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Manchester
I am sorry for the recent disruption of my blog. As I realised that my chinese standard needs some polishing or upgrading, I decided to take a few days off to 闭馆修练.
Anyway, the trip to Manchester was great. Met up with the two great friends, YS and YH. I was a little bit moody that day, and I guess the two of them knew I was troubled over something. I tried to hide but somehow, I guess I am a very lousy liar in front of good friends. YH kept asking if I am ok, and YS kept wanting to spread some of his happy mood over to me. He was really happy, and obsessed with the song, "Because of you" by Kelly Clarkson, still wondering how did this come about.
Anyway, I appreciate their concern and decided to take the greatest pictures for both of them that day.
Old Trafford Stadium, FA CUP semi-final that day with Liverpool VS Chelsea, ticket price goes all the way up to 200 pounds. Anyway, we will be back again on the 7th May to watch the Manchaster United VS Charlton, already bought our tickets at 40 pounds each.
He watched soccer...
She pretends she watched soccer...
YS enjoying his tim sum. Hmm, I had a hat trick for tim sum, had tim sum for 3 consecutive weekends!
Oh man, for your imagination...
Manchaster is nice, filled with street performers. And maybe it is a match day, lots of police on patrol and soccer fans matching down the streets singing.
Only kids, no babes...
Which one do you prefer?
Click here to view the photos in a slideshow (Manchaster 220406)
Chris De Burgh
The Lady In Red 1990
I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight,
I've never seen you shine so bright,
I've never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance,
They're looking for a little romance, given half a chance,
And I have never seen that dress you're wearing,
Or the highlights in your hair that catch your eyes,
I have been blind;
The lady in red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek,
There's nobody here, it's just you and me,
It's where I want to be,
But I hardly know this beauty by my side,
I'll never forget the way you look tonight;
I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight,
I've never seen you shine so bright, you were amazing,
I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side,
And when you turned to me and smiled, it took my breath away,
And I have never had such a feeling,
Such a feeling of complete and utter love, as I do tonight;
The lady in red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek,
There's nobody here, it's just you and me,
It's where I want to be,
But I hardly know this beauty by my side,
I'll never forget the way you look tonight;
I never will forget the way you look tonight...
The lady in red, the lady in red,
The lady in red, my lady in red,
I love you...
FYP Report
Sorry for the disappearance these few days, I was busy rushing for the deadline of my first FYP report. It consists of six sections. Yah, unknowingly, I have already started my FYP, did the first unofficial presentation last week, results was bad, ended up being condemned for a few days.
Before I forget, I better give credits and cite the references I used for writing my report. Basically the materials were from the two references "第一次的亲密接触" and "爱尔兰的咖啡". Don't borther to read the references. They are so boring. Dunno which guy go and sent her these two "fantastic" references. But its alright, 不是你不好, 只是 these references 不够好. (I can sense a slap flying towards me, and follow by "什么态度吗?!") lol.
But although they are boring stuffs, somehow, I had an enjoyable time doing the report, ok maybe not an official report yet, because actually I am still in the process of bidding for this particular project. Somehow, this particular project became so hot recently, wow seh, lots of bidders leh. Some bid with flowers, necklace, some managed to get some tears through boring stories, some even came out with motorbike. A lot of stunts sia, amazing leh. Somemore, they have homeground advantage.
But nevermind, relax, its ok. It just proves one thing: 我很有眼光! Give them handicap let them headstart first. Motorbike so what, the most also 2 wheels only mah. I got eight wheels lor (wait till I activate my crossmax). So its reasonable to let him headstart first. I need to stay cool. *buey tahan!
Goodbye Winter
No matter how beautiful the sight of winter is, it will not be able to replace the warmth of Spring. Eventually, when Spring arrives, Winter will be gone...
I guess that's why we have to give different time and space to the different seasons.
Life is a game. Some people play it seriously or take life seriously; some people play it the relaxing way or happy-go-lucky. Just like any game, ultimately a victory or a failure will emerge. To me, I don't really care what the results will be, I just want to play this game in my own way, own style without being influenced by any other players or whoever sets the rules of the game. I set my own rules, my own criteria and strives my best to achieve them. Even though, ultimately, I may just end up being a loser....
p/s. She proposed to bro juanz!!!
Arizona, Pheonix
R21 Warning: This post contains sexual contents. You have to be over the age of 21 in order to proceed.
My last weekend in the States was spent in Pheonix. To be honest, from my first impression of this trip, it was a boring one. But then, it was enjoyable only when I was 'baby-babing' (for those who don't know this new verb, you don't need to know =p), I suddenly realised how important this is to me in my heart. If this is really just an illusion, I will never want to wake up forever.
Okie, about the Pheonix trip, it is basically just chi1 he1 piao2 du3! Lots of good food and drinks, an all star casinos tour, and the so called gentlemen's club.
Personally, I don't like gambling, not good at it, or maybe even don't really how to do it. Most of the time when they were playing in the casinos, I just find a corner and stone. Sometimes, I just relax in a corner with a glass of beer, watching some sports channels on their big screens in the lobby.
There is this club called the gentlemen's club in the States, or basically just known as the strip clubs, where ladies will just strip themselves topless and dance for you. Out of curiousity, I decided to check out one of them with my friends. Once into the club, lots of smoke everywhere, people drinking and smoking, and topless girls dancing and stripping. Suddenly, 乌烟瘴气 you just feel like walking into hell, or hell of paradise for guys. Lots of girls will just walk over to you and ask if you would love to have a lap dance. Basically, they will dance right in front of you, sit on your lap and strip. But the catch is, you can only see, cannot touch. They can touch you but you cannot touch them. Some of them will even rub their breasts on your face if you tip them well, stuffing USD into various parts of their bodies. That's why it is called a gentlemen's club I guess, you must be a gentlemen in tipping.
I only stayed for fifteen minutes because I don't really enjoy it. I got the chance to reject so many girls in one night. I actually sympathize with them because I heard from lin before that some of them are actually college students, doing a part time just trying to make ends meet. If not, how are they going to pay for their school fees. I guess nobody enjoys doing this job if have a choice. Some people rather slought 3 to 4 jobs a day, while others will choose to take the easy way out. Not that I am gay (I am not! hmm, maybe I love asian chicks more, japanese?? haha), but I just don't see a point of having such animals to fulfil my sexual desire. Secondly, I wouldn't want to spend so many USD bills in tipping them. Lastly and most importantly, I know in my heart, what's very important to me. I am only here to 见识见识. After a while, I decided that I had enough, left the club, and go 'baby-babing' instead.
But for the rest of the group, I think it was an enjoyable night for them. I heard lots of stories after that, and some even before this which lin already told me before. Biyon, the only girl in the group said that she want to join us as she also wants to 见识见识. Junxiong ask her husband about it, her husband said ok, so they brought her along. They even ordered a lapdance for her, asking her if she would prefer to dance with a black or a white chick. She chose a white one, and they picked the one with the biggest boobs for her. After the dance, that dancer said to us, "I didn't know I am also interested in girls." Wow, winner, they have helped her discover that she's a bisexual. Heard that some of the guys who had their first experience of a lapdance, had very funny expression as they do not know where to put their hands when the girls are dancing on their laps (can see, cannot touch mah).
I also heard that because of Biyon's presence, some of the guys are unable to enjoy themselves. They were probably scare that Biyon will told their girlfriends or wives. I personally feel that this kind of thing should not be hidden from your gfs or spouse. And if you are afraid, then just don't come.
Anyway, this trip has shown me the other side of the States. Although it is nothing much to some of you, I guess you will have seen more in Thailand.
Farewell Virginia & Washington DC
I am flying back to Arizona, will be spending a weekend in Phoenix before returning to England.
This is Abel, a very noisy little gal sitting beside me on the plane. Aiyo, she is so hyper active. Somehow, she prefer to come over to my seat than staying with her mom. Maybe, mine is a window seat mah. She is so adorable that I just can't bear to not carry her.
Wilson pick me up at Tucson airport and brought me to lunch. I was so hungry.
This time, not english food, not american food, not chinese food... but japanese food. Haha
I am so tired, by the way, do you know that Arizona time is 3 hours behind New York City, although they are states in the same country, US?
The Singapore Blonde and her American Bunny
Momo is the luckiest bunny on earth. Why is this so? Because he has the nicest owner, lin, who will always think for him. Every couple of days, lin will go to the supermarket to buy momo's food, which consist of five different types of vegetables. Yes, momo gets to eat five different types of vegetables every meal and lin only feed him with the center portion of the vegetables, top and bottom, throw away. What a lucky bunny! Sometimes, when she is only buying momo's food, the cashier will ask her "Are you vegetarian?"
Momo is an American bunny. He is huge, like a monster compared to Asian rabbits. Well, he jia kang dang one, so bigger size lor.
He has got very thick fur and because of this, lin even switch on the air-con for momo whenever she feels hot. Yes, lin will wear a sweater to gauge the temperature condition for momo. She said momo is just like her, momo is always wearing a sweater. So if she is hot in her sweater, so is momo. See, what a lucky bunny again.
Lin is so attached to momo that she will wake up early in the morning to clean his cage, feed him, and pat him for 15 minutes before leaving for work. When she came back from work, open the door, the first line she will call out to will be "mo-mo, mo-mo..." 
Momo gets to roam about freely in the apartment. He always love to go up to lin's bed, because he knows that whenever he goes to lin's bed, he will get a piece of cookie. Lin always never fails him. What a smart bunny!
On the last day of my stay at lin's place, he ran to me and sat on my lap while I was doing stuffs on my laptop. Momo just sat there. He knows I was about to leave. I just pat him and can't help but giving him a piece of cookie. But he didn't want the cookie. He was not a bit interested in the cookie. He just continue to sat on my lap, all the way until I was about to leave at about 4am. At that moment, this little bunny really melts my heart. I held up one of his ear and whispered to him, "Goodbye Momo, Must take good care of Lin". He was so good, when I got up and and went to put on my shoes, then he went back to his cage himself (probably he was already tired by then also). I am going to miss Momo! Now I finally understand why lin can get so attached to Momo.
Momo is just so important to her. He has kept her company through all her difficult times.
And now, the ever-hungry Singapore blonde...
Thanks for all the great food lin has cooked or brought me to, very nice to have the great company.
Lastly, the evolution of the Singapore blonde...
What the... she wearing a doggy socks for her office suit.
This entry is dedicated to my sister lin.
Washington DC Revisited
After the New York City trip, I am back at Washington DC. This is my last day at Eastern US before I fly back to Arizona. This time, I just slack around at a very relaxing pace, enjoying my coffee and ice-cream.
The White House, seen on top of the Washington Monument.
The Lincoln Memorial and War World II Memorial, seen on top of the Washington Monument.
The shadow of the Washington Monument.
The Jefferson Memorial, seen on top of the Washington.
Is Bush at home?
Love those nice flowers...
Nice architecture...
I am hungry...
Chocolates or berries???
In the end I chose berry berry, extraordinary!
Clock tower, what time isst? Time to depart, I am going to miss DC.
Click here to view the photos in a slideshow (Washington DC 100406)
Ich war noch niemals in New York
New York State is the largest state in the USA. It does not quite fit into my first impression of New York. It looks very run down and dirty. The only more developed part of that state is New York City, Manhattan.
The first part of the trip to New York City was not really enjoyable because it was raining. Although it was raining, we still have to set off because that is my last weekend in the Eastern part of US. Together with lin and her cousin, ruishan, we set off to New York City from New Jersey. The drive was not that bad, just 3 hours to Manhattan.
Firstly, we went to Chinatown to meet up with uncle Eddy, lin's uncle whom her mom called to meet us there. Her mom was like... New York City is so dangerous, everybody carrys a gun around. Of course, she kept reminding me to drive carefully, stay alert, stay awake, do not speed...etc. The first time I felt such pressure in driving, with lin and ruishan onboard. Can't afford to damage any of them, I won't be able to find another lin to return to her mom.
Chinatown is quite old and dirty, with lots of people from China, mainly cantonese. We had a meal at this teochew restarurant over there. I ordered my wanton mee. It has been a while since I last had it... Nice.
After that, we went to timesquare. Wow, I love that place. It is just like shinjuku in Tokyo, so Hip. The only difference is that instead of seeing asians on the streets, you see foreigneers. And those people breakdancing over there are super good. I manage to get a good shot of one of them on the train. Yes, they were doing a back flip in the air, while the train is moving. Cool. I got nothing to say but just give them a USD1 as donation willingly.
I mananged to take a short clip on it. Click here to view the clip.
We also went to Suho and little italy. There are lots of italian restaruants over there.
I conclude New York City is not that dangerous afterall. In fact, it is even safer than California. There are lots of things to do in New York City which we don't have time for, the World trade center crash site, Empire State building, (where king kong was film), Status of Liberty. I have also yet to go to downtown Manhattan. I was also busy on that day lah, yeah, busy window shopping.
The next morning, before bidding goodbye and head back to Virginia, ruishan's family gave us a really good treat at a tim sum restaurant in Atlantic City. One of the thing that I don't like about staying in a western country is about the food. But after this US trip, I guess I was wrong. Look at all the good stuffs I am having throughout the trip...
I can even get durian over here!
Althought thailand durians are not as good as our D24 or D13 from malaysia, it is kind of lucky to be able to find a durian in US. Passing on my good luck to 
Click here to view the photos in a slideshow (New York City 070406 to 090406)
Initial D II
This is the first time I am going on a road trip. The distance is about 330 miles one way and the drive is about 6 hours (660 miles for return trip). I had to take the steering wheel because lin's afraid to go onto highways. We will be making an overnight stop at New Jersey to pick up Ruishan, lin's cousin and then continue to New York City.
We set off at night from Virginia at about 8.30pm. It was a thunderstorm that night, in fact it continue all the way to the next day afternoon. I only manage to drive in a clear weather when we returned. I had a very enjoyable road trip drive!
Getting ready to set off, pumping up the gas.
Gentlemen, start your engine.
Little Buggie request for take off.
Take off!
Check the speed, 80 miles per hour or 130 km per hour. That's only the average speed on the highway. But then relatively it seems so slow, guess because everybody else was also speeding.
First corner approaching... brake... and go!
Man, lots of tolls to pay on the way.
Up onto the bridge.
Americans need to be reminded. There was a sign before this one which says "Stay Awake"
Enjoying the drive...
After the long hours of drive... FINISH!
Congratulation to brother juan, she passed her driving at her first attempt! Power brother! You rocks!!
A Taste of PRIDE, MAYBE!
NHL Washington Capitals VS Carrolina Hurricanes
I was born to love you (love you...)
With every single beat of my heart
Yes I was born to take care of you
Every single day (single day...)
All right... Hey, hey
I was born to love you with every single beat of my heart
Yes I was born to take care of you every single day of my life
You are the one for me I am the man for you
You were made for me you're my ecstasy
If I was given every opportunity I'd kill for your love
So take a chance with me let me romance with you
I'm caught in a dream and my dreams come true
It's so hard to believe this is happening to me
An amazing feeling coming through
I was born to love you with every single beat of my heart
Yes I was born to take care of you (honey) every single day of my life
I wanna love you, I love every little thing about you
I wanna love you, love you, love you
(Born) to love you, (born) to love you, yes (Born) I was born to love you
(Born) to love you, (born) to love you, every single day of my life
I was born to take care of you every single day, day, day of my life 
An amazing feeling coming through
I was born to love you with every single beat of my heart
Yeah I was born to take care of you every single day of my life
Yes, I was born to love you
Every single day...of my life
I love you baby .
Yeah, born to love you
Yes I was born to love you
Hey, I wanna love you, love you, love you
I wanna love you
Yeah, yeah... Aha it's magic
I get so lonely, lonely, lonely yeah
I wanna love you... It's magic
Love you yeah, give it to me
, this song is for you =)
The fight is actually more exciting them the game. Player no 5 trying to perform a backslam (above). Player was down to the ground (below).
The crowd was great, dancing and singing throughout the game.
Missing player in action: Striker No 9, Satonaka Halu
Missing eye candy: Aki
Click here to view the photos in a slideshow (NHL Washington Capitals VS Carrolina Hurricane 050406)
Niagara Falls
There are basically three falls making up the Niagara falls, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Canadian Horseshoe Falls:
Height: 167 feet
Volume of water: 600,000 US gallons per second
The falls are spectacular at scene. But somehow, they look so mini in the photos...
American Falls & Bridal Veil Falls
Height: 176 feet
Volume of water: 150,000 US Gallons per second 
That is the rainbow bridge (below), connecting the border of America and Canada.
At night, the lightings make the water look so fake and cottonish.
All the views are taken over at the Canada side, which is directly facing the falls.
Let the picture do the talking...
More information and facts on the fall can be found at the link http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Facts_about_Niagara_Falls.htm
I have learnt to be smart this time. I brought my camera's battery charger along and this is what can be done when the battery runs low. Look out for power supply outlets in fastfood restaurants.
Click here to view the photos in a slideshow (Niagara Falls 040406)
By the way, did you turn up your computer speaker volume...
Canada!
This is an unexpected trip! I don't want to blog about how did I end up in this country because I have already bitch about that to someone. If you want to know, ask me...
The first thing I did in the morning, bought a postcard, sms for a postal address, and then bitch all the way through... haa
Sometimes, the pleasure of travelling alone is that I have no pressure. Come and go as I like. Don't have to wear a watch, my day starts when the sun rises and my day ends when the sun goes down. Since I am already here, I might as well tour Canada for a day. Walking around the streets, trying to navigate my way to the Niagara falls.
As this is an unexpected trip, I did not make any hotel or accomodation reservation. This is where I spent my night - 24 hours fast food restaurant and casino, drinking coffee while looking at people gambling.
I am really glad that I was in Canada. The streets are nice to walk. Most importantly, the view of the Niagara falls at the Canadian side is so much better than that at the American side.
Click here to view the photos in a slideshow (Canada 040406)
The Story of a Gal
This is a story of a gal named kanotomi. After finishing high school, she was trapped in a dilemma between to go to the States to join her parents or to stay in Singapore with her auntie. Well, actually she doesn't has much of a choice. Her parents promise to take good care of her in the States and also her family back in Singapore, her brother.
Everything changes when she arrived in the States. Both her parents have gone broke. Her dad's restaruant business in Washington has failed. Other than facing a parents whom she has not seen for 16 years, now, she has to support herself as her parents can no longer support her. She cried to her aunt every night, hoping that they will send her back to Singapore.
To all her friends, kanotomi is always a cheerful and funny girl, some even called her an interesting creature. However, there is another side of this girl that few people know. Sometimes, she is unhappy and stressed up but she still tries to hide everything by putting on a brave front. With the situation that she was in when she first arrived in the States, most people will find it too tough for them to handle. But this determined girl told herself that she's going to make it. She told herself that she wants to work for the biggest company in the States. She has a clear objective, and later slowly work her ways, step by step to achieve it.
During college days, in order to make ends meet, she has to hold four jobs. A waitress in a bubble tea restaurant, RA (Resident Advisor) of her hall, Orientation leaders to run courses in the summer and an engineer intern. During the summer, these four jobs were run consecutively. Everybody has 24 hours a day, but kanotomi will have 48 hours a day. In the past, she was a very sheltered girl, but things changed. Whenever she needed money to buy a textbook, she had to work an extra shift to get the money. To her, it is actually not just about making ends meet, but to excel at the same time. She aimed to be the best. She knows very well that in order to achieve her goal, she has to be the very best, for that company only recruit the best graduate, for the reputation of the company.
After graduation, although she is not exactly the best, god is still very kind to her and reward her with what she strive very hard to get. To people who do not believe in god, you can just call it LUCK. The very best of her batch decided to further their studies in medicine schools. This is the nice thing about luck, it will always fall on people who are striving hard. Anyway, she is definitely in the top percentage of her university.
Today, she has made it. Kanotomi is working for the States largest oil company as a chemical engineer. Getting a very good salary which all her batch mates are envious of, she is able to afford a condominum apartment and her very own volkswagen car, which she called it her buggie.
Kanotomi also has very great personality. She is a filial daughter supporting her parents and also sending money back to her family in Singapore who supported her before she came over to the States. She is a caring sister who always think and care for her brother and cousins. A very sweet gf who always complain to her korean bf, and sometimes you even thought that they are quarrelling, but actually they are just having some humerous fun with each other. She is a great mommy to the luckiest bunny on earth. To all her friends, she is definitely a very great friend.
To have reached where she is today, she has definitely gone through a lot of hardships. Not to mention that she is a smart girl, it is just that her hardwork and persistant was so great that the smartness factor already became insignificant. How smart she is doesn't matter anymore.
Sometime she wonders if it is worth going through all the hardships. The end result is definitely good, but in order to get it, is it worth going through the process. She could have a happier life in Singapore, going to a local university, holding a 9 to 5 job and chilling out with a cup of coffee in the evening. I believe it is meaningless to look back, searching for an answer which no one can verify. To me, I am more interested in looking towards the future.
Hope things will go on well smoothly for her from now on. I am very sure she will be able to overcome any obstacle in her way.
Lastly, one more thing that her friends may not be aware of. She is actually a very great cook =p
People always judge other by their end results, but few has seen what really lies underneath...
Based on a true story, dedicate to a good friend.
The Cheesecake Factory
Lin brought me to her university class gathering at the cheesecake factory.
I got to know Adam, Cristal, Jan and Edwin, her friends from College Park. Also through this gathering that I got to know a little bit more about her lifestyle in the States.
The food here is definitely great, not only just the cheesecake. The serving is large.
I managed to finish everything in the end.
Sakura 櫻
One of the thing that I will definitely love to do is to watch a cherry blossom. I thought I will be able to catch that in Japan next year. Never did I dream that my first sukura cherry blossom experience will be in the States, Washington DC. I was at the Capitol Mall Park for the cherry blossom with lin. Celebrating the beginning of spring in the nation's capital with this annual festival, which honors the gift to Washington, DC, of 3000 cherry trees from Tokyo in 1912.
Spring is here!!!
The Americans are as creative as the Japanese actually. We saw a bit of cosplay here. I saw Kakashi sensei from Naruto in his Ninja suit and mask. Didn't take pictures as they look unfriendly to approach. Anyway, it is only one group.
We just took a stroll down the park, guess it would be fun to pinic over there. Too bad, no food no sandwiches. 
I think this is the most worthwhile trip. I have really came to the right place, at the right time! A little bit of japanese flavour i America!
Goodbye Sakura, cya again next year, in Tokyo, hopfully... また、来年東京に会います。
Washington DC
After spending almost a week in Arizona, I flew over to the eastern part of the States to meet up with lin in Virginia. Over here, I will be touring 2 to 3 states, Virginia, Washington DC, Niagara fall and maybe Maryland.
Let me start off with Washington DC. This is the capital state of USA.
This is the United States Capitol and Congress, the most recognised symbol of democratic government in the world. On top of the building (right), is the Status of Freedom.
In the painting was General George Washington, on his horse during the defeat of the British troops. The British general was not present in the painting, because on that day the British troops surrender, the British general was sick and general George Washington did not look very convince with his suspicious eyes, riding on his horse. After the victory, he retired as a general and went back to be a farmer. Never did he realise, six years later, he was elected as the first President of the United States of America.
I can't remember the name of this person. But according to the guide, he was suppose to look humerous on one side of his face and sad and depressed on the other side. If you notice carefully, he only has one ear.
I went to the Washington Monument, unfortunately the tickets for the day has all been given out since 7.30am in the morning. As a result, I was unable to go up to the top of the monument. As an alternative, I went to the Old Post Office tower instead, very much shorter! I will be back to the Washington Monument again.
Saw the plane flying towards the Washington Monument? Picture taken from the Old Post Office tower. Haha, nope, it is not going to hit the monument.
This is where the FBI secret agents work. Unfortunately, FBI tour close until 2007. Anyway, no cameras are allowed inside.
The National Gallary of Art. I am a cultured person.
One thing I like about Washington DC is almost all the gallery and museums are free. You just have to go and collect the free tickets that will be given out each day in order to visit.
The George Washington Monument, with the reflection pool (bottom pic). I will be back again, to the top of it!
Lincoln Mermorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
