Melbourne Part 1

Melbourne was surprisingly fun so far. Unlike many other trips, I had nothing planned for this trip and decided to play by ear most of the time. Even the day tours was arranged kinda last minute.

Day 1- 24 June Tues
I arrived in Melbourne Tullarmarine airport at around 8.30pm and Burim was nice enough to pick me up. He settled me in really nicely and even drove around the neighbourhood to show me the key places so I could explore the next day. He even passed me a couple booklets like the train timetable and a street directory so I can find my way around the city. Went to bed really late as by the time we were done, it was almost midnight and he has to work the next day.

Day 2- 25 June Wed
I took the train to the city for a walk. Recce the pick up point for the day tours and started my shopping!~ Shirine arrived in Melbourne already and would be joining me in the city in the late afternoon. I was hoping she would come earlier as the shopping centres close at arnd 5-6. But in any case, I bought myself a beanie and a scarf. We met up and had our first chocolate indulgence at the Chocolate cafe in DFO (Direct Fatory Outlet) above Southern Cross station. My goodness, that station has 16 platforms and had more than 20 trains servicing there. Back to the chocolates. It was nice, the mocha was rich in chocolate and beautiful~! Just what I need to last me the remaining of the day! Dinner was at Shirine's friend's place. We had Chicken rendang among other Indian dishes and after that, it was an hour train ride home for me. But of course not without trying 2 bottles of wine Shirine bought from Huner Valley!















Chocolates Indulgence... dun u want a pice, ladies?















We finally met up in Melbourne!! and i am wearing a beanie!!! keeps my ears and head warm in the cold!

Day 3- 26 June Thurs

We met earlier in the morning and the ladies started shopping. They can really shop! 3 Big bags in under 2 hours! I reckon that if they were given the time, they could had bought the entire city! Well, we went on for Penguin parade tour that afternoon and it was well worth it. Little penguins as close as within touching distance! We pay an additional $15 for VIP seating to see more penguins and it was well worth it.




















Penguin parade anyone??..















Funny sign~ only in Australia...

Dinner was at a reccomended italian restaurant and the food was good. Nice to fill our 3 hungry stomachs. Then Shirine and I had a long conversation as planned for initially meant for GC. Reached home really late and that silly woman forgot to notify me when she reached home.















Dinner at the Italian place... Oysters kilpatrick, pasta and pizza... yum... surprised that they don't know whats Oysters kilpatrick..

Day 4- 27 June Fri

Got to be the best day so far~ We embarked on a Great Ocean Road tour. Unknown to any, it was actually one of the must-do things for me this year. Due to certain reasons, I had to do it. Having the 2 ladies as company was a bonus!! The place is so beautiful!! We took many pics and I would say that even pictures would not be as good as looking at the real thing!~ Loch Ard Gorge was stunning!















12 Apostles and me..















12 Apostles.. beautiful right?.. would love to go again!~















Standing on the beach in Loch Ard Gorge..















This is the view of Lch Ard Gorge from above.. stunning..















Picture taken at Razorback cliff.















With the London Bridge between the 2 of us...

Dinner was at Tiamo cafe along Lygon street and it came highly recommended from Dorothy. Trust her to come up with affordable nice eateries! We went on another chocolate indulgence and Shirine commented that its on par with the one she had in Italy. Ha~! I just love it when I managed to plan trips like that! We took tram back to the train station and they took a couple more pictures before we say our good byes. *sob* It would be another 5 months before I see her. Well, time does fly and in no time, I would be back in SG and seeing everyone back home. I called Sheldon to wish him Happy Birthday but it was a pity that he only picked up the phone when I was alone, if not, both Shirine and I would be able to talk to him together!

Am proud to say that I did most of the logistic planning for all 3 of us and I enjoy doing it! I guess it makes me happy knowing that I am appreciated for the effort I put into it. *grin*

Having her sitting beside me in the coach for the long journey was certainly an eye-opener! We had so much to catch up on and I shall say it was fulfilling! Talking to her helped me in personal emotional growth and I got her to thank for~!

Day 5- 28 June Sat

Had been so tired from all the tours that slept in that day. Only managed to wake up at 1.30pm. What a pig! But well, we went on to Preston Market to get groceries. I made dinner and we went salsa! It was alright. Not as good as expected but still enjoyable. Of course it would had been better with Shirine around! Miss her!

Day 6- 29 June Sun

Burim brought me out to Chapel street for Brunch. He then brought me along that street, describing certain shops and items. It was really nice of him to do all that! We bought groceries and I am making dinner again. Its a small matter to me as it would be nice for him to try Cantonese cuisine.

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Well, pics for Day 5 onwards would be posted some other time. Some pics cannot be posted as well! Ha~! Anyway, rest of the pics, got to wait til I get back. Now, time to check on the soup I am brewing over the low flame! Check here for the next update soon!~

Finish Exams. Melbourne!~!

Exams were over and done with. Went home to pack and off to the pub at Coolangata Airport for pool and lunch with the usual. Then off to Melbourne!@!...

Not gonna update much now until the end of my trip!
Only returning back to GC next Thurs. =)

So far it had been great!!!!

Peace Out!

Middle of exams. Shirine trip. Salsa night.

3 papers down, 2 more to go. Am so looking forward to my trip to Melbourne next Tues. I don't know why. A trip 'supposedly' down memory lane? But I have never been there before. Sigh. Anyway, cannot wait til end of the exams. Cause finish last paper on Tues morning, the same evening, I would be on the flight to Melbourne.

Shirine came over on Sunday. It was good and nice having her around. We did not talk as much as I expected. But I guess having her around really makes me miss SG more. Although she would only be here for 4 nights, I cooked on 2 nights. It was more convenient as I got exams the next morning and both Denise and Shirine got to wake up early for their pre-arranged plans. I brought her to Sagano for the beef shabu-shabu on the second night and showed them around abit.

I did joined them at Movieworld today and it was good fun. Although both of them were timid in taking the more adventurous rides, the image of Shirine shrieking in horror when she saw the ride she was queuing up for, whizzed all the way up to 10 storeys, was classic. Haha. Being the last night in GC, I brought them to Cav's Steakhouse. It was fantastic~. As promised, I agreed to bring her to salsa in GC. It was rather new to me as the last time I had really danced was all the way back in SG in Feb. Well, am glad she enjoyed herself and boy was I surprised that we actually stayed for more than an hour and a half. We danced quite abit, bachata, salsa and even merengue!! Glad to know I still have the groove.. hahaha..

We then head off to one of my favourite coffee shop for berry-licious hot chocolate. Although I do make hot choco too, but nothing beats having the special sinful one. It might be a long drive down but its all worth it watching both their satisfied faces plastered with smiles. The 4 days might be rather short, but its all good. Am happy that I made them feel as comfortable as I can. Cause nothing makes me happier than having guests over to visit. Tomorrow got to send them to the airport as they are catching a plane to Cairns. Will meet up with them in Melbourne again. =)















One of the dinners at home..















Menu for the night, Roasted chicken, asparagus with prawn in garlic sauce, bak choi in oyster sauce and oven-baked cheese mushrooms.




















Pic taken in front of Movieworld..

On the side note, it was nice calling and contacting Carolina to do me a huge favour. Am happy everything went well and nicely as planned. *wink*

Ever wonder...

Shirine arrives tomorrow. So I came back to Ormeau to stay the night. Dinner was lamb stew with rice and both Bernard and Eziq really enjoyed it. They went out, leaving me alone at home to study. However, I ended up watching tele after having the heavy dinner. I know I should be studying and/or focus on creating my cheatsheet for my Monday paper but its just one of those moments whereby you know you have to spend a couple minutes writing a sudden floating thought down. 'The Family Man' was shown on tele and I got to say its one good movie. I teared at certain point. Very touching. And the movie got me thinking of all those thoughts.




















touching movie..*sob*..

Ever wonder of the 'What ifs' in your life? Ever think about what might had happened if you had made the other choice in life? Ever thought when you are already happy and in fact, are actually missing something important in your life? Am sure many of us answer a 'Yes' in at least one of the questions asked.

I did wonder what would had happened if I were had turned the other direction. I did thought of the 'What ifs'. Details will be too personal to write here but sometimes I do question myself if I did make the right choice. All along I was always a man who goes in the path chosen and not look back too much, so to think of the other direction doesn't happen often.

So if you were to have all the money in the world and money is of no issue to you, but you are all alone. An angel gives you a glimpse of life-to-be if you were to get married to someone you loved 14 years ago. You experienced the joy of having a family on your own. You were there for that few important parts of your kids' life. You had the family love. You were getting used to it and you were brought back to reality. You don't want to, but its was only a glimpse of what might be. Would you sought the partner you dreamt abt for a chat? Would you give it another go just because the angel had shown you the alternative?

Happy Birthday to you~!

Happy Birthday my dear friend! I actually wanted to wait til sg midnight then give you a call, but I guess my body was just too tired. I even slept through my alarm (which was set to go off at SG 12midnight)~! Still, I hope you enjoyed my morning greeting instead.

Its been 4 years since we knew each other and its amazing how our friendship had blossomed. Thinking back, we sure had lots of fun back then.. be it at Sentosa, KTV and at wedding dinner as well! Rushing for lessons together, then meeting up to practice in Union was memorable. Many of our classmates had more-or-less left the scene and only a handful are still around. Maybe we can all catch up again someday.

One of the good times we had together was still fresh in my mind. I can still remember the day where I met up with you at Vivo for dinner and having no place to go after that, we were heading towards Union until a last minute decision to go KTV. Wise choice indeed. Then the night out was nicely completed with me sending you back early in the morning! Haha.

Well, am looking forward to the time when I get back then we can go and have more fun together again!~ Enjoy your birthday my dear friend and take care~!

Last week of Sem.

Moved to new place. All unpacked and tidy. With a TV on one side of the room near the wardrobe, I can comfortably lie in bed and watch tele. Now what is lacking is just a mini fridge in my room for drinks and cold water. I am liking the soft carpet, new mattress, tall chair, air-con... etc. Yes, air-con even when its winter. Haha. But of course, I will save it for hot days instead. I like the fresh air.















my room... more pics in future i hope..
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I did my Neuroscience lab exam. It was bad, very bad. Sigh. End of semester exam in less than 12 days and am starting to press the panic button in me. Just received my results for Physiology. Although many did say I did well given the fact that many just scrapped a pass, I wasn't very happy. Maybe I was too competitive and I thrive on competition. My tutor was the one who told me I should be happy cause many students didn't do well.

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I booked my tickets for Melbourne. Would be staying with a friend whom I knew from salsa. He will bring me out to dance. Meanwhile, I had considered joining Shirine and Denise for the day tour thing. It might not be a bad idea but got to work out the cost and everything. Although I am already saving heaps by staying with him, the air tickets still cost $211.

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You know how funny it is sometimes when people you barely know tells your siblings they know you? Or even juniors back in JC say they know you? Its kinda scary knowing that. Cause today, mayee suddenly ask me if i remember so-and-so. I was like... Hmmm.. I think so. (But honestly, i can barely remember him.) Cause that guy told her that he knows me and I need to see his picture to refresh my memory. And funny thing is, even after seeing his picture, I have not much of a clue!@! Jialat.. think I getting old...

Then another time when I went for a friend's birthday party. Someone suddenly turned around and said I know you! I went quiet for a moment cause I had absolutely no idea who she is. So i ask how. It was only then that person said she was my junior. So much for trying to stay low profile. But then again, how low profile can one get when you are in the student council? Hmmm.. springing surprises like that can be fun, but shocking at times.

It doesn't stop there. Dom asked me if I knew so and so recently. I was like, Huh? Then he went on and said that person says he knows me. Aiyo, I guess there would be more times like that given such a small world. I better behave.

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I finally salsa in a club last night!! After more than 2 months, I appeared in the club. Didn't know the people noticed my absence so much. It was good. But sad to say, the live band wasn't there last night as they had a gig else-where. Hope they would be back on the 18th. If not, someone is gonna be so disappointed. I brought Michelle along as she wanted to know where to dance. Daniel wasn't worried as he knew his girl is in good hands and it was an enjoyable night although I didn't do much dancing as we only stayed for 15-20mins. The music the DJ played was bad. I could do better with my limited collection I felt. If I did not lose my 35 GB of latin music, I would have offered to DJ here.

We went for coffee soon after and chat til kinda late. Some plans were made but nothing concrete.