One week
heart4God
Its been a week since I have been back to Malaysia. Obviously, I enjoy being home and it certainly does feel good.

Mum cleaned my room before I got home so it was great to have a good nice clean room. Thanks Mum!!~ The weird thing is I did not have any food cravings and did not go on a food makan craze. Its like the past 4 months plus never existed and I never left. Things seems to just fall into place. Glad that the weather has been good. Strangely speaking I think the weather is fine. Did not feel the heat wave :)

This past one week has gone by really quickly and it does feel as though I am having my semester break or something along that line. I can't believe it, I am done with studies for now and the only next rational step would be to work although I would pretty much love going back to study again and obtain my masters and maybe PHD :) though not any time soon unless I am fully funded. Education is really costly.

The little pup that I first saw before I left home has grown to quite a big little pup. Took the pup nearly a week before getting use to having me around. Cirrus thinks I am not part of the family and barks at me but is very much better this week. The cat of course remembers me but still with her usual habits of ignoring you when I call it and coming when I don't want to play with it.

One thing I would really love to do would be to sign up for a couple of foreign language classes. During my Europe trip it has dawn upon me that English is rather useless and that I need to be able to speak German, French and some Italian. Of course I probably would need to take up Mandarin classes before hand fancy picking up some other language when I can't even speak proper Chinese.

It feels rather weird when you are not sure what is up next. All this while its so predictable after primary school you know its secondary school and then I even knew which college I was going to and then University everything was pretty much all planned out but now its all a bit in the dark and although it does gives that funny feeling it also bring a sense of excitement somehow.

Over the week I visited a couple of friends, the usual house chores and just pretty much thats about it. I would say although it sounds like I have a lot of free time I don't really but it would be good if I can quickly do something more adventurous as its all back to routine life once again. (which reminds me I am home and all settled in)

Can't wait for my sis to finish her exams kills me that I can't talk with her and she is out most of the time studying. Little bro is also having his exams.

I miss the gym too. Very soon I will be panting while walking up the stairs if my shipment box does not arrive soon. My trainers.......

Alrights shall stop here. Just updates on what's life back home.
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At hand
heart4God
Its my first weekend back at home. Touched down Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday evening. Since then I have pretty much just enjoyed home. Went out to celebrate Xin Xin's birthday in Bangsar met up with a couple of the CF people over the weekend and also celebrated Dad's birthday today. Truly thank God for the good weather thus far. Either I am weird or the weather has been really good. Saw all my friends complaining about the hot weather in Malaysia but didn't even took notice of the weather and in fact can't take the air-cond because its too cold. Like the way my brother puts things he said "Che its like you never left at all the only thing that shows you went is the things at home" when he woke up the very next morning. I feel the same way too. In fact it feels like life just continued on from where it left of before I went to UK. Even towards food when I was in UK I was saying wait till I get back I am going to eat this after that and that after this but when I reached home well I wasn't even craving for anything.

I know its weird. I can't explain it myself too.

Sometimes I wonder whether I am not thankful for the things I have and grab the opportunities that lies in front of me. In fact many a times I think I am given more than I deserve.

Going to Europe was a whole miracle to a dream come true (even though when I finally completed it doesn't feel all like what I imagine it to be). Never thought that day would come but even finances came in at the right time and even use so much less than I brought over.

I pass my CIMA strategic level exams at the very first attempt although I thought I was going to fail my financial strategy paper after sitting for the paper and I am sure my lecturer would have also thought I was a gone case because just before the exams I could not even do simple questions. In fact I told my sister I have already prepared myself to face failure even before I sat for it.

Was not even sick through out my time in UK although I am one who can't take the cold but well was running and jumping around with lots of energy through out my stint overseas.

I was privilege to have two job offers even before putting in my resume anywhere. One was from an uncle in UK to do accounting and another my boss from HSBC.




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Snapshots of Europe
heart4God
Well, too much to update about and too many photos put in well I guess the best way to summarize everything would be through photos so well below are the results of what I have come up with. Although not the best pictures took just those that came across the hundreds of photos. Learned a lot through out the journey. Learned that God is one amazing God and that He has carried me thru.

I also learned that friendship is given by God and that the people you are with means a lot. I learned that is not about the buildings or the sights rather the culture and the people that makes the experience a lot more enriching and how though we are of different skin colour language yet one thing remains God is sovereign. Did visit a number of churches and although method of service is different yet one thing holds through that you feel the sense of belongingness when I am in the house of the Lord. I learned what is truly important and that I believe I have matured and also come out stronger through out the entire process. Survived backpacking carrying over 20kg worth of stuff all over Europe and have been much more independent.

Love my family for their care and concern even though we are a thousand miles away. Glad that I am finally home with them and that indeed although there are many good stuff abroad but home is really where the heart is and yes I have to say that Malaysia is a good land despite its many weaknesses. I have seen that every country has its own problems just the same. Would go back again and next round more adventure! =)

Hehe next round will be more countryside than city. The amazing work of the Lord one can never miss and can never have enough. Alrights enjoy the little summary at the bottom.

RANDOM PHOTOS
MODE OF TRANSPORT
Sat train, bus, boat, cable car, airplane, tram

FRIENDS I KNOW THAT I BUMP INTO DURING THE TRIP
Friends from Sheffield church and also Uni

PEOPLE THAT I MET
Wonderful caretakers and other backpackers along the way. Friends from Australia, Brazil, UK, Germany and lots more
FOOD
Did have the privilege of tasting some of the delicacies as shown below.


ACCOMMODATIONS
Some of the accommodations where we stayed


PARIS

BRUSSELS
AMSTERDAM
BERLIN

PRAGUE
SALZBURG
WIEN

MUNICH

SWITZERLAND


MILAN

VENICE

FLORENCE

PISA

ROME

LONDON
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Coming to an end
heart4God
I can't quite say much now. Mixed feeling on one hand I am really looking forward to home counting down the days I have left here in Europe and on another hand not really wanting to go back. Probably because I know when I go home its time to face reality. Things would have probably be different if my family was with me travelling around Europe. My guess would be I probably wouldn't be looking forward to home since the number one thing I really look forward in Malaysia is back with the people at home. And of course having my parents around means a very luxurious backpacking journey instead of a budgeted one. :P

It has however been a rather enriching experience thus far. Seen so much over the weeks here in Europe. The different culture, people, and whole different system right from the food to road crossings. I have to say that although scenery plays much of the motivation of coming over to Europe but the different way of life is what really make me appreciate this trip much.

The days are numbered. Going home soon. Few more stops to go. To Florence later in the afternoon, Pisa, Rome and London it will then be the end of the journey here of my childhood dream however nothing like what I dreamed off. (Mine was probably to much of a fantasy rather than reality)

Right now in Venice. Continuing from the last blog post visited Salzburg, Munich, Switzerland, and Milan.

Shall continue at another opportune time which will probably be in London or back in Malaysia. The internet has really been a wonderful tool as it brought home closer to heart. =) Glad I wasn't travelling in the 18th Century where the word internet was never heard off.
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Passing Moments
heart4God
The time here in Europe is passing away quite quickly. Although the scenery is nice I certainly miss home.

I really enjoy the train rides from one city to another the only time I connect with the countryside and the view is amazing. Cities are much alike just palaces, towers, cathedrals, bridges, buildings practically.

The most disappointing city thus far is Paris I think its a place people have put so much hype into it. If you want to see something similar like Paris I would personally recommend Prague a city with more amazing things to see of course not quite a tale of stories to be told like those you will find in the tour in Paris because Prague has managed to evade world wars.

I am now in Salzburg the place where the hills are alive. Started off from taking a coach from Sheffield to London and from there an overnight coach to Paris to start off at 7am.

Obviously the group I am backpacking with has no GPS or any electronic gadget so we got lost but nevertheless we manage to get our way around and but the 2nd day in Paris we were pro's.

Went for 2 tours in Paris and I just loved the tours as it brought meaning to the things that our eyes took in :)

Next stop was the well known train premium train Thayls to Brussels where we saw the stuff we couldn't cover by foot. The best train ride as it was fast and comfortable and as you would expect costly!38 Pounds just for that 2 hours plus ride. but its listed in the tour book as a not to miss thing although that was the best option we have to get out of the city of lights. Killing two birds with one stone

Then the time in Brussels was good with the welcoming hostel good for a night's rest. Love the location as it was next to the Shopping Mall City two. Small little town well covered by foot. Manekin Pis probably the highlight of the town and also chocolates

Took a coach up to Amsterdam and pass by lovely sceneries. How I wish I had a car would probably spend more time out of the city. Amsterdam had a rather unique story with of course its ability to sell soft drugs and also sex trade all over. Thing to remember Amsterdam by its bicycles and canals.

Activated the Euro Global Pass on the last day in Amsterdam and the start of our train adventure. Saw lots of accounting firms both in Rotterdam and also Amsterdam. We move on to the land of the Germans. Attended the walking tour here as well. Nice! The Stay OK hostel has the best bed so far and breakfast too!!!

Ate my first expensive meal in Europe Schwine knuckles. =) When searching up and down for it because of course everything is in German and we could not understand and of course not many understand what we were searching for. We did manage to get to some shop cost 13.50 Euros for a plate of not very big but very 'chai' with the help of our tour guide who showed us where to get those traditional german food. Ate Wurtz which is German Sausages but their famous curry wurtz is not nice. Just tomato sauce all over and sprinkled curry sauce. Fascinating train system. Visited the Memorial of the Murdered Jews. Very disturbing to the mind and heart.

Then it was off to Prague which was breathtaking. Too bad it was a short stay but well much better than going by tour because I would have to go even faster that means 3 countries in 1 day but we did Prague in 2 days. Went for the tour end up going to 2 wrong groups before finally finding the right tour we were suppose to follow. Quite embarrassing but well who cares? They won't remember us. :)Feels like you are in land of fairytale. Quite cheap to get food here.

Wien or as we know Vienna the land of Mozart and Strauss. Just came from the place after church service. My first church service since UK. Erm quite unique felt like seeing the traditions all taking place. Very traditional Anglican Church. Watch Mozart and Strauss but well was kinda disappointed because they guy who sold us the ticket blow it all but the music was good and also the show only thing was the marketing strategy very cunning.

Well no pictures and any longer comments. Shall stop here and leave it for the next round. Very bad internet connection can't carry on further. =)
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Behind Time
heart4God
There is so much I want to blog about. Firstly the end of my time in Sheffield. The 3 shows I watch in Sheffield before I left and also my time in Paris.

Well won't have much time blogging but I guess I will update them soon. Off to Belgium now. Will be back active when I have more time and a faster connection to post photos and stories :)

Still can't believe I am backpacking Europe.
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Heating things up
heart4God
First time we had fish for dinner at home. Butter Onion Fish

Going to church is a happy occassion which explain the broad smiles.

Lots of food to 'ta pao'

One of the most amazing guys I have known in UK. Certainly he is one that goes by action speaks louder than words. A man of few words but big actions!

While the others were debating we took the time to take pictures =) Discussion was too heated for us to join in anyway.

The two Malaysian gals - Mary and Yu Ling in the midst of the discussion

Others had a much tamer discussion

Nicole. The gal with BIG LOVELY SMILES and she brought chocolates that she got from her colleagues and shared it with us. How sweet :)

Great Chocolates!

Before they were all done into our stomachs (Can you believe it the amount of Chocolates in the box exactly the number of those who were there. So....=) )


First time we had FRIED Rice usually normal rice or 'yao fan' ><

He wants to make funny faces. Loves spiderman and surprisingly he actually likes reading.

He hardly spoke when I first came only make sounds which I could hardly comprehend. Either he has improve tremendously or I have learned to understand what he is saying.

Ben Ben and Jo Jo (Just the two of them can keep you occupied) They are really quite smart. Brilliant kids! Going to so miss the children here =)

The group that was there at the Farewell Party

The TARC Farewell Party in Church a few weeks back

Yup and the apples are sweet alright =) No preservatives!

4 Apples for the me and my housemates (So sweet of Annie)

Tomatoes

Wild Apples

Raspberries

Apple Trees

Annie

View from Endcliffe Park

Now that I am done with all my assignments and phase test is down to finals. Another 2 more weeks and I will be in Paris on one of the Biggest and Craziest thing I have ever done. The feeling : No feelings just yet a bit worried though but anyways who wouldn't?

Its been 2 weeks of going all out at the gym. Made some good friends at Salasacise. (Its a bit body jam + Athletic Aerobics) After a month plus of not going to go to the gym its now or never. Right now I am in the mood of doing everything I came here for. THE EXPERIENCE!

Could not get anyone to come along with me on the Park Run thats why I never even go but well guess what I told myself I will have to do it today and YES I DID! =) I met a really good auntie she invited me to her place for tea but I don't take tea so well visited her house and her garden. Got fresh green apples right from her garden. First time seeing apple trees. =) She has wild apples too. Didn't try them though since they were not ripe. She gave me raspberries and also blackberries out from her garden. So guess waking up today and dragging my butt to an hours walk was well worth it. She took me sight seeing to the charity shops and told me about steel.

About the run well I am really out of shape. A 35minits for 5km is far behind everyone else there. :( I was only in my first round and so many of them was in their second round. Amazing they finish in 18minits. Half my time. Don't think I will be running in cold weather again. Have to catch my breathe and its difficult when its cold but an experience.

Going to really miss the gym though. Reason number 1 of going to the gym : Meet cute guys =) Oh yes you do! ><>

Spinning Instructor (He is old but super fit!)

Body Blitz and Spinning Instructor (Weirdest Instructor but in a good way I suppose)

Sad to say I couldn't get the pictures of all of them. Hopefully I will over the week. Its sad that they only introduce the new gym prices now and not when I first came, is much cheaper now 9GBP cheaper.

Anyways, will be a little less involve in the gym next week since they are doing some AV renovation but will still make the best use of it. Class resumes as normal next week (Final week of classes than finals) and will be making use of my last two free theaters shows. Have yet to decide on which.

Oh and would like to say a big THANK YOU to my beloved sister who stayed and listen to me complain and to be there for me even till the wee hours of the morning. =) How would I ever live without you. :P
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