tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/Impermanence - This too shall pass...MokoFeed2009-11-12T10:19:54+01:00tag: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+01:002009-11-08T16:08:53+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+01:002009-11-08T15:53:09+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+01:002009-11-05T15:43:43+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+01:002009-11-05T15:01:12+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>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-08-13:/2009/08/13/seeking-zen-6716241/aki_travel2009-08-13T14:15:08+02:002009-08-13T14:15:08+02:00 <p>Wana write something but don't know what to write. My body always smells real bad after work. When tired, i can't do spinning else my head will spin together like this morning. But i miss spinning la if 1whole week never touch. </p> <p>Words are just words. The more one speaks, does it helps the other party u so earnestly wish to help? If the listener is not ready to listen, no point in trying to talk it through. Nothing will be absorbed.<br> Idle chatting seems meaningless as well.<br> I find the Precepts in Buddhism quite practical in fact.<br> Sometimes the work or other parts of your life catch up with you so much that ur mind are all messed up even when u're sleeping. Felt like this a while back, this morning feel the urge to have meditation but don't know how. Just sit quietly somewhere on your own to empty your mind helps.<br> Seekin Zen master hahaha.... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/08/13/seeking-zen-6716241/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-08-10:/2009/08/10/disturbed-mind-6691267/aki_travel2009-08-10T13:42:15+02:002009-08-10T13:42:15+02:00 <p>Cluttered desk, opened word doc. , things to be done. Yet, i'm bored.<br> Alright, my mind is not quiet<img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/08/10/disturbed-mind-6691267/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-08-05:/2009/08/05/chomping-my-way-6656600/aki_travel2009-08-05T13:32:24+02:002009-08-05T13:32:24+02:00 <p>Sometimes work seems like going back to school. With projects and datelines, except minus the exams.<br> I think i can see myself eating non-stop again when my stress level shoots up... my gym better save me else i'll turn into a pig again.. *chomp, *chomp *chomp </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/08/05/chomping-my-way-6656600/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-08-01:/2009/08/01/19971-20010-23545-19981-36215-65292-35753-20320-25026-24471-20160-20040-26159-29233-6631184/aki_travel2009-08-01T16:31:17+02:002009-08-01T16:31:17+02:00 <p>I received a forwarded email story in Chinese. Nearly brought me to tears...<br> ---------------------------------------------------------</p> <p>七个对不起，让你懂得什么是爱。</p> <p>男孩和女孩从小就认识，男孩经常约女孩一起去村外的池塘边捉小虾，每次男孩总是满载而归，女孩却是两手空空，女孩总是失落的含着眼泪，独自一个人回到家，然后闷闷不乐。晚饭前，男孩敲响女孩家的门，女孩一见是男孩，扭头就走，男孩追上前，对女孩说：“对不起，我把你的虾都捉走了，给，我把它们养在小鱼缸里，送给你。”女孩眉头一放，慧心的笑了，就这样反复着他们纯纯的童年，转眼，他们各自成长着。<br> ——纯纯的“对不起”。</p> <p>男孩总是喜欢戏弄女孩，经常会把女孩逗到哭，然后又去哄女孩到她笑为止，直到长大后，也是如此。<br> 男孩经常偷偷的把女孩的自行车轮胎的气放到没有，然后躲在远处，看女孩着急的走投无路，等着女孩拨通他的手机，然后破口大骂他的小贼行为。可男孩，依旧那么喜欢这样的女孩。他窃窃的从远处走来，灰溜溜的为女孩推着那辆没了气的自行车，任由女孩在一旁发牢骚，男孩却暗自窃喜，然后委屈的对女孩说：“对不起，我知道错了。”随即，女孩便会柔弱下来，告诉男孩下次不允许那样，男孩点头，于是，那时的他们每天都充满着笑容。</p> <p>—— “对不起”的快乐。</p> <p> 大学毕业后，男孩和女孩各自有了工作，男孩的工作总是很忙，有时一个月都休息不到一次，而女孩总是抱怨男孩冷落了她，终于，他们有了第一次的吵架。女孩委屈的哭起来，可男孩却很理直气壮的告诉女孩：“这是为了我的工作。”这场冷战持续了很久。终于，女孩还是忍不住，主动和男孩和好了。后来很多次男孩和女孩都因为这样的小事而吵得不可开交，可每次，都是女孩先妥协。<br> 那年，女孩生日，男孩答应女孩要给他过一个浪漫的生日，女孩欣喜不已，她在家精心打扮，等着男孩回来陪她渡过这个美妙的生日，这一等就是凌晨，女孩在睡梦中醒来，脸上挂着泪痕，男孩见到女孩，心疼的为女孩擦去脸庞的泪痕：“对不起，嫁给我好吗？”于是男孩拿出一枚戒指。</p> <p>—— “对不起”也是一种承诺。</p> <p> 婚后，男孩的事业大有成就，经常有许多应酬，而女孩已经成为一个专职太太了，每天在家为男孩准备热菜热饭，把家里收拾的干干净净，她经常会去菜场买回一些小河虾放在鱼缸里养着，男孩总问他为什么，女孩却总是慧心的一笑。<br> 慢慢的，男孩每次回家，身上总是充满了不同的香水味道，而每次没等女孩问，男孩总是忙着解释说应酬太多。女孩黯然，那时起，女孩不太爱说话了，也不像以前那么开朗了，她总是喜欢成天的呆在家里，抱着枕头看韩剧，然后随着剧情哭泣，夜深时，就会疯狂的大哭。以后的日子里，男孩回来时，身上的香水味只有一种味道了，女孩从来不问，可是男孩依旧说：“对不起，今天又去应酬了。”</p> <p>—— “对不起”，谎言的开始。</p> <p> 渐渐的，男孩开始不回家，或总是在外出差，男孩的事业越来越好，身边都是奉承的人，他每天都在别人的恭维下自豪的笑着，而女孩，几乎不出门了，她总会去超市买上很多方便面，和一些必要的日用品，然后把自己关在家里，这一呆就是很久。从前，女孩会经常和男孩一起聊聊天，而现在，她孤身一人，身边没有一个可以说话的人，每次打电话问男孩什么时候回家，男孩总是仓促的回答到：“对不起，我太忙了。”女孩，失落的扣上电话，那以后她再也没有问男孩什么时候会回家。</p> <p>—— “对不起”，只是个敷衍的方式。</p> <p> 女孩学着电视上的样子，开始打扮自己，她觉得男孩不回家，也许是看腻了她，她决定不再颓废，自己的幸福应该靠自己争取，而不是无谓的后退。<br> 那天，女孩心血来潮，按照地址去了男孩工作的地方，那是女孩第一次去，也是唯一的一次。女孩涩涩的按下电梯，来到这个男孩经常说忙的地方，她细细的观察这个公司的每个角落，这里的一切，她都觉得很好看。终于，绕过长长的办公走廊，她来到男孩的办公室，轻轻的推开门……女孩愣住了，眼前看到的不是自己的丈夫，也不是那个经常弄坏她自行车的那个贼小子，更不是那个把虾放在小鱼缸里的男孩，而是一个正在和别的女人做爱的男人。那个女人坐在桌子上，<strong>*</strong>*的发出微弱的呻吟声，那个男人，仿佛山林里饿极了的野兽……<br> 许久，男孩才发现了女孩，男孩惊慌失措，忙把衣裤捡起来穿好。可女孩，转身离开了。男孩飞奔出去，追着女孩，那晚，大雨袭击了整个城市。女孩不顾男孩的叫喊，径直往前跑，往回家的方向跑，男孩在女孩后面大喊：“对不起，我还是爱你的，对不起，我真的只爱你。”可女孩，始终没有听见。</p> <p>—— 这样的“对不起”太伤人。</p> <p> 男孩一直都没有找到女孩，女孩失踪很久了。男孩的世界已经一片黑暗，无心工作，无心花天酒地，他想不到女孩可以去哪里，因为女孩没有朋友，她唯一的朋友就是男孩，男孩终日守着电话机，手机24小时不关机，怕错过了女孩的电话。这一等就是半年多。<br> 快递为男孩送来一个盒子。<br> 男孩打开一看，里面是许多河虾的标本，有的在树叶边休息，有的在水草里躲着，各式各样的河虾标本，旁边放着一封信。</p> <p> “ 我始终没有勇气再见到你，可能是我太懦弱，也或许是我根本不想见到你，我想这些『警告：注意文明用语！』应该过的没什么两样吧，我很好，我学会了离开你怎么让自己存活，我懂得了怎样赚钱养活自己，而不用每天等着你回家，为你烧一桌热腾腾的饭菜，直到凉了也不见你的人，我的手机已经不用了，因为我已经不会再为你24小时的不关机，让自己饱受辐射的折磨。我懂得怎样去爱惜自己，珍惜自己的本来应该美好的生活。我想，我是可以忘记怎么去爱你的，因为你把我的爱弄得遍地麟伤。<br> 离婚协议书，就压在鱼缸的底下，你签完字，按照地址给我寄过来就行了。<br> 对不起，我想我是真的累了。”</p> <p> 男孩按照地址找去，他满心希望能够见到女孩，然后让女孩原谅，并且告诉女孩自己不能没有她，可是打开门的却是女孩的父亲，而女孩就站在她父亲的身后——是女孩的遗像。<br> 女孩的父亲告诉男孩，女孩在写完这封信后，跳楼自杀了，血肉一片模糊。</p> <p>—— 原来“对不起”也可以是种结束。</p> <p> 那一年，男孩疯了。</p> <p>每个人在自己的生命里头，一定会遇到一个自己真正该珍惜的人。请你好好的珍惜那一个人，不是每一句的对不起，都可以换来每一句的没关系……千万不要辜负了自己心爱的人，那对谁，都不好……把这个故事传下去，让你的朋友们知道，不要随意地说出对不起...... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/08/01/19971-20010-23545-19981-36215-65292-35753-20320-25026-24471-20160-20040-26159-29233-6631184/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk,2009-08-01:/2009/08/01/walking-down-memory-lane-6631023/aki_travel2009-08-01T15:54:04+02:002009-08-01T15:54:04+02:00 <p>sometimes speechless, other times, my fingers can just dance on the keyboard. Was deleting files and saw a video i made for my first boyfriend. Ya i don't have any r/ship till i was only 22yrs old? Not that i reminscience about the r/ship but it brings me back what i've done for my life till now. School yrs of exams stress. Years of studying without questioning about reasons of life and self existence. </p> <p>Then came the time of my first faraway trip to US, the first big eye opener in my life where i fell in love with travelling. Cos travelling opened up my eyes, it's knowledge first hand. Not the enjoyment of lazing around and not working nature of travelling, but the discovery in each travel that none of the books can ever teach u no matter how they described. </p> <p>Then came my first 'puppy love'? When i don't understand what this thing called love is. Back then, i'm pretty much wondering everything my bf can do, i can do. Why would i need a bf? i wonder. It was short lived cos of my self realisation & differences. Was walking and hit many walls without regrets in my career. Many times, it's not self demoralising, it's the discouraging factor of your closed ones. When u yourself is not discouraging yourself, but others closed to you discouraging. Aren't everyone supposed to support everyone? The hardest part for me is not hitting walls but the hurt of that. Hittin walls are not painful more than the lack of understanding and open-mindedness from people whom u expect to support you. Likewise, do u think money can really solve everything in life? can money bandaged wounds? Moral of the story, we're not supposed to expect anything from anyone in the first place. Live each moment at that moment.</p> <p>The hurt reached a climax and now i no longer feel the hurt as much any more. I give thanks to what i have everyday.<br> Understanding this universal love for everyone, every living beings on this earth, withdraws me from the romantic love that most people are struggling in their life. I rem a monk said in a talk, when people are experiencing loneliness, how then can people complained about everywhere so crowded with people? This is called lonely? haha.<br> I think very soon, my parents will get worried about me getting old and haggard and getting lonely, is it really something to worry when it's a natural process of everyone? And who is goin to take care of me, where he is from or who he is, how much money he has, what job he has counts? If it's so headache and worrisome, why set yourself so many criterias? These are all man made factors and comparisons made on your own, set by the world by worldy beings. Nothing hurt much more than an arrow shot straight to your heart and torn apart than having less a bungalow to stay in, or less a car to drive in. </p> <p>For me in the past, i would have let my anger last very long, but not now. Do not let anger overcome you in any point in life.<br> Ok my fingers should stopped dancing now... stop stop fingers...</p> <p>The Gift of Truth excels all other Gifts ~ The Buddha</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://akiytraveltheworld.blog.co.uk/2009/08/01/walking-down-memory-lane-6631023/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>