Bhutan Trip Day 21 - 13 July 2015 Phuentsholing - Meeting up with bloggers plus eat, eat and eat :D

August 17, 2015, 2:09 am

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Finally meeting Tshering Chekii and Karma Wangzom in Phuentsholing, Bhutan :)

Finally I met up with Tshering Chekii in person :) We knew each other from blogging and exchanged books all the way from Phuentsholing and Singapore through her friend who went Singapore for training. She brought her school mate, Karma Wangzom, with her that morning to the hotel where I stayed. At first we would like to find momo for lunch. However, after trying to find at few different food stalls, we gave up and decided to have chow mian at Indian stall instead :D

Morning coffee break with Chekii and Wangzom :)

After that we went around the town and visited book store. There, I bought the "Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill"written by Richard Matthieu. My friend, Sithar, recommended me this book. Then we sat at Kizom Cafe for a cup of coffee and chit chat.

Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang - Phuentsholing, Bhutan

We crossed the road and walked to Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang. We walked one round turning the wheel prayers. While doing that, suddenly I remembered that I forgot to bring my book from the Kizom Cafe. We walked back in rush but luckily they kept the book with them and returned it back to me. From that onward, Wangzom started calling me'Miss Happiness' :D Both of them went back to college to prepare their things and so we had to bid farewell. Nice meeting you both, my sweet two ladies :) At least, the 'next time' that I always told you before, had been realized :)

Pizza lunch at Kizom Cafe with Sithar

I went back to hotel and took a rest. In a while Sithar fetched me as we were meeting for lunch. He chose to eat pizza at Kizom Cafe. Hahaha.. It's been my second time visiting this place in a day. But their Bhutanese Pizza - pizza with bacon, local green chili, and mozzarella cheese was really tasting good. We both enjoyed it! We closed our meal with Tiramisu dessert. Fyi, they also sold many varieties of western desserts, quite good standard in Bhutan. '

Regional Revenue and Customs Office - Phuentsholing, Bhutan

After lunch, Sithar dropped me at the above place - Regional Revenue and Customs Office. This place was located not far from the Bhutan gate. I went there to meet another blogger - Kuenzang Thinley- who worked there for some time. We had tea at his office, then cup of coffee at the office's cafeteria. While we were inside his office, many people came and went asking for his 'precious' signatures on various documents. Hehehe... He kept telling me how busy he was at his office in his everyday's life. However, he enjoyed it up to now :D At 5 pm I walked back to the hotel, again to take some rest.

Dinner with Palden and Sithar at Mid Point Hotel - Phuentsholing, Bhutan :)

At 7 pm Sithar picked Palden and I at the hotel's lobby and we went for dinner at Mid Point Restaurant on top of the hill with swimming pool nearby the area. I had my usual favorite Druk 11000, Sithar had his Foster, and Palden had Pepsi :) We ate Indian food again. Nice dinner and chit chatted. We went back to our own place and I had an early rest. Thank you for the dinner la Palden!! And thank you everyone for your time and effort in meeting me la! I enjoyed meeting all of you there, all the way coming from Singapore :)

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Get married - Baru ke Bali

August 21, 2015, 10:45 am

≫ Next: Gili Trawangan Island - Northwest Lombok, Indonesia

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T-shirt from Bali

"Get married - then go to Bali. One day if you have found your soul mate that is ready to get married, tell him/her that one day both of you will have honeymoon in Bali"

You may or may not hear about it. Bali is also known as the island of Gods. It's a very popular travel destination both locally and internationally. Its beauty may bring you feeling like in heaven! That's why the above words created for - that this place is really well-known too as the honeymoon place.

So that was how my deary and I visited this heavenly like place, just both of us, right after we both got married. We stayed at the five star hotel located at Nusa Dua area, the southern part of Bali island, among the rest of other competing five-star hotel on the area.

Colorful Vespa Scooter - Source: Google.com

We chose to rent the cute colorful scooter above instead of the usual convertible jeep or car as it's faster travel using this. So this evening we put on our red helmets and he rode it to Kuta Beach - a very popular beach destination to surf and swim - but for us was to catch sunset.

He rode the scooter safely despite trying to squeeze between the cars in the narrow Bali road. I held his waist firmly while sitting behind him and sometimes our helmets would knock against each other. Although the sun was not yet coming down, the blown wind was cooling one, that we believed it was blown all the way from Australia, that experiencing winter season these days.

Pantai Kuta - Bali

My hair blew scatterly from the gap of my helmet but who cared? I just kept hugging and enjoyed the evening breeze. When reaching, he parked the scooter among the rest of the motorcycles, which mostly branded 'Honda'or'Yamaha'. We locked our helmets safely before we hand-in-hands walked through the sandy road - with big stone signage written firmly - Pantai Kuta ('pantai' means beach).

"Say, (means dear in Indonesian - short form of'sayang') let's buy the grilled corns ok? And coconut too. The sunset is almost coming." told him while walking towards the grilled corn seller.

Grilled corn or jagung bakar (Source: Google.com)

The melted butter smelled deliciously as we walked closer. It was freshly grilled.

"How much, Mbak? (Usually call lady in polite way)" asked my deary.

"Ten thousand, Sir! Want how many? Two ya?" replied her.

"Iya Mbak, two please," my deary took one piece of twenty thousand rupiah note from his Billabong wallet and passed it to me, "Nah, you wait here and collect, OK? I'm going to the stall there to pick a nice and young coconut." 

He then walked to the coconut shop and chose one big green layer skin coconut from the basket that had just been carried down from the small truck just beside the road. It's a very good business selling fresh coconuts over there. He asked the seller to chop the skin, opened it nicely on the top, put the red and blue straws, plus the plastic spoon, and he came towards me. I'd collected the corns as well, so we both walked towards the sandy beach facing the sea, and sat there on the sand.

Hmmm.... the burnt charcoal made some part of the corn blackish in color but it was shiny through the fragrant melted butter. We sat freely and started munching our corns. It was sweet and salty, also crunchy at the same time. I looked at my watch, it's 5.45 pm now. About half an hour time towards the sunset.

He took the corn bites that was stuck on my right cheek with his finger then looked deep into my eyes, "You look beautiful dear," told him while smiling. "Thank you dear!"replied me, smiling back to him too :)

More tourists came to the beach, mostly Australian couple, newly wed local Indonesians, and recently, Chinese usually with their family members.

I sipped the red straw while he sipped the blue straw. The juice was sweet and refreshing! Hhmmmm.... slurp slurp sound was heard when we had almost finished drinking it. It was too young to get the meat so we just left it there.

Sunset at Kuta Beach - Bali

The surrounding sky had slowly turned reddish as the sun had become bigger and roundish like the orange color part of the salted egg ^^

"Oh dear, God's creation was simply amazing!!!" awed me in gratitude. My eyes were stuck with the sun. He sat closer next to mine and his left hand was lengthen to reach my arm. I could feel his gently after-shave soap smell from his chin and macho smell perfume too from his shirt. "OMG!!! It felt like heaven!!!" I said it inside my heart.

The sun was slowly disappeared into the cloud and sea. The red salty egg had finally gone."Dear,"called him. I turned my head towards his and he kissed my forehead softly,"I love you dear! Forever and ever!"whispered him. I kissed his left cheek fast and playfully, "I love you very much too dear! Forever and ever!"Then he held my left arm tighter and I fell under his safe and secure hug!!! Faintly we heard the song from afar...

What's the greatest chapter in your book? 
Are there pages where it hurts to look? 
What's the one regret you can't work through? 
You got it baby, mine would be you
Yeah you got it baby, mine would be you.

Mine would be you
Taillights fading
Daylight breaking
Standing there like a fool
When I should've been running
Yellin' out something
To make you wanna hold on to
The best love ever
Girl, can you tell me
The one thing you'd rather die than lose?
Cause mine would be you
Mine would be you, you...

Gili Trawangan Island - Northwest Lombok, Indonesia

August 23, 2015, 8:05 am

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Adventure Quote :)

The sense of 'adventure'for you and I might be different. For me, adventure might be trying something new and going to new place :)

Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands map (Source: Google.com)

Lombok was just located next to Bali Island, about half an hour flight from Bali. Today it's my first time going to Gili Trawangan Island, a small island located at northwest side of Lombok Island. From Mataram town, it's an hour drive to Jl Raya Senggigi area and we took speedboat (with fast speed) and reached within 10 minutes time.

Our rented speed boat in the middle - Lombok Island

Before visiting this island, I always had an impression that Lombok Island wasn't as crowded as Bali although their beaches were more beautiful and much cleaner than Bali. Also, most tourists would prefer to visit Bali than Lombok. But after reaching Gili Trawangan Island, then I knew where most tourists flocked into in Lombok :)

Test diving - Gili Trawangan, Lombok

Blue Marine Dive Resort - Lombok, Indonesia

Gili Trawangan Island - Lombok, Indonesia

Trawangan Grill Restaurant - Lombok, Indonesia

Snorkeling equipment rental - Gili Trawangan, Lombok

See the above pictures? Those were the view along the side of the island. And it's all catered mostly for foreigners (more non-Asian). Lots of them went there for diving, snorkeling, chilling and relaxing - like sun tanning, doing yoga, reading, massaging, etc. Somehow it felt like I was in Thailand but here the language was familiar for me, only that I didn't feel like at home ^^

Cold beer in such hot afternoon!!! It's a bliss!! ^^

After strolling a long way and return I was quite tired. The sun shone so strong! For SLE person like me, I was supposed to avoid the sunlight, especially the strong afternoon sun. Therefore, I took a rest at the gazebo at Easy Café, ordered a chilled big bottle of Bintang Beer, the local Indonesian beer :)

Cheers!!!! ^^

My family members started going into the sea water with their swimwears. I slowly finished my drink then took my umbrella (awkwardly), walking out to the beach. It was damn hot!!! It was 11 am local time. I saw my sister and her children were enjoying the sea waves. My heart was itchy! I went back and changed my pant. I told my mom that I was going to join them. So, there I went!!!

Snorkeling area at Gili Trawangan - Lombok, Indonesia

Despite hot sun, the sea water became a good reliever. I slowly walked and joined them. There were many corals under the water. That's why we had to walk very slowly. Soon, I played with the waves with them!!! ^^ It felt damn great ya! It'd really been a while since the last time I swam inside the sea. I almost forgot the taste of it until I licked my lips :P

I wasn't really good at swimming so we kept ourselves in safe depth. Many people were using their snorkeling equipment and goggle to see underneath the water at certain depth. We slowly walked into the deeper area. The water was getting cold the deeper we went. Borrowing my niece's goggle, I too looked underneath the water and saw the corals and the fishes swimming around the corals.

More waves :)

OMG!!! It was my first time experiencing that lah! I was so happy as usually I could only imagine that or watch it on TV! ^^ Also, we were very lucky as there was tide. Usually people had to swim much further if they wanted to see that. I couldn't stop being grateful looking that nature life under the water :)

We were actually wanting to stay longer but my father had already called me as he was worrying about my health as it was mid afternoon :)

My happy and content face after swimming ^^

So, that was my adventure for today! And I was very happy la! Thank you SB for giving us this chance to see underwater world naturally in this place! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I was loving it! :)

Family

August 27, 2015, 7:18 pm

≫ Next: September to the fullest :)

≪ Previous: Gili Trawangan Island - Northwest Lombok, Indonesia

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Family (Source: Google.com)

Since young, when people knew that I was born the youngest in the family, they always told me you must be spoiled a lot! And I would respond immediately and tell them that they were wrong! Because when I was that age, my parents and the rest of the siblings were busy with their own lives. When I reached teenager myself, I became the one who was busy with my own activity.

I left my country after finishing high school. I had to depend more on others since then. Then I got married not long after I graduated. So again, I had to live separately from all of them and built my own family.

But I wouldn't deny that although we grew up and lived separately, I could feel their loves even from a far. Sometimes we would visit to each other's country for a visit and holiday. There, I was really pampered!!!

They would ask me what I would love to eat, where I wanted to go, they would pay for my shopping, they would bring some gifts from their home, they would give their precious time and accompany me wherever I would love to go, etc.

Sometimes I even wondered if I had treated them equally nice whenever they came to the country where I stayed. And being the youngest, they always refused to accept my money. They would feel their responsibility as elders and gave me a treat :D

It also applied to my hubby and son. Since my dear baobei was born, I seldom bought him any clothes. Most of it was brought by my parents, siblings, and in-laws. Whenever they traveled, they would buy gift to both of them too. It's their love, thought and sincerity that touched me. They wanted to make sure that we were all happy :)

I'm blessed!!!

I have to say that I'm proud being part of this family. I'm proud with the way how our parents taught us with life's values, what were the important things to take a note between sibling's relationship, such as: sharing, helping each other, praying to each other's health, well being and happiness, supporting mentally by being an ear to listen their woes,  lighten up their burdens in mind, and many more.

We were all born with unique personality and each of us had very different characters and personalities. None of us were perfect! We sometimes fought, quarrelled too, again, due to our nature and differences. But we were back to normal very soon. We didn't hold grudges. Sometimes we even laughed at it whenever reminded of some funny fights, like pulling hair, biting hands, etc. Haha...

Now that we have all grown up, we enter into another stage of life. We become more cautious about our health. My mom and both sisters have just complained to me about their forgetfulness (fyi, I was the listener among them and they often shared their things with me). Three of them experienced the same and it made me wonder if I'd inherit the same gene as well :D

My parents often complained the way my both elder sis took their drink. E.g. they both liked to drink iced beverage, be it iced coffee, soft drink with ice, iced water, etc. Tired listening to the complain and being conscious about my own health, I decided to avoid drinking that unless once in a while when there was no choice and when I felt having it, but not regularly like them.

We are family :)

That's also why I always see how they do and decide what's right for me and keep learning from them each and everyday ^^ Hope we will keep this way though, together facing life in positive way and live with harmony :) Thank you everyone for being kind and good for me and my families! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! Wish all of you are blessed with good health and stay happy always! Take care! Muachh... :)

September to the fullest :)

September 1, 2015, 9:38 am

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Hello September! ^^

It's been 2.5 months since the last time I quit my job. That too, the period of time that I've taken in order to treat myself with a very long break after 6 years continuously working :)

Love yourself and follow your dreams :)

As we all know, we all live temporary life in this world that one day, it will end. So, while living it, it'd be wise to live it fully by loving ourselves (treating ourselves better) and following whatever dreams that we have. For my case, it is to spend great and memorable time with family and friends, while I'm still blessed with good health to move around :)

Enjoy every moment in life :)

One-month trip in Bhutan and 12-days trip in Indonesia have already passed. So two down, and two more to go, before I'm getting myself back to the working life. In the meantime I'll take a good rest and do things what I ought to do.

Live Love Laugh

September is here now. The favourite month for many people all over the world. I too, will enjoy autumn soon - not just hot and rain of Singapore - and I'm expecting to visit more new places that I've never been before, as advised by the person that I've been dreaming to meet up with, and perhaps will have a chance to meet him :)

Dream it, wish it, do it!

Hope this time my dream will be realized! Wish me luck and need to pray hard lah!!! ^^ I hope all of you will have incredible and beautiful September month too! Have a great time! ;)

No more HOPE!

September 4, 2015, 12:12 am

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Good Bye Hope...

It's final and I was defeated
No point arguing,
no point dreaming.
Just accept and move on.

It's not the first time,
but it'll be the last time I brought the matter up,
as it's impossible to do this alone,
the more impossible to do this with others.

It is fine.
It is OK.
We can't always have what we want.

Forget about any possibility then,
even when I'm able to.
No more hope,
no more thinking.
It's over.
Time to move on to life...
Life that I want to have...
Without it.

Hazy time of the year - Singapore

September 8, 2015, 10:30 am

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Hazy cloud in Singapore - Sep 2015

Psi reading at 6pm north of Singapore for today: 105 - unhealthy range.

PSI Value	PSI Descriptor
0 - 50	Good
51 - 100	Moderate
101 - 200	Unhealthy
201 - 300	Very unhealthy
Above 300	Hazardous

 (Chart source: NEA website)

I walked out to my home's balcony, stretched my neck left and right, then up high in the sky. All showed the same view - no sun and thin layers of white smoke. I inhaled and felt the slight smoky smell. "Haiz.... another hazy day today. No more cycling today," mumbled me and walked back into the house.

This morning we had to postpone our morning walk to MacRitchie Reservoir Park, also due to the haze :( I was completely immobile against any outdoor activities these past few days. It had only given me a choice to go back to my room and lay down on my comfy bed. I took out the library book that I borrowed few days ago from my bag and started flipping the page - Attachments by Rainbow Rowell.

Book read - Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

I was almost determined to finish the book in few hours time. However, soon after, my hubby came in and he was too tired from the painting and cleaning of the Buddha's altar at our living room. He located himself directly next to me, took his sleeping position and there he went to his dreamy world.

The sky had turned darker and I didn't want to disturb his sleep with the bedside lamp's brightness and I decided to join him to the dreamy world - since I had no where to go anyway. To my nightmare, I only woke up at 11.30 pm!!!

Relieving advice by Dalai Lama - "Sleep is the Best Meditation" ^^

Knowing that I woke up, he came to the room. "Good morning dear!"saluted him and he asked me if I wanted to join him for the supper. He would like to try the new 24-hour coffee shop located just opposite of our house block. Again, since I had nothing to do, I changed my clothes and walked together with him in the middle of the night. But too bad it was closed. So he ended up cycling to the nearby coffee shop and bought take-away bowls of noodles and we had it at home.

Hazy sky at neighbourhood area

How haze affected our lifestyle; it was indeed affected our mood as well. We were not rich enough to stay at the condominium, where the swimming pool was just within walking distance, where there was indoor billiard room, where there was tennis court, indoor table tennis room, indoor gym or even indoor karaoke room where at least we could spend our day with activities. So I could only spend my day inside the house reading, eating, and sleeping - and all this would contribute in gaining weight. He-he... 

Pic source: Google.com

Few more days... Yeahhh... in few more days to come, I'd get out from this hazy country and would be back to busy activities again. Expecting for whole day adventure - starting early and finishing late; eating more fruits and vegetables, walking up and down - even climbing up thousand steps staircase, and so on.

This would be usually the time where we had to get out from this country, if we were lucky enough, and get out from the hazy world, which sometimes would haze our sober mind and clear conscience ;)

Happiness is goodbye haze... :)

For now, let me continue reading the Attachments. Not sure what time I would sleep again. The sleeping hours have turned topsy-turvy now. Hope it will be over soon... Haze oh haze, please go away....

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

September 10, 2015, 7:14 am

≫ Next: Autumn's Love

≪ Previous: Hazy time of the year - Singapore

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Ooohhhhhh....  how happy I'm that I finally finished reading a book - in such short period, in between my holiday break! Grabbed this book at "Just Returned"shelf in the library and only days later I started reading it (thanks to the haze that disallowed me to exercise outdoor!!!)

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell :)

Yup, "Attachments" was the title! Btw, it's a fiction, a novel, dear! It wasn't'the root of suffering'- kind of'attachment', the non-fiction book that you initially thought of! ^^ In fact, it's such an easy-to-read and digest kind of book.

Pic source: Pinterest.com

This book was about the year 1999 when the Internet was still a novelty, where people used to chat using email (messengers were blocked in many offices).
If you ever heard 'I knew I loved you - before I met you' song, this was how Lincoln, the shy IT guy, fell in love without knowing how the girl looked like, only based on the email exchanges written by the girl and her colleague cum best friend.

Quote from Attachments by Rainbow Rowell :)

It's such a too-good-to-be-true kind of story, that many women would wish to happen, kind of Cinderella happy ending story, and that's how I managed reading it in just few days with such an ease! The same writer who wrote Fangirl, and she wrote other books such as: Eleanor and Park, and Landline. So, if you would like to feel a dreamy love life meeting such a perfect guy, this book would be your next choice to read!!! ;)

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Autumn's Love

September 26, 2015, 7:49 am

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Bus ride at Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China

This world is full of surprise.

Or perhaps, to be there at the right time.

Horses and cow at the Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China

Winding mountainous road at Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China

And yes, I was there,

to witness the magnificent view of autumn's love.

Colorful autumn leaves at Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China

It's my love, by the way, for the yellow, red, and green leaves that were holding into the branches of trees, including my favorite pine trees :)

Picturesque view of Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China

This place, Kanas, made me wonder how this beauty was made so naturally!

All through the way, it was all trees all around, and a stream of clear blue pearl water that melted from the snow mountain's above.

Reaching towards Fish Watching Pavilion at Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China

Pathway toward Fish Viewing Pavilion  at Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China

We climbed UP, UP, and UP!!!

Finally the last step into Fish Viewing Pavilion at Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China

1,068 steps

Yes there were,

and yes we did!!!

Panorama view of Kanas River - Xinjiang, China

I became closer with the sky and the mountains,

further from the ground and the grasses,

and yet, my heart was blooming wider in every step that I took.

View of Kanas River from Fish Viewing Pavilion - Xinjiang, China

I felt blessed by being there, at that particular moment.

I inhaled the fresh mountain air, filled my whole entire lungs with it only...

Beautiful view from the top at Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China

Hmmmmm........

I felt blessed!!! Thank you, thank you, and thank you beautiful nature!!! :)

Thank you...

Thank you for all this...

It had filled my heart with love,

my autumn's love...

Beautiful yellow autumn leaves :)

Love you autumn!

Enjoying fresh mutton satay before rejoicing in beautiful nature of Kanas National Reserve - Xinjiang, China :D

Source of inspiration: Kanas Nature Reserve - Xin Jiang, China

20th September 2015

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Quotes

September 26, 2015, 5:54 pm

≫ Next: Rewalsar Lake or Tso Pema Lotus Lake - A heaven on earth!!!

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In order to get myself prepared with what to expect in India, Kipchu introduced me - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (For the elderly and beautiful) - the 2012 released British comedy movie that features a group of British pensioners moving to a hotel retirement in Jaipur, India.

The story is based on the 2004 novel - These Foolish Things - written by Deborah Moggach. There is an element of adult romance too inside the story. There is even a sequel - The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - that was released in early this year.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Quote

Well, yes you are right. I'm on my way to Delhi. As you may have known, to visit Dharamsala and to meet Dalai Lama has been my dream since long time ago. And now, since I have lots of time and chance, I'll take a risk and do the change to make my dreams come true.

The only real failure is the failure to try

You know, at first, I planned my trip as initially there would be teaching as requested by the Taiwanese group in Dharamsala from 1st to 4th October. However, only few days ago, I received the news that the teaching was canceled. The first question appeared on my mind was, "Does Dalai Lama in good health?"and second, "Will he be there?"Both answers were "Yes!", and that was good enough!

It doesn't matter I could meet him or not now although I keep my hopes high. But there won't be attachment to it, because at least, I try, and take the risk.

Everything will be all right in the end :)

And just like the above quote saying, "Everything will be all right in the end. If it is not all right, then it's not yet the end." ;) So, we shall see the outcome. Keep my finger crossed and hope for the best! Your prayers and best wishes are appreciated! Welcome to India!!! ^^

P.S. All quotes were taken from Google.com

Rewalsar Lake or Tso Pema Lotus Lake - A heaven on earth!!!

October 8, 2015, 1:25 pm

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It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the Rewalsar Lake, or also known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake, located at Mandi district - a six-hour bus drive from McLeod Ganj or an eleven-hour bus drive from New Delhi.

Feeding fish area at Rewalsar Lake, India

I strolled alone at the park that surrounded the lake, with two packs of biscuits for feeding the fish, on my hands.

Hmm... The weather was still too hot and I decided to sit on the grass just below the big tree, as to benefit the coolness from the shade, and then leaned my back on it.

The wind blew comfortably and it made me feeling sleepy. Didn't know how long I fell asleep. Only knew that I was awoken by the conversation of the not-so-young couple who were sitting side-by-side at the bench nearby.

One of the man's hands was holding the woman's shoulder and another was holding her both hands.

See the electric transmitter above the mountain? That's where the cave is located :)

"You know, I love this place sooo... much!!! I'm thinking, maybe..., just maybe..., one day, when I'm getting much older and no more weight on my shoulder, and when there is no one to worry about anymore, then I shall come and visit this beautiful place again.

The cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated :)

I've gotta live here for a while, so I can climb up the mountain slowly every morning, meditate as long as I wish, and prostrate as much as I can, inside the Guru Rinpoche's cave.

The beautiful mountain view from the above :)

I will watch the faraway snowy mountains from the stone we sat just now, and listen to the crows' sound flying across the sky. The layers of mountains and clouds that covered the small town below, are both unbelievably beautiful!!!

123-feet high Guru Rinpoche's Statue near Rewalsar Lake

After that, I'll walk down the hill. On my way down, I'll convey my gratitude at the temple located inside the Guru Rinpoche's giant statue.

I'll have a simple and delicious Indian vegetarian meal like the one we had just now, plus a cup of hot steamed chai. 

The cave where we meditated and recited prayers :)

Then I'll take a good rest listening to the chants, getting the tranquility from the mantras, and try to memorise it. Uhhh... how I wish I know how to recite those Tibetan chants!!!

At times, I'll visit Monk Pema and 'Ong Bak' from the Zangtho Pelri that is located across the Guru Rinpoche's statue. I've already missed their chai and delicious yellow rice mixed with potatoes you know! 

With Monk Pema and 'Ong Bak' at Zangtho Pelri :)

Oh, but I hope, by then, the store keeper has already come back, so that Monk Pema won't have difficulty in opening the store's lock and can serve me the biscuit to accompany my tea! Haha... :D

When the sky turns into the dark, I'll watch the stars that you taught me about last night by lying down on top of the wooden planks at the rooftop of my rented Indian's house. I'll find yours and my star, and count the numbers of the falling stars every single night!!!"said the woman excitingly.

"And you know, by then, I hope I can find you there to accompany me, still accept me no matter how old I have become. But if you aren't there, I will understand," continued her but this time, her voice had turned much softer, in which I almost couldn't hear.

Dream bigger quote :)

"Finally a bigger dream of yours!!! May your dream come true. Of course I will be joining you. I'd love to be here again with you. And no matter how old you have become, I will always be there for you,"said the man loud and excitingly!!

"You sure you will?"asked the woman unconvincingly.

"I'm sure I will! Because I'm content and glad with what you have already taught me in these past few days. Lifetime lesson within this short period? Oh my! I'll do anything for you my dear!!! 

I will be your walking stick when you climb up the mountain years or even decades later...

I will meditate and prostrate by your side inside the Guru Rinpoche's cave...

I will be sitting by your side on the stone we sat just now and offer my tiny arms - well, it may change bigger years later - so that you can hold your hands onto it while watching the snow mountains and listening to the crows' sound...

Delicious and cheap veg lunch (not completed yet) :P

I will be the person that you face while drinking chai and eating the cheap but delicious vegetarian lunch...

I will recite the chant over and over again on your ears so that you can easily memorise it...

Zangtho Pelri at night - Rewalsar Lake

I will be clasping your hands while walking up through the stairways to heaven. Ooppss..., I mean, to the Zangtho Pelri, and ensure the storekeeper is there so you can dip the biscuit with the tea, as you like how it is to be eaten...

And at the rooftop, I will be the soft pillow over the wooden planks so that you can lean on comfortably while watching and counting the falling stars..." 

"Uhukk... uhuk..... uhuukkk... uhuk..."Familiar choking and coughing's sound came approaching to my side. It was Kipchu coming towards my direction. He was covering his mouth and tears were flowing from his eyes.

"So there you are Ashim??? What are you doing here? I've been looking for you for quite some time now, and those biscuits on your hands, the fishes are hungry la!!!" told him almost screaming.

Kipchu was caught happily feeding the hungry fishes ^^

"Ssshhhhh.... lower down your voice Nuchu! I was listening to the not-so-young couple's conversation who were sitting there,"said me quietly while pointing my finger to the bench nearby.

The big tree that I imagined to sit underneath. Bench? What bench? :P

"Couple? What couple la Ashim? Which bench?"asked him.

"There!!! Eh... Where is the bench now? And  where is the not-so-young couple???"

Kipchu and me with the beautiful view of Rewalsar or Tso Pema Lotus Lake, India :)

Source of inspiration: Rewalsar Lake or also known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake in northern India - visited on 2nd and 3rd October 2015. The place is very beautiful. It is a "heaven on earth"as Kipchu exclaimed! ^^ Hope this post can be a great memoir from our visit! :)

My Heartfelt Gratitude - Thank you!!! :)

October 11, 2015, 1:43 pm

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I'm back!!! 10-day trip to India has finally over. Within that period I managed to visit few incredible places, such as: New Delhi, McLeod Ganj/Dharamsala, Rewalsar Lake, and Taj Mahal in Agra.

Air India from Singapore to New Delhi :)

You know, when I told my family and friends that I'd be going to India, they would ask me these kind of question or tell me these kind of advice: "You want to go to India? With who? What? Alone? Oh, you have friends there, which friends? Must be careful ya, it is not safe there! It is dirty too! Never ever go to the quiet and isolated place, especially at night. Be safe as there were many rape cases happening before," and so on. The funniest thing was that they had never been to India before, but they gave me these sort of advice.

Unlike those who had been there before, they supported my decision. They trusted me that I would be able to keep myself safe as I was one of the gadabouts (frequent travelers) and most importantly, had friends who would accompany me around. They even recommended me the must-visit places in India and local food or snack to try.

Actually in the beginning, I was afraid that my parents would stop me from traveling there ha-ha.. I only told them less than a month before. Luckily they did not oppose my decision and instead, they let me go, and even prayed for my safety. Thank you Pa and Ma! Thank you too for my siblings and everyone's prayers and kind wishes. Without it, I wouldn't be able to come back home safely and sound here :)

Quote by Dalai Lama - Brain and heart are our temple. The philosophy is kindness :)

My hubby let me go as he knew I had a purpose to be there, which was to meet HH Dalai Lama. It's been my long time dream to meet him. However, even after reaching the place where he stayed, I was unable to meet him as he wasn't around. Even if I waited until he was there, he wouldn't go out too as the doctor advised him to get lots of rest after having a long journey elsewhere. It wasn't that bad though, because in return, I managed to have a glance with South Africa cricket players at McLeod Ganj as they were having dinner at the restaurant nearby from where we stayed. Haha... ;D

Live with gratitude - by Heather Rosehill

In this post, I would love to convey my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had made my stay to India fruitful, safe, wonderful, and for your friendship, help, assistance, and hospitality that all of you had offered to me :)

Tshering Yangki and Tashi Chenzom in their humble hostel room - treating me with Tibetan tea and delicious food :)

First, for the kindhearted Bhutanese young ladies who were studying there - Tashi Chenzom and Tshering Yangki. Both of you had welcomed me into your humble hostel room for two nights and even more. Despite you need space and peaceful environment to prepare your exam, you still let me stay there :)

Delicious Bhutanese dinner with Tibetan tea on my first day reaching Delhi. Thank you gals! :)

All of you, including Beena Subba, had cooked delicious Bhutanese food for dinner. It'd been a while since I had it so it really made me feeling like going back to Bhutan. Thank you la, I was overwhelmed by your warm hospitality!!!

Second dinner menu - delicious handmade Roti with potato curry and Paneer cheese with peas :)

On second day, Tashi and Tshering made Indian Roti for me, handmade and from scratch. I appreciated your hard work and sincerity la!! It was delicious!!! :)

They gave me plenty of space to sleep!!! ^^

Four of us shared the connected two single beds, but three of you were squeezing at one bed and left me with big space to sleep alone. Hahaha... Was I that big that all of you were afraid to sleep with me?? :D

My breakfast portion. Can you believe it??? :D

Tashi, you fed me with lots of food even starting from the time I woke up from my sleep. Hahaha... Like magic, the bucket filled with fruits were there after I came back from washing. When I sat down and prepared my thing, you started offering me tea and made a cup right away. Five minutes later, you were asking me, "Mam, are you eating noodle? I will cook noodle for you, ok?" And the best thing was, I could not reject as you would start cooking it immediately. Hahaha... You were afraid that I wasn't full enough to start my day as I would visit many places in Delhi. You wanted to make sure I had enough. Thank you Tashi for your love, care and concern, I was really touched la!!!

Kipchu and Yangzom - at University's gate :)

Next, I would love to thank this beautiful young Nepal born lady, Tenzin Yangzom, who had helped me in getting my Nano Sim card (she even refused to receive the payment). She also helped me in getting the bus ticket to McLeod Ganj and asking about room at Majnu Ka Tilla (MT), the Tibetan colony area.

Breakfast treat from Yangzom's parents. Thank you so much!!! :)

She and her families were staying there only. We went to their house (without her, as she wasn't feeling well) two days before that, as their shop wasn't opened. Their parents were very kind and welcoming us. At my last day in Delhi, Kipchu and I were having breakfast at her parents' shop - see the above photo :) Her mom was the quiet type. She only offered her smile while preparing our tea and Roti. Only her dad was talking to us.

As we ate, Kipchu became the translator. Yangzom's dad told me to treat them as my own parents since I was Yangzom's friend and the next time when I visited Delhi again, they asked me to stay at their house so that I didn't have to book hotel room elsewhere. They refused my payment for the meal and even before I left, they gave a big packet of Khapse (Tibetan deep fried pastry) and a bag of Mathi (Indian salted savory snack) for me to bring back to Singapore. Yalama! I was so touched la with their hospitality and kindness. Please convey  my heartfelt gratitude to your parents, Yangzom!!! And thank you for everything you had done for me! :) (PS: I loved their Khapse very much! I have been eating it with tea everyday! Thank you for the lovely presents! ^^)

Our visit to Lotus Temple - New Delhi, India

Due to exam period and my limited time, we only managed to visit tourist site once, together, which was to Lotus Temple, on my first day's arrival. Lotus Temple, also known as Bahai House of Worship, was a place for prayer and meditation for people from all religions and races.

Tibetan Lunch at Tee Dee - Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi

Tashi and Tshering met up again once, for the last time, at Majnu Ka Tilla, for lunch on the last two days before I went back. Tashi had kindly brought my belonging from hostel to MT, knowing that I would not return back to hostel. We had Tibetan lunch at Tee Dee as Tashi was craving for steamed momo (dumpling), it's her favorite! ;)

Tasting Lafing, not Laughing :)

She also brought me to taste Lafing, the Tibetan cold and spicy mung bean noodles or rolls (similar with Liang Fen or Liang Pi in Chinese dish). No wonder it tasted so familiar, like I ever ate it before. I loved it lah. I ate it twice after that in other occasions hehehe... Thank you Tashi for introducing it to me! :)

Thank you for your gifts ladies :)

Four of them gave me the above gifts. Name same kadinche-la ladies!!! The Lord Buddha scroll was hung just outside my room now and the light had been installed to brighten it up. I felt safe now that Buddha was getting near to my heart and soul :) I had cooked and eaten some of the above snacks too. I appreciate it very much la!!! Well, keep in touch la. We may have chance to meet again one day. At the mean time, take care and wish you all the best for your study! Again, thank you very much for everything!!!

Me and Kinley Wangchuk in front of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives - Dharamsala, India

I would love to express my heartfelt gratitude to Kinley Wangchuk, Kipchu's childhood's friend, who had helped us a lot during our stay in McLeod Ganj. He was the one who looked for and booked our accommodation, informed us that Dalai Lama's teaching was cancelled, told us where to go around McLeod Ganj (Dalai Lama's Main Temple, Kalachakra Temple, Bhagsu waterfall, etc.) and Dharamsala (directions how to go toGyuto Monastery - where the 17th Karmapa lived, and Norbulingka Institute), and also brought us to visit the small Tibetan museum just above the library in the photo above.

Dinner at Kinley's humble place - Dharamsala, India

He invited us for dinner at his place too, about 30-minute walk from McLeod Ganj's market :D He cooked simple but delicious vegetarian dishes, such as: mushroom curry, boiled eggs, cucumber, and red bean dhall. Thank you so much Kinley for your invitation and delicious dinner :)

Bhutanese monks who were studying Tibetan languages at Dharamsala, India :)

There were other three Bhutanese monks who studied Tibetan language and stayed nearby his place. Two of them were Dorji Khandu and Sonam. They stayed just next to Kinley's room. They were very friendly. Sonam offered us to cook ara with eggs. He said he could make a very nice ara egg concoction and I could trust his word. He indeed made a nice sweet one :) We had great laugh and talk while they were preparing their dinner. Nice meeting both of you la!!

My travel companion - Kipchu :)

And last but not least, my travel companion for the whole ten days in India, my beloved nuchu (younger brother), Kipchu :) He was the one who ensured my safety, fulfilled many of my dreams and wishes, carried my loads, prayer's companion, sometimes cheated together - telling them that we were from Manipur so we could pay cheaper entrance ticket, sometimes being cheated together - few incidents happened, sometimes becoming my walking stick, etc.

He was the one who fetched me on my first day reaching India, and he was also the one who sent me back to the Indira Gandhi Airport. He prepared many things for me for this trip. He would make sure that thing went smoothly by reaching the destination early (sometimes as kiasu as Singaporean), having enough water and fruits (as sometimes we didn't have time to have proper meal), following me everywhere (even to toilets, to ensure my safety, especially in public area), and so on.    

Your smile can and will captivate many women out there ;)

Kipchu, I would like to thank you for your time, effort, energy, prayers, and all the things you had done to me so that my whole trip becoming a wonderful, memorable and unforgettable one. All those things worried by my family and friends were proven not to exist in India. Without you around, this trip would never be the same :) I wish you for life long happiness in your life journey. Hope your good deeds here will benefit you with good karma in this life, so that  your dreams and wishes will always come true.

As you mentioned in your blog post, you too have become someone different the ten days before and the ten days after. You have learned many things (including the effectiveness of the prayers of gratitude and the laws of nature), received blessings from the above (proving you that miracle did exist), believed that good people existed too - helping  you in many ways and occasions, and it has cleared your mind about the truth that you were looking for.

I am happy that this trip has benefited you and changed your way of thinking. Here, I sincerely wish you all the best for the rest of your life's journey. I am sure  you are now fully equipped with all weapons that you needed and able to roam your life independently, reaching out towards your goals and passion. It isn't goodbye though as we may see each other again, who knows? So, take care lah and thank you again for everything! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! Wish you be happy always!!! :)

PS: Thank you for Jigme who had offered to bring our bags to metro station on the day we left Delhi to Dharamsala so that we didn't have to bring my bag around while visiting Swaminarayan Akshardham or going back to hostel to collect! May Buddha bless you always! :) Also to everyone else that I didn't mention here,  e.g. Uncle who led us to the public bus and asked the other guy to get up from ladies seat then offered it to me :) Thank you for your help that made my journey smoothly, safe, and miraculous!!! ^^

Coney Island, Singapore

October 13, 2015, 11:19 pm

≫ Next: The Art of Letting Go

≪ Previous: My Heartfelt Gratitude - Thank you!!! :)

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After having a rich and delicious home cooked Bhutanese lunch with my friend yesterday, I decided to go out for cycling to burn some calories. I went out earlier and the haze was still there occupying the sky. No sunset was to be found. It was all just white grayish clouds.

Cycling at Punggol :)

I took the same route. From Punggol Waterway I headed to Punggol Settlement and stopped at the beach side for a while, just to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the people nearby who were trying their luck fishing.

West Entrance to Coney Island - Singapore

In a while I continued my journey. After passing by the Punggol Settlement (where many restaurants and cafés were located), at the bridge on my left, I saw something unusual. The green metal gate that used to be locked before, it was opened. Hmm... weird, I thought. Oh, there was wordings on the gate. It said - Coney Island. Aha! That word rang the bell!!!

Coney Island - Singapore

Just before going out from home, my hubby told me to find that island, the newly opened rustic and natural island, also called Pulau Serangoon, was just opened for public 4 days ago. Well, it's been months I didn't read or watch news from media, so the only news I heard was mostly from his mouth. I wasn't really sure or paying attention about the location too. However, I finally found it! ^^

Road signs at Coney Island - Singapore

The distance from west to east entrance was only 2.4 km. However you could browse around many beach area where you could relax and unwind in its log bench or chairs. They wanted to make it as nature as possible but I think they might do some improvement on the road path. Currently it was sandy and slippery (quite dangerous for those who cycling, especially young children who might not good in controlling their bikes).

Coney Island, Singapore

It opens daily from 7am to 7pm. There weren't many lamp posts installed along the main road yet so it would be dark when the sun was down. That's also why they closed early. And don't forget to apply mosquito repellant when going there as there were many hungry mosquitoes flying invisibly.

Coney Island East Entrance - Singapore :)

Easy entrance was heading to Lorong Halus. I made U-turn back to where I was from and continued the rest of my cycling path. What a great exercise time! Not only for the body, but also the mind. So, when you were free on the weekend, you know where to go now! Let your life be free from stress and enjoy the nature as much as you can. Good luck and have fun! ^^

The Art of Letting Go

October 14, 2015, 9:49 am

≫ Next: Life Reflection from The Saint, The Surfer, and The CEO by Robin Sharma

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Let it go

If there was a lesson to learn from my trip in India, it would be "The Art of Letting Go".

I flipped back through my old journal, and there was something I wrote there regarding 'letting go' and it went like this:

Difference between "Good Bye" and "Letting Go":

-"Good Bye": "I'll see you again when I'm ready to hold your hand and when you are ready to hold mine."

-"Letting Go": I'll miss your hand that I realized it's not mine to hold, and I will never hold it again."

Well, the'letting go'that I felt there in McLeod Ganj, not necessarily the case like the quote above. Perhaps it was more into letting go of mydesire, dream, andhope, especially when I had to face the fact that I couldn't meet Dalai Lama there. 

Prayer and Meditation - Pic courtesy: Kipchu

I sat down at one corner, prayed and meditated. There, I drained out all my feelings. First, I conveyed my gratitude for letting me be there, reaching one of my whole life's dream place, a place where I used to see from YouTube screen when watching the Dharma teaching brought by the HH Dalai Lama. Now, I was really there!

Dalai Lama Main Temple at McLeod Ganj, India

I recognized that yellow window pane, the clock that was hung on that wall, the fence, and so on. Being there, still felt like a dream for me. As if, it wasn't real, and as if, it was never exist!

I poured out my disappointment for not being able to meet him on my journey this time. However, I was praying too, most importantly, that he was blessed with good health. It wouldn't matter for me if I couldn't meet him, but his health mattered for me. And if he was in good health, I was content and grateful.

I never thought of visiting this place again. I only thought, this might me my last time visiting this temple in this present life. I didn't put any more hope of meeting him again, as I knew that he turned to 80 this year. Of course I was hoping that he would live long. However, the chance for me to meet him again, it needed lots of fate and good karma. Anyway, if not this life, next life ba!!! :)

Afterwards I continued my pray with usual gratitude and blessings for all sentient beings, especially those loved ones, then meditated.

Om Mani Padme Hum - Pic courtesy: Kipchu

I was relieved once it was all over, just like removing a very big stone from my heart. I walked out from the temple with a light feeling. I even felt like jumping and singing. My smile appeared at the very best (not sure if Kipchu noticed), and I told him briefly about "The Art of Letting Go", without giving further details, and then we continued walking, to our next destinations, where we were fated to go and be there.

So, everything happened only for a good reason. Whatever good or bad people we met, things we experienced from the past, it was all leading us with good reasons only. Without encountering all that, there wouldn't be the present me, who I am now. It was just there to shape me, mold me, sculpt me, decorate me, and give me with lots of lessons to learn in life and resign my karma to the nature.

As we passed by the Kalachakra Temple, we turned the prayer wheels there, again for the last time. "Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum. Om....."

"Thus the six syllables, Om Mani Padme Hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha" - HH Dalai Lama

Source of inspiration: Dalai Lama Main Temple at McLeod Ganj - Dharamsala, India. Visiting there on 30th September and 1st October 2015.

Life Reflection from The Saint, The Surfer, and The CEO by Robin Sharma

October 14, 2015, 9:52 pm

≫ Next: Last minute trip to North Sumatera, Indonesia

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If you miss the moments, you miss your life - Robin Sharma

I read this book back in April 2013. I even posted the blog post about it here. It's been more than 2.5 years since I last read it but I believed its goodness truly and believed that it would change other people's lives too. Back then, I found this book from the library. Indeed, I was very lucky that I found it. This book had transformed my life, awaken me, changed me into who I am today.

Robin Sharma's Quote - Source: Google.com

It brought so much realization into my life, to my inner heart. E.g. the fact that SLE entered into my life, made my numbers of days to live limited, it forced me and encourage me to live my life fully, to open my heart to love and be loved, to follow every passion of my life - such as reading, writing, traveling, enjoying the nature surrounded me with greater extent, etc. - and to lead myself focusing on what were important - such as treasuring my family members and friends like never before; keeping a writing journal's habit that it often healed my soul and grew my wisdom; realizing the importance of exercising and keeping my body and mind fit by cycling, walking, and sometimes climbing; eating healthier food (no more eating beef, having more vegetable, fruits and plain water, eating less junk food, taking only what I could eat, etc.); and most importantly, doing things I love doing, and so on.

The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your thoughts - Robin Sharma

Money had become a mean to serve others and fulfilled my dreams to visit many new places that I'd never been to before - rather than being a servant of it, piling it up and waiting until I grew old then enjoying it - if only that day would come, of course.

Dream big, start small, act now - Robin Sharma

And it is true enough, based on my experience, that we should travel NOW when we were still young, healthy, capable on walking and climbing, and not wait until when we grow OLD, when our limbs are weaken and can't walk far.

It also directed me to focus my life to live it at a present moment rather than kept dwelling into the past and worrying about the future.

We receive from life not what we want but who we are - Robin Sharma

Since then on, I have also met up with many new different people, especially Bhutanese and bloggers. I realized my life had truly changed after my first visit to Bhutan. This realization led me to more visit, meet more people, go to more places, and discover my self more.

"There are no coincidences, ever. Everything happens for a reason, and there are no accidents in life. The world wants us to live great lives. It wants us to be happy. It wants us to win." - Robin Sharma.

Two days ago, as I flipped through my old journal, the question arose in my mind, "Why? Why should I meet up with the wrong ones? Why don't life just give a mercy to me and let me live my life journey smoothly?"

"Everyone who enters your life comes to you at precisely the time that you most need to learn the lesson they have come to teach. Our lives aren't run by good or bad luck, but by on intelligent process designed to help us evolve into our best selves.

And our feelings are neither right nor wrong. They are simply our feelings, and an essential part of the human experience. Deny them and you begin to shut down parts of yourself. Keep doing that and you'll lose the connection to who you truly are. You will begin living completely in your head and you will stop feeling." - Robin Sharma

After doing some reflection, I was glad that they had been inside the part of my life journey, played a great part of it, even until now. I would never stop learning from them, take only the best part and it taught me to understand the basic nature of human being, all of it.

"Relationships come to us as assignments. Some last for weeks, some for a lifetime, but they all come to teach us big lessons that are meant to spur our growth as people. All I know is that I learned so much from the time we had together. 

And failure often reawakens us to who we really are and to what we truly want. In fact, the distress of that period started me on the path of the self-discovery and personal growth that I still travel on this very day. It totally changed my life." - Robin Sharma.

And here, I am reflecting on my life journey, from where I was to where I am now.

"That's just the way the world works. It was meant to be, this beautiful connection we've made. Life truly is beautiful."- Robin Sharma.

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Last minute trip to North Sumatera, Indonesia

October 19, 2015, 8:52 am

≫ Next: Overcome my fear - Lake Toba, Indonesia

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India was supposed to be my last trip before finding a new job. However, just days after returning back, during the meeting up dinner with my Uncle and Aunt, they were asking me and my hubby if we wanted to join them for a trip to few places in North Sumatera, Indonesia, such as: Pematang Siantar, Medan, Lake Toba (the largest lake in Indonesia and the largest volcanoc lake in the world), Samosir Island, and one of the only two Soda Springs in the world, at Tarutung.

Fate brought me to visit Avalokitesvara Temple at Tebing Tinggi - North Sumatera

I'd heard my parents, siblings, even my son going there before. It was located not very far from Singapore. There was a direct flight and it took us only about one hour to reach. I told them that I'd checked for the ticket before agreeing to their offer. Days later, my sis-in-law said that she was interested to go there with her daughter too and everything went very fast. My brother helped us checking the flight's schedule and price, booking our tickets, even fetching us to the airport. It seemed to be the God-will to let me joining them to this trip.

Our meal from 6am to 12pm :D

I reached here yesterday. From Kuala Namu Airport we took about 2.5 hours journey to Pematang Siantar where my Uncle's friends were staying. We stayed there for a night. They treated us with non-stop eating and drinking and I felt that I'd have gained at least a kg on my first half day there.

Avalokitesvara Temple at Pematang Siantar

We visited another Avalokitesvara Temple, this time was in Pematang Siantar. The size was much bigger and there was even a Buddhist school located just next to it. We offered our gratitude there for letting us coming to this place safely and for the good health that we all had.

Coffee time at Kok Tong old coffee shop at Pematang Siantar

At 3 pm we were brought to Kok Tong's first coffee shop in town. I ordered kopiping, which means coffee with milk plus lots of ice cubes. It tasted really delicious. And we ate it together with few different types of Pao or steamed bun with fillings.

Lesehan - Sitting on the floor and eating using hands - delicious local food

At night we were brought to the'lesehan'style restaurant, means we ate using hands  (no spoon or fork) and sitting on the floor. The food served was grilled and fried fish, fried chicken, fried tofu, tempe bacem, fried vermicelli,  spicy brinjal,  grilled petai (smelly beans), various chili and so on. We all ate very full and went home afterwards.

It was raining at night. It's giving out the cold air which made me good to sleep. The house was big, had simple design, and clean. With a thin blanket I went to the dream world peacefully. And now I gotta sleep too. My eyes are heavy. I hope I can post the today's trip tomorrow, if I have enough time ;) Keep reading la! ^^

Overcome my fear - Lake Toba, Indonesia

October 20, 2015, 9:11 pm

≫ Next: Natural Soda Spring (Aek Rara) at Parbubu Village in Tarutung and Pemandian Air Panas Belerang at Sipoholon, North Tapanuli - Indonesia

≪ Previous: Last minute trip to North Sumatera, Indonesia

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Our breakfast at Pematang Siantar - Indonesia :)

We woke up early on our second day in North Sumatera. The host decided to bring us to Jalan Surabaya at Pematang Siantar. There, she could order many varieties of food for us to try, such as: roasted pork, roasted char siew,soto ayam (Indonesia traditional chicken soup), bihun bebek (duck vermicelli noodle), mie pangsit (noodle with wanton dumpling), cakwe (dough fritter), lemper ayam (glutinous rice with chicken wrapped in leaf), panada (fried bread filled with chicken), kue kue (sweet pastry), and completed with a cup of hot kopi-O (black coffee with sugar). We all left the coffee shop with full stomach and satisfaction. Thank you Aunty Feng for bringing us there.

Our lunch before crossing the Lake Toba :)

In the afternoon we left their house and drove to the port of Tuk Tuk Lake Toba. It took us about another two hours to reach. Before crossing, we were again fed with local food lunch - simple dishes of deep fried chicken, few types of fishes, etc.

Crossing Lake Toba to Samosir Island :)

We took the boat to reach the Samosir Island. It took half an hour to reach. We stayed at beautiful Resorts facing directly to the Lake Toba.

Samosir Villas and Resort - Indonesia

The place was indeed serene and beautiful, decorated in local design - housing Batak style. The swimming pool was just located outside our rooms.

There were few other things you could do here. Sea sports activities were available, such as: jet ski and banana boat. You could rent motorcycle and browse around the island visiting other side of the island.

There is always a first time :)

I'd always wanted to try jet ski and banana boat. But... but.... my fear was overcoming me all this while. This time, however, at such quiet and stable lake like this, it would be a great opportunity for me to try. Moreover, there wasn't any sunshine! You know, I couldn't get too much sunshine.

My first time Jet Ski experience in my life :)

So, four of us were renting two jet ski from the local. We were charged Rp. 250,000 (USD $18) per hour for each jet ski. It's quite cheap compared to rent at many other places.

My hubby was sitting in front and I had to hug his belly tightly behind. Why? Because our jet ski was special. It had to keep bumping in order to ride fast! Unlike the one they were taking. So the whole journey we felt like riding a rodeo horse! Lol! And since it was my first time, I was really afraid to fall, as I wasn't often in touch with water. After an hour, we could feel our buttock painful hahahaha..... It was a great experience though as it enabled me to laugh out loud and shout almost the whole journey! ^^

My first banana boat ride at Lake Toba ^^

Once our jet ski ride had finished, we continued immediately with banana boat ride :) It could bring up to 7 pax in one banana boat and about 4 pax in the speed boat in front, cost Rp 300,000 per time.

And it'd been a norm to let the passengers to fall down from the banana boat while riding it. But since one of the aunts refused to fall down, we had it once only before finishing our ride (and the aunt had left our boat)!!! After that we continued swimming at the lake then at the pool. Oh, due to that fall, I lost one of my earrings! Hiks... It'd been my third time I lost an earring during my travel... However, no regret! The experience I'd was all worth it!!! :)

Traditional Batak cuisine at Samosir Island

We had dinner trying the local Batak cuisine, which served fried pork, roasted pork, grilled fish, all with chili (green and red ones), accompanied with grilled petai (smelly bean) and brinjal. The fresh juice marquisa (passion fruit) was there too to quench our thirst! ^^

Our supper ;)

It was raining heavily afterwards. We had no choice but to stay indoor. We ordered two bottles of local beer to accompany few snacks that we had. It's been a great day lah! I'm glad I'm here! Thank you, thank you, and thank you SB for everything!!! :)

Natural Soda Spring (Aek Rara) at Parbubu Village in Tarutung and Pemandian Air Panas Belerang at Sipoholon, North Tapanuli - Indonesia

October 24, 2015, 1:29 am

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On our third day in North Sumatera, all of us decided to visit the natural soda spring (also called Aek Rara by local residents) - a three-hour drive distance from Parapat town near Lake Toba - at Parbubu Village in Tarutung, North Tapanuli. It was a very rare place that ever existing in the world and I was glad that I made it there!

Natural Soda Spring - Tarutung, Indonesia

If you noticed the photo above, the soda spring was surrounded by the paddy fields. It was said that a local nurse - O Tobing Sihite - found it while she was digging in the soil. She found that the water looked like soda water, those canned drinks that we usually found in the supermarket.

In year 2004 the Tapanuli Utara Regency government officially inaugurated this soda water pool as one of the tourist attractions in the area. (Info source: http://m.tnol.asia/travel/20256-soda-spring-near-tarutung-north-sumatra-wonder-.html)

Natural Soda Spring - Tarutung, Indonesia

It consisted only one pond. Surrounding and below the pool, it consisted of natural stones. In between the stones, the bubbles appeared to the top, somehow it created flying splash on top of the pool. I never experienced this before and I felt very exciting dipping myself into it. It was really magical experience, at least for me! :)

There were more bubbles at the area where I stood on the photo above and the water felt warmer too. The small bubbles would surround your body just like the small bubbles would surround the straw when you pour Coca Cola inside the transparent glass with straw inside.

The water could irritate your eyes, nose, and face when you had in touch with it or tried to swim below it. Therefore, it was advisable to bring google with you. With it, you could see clearly the bubbles that appeared from between the stones gap. Some created bigger bubbles and some smaller ones. It was really interesting how the natures were created in such a way, really made me wonder of the God's creation in this world.

Yeahhh..... soaked ourselves and had fun at Soda Spring - Tarutung, Indonesia :)

There was no scientific proof about the benefits gained from soaking inside the soda water but we loved to soak longer there, especially after sitting down inside the car for three-hour journey. Some area was quite deep, however, not to worry, as they provided the black tires for us to float, for free - for those who did not know how to swim or float. And if you noticed the photo above, there were whitish bubbles appeared from inside the pond (below part). That was how strong the bubbles shooting up from underneath the ground!!!

I still could not describe the feeling of being there. I asked the rests' opinions though. My hubby said, "When I dipped myself inside, I could hear the bubbling sound inside and I felt like I was inside my mother's womb when I was still not coming out from her belly yet."  Sometimes he felt he was inside the aquarium with the Oxygen bubbles flying around hahaha... As for me, "I felt like soaking inside the giant bowl of Soda water."

Some would even drink the water - if happened to go there early in the morning where there were not many people yet and they said it tasted exactly just like a soda water. I would not dare to drink it though as the smell of the water was quite strong and there were some oranges stuffs flying around inside. Local would even take a bath there, like shampooing their hair and soaping their bodies. Moreover, there was not any scientific proof on the benefits in drinking the water. So, It was up to you. Perhaps, if you wondered how it tasted like, you could just gargle the water inside and then spit it out :D

It had been a really great experience for me, something that money could not buy even if you wanted to. Traveling to a place like this was opening my eyes and heart towards wonderful nature's creature from the above. Thank you SB for letting me be there and enjoyed that moment to the fullest! :)

Geothermal Sulphur or Sulfur Pools at Sipoholon, Tarutung - Indonesia

The above place was another great God nature's creation in the area. It was not far from the Soda Spring area. It took less than half an hour to reach. It was also one of the attractions that you should go if you were there.

Uncle Jon told me that many years back the restaurants, shops, and hotels were not there. From the road you could see the stretch of the mountains above, white in color, where the sulphur water flowed naturally. But nowadays people used it to make money. It was still very cheap though. Kids paid Rp 3,000 (S$0.30) while adult paid Rp 5,000 (S$0.50).

It was natural sulphur water derived from volcanic Martimbang mountain that had been flowing for over hundred years. The temperature of the water was around 40°C. Too bad we had only limited time there so we couldn't soak inside. It's believed the water was good for skin and to relax the stiff muscles.

Martabe Kacang Garing (crispy peanut) - Silangkitang, Tapanuli Utara - Indonesia

Don't forget to drop by at the local shop selling the Kacang Garing (crispy peanut) at nearby area. It's baked using the sand making it crispy and fragrance! The smallest packet (100g) cost only Rp 5,000 (S$0.50). The largest one (400g) cost Rp 20,000 (S$2). There was also one big can for sale of it's not big enough for you but you had to find out the price yourself ^^

Haze around the Lake Toba - 20 Oct 2015

We went back to Samosir Island after that. It was hazy as there was smoke from burning forest at other part of Indonesia. We couldn't see any view on our way to the island from inside the boat.

Fresh baby lobster - Batak cuisine - Dinner at Samosir Island

At night we headed to a small local Batak eating house along the lake. They had caught baby lobster from the lake days before. We had around 3kg for 16 of us, also tried their fresh grilled fish, sautéed vegetables, and fried beehoon vermicelli accompanied with their homemade chili.

We also tried their local brewed tuak or arak made from the bark of a coconut tree, milky in color (see the photo above). I didn't find it nice though. Maybe we just didn't find the nice brewed one. Well, at least I knew its taste by now :)

So the day had again been filled with wonderful moments, something that you couldn't find back in Singapore or even other places. I felt very grateful for everything. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! :)

Our Times 我的少女時代 Movie Review

October 29, 2015, 10:38 pm

≫ Next: Heavens on Earth - Hemu Village at Xinjiang, China

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Last week during meeting with my Indonesian besties, one of them told us about the movie above. She said it was very good and recommended us to watch. She even wanted to watch it together with us, again! Wow! I was kind of wondering, what kind of movie it was until my friend wanted to watch it repeatedly. Since what I had these days was time, I agreed to her recommendation almost immediately. So yesterday, three of us watched the movie together.

Our Times 我的少女時代 (Pic source: Google.com)

Every time I watch movie, I tried not to find out what the movie was about as I preferred to face whatever it was with an empty and open heart, and let whatever surprise to unveil itself. I didn't even know which country produced the movie. I knew it was Chinese, but not sure whether it was from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.

So, finally I knew. It was Taiwan produced movie. You could read the movie plot fromhere, However, what I wanted to bring it out here in this post, was that... the movie title was really fitted perfectly remembering our times. Our times?

Check out the movie trailer above or clickhere.

Three of us were schoolmates during senior high school's time but not during junior high school. However, we went through the same generation's time, trends, liking, idols, and so on!!! So, the moments when the movie turned back into Lin Zhen Xin youth's time (it was most probably back to late 1980s and 1990s), it brought us back to where we were, especially our school's time (late primary to senior high school's time).

Four Heavenly Kings (Liu De Hua, Aaron Kwok, Jacky Cheung, and Leon Lai) - Pic source: Google.com

My dear sister would probably still remember how I wrote and imagined that I had special dating dinner, even slow dance after that, with Leon Lai or 黎明, one of the Hong Kong famous four heavenly kings (singers), right after his concert at our town. Hahahaha.... :D True enough, I was not the only one. In the movie, many were even imagining to be their wives. Lol!!!

We all used to collect their cards that we drew from the machine after we put coin inside, put their posters in our bedroom, and collect anything that had their faces on it, including the magnet address book that you could open up so long. It was also our times when we still used landline telephone at home, used Walkman to listen to our cassette collection, played Gameboy, used hairspray and hairdryer to make our bangs still and going up steadily, used red color lipstick for special occasion, when roller skate was one of the trendy sport to play (I even played too!), and so on.

In our country, basketball was also considered as the sport games that cool guys in our school used to play. The scenes there reminded us of how we were used to be like them, supporting their games from afar, and would blush and laugh out loud when the guy that we liked giving a glance at us, and so on. Even when the guys passed by our classroom. Hahaha... My bestie who happened to be in the same class with me knew it best what I encountered those days! ;)

This movie was simply bringing our memories back to alive!!! We were laughing out damn loud while watching those scenes!!! Until I had to be reminded that two persons who were sitting next to me could not stand the way I laughed :P

We could feel that almost everyone in the cinema enjoying the movie so much. There were ups and downs, happiness and sad moments. Laughter and cry was part of the movie as well. Thumbs up to the director. The ending part was definitely everyone of us's dream and wish to come true. So, what are you waiting for? Go and book your ticket now lah!!! Perfect for weekend dating! ;)

Heavens on Earth - Hemu Village at Xinjiang, China

November 1, 2015, 1:34 am

≫ Next: Happy 60th Birth Anniversary Fourth Druk Gyalpo - HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck :)

≪ Previous: Our Times 我的少女時代 Movie Review

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Good Things, Good Thoughts Quote - Overcome Life

My dear and I just had our 3-course candlelight dinner from one of the few restaurants available in this area. The time shown was 9 pm. The sky had turned so dark and the air was so cold. 

"Wait dear,"stopped him. He stood up right in front of me and tighten up the red velvet woolen shawl on my neck, to ensure that it kept me warmth enough, especially this season, the beginning of winter season. He tidied my hair up a little bit and, "Done!" He smiled widely showing his rows of beautiful white teeth, and his eyes, that small little eyes, in which I almost couldn't tell if he was opening or closing his eyes.

"I love you dear,"whispered him gently.

"I love you too," and I smiled back at him.

Beautiful night at Hemu Village - Xinjiang - China

We walked through this beautiful row of houses along the wooden path and sometimes wooden bridge, along the different size and shapes of lamp posts, along the stacked of river stones at the side, and along the rows of flowers that were going to wither soon, with our hands clasping tightly side by side.

The lights in the darkness made everything surrounding us looked much more beautiful.And when we looked up high in the sky, the moon and the stars were there shining brightly. It added the romantic view that we had already had! 

"Oh dear, don't you think God create heaven on earth, just like this place?" asked me while admiring everything that happened that night.

"Yes dear. In fact, I never believed before that one could or can create heaven on earth. But now, I believe that it is possible,"replied you.

Rows of flowers and grasses - Hemu Village - Xinjiang, China

We kept walking until we saw a small cafe. From the frosting window outside, we could feel the warmth atmosphere inside and when the door was opened, we could hear chattering sound and slow music from the inside.

As if you could hear my mind, you were asking me, "Dear, shall we go in and have a cup of tea there?"

I nodded my head and smiled. We walked in together.

Heaven on earth - Hemu Village - Xinjiang, China

As we entered, the warmth feeling immersed inside us. You helped me removing my jacket and we chose our seat, the one near the window. 

"Ooohhhh..... What a cosy place!!!" shouted me excitingly. I looked at the surrounding and was awed by it! 

The place was not quite big, only filled with few wooden tables and chairs. In fact it was almost full occupied. Despite such crowd, it was not noisy at all. Everyone maintained their level of noise just within their table.

Some were seen occupied with their books and a cup of hot tea or coffee in front of them. Some were busy tapping their iPad and mobile phones. Some were romantically dating, lovey-dovey, just like us! :)

There was small chimney and wooden logs were burned inside. Ahhh.... no wonder this place was so warm!!! Beside the chimney, there were wooden book shelves filled with books and magazines that anyone could borrow and read. 

"Wow!! What a place!! This place was just perfect for us!!" told me again, excitingly.

I did not know how you feel but it seemed it was more exciting for you to look at me rather than this place. Haha... I could feel your eyes were following me rather than the surrounding. 

We ordered two cup of hot ginger tea to keep our inner body warm. And we stayed there, talking our hearts out. In the background, this music lyrics were heard...

I know that if we give this a little time

It'll only bring us closer to the love we wanna find

It's never felt so real 

No it's never felt so right

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight

Just a touch of the fire burning so bright

No I don't want to mess this thing up

I don't want to push too ar

Just a shot in the dark that you just might

Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life

So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss good night...

Source of inspiration: Hemu Village at Xinjiang, China visited on 20-21 September 2015. It's such a beautiful place - another heavens on earth :) One night here felt like never enough! Such a dream place! Well, at least for me :)