still up and about, and I'm proud of it.
Though Malaysia did not win any medals in Olympics, we still stand tall in the eyes of the world. Here's a little "comfort".
Nearing the end of my holidays. Wasn't able to accomplish much. Spent most of the time at home with my family and relatives. Did manage to watch Alien vs Predator, though. It reminds me of a computer games I used to play, Starcraft. The aliens are like the Zergs while the predators are like the Protoss.No matter who win, we loss. But at the end the humans sided with the protoss.
Truthfully, I'm quite excited about going overseas to study. It's the dream of lots of people. I was longing for a chance as well. I wanted to go as far as I could back then when I just finished my SPM. What's more, I'm going to one of the top universities in Asia. But 4 months of being away from home have taught me not to be so optimistic, especially in dealings with people. Maybe I'm letting the one bad experience I had haunting me, but then....
Well, there's just too much uncertainties that lies ahead, and I don't like the feeling of not knowing what to expect and what will happen.
But I'll take it as a test of patience and faith. After all, isn't faith about believing in something we do not see?
Though Malaysia did not win any medals in Olympics, we still stand tall in the eyes of the world. Here's a little "comfort".
Nearing the end of my holidays. Wasn't able to accomplish much. Spent most of the time at home with my family and relatives. Did manage to watch Alien vs Predator, though. It reminds me of a computer games I used to play, Starcraft. The aliens are like the Zergs while the predators are like the Protoss.No matter who win, we loss. But at the end the humans sided with the protoss.
Truthfully, I'm quite excited about going overseas to study. It's the dream of lots of people. I was longing for a chance as well. I wanted to go as far as I could back then when I just finished my SPM. What's more, I'm going to one of the top universities in Asia. But 4 months of being away from home have taught me not to be so optimistic, especially in dealings with people. Maybe I'm letting the one bad experience I had haunting me, but then....
Well, there's just too much uncertainties that lies ahead, and I don't like the feeling of not knowing what to expect and what will happen.
But I'll take it as a test of patience and faith. After all, isn't faith about believing in something we do not see?
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Home Sweet Home
I'm now back at home enjoying the haze and hot weather in Kuching.
Anyway, it's good to be back. Sleeping on my soft, comfortable bed with 3 pillows; waking up at 9.30am in the morning; having nothing much to worry.... it's just a luxury.
But I fell kind of strange, having nothing to do seem so weird. But I better enjoy and relax while I can. God knows what is in store for me in the days to come.
My mom and uncles have been talking about the death of my 2nd uncle. It seems that they're suspicious of his death. They think maybe something went wrong with the medication or the doctor did a mistake somewhere, and they keep on quoting cases where a person should be saved but died after the doctor gave them an injection or medicine.
It makes me think, how would I react if I were a doctor? I may blame myself for being careless; or blame the person for doing the check-up late; or just deny the whole thing.
Life as a doctor is not easy. But I know I have the heart and desire to help the sick. I believe I'd bring joy to my patiet and make them feel being cared for. I can cheer them up and make them forget of their pains with my lovely smile : )
Yet it seems that I'm taking a totally different path.......
Anyway, I'm trying to finish 1 or 2 books during this week-long holiday. 1. The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey and 2. Not Even a Hint by Joshua Harris
Anyway, it's good to be back. Sleeping on my soft, comfortable bed with 3 pillows; waking up at 9.30am in the morning; having nothing much to worry.... it's just a luxury.
But I fell kind of strange, having nothing to do seem so weird. But I better enjoy and relax while I can. God knows what is in store for me in the days to come.
My mom and uncles have been talking about the death of my 2nd uncle. It seems that they're suspicious of his death. They think maybe something went wrong with the medication or the doctor did a mistake somewhere, and they keep on quoting cases where a person should be saved but died after the doctor gave them an injection or medicine.
It makes me think, how would I react if I were a doctor? I may blame myself for being careless; or blame the person for doing the check-up late; or just deny the whole thing.
Life as a doctor is not easy. But I know I have the heart and desire to help the sick. I believe I'd bring joy to my patiet and make them feel being cared for. I can cheer them up and make them forget of their pains with my lovely smile : )
Yet it seems that I'm taking a totally different path.......
Anyway, I'm trying to finish 1 or 2 books during this week-long holiday. 1. The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey and 2. Not Even a Hint by Joshua Harris
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Korean Day
Hooray!!!
Our Korean Day was indeed a success. Well, though there were some mistakes here and there, but overall everyone did very well. This was the best among all the practice and rehearsal. I was especially surprise yet happy at the same time to see the songs team performing better than I expected.
The number of audience was also very encouraging. There were people from the French Program, Russian Program and AUSMAT students. Our one-year-older seniors were also present to join our Korean Day.
The saddest thing was, I brought my camera, but the battery was too weak. So in the end I wasn't able to take any photos.
Today is officially my last day in INTEC. It's amazing how things over these 3 months have been. When I first arrived here, I was missing my friends in Labuan and I just didn't seem to be able to get along well here. Thus I spent most of my time studying.
Yet after 3 months here, I met lots of friends, Max, Alvin, Yi Li, Johnathan, Zi Hui, Daniel, Wei Xian, Ivy, Billy, Herman, Rose, Jimi..... And know I'll be missing them instead.
I'm also getting along well with the others in my own program. Maybe it's because we've worked together in many things: BTN Camp and Korean Day for example.
But, ironically, I've put in less effort in my studies compared to when I first came here. But by God's grace, I manage to do exceedingly well in my exam. Praise His name.
But no matter what happens, life still goes on. Whether we're sad or happy time does not wait for us to laugh or mourn. The thing that we ought to do is strengthen ourselves, carry on with our lives and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Our Korean Day was indeed a success. Well, though there were some mistakes here and there, but overall everyone did very well. This was the best among all the practice and rehearsal. I was especially surprise yet happy at the same time to see the songs team performing better than I expected.
The number of audience was also very encouraging. There were people from the French Program, Russian Program and AUSMAT students. Our one-year-older seniors were also present to join our Korean Day.
The saddest thing was, I brought my camera, but the battery was too weak. So in the end I wasn't able to take any photos.
Today is officially my last day in INTEC. It's amazing how things over these 3 months have been. When I first arrived here, I was missing my friends in Labuan and I just didn't seem to be able to get along well here. Thus I spent most of my time studying.
Yet after 3 months here, I met lots of friends, Max, Alvin, Yi Li, Johnathan, Zi Hui, Daniel, Wei Xian, Ivy, Billy, Herman, Rose, Jimi..... And know I'll be missing them instead.
I'm also getting along well with the others in my own program. Maybe it's because we've worked together in many things: BTN Camp and Korean Day for example.
But, ironically, I've put in less effort in my studies compared to when I first came here. But by God's grace, I manage to do exceedingly well in my exam. Praise His name.
But no matter what happens, life still goes on. Whether we're sad or happy time does not wait for us to laugh or mourn. The thing that we ought to do is strengthen ourselves, carry on with our lives and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Death
Got the news yesterday afternoon that my mom's second brother passed away at 3 p.m. I would have long to be at home at such a time, but my things here are not finish and I've bought the ticket on 26/8. Ah~~
It never occur to me that I'd receive such a news at such a time.
But frankly I wasn't shocked to hear such a news. We all know that where there is a beginning, there is an end. Where there is life, there is death. Life on this earth is but a short period. Yet it is during this period that we determine where our eternal spirit goes to when we are no longer here.
Death, I've seen quite a lot within this month alone, and will be seeing many more in the years to come. Though death is no surprise for me, yet my heart hurts seeing many people uncertain of where they'll be should calamity befalls. What is there to be done about it?
" Am I cold-hearted and cruel?" This is a question I've been asking myself. I don't think I am. Yet why am I not in deep sorrow when my uncle who stays one street down from me pass away?
I do not have an exact answer. Perhaps deep within me I have this little assurance that I'll be seeing him again.
It never occur to me that I'd receive such a news at such a time.
But frankly I wasn't shocked to hear such a news. We all know that where there is a beginning, there is an end. Where there is life, there is death. Life on this earth is but a short period. Yet it is during this period that we determine where our eternal spirit goes to when we are no longer here.
Death, I've seen quite a lot within this month alone, and will be seeing many more in the years to come. Though death is no surprise for me, yet my heart hurts seeing many people uncertain of where they'll be should calamity befalls. What is there to be done about it?
" Am I cold-hearted and cruel?" This is a question I've been asking myself. I don't think I am. Yet why am I not in deep sorrow when my uncle who stays one street down from me pass away?
I do not have an exact answer. Perhaps deep within me I have this little assurance that I'll be seeing him again.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Biro Tatanegara (BTN) Camp
I always thought that BTN Camps are held in some junglish places and we'll be sleeping in tents with lots of mosquitoes ready to charge at the campers. Well, I was wrong.
We were actually suppose to go to a BTN Campsite in Banting, but due to some problems, we were moved to a private campsite in Sepang, right beside the highway.
The facilities there are definitely better than my hostel, there were air-cond in every rooms. We were served 5 meals a day, to which I was hoping will make me gain some weight, but to no avail.
We had 4 lectures and 8 group activities. I was indeed very happy to see my fellow coursemates being active throughout the camp. Frankly, I thought I'd be spending more time with those in the French programme. But as it turned out, I was in my room most of the time , talking to my roommates, who are also my coursemates. We had so much free time I even manage to finish a book!
As a whole, the camp was good, it refreshed my knowledge of Malaysia. But above all, it builds up the relationship among the campers.
The camp ended with a test. Hopefully I'll passed it. As long as I have no phone calls from my sponsors, I'll be flying off on 2 September.
We were actually suppose to go to a BTN Campsite in Banting, but due to some problems, we were moved to a private campsite in Sepang, right beside the highway.
The facilities there are definitely better than my hostel, there were air-cond in every rooms. We were served 5 meals a day, to which I was hoping will make me gain some weight, but to no avail.
We had 4 lectures and 8 group activities. I was indeed very happy to see my fellow coursemates being active throughout the camp. Frankly, I thought I'd be spending more time with those in the French programme. But as it turned out, I was in my room most of the time , talking to my roommates, who are also my coursemates. We had so much free time I even manage to finish a book!
As a whole, the camp was good, it refreshed my knowledge of Malaysia. But above all, it builds up the relationship among the campers.
The camp ended with a test. Hopefully I'll passed it. As long as I have no phone calls from my sponsors, I'll be flying off on 2 September.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Preparing for the Worse
Well, I've prepared myself mentally to accept any unexpected stuff during the 5-day BTN Camp which starts this afternoon. Hopefully I'd be able to pull through it and come out in one piece...
Today reminds me of the orientation I had bout 2 months ago. There was also this morning that we were free and I went to a cyber cafe with Rose and another guy, Peter if I remember correctly.
I know I'm being sentimental but I just can't help it.
3 months ago I was only prepared to say "goodbye" to all my secondary school's friends. Yet now I had to bid farewell to the friends I met in Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan and soon all the friends I have in INTEC here.
Here's something I came across recently:
Forgive each other
Refresh each other
Invest in each other
Encourage each other
Nurture each other
Depend on each other
Share with each other
Help each other
Inspire each other
Pray for each other
Today reminds me of the orientation I had bout 2 months ago. There was also this morning that we were free and I went to a cyber cafe with Rose and another guy, Peter if I remember correctly.
I know I'm being sentimental but I just can't help it.
3 months ago I was only prepared to say "goodbye" to all my secondary school's friends. Yet now I had to bid farewell to the friends I met in Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan and soon all the friends I have in INTEC here.
Here's something I came across recently:
Forgive each other
Refresh each other
Invest in each other
Encourage each other
Nurture each other
Depend on each other
Share with each other
Help each other
Inspire each other
Pray for each other
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Exam
Just finished my Korean exam today. So now I can at least sit back and relax for few weeks before having to do any study (not that I did much study anyway, but I'll try to do better.)
Well, frankly I think I did quite well for the exam this morning, considering the amount of time I spent doing my revision.
But we still have our speaking test once we arrive in Korea.
Hopefully I do well in it. I really want the incentive provided by Seoul National University.
Just to make things clear:
We'll be studying 6 levels of Korean, and if we manage to get 90% and above for 5 consecutive levels (which is hard but not impossible), we'll be awarded with 1/2 the tuition fee for the next level, which I still don't exactly know how much, but better than none.
Today is the last day I'll be seeing the ALMs, and I'm really overcome with emotions. Even when I was having my exam I was thinking about them.
To all ALMs:
farewell and God bless
Well, frankly I think I did quite well for the exam this morning, considering the amount of time I spent doing my revision.
But we still have our speaking test once we arrive in Korea.
Hopefully I do well in it. I really want the incentive provided by Seoul National University.
Just to make things clear:
We'll be studying 6 levels of Korean, and if we manage to get 90% and above for 5 consecutive levels (which is hard but not impossible), we'll be awarded with 1/2 the tuition fee for the next level, which I still don't exactly know how much, but better than none.
Today is the last day I'll be seeing the ALMs, and I'm really overcome with emotions. Even when I was having my exam I was thinking about them.
To all ALMs:
farewell and God bless
Poisoned
Saturday 3.00a.m
Was preparing myself for bed.
Had a fun night in Cyber Jaya. After all, this is the last time I attend the cell group. I doubt that I'll be joining it again six years later when I come back from Korea.
Saturday 5.00a.m
Arrggg!!!!
There was this unbearable pain in my stomach.
My intestine and stomach was squirming inside, turning and twisting here and there.
"Never mind, get back to sleep, this is just another nightmare." I was telling myself. "How can my stomach hurt so much unless I'm dreaming. After all,I think I had this dream before, few weeks ago."
Never the less, the pain never decreased. It was getting worse and worse.
" O God! Stop this pain! I know if You're willing to You can!"
Yet there was another "suggestion" that arose in my mind, "Look, the balcony is just a few steps from you and it's not closed, just jump down from it. You'll just die and be in heaven and the pain will be gone. Isn't that wonderful?"
This suggestion seemed so tempting that I was actually considering it. Yet before I could take any action, another idea pop up in my mind :
" Just take some panadols. It's a pain killer. It will take care of the pain."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And so I knocked at my grandma's room and asked her for some panadols. Yet it didn't do much good.
As my aunt and grandma was going to the doctor that morning, I went with them and got the confirmation from the doctor that I had food poisoning.
And thus the last Saturday that I could roam around in KL was spent taking medicine and resting at home.
Was preparing myself for bed.
Had a fun night in Cyber Jaya. After all, this is the last time I attend the cell group. I doubt that I'll be joining it again six years later when I come back from Korea.
Saturday 5.00a.m
Arrggg!!!!
There was this unbearable pain in my stomach.
My intestine and stomach was squirming inside, turning and twisting here and there.
"Never mind, get back to sleep, this is just another nightmare." I was telling myself. "How can my stomach hurt so much unless I'm dreaming. After all,I think I had this dream before, few weeks ago."
Never the less, the pain never decreased. It was getting worse and worse.
" O God! Stop this pain! I know if You're willing to You can!"
Yet there was another "suggestion" that arose in my mind, "Look, the balcony is just a few steps from you and it's not closed, just jump down from it. You'll just die and be in heaven and the pain will be gone. Isn't that wonderful?"
This suggestion seemed so tempting that I was actually considering it. Yet before I could take any action, another idea pop up in my mind :
" Just take some panadols. It's a pain killer. It will take care of the pain."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And so I knocked at my grandma's room and asked her for some panadols. Yet it didn't do much good.
As my aunt and grandma was going to the doctor that morning, I went with them and got the confirmation from the doctor that I had food poisoning.
And thus the last Saturday that I could roam around in KL was spent taking medicine and resting at home.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
A Friend
Since the first day I came here, I've been asking God to give me a friend whom I can really relate to. And last night I've just met one. But ironically, he'll be having his holidays soon while I'll be away for my camp and I'm flying off in 3 weeks time.
I was having dinner with Wei Sian last night. We were talking there after dinner when he came to have his dinner as well.
Seeing that he was alone, I "forced" him to join us. The three of us were just talking and debating about praying for our food, going into mission, doing devotions etc etc etc.
Wanting to spend more time together, the two of us went for ABC after dinner.
And I guess that was when our relationship started to build.
Yet deep within I can't hide the fact that I feel sad because here is someone whom I really like, whom I can share my thoughts with,whom I can relate to, but we'll be heading separate paths soon.
I don't understand. If God wanted us to be friends, why not sooner? Why now?
But who am I to question God. He's timing is never wrong.
His experience is that he got closer with his former friends after being apart. Yet from my experience it's the other way round.
Well, may be as he'd said:"We'll meet in heaven."
I was having dinner with Wei Sian last night. We were talking there after dinner when he came to have his dinner as well.
Seeing that he was alone, I "forced" him to join us. The three of us were just talking and debating about praying for our food, going into mission, doing devotions etc etc etc.
Wanting to spend more time together, the two of us went for ABC after dinner.
And I guess that was when our relationship started to build.
Yet deep within I can't hide the fact that I feel sad because here is someone whom I really like, whom I can share my thoughts with,whom I can relate to, but we'll be heading separate paths soon.
I don't understand. If God wanted us to be friends, why not sooner? Why now?
But who am I to question God. He's timing is never wrong.
His experience is that he got closer with his former friends after being apart. Yet from my experience it's the other way round.
Well, may be as he'd said:"We'll meet in heaven."
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
LATE!!!
For the first time, as far as I can recall, I woke up late for class, and I mean REALLY late.
It's still bothering me, how did I ever manage to wake up at 9.50a.m when my class starts at 9a.m?
It's not like I slept late or what, I was already in bed at 11p.m last night!!
But fortunately my lecturer didn't get angry at me. She was actually QUITE shock seeing me knocking at the door with my uncombed hair at 10.15a.m in the morning.
Well, better late than never isn't?
3 more weeks before I leave for Korea.
I've been unconscience of the passing time. It's hard to imagine that I've been here for nearly 3 months.
What have I accomplish?
I didn't do my maths revision well enough and I don't think I did it well during the test just now. It's too late for me to do anything.
But, there's still my Korean language exam next week. Hopefully I'll do well in it.
It's still bothering me, how did I ever manage to wake up at 9.50a.m when my class starts at 9a.m?
It's not like I slept late or what, I was already in bed at 11p.m last night!!
But fortunately my lecturer didn't get angry at me. She was actually QUITE shock seeing me knocking at the door with my uncombed hair at 10.15a.m in the morning.
Well, better late than never isn't?
3 more weeks before I leave for Korea.
I've been unconscience of the passing time. It's hard to imagine that I've been here for nearly 3 months.
What have I accomplish?
I didn't do my maths revision well enough and I don't think I did it well during the test just now. It's too late for me to do anything.
But, there's still my Korean language exam next week. Hopefully I'll do well in it.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Back to INTEC
6 days not connected to the cyber world and my mailbox exceeded its limit.
I thought I will be able to gain access to the internet freely once I got home, yet to my shock the computer isn't there anymore!!
The truth is, my brother brought it back to UTM, Johor with him.
I can't put the blame on him because he didn't know I'll be going back so soon and the computer was already collecting dust at home.
Anyway, coincidentally I was back just in time to attend the memorial service and funeral of my church member who was among the 7 involved in the helicopter incident.
I was hearing lots of rumor concerning the incident saying that the jungle is 'dirty' , 'creepy' and all the sorts, that's why the rescue team couldn't find the copter though it was just 5 minutes flying distance from the rescue teams' headquarter.
I don't really believe what was said, but I haven come up with my own theory yet. Maybe we'll never know the actual reason.
One main thing mentioned by the preachers during the memorial service was the question: "Why bad things happen to good people?"
The answer given was: "We may never be able to come up with a good answer to the question while we're still on earth."
It reminds me of the time when I used to ask my Sunday School teachers and youth leaders the same question. The answer that i got was : bad things happen because of people's sin; quoting Job's case and saying that it's a trial or test, and that at the end of the day Job was blessed.
Yet in real life when things do happen, all these spoon-fed answer just didn't fit into the picture.
I guess this is where faith plays it's role. *sigh*
I thought I will be able to gain access to the internet freely once I got home, yet to my shock the computer isn't there anymore!!
The truth is, my brother brought it back to UTM, Johor with him.
I can't put the blame on him because he didn't know I'll be going back so soon and the computer was already collecting dust at home.
Anyway, coincidentally I was back just in time to attend the memorial service and funeral of my church member who was among the 7 involved in the helicopter incident.
I was hearing lots of rumor concerning the incident saying that the jungle is 'dirty' , 'creepy' and all the sorts, that's why the rescue team couldn't find the copter though it was just 5 minutes flying distance from the rescue teams' headquarter.
I don't really believe what was said, but I haven come up with my own theory yet. Maybe we'll never know the actual reason.
One main thing mentioned by the preachers during the memorial service was the question: "Why bad things happen to good people?"
The answer given was: "We may never be able to come up with a good answer to the question while we're still on earth."
It reminds me of the time when I used to ask my Sunday School teachers and youth leaders the same question. The answer that i got was : bad things happen because of people's sin; quoting Job's case and saying that it's a trial or test, and that at the end of the day Job was blessed.
Yet in real life when things do happen, all these spoon-fed answer just didn't fit into the picture.
I guess this is where faith plays it's role. *sigh*
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Going back home
Went to support our INTEC badminton team in the inter-faculty competition last night. I never knew there's so much fun being on the spot to cheer for a team during a competition.
At least now I have a slight idea why so many people are crazy about going to the stadium and watch football matches.
Although our team didn't win, they put up a good fight. And the most amazing thing was that some of them didn't know each other very well though they were playing doubles in a team.
As many of my coursemate went to do their passport this morning, there wasn't any classroom lesson. However, Q1 SonSengNim gave another of his speech to us, talking about his experiences when he first came to Malaysia in 1991; telling us that foreign tourist have to pay more when they go to KL Tower, and when he sent a letter to the Tourism board concerning the matter the reply he got was "Because this is Malaysia"; motivating and persuading us to go to the top universities in Korea and informing us that getting a 'D' in those universities is considered quite good......
I'll be going back home tomorrow. Quite excited actually.
After all, this return is quite unexpected because my initial plan was to go back once only before I fly off to Korea. Now it seems that I'll be going back home twice.
At least now I have a slight idea why so many people are crazy about going to the stadium and watch football matches.
Although our team didn't win, they put up a good fight. And the most amazing thing was that some of them didn't know each other very well though they were playing doubles in a team.
As many of my coursemate went to do their passport this morning, there wasn't any classroom lesson. However, Q1 SonSengNim gave another of his speech to us, talking about his experiences when he first came to Malaysia in 1991; telling us that foreign tourist have to pay more when they go to KL Tower, and when he sent a letter to the Tourism board concerning the matter the reply he got was "Because this is Malaysia"; motivating and persuading us to go to the top universities in Korea and informing us that getting a 'D' in those universities is considered quite good......
I'll be going back home tomorrow. Quite excited actually.
After all, this return is quite unexpected because my initial plan was to go back once only before I fly off to Korea. Now it seems that I'll be going back home twice.
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Devotion
On Sunday night when I was in Max's room, we somehow decided to wake up at 6.00am every morning to do our devotion.
I was sleeping in their room that night and I managed to wake up on time yesterday, though I slept less than 5 hours.
But yesterday I had a good rest in the afternoon and slept early at night yet I couldn't wake up in time this morning!!! I can't even remember when did I turned off the alarm on my phone!
I 'm really unsatisfied with myself. I'm out here far from my home, and everyday I rely on God's help to pull me through. Yet I've not been spending as much time in my devotion as I used to. Hopefully this is not the beginning of my fall : (
During the cell group last Friday, they was this speaker who said something about passion. We use the word "passion" ever so often yet do we really know what it means? We hear people saying they're passionate about this and that, yet do they really know what they're saying?
According to the speaker, referring to "The Passion of the Christ", the word 'passion' here actually means 'suffering'.
So, how many of us are actually willing to suffer for something?
What the speaker said really struck me on the head. I'm passionate about God, yet am I not even willing to wake up early to spend time with Him?
So, I'll try to do better in the future, maybe I'll join (at least once) the early morning prayer meeting in Korea :)
I was sleeping in their room that night and I managed to wake up on time yesterday, though I slept less than 5 hours.
But yesterday I had a good rest in the afternoon and slept early at night yet I couldn't wake up in time this morning!!! I can't even remember when did I turned off the alarm on my phone!
I 'm really unsatisfied with myself. I'm out here far from my home, and everyday I rely on God's help to pull me through. Yet I've not been spending as much time in my devotion as I used to. Hopefully this is not the beginning of my fall : (
During the cell group last Friday, they was this speaker who said something about passion. We use the word "passion" ever so often yet do we really know what it means? We hear people saying they're passionate about this and that, yet do they really know what they're saying?
According to the speaker, referring to "The Passion of the Christ", the word 'passion' here actually means 'suffering'.
So, how many of us are actually willing to suffer for something?
What the speaker said really struck me on the head. I'm passionate about God, yet am I not even willing to wake up early to spend time with Him?
So, I'll try to do better in the future, maybe I'll join (at least once) the early morning prayer meeting in Korea :)
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Hostel?
We watched "Classic" , another Korean movie this afternoon. Still, we wouldn't be able to understand the story without the sub-title. I wonder how long would it take before we can watch a Korean movie without sub-titles.
2 of our seniors came back from Korea and we had some time to satisfy more of our curiosity about life as a foreign student in Korea. It seems that our seniors had quite a good time over there.
Learning a new language and culture is fun, if I don't need to depend on it to survive. But still, I think I'll manage to pull through, with God's help of course.
I'm planning to stay in the hostel during my first year in Korea, a thing which none of our seniors did before (not that they didn't want, but they didn't have no choice). Our seniors only moved into hostel after completing their one and a half years' language course.
Thus, we do not have any info concerning life in Seoul National University's hostel as a freshman.
My reason for staying in the hostel is: firstly, I'll meet more people from other countries and I'll have more time to socialize with them.
Secondly, it'll be more convenient to join activities held in the university, since the distance between the hostel and university is nearer.
Lastly, I have the intention of going to Seoul National University to pursue my degree. I want to see how's the life, attitude and character of the students studying in the university first-hand.
However, I'll talk this out with Jang SonSengNim before I make my decision.
2 of our seniors came back from Korea and we had some time to satisfy more of our curiosity about life as a foreign student in Korea. It seems that our seniors had quite a good time over there.
Learning a new language and culture is fun, if I don't need to depend on it to survive. But still, I think I'll manage to pull through, with God's help of course.
I'm planning to stay in the hostel during my first year in Korea, a thing which none of our seniors did before (not that they didn't want, but they didn't have no choice). Our seniors only moved into hostel after completing their one and a half years' language course.
Thus, we do not have any info concerning life in Seoul National University's hostel as a freshman.
My reason for staying in the hostel is: firstly, I'll meet more people from other countries and I'll have more time to socialize with them.
Secondly, it'll be more convenient to join activities held in the university, since the distance between the hostel and university is nearer.
Lastly, I have the intention of going to Seoul National University to pursue my degree. I want to see how's the life, attitude and character of the students studying in the university first-hand.
However, I'll talk this out with Jang SonSengNim before I make my decision.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Cuti-cuti Malaysia.....?
Imagine visiting Melaka without seeing A Farmosa, is that called visiting Melaka at all?
Well, that was my experience last Saturday when I went to Melaka. However, I did manage to ride on a horse and an elephant ( you can't imagine how much it hurts), watch birds doing magic show, elephants playing music instrument...
More of my trip to Melaka here.
The thing I want to highlight here is that although the government has been asking people to travel in Malaysia, it seems that there are still many things the government needs to improve on to ensure that tourist, either local or foreign will enjoy their trip.
I went to Melaka, and being unfamiliar with the place, I went to the information counter at the Melaka Sentral bus station and asked for some brochures on tourist spots in Melaka.
To my 'amazement', the only thing they could provide me with was this small-photocopied-hardly visible-town map of Melaka. And THEY expect me to be able to travel around with just that?!
If the government really wants to promote tourism, the least thing they could do is to provide brochures at all major inter-state bus terminal!
What's more!
When I was taking the bus for a tour around the city, there was a foreign traveler going up the bus as well. She was holding some documents in her hand and showing it to the bus driver, asking him politely whether the bus will be going to that place.
To my disappointment, the bus driver didn't appear to be paying attention to her. He just shouted, "Naik saja cepat!"
I was so ashamed of my fellow Malaysian that I wished there was a hole for me to hide.
All these while we've been reading about articles saying Malaysians are kind and helpful. I really wonder how many of the articles are actually true.
I always thought that people from smaller town and city will be more friendly, because they don't face so much stress in life. It seems that I've made a wrong judgment.
It's kind of sad that with the advancement of science and technology, people seems to be getting colder towards one another. They've lost their patience along the path so called civilization.
Well, that was my experience last Saturday when I went to Melaka. However, I did manage to ride on a horse and an elephant ( you can't imagine how much it hurts), watch birds doing magic show, elephants playing music instrument...
More of my trip to Melaka here.
The thing I want to highlight here is that although the government has been asking people to travel in Malaysia, it seems that there are still many things the government needs to improve on to ensure that tourist, either local or foreign will enjoy their trip.
I went to Melaka, and being unfamiliar with the place, I went to the information counter at the Melaka Sentral bus station and asked for some brochures on tourist spots in Melaka.
To my 'amazement', the only thing they could provide me with was this small-photocopied-hardly visible-town map of Melaka. And THEY expect me to be able to travel around with just that?!
If the government really wants to promote tourism, the least thing they could do is to provide brochures at all major inter-state bus terminal!
What's more!
When I was taking the bus for a tour around the city, there was a foreign traveler going up the bus as well. She was holding some documents in her hand and showing it to the bus driver, asking him politely whether the bus will be going to that place.
To my disappointment, the bus driver didn't appear to be paying attention to her. He just shouted, "Naik saja cepat!"
I was so ashamed of my fellow Malaysian that I wished there was a hole for me to hide.
All these while we've been reading about articles saying Malaysians are kind and helpful. I really wonder how many of the articles are actually true.
I always thought that people from smaller town and city will be more friendly, because they don't face so much stress in life. It seems that I've made a wrong judgment.
It's kind of sad that with the advancement of science and technology, people seems to be getting colder towards one another. They've lost their patience along the path so called civilization.
Friday, July 16, 2004
Birthday PARTY....
We had a birthday party in the lecture hall just now for those who's birthday is in the month of July. The party came as a surprise for all of us, because none of us knew about it. Our lecturers were the ones who planed it.
The party reminds me of all the Birthday Bash I had in my youth group back home. However, during the Birthday Bash we had fun and everyone would be laughing and enjoying themselves.
Yet I could sense that a lot of us had a sad feeling during the party this afternoon.
Maybe it's because of Q1's story: when he came to study in Malaysia, he had to celebrate his birthday alone. None of his friends in Korea remembered his birthday.
I guess it'll be the first time for most of us to celebrate our birthday without our families :(
Tried my hand on tennis. It's actually quite fun.
I figure that since I have to learn a language from the beginning and rely on it to survive, i might as well learn a few more stuff, right from the beginning.
The party reminds me of all the Birthday Bash I had in my youth group back home. However, during the Birthday Bash we had fun and everyone would be laughing and enjoying themselves.
Yet I could sense that a lot of us had a sad feeling during the party this afternoon.
Maybe it's because of Q1's story: when he came to study in Malaysia, he had to celebrate his birthday alone. None of his friends in Korea remembered his birthday.
I guess it'll be the first time for most of us to celebrate our birthday without our families :(
Tried my hand on tennis. It's actually quite fun.
I figure that since I have to learn a language from the beginning and rely on it to survive, i might as well learn a few more stuff, right from the beginning.
Sunday, July 11, 2004
....interesting experience....
On Friday, I took the City Liner bus wanting to go down to Asia Jaya and take the LRT to Taman Bahagia. When I told the bus driver that I wanted to go to Asia Jaya, he said that he needs to refill the petrol and so won't be passing through Asia Jaya. However, he said I could follow him down to Section 15 because there will be more buses there. So, I went on the bus and sat behind the driver's seat, so that he can tell me where to get down. However, the bus driver never said a thing and so I sat there like a dummy, knowing that something is really wrong yet don't know what to do. So, I was looking out the window all the time trying to figure where I am. Then suddenly, I saw a LRT train passing by. Trusting that there must be a LRT station near by, I got off the bus at the nearest stop and followed the trail of the LRT railway to its station, only to find that I landed myself in Pasar Seni. So, realizing that I must be somewhere near the centre of the city, I decided to go sightseeing. To my delight, I found out that Petaling Street was just around the corner. So although I got myself lost, it was quite rewarding at the end, as I got myself more familiar with the surrounding area.
I asked Wei Chun and Yi Loon to go out on Saturday. Sadly, Yi Loon said he wasn't feeling well and didn't want to go.
We went to KLCC and had our lunch there. One thing I learned there is that a plate of rice with a piece of fried chicken, some veg and a cup of soya bean can cost up to RM 8+ ( Luckily I wasn't the one who bought it :P ).
As we had absolutely nothing to buy, we wanted to take a tour to the bridge. Unfortunately, the tickets for that day had finish.
After that, we wanted to go to Mid Valley Mega Mall. When I was coming to KLCC from Taman Bahagia, I noticed that the nearest LRT station from Mega Mall is at Abdullah Hukum.
So, we took the LRT there and came out of the station looking for the Putra Line buses. As we could find none, I asked a Malay girl in school uniform how do I go to Mega Mall.
She told us that we should take the LRT back to Bangsar and wait for buses there.
As we didn't want to take another trip on the LRT, we decided to take a cab. Yet, all the cabs passed by without stopping. We were not able to walk to Mega Mall as it was raining quite heavily.
Finally, the girl from whom I asked direction came and asked us whether we want to "tumpang" or not, and we accepted the offer.
When I reached Mega Mall, I messaged Wai Peng asking him how do I get back to SS2. He told me I could take bus 99 back.
At Mega Mall, we met Shyr Jinn ( my secondary school classmate) and his mom and brother.
At 3.30pm I decided to go back. So, I came out through South Court (I saw that there is a bus stop there when I came) and saw a Metro bus 99 and on it was written " Mega Mall-SS2" , so I hop onto it. The bus driver didn't ask where I was going but just asked me to pay RM1.20.
On the bus I suddenly remembered it was someone's birthday that day. So I was trying to find out who's birthday it was, and I got to know that it was Chun Yang's birthday.
Suddenly I realized that the surrounding area seems very familiar. When I look out the window, I saw that Petaling Street was just outside the bus!!
And so I landed myself in Pasar Seni by mistake twice in 2 days time :~(
Again, it was a good experience, getting myself familiar with places and to remind myself always ask the bus driver which direction it's going....
I asked Wei Chun and Yi Loon to go out on Saturday. Sadly, Yi Loon said he wasn't feeling well and didn't want to go.
We went to KLCC and had our lunch there. One thing I learned there is that a plate of rice with a piece of fried chicken, some veg and a cup of soya bean can cost up to RM 8+ ( Luckily I wasn't the one who bought it :P ).
As we had absolutely nothing to buy, we wanted to take a tour to the bridge. Unfortunately, the tickets for that day had finish.
After that, we wanted to go to Mid Valley Mega Mall. When I was coming to KLCC from Taman Bahagia, I noticed that the nearest LRT station from Mega Mall is at Abdullah Hukum.
So, we took the LRT there and came out of the station looking for the Putra Line buses. As we could find none, I asked a Malay girl in school uniform how do I go to Mega Mall.
She told us that we should take the LRT back to Bangsar and wait for buses there.
As we didn't want to take another trip on the LRT, we decided to take a cab. Yet, all the cabs passed by without stopping. We were not able to walk to Mega Mall as it was raining quite heavily.
Finally, the girl from whom I asked direction came and asked us whether we want to "tumpang" or not, and we accepted the offer.
When I reached Mega Mall, I messaged Wai Peng asking him how do I get back to SS2. He told me I could take bus 99 back.
At Mega Mall, we met Shyr Jinn ( my secondary school classmate) and his mom and brother.
At 3.30pm I decided to go back. So, I came out through South Court (I saw that there is a bus stop there when I came) and saw a Metro bus 99 and on it was written " Mega Mall-SS2" , so I hop onto it. The bus driver didn't ask where I was going but just asked me to pay RM1.20.
On the bus I suddenly remembered it was someone's birthday that day. So I was trying to find out who's birthday it was, and I got to know that it was Chun Yang's birthday.
Suddenly I realized that the surrounding area seems very familiar. When I look out the window, I saw that Petaling Street was just outside the bus!!
And so I landed myself in Pasar Seni by mistake twice in 2 days time :~(
Again, it was a good experience, getting myself familiar with places and to remind myself always ask the bus driver which direction it's going....
Thursday, July 08, 2004
nOstAlgIA
Starting to have more homework these few days from our Maths lecturer. This means that I'll need to put more time into my studies than what I had planned.
Well, looking at the bright side, this will stop me from going to the cyber cafe so often and wasting my money there : )
Our Korean lecturers showed us a movie just now, and of course it's in Korean (but we do have the subtitle or else we won't understand the whole story).
I dont know, may be it's because I'm getting old, I seem to be quite nostalgic lately.
I tend to think about how it would be like 6 or 7 years down the road. There will be many people that I might not meet again.
People whom we were closed with might not be close to us anymore.
Relationships will change. Most of us might not be who we used to be. Everything will change, for the better or for the worse...
Well, I know it's pointless thinking of all this, but I just can help it. Anyway, I might be too busy to think about all these next time, so I should think of it while I still have the opportunity, right? :p
Well, looking at the bright side, this will stop me from going to the cyber cafe so often and wasting my money there : )
Our Korean lecturers showed us a movie just now, and of course it's in Korean (but we do have the subtitle or else we won't understand the whole story).
I dont know, may be it's because I'm getting old, I seem to be quite nostalgic lately.
I tend to think about how it would be like 6 or 7 years down the road. There will be many people that I might not meet again.
People whom we were closed with might not be close to us anymore.
Relationships will change. Most of us might not be who we used to be. Everything will change, for the better or for the worse...
Well, I know it's pointless thinking of all this, but I just can help it. Anyway, I might be too busy to think about all these next time, so I should think of it while I still have the opportunity, right? :p
Monday, July 05, 2004
new ETHICS assignment
Today we have a new Ethics teacher. She seems to be better than the previous one, she can talk, make some jokes and keep the class a little a live. But at the same time, she's also more demanding.
When we first heard that we'll have a new teacher, some of my classmates conspired and agreed that if the teacher ask whether we have any assignment, they would all say 'No'.
And that's exactly what they DID. So, the teacher gave us new assignments(actually the same one that our previous teacher gave, just that different groups are doing it now).
So my group (me, Vincent and A Jay) was given the topic: "Comparing Religions,their Beliefs and Practices".
When we first heard that we'll have a new teacher, some of my classmates conspired and agreed that if the teacher ask whether we have any assignment, they would all say 'No'.
And that's exactly what they DID. So, the teacher gave us new assignments(actually the same one that our previous teacher gave, just that different groups are doing it now).
So my group (me, Vincent and A Jay) was given the topic: "Comparing Religions,their Beliefs and Practices".
Sunday, July 04, 2004
6th weekend in S'gor
Went to IKEA last night to get some ideas on bedroom decorations. It might come in useful when I'm settling down in Korea.
Was talking with Wai Nyan this afternoon concerning pirated stuff. It seems that if I were to talk any longer with him on this topic, he might just be able to convince me not to use pirated goods.
I never gave so much thoughts about pirated things before this. It just seem ok to use them. Well, maybe when I'm financially secure I'll go against piracy. But not at the moment.
Seems strange that many people are studying the book of Ecclesiastes. First was during last year's church camp, now SIB KL, then this afternoon Wai Nyan told me his cf(if I'm not mistaken) is doing(or is it did) the same book as well.
It's true that sometimes life just seem so meaningless......at the end of the day all things lead to the grave.......why then do we study so much,why watch movie,why why why??.......ther's war going on, people are dying.....yet I'm here writting my blog....
Maybe we'll know the meaning of life when we see it from above the sun, but currently I'm not able to do so, yet.
So, all I can do is trust in HIM to lead me....
Was talking to my friends just now. Seems that I have a lot to catch up in my studies. I've not been working so hard since the orientation.
Will try to come up with a timetable so that my time can be more organized. Better get the stone rolling and catch up on momentum....
Was talking with Wai Nyan this afternoon concerning pirated stuff. It seems that if I were to talk any longer with him on this topic, he might just be able to convince me not to use pirated goods.
I never gave so much thoughts about pirated things before this. It just seem ok to use them. Well, maybe when I'm financially secure I'll go against piracy. But not at the moment.
Seems strange that many people are studying the book of Ecclesiastes. First was during last year's church camp, now SIB KL, then this afternoon Wai Nyan told me his cf(if I'm not mistaken) is doing(or is it did) the same book as well.
It's true that sometimes life just seem so meaningless......at the end of the day all things lead to the grave.......why then do we study so much,why watch movie,why why why??.......ther's war going on, people are dying.....yet I'm here writting my blog....
Maybe we'll know the meaning of life when we see it from above the sun, but currently I'm not able to do so, yet.
So, all I can do is trust in HIM to lead me....
Was talking to my friends just now. Seems that I have a lot to catch up in my studies. I've not been working so hard since the orientation.
Will try to come up with a timetable so that my time can be more organized. Better get the stone rolling and catch up on momentum....
Saturday, July 03, 2004
meanings...
Was chatting with Johnathan on Wednesday night about friendship best friends.
I was asking him did he ever thought of what does the term 'best friend' means according to his own definition, and, like what I've guessed, he never actually thought about it.
It just seem strange to me that we can know a word and use it so often yet we never really think about the true meaning of the word, or in other words, what does the word really mean to us.
And so that night we kind of discuss about each other's opinion, what does friends and best friend mean to us personally.
According to his opinion, my best friend would most probably be my wife. It's actually something for me to ponder about...
The thing is, I get along with girls quite well and girls are nice to talk with and be with. But there are just things that I won't talk to girls about...
So is it the same that there are just something a husband wouldn't tell a wife?
Last night I went to dinner with Kai Liing at Ameerali. We planned to go to cf together after dinner, and we even brought our bible along as well.
But as we were coming back from the coffee shop, he suddenly told me it might be the last time he'll be going, because he feel it's not nice going to two churches at once, although this is just a ca (campus alive) meeting.
And before we reach the van, he suddenly said to me :"I thinks I won't go today lar."
With that he went back to the hostel.
It actually gave me a shock because I never encountered such a situation before. And it made me think as well, what's MY purpose of going to cf...
Sometimes I just feel that it's a obligation to go. And if I don't go, I don't feel right with God.
May be it's because I've not been spending enough quite times with God, so going to cf is a way I can make up for it...
But it can be that it' the only place where I can worship God and sing praises to him freely...
I'm not sure which is the real reason...maybe it's the combination of the two...
Today is my first time coming to Wai Peng's house in ss2 from Shah Alam by bus and lrt.
Well, it's sort of achievement to me, and I feel quite proud of myself that I can go about alone.
It gives me the feeling of independence : )
Still haven't memorize my Korean song yet...:~(. It seems to take a long time just to memorize a line.
Hopefully I can memorize it by Sunday afternoon...
I was asking him did he ever thought of what does the term 'best friend' means according to his own definition, and, like what I've guessed, he never actually thought about it.
It just seem strange to me that we can know a word and use it so often yet we never really think about the true meaning of the word, or in other words, what does the word really mean to us.
And so that night we kind of discuss about each other's opinion, what does friends and best friend mean to us personally.
According to his opinion, my best friend would most probably be my wife. It's actually something for me to ponder about...
The thing is, I get along with girls quite well and girls are nice to talk with and be with. But there are just things that I won't talk to girls about...
So is it the same that there are just something a husband wouldn't tell a wife?
Last night I went to dinner with Kai Liing at Ameerali. We planned to go to cf together after dinner, and we even brought our bible along as well.
But as we were coming back from the coffee shop, he suddenly told me it might be the last time he'll be going, because he feel it's not nice going to two churches at once, although this is just a ca (campus alive) meeting.
And before we reach the van, he suddenly said to me :"I thinks I won't go today lar."
With that he went back to the hostel.
It actually gave me a shock because I never encountered such a situation before. And it made me think as well, what's MY purpose of going to cf...
Sometimes I just feel that it's a obligation to go. And if I don't go, I don't feel right with God.
May be it's because I've not been spending enough quite times with God, so going to cf is a way I can make up for it...
But it can be that it' the only place where I can worship God and sing praises to him freely...
I'm not sure which is the real reason...maybe it's the combination of the two...
Today is my first time coming to Wai Peng's house in ss2 from Shah Alam by bus and lrt.
Well, it's sort of achievement to me, and I feel quite proud of myself that I can go about alone.
It gives me the feeling of independence : )
Still haven't memorize my Korean song yet...:~(. It seems to take a long time just to memorize a line.
Hopefully I can memorize it by Sunday afternoon...
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Lat
We were suppose to have Maths class this afternoon,but due to the Minggu Kualiti INTEC, our lecturer was busy, so she only drop in for a few minutes. So, again we have the whole afternoon free.
Was in the library just now doing the homework that I didn't touch for a week.
And it so happened that I came across 4 Lat's comic, so I borrowed all of it back. I never thought that a library would have collection of Lat's comic. Hopefully I won't be too indulge in it till I neglect all my homework.
Was trying to memorize the song that Q1 SonSengNim gave us yesterday, but it just didn't seem to sink into my mind. I better find a way to memorize it by next Tuesday or else I might be in deep trouble : (
Wanted to use the computer in the lab, but surprisingly the internet was not working in the campus. So had to come to a cyber cafe...not sure how long I can keep up with this
If JPA doesn't give us our allowance within the next 3 weeks I'll probably starve to death :(
Was in the library just now doing the homework that I didn't touch for a week.
And it so happened that I came across 4 Lat's comic, so I borrowed all of it back. I never thought that a library would have collection of Lat's comic. Hopefully I won't be too indulge in it till I neglect all my homework.
Was trying to memorize the song that Q1 SonSengNim gave us yesterday, but it just didn't seem to sink into my mind. I better find a way to memorize it by next Tuesday or else I might be in deep trouble : (
Wanted to use the computer in the lab, but surprisingly the internet was not working in the campus. So had to come to a cyber cafe...not sure how long I can keep up with this
If JPA doesn't give us our allowance within the next 3 weeks I'll probably starve to death :(
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Physic Class
Today we started our first physics class. As with every first class, we were asked by the teacher to introduce ourselves. Frankly, I don't see the point of having Maths and Physics class during the 3 months that we're here. It's not like we have time to go into the details and even if we do have the time it might not help much since everything will be in Korean next time.
The only reason that I could think of is that they want us to use our right brain as well instead of just our left brain. Maybe they want us to have a more busy life than we already have.
But, actually I like a busy life. I fell the meaning of life only when I'm up and about doing something. Life seem so meaningless when we sit back and do nothing.
So it seems that I SHOULD find a good hobby when I'm in Korea so that I don't waste my life there.
Following Toh Hui's advice, I'm starting to go to room 510 more often ever since the misunderstanding with Poh. It seems that I can get along with them quite well :)
Maybe I'm having the wrong concept that the grass on the other side of the river is greener, but sometimes I just feel that the people in the other programs are friendlier. Maybe I'm not spending enough time with the people in my own programs...
Just got the news that Jian Wei got the offer to go into ATU.
It seem strange to me that I didn't think of appealing ever since I receive the offer. Maybe I was very certain that this is God's plan for me.
I do hope I'm not making a grave mistake...
Asked Hock Siang to go to wai Peng's house this weekend, but he just didn't want to.
Well, maybe it's my nature not to feel ashame or guilty going to people's house and causing inconvenience for them :)
With so much homework in my hand and no companion, it seems that my plan of going to Malacca has to be postponed :(
The only reason that I could think of is that they want us to use our right brain as well instead of just our left brain. Maybe they want us to have a more busy life than we already have.
But, actually I like a busy life. I fell the meaning of life only when I'm up and about doing something. Life seem so meaningless when we sit back and do nothing.
So it seems that I SHOULD find a good hobby when I'm in Korea so that I don't waste my life there.
Following Toh Hui's advice, I'm starting to go to room 510 more often ever since the misunderstanding with Poh. It seems that I can get along with them quite well :)
Maybe I'm having the wrong concept that the grass on the other side of the river is greener, but sometimes I just feel that the people in the other programs are friendlier. Maybe I'm not spending enough time with the people in my own programs...
Just got the news that Jian Wei got the offer to go into ATU.
It seem strange to me that I didn't think of appealing ever since I receive the offer. Maybe I was very certain that this is God's plan for me.
I do hope I'm not making a grave mistake...
Asked Hock Siang to go to wai Peng's house this weekend, but he just didn't want to.
Well, maybe it's my nature not to feel ashame or guilty going to people's house and causing inconvenience for them :)
With so much homework in my hand and no companion, it seems that my plan of going to Malacca has to be postponed :(
Monday, June 28, 2004
Blog
Finally!!
My own blog!!
Actually I had the intention of creating a blog since few years back.
However, I just did not manage to make myself sit in front of the com and write.
But now I fell that it's a good idea to create one cause I want to be in touch with all my friends whom I miss and it's a way I can update them on what's happening to me.
I just finished my ethics class and I'm VERY glad that it ended an hour earlier. Not that I don't like the teacher or anything, but time just seem to FREEZE everytime there's an ethics class.
This is also my first time using the computer in the computer lab. Well, it's actually not as bad as what I heard, although there's a strange smell emitting from the air-con.
Was going aroud asking some of my friends whether they want to go to Malacca this weekend, but most of them doesn't seem interested with the idea except for Jie Ying.
It seems that I may have to go alone this weekend(if I can find a place to stay and there's not much homework) or go another time when it's more appropriate.
My own blog!!
Actually I had the intention of creating a blog since few years back.
However, I just did not manage to make myself sit in front of the com and write.
But now I fell that it's a good idea to create one cause I want to be in touch with all my friends whom I miss and it's a way I can update them on what's happening to me.
I just finished my ethics class and I'm VERY glad that it ended an hour earlier. Not that I don't like the teacher or anything, but time just seem to FREEZE everytime there's an ethics class.
This is also my first time using the computer in the computer lab. Well, it's actually not as bad as what I heard, although there's a strange smell emitting from the air-con.
Was going aroud asking some of my friends whether they want to go to Malacca this weekend, but most of them doesn't seem interested with the idea except for Jie Ying.
It seems that I may have to go alone this weekend(if I can find a place to stay and there's not much homework) or go another time when it's more appropriate.
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