Tag Archives: Wanderlust

The One On Notes On Travelling (1)

Just a little something we got from Singgahsana, Kuching.

The Rainforest post will be coming up soon, but for now …

something to stir your travel senses.

Makes you just want to take off again, unplanned, isn’t it?

However these days, the $ is king.

As I have recently learned, putting aside $ for travels in advance renders you

effectively … broke now. Freelancing is perfect for scheduling flexibility but a pain

in the uknowwhere for upfront & necessary moolah.

Also, not being single anymore, while great, means quite something else

while travelling (as a couple). You kind of are unable to bunk on friends’ sofas

etc here, there & everywhere. So do that kind of travelling while you are

all free and easy. Couch surfing is fun.

Ah, pros & cons, bumblebees. Pros and cons.

xo

The One About the Pearl Of the Orient

My thoughts are now in shades of lilac and sepia.

This one’s for the time we were in Penang,

going to some of the island’s temples and special sites.

I left my iPhone at the first temple, Wat Chaiyamangalaram

on Burmah lane, and only realised it after we had

completed our visit to the amazing Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.

The discovery gave me a fright and sent me into panic.

In the car I was, as expected, nervous, upset and almost inconsolable,

thinking that was the end of my iPhone, which I love very, very, very,

very,

very very very,

very very very

smerry very MUCH.

The Londoner went: “I’m sure you will find it again. It was a temple,

I’m sure someone would have given it in.”

He had called the number but nobody picked up, which was a good sign, he said.

“It’s a place of worship after all, honey. I would have handed it in for sure.”

I said: “Well that’s because you’re wonderful that way.

You also have a whole lot more belief in people than I do, I think.”

.

So I drove on back to Burmah Road, the whole journey there going

‘I’m an idiot I’m an idiot I’m an idiot I’m an idiot‘.

We went to the main area, where the temple helpers were.

“Excuse me, did someone hand in a mobile phone just now? An iPhone?”, I asked

with my uberpitiful face on.

The woman looked at me, and gave a wry smile, saying “What’s the number

first? Call first?”

And I gave a huge smile back, knowing she had it.

“OhhHHHTenKIuUUuUuuSOHmucHHHH!!!” I shrieked pretty unintelligibly

while the Londoner rang the number from his phone.

She looked down at her desk, smiled and proceeded to hand  my phone

to me.

I had left the phone on the floor as I was putting my shoes back on (F a i l.)

But someone had seen it and passed it on to the temple.

Feeling very lucky and blessed, I put some money into the

temple’s donation box and gave a prayer of ‘good karma, good karma!’ in

honour of the person who had handed in the phone.

I hope he or she gets something very good coming their way today, I told

the Londoner.

“Well, it could be just your karma, you know,” he offered, ever the sweetie.

“No, I would have deserved the loss because I am so absent minded. This good karma

belongs to this person!” I said, continuing to mutter “Good karma to you good karma

to you good karma to you” to whoever the soul was.

Whatever it was, it felt good to know that people proved me wrong that day.


At the temple opposite the main Wat.

He actually did land a coin in the ‘Good Luck’ bowl :)

At the Khoo Kongsi. This was after the Cheong Fatt Tze

Mansion, where I was awestruck and took no photos.

(No photos allowed inside anyway though, and the Londoner

has yet to upload his pictures of us with the mansion)

The kongsi was beautiful. This one in, particular, is special

because Kat’s husband, Kenny, is in the Khoo family and

used to stay with the clan.

We also went to the E&O Hotel, where Kipling used to stay.

It has such an old school ambience to it.

The buffet was EXCELLENT and well worth the price.

The view of the sea from the E&O.

Orson Welles stayed here.

Charlie Chaplin too.

And so did vava-voom Rita Hayworth.

But it was the Kipling connection which impressed

The Londoner most, since he is a big fan.

I love Penang even more each time I visit.

It is truly a pearl.

xo

Balik Kampung

On a day like today
How could one
be anything but happy?
The sun on the grass
The squeeze of the hands
The surprise boat ride
under the mighty bridge

On a day like today
How could one
be anything but beaming?
The thought for friends
The pressing of sore feet
The random, delightful
chats with strangers

On a day like today
How could one
be anything but brand new?
The bittersweet embraces
The imminent goodbyes
Buttered by the whispers
that I am your girl.

Eyes Wide Open

[Today's posting is best read with the accompaniment of the incomparable

Ms Billy Holiday. Please press Play and then read on :) ]

.

I’m staying in today to do some writing.

With some delightful music in the background.

But here are some pictures that I took yesterday while

walking in Central Park.

It’s snowing outside and it just feels right – there’s nothing quite like

nestling a steaming cup of tea on a day like this.

I woke up today greeted by a message that someone was

thinking of me.

I replied by saying that as wonderful as New York is, it didn’t seem

as fabulous now that it was missing something.

I kind of hate that feeling – how everything is so relative.

.

The first time I came to New York, I was in love, and it kind of

overshadowed the city. I don’t blame anyone, of course,

I am just saying, that your heart (head?) does funny things to you

when you are struck.

It’s like it really does blind you – it chews on your synapses and spits

them out for sport. So much so that it can even render a great city like NY

somewhat flavourless.

That was my first.

The second time, the city hit me hard. It was like The Big Apple Cupid shot

10,000 arrows at me, and all I could think was that I had seriously taken

it for granted. I know everyone sings the song ‘The Empire State’ to me now,

but I don’t think a city anthem has ever been truer – the streets do really make

you feel brand new. Little light bulbs just continued flashing every hour that I

was here. If I was completely frank I wanted to traipse around on my own

on most days, I do actually prefer walking on my own in cities when it comes

to getting inspired (which may explain why sometimes I’d venture off on my own,

very sorry if I was a wee bit dishonest road trip buddies)

In the end, I extended the stay and then didn’t want to go home at all! I almost

didn’t – the pull was that strong.

Which leads me to this current stay, of course.

I am more than ready to really breathe it in this time – to know the streets like the

back of my hand, to really look, and to truly listen.

I spent a while staring at this man above in the park, he seemed sad.

He seemed to be alone in his deep thoughts. When he realised I had taken a picture,

he looked at me for a few seconds, and then continued just standing there.

I think he later posed for me – but not in a purposeful way.

Whatever it was, I felt a little connection to him as he looked into the vast whiteness

and the city’s evening lights beyond.

I think we’ve all felt like that before. The thing about New Yorkers is – they are

a whole lot more expressive and vocal about their feelings.

I love that side of them.

So perhaps I will take on the New Yorker persona while I am here -

my heart is out on my sleeve, and I intend to write that way.

Probably best to have a mixture of feelings – a little good, a little bad,

a little cold, a little warm, and a dozen other ones in between.

I spend evenings chatting with my dear friend Munkit now – we have

loads to talk about and reflect upon.

As the snow melts, and I do hope it does soon, I will try to not be slightly

melancholic

(oh don’t worry, just slightly!)

slightly daydreamy

that someone is not

here with me right now.

I remind myself that this NYC stay is for me, and me alone.

And that no one, no one … will take that away from me!

I am not blind this time – my eyes are wide open.

.

.

But you know what …

it’s still nice to wake up to the thought that someone is thinking

of you too.

Life’s just that little bit sweeter when you are aware of the fact.

Perhaps sometimes that’s all you need, isn’t it?

xo

That’s. Freaking. It.

Today I looked at the clock, 8.15am and thought, I have to sleep

now.

Then I thought, that’s it.

That’s it.

I’m so booking a holiday soon, where I don’t

talk to anyone.

Don’t have any residual work to do.

Don’t have to plan anything.

Buang my phone & laptop sementara.

this seems too long ago a memory

And just have n o t h i n g  in my head.

In all honesty,

even when I was in my great American travels,

I was thinking about work.

Even in the depths of the forest of Sarawak, I was thinking

about work.

These past 2 weeks I have nearly collapsed from work.

But I can’t lie, the money… it’s because of the money.

I don’t know how some people can go on travelling

and galavant here and there without working (and shopping!),

I swear that’s not my life.

It’s a cycle of debt-payment, working like a dog, saving

quite well, and then travel and debt-payment all over again.

I think I just do it in stupendous extremes. Stupendous.

But that’s my life I guess.

It’s probably since I blew my wonderful savings and inheritance

on my Masters that I figured, Oh what the hell. Just live it.

.

Now, these past 2 weeks (no, more actually) have seen

me developing an actual, physical sleeping disorder,

with heart palpitations and all … NICE!

Will be honest with you, I’ve shed some tears in some

mornings because I was so tired. And when I was

so tired but still couldn’t sleep.

But ok. It’ll be worth it.

Because I’d have earned enough money to pay my debts

and have more to spare.

I’d like to start dreaming again.

I haven’t dreamt for a long time, and

that’s

what

disturbs

me

most.

xo

Pangs.

(Warning: This is a very very late night spot of rambling

triggered by …. just a picture)

.

Pangs still come once in a while.

Despite the current happiness!

Pangs and longing to live in another city,… now… now… NOW.

New York, I blame it on you.

I need to go n.o. w.

I deliberated on burning my ticket back home to stay in NYC for a while,

y’know. If I had thrown all caution to the wind, and sodded commitments

(some, I still have some), I’d have stayed there for as long as I could have,

hopefully find a job.

That would be quite something, wouldn’t it?

.

Chatting with my good friend Khim about 2 months ago,

we talked about living and working in other cities, (as we are wont

to do).

The lucky girl has had the good..the great fortune of living

and working in KL, Sydney and London … Three Wonderful, Awesome Cities!

And there may be more in store!

Among my friends right now I’d say

both of us share the similar urges and pangs to explore different cities.

And we aren’t talking about a month or two.

“I spenda coupla months there I’ve LIVED there woohoo!”

Well…        n . o .

Not really.

.

For me it’s been KL and London for me, (I don’t count the sojourns in

Singapore and Gibraltar somehow, even if I did feel I lived there

for quite a bit in different times of my life)

To live in a city, to really know its alleys, its history, little quirks and

day-to-day lessons, … that’s quite something else.

The buses (what number and to where), the main streets, the most

popular spots or beaches,

the park you go to when you want to read,

the shop you get

your sandwiches or teas from,

the slightly crazy person on what side of what street ….

these things you learn

when you live in another city.

Travel is not quite the same, despite its obvious wonderfulness.

.

The pang, the immense urge I have right now … it’s all about living in

a big, grand city.

One where I can walk or bike everywhere,

with an old-school or excellent tube/subway … one with a river

(I miss the Thames) … one where I can take long ass walks by myself

and be the happiest person alive just doing that.

.

I’m working on it, I’m working on it.

In a year, if all goes well, I’ll be somewhere else.

I’ll be discovering a new city, God Willing.

Travel just pales in comparison at the moment for me, I guess.

It’s money saving and planning time.

.

For you younger ones who just don’t find the urge or will to move

and explore ….. ah well … one day you may find yourself unable

to move anymore, when you could have … and then what?

I have friends who say they wished they did it when they

had the chance.

Because you can always travel, drink yourself silly wherever

and so on and so forth, but to live in another city -

that’s quite something else.

To know another city, to really breathe it in …. it’s like

nothing else in the world.

 

Seize the opportunities now, if you can.

xo

I’m catching up …

Apologies for the lack of posts. Need to clear somethings up

before November really begins in earnest … for me, at least.

At least my jetlag is finally (I think) dead and gone.

Jetlag is nature’s way of telling you “Cut the crap,

don’t fuss. Let your body and mind adjust to changes.”

It doesn’t feel like November in this country, truly.

Even though I have caught up with beloved family and

some dear friends ….

The pikupuff and kudapuff & I at Rootz. Seems a lifetime ago that Lot 10 was as happening.

With piku & kuda at Rootz. Seems a lifetime ago that Lot10 was as happening

IMG_1859

From left - Ro, Sharm, Arjen & Jasbir. I <3 this family. xo

…

I’m still thinking about two trips that have taught and inspired me

greatly this year. That’s the best thing about travel – when you

keep learning learning learning. I’ve learned so much from

America that I’ve been bursting with ideas since I got back.

Out of all the places we went, I must admit, I got most inspired

and learned most from New Orleans. (Yes, even though I

am dying to live in New York for a year or two)

I have to tell u ALL about this story ... but u must wait :) This is in New Orleans, with a woman who invited me into her home after I gawked & stared at her home for quite a bit LOL. She knows Brad Pitt ;)

Have to tell u ALL bout this story..but u must wait :) This is in NO, with a woman who invited me into her home after I shamelessly gawked at her home for ages. She knows Brad Pitt ;)

Ana & I ... at the Meatpacking District, NYC

Ana & I ... at the Meatpacking District, NYC

IMG_5620

My dear roadtrip buddies & I in Washington DC, at the end of our adventure. Sigh..

In front of Abe Lincoln's Memorial

Someone (unknowingly) became my model in front of Abe Lincoln's Memorial

And before that, a quieter, more reflective time …. I still remember this …

IMG_3799

At Long Lamai, Sarawak. I bathed in this river with my young friend Victoria (yes, Victoria :) for company

IMG_3827

That's her on the left & her cousin Kristiana, in front of their house

For those of who have not seen it, I wrote some articles on my

Penan and Long Banga trip which came out in The Nut Graph in October,

before I left for the US. You can read about them here , here and here .

But there are definitely more pictures I wish to share, here, soon enough.

Sometimes though, it aches to see these pictures. I remember how I felt

when they were taken.

Sometimes I feel more like the real me when I am away.

Some random points before I end:

-  Sometimes in this country of ours, I wonder if certain dastardly acts are

pure and intended evil &/or corruption, or if a big part of it is people just

well … f*cking up. Seriously.

A series of Ooops, Aiyaks and a startling acceptance of Kebodohan

Melampau or Ape-ape sajelah. Perhaps it is ‘Fight Ineptitude’ we should be

aiming for.

-  Is it normal to suddenly get turned off by friends when their heads

get too big? But you were so much more attractive & lovelier when

you were more humble, sweethearts.

-   I’ve been thinking (or having to face thoughts) about bullying,

intimidation, revenge and forgiveness for quite a bit recently.

It’s made me seriously question what I believe in, and whether I have

the strength to commit to principles I hold dear.  I never, ever thought

I’d allow myself to be bullied. Would/have you?

-   I really miss having dogs. Think it’s that unconditional love thang.

xo

My feet. These streets.

I have heard what some say about New Yorkers – that

they are less friendly, more brash, etc etc.

But I really don’t see it that way at all.

IMG_1676

Weather was not too good the last two days but I was happy

to be out walking on the streets. Went out on my own to do

some personal research and meet up with my darling friend

Ana, who lives here now.

While walking along and around 6th Avenue, I got several cheery

hellos despite the gloomy day.

One guy just beamed from the side, did a slight wave and went

‘Hello!’

‘Hi!’ I said back.

Walked a bit further and came to a corner. Whipped out

my map because I wanted to check the name of the street

I needed. Barely a minute later this man with a baseball

cap stopped walking in front of me, backtracked and

went “You okay honey? You lost or something?”

“I’m just looking for Sullivan Street?”

And he proceeded to tell me where, and how.

“Thank you so much!”

“No problem at all sweetheart,” he said with a smile, walking away.

 

Five minutes later, walking on Sullivan Street, this Spanish (I think)

guy with moustache and cap on a bicycle rides by and goes

“Hi mami” with a smile. And not in a douchebag sort of way.

I thought to myself .. ‘Wow, in London I’d just getting grumpy

grunts right now.’ (Or no grunts at all) Hehe.

Walking out of the shop later, these girls in front of me,

who look like dancers, giggle about something

in unison.

Three of them have their hair tied up in buns.

All of us walk by this gorgeous woman wearing

Louboutins and patterned tights. She’s exquisitely dressed.

We all turn to look at her, admiring her beautiful shoes.

A while later, this cheerful man who seems to be humming the McDonald’s

“Pa da pa pa pa” tune says “Hey” as he passes me by.

“Hello,” I reply ever so happily.

I could really get used to this.

 

Maybe it was just a nice day. (Despite the weather)

Maybe it was also cause I was super smiley myself that day.

Maybe my cheeks were super pink and I looked like an

umbrella-carrying 10-yr-old

lost in New York or something.

 

Or maybe it was just good that way.

Just good.

IMG_5124
The views from the Empire State Building last night.

Spectacular sights. The winds were brutal though.

Totally recommended.

IMG_1701

Yeah, I really do.

After that we would traipse into a bar on West 3rd Street

located opposite the legendary Blue Note (line was too long,

couldn’t be arsed to queue). We then discovered the karaoke

lounge located inside it. Suffice to say, it turned out to be a pretty

good night. Never sang karaoke in public like that before,

but I was to do it thrice. And with some new NY friends.

NY less friendly?

You kidding me?

 

 

The sun’s shining today. And with that, it’s bye bye for now.

Time to hit the museums.

Travelling without learning new things is like drinking

Coke without the fizz.

A bit pointless, isn’t it?

I’m coming, Sunshine!

xo

The Mighty City

We are on our last leg, not too long before we end in DC. The road trip portion where we had our own car is over, we returned that vehicle in Boston.

I am now on megabus, which has wifi. Brilliant. I see NYC in the distance. In the sunshine it gleams, so powerful and strong. I have always loved London and always will, those four years are part of my being … but this mighty city of New York is calling out strong.
It is thumping its chest, showing me its sinews, roaring I’m here girl, let me school you!

School me, New York, show me what dreams are made of.