Bitter

The one thing I learnt today, is to count on no one but yourself. If you hoped that someone would be there to lend a hand or to save your day, you can keep on hoping. To wait for help to come would be like waiting for rain in a desert. It would be so much better to deal with it on your very own.

They are all so full of lies. Hipocrites on their own being. Families and friends alike. And you can leave those who doesn't fit into the 2 categories, out. They always have this to say, "You can count on me." "You can be rest assured that I always be by your side." "You do not have to worry, for we will always be there for you." Or "Just buzz anytime, we'll always make time for you." Total bullshits!

In times of real trouble, in times of dire need, just how many would be there by your side, holding your hand and guiding you step by step? Just how many would pick that call and come straight to your aid? Face the fact. Humans being humans, are always that self-centred. It's always me, myself and I and no one else.

I will be there if there's something to my benefit. If it's not, then to hell with you. Never mind that I've said that I will always be there for you. Yea, I'll be there alright, if I won't be in a detrimental situation. Who are you for me to waste my time and effort for? So what if you're a family or a friend? In the very end, of course the most important person to me is myself. Not even family. Not even friends. Not even spouses.

The next time you say "You can always count on me", please think long and hard before you say it. If you can't keep the promise, please don't make a dumbass fool out of yourselves.

Yes, I am very bitter here today. Cause I got sick of those phrases, which I fell for all these while. To start of my first new year's resolution, I will count on myself from now on. And I won't be sorry for being self-centred.

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Dear Santa,

It's the time of the year again, where your mailbox is full of letters of wishes. As with the rest of the world, I would be of no exception in dropping my wish to your mailbox this year as well.

This year, Santa, I wish........for all the blessings that had been bestowed upon me, to not be taken away. I am grateful for all that I have. Santa, that's all I want for Christmas this year.

Merry Christmas!

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Fast & Furious

If you want me to slow down and do one thing at a time, I won't be able to. Not only the circumstances doesn't allow it, I am just somehow not associated with the term "slow and steady". I have been taught to be "fast and furious", and that's what I have been doing lately. Being fast....and very furious.

I have these messages laid on my desk for the past week. It was the same caller, who left messages each day to my staff when he couldn't reach me, reminding me to return his call. It's not that I was avoiding him or that the messages slipped my mind. Each time I looked at the messages, I just couldn't get the chance nor the time to ring him back. Guilty.

Like a race car drifting down from a hill, I have been "drifting" in and out from one agenda to the next. Discussion with the programmer to improve the existing system. Meeting with boss to set the prices of a new service. Meeting with a vendor to renew a contract. Meeting with a service provider on a fee settlement issue. Meeting with the consultants on the ISO project. Initiating and coordinating a new team in conjuction with the same ISO project. Providing counselling to problematic staffs. Draft the terms of another new agreement. Complete the annual staff appraisals. Research on some tax issues which was raised by the boss. Tighten up the controls on certain areas and to re-educate the relevant staffs. Solving the issues of the other departments. And the list goes on....

Finally, when no one was knocking on my door and that all emails have been addressed, there came the call from the banker for some urgent information. Or the call from the lawyer for some updates. Or the call from the insurance agent. Or the call from the next department asking for some references. Or the calls from ex-colleagues for technical advices.

While I was "zoom"-ing in and out to get things done, there are people who doesn't move on the same pace that I am, which could be very very very frustrating. Reports required not submitted to me on time. Previous agreements could not be found. Appointments not arranged. Policies were not read. Relevant approvals not obtained. Instructions not conveyed to junior levels. Letters passed to me at the very last minute.

Just like on the hill, while I'm "drifting" downhill with high speed, there are these balls laying around, stagnant, blocking the way. I've got to kick them in the right direction so that they'll roll out of the way and move on. And not just one kick, I've got to kick them numerous times to keep them up to my pace. When the kicking doesn't work, I've got to start throwing out my temper and raising my voice. Then only they start to move a little. OMG! Really OMG!

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Wimp

"You obviously know that this is not it. You obviously know that your heart is telling you to head some where else. And not only you, those close enough to you is able to tell that you do not want this as well. But yet, you choose to remain where you are. There is no wall in front of you. Nothing is holding you back. There is literally nothing that is stopping you from pursuing your desires. You just can't let it go. You can't bring yourself to lay down all that you've acheived so far. You can't accept what society might perceive of you. By doing so, you are just living the life as in the eyes of others. You are not living the life as the way you see it. A better way to say it is that you are conservative. The harsher way would be that you lack the courage. You didn't dare to opt for a change. You didn't dare to take a detour in life. You didn't dare to gamble your future. You'd rather stay unhappy in your current comfortable position than to pursue a more satisfactory but riskier path. But life is what you make out of it. Life is how you mould it to be. Think about it. And see whether you still want to stay on or move on. There is always a choice. And the choice is always yours to make."

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There's A Place For Us

Of the soundtrack from the latest Narnia installment.

I've never really fancied kiddy movies. Maybe I've grown up over fairy tales and magic. But the movie proved to be rather inspiring - if you apply certain parts of it into reality.

Enjoy!

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CPD

Totally forgotten about my CPDs for the year!

Don't know what it is? It's those points which you've got to accumulate in a year in order to retain that membership to a certain professional body. I need 40 points! Which I've totally forgotten about after I left EY.

So now I've got to cramp 40 points in one month. To be exact, less than a month! Oh boy!

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License to dive

Next year. Armed with an oxygen tank, a wet suit, mask and a pair of fins, I'll be able to experience these marvelous underwater sights. Imagine to be able to swim along side barracudas, hawksbill turtles, eagle rays and scallop hammerhead sharks. And maybe if I'm lucky, I might be able to touch one of them, without losing any part of my body, I hope. Yay! It's scuba diving man! It's gonna be one heck of an experience.Wait for me!

Well, NOT! With just a word from the doctor, I've got to thrash the entire idea into the bin. Along with part of the cost paid. The reason : Scuba diving has health  implications, if you don't do it properly. So, it is unwise to take the risk. Damn! There goes the clown fishes that I was anticipating to play with.

It's one of the top diving spots in the world, with hundreds or maybe thousands of international divers diving in its waters each year. And yet, as a Malaysian, I've been ignorant of its existence until a friend suggested for a trip there. Just as I was getting to know our very own Sipadan Island, the doctor said no. Some luck! So near yet so far.

Thus, as far as I'm concerned, the beauty of Sipadan and all underwater wonders shall forever remain where it is - under the depths of the sea. Undiscovered.

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Changing times

3 years ago, on a night like this, I would have been out partying. 3 years after that, on this night, look what am I doing? Lazying at home staring at the computer screen.

3 years ago, on a night like this, calls would be coming in for dozens of activities which I can't even decide which to go to. 3 years after that, on this night, I've got to make calls to find my own activities and I'd be lucky to even get one.

3 years ago, on a nght like this, most people would be keen to head up to Genting Highlands for a cup of Starbucks in the middle of the night. 3 years after that, on this night, most people woud prefer to hang in front of the TV to catch the latest TV series.

Times have changed. No longer are we gathered in a large group. Some have left the country. Some have gotten married. And the rest are out there busy continuing on down their own paths. It's time we do the same. It's time that I do the same. To carve my own path. And to live the life I want.

I'd like to know what would I be doing 3 years later, on a night like this?

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When life gets rough...

Sometimes, you just need that little pat on the shoulder....
Those little words of encouragement...
A little hug for some support...
And a little smile to make your day.

Just a little "No worries. Everything will be all right" does make a difference....

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Still looking back.......

After being gone for almost 8 months now, I still find it hard to leave the life in my previous firm. It's a love hate kind of a thing. And I realize that a lot of those who have left felt the same way too.

We dreaded going to work so much back then due to the impossible deadlines, the demanding bosses, the late nights, the never ending stress and the lack of personal time. Yet, at the same time, we anticipate stepping into the office into the laughter of our team mates, the gossiping sessions in the lounge, the group trips and parties, the team work, the flexible hours and the occasional treats from our bosses.

Looking at the pictures from those who are still there, I get this mixed emotion whereby I was glad that I left and I was glad that I had been part of them. I can't stop bringing up the stories of my previous place to my new colleagues. And some of us still actually take note of the on-goings there. There is a beam of pride some where inside. We pride ourselves in working for a reputable firm. We pride ourselves in surviving the impossible. We pride ourselves in the numerous friendships we made. We pride ourselves that our opinions are still being sought, even after we've left.

Every now and then, we hear complaints from the rest that no where else beats the culture back then. "My staffs are not as competent." "My department doesn't portray the type of team work we had." "My organization doesn't hold annual parties or annual dinners." "My boss doesn't have pep talks with us like we used to." "We no longer have lunch in a large group." etc etc.

Frankly speaking, we miss the ole days. And unless we head back in, it's kind of hard to find another place like it.

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What are we here for?

A friend posted a very interesting question to me today. He asked if I know the reason for being here. Meaning, the reason for being born.

I gave him a rather stupid answer. I told him that we are all passer bys. We come. Stay for an average 70 years or so and then we'll leave. It's the best that I can think of. He asked further : do you know why you came then? and last for that 70 years?

I was struck dumbfounded. Yea man. What is the reason for me being a passerby? Or anyone else for that matter? Further thoughts on it suggested no absolute answers. Since no one is able to tell you the purpose for your existence, the best would be to define your own. Create a purpose for being here. Boy, is that a hard one! Especially when we do not have the gifts nor the talents to create a new drug for cancer or some new technique to stop earthquakes.

I hope we can do better that loitering. Eating. Studying. Playing. Travelling. Flirting. Catching up with the latest movies. Working hard. Getting successful careers. Earn big bucks. Re-producing. Nourishing the young. And let the whole cycle start all over again.

Is that all what we are here for?

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The zone of no debate

The manager of one of the department's barged into my room this morning.....

xxx  : How can you send out this kind of notification?

Me  : Which notification is this?

xxx  : There...the one where u amended the procedures....

Me  : What is wrong with them?

xxx  : Perhaps you are not aware. We have been doing this way all this time. There wasn't any issue. Now you wanted to scrap the procedure and implement a new one. It's not going to work.

Me  : Why won't it work? I've noticed flaws in the previous one. There wasn't any issues then doesn't mean there won't be issues in the future. I'm helping you to improve the system.

xxx  : In the new procedures, it seems that all the responsibility has been pushed to us. What does your department do then?

Me : My department is on the back end. Of course these matters have to be initiated from your side. Your department is the core of the organisation. Without your approval, it's not likely for me to proceed.

xxx : So, if anything goes wrong, then I am to be blamed?

Me : If you follow the proper codes and conducts, then no one would blame you for anything right?

xxx : .................. I still don't like this. I'm speaking to the GM.

All in a days work.

The toughest thing to handle is the mind. Especially the mindset of elder generations. Sometimes, you just feel like splashing them with cold water. It's the 21st century! Haven't you noticed? We don't do things like the 'old' days anymore.

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"You want it all, you want it small"

Behold my new toy.

The all new HTC Aria. 

Ready to go.

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Yet another departure

Yes. Another close friend is leaving. Leaving the country for a better job opportunity in a far away land.

Why the hell do I have so many close friends anyway? It's never good to know that they are leaving and you won't be close anymore. Shucks!

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Of marriage, husbands and kids

The ladies at my workplace were having a little slack time this quiet Saturday morning. The topic of men and babies crept up eventually as most of them have just started a family.

The conversation was intense, with each discussed about their husbands, their kids, their mother-in-laws, their washing machine, what to cook for dinner etc etc. They seemed to be having a good time comparing 'notes' and soughting advices. And these were ladies not very much elder than me.  It felt weird that I don't find these conversations interesting at all.

While some ladies are already preparing for family life, there are others who are still enjoying their singlehood. Yeaps. People like me. While some talk about diapers and dish washers, others talk about bungee-jumping and scuba diving. I guess different people do have different priorities.

And I can't say which is the better. The more conventional parties, of course, are of the opinion that ladies do have to be married and have their own family some day. So, the sooner you do that, the better. And they can make it sound so wrong for you if you don't do it. The more urbanised parties, on the other hand, wanted to delay marriage for as long as possible. They are of the opinion that youth do only come once in a lifetime. No way they are going to throw that all away and be tied down with commitments of a family.

Marriage, to me, is a long term plan. There is still so much out there to be seen and done. If you want me to choose between babysitting and backpacking, I guess I'll pick the latter. For the time being.

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The British Cottage

By chance, we checked into this chalet up on Cameron Highlands. It was the Raya holidays and every where else were either fully booked or charging unreasonable rates. This was the only place that was available. I fell in love with it from the moment I stepped in.

It was a British boarding school back in the 1890s. After the British pulled out, it was bought over by an Indian national and turned into a chalet. Hence, the name, Bala's Chalet. Most of it's architecture and furniture were properly preserved. They still have fireplaces in each room. And since it's situated on top of a hill, the view have been spectacular.

This is how my dream home is going to be like.....

Wonderful isn't it?

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Interviews

This time, I'm not the one getting jittery and worried about what might be asked. This time, I'm the one having fun thrashing out tough questions to MY candidates. Yes, you've heard me right. I am hiring. Boy, does it sound good to be introduced as the "hiring manager".

If you think you've seen all kinds of interviewer throughout your job hunting days, wait till you meet the all kinds of candidates.

Me : What are your career expectations in this organization?
Candidate : Erm....just....erm.....good pay....

Me : You were late for the interview session. What is your reason for that?
Candidate : I went to the market.

Me : How do you  handle pressure?
Candidate : By listening to music.
Me : How does listening to music help in work pressures?
Candidate : ...........(smiles).................

Me : Please tell me what do you know about our organization.
Candidate : I think it's something got to do with.............
Me : So, you came without knowing what you'll be getting yourself into?
Candidate : (shrugs) I just clicked on the ad....

Me : Briefly explain one of your weaknesses.
Candidate : I'm not good at listening to people.
Me : So, you mean, if I ask you to complete a certain task, you won't listen to me?
Candidate : Oh...no no no!

And the killer one....

Me : Why do you want to work here?
Candidate : Cause I like the 'House'.
Me : I beg your pardon?
Candidate : You know...the 'House' drama series? I love to watch that.
Me : (total speechless)

Now I know how frustrating you can get interviewing people. Macam-macam ada. I don't mean to be mean. Just that you get curious sometimes. And some people answer you in the most amusing way. You just can't help it.

Ohh...and I've found someone who fits the job. You're hired!

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10 reasons why men suck

Information was gathered through observations and interactions with my male counterparts. Although not all men behave the same way, but they are guilty of at least one of the reasons listed.

In no particular order:

1) Immature 
    They still spend a whole lot of time on computer games and animes. Someone ought to tell them that those
     aren't real and it's time for them to check back into reality. Or they could make better use of their spare
     time.

2) Losers
    Without their girlfriends around, they flirt, put an arm around your shoulder and offer to carry those stacks
     of files for you. In the presence of their girlfriends, all they do is say hi and don't even hold the door for
     you seeing that your arms are occupied.

3) Inconsiderate
    It never crossed their mind to escort their female friends to the car park during the late hours. Either they
    are oblivious to the dangers of society these days or they just couldn't be bothered.

4) Un-gentleman-ness
    They ring a lady up for a drink and expect her to pick him up. Or they expect her to get herself there. If
    she doesn't show up, she's deemed as not outgoing enough.

5) "Blind"
      Unless you look like Paris Hilton or Megan Fox, they somehow or rather look past you. No matter how
      witty you are.

6) Shallow
    It's pretty easy to get them to notice you even if you don't look like Paris Hilton. Show off some thigh and
    cleavage and there you go. You'll garnier their full attention.

7) Egoistic
    It's all about pride. No point in arguing with them. Cause even though they know they are in the wrong,
    they just won't admit it.

8) All talk and no action
    They are very good at boasting. "I am capable of this this this..." "I've done this this this..." If you are an
    empty vessel, please spare us.

9) Ungrateful...
    It's never enough to have a loving and understanding girlfriend. They like the thrill of having 3 affairs at the
    same time.

10) ....and foolish
    And they lose all 3 of them in the end.

Yet, for some reason, we still hang out with them.

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Still searching....

It has been good so far. I finally had the time to focus on other things than work. I no longer had to work on a spreadsheet till 2 am or on weekends. I no longer had to feel guilty going for a movie or a drink. I no longer dread heading to work or wishing that all my bosses would vaporise. Work, nowadays, stays within that official 8 hours. Anything beyond that, is allowed to be done the next day.

I am free to plan for movies. I am up for all the lastest screenings, until a point in time where I need to anticipate the next release. I had the time to attend fancy dinners. And not to mention heading to bars and clubs after that. I have changed my wardrobe. There are more fancy shoes and catchy outfits. I started to concentrate on my appearance. I've played with make ups and hair treatments. I've begun to take an interest in gardening as well. I can now do stuffs that I didn't have the time to do previously.

When I went back to my old place to meet up with my ex-colleagues, nothing has changed. It was the sense of familiarity that got me so attached to that place. The structure. The people. It feels just like home the moment I walked in. I was greeted with smiles. "Hey, come back laaa. We missed you." No doubt it was good to hear that, but I've not regretted leaving.

I know that place wasn't meant for me. So is this new one, regardless of how happy I am there. After 3 years of studies and 5 years of rewarding career, I have not gained that satisfaction that I thought I would achieve. No matter how many times I'd allowed myself the chance to try, I still do not see the point in what I'm doing. No purpose. No passion. I asked myself each day if this is really what I want. If this is really what I want to continue with for the rest of time.

The truth is, I have no absolute answer to that. I can't see what the future might hold for me. I do not know the best decision to be made. To be honest, I am still searching for vacancies. I believe that so long as I'm in this line, I will never find something that will truly satisfy me.Unless, of course, I have the guts to switch to another field. Which, most likely, be unlikely.

So all I can do at the moment is stay put and pray that miracle will happen one day.

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Secrets

In this movie, this physics nerd was experimenting electric waves on steel bars to generate a certain tune. God knows how he did it, and though I'm not a physics fan, the idea was awesome. Totally impressive. And the tune played was darn cool. The tune came from a song.

We stayed back after the end of the movie to catch the title of that song. Even after the last patrons have left and the cleaners were in to clean up the place, we still didn't get it. Maklum-lah, too many crews. The appreciation list went on forever. Giving up, we googled it instead.

The movie : Sorceror's Apprentice.
The song : Secrets by One Republic.
Nicholas Cage : Dashing.



We weren't the only ones waiting to catch the song title. There were others hanging around for it too. Yes, it is real good.

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First 2 weeks....

So, I've been here for 2 weeks....

The work load has been mounting each passing day. The previous fella didn't get anything straight. None of the problems were solved. Internally and externally. So there have been complaints coming in from every corner. I am here to fix things. One at a time. Or so I hope.

I have moved into my new room, although it still stinks with paint. Thus, I've used alot of air fresheners and blasting the air conditioning. I'm in the midst of preparing my pot of plant to be brought into my room. Can't find a suitable seed. But sadly, no, the room is not huge enough for me to have my own lounge in it, or even a mini bar.

Still getting adjusted to the new position and authority. I have brought in the way I used to work back at my old place. You know, something like when I want this report, I mean I want it NOW. And I don't tolerate excuses such as busy or too many things on hand. Back then, you are suppose to manage your own time accordingly. But at this place, they have no clue about urgency and stress. If you throw them more work, they'll give you this expression, "Huh? Another report? But I've already got ONE report on hand...." They'll get confused, disorientated and ended up lost. Something which I could not accept. Time to turn things around. My way!

Unlike back in those days where we speak in a common language and everyone works as part of a team, things are rather different here. I guess it's usual in the commercial line. Certain people never understood English. Or pretend not to understand. And, don't be surprised, mini war springs into full mode the moment you start your day. Conflicts. Disagreements. Hard feelings. Back stabbing. Politics. Two-faced. Fake smiles. If you bring up the GM, they bring up the BOD.

Been experiencing culture shocks. From where I came from, we mingle with the bosses. Here, people try NOT to mingle with the bosses. So I'm left in between wondering to mingle or not to mingle. Back then, 7 pm is when the office becomes alive. Dinners. Chats. Drinks. Games. Now? You'll be pressured not to leave by 7 pm.The lights are all out. Not a single soul will be around. They used to call me by my nick name. Now they call me by my surname. Damn! It's so formal.

I've established my own 'gang'. A clan. Well, I do need allies. Everyone does. They are my lunch mates and my gossiping mates. It's not easy to find people of the same age once you've ventured out. At least, they could provide some help in times of need. Although this might sound a little sampat, but I have my own phone! It's a scarce resource in the old days you know. We had to run around looking for one. Now I can be sure that when the phone rings, it will be someone looking for me. Me and only me.

It is indeed my first time out of a protected environment. It's everything on my own now. No more managers to cover me. No more directors to cover me. No more bosses to cover me. If you screw up means you screw up. It's everyone for their own mess.

Let's do see what happens in another 2 weeks.

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Perhentian Island

Seeing that we won't be having further Friday outings like we used to, the girls from my previous team came up with this idea to go to Langkawi initially. I honestly do not know what went wrong in between, we changed course to Perhentian island instead. And lucky we did.

Perhentian island, probably unknown to many 10 to 20 years back. Of course, it was Redang that has always been the more famous one, with its sandy beaches, vast corals and exotic marine life. As the years passed and the growing number of tourists load on Redang, the island had some what deteriorated. No more sandy beaches. No more vast corals. No more exotic marine life. "They" said it would be more enjoyable to head to Perhentian island instead. Not that polluted. And highly recommended by the tour agent. So off we go!

Out of the many packages, we opted for a 3D2N at Cozy Chalet on Perhentian Besar. The entire trip had cost less than RM 700, including RM180 for air flight tickets. The package was extensive, covering transportation to and fro the airport to the jetty (approx 1 hour), speedboat ride to and fro the island (approx 30 minutes), a tour guide to ferry you to the various snorkeling points, briefing for snorkeling, and every meals for 3 days.

Me and my girls were like little kids. Screaming and jumping at the sight of nemos and turtles. Whining and complaining at the not-so-posh accomodation. Got all excited at the sight of sharks. And not to mention, puking into the ocean. We didn't mean to pollute, but our tummies got uncomfortable and the waves made us dizzy, so we threw up while snorkeling...much to the delight of the fishes. Yuckie!!! I know.

The entire trip was all about snorkelings. No divings. No beach activities. No para-sailings what-so-ever. Even then, it was real tiring. We were already worn out by 9 pm. However, the underwater view at Perhentian had been magnificent. I know it couldn't be compared to other exotic islands, but from its on stand, boleh-lah. Ada corals, multi coloured ones. Ada fishes, multiple shapes and sizes. Ada turtles. Ada sharks. Ada clams. Ada "hoi sam". Apa-apa pun ada. Satisfactory.

We brought back more than the souveniers, the sceneries and the memeories of the time spent together. We brought back numerous wounds to the feet along with sun burns and stingy eyes from the salty sea water. And the addiction for more snorkelings. Yes, it is addictive. 3 days was just not enough to mingle more with nemos.

I simply love lying on the beach, under the palm trees, feeling the soft sea breeze on the skin and mesmerize myself on the countless stars spread across the night sky. Serene.

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When English was "polluted"

A vacancy posted up at an outlet window made me blinked twice and went, "What?"

First, I had no idea what that position would be. Second, I didn't even know such a position even existed.

Here's the ad I saw. You can laugh if you want to.

VACANCY

1) Account Exact

2) Graphic Designer

3) Driver

Please contact xxxxxxxx

Didn't get it? See again.

The standard of our English. Yes. Malaysia Boleh! 


*shakes head*

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First day...

New job. New position. New place. New colleagues. New room.

Yeaps. I'm particularly excited about the last one. And I'm even provided with a new laptop. Shucks! Thought I could ditch carrying one around after all these years.

Anyhow, first day...already been slapped with tonnes of work. Meetings. Meetings. Meetings. Discussions. Discussions. Discussions. Reports. Reports. Reports.

Challenging. That's where the fun lies.

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A little painting

Out of boredom, I have gone up to Bukit Tinggi for a day's tour. Honestly, there isn't much to do there. Other than the rabbits and the horses. And since I am no longer 12, so rabbits and horses didn't interest me much either.

Anyhow, I was at the French village, Colmar Tropicale, and came across this clay painting store. The sculptures were so adorable that I couldn't resist buying a couple back to work on. After all, I got all the time in the world. Hah! So for RM10 a piece, I started my painting.

From the Pokemon series.

Pikachu and Jigglypuff.

The tools.

I haven't done any painting for the past decade. So after 3 hours of mixing colours and fiddling with the paint brush, I'd finally completed painting a miserable set of Pokemon sculptures.

Ta-daaa.

Say hi to my Pikachu.

Pardon me if the colouring looks rather cacat. I memang suck at art.

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In the name of charity

A spring cleaning activity done a couple of months back saw these lying in the corner of my storeroom. Dating back to the 1990s when I was a tween and then a teen.

My all time favourites. Which I read for countless times.

My Hadi boys' collection. Incomplete.

The horror collection. Which was not scary, after all.

The famous lady.

Children's classics.

These were very good. But I just grew out of it.

Although I hate to part with them, but they still got to go. So I went looking for someone who would appreciate them. First thought was to donate them to my primary school. But they were too rich to accept donations, so my books got rejected. It's your loss!

Another thought was to sell them to second hand book stores. But they didn't accept much children's story books either. Another loss!

An advertisement for a jumbo sale in the papers caught my attention. Hospis Malaysia, a centre here in Cheras for palliative care. They are seeking donations of any kind for a jumbo sale to raise funds to help patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

For a worthy cause, I gathered my books and some clothes and drop them off at their centre in Taman Sri Bahtera. It was a good feeling. Although I have no idea who might buy my books, or how the funds received would be used, at least, I've done a little bit for charity. To lend a hand to people in need.

In case anyone would like to donate anything or anyone who is interested to attend the jumbo sale, which is on 31 July 2010, here's the website for further information : http://www.hospismalaysia.org/

Bye bye books! May you end up in good hands.

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Was it right? Or was it wrong?

Often, the many decisions we make, there is no absolution on whether it's right or it's wrong. Many times, it's a gamble. Not knowing what lies ahead, not knowing what the outcome would be, we make the best estimation possible, put our best foot forward and follow our hearts. It is not until a certain time where our decisions have been 'judged', did we fall into the categories of regret or gratitude. No one is spared.

When you've picked the chicken burger over the vege salad, was it the right choice or the wrong one?
When you've decided to walk rather than hiring a cab, was it the right choice or the wrong one?
When you've hung out with your guy instead of your girl friends, was it the right choice or the wrong one?
When you've wanted to splurge rather than save up, was it the right choice or the wrong one?
When you've given up your job to be with your family, was it the right choice or the wrong one?
When you've gotten yourself caught in debts over that new property, was it the right choice or the wrong one?
When you've decided to leave everything behind and migrate overseas, was it the right choice or the wrong one?
When you've delayed having a baby over that new job promotion, was it the right choice or the wrong one?

How much time have we spent contemplating each move? Taking into account every pros and cons. Listing them down. Soughting advices from acquaintances. Flipping the coin. Talking to God. And "Ah hah!" Finally. I will go with the burger today.

How often did we tell ourselves that we have made the right choice, only to fidget and re-think that maybe we, in fact, made the wrong move? Of course it won't matter much if it's a burger or a salad. Cause you could always pick the salad tomorrow if you didn't picked it today. But would you be able to buy another property tomorrow when you've realised that you'd bought the wrong one today?

Decisions. So many have been afraid of  the aftermath that follows. Afraid that it will lead us to the unexpected. A twist in the events that precautions have not been made. Many have heard themselves expressing, "Sigh! I shouldn't have done this. I should have opted for the other alternative instead". And it is from these that others took reasonable precautions. Afraid of muttering the exact same words themselves. Not intending to follow the footsteps of those caught in the dilemma.

Yet, it is something that couldn't be avoided. You, somehow, still got to decide on something each passing day. There is no way that you could have known if the decisions made today were the right ones or the wrong ones for the coming future. People changed. Events changed. Circumstances changed. Perceptions changed. There's a possibility that you might not be the person you are today 10 years later, so let alone the decisions made.

We plan. We consider. We look into all aspects. And we just hope for the best. Hope that it was, indeed, the right move. Even if it was the wrong one later on, we would still hope that the effects will not be that severe. That the corrective measures were sufficient to make right the wrongs.

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Competitions

I seriously hate competitions. Not competitions as in contests. But competitions as in people competing with each other on any matter, be it education, career, accessories, wealth, travel, friends, anything!

I see it as pointless. You compete with your relatives. You compete with your firiends. You compete with your neighbours. You compete with your colleagues. Okay, may be I'm a little weird. Or may be I'm just not that competitive. Not that ambitious. I don't get it when someone starts to whine and whine over 10As instead of 11As that her friend scored. Isn't 10As good enough? You'd still get that scholarship. You'd still get into that prestigious university. You'd still be highly regarded by your future employer. You'd still be highly paid. So why all the whining? Why all the jealousy?

A friend has once told me that it's good to compete. "When you compete, you will try your best to win. And to do that, you will improve. Even if you don't win, it will make you a better person. Competition is a good thing, in a certain way". I had agreed with him at first. But along the way, I realised that I totally hated it. I can be a competitive person. But not with people around me, it will be with my own self. I don't out-do the person beside me for that promotion, I'll out-do myself in order to acheive that.

Yes, I can't deny that I do make comparisons with my peers in regards to where I stand. But that's just about it. To move forward, I'll see what is it that I'm lacking and I work on it. I perfectly understand that not everyone could obtain the same results. May be someone got luckier. Maybe someone was smarter. May be someone worked harder. May be someone has got the right connections. It doesn't always mean that you are at the losing end just because you weren't as good as the other person. May be to the other person, you are the source of envy.

I just dun understand why people fail to see that. Wake up and smell the air! Life is never perfect. No matter how hard you compete, no matter how jealous you could be, if things weren't meant to be yours than it wouldn't be. So why waste all that time feeling bad? Learn to make the best out of what you have. Learn to compete with, not others, but yourself. If you win, then you really have something to celebrate about.

I just don't give a damn if you got that huge diamond ring on your finger. I don't even like diamonds. If you know what I mean.

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Jobless? Oh No!!!

As most of you know, I quit my previous employment without a new one. When people found out, they went "What?? WHY???" You know. The very shock-unbelievable look. Everyone. From the security guard to the butcher at the market to the neighbours to the relatives to friends to senior management in large corporations.

The next questions running through their minds (from the next look that they portrayed), "Is there something wrong with her?", "Was she laid off?", "Did she screw up her last assignment?", "Did she do something very wrong?". It was easier to deal with the non-corporate people. I just got to act a little reckless. As with all young adults these days. "Well, I hated the job. So I left." "Nah, I wanted to take a break". "They weren't paying me very well...and it was stressful. So I took off." There. They are satisfied. Or they pretended to be satisfied. Enough to keep them from pestering me further.

It's those people in the large corporations that I needed the extra effort to explain myself. "What have you been doing all this time that you are unemployed?" "Why are you so confident that you could obtain another employment in such a short time?" "How did you survived, since you have no income?" "How did you upgrade yourself within the profession, since you have not been updated for the past months?"

I got fed-up answering them after a while. No. I actually got fed-up with the way society perceive unemployed people. It's like being a criminal. Being judged negatively. Is it so wrong to be unemployed? It's not like I wanted to stay unemployed for the rest of my life. This is just temporarily. Even if it's the case, who the hell are you to tell me that I can't? Malaysians are somewhat narrow minded. If you have no job, then you are doomed. How are you going to continue living?

Do bear in mind that in the west, this is a common phenomenon. It's not an unusual thing for professionals to take a year off to participate in volunteer projects or to learn a new skill. Mind you, it's professionals! A year off! I'm only off a few months and all the hassle has crept up. Just because this is unheard off here doesn't mean it's not been done before. And it's not wrong! Definitely not!

I was upset with all the comments before. But now, I've decided to let them all pass. No point arguing. No point trying to make them all see otherwise. I know I'm not in the wrong. The job didn't suit and I'm looking for the one that does. Simple as that. Nothing so complicated. I'm not worried either so I don't need you to worry on my behalf.

I don't intend to rush into things, so I'm taking my time in deciding. Yea, I've been labelled as fussy. But hey, this is my life man. Of course I choose the best for myself. Wouldn't you do the same? So quit coming to me every other day and go, "Hey, still no job yet?"

Spare me.

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Bored to the bones

It's already 4 months! I have initially allowed myself 1 month. The max 2. But look at where am I now. Still at home, reading books of 600 pages each week along with hot hot strawberry teas. Borders have become my most frequent hangout. Although it's been pretty cool to wake up at 11am each day and laze on the couch with my books in tow, it can be pretty daunting waiting for the phone to ring, with good news on the other end.

To keep myself from thinking yang bermacam-macam, I have come up with bermacam-macam ideas to keep myself occupied:


1) Join Amazing Race Asia
2) Participate in Miss Astro Chinese International
3) Help out at a fried chicken stall
4) Tryout for Air Asia cabin crew
5) Become a personal assistant to some local celebrity
6) Turn my blog into a money making machine

Although I'm more in favour of the last idea, but nah, it's not going to work when there are thousands of other bloggers out there competing to be the next Kenny Sia. If I had thought about that 10 years ago, it would be an entirely different story. But now, all you need to do is learn ABC, write something about your pet goldfish or the frog by the pond and you'll be featured on Nuffnang. I'll pass.

And yeah, they are just ideas. None to be put into action. So, I guess I shall just get back to my books then. And pray that the phone will ring real soon.

Wish me luck!

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An unblissful marriage

She made a wrong decision.

Looking back 30 years ago, she knew she shouldn't have walked down that aisle. She had been pretty then. Long dark hair, smooth fair skin, shy and demure. But age was catching up. She had rejected a marriage proposal from a merchant a couple of years back as she thought she was of no match to him. He came from the city and highly educated. She grew up in a small rural town with not much education. She had looked down on herself.

She finally settled for this man who went after her. He was not really her type. He was a layman who was brought up without much parental guidance. He didn't have the charms nor the personality that she preferred in a life long partner. But he had treated her well. He had treated her with respect. And he was a responsible man. So she gave him her hand to marriage. It seemed to be the only choice she had if she didn't want to be laughed at for still being single at 30.

She had had her expectations of him. She had had her demands. It was the only way she'd feel that the marriage was worth it. She wanted to make sure she didn't make the wrong move. She wanted something to boast back to the relatives. She wanted to be looked up upon. She didn't liked his family, so they bought a decent home in the city and moved in. She wanted him to work up the career ladder. But he was not an ambitious man. He'd rather spend time with the boys over soccer. She was furious with him when he didn't take that promotion which could provide them a better life. She was furious whenever he was back late with liquor stench all over him.

She had a little tinge of regret. Maybe it was really a wrong move. But she couldn't bear the thought of a divorce. She needed a man to rely on. And no one would want a married woman. She couldn't bear the sight of society looking down on her. A little hope came when her baby girl arrived. She could put all her expectations on this baby to make her proud. She would nourish this girl to be what she couldn't be herself. She named her Ann.

Things got alot better with the birth of Ann. She got all the attention she desired. Her baby girl had been adorable. Everyone was of praise to her. Even her husband had changed. He'd quit his night out with the boys. He'd quit drinking. He turned into a doting daddy to Ann. He worked hard to provide for the family. He finally got that much desired promotion. They bought a more spacious vehicle. Ann was everything to them now. She could see her life getting some where.

Her little girl grew up bubbly and healthy. She was a pretty little thing, resembled so much of her. She wanted the best for Ann. She got her into an expensive private school. Enrolled her into piano, ballet and arts. Hired a nanny to care for her every need. She watched her baby every step of the way. She would grow up to be successful. Her baby would make her proud one day. And she did. Ann scored the perfect grades in school. Got a scholarship to study law. Active in sports. And all the while, sweet and obedient.

She hadn't plan for this one day to come. Her husband quit his job out of rage. He had stayed at home since. Watching sports on ESPN all day. She had blamed him for causing their savings to run dry. She was furious at him for not taking any initiatives to get another job. She got mad when he didn't help with house chores after they let go of the nanny. She had to continue to work to support the family even though she had planned to retire in a year's time. She threw her tempers at him. Calling him a useless rat who depended on her when it should be otherwise. She'd slam the doors. Gave him the cold shoulder. Talked to him in a rude way. She complained to Ann, saying that she was disgusted with him. And that she was fed-up. She hadn't want to put up with him any longer. Ann had remained silent each time.

Ann had came up to her one fine morning. Ann had told her she didn't want to practise law anymore. She wanted to pursue further with arts instead, her true interest. She had screamed in her daughter's face, "What is in your head? How could you throw off everything? Art is useless. It's only good for a hobby. You can't survive with it!". Ann had been insistent. She felt her world came tumbling down. Ann had already dropped law way before. She didn't ask for her permission, she was merely informing her. How could her sweetie do this? All her hopes were gone. All her efforts all these years gone. All gone. Why is all this happening? Can't both of them see the rational behind her plans? It was for their own good.

An ambulance was called up. She had fainted. They'd rushed her to the hospital. Ann had given her another heart breaking news. It was all too much for her. She wouldn't be that mother-in-law that she'd dreamed of. She wouldn't be the grandma that she'd desired. Ann had persistently informed her another time that she wouldn't want to be married. Ann loved her single life and she would spend her days travelling around, while indulging in her arts. "Are you nuts? You are a girl. You need to be married and have a family. You don't want to be a spinster!" "No mum!", Ann had yelled back. "Everything is what you wanted it to be. I never wanted to be married. Just like I never wanted to study law! It was all for you. Not mine!" Ann had stormed out of the house. Her baby had screamed at her. It was all too much to bear.

Ann looked at her mum on the hospital bed. She saw the wrinkles and the worn out face. Her mum had lost weight. She knew her mum had worked hard. She knew her mum had tried to fix everything. She knew that her mum hadn't been entirely satisfied with the family. Her mum had thought she could deserve better from the very start. She knew her mum had regretted walking down the aisle with her dad. He was not the guy she really fell in love with. Although he had, most of the time, did everything he could to keep her happy. She was too absorbed by her own emotions that she failed to realise that her family were humans too. They have their own desires and dreams. They couldn't do what she had wanted all the time. She kept focusing on their weakness that she turned a blind eye to the strengths in them. At least her dad did not cheat on her. He didn't abuse the family. He was there for her whenever she needed him. Yes, he was lazy but it was not really a serious crime. He had fix the leaking tap all the time. He had meddle with the fuis box. He had fix her car when ever it broke down. He drew up their insurance plans. Didn't all these count?

Ann hadn't try to break her mum's heart. She didn't want to argue with her either. She wanted to succeed in her own way. In a way that she was happy. Not by others doing. Her mum had failed to see this. She had never been able to talk to her mum. Everytime she wanted to ask for an advise or a support, her mum had put her down. Her mum had always instructed rather than adviced. She didn't think her mum understood her at all. She never did anything wrong. She was never into drugs. She never dropped out of school. Her grades had been one of the best. She didn't fool around. Like the way with her dad, her mum was never satisfied. No matter how good they were, her mum was never satisfied.

She had given up all hope. Everything was not what she wanted it to be. She felt like nothing is hers any longer. She doesn't look at her husband anymore. She doesn't talk much to Ann anymore. They can go their own ways. She will go hers. They can do what ever they wanted. She won't step out of the house that often. She's afraid the neighbours might gossip and she had nothing fancy to boast about her family. She's ashamed of the family. She will do her part. She will no longer bother about the rest. Her husband can continue to watch ESPN till the day he dies. Ann can go where ever she wishes. Just that she won't be supporting her from now on. It's the way it's going to be now.

She deeply regretted ever getting married to him. If only she had more guts back then to agree to that city merchant. Her life would have been great. She heard he had migrated, with a business empire that would last for the next 50 decades. She had the chance to be rich and happy. She had blew it all away. And now she was stuck in this unblissful place. A place where she didn't really want to be.

She had only made that one wrong decision.......

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Ridiculous news feeds

I find it very amusing when ever I log in to Facebook. Scrolling down the News Feeds would make me go "Oh what the heck?"

Although it is pretty normal to lay out your thoughts on your profile, I don't see a reason why certain people ought to spell out their daily lives for the entire world to see.

I'm okay if you want your friends to share your ups and downs. "Just got that promotion" or "Got into an accident yesterday" or "What have you been up to lately?" or "Had an awesome evening" or "In deep disappointment". Something along those lines. These statements would garnered concerns, or words of praise or simply the "Like" sign.

But when people put up, "Cooking prawn mee for hubby tonight" or "Waiting for mum for dinner" or "Oh no, my boy friend is not home yet" or "Still have not taken my bath" or "Going to the zoo later", I start to scratch my head. Then there comes the comments, "You are cooking prawn mee? How sweet~~What ingredients did you use?" And the next 20 comments would be all about prawns, pepper and salt. C'mon!

Facebook is all about keeping in touch with family and friends and to post updates on any special occassions or events. But please, not until that extent that you want to update your friends on your activities every other minute. Please keep certain private matters, private. Not everyone is interested to know whether your boy friend is home or not.

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Crossroads

Life has been pretty much mapped out before this. At least, I knew where I was headed. Get into a good school. Score the best possible grades. Get into a reputable firm until I attained that membership status which would secure my career for the rest of my life.

I've done all that. I got what I wanted. I did what I was supposed to do. And now, I'm stuck here, in the middle of this huge crossroad, unable to proceed into the appropriate direction. Unable to take a step. I left my reputable firm knowing that it wouldn't be a problem for me to venture on further. Three months down the road and I'm still here, undecided, weighing all the possible options. And I tell you, the options are aplenty.

Being young and without commitments, the world would really be at your feet. You've got nothing to loose, maybe, other than, time. But even then, it so darn difficult to make this one decision which you think would be the best. I have been hopping around, changing my mind numerous times and ended up no where. People asked, "What do you really want?" I have no absolute answer to that. 

Each person has their two-cents worth of opinions when ever I asked for one. The more I hear, the more options being laid, the more I'm stuck at this very same spot. Non-moving. Yes, yes. I could take this route into commercial companies. Yes, yes. I could take this route into banking. Yes, yes. I could take this route into internal audit. Yes, yes. I could take this route into consultancy. Yes, yes. I could take this route into overseas postments. Yes, yes. I could take some time off to continue with MBA. Yes, yes. I could take this route of holiday visas. Yes, yes. I could take the route back to audit. They say by taking up accountancy, you'd have a wide variety of options to choose from. Indeed. Too many, I would say.

A little conversation with a local journalist had made the matter worse. I was being advised to follow my heart on my childhood ambition. Yes, yes. So now there is another option whereby I could ditch accounting once and for all and pursue a different field. A field which has not a very promising future. A field which I would need to start afresh and let go everything that I have accomplished so far.

And then there are peer pressures and pressures from society which couldn't be avoided. People tend to think negatively when they see you jobless. They start comparing in terms of status, in terms of wages, in terms of professions, in terms of benefits and all else in between. "Huh? You are still not working?" "Is there something wrong with her?" No matter how many times you tell yourself that your life is yours and it has got nothing to do with them, you'd still have the urge to excel and provide them a satisfactory explaination sooner or later.

Along the way came a warning. A warning from a seer that told me not to expect the expected from my chosen path. A warning that couldn't be ignored when my past and my present has been foretold in accuracy. Great! So I couldn't just accept that high paying offer cause it might not be high paying in the end. Or I should try the road less taken for it might turn out to be 'the one'.

Maybe I ought to go to the temple more often then maybe God would show me the way. But the thing is I'm not really a religious person. So this way wouldn't work. Perhaps I should just flip a coin? Or perhaps I could stare at the ceiling then maybe light will lead me the way...

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Ex-EY : Reunited

Ahh...my EY gang. Those fond memories.

 Doing what we do best.

Wonder how many more weddings does it take for all of us to get together again.

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Cheapskate but not kiasu

I like Gene's phrase. It's like being kedekut but not in an embarrassing way.

There is nothing wrong in being stingy alittle. After all, we are talking about money. It's a natural reaction to want to keep your own money deep inside your pockets. So, when there's an opportunity to spend less for the same amount of things, it is natural to do so. But please lah, don't do it in an embarrassing way. Mensia-suihkan, as they say.

There was this food promotion. You get a certain percentage off the regular menu for a certain period of time. So, it's no surprise that you see a very long queue at the diner's door. It's not wrong to be in the queue, even though you did not, for once, dine in there before. Everyone wants to try something new right? Right. So I was in that queue.

But, I'd like to say that I wasn't kiasu. Yes, I know that it's a bargain that couldn't be missed. And unlike most people, I didn't bring the whole kampung with me. And together with the next kampung as well. Making the queue miles long. And I didn't barge right in front of the reception with my 2 kampungs of people as if I haven't eaten in days. I didn't cut queues nor did I hog on to the menu for as long as I want. I have maintained my cool and didn't raise my temper to the waiters just because I have been lining up for half an hour. 

Yes, I am cheapskate but definitely not kiasu.

Man! It's utmost embarrasing to be in the same queue as them...

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Dumb dumb me

I sometimes don't even understand myself. I wouldn't blame anyone who doesn't.

The dumb me had decided to settle for uncertainty and interest rather than a high paying job, with flexi hours and easy workloads. Well, aren't those what I've been dreaming of having all these while?

I look at the rest and go green with envy with the fancy titles, the vast opportunities given and the high monthly incomes. But when it got to me, I chose to let go and pursue something which I would be more interested instead.

The rest comes in secondary. It's the interest that matters now.

Yea, call me dumb.

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Quote

"I don't have a set destination of where I want to be. I can only build my capabilities and perform better than my counterparts and I know I will go somewhere. "

- An interview conversation from The Star -

Some one just laid out what I had in mind. So I wasn't the only one wandering around aimlessly.

Thank you.

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I finally got 'em!

I am a fussy one on shoes.

One tour member came out of this shoe store in London with 4 pairs of shoes in tow. "All the brands are there. Adidas. Nike. Puma. Reebok. Even Playboy and Hello Kitty. All sizes. All colours. All designs. And very affordable", she said.

So I rushed in. Went through the shelves. Skimmed through everything they have in store. It was quite awhile later when I set my eyes on these. The right design. The right colour. Never mind that they were out of trend.

Only 22 pounds!

Unfortunately, they didn't have my size. As the tag says, "Limited sizes only." I sulked walking out of the store empty handed.

But back in KL, I found the exact same design and colour. With the right size! Yippieee!

You are mine now. All mine!

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An European getaway

It was a blessing that Eyjafjallajökull had ceased to erupt 2 days before I was due to fly and resumed erupting just 2 days after I returned. I wasn't caught in any flight cancelations nor delays. The weather had been great throughout the entire tour. Even the tour guide thanked God for making this tour a smooth sailing one - covering all programmes and meeting each timeline.

My maiden voyage to the European countries had covered the western side of it - Germany, Switzerland, France, Holland, Belgium and the United Kingdoms. I had wanted to go for Kontiki or some other youth travels but the situation had not allowed me much choices, so I went with the tour group. It wasn't really satisfying as I  have little patience for the elders. They just had different interests and different purposes. I was more into cultures and sculptures and architectures. They were more into shoppings and food and more shoppings.

It was a rather rush one - only stopping for around 15 to 45 minutes on each location. There wasn't enough time for photos and souveniers all together. More like a Touch 'N Go concept. You 'touched' one location and hurried on to the next one. But we did covered all the major hotspots. Those must-see places. All in all, it was kinda worthwhile.

Germany - Black Forest

It is a llittle town right outside of the Black Forest. It's the home of the cuckoo clocks. Only originally found in this place - all hand made.  By the way, Black Forest doesn't mean that the trees are black in colour. The pine trees grew so high and so near to each other that you can't see the sun light if you venture too deep into the forest. Hence, that is where the forest got its name.

Switzerland - Rhine Falls, Lucerne, Mount Titlis

  Rhine Falls. 

Uncomparable to Niagra Falls. Clear waters. Very clear.

All around Lucerne town.  

 

The icy Mount Titlis

Mountain Titlis view from land.  

The mountain. Glacier cave. Cheese fondue.

Switzerland has few of the best cities in the world - Zurich, Geneva, Bern. Fresh air. Clean waters. Crime free neighbourhoods. Friendly people. I will certainly choose to retire there.

France - Beaune and Paris

Wine tasting in Beaune. It's not a vineyard. It's a chapel turned wine cellar. 

The one and only Eiffel Tower. 

Notre Dame Cathedral. 

Supposingly the third largest one in the world. 

Lafayette Departmental Store.

One of the finest in Paris.

 

French escargot.  

Superbly yummy.

The French are very stuck up. We have been warned and so have you. If you do not speak French, do not dream that they will look at you. 

Remember to pay a visit to Lido on Champs-Elysees while you're in Paris. It housed the world's most famous cabaret show. Girls trained under a Miss Bluebell, with 2010 its 100 years anniversary. We were not allowed photos during the show, so I got these pictures of the internet. They are the exact same thing. Live dances, music and champagne. Definitely worth it.

Holland - Amsterdam

It's spring! Boy, am I glad I visited this season. The tulips were in full bloom. They looked too real to be fake. It's a huge garden in Keukenhof. Real huge. And my quest for the black tulips have been in vain.

 

Windmills. Dutch clogs. Dutch houses.

Belgium - Brussels

All taken from the Grand Place.  

A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Very impressive.

The Mannekin Pis. Belgium chocolates. Human sculptures.

United Kingdom - London

Buckingham Palace.

No, it's not the London Bridge. It's the Tower Bridge, to be exact.

 

Saint Paul's Cathedral. 

Second largest in world behind Saint Peter's in the Vatican.

Big Ben. 

Westminster Abbey.

Charming. 

Angus Steakhouse. 

They have the "Best Steaks in London".

All around London city.

British Museum. 

That's me with Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Beauty.

Next stop - Italy or Scotland. I am waiting. 

I am already missing Switzerland.

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