The End of an Era

As I stand at my window peering at the world beyond me, I have always wondered if the life I envision for myself would ever come to fruition. Ironically, what I envision changes all the time, and even at this very moment, it is in a state of flux.

From an early age, I came upon the conclusion that my life like most others is merely an ordinary one. An ordinary person in an ordinary environment doing ordinary things. I am neither a great visionary nor a prodigy.

However, even within this capsule of an ordinary world which I exist, I have been blessed with much that many do not have. Raised by loving parents, supported by concerned relatives and inspired by friend and tutors alike, I am much in debt to those aforementioned.

Freed from the rigors of a menial life and provided with the opportunity to choose, I have been able to expand my horizons, perhaps, a little further beyond my window. However, the journey outward has not been uneventful, but in each slope and rise, I think I may have learnt a valuable lesson.

Now, as I begin another chapter of my journey, it is difficult for me to forsee the outcome, but alas it has to be done. As is commonly said, man fears what he doesn't know, and I do not know what lies in road ahead.

It is the end of an era, but most certainly the beginning of another.

Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him.

- Dwight D. Eisenhower

Kelantan - The Trip to Bedal Villa

Welcome to Bedal Villa, Kampung Bedal, Kuala Krai, Kelantan Darul Naim. Home to Hok Lai, our gracious host/chauffer/translator(bahasa Kelate)/guide.

Tobacco grown here. Why buy ciggies, when you can roll your own.

Now, Kelantan is famous for its Thai Wats. Some of them are even grander than those in Penang. Culture shock for those uninitiated. Religious tolerance not usually seen in the West Coast. Located all over from Pasir Mas to Bachok.



This be the kites at Pantai Cahaya Bulan.

And not forgetting to mention batik making.

The awesomely huge wet market at Kota Bharu.




Kelantan wouldn't be complete without this...

And lastly, Bedal Villa's lil guardian. (only 'bout a month old... woof)

So this is actually what Butterflies Eat...

Dunno 'bout you, but it looks like apeshiat to me.


Ugh. :p

Green Hill

My 3rd trip to Hutan Lipur Bukit Hijau, this time just for a walk. Twas Sunday and many a kid were frolicking in the cool waters of the waterfall.

*Andy I need my tripod back :'(

The Cat From Key's

Nyan nyan :3

Laksamana Trail - It Has To Be Done

I have never hiked a trail so long, so far, so intense. But then again I'm not a full time hiker either.


I mean what was I thinking? This trail is most definitely not meant for newbies. Got me into a lot of pain along the way.

But hey at least I made it.

Penang's National Park

Twas a fine Thursday morning and a bunch of us went a wandering into the Penang National Park where I saw...

Fisherman and his boat.


Typical Malaysian fishing boat, the smaller coastal kind.


The Gordian knot?

The Jetty.


Cool looking "dude" on a riding on the jetty.


Political party flags being proudly displayed at Kuala Sungai Pinang. Wow.


Mangrove forest crabber at Kuala Sungai Pinang.


Fishermen flooring the pedal.


Junior at Pantai Kerachut's Turtle Conservation Center. Just hatched. Kawaii overload!


Autumn has come! Not. Bridge at the Meromitic Lake.


Rachel's feet and her sandy sandals.


Lighthouse at Muka Head. 43 steps to the top!


Local ladies digging for mussels at Sungai Tukun.


Finally, back to port!


My legs still hurt from the trekking up to the lighthouse. Ouch.

Racing Queen?

Rachel behind the wheels. @_@"

The System Works

What strikes me most about the events that transcended on the 8th of March 2008 wasn't the results, but the process itself.

The ability for the populace to bring down a government and replace it with another was last demonstrated, with chaotic results, in the aftermath of the 1969 elections. However, to my great satisfaction, the shifting of power this time occurred peacefully.

The idea that an ordinary person can change the government in power is alien to much of the Malaysian populace, leading to political apathy. I have many friends and colleagues who are not registered voters and the reasons given for not registering vary from "Was busy, forgot about it." to "Makes no difference."

Makes no difference? I beg to differ.

This episode should serve as a wake up call to all, that selecting the representatives who govern us is a sacred civic duty and that each individual voice makes a difference.

Democracy is thriving in this country. In short, the system works.

Registered Elector, I Am.

Having met the all requirements stipulated in Article 119 of the Constitution of Malaysia, I am an officially registered elector in accordance with the Election Act, 1958.

For the 12th Malaysian General Election, I am an elector for the federal parliamentary constituency of BUKIT GELUGOR and the state assembly constituency of SERI DELIMA in Penang.


This is my first time participating as an elector as I did not meet the age requirement during the last general elections in 2004.

Adieu

Generous, strong-willed and a master of his art.

Those who knew him, even briefly, would agree. Although plagued by many personal demons, he would not hesitate to aid those in need. Never have I seen a person who has suffered so much, be so graceful in conduct. He never expected pity but instead earned respect by his sheer strength of character.

A man of many talents, he was a guiding light for many who were beginning their journey. He effortlessly demonstrated his mastery of art with the simplest of tools. His untimely demise is a great loss to the community.

Sorely missed. We can only seek solace, that in his absence, he would have wanted us to continue his work and to achieve the ideals which he so ardently expounded. His thoughts and deeds will live and grow in the hearts and minds of many for years to come.

He will be fondly remembered for who he was and what he stood for.

Les, I bid you, adieu. Adieu.

Penang Island Jazz Festival 2007

Late post! The annual Penang Island Jazz Festival happened this year on the 1st weekend of December. I attended the Sunday session (2nd December). Entry is MYR 50 and free seating (on the grass that is). As usual it was held in The Bayview Beach Resort gardens.

'Nuff talk, take a look at what happened...








Music worthy of the grandest applause. Unforgettable.

Coffee Anyone?

No? Tea perhaps?

Strangely, whenever I am at Coffee Bean (as opposed to when I'm at Starbucks), I tend not to drink coffee. I'm a sucker for their Ice Blended Sunrise. Yes the 'vanilla + orenji jusu' drink. Don't really know why... *shrugs*

The Chowrasta Street Market Walk