Sometimes,it is sad when buying something becomes a chore.
After so many days of travelling, it gets tired to bargain for simply everything.
For the first few weeks...it was a sense of accomplishment...to be able to slash the price by half...of whatever you buy...by now...It is plain tiring. Why can't they just have a fix price...a reasonable one whereby the local and the foreigner pays the same. A simple pair of socks...which cost $1, becomes $2 when they heard me speaking in english...do they have to do that? Or they just enjoy the part where I shake my head and walk away...before they say "ok...$1.50"...and still it is expensive. And then, one fine day you will find a stall selling the same thing, 3 for $1.
Shopping has never been more mentally agonizing than this.
As for those humble vendors, who charge me decent local rates, I make sure I went back again and again. Just like the dessert store at Hang can street...we went there twice a day for a bowl of red bean soup for 50 cents. Simply satisfying, physically and mentally.
I will remember never to go back to Cat Ba Island for a bowl of red bean soup , which is not even half as tasty but twice the price...because I am a tourist.
Aren't tourist human?
What have we done to deserve this other than the fact that we are here to spend money.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Going solo...
It is always conflicting to be travelling alone.
To feel lonely yet enjoy the peace.
To feel lost yet enjoy finding the way.
To be alone yet always manage to make new friends.
From now on, I will be going solo for the next one week.
However, I will miss my travel mates A LOT, because there will be no one to fight the toilets with...no one to squat at the street for food with...no one to share the cost for food and lodging...no one to pick on...no one to talk to...no one to be sarcastic with...no one to complain about...no more snoring sound...
Not a bad thing, but need some time to adjust.
Afterall, I have been travelling with them for quite a while...
Kind of miss them now...
Just a feeling.
To feel lonely yet enjoy the peace.
To feel lost yet enjoy finding the way.
To be alone yet always manage to make new friends.
From now on, I will be going solo for the next one week.
However, I will miss my travel mates A LOT, because there will be no one to fight the toilets with...no one to squat at the street for food with...no one to share the cost for food and lodging...no one to pick on...no one to talk to...no one to be sarcastic with...no one to complain about...no more snoring sound...
Not a bad thing, but need some time to adjust.
Afterall, I have been travelling with them for quite a while...
Kind of miss them now...
Just a feeling.
Travellers ALERT!
This Guesthouse at 83 Thouc Bac street of Hanoi...
This secluded guesthouse, behind a shop promise to charge a little less then usual...but add a lot of surcharge when they bill you....
I better check out as soon as possible.
This secluded guesthouse, behind a shop promise to charge a little less then usual...but add a lot of surcharge when they bill you....
I better check out as soon as possible.
Traveller's Fatigue
You know when you have this when you just wanna sleep in your guesthouse and refuse to go out the streets.
You also know when you have this when your immune system starts to deteoriate.
Yah, that's about it.
You also know when you have this when your immune system starts to deteoriate.
Yah, that's about it.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Hanoi...FREAKING COOL!
This place is SHIOK!
For an artist, this is heaven.
All the materials you need, assorted according streets.
One street full of tools, the other full of paints,then another are all the glass, another metals, another fabric...
Like having a workshop downstairs with all the stuff in orders for you to use.
Heaven.
This is the place.
Loving it.
For an artist, this is heaven.
All the materials you need, assorted according streets.
One street full of tools, the other full of paints,then another are all the glass, another metals, another fabric...
Like having a workshop downstairs with all the stuff in orders for you to use.
Heaven.
This is the place.
Loving it.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Sick moments
Yeah right!
It is my turn to fall ill.
Feeling lousy since i arrive Nha Trang.
A bit of sore throat, a bit of flu.
Feeling puky all day...
Slept throughout.
Cloudy weather, not suitable for any water sports.
Maybe tomolo...I will go fly a kite.
:)
It is my turn to fall ill.
Feeling lousy since i arrive Nha Trang.
A bit of sore throat, a bit of flu.
Feeling puky all day...
Slept throughout.
Cloudy weather, not suitable for any water sports.
Maybe tomolo...I will go fly a kite.
:)
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
So what if I am a tourist?
I made two Ao yai at Ho chi mingh city.
Ao yai, is the vitenamese traditional costune for woman.
One cost Us $ 17.50 the other cost Us $20
BOTH ARE OVER PRICED.
I am aware of that, but there is no way they are charging me the local price.
And why?
Because i am a tourist.
Local price is Us $ 9. According to my vietnamese friend.
What a difference.
Pissed.
Ao yai, is the vitenamese traditional costune for woman.
One cost Us $ 17.50 the other cost Us $20
BOTH ARE OVER PRICED.
I am aware of that, but there is no way they are charging me the local price.
And why?
Because i am a tourist.
Local price is Us $ 9. According to my vietnamese friend.
What a difference.
Pissed.
Nha Trang City
2 bad experience.
One is the bus earlier on.
The other, is the hotel room with overdose air refresherer...
I am allergy to air refresherer....and all sorts of perfume and deordorant....
any kind...that my nose can detect makes me sneeze...
I was on the verge of suffocationg....and now, a bad sore throat and headache from the bad bus ride and horrible air refreshed room...
What a day...
Of all my days travelling for so many years, today is the only one I wish I am at home.
One is the bus earlier on.
The other, is the hotel room with overdose air refresherer...
I am allergy to air refresherer....and all sorts of perfume and deordorant....
any kind...that my nose can detect makes me sneeze...
I was on the verge of suffocationg....and now, a bad sore throat and headache from the bad bus ride and horrible air refreshed room...
What a day...
Of all my days travelling for so many years, today is the only one I wish I am at home.
Where am I?
I was taking the 8pm bus to Muine yesterday. Supose to reach Muine by 12 midnight. At around 1.30am, the bus finally stop at a weird bus carpark quietly. No one came up the bus to tell anyone where we are now..or if we are suppose to get down. A lot of people get up and down, on and off throughout the journey and made the whole bus ride confusing.
I wonder again and again, time to time if that should be the stop I should alight.
Then i hesitated.
It was 1.30am, no one is on the street.
I suppose there should be a busier stop the bus will eventually stop for me to alight and find the boys.
2.30am.
The bus is speeding on a lightless road.
I have a bad feeling I have overshot Muine.
I resign my fate and when to sleep.
It was a horrible ride especially there is a inconsiderate lady who brought her dog along on the bus and block the bus aisle with the dog cage, at the expense of everybody's inconvenience.
3am.
We get down to bus for a short break, I ask the driver where we are heading...
Nha trang...
That is the stop after Muine.
Shit.
6.30am.
Reach Nha Trang city.
The first hotel we stop, I checked in.
I dun want to end up in the next city again if i dun alight now.
What a bad experience.
Really bad communication and coordination.
No one inform us of our location or destination.
If we are traveller , it means we have never been to that place, and how else can we tell if we reach if no one tell us where we are.
They assume we know when we should alight.
Maybe I am just not smart enough to ask.
But then again, 1.30am in the middle of the night....
I just dun feel like getting down the bus at that place that moment of time...
Especially when my mobile has no network and not working...
Just my luck.
Pissed.
I wonder again and again, time to time if that should be the stop I should alight.
Then i hesitated.
It was 1.30am, no one is on the street.
I suppose there should be a busier stop the bus will eventually stop for me to alight and find the boys.
2.30am.
The bus is speeding on a lightless road.
I have a bad feeling I have overshot Muine.
I resign my fate and when to sleep.
It was a horrible ride especially there is a inconsiderate lady who brought her dog along on the bus and block the bus aisle with the dog cage, at the expense of everybody's inconvenience.
3am.
We get down to bus for a short break, I ask the driver where we are heading...
Nha trang...
That is the stop after Muine.
Shit.
6.30am.
Reach Nha Trang city.
The first hotel we stop, I checked in.
I dun want to end up in the next city again if i dun alight now.
What a bad experience.
Really bad communication and coordination.
No one inform us of our location or destination.
If we are traveller , it means we have never been to that place, and how else can we tell if we reach if no one tell us where we are.
They assume we know when we should alight.
Maybe I am just not smart enough to ask.
But then again, 1.30am in the middle of the night....
I just dun feel like getting down the bus at that place that moment of time...
Especially when my mobile has no network and not working...
Just my luck.
Pissed.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Surreal Feel....
The most bizzare sight that I have ever seen...
A dozens of monks in orange with a yellow umbrella walking around the park toward one direction.
This is one of them.
Felt like living in the matrix.
Travel sense.
A country's prosperity lies on the hand the government foresight and her people's will.
If the govt of a country truely love it's people and wanted the country to be strong and prosperous, and people willing to work towards it, it will.
Like vietnam.
This country gives off energy from within.
From people to the whole country.
Gives me energy.
Cambodia on the other hand makes me feel helpless as a human being.
Poor children hawking postcards and souveniers everywhere...
It is useless even if you buy up all the stocks they sell...
They will still be poor the next day...
As a saying goes...
Rather than giving them fish to eat when they are hungry ...
we should teach them how to catch their own fish.
Cambodia still has a long way to go...
But the good thing is....it is growing defintely.
If the govt of a country truely love it's people and wanted the country to be strong and prosperous, and people willing to work towards it, it will.
Like vietnam.
This country gives off energy from within.
From people to the whole country.
Gives me energy.
Cambodia on the other hand makes me feel helpless as a human being.
Poor children hawking postcards and souveniers everywhere...
It is useless even if you buy up all the stocks they sell...
They will still be poor the next day...
As a saying goes...
Rather than giving them fish to eat when they are hungry ...
we should teach them how to catch their own fish.
Cambodia still has a long way to go...
But the good thing is....it is growing defintely.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Vietnam Rocks!
Love it!
Loving it!
This place makes me high.
Full of colours and energy.
Is a growing city.
Buidlings are pretty.
Peope are happy.
Traffic is busy.
Food is yummy.
Everything.....
Today, first day in vietnam.
First impression..
I like it, I like it, I like it.
Loving it!
This place makes me high.
Full of colours and energy.
Is a growing city.
Buidlings are pretty.
Peope are happy.
Traffic is busy.
Food is yummy.
Everything.....
Today, first day in vietnam.
First impression..
I like it, I like it, I like it.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Anhyo Haseyo!
If there is one thing to be surprise with this cambodia trip...
It is NOT the Ang Kor Wat, after all it has been there for years...
It is the koreans...
There are probably the next biggest population in cambodia other than the cambodians.
Don't be surprise.
It is NOT the Ang Kor Wat, after all it has been there for years...
It is the koreans...
There are probably the next biggest population in cambodia other than the cambodians.
Don't be surprise.
Travel Numb
I don't like the feeling that even travelling cannot trigger my sensitivity.
I used to be so excited by everything I see.
What I eat,who I meet, where I go, How I feel.
Nowadays, I am just not surprise anymore.
Not surprise by what I eat, who I meet, where I go and how I feel.
It is a calmness within...so calm that i cannot feel excited any more.
And I miss that excitement I used to have.
Maybe it is another level of appreciation now.
It used to be a lot of documentation, recording, photography, writing.
Now, it is purely enjoying the instant quietly.
Like watching the sunrise this morning.
Everybody takes pictures vigerously...
And I just don't have the mood to take any, also becos my camera is DAMN lousy.
Then, in the end....i rather just look at the sunrise directly
...than to look at the sunrise on my LCD screen.
That should be it.
I used to be so excited by everything I see.
What I eat,who I meet, where I go, How I feel.
Nowadays, I am just not surprise anymore.
Not surprise by what I eat, who I meet, where I go and how I feel.
It is a calmness within...so calm that i cannot feel excited any more.
And I miss that excitement I used to have.
Maybe it is another level of appreciation now.
It used to be a lot of documentation, recording, photography, writing.
Now, it is purely enjoying the instant quietly.
Like watching the sunrise this morning.
Everybody takes pictures vigerously...
And I just don't have the mood to take any, also becos my camera is DAMN lousy.
Then, in the end....i rather just look at the sunrise directly
...than to look at the sunrise on my LCD screen.
That should be it.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
There will be times you wonder...
Ah guan was saying, he felt lucky to be born as a singaporean.
I won't say I disagree. But strangely, I won't want to totally agree.
People here learn the way of life in a tough way but they have smile on the face.
I won't say I disagree. But strangely, I won't want to totally agree.
People here learn the way of life in a tough way but they have smile on the face.
Cambodia
Beautiful.
People are poor, but they do not give up hope.
That is beautiful.
Naked children swim in dirty rivers, they are happy.
That is beauitful.
A plate of local fried rice. taste mighty good.
That is beautiful.
At the end of a 12 hours journey, had a long shower and good night sleep.
That is beautiful.
Life is beautiful and so is cambodia.
People are poor, but they do not give up hope.
That is beautiful.
Naked children swim in dirty rivers, they are happy.
That is beauitful.
A plate of local fried rice. taste mighty good.
That is beautiful.
At the end of a 12 hours journey, had a long shower and good night sleep.
That is beautiful.
Life is beautiful and so is cambodia.
Monday, January 01, 2007
DO YOU TUBE?
Hey....I know I am considered slow...but I am learning...
In terms of partcipating in cyber addictivity(addict+activity)....
2004, I was busy ICQ-ing and Msn-ing.
2005, last year...I couldn't stop blogging.
2006, this year, it is youtubing....
I am impressed by the power of sharing and also the desire to express.
I am impressed by the resources available.
Most of all...they are free.
So...do you tube?
In terms of partcipating in cyber addictivity(addict+activity)....
2004, I was busy ICQ-ing and Msn-ing.
2005, last year...I couldn't stop blogging.
2006, this year, it is youtubing....
I am impressed by the power of sharing and also the desire to express.
I am impressed by the resources available.
Most of all...they are free.
So...do you tube?
Let's go travel!
Yes...I am packing up.
I am getting ready to travel.
This time...it is a 2 months trip to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Laos and back to Thailand, Chiangmai to spend chinese new year with my family.
A lot of techincal worries...even before we start the trip...
1) Visa for vietnam...In the past, singaporean does not need a VISA to enter Vietnam...but starting from 2006 November...it was required...
We rush down to the embassy to get it done. Was lucky enough to collect it last friday.
2) Railway was closed due to severe floods in several regions in Malaysia....We bought train tickets 2 weeks ago to travel by TRAIN from Malaysia to Thailand. Railway was opened and resume service after christmas. Phew...
3) Coastal storm in Thai islands...7000 residents and tourists were stranded in koh taos (island) because ferry stop running due to coastal storm around sura thani area ( Jetty). We initially planned to dive in Koh tao, but after this news...dive trip was cancelled and we decided to move upwards and go china instead.
4) Latest news...bankok bombing....embassies warn traveller not to travel to bankok. We stick to our plan so far...while observing changes....
To be updated...
So much so for this trip...
Still look forward...of cos...
The more difficult it is...the more exciting...
But Safety First...ALWAYS!
World peace and Earth peace, please.
Wish me luck.
I am getting ready to travel.
This time...it is a 2 months trip to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Laos and back to Thailand, Chiangmai to spend chinese new year with my family.
A lot of techincal worries...even before we start the trip...
1) Visa for vietnam...In the past, singaporean does not need a VISA to enter Vietnam...but starting from 2006 November...it was required...
We rush down to the embassy to get it done. Was lucky enough to collect it last friday.
2) Railway was closed due to severe floods in several regions in Malaysia....We bought train tickets 2 weeks ago to travel by TRAIN from Malaysia to Thailand. Railway was opened and resume service after christmas. Phew...
3) Coastal storm in Thai islands...7000 residents and tourists were stranded in koh taos (island) because ferry stop running due to coastal storm around sura thani area ( Jetty). We initially planned to dive in Koh tao, but after this news...dive trip was cancelled and we decided to move upwards and go china instead.
4) Latest news...bankok bombing....embassies warn traveller not to travel to bankok. We stick to our plan so far...while observing changes....
To be updated...
So much so for this trip...
Still look forward...of cos...
The more difficult it is...the more exciting...
But Safety First...ALWAYS!
World peace and Earth peace, please.
Wish me luck.
New Year Resolution 2007
Since I suddenly have a few more hours...before 2007...
New Year Resolution 2007
1. Make ART.
2. Make a website.
3. At least run two shows this year.
4. Participate in residencies and projects.
5. Save more money.
6. Start YOGA-ing.
7. Target to drop 5kg.
8. Publish my book.
That's all...
Realise making art alone is a BIG task.
But I look forward.
2007 is going to be so exciting...
Love and peace to 2007...
Love and peace.
New Year Resolution 2007
1. Make ART.
2. Make a website.
3. At least run two shows this year.
4. Participate in residencies and projects.
5. Save more money.
6. Start YOGA-ing.
7. Target to drop 5kg.
8. Publish my book.
That's all...
Realise making art alone is a BIG task.
But I look forward.
2007 is going to be so exciting...
Love and peace to 2007...
Love and peace.
Ohhh...it's still 31 December on this blog...
If there is one thing that can make me feel better about 2007...
It is still 31 December now.
This blog site was born when I was in UK.
Hence 2007 for my life in this blog should exist within UK time.
Which means...I can still consider NOW, 31 December 2006.
Time, 2030.
A few more hours to 2007....ahhh....what a nice feeling suddenly...
Like I was given a few more extra hours for my life.
I like it.
It is still 31 December now.
This blog site was born when I was in UK.
Hence 2007 for my life in this blog should exist within UK time.
Which means...I can still consider NOW, 31 December 2006.
Time, 2030.
A few more hours to 2007....ahhh....what a nice feeling suddenly...
Like I was given a few more extra hours for my life.
I like it.
01012007
2007.
Just a few hours past midnight and 2 things happened while I was packing my bag for my trip tommorow...
One, I burn my nanny's pot of Yong tau foo...and my nanny threw the whole pot away. That was at around 1am. I regret for not taking a picture of the burnt pot before it was being dumped by my nanny...and of cos...I feel bad for burning the pot. First thing of the year...and I did something so stupid.
Two, I was feeling bad about the pot...while watching TV and learn about the Bankok bombing which happened near midnight. 2 dead and 33 injured. Bankok govt is forced to cancel their new year celebration..who would have the mood to celebrate anyway...
Did I mention to you that I am packing up for my trip to Thailand tommorow?
So much for 2007.
And it is only the first day of it.
How challanging.
Oh well.
Happy New year!
LOVE AND PEACE!!!!!
4.25am
Just a few hours past midnight and 2 things happened while I was packing my bag for my trip tommorow...
One, I burn my nanny's pot of Yong tau foo...and my nanny threw the whole pot away. That was at around 1am. I regret for not taking a picture of the burnt pot before it was being dumped by my nanny...and of cos...I feel bad for burning the pot. First thing of the year...and I did something so stupid.
Two, I was feeling bad about the pot...while watching TV and learn about the Bankok bombing which happened near midnight. 2 dead and 33 injured. Bankok govt is forced to cancel their new year celebration..who would have the mood to celebrate anyway...
Did I mention to you that I am packing up for my trip to Thailand tommorow?
So much for 2007.
And it is only the first day of it.
How challanging.
Oh well.
Happy New year!
LOVE AND PEACE!!!!!
4.25am
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