2009 Winter Holiday 4 : Bruges

Where I can still see green during the winter in Bruges
The place where you can get Bruges transport map for free, travellers' map 0.50€

Soewhere near Kruispoort ( Not only Netherland has windmills :P )

Bruges, or Brugge, whichever you like is the next destination, 15-18th January 2009. We took the rails as usual, somewhere about 11am, and within 2 hours, we were there. And just a reminder, there is only one rail station in Bruge, unlike Brussels which has Brussels Nord, Brussels bla bla bla...

The details online, of course you can have dozens. One common one is of course the WikiPedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruges

We (as lucky as we had been) have a host there in Bruges. They are a married couple whose husband, Fil, came to the railway station and picked us up. He even cancelled all of his appointments for the day, just to pick us up and walked us to every single street in Bruges. In the evening, he even cooked Spaghetti for us as dinner.

He showed us the narrowest lane in Bruges, Beguinage (Begijnhof---the locals pronounced it as Be-Hey-Nov), bought us coffee, introduced us the local cuisine etc etc, and also the unbelievable cheapest spaghetti that I have known in EU countries --- 3€ per BIG plate.

Belgian endive / Chicory

I still remember a vegetable/herb that he told us about --- Belgian endive. The locals called it Chicory. They normally use it to make a salad. Chicory looks very similar to the Chinese cabbage, but is much smaller and slightly harder, even in texture, and perhaps not as leafy as it seems. For me, it has a little bit of bitterness, very very mild though.

A type of Flemish Dish

The 3€ spaghetti is very cheap and very big portion. And the place (Brasserie Medard) is fully booked especially during the lunch break. The plate of spaghetti ,I think for an average eater, can be shared among 2 person, or maybe 3. You can't believe it when you eat it. They have 2 varieties, vegetarian and meat spaghetti. But the owner doesn't allow sharing, meaning you can't order one plate when there is 2 person. And NO take aways. But I think that will be a waste of food, because we seriously couldn't finish it.

Extraordinarily big portion and cheap spaghetti

But just right opposite the 3€ spaghetti shop, is another Pasta Presto shop that is also very cheap, and the portion is just right, 2.95€. Very delicious too. You can choose different types of sauces to be eat with. But with that pasta take away, you are not allowed to eat in. Weird, isn't it? One doesn't allow eating in, and the other no take aways, hmmm...

The yummy yummy pasta, 2.95€

As we walked in Bruges, we accidently found the Chinese Take Away that Fil mentioned, the one that has Babi Panggang. And many of them thought that Babi Panggang (roasted pig) is actually Chinese words. But it is not. Babi panggang is a Chinese dish but this is in Malay language (Babi =pig, Panggang = roast). We initially thought it was a Malaysian Chinese, but she is from Hong Kong.

Saw the Babi Panggang?

The fish market is also one of the attractions. But during the winter, there isn't much stall opened (I remember only seeing 2-3 stalls on 14th January 2009). During the summer, I believe it would be flooded.

The fish market in winter.

The few winter-remaining stalls in fish market

The Beguinage is something like a convent, where the Sisters stay, is very famous. Most of them is in Belgium. One of it is in Bruges, and others can be found in Leuven (Belgium), Gent...

And as usual, Belgium cities each has its own beautiful Town Square. At the side of it is Toyo Ito's (a famous Japanese designer) piece of work --- Toyo Ito Pavillion, that costs 2 million €.

Toyo Ito's Pavillion

Around the Burg Square in Bruges

Town Square

City Hall

There are some other interesting things to do in Bruges. One of it is Canaling, but we didn't manage to as it was winter, and the river is still slightly frozen, and the canaling centres are all closed. And Fil told us, the week before our arrival, the locals can even walked on the frozen water.

See the ice on the water?

The bicycle is a common way of transport

It is also a good place if you like to cycle around and enjoy the fresh breeze of Bruges. Bicycle renting is a very common activity for the tourist. However, weather that day didn't look nice for us to travel *sigh*.

There is also the shopping streets in Bruges, one of the main ones is Mariastraat. Shops in Belgium in general close early (very early, I think), most of them closed at 6pm. I wonder when they close in the summer. From my point of view, it's not very convenient, especially for people who work and tourists. And after my sight-seeing in Bruges that ended up somewhere in the 5-6pm, I didn't manage to shop. But glad that I grabbed myself a dress just before my lunch, and that's the only shopping I did in the whole trip of Belgium.

For chocolate lovers, Belgium has the famous Belgian chocolates. From the famous established chocolate franchises to the local-favourites home-made chocolate shops. And for more, Bruges has 2 chocolate bars to offer (or maybe more, hehe).

Just some information :
Markets
Wednesday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) on Market square (food)
Saturday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) on 't Zand square and on Beursplein (food and non food)
Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) on Ten Briele (food and non food)
Fish market : Tuesday through Saturday, every morning.
Flea market : along Dijver and at Fish market: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. (15th March-15th November)

Some websites for planning --- http://realtravel.com/da-1028-belgium_attractions

Bruges is a nice city of travelling.

2009 Winter Holiday 3 : Brussels

EU Headquarters

Yeah, Brussels --- Capital of the European Union! We went there for a day trip. Not too bad. But well, it was our second visit if we consider the day we arrived Brussel Charleroi Airport as the first visit.

The wide sky was clear, no birds singing in the air, but nothing to complain of, as long as it doesn't rain "Belgianly". We first wanted to visit the Mini Europe. But sad to say, the worker told us that it will be closed till 20th March, and even the Brupack was closed. We headed to the Atomium, yet AGAIN, we weren't able to climb to the top, as the gate was closed/locked.

The Atomium

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

We first saw the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. But I think we were more attracted to the wooden "cow" or "bull", whatever you call it. We headed forward to the Town Square. Looking at the people holding the Belgian Fries, we were getting really hungry. We bought and were given extra sauces! Wow, maybe we are indeed pretty, we have been offered help to take a picture together.

The Town Square is the meeting point, there we met fellow Malaysians students of MMA and had a short nice chat. And we also met with a single traveller from Brazil with whom we helped each other taking photos. What is interesting is that Brussels is a small city where you will kept seeing each other at the main tourist spots especially when during the winter, travellers aren't as packed as it was to be in the summer.

The Guild Houses

The Fellow MMA Malaysian Students wih me

At the Manniken Pis, again we met with the tall Brazillian guy. We were foretold that we will be extremely disappointed when we saw the Manniken Pis, therefore we did not put high hopes in it. But this tall guy was very very very disappointed by it, and before he left, he came up to us and told us, " If you want to see something big, go Brazil!!! Everything in Bazil is BIG!!!" I can't stop laughing silently, the look on his face was so cute! And yeah, I know Brazil have something big. Just look at this Brazillian guy! He indeed is tall; Mannikem Pis is indeed small!

The tall Brazillian guy with Oi Ling in front of the tiny Mannikem Pis

On our way to the Royal Palace, we accidently found what we assumed the Jannikem Pis. Not many know about it. But we were told by a guy in the train. And when we were bck to our Berlaar's host, he told us that there is another "Dog Peeing". Maybe future travellers can try and search for that, hehe.

The assumed Jennikam Pis

Tasty Belgian Waffles

There were several stalls selling the mouth watering Belgian Waffles. By the look itself is tempting. And never forget to ask for the hot one, then you will get the fresh hot waffles.

The next spot --- Royal Palace and at its opposite is the Royal Park which doesn't look a single bit royal during the winter, especially when the sky was rather gloomy.

Royal Park
Royal Palace

What we hadn't do was to visit Brussels during the night (Picture is taken by our host's sister of Wroclaw). And fellow travellers, if you are interested, according to her, there is a red light district there somewhere...

2009 Winter Holiday 2 : Belgium --- Brussel - Leuven - Berlaar

After the long journey for this Wizzair flight, I am finally on the land of Belgium. It's a chilly morning. We bought the tickets for the shuttle bus from the Brussel Charleroi Airport-Brussel Nord, 13Euro single-way/return 22Euro (valid for 3 months, I think). It took about an hour. In Brussel Nord, we bought a GoPass, 46Euro (for youths under 26 years old, and valid for a year). Time-table for the rails can be checked online through http://www.b-rail.be/

Berlaar --- a small town

As previous post had mentioned, I am fortunate to have found hosts in all the cities that I am visiting. The first host is a family of 5, in Berlaar, Antwerp. We have to catch train to Leuven and switch to Berlaar. I was rather excited, or should I say rather nervous. But not as worried, because this family had hosted 2 friends of mine before this, at least I know it is safe. But it's my first time staying in stranger's house, so still I am...

When we just reached the station, a Belgian guy approached and introduced himself. I was initially stunned. But soon, I am back to myself, recalled of his picture that I have seen online. We went to his house. They are a very sweet family. At the same time, there are other 2 surfers like us, a Canadian single mother and her 7-month-old baby girl, Jasmine.

The Welcome note

We were very delighted to see the printed copy of Malaysian flag and our names on it, stating "Selamat Datang Jacklyn Goh and Oi Ling". That was so sweet. It was rather good weather. After resting for a moment, we took a small walk to the centre of Berlaar.

The sky is getting cloudier then. And that was when my newly bought umbrella came in handy, hehe. Belgium has not been snowing for 12 years of winter. But rain is just a very common visitor, even during the summer. We took a long walk down the street. Found GB Carrefour, LiDl, and a few more supermarkets. Berlaar itself is a small town, people there are generally friendly.

Belgium rainy weather

Saint Peter's Church in Berlaar
We then head back and had a nice Belgian dinner with the family. Belgian fries with different sauces (I think I like Cocktail :P), salad, carrot. The 3 kids are amazing. Though we don't understand each other language-wise, we played. Yeah, they speak Flemish. The kids showed me pictures, we danced and played. They are so cute!!!

After the kids were sent off to bed, the parents introduced us to their traditional game --- Sjoelbak. It was an interesting game. I am very happy for having the opportunity to play that, hehe. And I think I scored fairly well :P.

Sjoelbak board game
The next day we headed to Brussels for a daytrip (next post). And then we have to rush back to Berlaar, because we have to cook a dinner for the family with the Canadian mum. We missed the train by just several minutes, and darn! We were late for like 30-40minute from the original plan! Fortunate enough, the eldest son had a game at school, otherwise these early-bed kids would have to be hungry for a while.

We had prepared a vegetarian meat, some Chinese flour frying pieces, rice. Canadian baked some oat cake. It was a nice meal. And that was the first time I was exposed to using the dishwasher.

The stay there was sweet and nice. Experiencing the Belgian life with Belgian family was a whole new something for me.

2009 Winter Holiday 1 : Simferopol-Kiev-Krakow

It has been a nice trip. Yes, I will try to write out as much as I can, to help future Ukraine travellers, especially CSMU students, haha (As though a lot of people will read my blog). May or may not be useful, but hope budget travellers like me can get some idea about travelling from/within Ukraine. It's tough!!! It's a long piece, I know...

The journey for Belgium starts from 10th January 2009. It has been planned just after my O&G exam, 6th January 2009. The original plan as mentioned was to head for Egypt, so we actually had 2 tickets in hand, Simferopol-Kiev (10.01.09, 1225-1355), Kiev-Simferopol (25.01.09, 1915-2045). So, the problem started as we decided not to go to Egypt. We either burned the tickets or find a new destination, or perhaps rampage Kiev for 14 days.

Lucky enough, Wizzair (the ONLY budget airflights linked with our "outcasted"Eastern Europe --- Ukraine) and Ryanair, offered good affordable flights that coincides with my winter holiday!!! Yippie! Otherwise we may have been the "moled" people in Kiev for 14days! Therefore, within a day, a new route was finalized and booked, 07.01.09

So, off we flew to Kiev on the 10.01.09. Just before the trip, I bought an umbrella, 80uah, which comes in very handy (till later). The journey to Kiev Boryspol Airport wasn't that bad (except that the hand-pulled luggage was damaged after we collected it), we reached and took an airport bus to Kiev central. The cost is 25uah. Have 3 stations, 1st is Metro Kharkivska (20uah), 2nd forget, 3rd Central Vakzal (main metro and train station).

We then encountered another problem --- how to get from Kiev-Krakow. We students always know about Lvov-Krakow, but rarely we travel from Kiev to Krakow. And information about Ukraine, anything of it is like knowing what happened in ice-age, it's just such an alienated part of earth. However, we managed to get a very limited information about Kiev-Krakow before that. And bet most of you don't know that Eurolines actually do "pass-into" Ukraine. ( Well, I did took once from Prague to Lvov by an international bus company under Eurolines, somewhere in Jan/Feb 2008).

By accident, we came across a webpage saying about Dachna Bus Station (http://www.gokiev.info/buses.php), bus that travels to Poland. We carried the luggages and asked around, even the locals didn't know about this station. Until I asked a Marshrut driver who initially also doesn't know about it and recalled that yes, there are such station with international buses. So from Central Vakzal, we took the metro and bus to reach there. But much of our surprise, it doesn't even look like a bus station, but more like an old, dirty, neglected piece of one-storey building that was dark (maybe need to save electric because still owing Russia $, haha). We asked the counter for tickets to Krakow. Sigh, no tickets till Wednesday!

Losing hope, we decided to get a hostel in Kiev. Fortunately we have a handy list of back-up plans. Afterall, we have 2-days till our flights on Monday, and Kiev-Krakow takes about a day. So, we found Hostelukraine Kiev Backpackers (HostelWorld), from 8euro/night as of 09.01.09. But when we reached there after some long walking, we were told by the administrator there is no choices but only 17Euro/night. Thinking that we have no choices left, we each paid 217.45uah (1Euro=12.8uah, when that time was like 1=12)

Before the trip, we came across this web page (http://www.intercity.pl/?page=home_page) that shows several Kiev-Krakow trains per day , but in real fact there is only one daily, 2042-1548 (811uah). But information for trains within Poland is accurate. So, where is the problem? Ok, back to the trip! We were left with 1.5 hours before 8.42pm if we travelled on the train of 10.01.09-11.01.09. We decided to take 10.01.09 instead of the train on 11.01.09-12.01.09 which we need to rush for the 13.01.09 morning flight. We headed back to the hostel, and left. The hostel owner initially didn't want to refund even a single bit, but in the end he returned 50%. I know, it's our fault, but come on, we were just there for less than 1 hour!!! Meaning we paid 8.5Euro each for the less-than-an-hour.

Snow in Krakow

Finally, on 11.01.09---15.50, we stepped on the soil of Poland. It's a cold day. Heading for the Hocus Pocus Hostel, we paid 12Euro per person. This is what we called HOSTEL, if compared to the bad impression of Kiev's. And much unexpectedly, that time was just like Oi Ling and I with an Irish guy. Haha! So, basically we had it all for ourselves. Newly opened (1.5years), clean, helpful staffs, strategic location, with breakfast and free luggage room, what else do we have to complain?

Kebab Store in Krakow

The 2 of us went for a Kebab that night, and managed to experience a live-concert, Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (to buy specialised medical equipment for cardiac surgery for the Centre of Children's Health), at the Market Square, just in front of the Cloth Hall. I enjoyed it although it is of Polish songs. But it's amazing!

Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity

12.01.09, it's time for us to check out the WizzAir take off Airport. The Wizzair Shuttle bus will take off from Krakow Glowny Bus Station, 50Zl per head. We didn't book in advance, so we have to take a rail to Katowice (12Zl/person). Then from railway station as we took the stairs down, we asked for the bus station, and a samaritan lead us to it. It's very close, ask and walk only. It takes approximately 50 minutes to get from Katowice to Pyrzowice Airport by the bus. The ticket (per person) costs 20 Zl (5.5 EUR) one way, and we just need to pay directly to the driver. In short, without WizzAir Shuttle Bus, we spent a total of 32Zl/person from Krakow to Pyrzowice Airport.

P/S : Timetable --- http://www.katowice-airport.com/eng/index.html?page=dojazdy,2 , Katowice Railway Station.

At Katowice, we met an interesting American female writer, Virginia Konchan. Had a long nice chat with her. And of course, I hope she is now in her studio enjoying in her warm cozy room. (www.virginiakonchan.com)

Virginia Konchan (Middle)

Flight on 13.01.09, Katowice-Brussels Chareloi, 0610 - 0810, was great. We saw how the airplane was defrozed before taking off. To be on time on plane is by itself wonderful. I looked forward to arriving in Belgium......

Pryzowice Airport

CouchSurfing

Yes, a sudden change of plan! The initial Egypt trip has sunk to the bottom of the ocean bed. Maybe not destined for Egypt. Twice, it has been twice that the Egypt trip has been cancelled. Last year, from the original Egypt plan to Prague, Hungary, Vienna. This year, again from Egypt plan switched to Belgium and Wroclaw.

On the Wednesday, we (Oi Ling and I) decided to go for Belgium, booked all the tickets needed. Though we still have a little problem from Kiev to enter Poland. The transport, route is not totally confirmed yet. But, by God's protection, I know we will be fine.

There is an interesting something that I would like to share---CouchSurfing (www.couchsurfing.com). Yes, some of you may know, some may not. I didn't have a chance to really experienced it last summer. But within 2 days, after many request, I was given my first chance to experienced my first ever CS trip.

I don't know what it will be like, good/bad, scary/wonderful...Yet to be known. Yes, of course there will be risk. It's all not guaranteed. Even that after reading their profiles, feeling safe, it doesn't mean that it is really safe. Both the host and surfers are at risk! How would you know that your host is 100% good? And how would the host know that their surfers aren't robbers/kidnappers...?

But that doesn't stop me from wanting to experiencing it. Driving bears risk too. However a careful driver you may be, however slow that you may drive (20 km/hour?), are you sure that there will not be a reckless driver to bump into your car? It's a whole unpredictable thing!

When my friends know about me requesting a couch, many advised me to watch "Taken", "Hostels"...I haven't watch them though, but I think I know the story. I am very thankful for their concerns. And yet I am still requesting.

Yes, there is risk. And I really don't know how much can I trust. I don't know whether or not I will come back in whole. I don't know what sort of experiences I will be having. I don't know what exactly I would or should do in case of trouble. But I will pray.

For those who are trying CS or maybe trying CS, always prepare a second alternative. Although being offered a couch, if you don't feel comfortable, leave. Always prepare a list of hostels for emergency cases. Maybe you couldn't make it or maybe the host has a sudden change of plan. Always leave some details to your families and friends about new friends that you will meet and have meet. Let them know. For a true genuine CS Members would never mind that and would always understand.

I think this would be the last post until I am back from the winter holidays. Will share more after my trip. Hope that you too can experience a wonderful something. And friends, thank you for all your care, I really appreciate them. I will try my very best to take care (Although most of the time I can't, haha.)

Till then! *Wink*

Footprints In The Sand

Santa came on 24th December 2008, realizing one of my many wishes---White Christmas. Yes, this year is a white Christmas.

Santa told me that he knows who has been bad or good this year. And I believe he does. But, do you believe in Santa's existance?

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. However, today, Christmas seems more of like partying, turkey, dinner, presents... People who celebrate together for this wonderful day is great. But, how many of them really believe in the Saviour Lord Jesus Christ? Do you believe in Him? How many followers of Christ have faith in Him? I have to admit, at sometimes, I did felt alone.

But do we need to see Him to know that he exist? Jesus said, "Happy are those who have not seen, yet believe." Doubt no further, because He has not, and will not, forsaken us. Have faith!

Sharing with you is a very meaningful poem, by an unknown author.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

One night a man had a dream.

He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.

For each scene,he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand.

One belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,

he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of his life,

there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened

at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

you'd walk with me all the way.

But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,

there is only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why when I needed you the most

you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,

I love you and would never leave you.

During your times of trial and suffering,

when you see only one set of footprints,

it was then I carried you."

New Year 2009

It's 3 days to New Year 2009!!! Yippie!!! What is New Year all about??? Fireworks? Holidays? Parties? Erm...? Eh, I think New year is about a life experience, a refreshing start, a continuation, an effort for achieving the goals that we have......It can be about everything, anything and maybe even nothing!!!

For what? For getting older? For getting closer to exam? Or perhaps for trips?

Well, I don't know. And I think it doesn't matter. New year, new hope, new aspirations. May the past be a memory. Sweet, bitter, sour...it's all down in memory lane. May the goodSSS be stored safely in our hard drive, may the badSSS be chucked in the recycle bin (but don't permanently delete them, just remember the lessonSSS behind them *wink*.)

Yes, I know exams are near, but still we have to take them, don't we? Otherwise, how are we gonna have our wonderful winter holidays??? We are getting older? Nope, we are getting wiser. After learning for the whole 2008 year, don't you think we are wiser?

So, don't look back too much and never ever look back in anger or regrets! Look back just before 1st of January 2009 and learn from the best & worst, do the undone and mend the mendable....... As for the new year, let us hope for the better......Best wishes *wink*

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 !!!

Snow

Global warming is terrible. It not only changes the weather and temperature, it also changes seasons. Winter doesn't look like winter. This winter in 2008 seems so snowless. Dry, sunny weather, cold wind, yet snow isn't there. Only once in November, "snow" drizzled for like......1 minute??? Was it related then to global warming?

Venice in flood (as of 1st December 2008)

Venice had been terribly flooded and is really now a City of Water. I mean, yeah, it is always been filled with water, but was it ever been fully filled with water? Is it Global warming then that causes these?

Weather in Ukraine isn't as usual as it seems, snowing and melting, snowing and melting. And until now almost like mid-December only did it start to snow a bit , wow! Global warming? Who knows?

But I definitely like winter with snow. Though troublesome, taking longer time before getting out of the house......but what is winter without snow? Although I will be walking slower, be feeling cold all my way, risk of slipping, wanting to stuck in my thick mink blanket and sleep whole day long ...... I still want a white winter :-)

Will I be having a white Christmas this year? I hope so and I pray......

Failure in Peanuts

Oh, how I hate the work of mine today!!! It was Wan Shin's birthday party. Oi Ling and me preparing "Tang Yuan" with ginger soup. I ground the peanuts and mixed with sugar and salt. Salt was too much. Couldn't even save the taste by adding more sugar.

I am not a very bad cook. But to be preparing such a salty peanut mixture is so unforgivable!!! I always have problem --- creating a stronger flavour dish!!! Oh, but this is too much.

I could still clearly remember the faces of my friends tasting them! Oh, mine! What an effort! The balance of the peanut is still in the tupperware. Planning to mix them with butter and bake peanut cookies. Maybe will be better??? Hehe, gonna find out soon.

"Tang Yuan" is a Chinese food made from glutinous rice flour. Glutinous rice flour is mixed with a small amount of water to form balls and is then cooked and served in boiling water.

Merengue

I have always wanted to learn dancing. But just couldn't find the time to go for the lessons as it often coincides with my classes. Then I found a good way --- YouTube!!! Thanks a lot for those uploaders. So seems like I need just to find a partner now, hehe.

Here is a simple dance --- Merengue. It's a Latin American dance with a 2-step beat. Merengue originated from the Island of Santo Domingo. Both the Haitians and Dominican Republicans claimed to have invented it. The Haitians claimed that a great, war hero returned from the battlefield of the neighboring islands. However, he had severely injured one of his legs during the battle. Therefore, during the victory feast, everyone danced by dragging one leg to not embarrass their hero. While Dominican Republicans claimed that a prince was born with a lame leg and his servants, in order not to insult him, danced by dragging one leg.








So hope you too are learning with me the simple basic steps of Merengue!

Apple Sauce

Nice to serve with roasted chicken, or cheese cake toppings, with ice-creams etc. I love it.

Ingredients :
2 Apples (chunked)
1tbs Margerine
1tsp Cinnamon
Some Sugar
2 cups of water

Method :
1. Melt the margerine in pan.
2. Add the cinnamon.
3. Stir fry the apple.
4. Add sugar and water.
5. Leave on to boil for 15-30minutes, or till slightly thickened.
6. Blend the sauce and pour into plate or as toppings to serve.

How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother---wow, I just love it! The sitcom is just hilarious, especially Barney! That guy is just so good in acting that without him, the whole 4 seasons would have been way too boring. This guy is the centre of the show! Anyway, he is gay, very unlike what Barney has potrayed.

The thing is that, until now, I haven't known who is the Mother! And that is bad! I hope I won't be disappointed with the mum. I hope she is hotter and prettier than Robin. Hehe. Sweeter than Lily. But Marshall is way too old comparing his look and age. He looks like in his 30-40s. But guess what? He is only 28 (born in the year 1980).

Sharing with you is a list that Lily has made......50 Reasons To Have Sex

Want to marry a doctor? Survey shows most do

SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) – It really does pay to be a doctor, with an international survey showing the medical profession is the most trusted, among the most admired and includes the most eligible marriage partners.

By contrast, actors and musicians, along with journalists and advertisers, were among professionals that people trusted the least, and were also least likely to choose a partner from, according to a survey by Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group plc.
"Much of who we are is tied up in what we do in the hours from nine to five, and often way beyond," a Synovate statement said.

"Asking someone what they do for a living is often the first question you ask them; right after 'what's your name?'."

The survey polled about 5,500 respondents in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Malaysia, South Africa and the United States.

It asked people what makes for an admirable job, which professions they trust or do not, who is overpaid, and which profession they would prefer to marry. Sixteen percent nominated doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals as their preferred marriage partners, higher than any other profession.

Other eligible -- and admired -- professions were education, at 14 percent, and science and technology, at 10 percent.

Educators and doctors were also voted the most trusted by an overwhelming 86 and 87 percent, followed by homemakers and those in science and technology.

Only one percent picked retail professionals as partner-material, and those in media and marketing, as well as entertainers, did little better at two and three percent.

These professions were also among the least trusted by respondents, who, across the seven markets, picked the media as the single least trusted group.

Entertainers, along with corporate executives and lawyers, were voted as being the most overpaid, while homemakers and educators were among those seen as being underpaid.

From Yahoo news.

Interesting, isn't it?

Ice-Creams

Still remember the days when we were craving for ice-creams in the park? Or maybe in the shopping malls? Or perhaps after school? Still remember when we had "ice-cream sandwich"? Or when the ice-cream melted to the floor before you even taste it?

Well then, how do you define ice-creams? Hehe, can't, can you? Well, I would simply say it's a sweet, cold dessert. Do you agree? As a matter of fact, the American Federal Labeling Standards require ice cream to contain a minimum of 10% milk fat (about 7 grams (g) of fat per 1/2 cup [120 mL] serving) and 20% total milk solids by weight. Wow, I didn't know that ice-creams can be so complicated!

Hmm, well by the Wikipedia, ice-creams are known as "a frozen dessert made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, combined with flavorings and sweeteners, such as sugar, and possible other ingredients. "

Frozen desserts??? Hmm, how many types of frozen desserts do you know then? I only knew a few. Such as (defined by Wikipedia) :

Granita --- semi-frozen dessert of sugar, water, and flavorings. Originated from Sicily, Italy.

Gelato --- Italian ice cream made from a liquid, milk or water; a solid, sugar, fats or sweeteners; flavorings, pastes, fruit powders; stabilizers, guar gum, locust bean, etc.; emulsifiers, mono- and digylcerides; and air. (I love this!)

Sorbet --- a frozen dessert made from sweetened water flavoured with iced fruit (typically juice or puree), chocolate, wine, and/or liqueur. And it originated from the Middle East. And I thought most Middle Easterns are Muslim. Are they allowed to consume alcohol then???????

Mousse --- a form of creamy dessert typically made from egg and cream (classically no cream, only egg yolks, egg whites, sugar, and chocolate or other flavorings), usually in combination with other flavors such as chocolate or pureed fruit.

Zuccotto --- a semi-frozen, chilled dessert made with brandy, cake and ice cream.

And finally not forgetting our famous, mouth-watering......

Ais Batu Campur (ABC) --- rings a bell? Well, don't need any definitions I think. Hehe

One last one, is ice-cream cake into the list too?

"I Can Do That!"

As Obama Barrack says about change and believing that we can, we can. Yes, we can change!!! Hope you will be inspired by the article below as I had been inspired.

"I Can Do That!"
by Mike Brescia

Your life can transform by a magnitude of ten by doing one thing.

Before you begin any task, or as soon as you find out you have been assigned one, no matter how big do this one thing.

Either silently or out loud, say "I can do that." Maybe you don't quite believe it... yet. But by making that phrase be the first thing you are even TEMPTED to think, you just transformed INSIDE into a person who can do it, do it well and can do it with joy.And you just shut down the part of you that often automatically says, "Aw, why do I have to do that?" or, "I've never done that before - I can't - I don't know how - I better tell 'em to ask someone else - I don't feel so good." Can you think of more. Me too.

"I can do that. I can. I think I can. No problemo. You bet! Okie dokie. Whatever it is, accept it and look for the way to do the best job you can.When you say, "I can" you chemically change. Your stress levels go down, endorphins surge. You get excited. You smile. Hugs. Kisses. Raises. Promotions. Admiration. Awards.Practice this. Every day. Every time.

All our joy is empty without others to share it with. Our problems usually have someone else at the root though, too. Hmm. That's weird, huh?If all or most of our problems stem from other people (even if we caused the problem), then wouldn't many of them diminish greatly if our problems with others got smaller? Often it's not conflicts as much as attitudes.Here's a way to affect yours and others' attitudes. Ask yourself: "How can I help (name of person) to feel good today?"

When you help other people feel good, they like you. You are a state inducer, whether you know it or not. You make people feel happy, sad, mad, nervous or any number of other emotions. Choose happy - inspired - confident.

Look for the good in others. You may have to dig, but it's there. We all want primarily the same things. Give what other people want to them and you'll be treated like royalty wherever you go.

1. Write down a list of desired emotions (look in the thesaurus).

2. Ask yourself how you would help others get these.

Just do it today.

Are You Living Generously?

Found this article rather interesting, by Louise Rousseau at "Women Today".

Living With An Open Hand

As soon as I was old enough to turn on a light switch, my parents told me electricity cost money. In fact, I soon found out everything cost money.

I remember clearly my first lessons in money management. My grandmother gave me a piggy bank for my birthday. The plump porcelain pig with a moronic smile was really a ploy to drill me in the sound principles and financial responsibility. Oh! The hard lessons of life! Financial responsibility according to my folks meant I should spend none of my allowance on candy. After doling out my weekly quarter, my mother solemnly escorted me to my room where I deposited the coin into my piggy bank.

Thus I became a hoarder. My parents' training was so successful that it soon took the jaws of life to pry money from my hand. I believed the more money I had, he happier I'd be. But this proved untrue. I never had enough. And the more I had, the more I was afraid to lose.
I'd have gone to my grace, greedy to the bone, had not a generous friend shown me there is a better way to live. When a twist of events brought me to dire financial straits, she gave me a sizable sum. Since she was between jobs at the time, and living off her savings with no employment prospects, I marveled at her largesse. How could she give so freely? She didn't worry about money as I did.

In conversation with her, I soon realized my financial training had skipped the most important lesson. I had never learned there is a spiritual dimension to money. What I thought was wise management of my assets was in fact selfishness. And selfishness produced greed, fear and worry.

I was like a guest at a wedding feast, grasping a handful of stale cake with both hands. Because I held tightly to my loot, my hands were closed. I could neither give nor receive. So anxious was I to save a few crumbs, I was missing out on the feast that had been set before me.

Learning to live with an open hand is admittedly not an easy task. Applying spiritual principles to money management goes against conventional wisdom. After all, if you want a nest egg, saving money makes sense; giving it away does not. But money management controlled by selfishness, greed or fear will never lead to financial freedom. As long as you are enslaved by these emotions, no amount of riches will satisfy you.

While making sound investments is part of managing your resources with savvy, the key to financial serenity lies in letting gratitude, contentment and generosity govern your money decisions. People who are grateful and content find satisfaction in what providence supplies. And generous people know Jesus was right when he said: "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over."

Learning to live with an open hand is a lifelong process, but it will yield dividends beyond expectations. If this is what you are yearning for, here are some steps you can take to make gratitude, contentment and generosity part of your financial strategy for life.

Gratitude
"Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold." - Maurice Setter

Focus on what you have
You cannot afford the knicknack of your dreams? You've got no money for extras? Focusing on what you lack will make you feel impoverished. But if you choose instead to be thankful for what you have, you soon feel richer. If you're short of cash, it may take extra willpower to look at the bright side. But it's worth it. Gratitude has the power to transform your outlook and open your eyes to life's fullness. It can transform a trinket into a treasure, a meal into a feast, a deficit into a gain.

Recognizing that many of the best things in life are free
Springtime. Friendship. The laughter of children. They cost nothing - in fact, they cannot be bought - but they enrich your life in invaluable ways. What's more, there's freedom in enjoying things without owning them. You can relish a walk on the beach without maintaining a waterfront property or admire artwork at the museum without shouldering insurance costs.

Make a daily inventory of what you're thankful for
This is a must of you are to reap the full benefits of practicing gratitude. Choose a time - it need not take long - to tally up daily blessings. Write them down. When days are tough, reading your list will lift your spirit.

Contentment

"He is poor who does not feel content." - Japanese proverb

Distinguish between essentials and non-essentials
If you confuse what you want with what you need, you've probably bought into a consumer culture. Advertisers would like you to believe life is not worthwhile unless you're buying what they're selling. But they're lying. A worthwhile life lies not in having many riches, but in being content with what you have.Realizing you don't need a new color TV or a supermatic onion chopper, sets you free from consumer jail. You have a choice; you may choose to buy what you want, but you know your happiness doesn't depend on it.

Don't let wealth define who you are
Your worth is not equal to your bank balance. Your home, your car and your clothes are, at best, a weak reflection of who you are. There is so much more to you than your possessions. You were created with a soul. You will find true meaning and worth more surely by feeding your soul than by depositing six-digit paycheques. You'll never be content with what you have, until you're happy with who you are.

Giving
"You make a living by what you get...But you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

Give where your heart is
What moves you? The plight of Rwandan orphans? Women in Afghanistan? Earthquake victims? Give to the cause that arouses your compassion and concern. Having an impact where you think it matters, will keep you giving.

Give close to home
While helping with the desperate needs of people in other countries is certainly critical, also look for opportunities to give close to home. Do you know a single mom who could use groceries? A neighbor who has lost his job? Bring the mom a hamper or pay the neighbor's gas bill. When you witness how your gift brightens someone's life, you'll know without a doubt generosity has the power to make the world a better place.

Budget for giving
If you wait for the end of the month to share your wealth, you may find there's nothing left. To experience the full benefit of giving, you have to make it a priority. Budgeting for giving means you're committed. And, of course, you may still give on the spur of the moment too, if you like. When you budget, remember charitable donations may be tax-deductible. If so, decide how much you want to give accordingly.

Give regularly
The more you give, the easier it becomes. Giving regularly shows you're living with an open hand. And an open hand is ready to receive abundant blessing in return.

Lunch Pack

Waoh! It has been a long long time. Hope you guys are doing well.

Well, as usual, inflation rate is high high high in Ukraine. Nothing much seems to change. The best way of saving is then, I thinkm, food wise. So get yourself good food flask and bring your own lunch pack.

I had grabbed myself a worthy one in Foxmart with 3 containers. So basically, one of it is for rice, one more for a dish or two, and finally one more is filled with a warm drink. Nice, perfect!

Current classes are held near Moscowltso. Each time we walk to the hospital for classes, we will just purposely stop by the Yabloko for a grab of the bakery. Freshly baked, warm and soft......Yummy yummy! I love it. And it's not until recently that I know that they also have the Hotdog bread. It's very much worthy and much more delicious compared to those in the university's cafes.

And at around 2-3pm, new, fresh and tasty pizzaS are sold. They have the chcken type, the sausages type... So wonderful!

The other Yabloko in Moscowlto Rinak has this mouth-watering doughnuts. They don't appear as attractive as they should be, but they are definitely worth trying for. The doughnut if given without the confectionery sugar, definitely tasted like Malaysia's "You Char Kueh". Wow, I suddenly think that Ukrainians afterall have an improved taste bud. Hehe. Try takig the doughnut with curry chicken, with porridge, with sambal, coffee, make rojak etc. It's haven!

I am getting addicted to Yabloko's bakery. Getting fatter for the winter, hehe. Maybe you too, should try one.

Travelling. Currently in Madrid, Spain. Then heading towards Italy. Back in Simferopol by 2nd July. Then by 5th July heading for Dubai!!! Yeah!!! Back in Malaysia KLIA on the 8th July.