Last Day in Brisbane.

This is the official closing entry for our amazing holiday in Brisbane.

Clement and I cannot be more grateful, as I've already mentioned a million times in my past entries (but it's because we really, really, really are). Along this trip, we often ask each other, where did all these people come from? (haha.) What did we do to deserve such amazing friends?

"Thank you", is all we can say. And whatever the reasons were, this holiday would be nothing without them.

Here's a special shout out to the ones who made Brisbane so, so wonderful and memorable-

Eugene and Cheryl, truly, in Vera's words, "the best people you can ever meet", Kenneth who picked all our favourite places and made us the awesomest dinner, Yvonne for making the salad and generously offering her red wine (heh), Kai for sponsoring our tartar sauce and making us laugh from dinner to coffee, and the lovely ambassadors, Rox, Sarah, Jasmine, Chu Ling, Pris who took time off despite exams being round the corner to have dinner with us (and warmed out hearts on a rare, cold Brisbane night).

And also, our new friends whom we've made along the way at random dinners, markets and even at the beer factory. Our paths may cross briefly, but we'll remember these moments forever. <3

Day Six, Brisbane.

The weekend was crazy and fun as we got to head to a million places, no, kidding, but we did manage to go to quite a number around Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. Of which, Eumundi market, Noosa Heads Beach and playing miniature golf (putt putt) were my personal favourites. Oh, and the DFO at Harbourtown as well, for us shoppaholics.

Today was equally awesome, and I can now add the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) to my list of favourite museums, right beside the Melbourne Museum. Clement and I were wondering if art would be too abstract for our understanding, but it turned out to be intriguing and an eye-opening experience- one we enjoyed tremendously.

I would like to say that we had scones and coffee by the Brisbane river, which would sound romantic. Unfortunately, we went to the cafe at the state library instead because Clement was more for food than ambience. Sigh. But I had great scones with cream and jam all the same, so I'm not going to complain, heh.

And we finally got to head to a driver-through movie, which was fantastic. The vintage speakers, the huge screen under the blanket of stars, so old-school. We were extremely excited (and fascinated). Cannot thank the buddy enough for lending us the car and prepping blankets- wish they had more of such drive-through movies back home.

Day Three, Brisbane.

ADORABLE KOALAS AND KANGAROOS!
We went to Lone Pine Sanctuary and really enjoyed it. Going up close to the animals and seeing them roam freely around the place was quite...surreal. I have to admit though, certain horror stories of how kangaroos are strong enough to kill your car when they jump against it did scare me a little at first. But they were fine, friendly and all, at least at the sanctuary, that is. And the koalas made my heart melt- they looked so cuddly and all I could die.

After the trip, it was fortunate that the buddy decided to cook steak for us instead of kangaroo meat- It would have been too hard to bear. So, that was the first time I've tried his cooking and I swear it was the most delicious steak I've ever had in my entire life. Plus dessert was almost as amazing as the one we had at Max Brenner's on the day we arrived. Catching Masterchef episodes must have paid off, heh.

Also, the company was great. Got to have dinner with another primary school friend who's Kenneth's roommate, and two couch surfers- one from france and the other from spain. It was really interesting to hear their stories and experiences, and hilarious when language barriers led to certain situations. They were such a cute (and goodlooking- I had to mention this, the lady looks like Krsisten Dunst) couple.

It was really lovely to have such yummy food, with old and new friends. We couldn't have been more grateful, or well, full.

Last night in Melbourne.

We had the perfect weather for Brighton- it was so sunny and warm. And the beach houses were so adorable, which is probably why we couldn't help taking a million pictures! So glad I finally got to see them rather than online.

Also, we got to go up to the rooftop at Joyce and Char's apartment to take pictures in our PJs (which was silly and hilarious and fun at the same time), and the girls brought sparklers up. The night view of Melbourne, or at least part of Victoria, was breathtakingly beautiful.

Now hot chocolate, lamb slovaki (takeaway from the greek place) and indomee for supper.

What an amazing way to end our five days in Melbourne.

Melbourne, day three.

It's been a blast here for the past three days. Joyce and Charmaine have been so, so wonderful- providing us with such warm hospitality, bringing us around and being amazing company to be with in the lovely city. (Oh, and being extremely generous as well. Collectively, they lent me a coat, pullover, jacket, bag and even a pair of boots. Yes, the two fashionistas, heh.)

I'm also starting to really enjoy the cold, even the strong gust(s) of wind that freezes my face and makes me feel like my nose is about to drop off.

Though I was here two years ago, there were quite a number of things that were different.

For starters, Clement and I ate so much here, wayyyyy more as compared to when I was here two years back. Brunch, desserts, tea, tea(again) dinner, desserts, and it goes on and on. Joyce and Char are the ultimate foodies, I must say. But the food was so, so gooooood. And though we don't normally drink coffee, we fell in love with the coffee here. It is Melbourne, after all.

Oh, and we also had our first taste of racism, in some sort of way. Had a drunk man hurling vulgarities at us early in the morning for being Asian. Though that left a bitter taste in my mouth, I thought it was sort of a reality check- To know that not everything is perfect in a seemingly perfect city, and well, accept this place for what it is, including the not so pretty side of it. Apart from that one experience though, we've had a lot of help from people here, which made our trip even better. I like it that they're so warm and friendly.

This time round, I got to visit places I didn't get to go to when I was here two years back. Of which, Camberwell market (it's sort of like a vintage flea market), and the Melbourne Museum are my favourites. Bought a couple of gorgeous items from Camberwell (my best find was a vintage daisy brooch that was made in the 1940s), and it was really quite exciting to see all the antiques and trinkets that people were selling. As for the Melbourne museum, well, words cannot describe how awesome it was. The experience was just mind-blowing, really. If I could head back to Melbourne one day, I'd definitely visit that museum (and a couple more) again, because even with half a day, we didn't manage to explore the entire place!

So it's Brighton, Victoria market (apple custard croissants!), hopefully the Yarra River and Greek food tomorrow! Can't wait!

Melbourne, day one.

I'm freezing, extremely full, real tired, and very, very happy. No itineraries, no plans, no contact from the rest of the world (at least in the day). Just great food, sights and company. This is exactly what a holiday should be like.

Time to disappear?

Been getting quite a number of um, reminders (I think I prefer that word to "warnings") to not disappear over the holidays. So here am I, trying my best to keep my existence on the cyber world, and reminding myself to constantly check my phone.

It's been a blast since exams ended. Trips to new and amazing food places with great company (all of which I highly recommend- Chili's, for it's remarkable service and family portions, Food for Thought at Botanic Gardens for its mouth-watering desserts, and Kilo, for the cosy ambience and exciting menu to look forward to). Oh, there is one place though, Fosters, which I've been to before, but still is worth a mention for its delicious scones and tea. 

Also, the usual stay-over(s)and supper(s) which has resulted in the same amount of sleep I've had during exams, but more joy, of course. Not forgetting, tons of housework (mundane, but definitely necessary, as I convince myself), packing (for hall and my summer getaway) and unpacking (which I am dreading most). 

Plus I've managed to read the entire hunger games series in a couple of hours, and catch seven movies over the past week, of which include The Lucky One, Hunger Games and THE AVENGERS!!!!!!!!!! I'm sorry but I had to put that in caps and include all the exclamation marks. I've been dying to watch it since I saw it's first trailer. Definitely going to watch it again, in IMAX! 

I've also found an alternative to boring holidays with nothing to do but play. Though that sounds awesome (the nothing to do bit), but the workaholic side of me usually gets bored after a week into break.  

So here's to the start of a brilliant vacation break filled with hard work, a lot of fun, and a million things left undone! 

Two-year-mark.

I still can't believe that I've completed the second year of college, I'm actually half done.

There's some relief and excitement (this means holidays!),
some surprise (that I managed to survive, heh, kidding, am more surprised at how time flew by),
a tinge of sadness (when I think of how all these could come to an end really quickly, yet I'm starting to really like being in school- mainly because of the people I've come to know and love, and to enjoy the process of learning. Well, all except mathematics).  

I don't really know what to feel about it.
But all the same, am still thankful to have had so many wonderful people by my side, without whom I wouldn't have been able to pull through the two years. <3

What love is.

Read a heartbreakingly beautiful article about this couple, whose story has touched (and broken) the hearts of many- The husband was diagnosed with rare cancer and passed away six weeks after their wedding. The wife, upon reflection of their wedding, said that "it was a gift no one can ever take away".  

I sat there, gaze transfixed on one of the pictures taken during their wedding, for the longest time. 

No amount of avacado dip can make me feel better.

All this while, I told myself, as long as I've tried, at least I know I've tried, you know?
The time, the effort, searching, matching, persuading tutors, checking that website all the time, going for the interview, etcetcetc.

It's the last shot I've got, so you can imagine my delight when I got my fifth signature for approval, and when I was one of the five shortlisted (out of a crazy number of applicants).

I even signed the student visa. And then, that had to happen. 

Perhaps it was pent-up disappointment, or just a sudden realisation, but whatever it was, I started bawling hysterically and blabbering non-stop about why it had to turn out like this and how I know it's no one's fault but how disappointed I was and how I really wanted to learn something else somewhere else, to the half-amused and half-sympathetic one. (Thank you for lending me your sleeve to wipe my tears and trying not to laugh.) Even my favourite balsamico linguine didn't help.

Though there are many comforting things I could think about, things I could relate to not leaving (which I am, of course, still thankful for). Tonight (and maybe for the next few days), I would like to continue to cry and mope and not have to pretend I can move on, because losing this made me realised how much (more) I really wanted this to happen.

I was that close.

And I have a huge bag of laundry to be done (no more fresh clothes for tomorrow), but I probably can't have the luxury to be too sad over it- need to study for the next exam. 

Say goodnight and go.

To celebrate the completion of the last assignment for this semester, I thought I'd share this song with you, which is one of my favourites from Vera's playlist (seriously, thank goodness for that, I wouldn't have been able to pull through my assignments without it.)

Clement and I laugh every single time when we hear this song, because we keep singing (mostly the last two lines of) the chorus to each other when we have to get back to work. It makes me smile when I think of how we always sing the chorus in so many silly ways, though I do like the original version very much. The lyrics are exceptionally cute, albeit alittle cheesy.
 

The Piano Guys

I've heard of them before, but I've never actually listened to their music.

I cannot believe this is what I've been missing out on, all this while.
They are so, so talented, and brilliantly amazing.
The twist that they put on classical music is almost genius.
And their music makes me want to cry (again, in the library. argh, seriously, I don't know what's with this place, or me.)

And I'm sorry for picking favourites, but I cannot help it.
Steven, the super smiley man on the cello, makes me smile when I see him play his instrument. It's a form of enjoyment to see this man in his world of beautiful melodies.

Click here to see why he smiles so much (and to listen to a cello cover of this happy song).

Be brave, my heart.

This phrase doesn't make sense, because it should have been "be still, my heart". Unfortunately, the positive connotations it has does not match the situation right now, thought "my heart" still applies.

Just when I thought it would never appear again, it sprung an attack while I was unaware, sending immense pain.

Pretending that it doesn't exist will not make it go away.
Here is a promise to the world that it will be done, after I return from my summer break vacation.

in Just-, by e.e. cummings

in Just-

spring          when the world is mud-

luscious the little

lame balloonman

whistles          far          and wee

and eddieandbill come

running from marbles and

piracies and it's

spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer

old balloonman whistles

far          and             wee

and bettyandisbel come dancing

from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it's

spring

and

         the

                  goat-footed

balloonMan          whistles

far

and

wee 

Chancing upon this again made my day. Words cannot express how beautifully

written I think it is. Also, this reminded me of my poem-writing friend who

composes amazing things and makes delicious dip for chips.

Okay, so the second part isn't related, but come on, how many writers do you

know can do both?

The Sunshine Project, by Cheryl C.

The overwhelming response from the free hugs movement on campus grounds made me feel like I could do more to bring smiles to people in this place. The reason why I chose to do it in NIE is because I feel a  lot for these trainee/returning teachers, staff, even the canteen vendors who are working so hard here. I could be listening to music on youtube or catching up on sleep, but I'd like to use that time to do something for others instead. Plus, what better way than to make bring some cheer to people in the place where I spend most of my time!

So I decided to do a tiny project- The Sunshine Project. Once a month, in NIE, with the sole aim to brighten up someone's day. Hopefully, more than just one!

There are quite a number of ideas that I'm pretty excited to execute, but please leave a comment on this post if you have any suggestions as to what I could do, or what would make you smile!

This April, together with a couple of good friends, hugs were given to strangers. 

May, I can't wait for you to arrive!