tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-21:/Impermanence - This too shall pass...MokoFeed2009-11-21T00:49:09+01:00tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-19:/2009/11/19/floating-away-7414115/aki_travel2009-11-19T15:59:49+01:002009-11-19T15:59:49+01:00 <p>i wana float away with no strings attached. I want to drill a hole and empty everything inside my mind. I wish for quiet moments, not rushing. I wish to do what i wish to do without worrying, love who i wish to love without being stabbed in the last minute. </p> <p>There is so much sorrow, greed, suffering in this world. Sometimes it's like seeing this world from a glass. We may not live to see next day. Why planned so much, control so much. Why can't we follow our heart and go the righteous way?</p> <p>Not able to follow your dream, not able to love the person u love, not able to go where you want to go, is painful but it's something that has got me bite on and move on with buddha's mind at heart...</p> <p>sadhu sadhu sadhu </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/floating-away-7414115/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-18:/2009/11/18/talking-about-service-7408411/aki_travel2009-11-18T17:42:57+01:002009-11-18T17:42:57+01:00 <p>I decided not to quote which airline. But it's beginning to test my patience. First at the airport, i was told if it's not urgent (i.e. not departure date yet), call the 24hr hotline.<br> So immediately i went calling the hotline. Ok fair enough. I don't have good impression of any hotline numbers. They're simply too "Hot" to be picked up by anyone. But ok, after a couple of rings and hold, it went through. Fine. Explained my stuff and was quite instantly told to send email to a particular address (Instead of trying to solve on her end), and call another number to follow up with my email. I call this 'tai chi' method. But 'tai chi' is a no no in service line. It get's customers fed up. </p> <p>Fine. Sent my email right aways. Following working day went down to ticketing office to speak directly to staff wanting to solve it right away. Ended up being refered to the same email and was told to call them. Alright, i called straight away and was told i've to wait for 2working days. ok Fair enough. 2days response time i still can accept. </p> <p>Today i called up after 2days, and was straight away told i need to wait 4working days for reply. That marks the end of my hope for this airline service.<br> I shall see how long they take to drag 1 case to close. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/talking-about-service-7408411/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-17:/2009/11/17/plant-id-8-alstonia-angustiloba-7399513/aki_travel2009-11-17T13:54:44+01:002009-11-17T13:54:44+01:00 <p>These few entries and the next few are taken from book "Growing at your doorstep" by Hugh T.W. Tan & Chua Keng Soon. I'm blogging it to rem together with my readers<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>A very handsome tree of the forest, the Pulai(common name) can grow to an astounding height of 45m in height & 3m in girth. The trunk is fluted & its base buttressed. The crown in a young tree is pagoda-like. </p> <p>This is the most common species of Alstonia & is the source of Pulai timber, a light hardwood. Pulai timber is cream-white, attractive but of low density & durability & so is suitable only for matchboxes, matches, chopsticks, very light furniture & pith helmets.</p> <p>Gunung Pulai, in Johor, is a mountain named after this tree.<br> All parts of the plant produce a white latex containing alkaloids, for which the trees are sometimes tapped. The greenish-yellow flowers are produced seasonally. Each pollinated flower produces fruits which look like 2elongated bean pods up to 30cm long & these produce seeds with hair-like wings for wind-dispersal. </p> <p>This large, fast-growing tree produce a poisonous latex; a beetle eats the young leaves. </p> <p>Pictures can be found here: <a href="http://sg.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-101-s&va=alstonia+angustiloba&sz=all">http://sg.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-101-s&va=alstonia+angustiloba&sz=all</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/plant-id-8-alstonia-angustiloba-7399513/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-16:/2009/11/16/plant-id-8-the-common-dianella-7385930/aki_travel2009-11-16T16:12:18+01:002009-11-17T13:23:37+01:00 <p>The Common Dianella is a common species in Singapore forests & widespread in the world. this is probably because it is a highly adaptable species which can grow on terrain ranging from open grassland to primary forest, from sea-level to over 3000m. It belongs to the Lily family and Botanical Name as 'Dianella Ensifolia'. </p> <p>In Malay folk medicine, the fruits, swallowed in pills, are believed to protect users from fevers for a year, and the leaves are used for poulticing wounds. The dried roots are sold in markets & can be used in cosmetics, as deworming poultices applied to the abdomen or for fumigation. The ashes of the leaves & roots are the ingredients for an ointment to treat herpes. </p> <p>Pictures can be found here: <a href="http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Dianella%20ensifolia/Main.html">http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Dianella%20ensifolia/Main.html</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/plant-id-8-the-common-dianella-7385930/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-16:/2009/11/16/plant-id-6-the-singapore-kopsia-7385856/aki_travel2009-11-16T15:48:00+01:002009-11-17T13:25:26+01:00 <p>The flowers from this tree is beautiful and simple. </p> <p>Did u know that this was one of the candidate for the 'National Flower', had not the orchid Vanda Miss Joaquim 'Agnes' been selected for that honour? This tree's white flower with its red centre displays the colours of the Singapore flag.</p> <p>This species is endemic to Singapore & Peninsular Malaysia, occurring nowhere else.<br> Common Name: Singapore Kopsia<br> Botanical Name: Kopsia Singapurensis</p> <p>White latex exudes from the plant when any part o it is cut. The flowers fall off after about a day with fruits in rhomboid shape & are dull red when ripe. The plant appears to favour waterlogged situations but cultivated plants can grow in drier conditions too.</p> <p>Picture can be found here: <a href="http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/docs/redbook/kopsia-singapurensis.pdf">http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/docs/redbook/kopsia-singapurensis.pdf</a></p> <p>From the book by T. W. tan & Chua Keng Soon </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/plant-id-6-the-singapore-kopsia-7385856/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-09:/2009/11/09/plant-id-5-casuarina-equisetifolia-7337676/aki_travel2009-11-09T15:21:31+01:002009-11-09T15:21:31+01:00 <p>I used to like the look of Casuarina that laid the entire stretch of path. And used to curse the casuarina pine fruits as i skated down the uneven path. Now i see it almost everyday. It's like any other trees to me<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Cauarina Equisetifolia is commonly known as just Casuarina, Ru, or Australian Pine. I still rem being amazed to find pine trees at Northern thailand up in the mountains when i only associate Pine trees to temperate countries with winters. </p> <p>These are hardy, large tree growing to about 25m tall, wiht a conical crown, capable of growing under almost any conditions. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its roots mean there is no need to use nitrogen-containing fertilisers on this tree.</p> <p>Incredibly this tree produces its own fertiliser, provides the best firewood, an excellent wind-break, can be grown into a hedge or used for ornamental topiary work, produces very heavy, hard, durable timber which is termite-resistent, has bark which provides chemicals for tanning & dyeing, & also grown as an ornamental for roadsides & parks. </p> <p>Apparently this is how Tanjong Rhu gos it's name when the land is once covered by Ru. </p> <p>There are separate male & female trees, & sometimes bisezual plant. The true leaves are tiny, so the green branches take oer their role in photosynthesis. Male flowers consist only of one stamen but many male flowers are found on the pendulous branch tips. Female flowers consist of a single pistil & are bunched together in a structure resembling a head of bright reddish-pink hair. The fruits resembling tiny durians. </p> <p>So tolerant of salt is the Ru that specimens growing on eroded beaches can have their roots immersed in seawater at high tide. </p> <p>Information taken from '35 native plants of singapore' by Hugh T.W. Tan & Chua Keng Soon</p> <p>Pictures can be found here: <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/plants/coastal/casuarina/equisetifolia.htm">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/plants/coastal/casuarina/equisetifolia.htm</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/plant-id-5-casuarina-equisetifolia-7337676/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-08:/2009/11/08/plant-id-7331624/aki_travel2009-11-08T16:08:53+01:002009-11-17T13:26:32+01:00 <p>The Common Spathoglottis (Spathoglottis Plicata) belongs to the orchid family. This beautiful orchid is one of the toughest 'weeds' in Singapore. The pleated, elliptic leaves ranged from less than 30cm long to about 1m in length, arising from the bulb-like fleshy stems called pseudobulbs. The flowering shoot varies from 20cm to 1.5m in height, bearing flowers with sepals & petals ranging from white to dark rosy-purple. Some forms are self-pollinating & can reproduce by itself (weeds).</p> <p>A traditional use of the plant's large leaves has been for wrapping parcels, & accordin to Oang Asli folklore, a decoction of the plant can be used for rheumatism.</p> <p>It can be a ground cover or grown for ornamental purposes. However, it is prone to scale insect attack .</p> <p>Pictures can be seen here <a href="http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Spathoglottis%20plicata/Main.html">http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Spathoglottis%20plicata/Main.html</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/plant-id-7331624/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-08:/2009/11/08/plant-id-7331541/aki_travel2009-11-08T15:53:09+01:002009-11-17T13:27:36+01:00 <p>The Malayan Fern Palm (Cycas Rumphii) grows to about 10m in height with leaves up to 2m in length. They can be Male or Female. Instead of flowers, cones grow at the trunk tips. Cones are compactly & regularly arranged on the male, but loosely arranged on the female plant. Both exude a musky scent to attract insect pollinators.</p> <p>The seeds, the size of a hen's egg are dark shiny green when ripe and are poisonous. Soaking the seeds in water for a few days, changing the water frequently durin the proccess can leach out the poison (a toxic glucoside), for then a flour can be prepared from the seeds.</p> <p>The Malays are said to eat the fiddleheads & also a kind of sago-like flour made from the trunks. Other parts of the plant have traditional medicinal applications. </p> <p>pictures can be seen here. <a href="http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Cycas%20rumphii/Main.html">http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Cycas%20rumphii/Main.html</a><br> Very nicely taken pics. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/plant-id-7331541/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-05:/2009/11/05/plant-id-7312813/aki_travel2009-11-05T15:43:43+01:002009-11-17T13:28:41+01:00 <p>Everyone know and seen the Pitcher Plant before i believe.<br> It's Scientific name is: Nepenthes Gracilis<br> Family name being: Nepenthaceae</p> <p>How does this plant survive in environments offering only poor nutrition? The tips of leaves develop into a 'pitcher'. Nectar stores on the underside of the phitcher lid produce a sugary solution which attracts insects, usually ants, which occasionally fall into the pitcher & drown in the fluid inside. When the insects rot, it produce nutrients to be absorbed by the plant. </p> <p>However, Pitchers may be possible breeding areas for mosquito larvae, which can be prevented by stuffing with cotton wool or have insecticide dropped in periodically. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/05/plant-id-7312813/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-05:/2009/11/05/little-sea-tour-7312587/aki_travel2009-11-05T15:10:39+01:002009-11-05T15:14:32+01:00 <p>I was helping to coordinate this Learning Journey tour. Had some delays but hopefully everyone enjoyed nonetheless.<br> Below are some blurry photos.<br> Pulau Bukom i think<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/p1170295/4078880" title="P1170295"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/880/4078880_5ee2de2d9b_s.jpg" alt="P1170295"></a><br> Then Raffles Lighthouse which was guarded by an army ship.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/p1170296/4078881" title="P1170296"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/881/4078881_922343fe48_s.jpg" alt="P1170296"></a><br> Finally this super blur photo of a 'war-like' ship<img src="/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" class="middle" border="0"> haha. No. It's a ship for cargo only. Did u notice a small boat beside. Guess what's it doing? Can you believe the ship is actually turned but 2 small tug boats beside pulling it!<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/p1170298/4078896" title="P1170298"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/896/4078896_ba4966b932_s.jpg" alt="P1170298"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/05/little-sea-tour-7312587/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-05:/2009/11/05/plant-id-7312525/aki_travel2009-11-05T15:01:12+01:002009-11-17T13:29:46+01:00 <p>I wanted to have some discipline to digest the plant names. So here it goes. It means learning together with me<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> Ok Below is a plant i saw while walking through the Botanic Gardens. Usually colours and unique shapes catches my eye. This pink colour flowers covered the roots of the tree.<br> This tree is called "Eugenia Javanica". Common name is "wax apple, Jumbu air".<a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/p1170291/4078828" title="P1170291"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/828/4078828_0b8ba2ed9d_s.jpg" alt="P1170291"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/p1170292/4078829" title="P1170292"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/829/4078829_0e3e3942c2_s.jpg" alt="P1170292"></a><br> It's beautiful to have flowers covered the entire field... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/05/plant-id-7312525/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-05:/2009/11/05/history-blogging-7312430/aki_travel2009-11-05T14:48:50+01:002009-11-05T14:53:50+01:00 <p>ok this is the 3rd time this bloggy deleted my blog entry when i click submit. Wasting my time...ok patience.....*phew*</p> <p>I'll just cut it short by showing you the photos.<br> Deepavali has gone by. Below is a picture taken of one of their tradition at the National Museum. Look at the colourful intricate designs.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/p1170184/4078773" title="P1170184"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/773/4078773_3348d020c9_s.jpg" alt="P1170184"></a></p> <p>I was going out the other day and cutting through a block of HDB flat. This Malay wedding decorations caught my eyes. It's stunning. Why does Chinese have to have such wrong concept of having expensive ravishing dinner at 5star hotel and saving up for 1-2yrs just for 1night? When it can be done in a simple way yet achieving the same goal. It's beautiful isn't it? if i didn't tell you, you think this is underneath a HDB block?<br> I guess the older generations or some now, saving face is more important than anything else.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/p1170206/4078774" title="P1170206"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/774/4078774_4fd2e8524c_s.jpg" alt="P1170206"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/p1170207/4078775" title="P1170207"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/775/4078775_280d1a9f7d_s.jpg" alt="P1170207"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/11/05/history-blogging-7312430/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-10-31:/2009/10/31/dreams-or-delusions-7281177/aki_travel2009-10-31T16:06:41+01:002009-10-31T16:06:41+01:00 <p>People often sat down one corner lamenting about how sad and pathetic their lives have been. They yearn for a better life, for their dreams to come true. What are these so called dreams? Are these really what they called dreams or just their mental delusions of personal wants?<br> Others create dreams so that they have something to hang on to in this life to bring meaning and direction. Once these dreams are achieve or denied, they have to quickly find another one to pursue. Why are the constant chasing over these so called dreams? </p> <p>Are they just your mental delusion? Why are we here? To chase delusions? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/dreams-or-delusions-7281177/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-10-26:/2009/10/26/deleted-7246175/aki_travel2009-10-26T12:09:32+01:002009-10-26T12:09:32+01:00 <p>Just wrote a long post but this blog thingy deleted it again.... no mood to write again...</p> <p>May everyone be well and happy...</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/10/26/deleted-7246175/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-10-23:/2009/10/23/amazing-creature-7229904/aki_travel2009-10-23T15:54:16+02:002009-10-23T15:54:16+02:00 <p>I was having my OJT at Fort Canning the other day. I saw this 'friend' on the edge while we were supposed to look at trees.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/chamelon/4033469" title="Chamelon"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/469/4033469_b602b71e4b_s.jpg" alt="Chamelon"></a><br> Amazing how it's body colour REALLY changed to exactly how it's surrounding is like<img src="/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/amazing-creature-7229904/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-10-22:/2009/10/22/fate-vs-coincidence-7222540/aki_travel2009-10-22T13:20:21+02:002009-10-22T13:20:21+02:00 <p>I watched 500days of Summer with my buddy yesterday. It wasn't really the typical romance movie. But hmm it's an average movie. The only take home message i get after watching: Is it really fate that u meet someone or is it just mere coincidence? </p> <p>Sometimes it's just coincidence, while others call it fate. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/10/22/fate-vs-coincidence-7222540/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-10-20:/2009/10/20/to-love-is-to-be-hurt-craving-or-adversion-leads-7207912/aki_travel2009-10-20T13:45:26+02:002009-10-20T13:45:26+02:00 <p>To love is to be hurt.<br> Craving or adversion leads to suffering.<br> For the universal love to all shall shed light.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/10/20/to-love-is-to-be-hurt-craving-or-adversion-leads-7207912/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-10-18:/2009/10/18/my-weekend-7193817/aki_travel2009-10-18T14:26:25+02:002009-10-18T14:26:25+02:00 <p>oh man webby cleared off what i've typed. Sometimes The age of the internet create more stress and frustration for people. </p> <p>Had an interesting weekend of adventure at work. A missing child, some drunkards refusing to listen to instructions, some kite flyer wanting to challenged us. And then sadly, my 9yr old skates broke its frame today... it means a lot of meaning and memories for me. It's this skates that i once found fire and found another side of me. Just like the cap that has been through a lot with me. </p> <p>My trip is confirmed. Have to check out the JR pass soon. Hope to gain some insight during my retreat. </p> <p>Does people or work matters more? both are important. Hard to make a decision. Either to take a risk or wait and be patient to wait for another chance. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/my-weekend-7193817/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-10-03:/2009/10/03/a-story-quotes-to-share-7089281/aki_travel2009-10-03T09:40:03+02:002009-10-03T09:40:03+02:00 <p>The best protection for one another<br> is loving-kindness for one another.<br> - Stonepeace</p> <p>Compassion is the best defence against hate.<br> Wisdom is the best defence against delusion. - Stonepeace</p> <p>If you are not even mindful of your suffering<br> (by realising the First Noble Truth),<br> how can you be mindful of the need to end it<br> (by realising the Third Noble Truth)?<br> - Stonepeace</p> <p>There’s a story from medieval Japan in which a young man goes out to study with a sword master. The teacher has him bring meals and carry other things, but doesn't teach him anything about the sword. Eventually the student complains. The sword teacher says nothing. One day the student lies down to take a nap, and while he's sleeping, the teacher takes a broom and whacks him.Now this is feudal Japan, so this young man has to do whatever he signed up for, whether he likes it or not. The next day he's cooking soup, the teacher comes up from behind and hits him with a spoon. From then on, whether the student is asleep or awake, the teacher attacks him with an object every chance he gets. This drives the student nuts. He says to the teacher, 'This isn't what I signed up for.'</p> <p>So the teacher keeps hitting the student, and this goes on for a long time, probably because the student is a good student and just can't quit. One day the student is making soup in a pot over a fire and the teacher comes up behind him with a big stick. Just as the teacher starts to strike, the student whips the lid off the pot and blocks it. This happens two or three times. The teacher tried to get the student in his sleep, but the student rolls over before he gets hit. Soon the teacher isn't able to hit him at all. And at that point the teacher says, 'Now it’s time to begin your formal sword training. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/10/03/a-story-quotes-to-share-7089281/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-10-02:/2009/10/02/mid-autumn-festival-7086082/aki_travel2009-10-02T18:04:19+02:002009-10-02T18:04:19+02:00 <p>Time passed in just a click. And it's the Mid-Autumn Festival again. I heard or read somewhere before that the moon is actually at its roundest the day after the full moon, after 15th on Chinese lunar calendar.</p> <p>Damn tired already, learned to plant some small saplings today and went to see fireflies late night. Tmr i think i'll be sitting on the boat sleeping with my arms rowing the boat<img src="/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Looking forward to relaxing under the moon with moon cakes and chinese tea at night.May all enjoy sometime with family on this day. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/10/02/mid-autumn-festival-7086082/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-09-29:/2009/09/29/senseless-thoughts-7062376/aki_travel2009-09-29T13:54:00+02:002009-09-29T13:54:36+02:00 <p>When pure love is simply trampled on for superficial reasons,<br> Lavish clothes are rugs,<br> Sumptuous food are simple bread in my mouth.<br> What can be touched by your 5senses are just dust that is blown away the next moment.<br> May thy heart follow the middle path...<br> Forgiveness I sought for wrongly holding on.<br> Foul words not to be spoken thus again. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/senseless-thoughts-7062376/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-09-23:/2009/09/23/compassion-7024661/aki_travel2009-09-23T13:59:05+02:002009-09-23T13:59:53+02:00 <p>The next time you put another piece of meatinto your mouth or before ordering from a restuarant menu, please think of the animals as a living being as any one of us on this earth. </p> <p>The next time you walk in a jungle trail and seeing a trail of ants from an ants nest, before you step on them mecilessly, think of them as yourself at the mercy anytime from being stepped on. The fragility of their lives. </p> <p>The next time you sit away from a fellow foreigner who maybe of a different social status from yourself, before you move away or make a hurtful remark, imagine yourself in their shoes in your next life. </p> <p>The next time your closed ones ask you for some time to be together, before your say you're busy, think if there is going to be a next time. </p> <p>Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/compassion-7024661/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-09-19:/2009/09/19/waiting-for-the-star-to-dawn-6997458/aki_travel2009-09-19T18:15:11+02:002009-09-19T18:15:11+02:00 <p>It's raining this morning. Nice to sleep in. But the day has to begin. Was hungry & my stomach was burning after Yoga & Pump. My usual cheap energy food is the $1 Peanut pancake from Jollibean at Paragon basement. The thick peanut paste that oozed out from the middle *ahhh*. On normal times if i eat, i will feel like puking cos it's too thick & filling for my body to take it. But today I skipped it intentionally and rushed for something else instead. what is it?</p> <p>Bread Society at ION. I walked around basement 2 for 2rounds and asked the reception before finding the shop. It was rather crowded. what's so special about this shop? It's head chef supposed to be from Japan. Japan bakery and pastry are known for its softness of the bread and delicate pastries. I never really have the chance to see and experienced for myself<img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> My stomach was growling from hunger. Walked 2rounds around the shop before i chose 'Spinach with cheese' and 'wild About Mushroom'. Both are vegetarian bread. (My diet is focused on plant based diet now, not what i call vegetarian food though). I've never bought such expensive bread in my life. $2.20 FOR A small bread (wild About Mushroom). i bought it nonetheless cos i need to try. </p> <p>The Spinach with cheese taste rather normal, just having the bread and cheese mixed in with the vege. It's a little over baked though. But the 'wild about mushroom' was rather unique. And i understand why it cost $2.20 for such a small bread when i can buy a plate of chicken rice somewhere. The bread is topped with mushroom, potatos and tofu!. Yes real cooked tofu and potatos. Imagine that. It's not easy cos potatos takes time to be soften and tofu must be lightly cooked mixed in with cheese. Everything require different amount of heat to be soft or baked. </p> <p>If there's Japanese master willing to teach bakery, i'll hope i can be the diciple man haha. But i would want it to be able to cater to vegetarians. Someday, hopefully I can do what i want to do of my choice, to help, to work , to serve without having always to account to someone or to worry if i need to account to anybody.<br> I watched a thai movie at the recent Buddhist film festival. I still rem the final phrase. "believe in what you do, and do what you believe in". </p> <p>I'm happy in my heart that there's always someone who supports and encourages me no matter what i do. And he never fails to motivate me in what he does with all he has. </p> <p>~ The gift of truth excels all other gift~ The buddha. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/09/19/waiting-for-the-star-to-dawn-6997458/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-09-11:/2009/09/11/where-is-the-hero-inside-you-6942152/aki_travel2009-09-11T13:13:28+02:002009-09-11T13:23:15+02:00 <p>Oh well, i just typed and the webby refreshed the page, deleting everything</p> <p>Am on course this month. A good time to slow down pace & clear my stuff. But somehow fell into low motivation. Just felt like doing nothing, not talking, not being with anyone. But doing so doesn't seemed to be accepted by others. People around will think there must be something wrong. So it's better to be alone to face the wall or something haha. Maybe i just need to be kept busy so that the past don't catch up with me. </p> <p>The song Hero below has created an impact on my since young. During my secondary school days after exams, at the end of a 3-4days programme, they played this song and tears just flowed down me. Sometimes without reason or worry, tears will flow when some songs are played or when your senses are activated. That emptiness, maybe to do with past life. Not the emptiness some of you think. Even sitting in the temple (in laos or thailand i can't rem), tears will flow, but tears of comfort. </p> <p>Hero<br> Theres a hero<br> If you look inside your heart<br> You dont have to be afraid<br> Of what you are<br> Theres an answer<br> If you reach into your soul<br> And the sorrow that you know<br> Will melt away</p> <p>And then a hero comes along<br> With the strength to carry on<br> And you cast your fears aside<br> And you know you can survive<br> So when you feel like hope is gone<br> Look inside you and be strong<br> And youll finally see the truth<br> That a hero lies in you</p> <p>Its a long road<br> When you face the world alone<br> No one reaches out a hand<br> For you to hold<br> You can find love<br> If you search within yourself<br> And the emptiness you felt<br> Will disappear</p> <p>And then a hero comes along<br> With the strength to carry on<br> And you cast your fears aside<br> And you know you can survive<br> So when you feel like hope is gone<br> Look inside you and be strong<br> And youll finally see the truth<br> That a hero lies in you</p> <p>Oh oooh<br> Lord knows<br> Dreams are hard to follow<br> But dont let anyone<br> Tear them away, hey yeah<br> Hold on<br> There will be tomorrow<br> In time<br> Youll find the way</p> <p>And then a hero comes along<br> With the strength to carry on<br> And you cast your fears aside<br> And you know you can survive<br> So when you feel like hope is gone<br> Look inside you and be strong<br> And youll finally see the truth<br> That a hero lies in you</p> <p>That a hero lies in you<br> Mhhh<br> That a hero lies in<br> You</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/09/11/where-is-the-hero-inside-you-6942152/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-09-07:/2009/09/07/ferrari-bread-6911537/aki_travel2009-09-07T13:13:56+02:002009-09-07T13:13:56+02:00 <p>This Ferrari Car is actually made of all bread! Currently showcased at the Royal Scotts hotel.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/ferrari/3869368" title="Ferrari"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/368/3869368_db7dfdf705_s.jpg" alt="Ferrari"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/ferrari-bread-6911537/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-09-07:/2009/09/07/my-guardian-angel-6911523/aki_travel2009-09-07T13:11:41+02:002009-09-07T13:11:41+02:00 <p>Perhaps meant to meet,<br> Not meant to stay.<br> A choice to stay<br> A choice i've none.</p> <p>Thunderstorm came once<br> But no rainbow dawn.<br> "Somewhere out there"<br> The star is always shining.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/my-guardian-angel-6911523/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-09-05:/2009/09/05/thai-festival-6897909/aki_travel2009-09-05T15:34:23+02:002009-09-05T16:20:56+02:00 <p>Thai Festival 2009 is here again. Drop by the Thai Embassy if u're free this weekend. It'll end on Monday. Usually prices will be reduced a bit more on the last day *hint, hint*<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/thai_dance/3861658" title="Thai Dance"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/658/3861658_b88db82c7c_s.jpg" alt="Thai Dance"></a><br> Thai Dance<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/thai_food/3861659" title="Thai Food"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/659/3861659_36335864c8_s.jpg" alt="Thai Food"></a><br> Thai Food<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/thai_boxing/3861660" title="Thai Boxing"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/660/3861660_de17489d73_s.jpg" alt="Thai Boxing"></a><br> Thai Boxing</p> <p>I had my dose of 'cha yen' today<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Too much of it is not good either cos of the condensed milk. I like Thai food but too much of it i realise is not too good, cos most thai dishes added Msg, too much sugar, salt and sauces. That's why taste so nice haha. Everything eat in moderation and reduced intake of processed food. U can still enjoy good food<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/09/05/thai-festival-6897909/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-08-26:/2009/08/26/the-day-i-lost-my-precious-6825712/aki_travel2009-08-26T13:18:55+02:002009-08-26T13:21:04+02:00 <p>I missed u a little, but i know u'll never be back.<br> You flew away as the wind comes.<br> It was a thunderstorm.<br> I ran towards the shelter as another gust of wind blew<br> with rain coming down hard.<br> I didn't expect u to leave me.<br> I saw u falling into the water.<br> I'm sorry that i couldn't save you<img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>You've been with me through mountains,<br> Through countries,<br> Through sweat, through hardwork<br> Through injuries,<br> my sorrows, my joy,<br> Thank you for protecting me.<br> It's my fault for not holding you tight. </p> <p>I hope u're somewhere now doing good.<br> Thank you for being part of me all these years.<br> My adidias blue cap. (even though u're not the genuine one)<br> Farewell my beloved friend</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/08/26/the-day-i-lost-my-precious-6825712/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-08-20:/2009/08/20/why-6766173/aki_travel2009-08-20T13:36:06+02:002009-08-20T13:36:06+02:00 <p>Why the world is the way they are? Have u ever wonder? There are times when everything seems meaningless to be done. But Man never seems to realise and stuck themselves in doing the same things again and again. Things we think are important. Everyone only thinks of survival in this life, this world.<br> For survival, we have to earn hard for money, save hard, pay for housing,car and support family. Do Man really think they come to this world with the goal just to live life to earn money, to have family, have stress and then live this world? Is this how man are?<br> I start to wonder what god, buddha have in their mind, how monks, nuns have in their minds before they give up the worldly life to the path they chosen.<br> So what if we have that momentarily happiness, to find the love one in your life, have family, have career and then leave this world. To find yourself back to earth again in next life. And every life is just to go through this routine of study, work, family and death? </p> <p>Feeling finally landing on a right career, i listened to the goal of boss today, and then i see the stress of people trying their best to come out with new things, trying to hard to prove themselves just to make the mark. Afraid of being marked out. What is this? On weekdays, i walked by the business district and people in business suits seems to be speaking some kind of greek language. </p> <p>Today i played with children to build sandcastles by the beach, children who are mentally challenged, they threw sand at me, afraid to go near the sea, the smile on their faces. I enjoyed this 2hours with them so much more than back to the conference room, hearing the so called adult speech and greek talk.<br> The smiles on the children faces that we brought seems more meaningful to me than meeting targets and impressing people. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/08/20/why-6766173/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-08-16:/2009/08/16/the-lotus-sutra-6735592/aki_travel2009-08-16T12:43:50+02:002009-08-16T12:46:47+02:00 <p>Finally finished reading The Lotus Sutra. I don't think i fully grasp the true meaning. Towards the end, something caught me. The teachings of The Lotus Sutra is said to be the Supreme Truth. I quote below:</p> <p>"....all the various religions in the world today clutter the way to mankind's common well-being but that in the future, without fail, all religions & learning will converge in the teaching of the Buddha.<br> Final truth, as best, can only be one, and so if all human beings move upward on the Way, though only bit by bit, they must arrive at last at the one teaching."</p> <p>Spiritual part of life is something i can't explain as well. U'll just know and feel that the answer is that. Today, a lady said beside me as I ate, she worship both hinduism and buddhism but she came to listen to Buddhism to understand more. She was surprised why i was there when most people who are interested in the spiritual part of life are usually those who hit their late life. I don't think age is any factor. It's whether u really pause in your life to question. And there's nothing wrong with others who don't believe in religions as well. </p> <p>---------------------------------------------<br> I had a rain tree that grows outside my flat. Every morning the tree is the first thing i see as i opened my eyes. Since young, the rain tree has been faithfully 'smiling' outside my window, standing firmly. Just now, as i happen to look out the window, i wonder, what if one day, i no longer see this rain tree. This friend i've grow up with from young? If one day someone came to cut the tree? .... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/08/16/the-lotus-sutra-6735592/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>