tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49145605977217046232024-03-17T02:52:28.054+08:00Between LattesHi and welcome to my blog. I'm Vincent from Malaysia; hobbyist blogger, incurable wanderluster and proud winner of the Big Blog Exchange 2014. I write about my homeland Malaysia, places I’ve seen (and those you must see), hostelling for older folks, my experiences, my hopes. You’ll also find a few posts about coffee from the time when I was frothing milk and pulling espresso shots for a living. Stick around, and engage with me by leaving a line at the end of each post that you've read.Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-82974998662893809722021-04-30T00:01:00.003+08:002021-06-05T18:42:04.013+08:00Lamingtons: The story behind that heavenly Australian(?) cake<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="hw" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="hw" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">lamington</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> (</span><span class="pron" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 158, 131); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(128, 158, 131); cursor: pointer; text-align: left;">ˈlæmɪŋtən</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;"><b>1. </b>(Cookery) <i>Australia</i> <i>and</i> <i>NZ</i> a cube of sponge cake dipped in chocolate icing and desiccated coconut.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">(Photo credit: Ganache Patisserie)</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">God, I wish there were lamington drives here - you now, where kids go from house to house selling lamingtons for fundraisers. I had my first taste of this divine cake in 1995 in Melbourne and have fallen in love with it since.</span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As Aussie as Vegemite and the baggy green, lamingtons come in various shapes, sizes and flavours. But because I'm not really a fruity jam person, I much prefer them in their traditional form, i.e. slightly stale spongecake with chocolate icing and heaps of desiccated coconut. Over tea, every cube carved out of a whole square-foot serving would go down quite nicely, <i>thank you</i>.</span><br />
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</span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;">But how did the lamington really come about and how did the cake get its name? Well, curiosity got the better of me and I decided to do some investigative work on the history of what I consider to be one of Australia's many wonderful gifts to the world - and here I'd like to share with you what I found out.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXLcviu8sxZNK8vWQgUlkDkKCYVGpD0OItPbdWwobAwU6c9vv6UlFxdgVM47s6n7rOolqH1s-m1Xd1t5bz0dHZ_6AiJipx1cQYseL8hv16hUidIhjUVAUgs7ucMR0l0smxSBpPuabUfA/s1600/lamington01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXLcviu8sxZNK8vWQgUlkDkKCYVGpD0OItPbdWwobAwU6c9vv6UlFxdgVM47s6n7rOolqH1s-m1Xd1t5bz0dHZ_6AiJipx1cQYseL8hv16hUidIhjUVAUgs7ucMR0l0smxSBpPuabUfA/s640/lamington01.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Lamingtons with fruit jam filling</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">According to an article from the New Zealand Herald (<i>Kiwi,</i> how ironic)<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: start;">, the cake is named after Charles Cochrane-Baillie, the second Baron of Lamington and a 19th century Governor of Queensland who reportedly once referred to the cakes as "those bloody poofy, woolly biscuits".</span></span><br />
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: start;"><br /></span></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: start;">It is believed</span> l<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">amingtons were first served at the Old Government House in Paddington, an inner suburb of Brisbane, sometime during the period leading up to the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_Australia" target="_blank">Federation of Australia</a> in 1901.<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> There, the Lamingtons' chef, a Frenchman - <i>oui, </i>a<i> Français</i> - named Armand Galland, was asked at short notice to prepare something for some unexpected guests. In his endeavour to create a novel high tea, Galland is said to have cut up a stale vanilla spongecake, dipped the slices in chocolate and rolled them on a bed of desiccated coconut. The result was an improvised cake which wasn't only presentable but also decidedly delicious.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>(L-R): Lord Lamington, Lady Lamington and their chef, Armand Galland</i></span></td></tr>
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;">The story goes on that Lord Lamington's guests were so impressed by this delectable new treat that a few of the high society ladies asked for the recipe from Galland. Chuffed as chips, the Frenchman of course duly obliged. Reportedly, the recipe was soon published in the Queensland Ladies Home Journal, attributed as "Lady Lamington's Chocolate-Coconut Cake" which, over time, evolved into simply the "lamington".</span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrqmDRXqea0eKKlK221RPTxEU4lUwejcdOjURu_rIRoN9Jk912G2L9x03m8aDlXBbIeA5hyphenhyphenZd5Hw_57YyfGUs_aS9OKEXOXsvtMpFXsrEH-2uE5f4LEkecmYycJz6noJEWQ4ysyeCOEk/s640/lamingtons-2.jpg" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;"><span face="helvetica, font-size: 20px" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, perhaps the lamington isn't 100% Aussie after all, but isn't that what really makes Australia great? She takes the best of everything from everywhere and makes them her own. So to me at least, </span><span face="helvetica, font-size: medium" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">this great Australian culinary icon will always be associated with Oz because, trust me, no one - but <i>no one</i> - makes lamingtons like them friendly Aussies.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="helvetica, font-size: 20px" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="helvetica, font-size: 20px" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 20px;">This heavenly improvisation of a cake has for decades been a quintessential part of every true Australian's childhood and I have little doubt it will continue to make kiddies Down Under happy for a long, long time to come. </span></span></span><i style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;">Anyone here going to Australia any time soon?</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="helvetica, font-size: 20px" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face="helvetica, font-size: medium" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7VBALCLdjwE6iWuBxZdrPRO43dA6Sej31N9fyTzYuZcghAijaVjC9YXK4Sf_49fHqEQQd1OaiPvD9KR5ajy4BlEBTpSM0cqfmHXk6YlHkVHrjn6fPwwArbx1DrX6vmLiTPRfsJ58dpl3/s140/signature+for+blog+%252804%2529.jpg" referrerpolicy="origin" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7VBALCLdjwE6iWuBxZdrPRO43dA6Sej31N9fyTzYuZcghAijaVjC9YXK4Sf_49fHqEQQd1OaiPvD9KR5ajy4BlEBTpSM0cqfmHXk6YlHkVHrjn6fPwwArbx1DrX6vmLiTPRfsJ58dpl3/s0/signature+for+blog+%252804%2529.jpg" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;"><i>(Photos courtesy of Google Images)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 20px;"><b><i>Have you had lamingtons before? If so, how do you find them?</i></b></span></div>
Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com11Australia-25.274398 133.77513599999997-75.0697345 51.157948499999975 24.520938499999996 -143.60767650000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-63692750123660084962020-09-22T05:00:00.000+08:002020-09-22T05:00:02.938+08:00Travel is education; learn to see the world differently<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><i><b>"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness,</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">and many </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">of our
people need it solely on these accounts.</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Broad, wholesome </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">charitable views
of men </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">and things</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">cannot be acquired by vegetating </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">in one
corner</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>of the earth all one's lifetime."</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">- </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mark Twain</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">I first came across this passage years ago while reading Mark Twain's travel chronicle, <i>The Innocents Abroad.</i> Frankly (and as they probably would to most 14 year-olds), the words meant zilch to me at the time - so much so, in fact, that they came across as little more than a</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> mouthful of masterfully-penciled literary jargon.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">A</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">s I grew older, however, I of course very quickly discovered for myself that prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness weren't traits exclusive to </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">other</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> people because, before long, I too began displaying them - both inwardly and outwardly. Which brings me to my next point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">I feel the great author's words carry bountiful truth. Exposure to the world <i>does</i> change people; I can bear testimony to that. Now, I'm not saying I have in any way become unequivocally broad-minded, unbiased or holier-than-thou by virtue of the countless grains of foreign sand stuck to my boots from nearly thirty years of travelling - hardly so - but the truth is I <i>have</i> changed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20PX;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You see, travel leads to experience which in turn leads to learning, development and self-discovery. When we travel, we cannot stay the same; it's impossible. We are forced to broaden our horizons, adopt new routines, learn strange lingos and thereby simply aren't allowed</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to stay the same whether we like it or not.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">When we learn about other cultures, </span></i></span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">we also learn about ourselves.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Depending on how one sees it, a change of environment can of course swing either way - for better or for worse; that much is clear. In spite of this, however, I've always held that an occasional <a href="http://www.vincequek.com/2019/01/hostelling-for-older-travellers-5-ways.html" target="_blank"><b>detachment from our comfort zone</b></a> is </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><u>necessary</u></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> because it inevitably brings about a developmental process - one so positively impactful and enlightening it forces us to both grow as an individual as well as adapt as a citizen of an increasingly borderless, multicultural world.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Exposure to places, people and customs unfamiliar opens our eyes and unlatches the closed
mind without us even realising it. Seeing foreign lands helps us to un</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">derstand others better and teaches us to connect. More importantly, it instills in us a greater sense of empathy as well as respect for people other than ourselves. THAT </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">to me is education - and education makes us grow
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The four key things we learn to do when we travel.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">When we learn about other cultures and their ways, inescapably we also learn about ourselves. We begin to realise things aren't merely about introspection anymore and that we're in fact far more than that tiny, insignificant self whom we've known all these years. Suddenly the role we play in this world seems much bigger and we realise - <i>surprise, surprise</i> - there <i>are</i> other people and cultures after all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">So my message to all is this: <b>GET OUT THERE</b> if you can and learn to see the world in a different light - without bias, without prejudice - because the deeper our understanding of the world we live in, the richer and more creative the world we build together.</span><br />
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<i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><b>To find out how YOU can travel the world without breaking the bank, visit two of my earlier posts entitled <a href="http://www.vincequek.com/2013/11/discover-real-hostel-experience-10.html" target="_blank">"Discover the Real Hostel Experience"</a> and <a href="http://www.vincequek.com/2015/11/hostelling-for-over-40s-5-common-myths.html" target="_blank">"5 Common Myths & Misconceptions About Youth Hostels"</a> .</b></span></i></div>
Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-7863644040772728912020-06-14T05:00:00.000+08:002020-06-23T12:46:56.037+08:00No history on History (Channel)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><b>Anything that's ancient will likely have some element of history (and possibly even some degree of historical significance)<i> </i>attached to it.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><i>Is that a fair statement? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">By every conceivable academic and social norm of understanding, I'd say yes. I mean, if a subject is ancient, chances are it's historical, right? </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">And </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">if it possesses especial historical value, one could reasonably assume that it may even feature </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">on the History Channel (or simply "</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">History"</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> as it's known these days). </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">After all, isn't that what history's largely all about? </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Ancient civilisations, ancient cultures, ancient battles, ancient artifacts, ancient folklore, ancient aliens; historical things and events which we ought to appreci..</span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">.. Hang on! </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Ancient</span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> aliens?!</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20PX;">For the better part of the past decade, the contents of my once-favourite documentary channel have to me become so alien (sorry, couldn't help the pun) that whenever I watch it, I can't help but ask: <i><b>Have we run out of history?</b> </i></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">No, seriously, if you browsed through the next 12 hours' TV schedule for History, it would likely look something like this:</span><br />
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18:00-20:00 Ancient Aliens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">20:00-21:00 </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">UFOs: Dangerous Encounters Exposed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">21:00-22:00 The Curse of Oak Island</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">22:00-23.00 American Pickers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">23:00-00:00 </span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Ancient Aliens </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">(again)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">00:00-01:00 Mountain Men</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">01:00-02:00 Forged In Fire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">02:00-03:00 Pawn Stars</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">03:00-04:00 </span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">(... and again) </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Ancient Aliens</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">04:00-05:00 Ancient MonsterQuest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">05:00-06:00 Swamp People</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20PX;">As you can see, these days we're literally <i>swamped</i> (again, mind the pun) by a laughable variety of heavily-dramatised, sensationalised reality TV serials, none of which carry even a speck of real or decent - never mind <i>significant</i> - history-related content.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">The way I see it, the channel has become a money-spinning network that showcases almost solely pseudo-documentaries and unsubstantiated investigative programming - ones targetted at audiences who are more interested in how much a restored 1977 Evel Knievel-themed pinball machine would fetch on the open market than they are in the Normandy landings, The Reformation or China's Cultural Revolution.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">1977 Evel Knievel pinball machine; truly historic material, according to History</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">I mean, seriously, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">what on earth have History done?</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> Have they sold all their <i>real</i> history programmes to some suspect Vegas pawn shop that's run by three generations of fat, blood-sucking pawnbrokers in exchange for an incessant, ever-increasing stream of reality TV shows that often insult the intelligence?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Or, more ominously, are History now run by a bunch of gator-hunt'n bayou millionaires who probably believe Queen Elizabeth II and George W. Bush are in fact reptilian aliens - or that Genghis Khan is the prime minister of Pakistan?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMjh8oSsrZaftiprK_j1036cpu45HUguxG0lvg-iMaZjeBwL5aaHW0dVe-K6hBtBFGT2I63WqhabjZzbb18KB4YDa_iMZNPE0Pz3j6BL_Ca815Q-0YAqUegG0cLlzB7I6P8zpho2wCSYt/s1600/history05-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="828" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMjh8oSsrZaftiprK_j1036cpu45HUguxG0lvg-iMaZjeBwL5aaHW0dVe-K6hBtBFGT2I63WqhabjZzbb18KB4YDa_iMZNPE0Pz3j6BL_Ca815Q-0YAqUegG0cLlzB7I6P8zpho2wCSYt/s640/history05-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Gator-huntin' swamp folks; historically more significant than Columbus or FDR</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Oh, how I miss those days when the History Channel was <i>actually</i> about history - not little green men, dubious Bigfoot sightings, eclectic treasure hunters, lazy pawn shop assistants, wannabe Samurai swordsmiths, overzealous trapper-hunters, mimicking duck calls and shooting s**t.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Of course I could just choose to not watch the channel. The problem is, it comes in a package on cable TV that includes some really sound documentary channels (Discovery sadly <i>isn't</i></span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">one of them - not anymore) and I'm paying good money for it. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">So c'mon, History; </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">stop doing to history what Discovery did to science and give us our proper money's worth of REAL history!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><i>Or is that history?</i></span><br />
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<b><i>What are you thoughts about what I've just written? Have History (or have I) lost the plot? Do you enjoy watching the current shows on History or do you prefer the genuinely history-related programmes of old?</i></b> </span></div>
Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-14585633724223131782020-05-01T05:00:00.001+08:002020-05-01T19:32:20.984+08:00We live, we die; but how prepared are we to go?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Remember that scene from the 1994 romantic comedy-drama "Forrest Gump" where Forrest returns home to Greenbow, Alabama in the autumn of 1975 to visit his mother who was dying of cancer and where this exchange between mother and son took place?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Mrs Gump: <i>I'm dying, Forrest. C'mon in, sit down over here.</i></span></div>
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<span justify="" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;" text-align:=""><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Forrest Gump: <i>Why are you dying, mama?</i></span></span></div>
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<span justify="" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;" text-align:=""><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Mrs Gump:<b> </b> <i>It's my time. It's just my time. Oh, now, don't be afraid, sweetheart. Death is just a part of life; something we're all destined to do. I didn't know it, but I was destined to be your mama. I did the best I could.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;">Forrest Gump: <i>You did good</i>.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">How brave Mrs Gump was in the face of impending death. Thinking aloud, I'm not entirely sure how I'd carry myself if I were in her position because, until not too long ago, I've never really given much thought to the subject of my own death - <i>which is wrong</i> because m</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">ore and more frequently I'm finding that I recognise the faces that appear in the daily obituaries; acquaintances, friends, family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">The truth is, death isn't something many of us want to think about until such a time it is thrust upon us. A friend or relative dies, and all of a sudden it becomes a subject that can no longer be ignored - at least not until we eventually get over the loss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">It's usually during this period of mourning that we begin to seriously reflect and think about our own mortality and the logistical implications in the event we too shed our mortal coil. </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Have I drawn up a will? </i><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Are premium payments on my life insurance up-to-date? </i><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">How much have I saved in the kids' college fund? </i><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Will there be enough left to pay for my funeral? </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">You know, the practical stuff.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">It usually takes a close shave with death before we even begin to</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Yet invariably after the grieving, we promptly and conveniently put all these "unpleasant" questions (and the subject of death) back in their place - out of sight on the farthest metaphorical shelf in the back of our minds; left there to fester until Death rears its ugly head again - never for a moment anticipating or accepting that the next time it does, it could be staring at us squarely in the face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Which makes me wonder; why are we so unwilling to contemplate or even give a moment's thought about death other than in terms of the practical issues associated with dying? For instance, why is it that only after we encounter an accident, a close shave with death or a health scare do we change the way we live our lives? Or start to think if we've done or seen enough? Or ponder if we've spent enough time with our family?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">All too often, it takes such an event to befall us before we realise our priorities and start (or </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">attempt</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> to start) living the life we feel we ought to be living - which is kind of sad because putting off thinking about death until we encounter a close shave is a little ridiculous in my opinion. After all, hadn't we known all along that our time on earth </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">isn't</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> infinite?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If we can plan for life, why can't we likewise plan for death?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Personally</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">, I think the reason we don’t like to think about death is Fear; fear of the unknown, fear of pain, fear of not existing anymore, fear of leaving our loved ones, fear of tempting fate - <i>take your pick</i> - but fear, I suspect, is the No. 1 underlying reason why the vast majority of us choose to bury our heads in the sand and (foolishly) pretend death only happens to old people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many people hope - and even <i>plan</i> - to live to a ripe, old age and die silently and painlessly in their bed surrounded by family members, having already achieved everything they'd wanted to in life. For most of us, however, the harsh reality couldn't be further from the truth.</span></span></span></div>
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<span justify="" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;" text-align:=""><span style="font-size: 20PX;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Death can - and <i>does</i> - come at any time regardless of age. So if we can so meticulously plan for our holidays and birthdays, why can't we do the same for our death - be it natural or sudden? If we did so, no doubt a huge chunk of our fears about dying would be allayed. Here</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I'm not only talking about preparing ourselves for death (again, the practical stuff); what I'm saying is that what we do or do NOT in life is of equal importance in how we see or perceive death.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="text-align: justify;">What we do or </span><span style="text-align: justify;">do not</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> in life is of equal importance in how we view death.</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now think about this for a second; if you were to draw your last breath tomorrow, would you be contented with all that you've accomplished in life? Have you been spending more time at work than you have with your family? Have you visited all the places you promised yourself you would? Have you told all the people whom you care about that you love them? Have you etc etc?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If after thinking about it you realise you haven’t yet achieved all the things you had hoped you would or spent enough time doing the things that really matter to you, then what are you waiting for? THIS is your opportunity to make things right because, sadly, second chances are a rarity in life. Now, let's just pause here momentarily and let that sink in.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Whatever you need (or want)<br />to do, do it now if you can.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Look, death is a reality and you, along with everyone else on the planet, will at some point either in the near or distant future succumb to its call. So what’s stopping you from achieving all those things you've always wanted to do? NOW is the time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't waste your time fearing death because it is as much a part of life as life itself, and consequently holding on to the fear of dying will only have a negative impact on our emotional state. Death is only a word we have given to what we perceive as life's end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No one knows for sure what happens after death, so it’s an unknown - and one cannot fear the unknown. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my opinion, what most of us fear is the image our minds have developed around the word; tales of Hell, or that of untimely and violent deaths or how painful death can be. All these, I think, have led to an "acquired" fear of death.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What <i>is</i> indubitable is that we'll all experience death only once. </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ONCE.</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> So creating - or worse, </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">nurturing</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> - an unhealthy, deleterious fear of death is needless. That transition from being alive to being dead is but a momentary instant in time; we go from one to the other in the blink of an eye. <i>Or less.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqOraPJvqdl54y4bwIH4OZOIJrZuH5CGvV1WFx3_bBOO7TmBIC_aniJ8wYvj6LhrA6n0Sud_h8eR_Kvt9xtMHY8TqcVMe4qnVzjgyMOCW4Z9fqIpqqKvQFtk4Q_FNRtn5AwXBAMXKw8OG/s1600/welive03-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="639" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqOraPJvqdl54y4bwIH4OZOIJrZuH5CGvV1WFx3_bBOO7TmBIC_aniJ8wYvj6LhrA6n0Sud_h8eR_Kvt9xtMHY8TqcVMe4qnVzjgyMOCW4Z9fqIpqqKvQFtk4Q_FNRtn5AwXBAMXKw8OG/s640/welive03-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Is it worth spending our life worrying about that one final fleeting instant?</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So ask yourself this; is it worth spending weeks, months or even </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">years</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of our precious life worrying about that one final fleeting instant? Wouldn't all that time be more productively spent on trying to achieve our goals and experience life’s many wonders than on worrying about (or fearing) that split-second event which we have little or no insight of - and even less control over?</span></div>
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<span justify="" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;" text-align:=""><span style="font-size: 20PX;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course it’s heartbreaking to lose a loved one - but understand that, conversely, the loved ones we leave behind are a part of Life and its cycles. Hence, they are inescapably subject to (and probably even in <i>need</i> of) experiencing Life’s many emotional tribulations - including grief. It</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">’s all just part of living. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If they’re never exposed to grief</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and loss, how can they mature emotionally and discover their own mortality?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We should hence l</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">et this fear go, learn to trust and allow Nature's cycle of life and death to run its course. <b>Death is as natural as life.</b> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Releasing this fear will serve us well - both in life as well as in death, so to speak.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Oftentimes our fear is more burdensome than what we </span><span style="text-align: justify;">think</span></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> we’re fearful of.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Fearing death achieves nothing and causes us to struggle in the here and now. Instead, I feel we really ought to take some time to think about how we personally feel about death; death as a whole and also that of our own. Once we discover where our specific fears lie, we'd be in a much better position to finding a solution to each </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> acting on them.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We live, we die.</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Accept the fact, do whatever that needs to be done now and we will be less fearful of dying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In his first inaugural speech, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Franklin D. Roosevelt said, <i>“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”</i>. I think this sums up quite nicely what we're dealing with here. Oftentimes our fear is exceedingly more burdensome than what we <i>think</i> we’re fearful of. <i>So what's the point?</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span justify="" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;" text-align:=""><span style="font-size: 20PX;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, I'm not saying I fear not death, but at least I've accepted the certainty of not living forever and probably even not waking up tomorrow. And this <i>has</i> helped me both mentally and spiritually. I fear death <i>less, </i>so much so that </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">what I fear most about dying really is to come back reincarnated because, honestly, having weathered life once is enough.</span></span></span><br />
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<span justify="" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;" text-align:=""><span style="font-size: 20PX;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>We live, we die.</i> </b>Accept. Prepare. Love. <i>Live.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhwP-VFseI1q_tljDmTPRZGts3t7Fk9fR1DWSIDFiZQ8P-t2JZ7i4xAssHe-77WexsZfUBQPsugzb1SOF8EPjdDBgUu_Lm1EhhrWoDOZfUslfFVeRVIYfzHrZQgRWsg_Fs_G28bgPxDTd/s1600/signature+for+blog+%252804%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhwP-VFseI1q_tljDmTPRZGts3t7Fk9fR1DWSIDFiZQ8P-t2JZ7i4xAssHe-77WexsZfUBQPsugzb1SOF8EPjdDBgUu_Lm1EhhrWoDOZfUslfFVeRVIYfzHrZQgRWsg_Fs_G28bgPxDTd/s1600/signature+for+blog+%252804%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span justify="" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;" text-align:=""><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><b><i>I didn't know him very well and used to address him simply as Mr Liew. He was one of my customers; a fine young man who lost his battle against an ailment at the tender age of 30. His untimely demise raised many questions in my head and pretty much changed my outlook on life as a whole. I hope you're reading this, Mr Liew, because I'm dedicating this post to you. Rest in peace, young man.</i></b></span></span></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-68577645865398496762020-04-21T05:00:00.000+08:002020-04-22T10:58:49.128+08:00What is "Aotearoa" and what exactly does it mean?<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times neue" , "arial" , "times" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>AOTEAROA</b></i> (pronounced "aO-tay-a-rOa") is the Maori name for that beautiful, pristine island nation we know affectionately as New Zealand. Several meanings are attached to the name but, as is the case with many Maori names, its supposed true meaning and origin is found in both mythology as well as in historical fiction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif;">Essentially, there are two schools of thought with regards the origin of the name. While some believe <b>Aotearoa</b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif;"> is
made up of two words, i.e. <i><b>Aotea</b></i> and <i><b>roa</b></i>, others suggest</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif;"> this number to be three, i.e. </span><em><span style="color: black;"><b>Ao</b>, <b>tea</b></span></em><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and </span><em><span style="color: black;"><b>roa</b></span></em><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT204GbbU9k" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to find out how to pronounce "Aotearoa"</a></b></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From what I learnt from during my trips to New Zealand, <i><b>Aotea</b></i> in Maori can be interpreted to mean </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">either:-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">(a) the name of the great Polynesian explorer, Kupe's canoe during the great migration from Hawaiki to New Zealand, or</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(b) the <a href="https://earthsky.org/clusters-nebulae-galaxies/the-large-magellanic-cloud" target="_blank"><b>Large Magellanic Cloud</b></a> which is visible from the Southern Hemisphere; <b><i>ao</i></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> meaning cloud, dawn, daytime or world, <b><i>tea</i></b> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">white
or bright, while <b><i>roa</i></b> means tall and long</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The most widely-accepted and authoritative meaning for the word is therefore "long white cloud" - hence, "The Land of the Long White Cloud".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">There are two popular stories that are often told in this respect. The first is this; it is believed that the first voyagers to New Zealand were guided during the day by a
long white cloud, and after nightfall, by a long bright cloud - both of which eventually led them to the new land.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRT_gu0pEMiZ51GkQ-If3SawnhWDcG3x0UFdu1b3mDn86SQVNXBwOm89-f_ZqaS_XBgn23bvaXHNtIEfR2o33XfTG0xBRGSLIi9t_T7j8hsAy6kq2nLCOmtWMQiTUwkr43bH2zK6EVUtlh/s1600/aotearoa06a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="713" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRT_gu0pEMiZ51GkQ-If3SawnhWDcG3x0UFdu1b3mDn86SQVNXBwOm89-f_ZqaS_XBgn23bvaXHNtIEfR2o33XfTG0xBRGSLIi9t_T7j8hsAy6kq2nLCOmtWMQiTUwkr43bH2zK6EVUtlh/s640/aotearoa06a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>One of the "Kupe - The Great Navigator" series of postage stamps issued by New Zealand Post in 2019</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The other, more commonly-told story tells of how Kupe and his wife (just when they feared they might be lost at sea during their long exploratory voyage) beheld a long, white cloud hovering over what is now known as the North Island of New Zealand. When they finally set foot on an island off present-day </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.worldatlas.com/oc/nz/bop/where-is-tauranga.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty</span></a></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">, Kupe decided to name the land "Ao-tea-roa" on account of the peculiar cloud that greeted their arrival.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other alternative translations include "Land of Abiding Light" and "Long Bright World", both of which make reference to the length and quality of New Zealand's daylight (when compared to the shorter days found further north in Polynesia). However, these are largely interpretations made by modern-day scholars and authorities on the subject and are less popularly-embraced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So there you have it; <i>"Aotearoa" </i>explained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you find this post both interesting and informative. Always glad to share knowledge and insights gained from my adventures because the more we travel, the more we learn, the more we share, the more we gain.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodIC2k5X7IvweCSphC1IMimu70iQLmHFSnzaoN4VrXX4cw2WCOfG9sO7pYW8fk1XLSeq2vDQiFoOxL_tyKxjKBmaYzXDNBJK1IV5H-nMdsFEtPza7zJVxV-4fE-9DOM6TtQA_4d0qadpJ/s1600/aotearoa05-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="1536" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodIC2k5X7IvweCSphC1IMimu70iQLmHFSnzaoN4VrXX4cw2WCOfG9sO7pYW8fk1XLSeq2vDQiFoOxL_tyKxjKBmaYzXDNBJK1IV5H-nMdsFEtPza7zJVxV-4fE-9DOM6TtQA_4d0qadpJ/s640/aotearoa05-002.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Did you find this post informative? Have you visited New Zealand before and, if so, are you fascinated by her culture?</span></i></b></div>
Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com7New Zealand-40.900557 174.88597100000004-65.36319 133.40159600000004 -16.437924 -143.62965399999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-31544071935028499122020-04-16T05:00:00.000+08:002020-04-22T11:57:58.815+08:00The ups and downs of travel (Port Campbell, Australia)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"You were pushing 131 km/h back there",</i> said the tall patrolman. He was so brawny I swear he could easily break me in half if he'd wanted to. His</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> cool Ray-Bans aside, I'd just been speed-trapped and pulled over by the Victorian Highway Patrol in the middle of some of the lushest eucalyptus forests in the world</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"You can get away with it in South 'Straya but not on my turf",</i> he went on. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not wanting to get into deeper trouble</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - certainly not on foreign soil - I offered a meek apology, explaining we'd been in a rush to get to our destination before nightfall. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My wife's face had by now turned markedly pale. Mine must have as well, I think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome, all, to </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Australia's beautiful Garden State of Victoria.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Unfortunately, I wasn't paying attention</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was told to step out of the vehicle and to produce my driver's licence. I duly complied - and that's when he handed me the breathalyser.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"But I didn't drink",</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I stuttered despite well-knowing any resistance would be futile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"It's standard</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> procedure, sir; please cooperate"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">By then, a few on-coming drivers had stopped at the cordon and were intently watching the embarrassment I was being dragged through. In fact, I could swear some of them were probably amused by the episode.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Consider this your lucky day",</span></i><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the officer quipped as he handed me my speeding ticket.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"The fine's $300 but because you're a visitor and this being your first offence, I've reduced it to $105. You have a week to settle the fine. You can do it when you get to Melbourne. Enjoy your evening, mate!</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-style: italic;">"</i><i>. </i>How generous.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be honest, I had only myself to blame for miserably underestimating the driving time between Adelaide and Port Campbell, our destination; I'm usually very good at such things. Alas, a lesson learnt (and another travel tale to tell).</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>I still can't explain why our journey had taken 11 hours</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Inevitably, we arrived in Port Campbell long after sundown and, after several wrong turns and dead ends, finally located the hostel we had pre-booked. <i>And then, this</i>..... </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"We're terribly sorry. We're afraid we've let your room go as we reckoned you were a no-show"</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wasn't impressed. Here we were in this tiny town three hours from midnight and without a bed. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Definitely NOT my lucky day,</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> the officer's words still weighing heavy on my mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Choices of lodging here are limited. In truth, few visit Port Campbell for Port Campbell's sake. The town is generally considered a pit stop of sorts for those coming to experience the region's real star attraction - the Great Ocean Road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back at the hostel,</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"If you like, there's a room</i><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> available down at the rectory, but only for the night. The vicar's away at the moment; he won't mind. You'll find it at the bottom of this street, right next to the chapel"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank God!</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Literally. What were the chances of us (or </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">anyone</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> for that matter) securing a room at the abode of one of His servants on short notice? There </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">had</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> to be divine intervention that evening, I am convinced to this day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The rectory was quite nice; small but cosy, functional but comfortable</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"I could live here"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I recall telling Oi Len, my wife. For the same amount of money, this was a bargain compared to the hostel up on the hill. We were well-pleased with the arrangement and, for the first time that day, things were looking up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next morning, we decided to set off early in order to beat the madding mid-morning tourist buses on the Great Ocean Road - but not before spending an hour or so exploring Port Campbell. It was during this time that I realised how foolishly mistaken my perception of this town had been because, in all honesty, Port Campbell is in itself a truly lovely and picturesque place</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>The glorious sunrise at Port Campbell</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sunrise down at the jetty that morning was breathtaking and, despite the cold, we stood there in utter awe - soaking up the wonders of this magnificent natural environment as much as our combined senses allowed us to. In that single surreal moment (and for the first time in my life), I felt <i>genuine</i> peace; my mind and soul nourished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There at that very spot, we were witnessing the glorious and dramatic start of a new day. The first golden rays of light, the soothing, cool air, the smell of the Bass Strait and the roar of her waves - the simple joys and the very essence of what our lives really ought to be about. I didn't want to leave.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Port Campbell town centre - charming and quaint</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As dawn turned to day, we strolled around the town and found it to be pleasantly quaint and charming. The fragrance of cheese on stove and freshly-made bread from the bakery and the refreshing smell of sea breeze pleasantly hit us as we passively watched locals and visitors alike begin their day; shopowners opening their doors, the milkman - bottles clinking - making his rounds, a silver-haired lady walking her collie and people gradually making their way towards the promenade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">By then, I had all but forgotten the traumas of the previous day - speed traps and traffic ticket included. I felt truly calm and relaxed, for this gem of a coastal town in the south of Australia is a place where time stands still - a welcome contrast to this mad, mad world we've all (sadly) become so accustomed to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How unfair, I thought, that Port Campbell should be regarded as little more than a layover point on the Great Ocean Road. This enchanting little town deserves so much better. It is, to me, nothing short of a shining star in this region. It deserves to - and should - be recognised as such.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To this day, I continue to carry with me fond and vivid memories of Port Campbell. And whilst I harbour some degree of regret for not having stayed longer, I nonetheless feel fortunate - </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">blessed</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> even - to have at least swung by and experienced her charm first-hand. I am proud to proclaim, </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"I was in Port Campbell, 'Straya."</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Port Campbell's popular beachfront</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Port Campbell, a gem on Australia's south coast</i></span></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you visited Port Campbell before? If so, what do you think of the place? Do you agree with my description of the town?</span></i></b></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com5Port Campbell VIC 3269, Australia-38.6176729 142.9985769-38.667298900000006 142.91961289999998 -38.5680469 143.0775409tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-33107809432784773882020-04-08T20:17:00.000+08:002020-04-22T18:49:36.411+08:00Carry on, Jo: Jo goes to the supermarket (Covid-19)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>"Of course I know what shallots are!"</i>, Jo snaps into his cellphone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>"And cumin?"</i>, his wife went on, worried.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 23px;"><i>"Look, I've consumed more cumin in my lifetime than you have rice!"</i>, retorted Jo loudly as he struggles to manoeuvre the rusted shopping cart with his other hand, not realising how imbecile he'd sounded to</span><span style="font-size: 23px;"> the other midday shoppers. <i> "And stop calling; you're embarrassing me!"</i></span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">This isn't right,</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"> Jo inwardly protests. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">Grocery shopping is a woman's job. This social distancing thing is getting ridiculous. Damn virus!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 23px;">Mrs Jo has been at odds with herself all morning over letting her husband do the groceries by himself. <i>He's so inept,</i> she laments.<i> If only I could ride a bike</i>. They have had to be frugal ever</span><span style="font-size: 23px;"> since Jo lost his janitorial job three months ago for habitually loafing at work. Feeding their large family which includes his young, unhandy second wife and eight children has become a soul-sapping, daily worry. They have little money left. <i>Damn you, Jo; don't bungle this</i>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Back at the supermarket, Jo is surprised to see numerous others like himself; men trudging along with shopping carts, each clutching his own unique grocery list. Most look lost and confused. A handful are squawking over the phone in obvious distress.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Honey, quickly, what does beetroot look like? </span><span style="color: #666666;">•</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #e06666;">But, Mom, their cutlets only come in 2kg packs!</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">•</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">No more bok choy; what now?</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">•</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Which ketchup brand do you want? </span></i><i><span style="color: #666666;">•</span></i><i style="color: #444444;"> </i><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Come see for yourself if you don't believe me!</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">•</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Honey, is spinach a fruit?</span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 23px;">Blaming this curiosity squarely on the Covid-19 lockdown, Jo is wryly amused by the scenes being played out before him. <i>I'm not alone.</i> Almost instantly he feels sunnier - <i>spirited</i> even -</span><span style="font-size: 23PX;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and promptly pulls out his own grocery list.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 23PX;"><i>"I have one too!"</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;">, he abruptly interrupts a passing shopper, startling the septuagenarian to Jo's perverse delight.</span></span><span style="font-size: 23px;"> Tickled, he murmurs, <i>"Right, let's do this."</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 23px;">Grabbing a small pack of lady's finger, Jo is relieved to see neatly-arranged packets of cumin just two shelves up and, to the left, </span><span style="font-size: 23px;">the plumpest cucumbers he'd ever laid eyes on. He duly helps himself to a packet of each, well-pleased with how he'd started off</span><span style="font-size: 23px;">.</span><span style="font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><i>Three down, five to go.</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 23px;"><i>Darn, I'm good!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 23px;">Heartened, Jo gleefully meanders his way around the supermarket in double-quick time. Having been a janitor almost his entire working life, he has learnt to quickly work out the layout of places strange and alien.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 23px;">Gliding from lane</span><span style="font-size: 23px;"> to lane, rack to rack, cooler to cooler, he mentally ticks off each item on his shopping list as he nonchalantly chucks them into his cart one at a time. <i>And lastly, shallots!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;">Proud of how efficiently he'd run his errand, Jo gloated to the cashier, </span><i>"Look at those amateurs. They were already here when I came in and they're still at it"</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;">. He shakes his head in arrogant disdain - his ego bloated. The cashier remains deadpan. </span><i>Loser.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;">Back home, Jo's wife is suddenly overcome by a deep sense of foreboding on hearing the unmistakable sound of her husband's decrepit bike approaching. </span><i>I knew it! Something's wrong; he shouldn't be back so soon.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>"You wouldn't believe how ignorant and stupid some people are"</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;">, Jo enthused as he sauntered into the kitchen with his purchases. </span><i>"This guy at the store doesn't even know what spinach is!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 23PX;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;">Already feeling tight-chested from</span></span><span style="font-size: 23px;"> dread and potential regret, Mrs Jo doesn't respond </span><span style="font-size: 23px;">as she goes over the two shopping bags her husband had just brought in.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 23px;"><i>"And another had to ask his wife what beetroot looks li......". </i></span><span style="font-size: 23px;">Before Jo could finish, however, his wife </span><span style="font-size: 23px;">lets out a harsh, ear-shattering screech.</span></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 28px;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Jo-o-o-ooooo.........! You got these wrong!"</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>"I did?",</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Jo ripostes. </span><i>"Well, at least I got the cumin right."</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jo's versions of lady's finger, cucumber and shallots</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Are you, like me, from the brigade of (reluctant) hubbies who have had to do the groceries during the Covid-19 lockdown? Did you personally experience or witness any of the scenarios mentioned in this story - whether in the role of the husband or that of the wife? Do share below.</i></b></span></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-69563634403758550102020-03-31T14:00:00.000+08:002020-04-22T18:56:17.832+08:00A true Malaysian ghost story<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of us who are born - more so<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>bred</i> - in Asia will tell you how hard it is to completely detach ourselves from the supernatural. In a culture where the belief in ghosts and ghouls is as prevalent as it is deep-rooted, any unusual incident that cannot be scientifically or plausibly explained is almost always attributed to the paranormal, regardless of faith or piety.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">I was born into a reasonably well-read, church-going Malaysian family - so when it came to strange occurrences</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">, goosebumps and all else in-between, my father would always tell us to first seek a rational explanation. While, more often than not, his stance would prove prudent, there have similarly been a handful of strange events that were as inexplicable as they were curious.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Take, for instance, this particular incident which, to this day, I </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">struggle to explain with any perceptible degree of rationale or logic. In fact, memories of it continue to disturb me. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; text-align: left;">The story I'm about to tell you is true. It happened.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; text-align: left;"> </span><i style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">To me.</i><i style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"> </i><i style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "helvetica" , "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><i>AUGUST 1995.</i> I was a young banker on assignment together with a colleague (let's just call him "Mr
T") in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. We had finished work late that evening and checked into our hotel at about 1</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">0:00 p.m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">Despite our advance reservation, however, the hotel could only offer us a double room instead of the twin-share we'd asked for. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">Whilst we realised we'd have to share a bed, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">we were too sapped to offer any protest. Furthermore, our early flight home was less than ten hours away and this was the only room they had left that was unoccupied. </span><i style="font-family: helvetica;">Or was it really?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><i>3:15 A.M.</i> I was woken by a sound reminiscent of someone sobbing. The tone - faint and low-pitched but unmistakably feminine - was sorrowful. <i>Mournful</i> even. It wasn't particularly loud, neither was it a whimper - but it was hair-raising. More disturbingly, it came from <i>within</i> the room. For the first time in my life, I was truly spooked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"Do you hear it?"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, Mr T s</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">uddenly asked, startling me; I'd thought I was the only one hearing things. Too unnerved to say anything, I could only muster a swift, tentative swipe at his hips in acknowledgement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"The lights!", </i>he barked. In a flash, we'd switched on both bedside lamps and were sitting rigidly with our backs against the creaky headboard - shaken. There was no apparition; only the voice. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Is she in the room?"</i>, I asked. Ashen, Mr T nodded, confirming my fear that this wasn't mere imagination.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>There was the sound of weeping</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's when things took a <i>really</i> ghoulish turn. The weeping, which at first seemed to emanate from the end of the bed, was now emerging from within the bathroom.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Its source then came back to within the room and, just as abruptly, shifted </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">back again to the bathroom. In rapid, short bursts, the griefful crying transposed back and forth between the end of the bed and the bathroom - now noticeably louder and more melancholic</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Despite the strong air-conditioning, I was perspiring profusely and could feel sweat <i>streaming</i> down my ears and neck. My chest and back were damp as I found myself audibly reciting The Lord's Prayer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unabated, t</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">he wailing went on and on - all the time growing more desolate and intense until it came to an ear-splitting, spine-chilling crescendo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Surely the entire floor can hear it!",</i> I shouted - but the crying had become so loud and anguished it was clear Mr T didn't hear me. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By then, I was hyperventilating as a quick glance at my unmoving colleague told me he too was paralysed with fear. We felt helpless; t</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">here was nothing we could do but live out the terror.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then after what felt like an eternity, the crying began to gradually weaken - first from soft weeping to a sob to a snivel. And then, silence; i</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> had gone. Both Mr T and I were so shaken we couldn't move. We didn't </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dare</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> move. The radio clock beside me read 3:32 a.m. The episode had lasted </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fifteen</span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">minutes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When we finally gathered the courage to get out of bed, there was only one thing on our minds. We quickly packed our bags, checked out of the hotel and headed for the airport - three and a half hours early.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We didn't say a word of the incident to the young, deadpan receptionist. Neither did he volunteer the minutest gesture of curiosity as to why we weren't even going to wait for our pre-booked airport shuttle. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Somehow we guessed he knew</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Twenty five years on, Mr T and I still revisit our harrowing experience from time to time. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Was it a ghost? Some poor, tortured soul in the next room? A sick prank perhaps?</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I guess we'll never know for sure but suffice to say we staunchly believe the experience was</span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> un-</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">natural. After all, we </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">are</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> both full-blooded Asians.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you believe in ghosts or in the occult? Have you ever encountered any strange occurence(s) which you simply fail to explain? Do share below. </span></i></b></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-2860342706001492992020-03-18T22:26:00.000+08:002020-04-22T12:09:00.088+08:00COVID-19: 5 things you can do while under quarantine<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let's be honest; none of us could have imagined that it would come to this. This <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1" target="_blank">Covid-19 pandemic</a> has blindsided us with such ferocity that, before we could say "novel coronavirus", many familiar things around us have become, well, <i>unfamiliar</i>. In just a few short weeks, the world as we know it has seemingly gone from frenzied to snail-paced. <i>It's become so quiet</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I write, many countries have shut their borders; air travel dwindled to a trickle. And now countless of us the world over are told to STAY AT HOME in an effort to break the chain of infection. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Under the circumstances, I suppose that's hardly an unfair - if somewhat unpopular - directive; after all, drastic times call for drastic measures. And whilst</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> isolating oneself isn't exactly the most thrilling prospect on anyone's bucket list, adhering is </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">the least we could do to help stem the spread of this bad, bad virus.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">So</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> as I get reacquainted with my blog, here we are all obediently sat at home for the next few weeks. For some of you, this will seem a good opportunity to finally give that broken fence a long-overdue makeover. Or finish that 400-page mystery you started when Barack Obama was still President. Others may see this as a chance to at last learn to make the perfect chicken masala to impress their mother-in-law. And of course there are those of you who have the enviable liberty of working from home to keep yourselves duly occupied.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But what if you have absolutely nothing meaningful planned while being holed up in your abode for three whole weeks - maybe more? No hobbies, no interests, nothing. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Doing zilch may at first seem unproblematic - <i>deserved</i> even - but boredom will soon rear its ugly head and that's when each passing day will begin to feel like a lifetime. <i>No, make that two</i>. Well, before ennui comes a'knocking (and it quickly will), here are five easy and beneficial activities you can try to productively kill time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>1. Learn a craft or skill.</i></b> Colouring is the new fad. Be it colour pencils, crayons or watercolour, colouring is easy and brings out the Monet in you. And while you're at it, why not learn to bake as well? Start with something relatively simple - say, cookies or cupcakes - watch your confidence grow and see where that takes you. Or start a blog! Write whatever you want - current affairs, sport, rants, short stories - the possibilities are endless. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember, labour of the hands, even when pursued to the verge of drudgery, is never the worst form of idleness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>2. Try DIY</i></b>. Start a simple project. Fix that old, wobbly dining table, for instance. Give it a fresh coat of varnish or paint and make it as good as new. Patch up that stubborn leak on the front porch once and for all. Wash and vacuum the car and give it a good, deep waxing. And don't forget that clogged bathroom sink. That flickering staircase lamp that's driving you up the wall each night. Or those blunt kitchen knives that won't even cut through tofu. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Fix them</i>. No doubt you'll learn a thing or three in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>3. Pick up the phone.</i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Reconnect with family and friends; chances are they'll be in lockdown as well. Remember, time spent talking to or even texting those close to your heart is never time wasted. In fact, it's time </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">invested</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. So if your normal daily pursuits allow you neither the time nor the opportunity to catch up with your loved ones, what are you waiting for? Now's your chance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Clear out the old stuff.</b></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We're all guilty of hoarding to some point, aren't we? Well, why not use the next week or two sorting out and disposing of some of your old or unwanted belongings like clothes, books, CDs, cutlery, etc? Better still, give them away to those who'll have better use of the items. Not only will you be cleaning house in the process (remember coronavirus?), you'll actually be making room for new stuff!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>5. Read a book.</b></i> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This may seem like drudgery to some (yes, it's true) but consider this: reading unlocks the imagination and expands our way of thinking, our horizons. It teaches us to interact with something other than the people and things we know well or are comfortable with. Above all, reading is fun! Choose your genre well, start with a short story and go from there. Better still, pick up a children's book and read to your toddler. Or teach your child to read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If self-quarantine/isolation doesn't appeal to you, some of the activities I've mentioned here will hopefully make it more tolerable. They are by no means exhaustive but I'm sure you get the drift. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stay safe and stay sane, everyone, and try to make the most of this situation we're in.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Are you under self-isolation or quarantine? If so, what do you do to pass the time? Do share below.</span></b></i><br />
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-39111682706318253572020-02-13T00:38:00.000+08:002020-04-22T12:13:53.519+08:00Look up; learn to coexist<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 125%;">“Look Up” is a short,
5</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 125%;">-minute film that explores, through a movingly powerful narrative poem and a cinematic
love story, the real science involved in the use - or rather, the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 125%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>mis-use </i>- of social media as we know it.</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 125%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 125%;">It boldly speaks of the negative as well as anti-social
aspects of social media in our world today and overtly describes how ours has
really become an age of "idiots, smartphones and dumb people" - an
age where we've become "slaves to the technology we've mastered".</span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"It's not likely you'll make World's Greatest Dad if you can't entertain a child without using an iPad."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
message which this film so artfully delivers is undisguised and unabashedly
in-your-face. The message is real; many will find it frighteningly relevant and personal. However, the film also dispenses sound, positive advice and useful
motivation to all of us on what we can do to "live the right way".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Watch the video, dear readers, and if it
doesn't make you think, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">watch it again</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> It will be one of the most
productive five minutes you'll ever spend in your life; this I promise you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>P/S May I, with a pang of indefensible guilt and inglorious hypocrisy, also ask that you share this?</i></span></b></span></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-4695533735643109032020-01-18T21:30:00.000+08:002020-04-22T12:28:23.227+08:00Rethinking aging: The fine art of aging gracefully<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've always wondered why so many people resort to spending megabucks on Botox trying to look younger than they really are. Or willingly go under the knife - with no recourse whatsoever against the surgeon - and</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 19px;"> risk looking like the caricature that is Donatella Versace after it's done.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although I know modern society is insanely-quick to </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">point out the negative aspects of aging (even having us believe aging is taboo), I feel that us 50- to 60-somethings shouldn't allow ourselves to get drawn into this cruel hype - we're far too wise for such things - because once we start losing sleep over aging, it <i>will</i> consume us at some point and drive us up the cuckoo's nest.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's really nothing we can do about natural aging anyway because that pendulum on the wall isn't going to stop swinging even if we made a full-time job out of worrying about getting old.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 19px;">And how many times have we heard the phrase “young at heart”? Well, <i>"What's wrong with an old one?",</i> I tend to rebuke. I would argue myself to the grave that an old heart is superior because it is </span><i style="color: #444444; line-height: 19px;">experienced</i><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 19px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 19px;">It has felt more, loved more, been broken more and, despite those terrible pangs of hurt and betrayal, has always meandered its way to recovery - gathering wisdom in doses large and small along the way. </span><i style="color: #444444; line-height: 19px;">An old heart is a treasure trove </i><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 19px;">and, honestly, I wouldn't have mine any other way.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I am also oft-amused by those who'd swear on the misconception that </span><span style="color: #444444;">if we make best efforts to act or behave like young people, do the crazy things they do and spend seven-tenths of our income on collagen, we will regain our youth. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 19px;">All around us, without let-up, old people are admonished to keep striving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Go back to work</i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, they'd say. Start a coffee shop, join a baking class, take up bowling, learn Japanese, write childrens' books, ride a Harley or, like me, start a blog. Everywhere we turn are people - invariably younger than us - telling us how important it is to stay young and how to do it. </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep yourself busy because if you don't, you'll become... ewwww!... OLD!</i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Sound familiar?</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaUMSe0Ix1394rxkqL_TrK7vWuJYL0QX50FNn3qCxQshVv6Uq3DHeiLp8O3bRYzISwzL-lMPLu6nDaKLT7og8k5qvBxBSvWEj8JkK6FwkFyIEqxPAvmNYkZAB_s8fQWcehGcy1Tl_R6gE/s1600/bikers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaUMSe0Ix1394rxkqL_TrK7vWuJYL0QX50FNn3qCxQshVv6Uq3DHeiLp8O3bRYzISwzL-lMPLu6nDaKLT7og8k5qvBxBSvWEj8JkK6FwkFyIEqxPAvmNYkZAB_s8fQWcehGcy1Tl_R6gE/s640/bikers.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, I'm not saying these are bad advice - after all, keeping the mind active <i>is</i> a good thing - but what if "old age" in itself is its own time in the cycle of life? Something as important and interesting and colourful and fruitful and different from previous years as adolescence is from infancy - or adulthood from adolescence? <i>Wouldn't you want to live it?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I age, there's no denying the supply of time available to me grows scarcer with each sunset. I'm not hiding from this fact - </span>nobody<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> can - because life is an un-winnable fight anyway. I'm now well into the final quarter of mine, with probably another 12 (or if I'm lucky, 20) years to go. Hence I'm eager to quickly find a good way to live out these final chapters of my life. I may be some way yet from achieving this but at least I'm trying.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've begun telling myself that I really don't want to waste whatever time I have left trying to be something I'm not. Or pretending I can do things that physically (or even mentally) aren't as easy or as interesting anymore.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEVHUaIvOBLP9Qu12f7VOBB1tC4OOA-D3dq9ypz_AMh-3WUxzBA-7R5UjzGwRjd7oUS2BuHfKbqMUvB45scRDLzoQ6Ud_EDe5WpHW3pf7NE4mEdtOGXAVPCW5vFciKN8h06mEC6oSE2my/s1600/smellroses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEVHUaIvOBLP9Qu12f7VOBB1tC4OOA-D3dq9ypz_AMh-3WUxzBA-7R5UjzGwRjd7oUS2BuHfKbqMUvB45scRDLzoQ6Ud_EDe5WpHW3pf7NE4mEdtOGXAVPCW5vFciKN8h06mEC6oSE2my/s400/smellroses.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I seek from this stage of my life is to simply be <i>in it,</i> live it and whenever I can, take time to smell the roses. Or in my case, the hibiscuses. I</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> can't wait to experience</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">understand</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> the uniqueness of being sixty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I look forward to discovering how this phase of life is going to differ from that before today; to experience the changes and come to know what it actually means to grow old.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe that if I follow the widespread dishonesty - yes, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">dishonesty -</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of pretending to be young, I will miss something very, </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">very</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">significant in life. What a terrible shame </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>that</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> would be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I won't argue with the fact that growing old is rife with countless emotional landmines - like fear of financial incapacity, losing one's independence or contracting an illness which, to be fair, do render "aging gracefully" easier said than done. But in this regard, ATTITUDE is everything. It really comes down to how YOU see aging. Personally, I do not fear it because I honestly believe we - the not-so-youngs - are a select group. We are fighters. Above all, </span>we are <i>survivors</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not saying I do not fear dying or becoming penniless because I do - but wisdom, resilience, a mature perspective - even stubbornness - are hard-won prizes of this process we call aging. What this essentially means is that "growing old" in itself is nothing short of an accomplishment of gargantuan proportions, don't you think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the other end of the spectrum, those who find it an insurmountable challenge to accept the fact that they are getting old tend to react negatively when faced with the natural changes that come of aging. This adds a lot of unnecessary stress and strain to their lives and, when they fail to manage these, the risk of depression setting in suddenly becomes very real.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's why I tend not to think too much about getting old. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Why should I?</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> If I'm going to sit around whining about or mulling over the meaning of existence and how rapidly time is running out for me, I'm convinced I'm not going to age successfully. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Self-denial?</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Frankly, I don't know (and I hope not) but it sure beats the way the guy who focuses only on what's not working anymore is going to live out the rest of his days.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau0zTexR2m-NUb3DBOSqp2wdMWYW8ieNsGXW1YJizPmEsqD3xuvjI7tVmRx2mVJtxvWsTDys4AvfOyUyTE6GGtZK3U6zf3px3Pe06VL6vGcIjSgPXgLsXBA4TCEwMok2iMh5t-9QBI7W8/s1600/donotregret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau0zTexR2m-NUb3DBOSqp2wdMWYW8ieNsGXW1YJizPmEsqD3xuvjI7tVmRx2mVJtxvWsTDys4AvfOyUyTE6GGtZK3U6zf3px3Pe06VL6vGcIjSgPXgLsXBA4TCEwMok2iMh5t-9QBI7W8/s400/donotregret.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Someone once said, "Accept the inevitable changes that come with aging, rather than seeing them as aberrant crises". I couldn't agree more. ACCEPT that your life won't stay the same and that aging changes everyone. In short, we should learn to anticipate <i>and accept</i> the changes which are inevitable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I consider myself fortunate - </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">blessed</span></i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> even - to have lived long enough to see my hair turn silver and to have my laughs forever etched into the growing number of wrinkles on my face. So many have never laughed and so many have gone before their hair could turn grey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I grow older, I find it easier (although not necessarily </span><i style="color: #444444;">easy) </i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">to stay positive. For starters, I care less about what others think of me. My self-confidence has developed with age. More and more, I'm questioning myself less and less. Sure, I'm not always right but who's to say I haven't earned the right to be wrong?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">naïve to think that I'll</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> live forever - neither do I want to - but as long as this ol' ticker graciously allows me another gasp of air through these asthma-strained lungs, I do not intend to waste a second lamenting over what could've or should've been. I am also learning to be more patient and to worry less about what will be, although admittedly I still need to strive harder on both counts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The key to a successful old age is simply to make the best of growing old. <i>Who knows?</i> You might just find it's not nearly as bad as you initially thought it would be - just as I'm finding out now. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You don't have to be perfect in the fine art of growing old; there's no such thing. <i>I know I'm not</i>. But it helps if you gave it your best shot, leaving the rest to God. Just look at Helen Mirren. Or Diane Keaton. Or Sting. Now </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">THAT'S</span></i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> what I call aging gracefully.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>P/S I'm quickly learning to draw inspiration from ordinary day-to-day events and from there, obtain ideas for my blog. I had a full medical a few months back - something of a periodic requisite for someone who's fast-approaching 60 like me. I'm glad to say that apart from a very minor blip with regards my cholesterol levels, I was given a most satisfactory clean bill of health. It was this event that inspired me to write this blog post.</b></i></span></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-22728817375654857702019-12-01T00:45:00.000+08:002020-04-22T12:31:20.655+08:00How reliable is travel insurance? (A true story)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, exactly how reliable is travel insurance? <i>V</i></span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ery</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, actually - a</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t least most times it is. What </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">is</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> certain is that travel insurance has become absolutely essential these days in view of the multitude of very real risks associated with modern-day travel - from missed connections due to industrial action to contracting a flu strain while abroad to having some crazed fanatic hijack the flight you're on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> so it was that one such misfortune should befall my wife and I in the spring of 2010. </span>We'd just arrived in London, England by train when we learnt of the Eyjafjallajokull volcanic eruption in Iceland the previous day and, consequentially, the potential closure of airspace over vast parts of western Europe. At the time, we didn't for a moment think that our travel plans would in any way be affected. After all, such things only happen to <i>other</i> people, right?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">W</span></span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">RONG.</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Three days later, we were unceremoniously informed by Singapore Airlines by text message that our flight home has been cancelled indefinitely. Concerned but unafraid, we took</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> comfort in the knowledge that our predicament was covered by the travel insurance we'd taken from <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allianz" target="_blank">Allianz</a></b> for this trip. In any case, this was a straight-forward case of flight cancellation due to hazardous weather conditions. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Or so we thought</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_eruptions_of_Eyjafjallaj%C3%B6kull" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to learn more about the </span><span style="color: #111010; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eyjafjallajokull volcanic eruption.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we finally arrived home in Malaysia, we immediately lodged our insurance claim, declaring in good faith that our original flight back had been </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>cancelled</u></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> - not for a second expecting the word to become the a point of contention. Within just two days, Allianz rejected our claim on grounds that ours was a case of flight </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"cancellation"</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> (as opposed to "suspension</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">" or "delay</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">") which - surprise, surprise - </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>wasn't</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> covered by the policy. We were in disbelief.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica ms", sans-serif;">After two subsequent failed appeals to Allianz, we took up the matter with the Malaysian central bank's Financial Mediation Bureau (FMB) for arbitration. This was in June 2010. Amazingly, the dispute would drag on for three numbing years during which a dozen tripartite correspondences were exchanged. Literally at the end of the insurance limitation period, we received the following letter from FMB which outlines their final decision with regards our grievance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I won't go into its contents as they're pretty much self-explanatory with a clear synopsis of events. <b>I urge you to read the full text, </b>however, as I feel </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">it provides a useful life lesson. <i>Remember,</i> it could happen to you.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIY9RFLU1HZfb26SA0e3piX6AYRQx9u5UiFODVeyqX-Qpm9TSDzYXFRbVEpCD-lxhK9qLeTsq6sN-DAfwIYorbS9svu0F3cFTTrVQqJYEVcwsC11BHBHQdI2NstPJ4GxVSo5Ja9gIZ-9U/s1600/allianz01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="640" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIY9RFLU1HZfb26SA0e3piX6AYRQx9u5UiFODVeyqX-Qpm9TSDzYXFRbVEpCD-lxhK9qLeTsq6sN-DAfwIYorbS9svu0F3cFTTrVQqJYEVcwsC11BHBHQdI2NstPJ4GxVSo5Ja9gIZ-9U/s640/allianz01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZTD0ZtRJCp20kflU6qN796gf_dpXxp-hR5Gcp4fF3f7oR3Qb8kGGN8BT8i9J4t_1wO3k8K36OuqnPYLQf24OKruYVtMDUm79JbaWUXr7QxnNpUwUTYfD3ofBJnOT0XHBJDPHdIX6z8hs/s1600/allianz02a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZTD0ZtRJCp20kflU6qN796gf_dpXxp-hR5Gcp4fF3f7oR3Qb8kGGN8BT8i9J4t_1wO3k8K36OuqnPYLQf24OKruYVtMDUm79JbaWUXr7QxnNpUwUTYfD3ofBJnOT0XHBJDPHdIX6z8hs/s640/allianz02a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #e06666; color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Note how even a formal letter from Singapore Airlines explaining that the situation was effectively one of flight </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">suspension</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> was literally brushed off by the insurer.</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D62G9vI98kPX6DWe39k6E-99UM3ddNj81wjOlDS1yqbDu2jdFSRR7tesrjQ9NX07On6xefYvjxCi0eS2JKVYzl4V5FiQamhov10e4K_A_l0KSOqQWImuv6Hfjd9XnrkU1agVTue7QZ_k/s1600/allianz03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="640" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D62G9vI98kPX6DWe39k6E-99UM3ddNj81wjOlDS1yqbDu2jdFSRR7tesrjQ9NX07On6xefYvjxCi0eS2JKVYzl4V5FiQamhov10e4K_A_l0KSOqQWImuv6Hfjd9XnrkU1agVTue7QZ_k/s640/allianz03.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4eQeLECum0q8QT2dBGOITLMxK-Vk-torWjQpn6TDEh6ChBVWmfuNr4Rz_RMriTcjbEsEUJOJ_dnQ8jvFHLFsu568em4T1Som_Qcr9Ou3L1XWCpXePE6BTqbr9TvJIEA94rseyZZ2lPKF/s1600/allianz04.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="640" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4eQeLECum0q8QT2dBGOITLMxK-Vk-torWjQpn6TDEh6ChBVWmfuNr4Rz_RMriTcjbEsEUJOJ_dnQ8jvFHLFsu568em4T1Som_Qcr9Ou3L1XWCpXePE6BTqbr9TvJIEA94rseyZZ2lPKF/s640/allianz04.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So there you have it; even FMB, for all their good intentions, couldn't help. The cold, hard fact is that flight cancellation benefits are </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">not</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> covered under most travel insurance plans. And this isn't unique to Malaysia; I've since learnt that "flight cancellation" is a standard </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">exclusion</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> almost everywhere.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, I'm not writing this out of spite; we respect FMB's decision. I merely wish to share with everyone our experience and to highlight a popular (but potentially dangerous) notion that all travel insurance plans offer flight cancellation benefits as matter of course. The sad fact is almost all </span><span style="font-size: large;">DO NOT and, very often, honesty and good faith go right out the window when claims are eventually lodged.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica ms", sans-serif;">Nonetheless, I still believe travel insurance is imperative by virtue of its many other benefits, and I certainly would not advise anybody against taking one before they board that plane. But do learn from our experience; the next time you buy travel insurance, make sure you (a) </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica ms", sans-serif;">study</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica ms", sans-serif;"> the plan microscopically, and (b) </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica ms", sans-serif;">question</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica ms", sans-serif;"> its reliability under various potential scenarios.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Read the fine print</b> and read between the lines as almost all insurance brochures come sugar-coated, highlighting only the risks and perils that <i>are</i> covered while leaving out those that aren't. Hopefully no one needs to go through what my wife and I did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good luck and travel safe always, everyone.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Did you find what I shared here useful? Have you ever had issues with your travel insurance? If so, please share your experience(s) in the "Post a Comment" field below for the benefit of travellers who may be reading this blog post. We'd all love to hear from you.</i></span></b></b></div>
Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-41962833057694584282019-11-17T21:30:00.000+08:002020-04-25T20:03:24.511+08:00Aging gracefully is a lifelong experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: inherit;">As close to home as it may be, aging - or rather, the process of - can seem strange the more I think about it, especially when I start to ponder about how to do it well. Questions of whether there's indeed a "right" or "wrong" way of aging instantly come to mind. Or whether I have a choice in this respect. What exactly is "aging gracefully"? You mean there's a grace-</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>less</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: inherit;"> way of aging?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: inherit;">Personally, I've always believed that aging - gracefully or otherwise - is the culmination of one's life experiences. I mean, if you </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">are</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: inherit;"> indeed aging gracefully, you really would've been doing it all along - either consciously or subconsciously - at every stage of your life, and not only when you suddenly realise you've grown old or that your end is nigh. Likewise, if you're aging awkwardly, it's really all your own doing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;">Put another way, I believe each one of us is</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;"> the product of the choices we've made in life, the things and lessons</span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;">we've learnt and how we've carried ourselves in the face of adversity</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;">So in this context at least, maybe the art of aging gracefully isn't such an enigma after all. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;">Maybe it's simply our choice. Or more precisely, our </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">lifelong</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;"> choice to recognise, accept and, most importantly, be glad with the outcome of all our life decisions without any regret whatsoever.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: inherit;">So, </span><i>voila!</i><span style="font-style: inherit;"> Aging gracefully </span><i>is</i><span style="font-style: inherit;"> a choice after all. That being the case, then we really ought to be choosing it early in life. We have to learn early on to like - and I mean REALLY</span><span style="font-style: inherit;"> like - who we are at every </span><span style="font-style: inherit;">single phase of our life. We have to, for instance, learn to like the face that stares back at us from within the mirror. </span><i>Every time</i><span style="font-style: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-style: inherit;">More importantly, we have to earnestly </span>like <span style="font-style: inherit;">the person </span><i>behind</i><span style="font-style: inherit;"> that face.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>It is important to learn to like who we are at every phase of our life</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-style: inherit;">I think the "graceful" bit about aging gracefully really is all about appreciating who we are and the things we've been fortunate enough to possess in life - tangible or otherwise - and at the same time accepting without complaint our grey hair, wrinkles, pot bellies and physical shortcomings as decorations earned for the battles we've fought during our lifetime.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: inherit;"><b>Aging is an on-going, lifelong experience</b> - sometimes good, most times not. Doing it gracefully is learning to be grateful not only for all that we've learnt or gained, but also for all that we've lost. It means living each day with the conscious realisation that we </span><i>are</i><span style="font-style: inherit;"> </span>special<span style="font-style: inherit;">. It is also about others </span>deserving<span style="font-style: inherit;"> to see the best person we can possibly be - at </span><i>any</i><span style="font-style: inherit;"> age. Don't you agree?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: inherit;">To age gracefully, we must learn to be happy in our own</span><span style="font-style: inherit;"> skin and realise </span><span style="font-style: inherit;">that in this one moment in space and time, we are beautiful purely because you are you and I am me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkBQSUmdj4VWE81Noythm5Kowp3J8mC7lHyVX8byPunZIhpl-N1wNdmgzkKghUl5LCvJUq8QcQSBcABKX7DpkkGcGxDvCrIPZZNduOYsRAKwM3E_oNqM_NnLshpO5MI5b20bcltqijuw9/s1600/signature+for+blog+%252804%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkBQSUmdj4VWE81Noythm5Kowp3J8mC7lHyVX8byPunZIhpl-N1wNdmgzkKghUl5LCvJUq8QcQSBcABKX7DpkkGcGxDvCrIPZZNduOYsRAKwM3E_oNqM_NnLshpO5MI5b20bcltqijuw9/s1600/signature+for+blog+%252804%2529.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: inherit;"><i style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What are your thoughts about what I've written here, or about aging in general? Feel free to comment below.</b></span></i></span></div>
Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-64237913264830839832019-09-03T23:42:00.000+08:002020-04-22T18:52:26.769+08:00Hostelling for older travellers: 5 ways to feel at home in a youth hostel<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some time ago, I wrote a post on some of the <a href="http://www.vincequek.com/2018/11/hostelling-for-older-travellers-5.html" target="_blank">common myths surrounding youth hostels</a>. In it, I encouraged travellers (especially those of my generation and older) to give hostelling a go. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If, after reading the article, you feel you're ready to find out for yourself what this fad called hostelling is all about, <i>bravo;</i> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've no doubt you'll find the whole experience immensely enriching, eye-opening and, above all, educational.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I did before my first hostel outing in 2000, you'll probably also be feeling anxious about how your decision</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> might play out; you know, being that creepy, old guy with the pot belly who thinks <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagine_Dragons" target="_blank">Imagine Dragons</a></b> is some video game - all the time</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> standing out like a sore thumb in an environ of mostly fit, fine-looking travellers young enough to be your children. <i>Or grandchildren</i>.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, if indeed you are feeling the jitters, here are some first-hand tips and advice </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">on what you can do (and avoid doing) to make your first hostel experience a fondly memorable one - one that will ultimately prove how foolishly-unfounded your earlier concerns had been.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>1. Hold no preconceptions of (or bias against) hostels;</i></b> that's just time and energy wasted. Instead, mentally prepare to immerse yourself in an environment that's vastly different from that of hotels which you're probably more familiar with. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Keep an open mind</u>; don't expect crystal chandeliers, bellhops or a welcome drink. What I <i>can</i> guarantee though are a friendly front desk and a warm welcome. Remember, you chose a hostel in the first place because you want </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">to experience something new; something <i>different</i>. So, go on, indulge in your curiosity and discover what the spirit of hostelling is all about; you won't be left disappointed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>2. Familiarise yourself with the surroundings.</i></b> Find out where (and when) people hang out. Feel the vibe of the place and allow yourself to gradually settle into your new home away from home. Try to stay visible, e.g. in the lobby or communal area. Travellers are a curious, inquisitive lot; at some point, someone <i>will</i> try to strike up a conversation. In more ways than once, being familiar with your new surroundings will go a long way towards helping you feel more at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><b style="font-style: italic;">3. Don't be a loner.</b> </span>But if you're one by nature, then you've come to the right place to hone your social skills! Ta</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">ke the initiative to mingle. Remember, people our age are, more often than not, the odd ones out in a hostel environment. But that doesn't mean we <i>are</i> indeed "odd", right?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most times it's pretty much up to us to make the move. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Hi, whereabouts are you from?"</i>, for instance, is usually</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> a good conversation starter. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">From there, proceed to talk about your homeland, the places you've been to or those you'd like to visit. Essentially, just go with the flow and you'll quickly find yourself engaged in an active conversation with someone interesting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Exercise diplomacy, however. Avoid questions like <i>"What do you do for a living?"</i> or <i>"Are you travelling alone?"</i> if such information aren't volunteered. Don't be superficial either; i</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">f you don't like the company, just find new ones. There's no need to force the issue because you'll definitely find more than a few like-minded people in a hostel environment to have a meaningful gab with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>4. Share, share and share.</i></b> Hostels are a bit like family communities; generosity and goodwill are unbounded here. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be generous with travel tips and share your travel experiences - both good and bad; such information is always welcome by travellers. Likewise, you might want to learn from them too. On this score, I can't emphasise enough how much </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> learnt over the years from travellers half my age. You'll be surprised how much noteworthy information they have to impart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If a fellow traveller asks for food, it's because he or she cannot afford his/her next meal; share yours if you can. If you've prepared, for instance, a large bowl of salad, invite everyone to take the plunge. After all, sharing is richly-rewarding, don't you think?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>5. Respect the house rules.</i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The vast majority of</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> hostels have strict rules with regards noise, smoking, late entry, etc. These are necessary to ensure everyone has a pleasant, hazard-free stay as well as a good night's sleep. Respect the rules in the same way you'll want others to respect your wish for a memorable hostel experience. Remember, respect works both ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">To most first-timers, a hostel stay can feel a bit strange at first; that's perfectly normal. Give it time, however, and I'm certain you'll find yourself quickly settling into the vibe of the place. The fact is, a</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> hostel experience grows on you, and it's really not hard at all to achieve this quickly; just be yourself, be genuine and respect your fellow travellers. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Of course k</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">nowing what <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagine_Dragons" target="_blank">Imagine Dragons</a></b> is - or rather, <i>who</i> they are - helps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Welcome, Sir, Madam, to the hostelling community.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>If you're an older traveller like me and have never stayed in a hostel before, do you now (after having read this post) feel more comfortable about booking your bed at one for your next holiday? Or if you remain unconvinced, please share with me your reservation(s) in the comment box below; I'll reply as soon as I can.</i></b> </span></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-76071676110265872252019-07-26T13:13:00.000+08:002020-04-25T20:05:02.545+08:00Chinese culture: Ancient Chinese proverbs<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Confucius, Lao Tzu and Meng Tzu (or Mencius); great minds of their time</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They were a brilliant lot, them ancient Chinese philosophers and thinkers. They had such beautiful minds, coming up with philosophical proverbs that have stood not only the test of time but also, more importantly, that of relevance. Amazingly, a millennium and a half later, their wise words continue to be quoted and dispensed as advice - even <i>embraced</i> as life or business philosophies by people all over the world today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With no air travel, no newspapers and no internet from which </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to gain exposure to the outside world, these wise men drew their inspiration from everyday things and events</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">; flora, fauna, fire, funerals, festivals, folklore, family, faith, fights, friends, foes.... pretty much everything actually.</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, the real beauty and significance of these old masters' p</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">hilosophies lie in the fact that they are relevant not only to the Chinese but also to everyone regardless<i> </i>of colour or creed. This bears testimony to their profound understanding of the ways of men, their habits and their traditions. I'm going to share with you now a few of these ancient proverbs</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">; no doubt you'll find some of them most interesting.... or probably even relevant to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1. Try to save a dead horse as if it were still alive.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dare to attempt the impossible for it may truly be possible. This proverb teaches people to keep trying and to not give up - and to <i>continue trying</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> even when you think absolute impossibility has been achieved.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>2. It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books.</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Practical experience is far more useful than theory. One might argue that by reading, he or she is able to travel ten million miles but reading isn't doing. </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Doing is experience,</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> and life is all about experience and growth.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>3. A friend made is a road paved, an enemy a wall built.</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A motivational proverb that encourages people to make friends instead of enemies. Friends are there to share your joys and sorrows; to help you in times of need - a road paved, signifying hope. Enemies, however, are invariably a liability; or the figurative brick wall.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>4. A family with an old person in it possesses a jewel.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those in their golden years have a better understanding of life. They are considered the repositories of tradition and wisdom as well as conservators of social mores. They are people of especial worth and are held in high regard amongst the Chinese who generally accord the elderly with due prestige and reverence. These are people who have reached that gentle decorum and dignity which testify to their ability to ride at anchor however stormy the weather. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A family with an old person in it is therefore considered fortunate to have such an anchor and rock - or a </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"jewel"</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - in the household.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A family with an old person in it possess a jewel - a rock and anchor</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>5. Think three times before you move.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One should always act only after due consideration. An act committed or a decision made in haste may result in a miscalculation, which in turn may lead to undesirable - or even dire - results. So remember; think thrice - not twice.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>6. A fox borrows the tiger's might.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is how the story goes. A fox caught by a tiger had an idea for survival. </span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">He led the tiger to a place where many other animals congregated. On seeing the approaching tiger, the animals scampered for their lives. The fox, however, managed to convince the tiger that it was <i>he</i> the animals feared and not the tiger. As a result, the tiger gave due respect to the fox and did not harm him. The proverb basically means relying on someone else's influence to intimidate, bully or manipulate others.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>A fox borrows the tiger's might</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>7. Add legs to the snake one has just painted.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This proverb essentially refers to the notion of doing something that is totally unnecessary (snakes don't need legs) and, in the process, spoil what one has already done well in the first place (the painting).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>8. Burn a forest to farm and drain a pond to fish.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isn't this exactly what we're doing to our planet now against the backdrop of this old proverbial warning? This proverb speaks of someone who is so desperate to achieve an end that he'll do <i>anything</i> to attain success regardless of the consequences or any peripheral damage his actions may cause.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>9. When the winds of change blow, some build walls while others build windmills.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When circumstances surrounding your life change, it is wiser to adapt to the changes than to remain static or stubbornly unresponsive - something you're likely to regret later. This proverb also encourages people to seize the opportunity when one comes a-knocking.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">And lastly, here's my favourite.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>10. Three monks have no water to drink.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One monk will shoulder two pails of water, two monks will share the load of one; but add a third and no one will want to fetch water. I</span><span style="font-size: large;">t essentially means that in a team, it is not unusual for members to mutually rely on the other(s) to do the work and, in the end, nothing gets done. This proverb teaches businesses how to allocate resources and employees' duties. Every employee must be told his or her specific tasks which they have to perform in order to achieve a common goal - in this case, water to drink.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Three monks, no water</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I've really only skimmed the surface here with these ten proverbs. The fact is, there are hundreds - possibly more - in existence. Although they were written by men with what I'd imagine to be fairly limited practical knowledge of the world outside of the Middle Kingdom, you'll nonetheless find that the proverbs pretty much apply squarely to every man, woman and child. Which makes me think how truly interesting it is for human behaviour and thinking to be so timeless, consistent and predictable across all cultures. Don't you agree?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Which of the above proverbs do you find most interesting? Did you find one or two of them relevant to you personally? </i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>If you have any Chinese proverbs you'd like to share, please post them in the "Post a Comment" box below; kindly include explanations, if possible.</i></b></span></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-41640342856680217702019-04-14T00:10:00.000+08:002020-04-22T12:45:38.669+08:00Local advice for first-time visitors to Malaysia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, you’ve decided on Malaysia as your next travel
destination. It’s a lovely country, it’s
inexpensive and, hey, this will be your first visit! <i>You can’t wait!</i> And, yeah, June's perfect, but so's July. And August. Or September. The truth is, Malaysia is the perfect year-round travel destination.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">There are plenty of Malaysia travel guides around of course but these will just try to sell you a country with little mentioned about how things really are on the ground, if at all. In fact, the authors are likely to be foreigners who have neither spent enough
time at a place nor understood its culture deeply enough to meaningfully impart what they've learnt in a typically expensive guidebook.
That’s where the locals come in - </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>people like me</i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here I'm not going to talk about</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> which tourist
hotspots you should visit; you'd have done your homework anyway. Instead, I’m going to share with
you some useful advice which I feel will go some way towards enriching your
Malaysian experience. Inevitably, these
will entail local etiquettes and mannerisms, personal safety precautions as
well as some travel tips. I hope you
find them useful - or at least informative.</span><br />
<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">1. WHAT
TO PACK.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As Malaysia literally sits bang on the
Equator, there are no four seasons here; it’s a perennial hot, humid
summer. By that, I mean a mean daytime
temperature of 30</span><span style="background: white; color: #545454; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">°</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">C. That’s year-round, mind you. As such, do pack more cotton clothes and
light tees. There’s no need for jackets
unless you intend to visit the highlands.
Of course, don’t forget to bring lots of sunscreen (SPF30 is fine) as
it’s extremely hot and sunny most days.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia's political hub just outside Kuala Lumpur</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>2. LOCAL
SENSITIVITIES.</i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of attire, if you intend to visit some of our architecturally-magnificent places of worship (and
despite this being a relatively liberal Muslim country), do observe the
appropriate dress codes and clothe yourself conservatively to avoid being
frowned upon. This applies especially to
women visiting mosques where a headscarf and non-revealing clothes are
considered respectful. Practise good,
sound judgment and you’ll be made very welcome, I promise you. Also, if you're invited to someone's home, remember to remove your shoes before entering; this is customary and, in so doing, reflects good etiquette on your part.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>3. OUT
AND ABOUT IN KUALA LUMPUR.</i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As far as possible, give taxis a miss. Cases
of dishonest or abusive cabbies, although not exactly rampant, are not unheard
of and tales of disgruntled, harassed or abused passengers do rear their ugly head
occasionally. So save yourself the
distress and use the city’s
inexpensive and efficient subway/rail transit networks or book yourself a <a href="https://www.grab.com/my/transport/car/" target="_blank"><b>Grab car</b></a> instead. Both will get you pretty much anywhere in the city.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Monorail, Kuala Lumpur</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Here's a little something on personal
safety</u>. Unfortunately, cases of snatch
thefts have been steadily on the rise in Kuala Lumpur (and to an extent, in
Johore in the south). Almost all
instances involve rogue motorcyclists coming up from behind unsuspecting
pedestrians and snatching their sling bags, handbags or even necklaces. Therefore always keep your bag close to you
and ensure you don't hold it on the side nearest to the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As expected in every major world city,
the two social ills which I’ve highlighted here are more rampant only in Kuala
Lumpur; I assure you it’s much, much safer in other parts of the country. Just exercise due vigilance and you’ll be
fine. So, go…. enjoy the vibrancy of
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s colourful capital city.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Shopping in Kuala Lumpur</i></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">4. SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP!</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
If there’s one common thing many visitors to Malaysia tell me,
it’s this - they wished they’d brought an extra suitcase or three for all the shopping they'd done. You see, Malaysia
(and Kuala Lumpur in particular) is a shopper’s paradise by virtue of the sheer
variety of brands available here as well as the favourable exchange rate of
most major currencies against the Malaysian Ringgit. So if you do come this way, repeat not their
“mistake”. Bring a few extra bags and
make allowance for excess baggage on your flight home!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>5. CHALLENGE
YOUR TASTE BUD.</i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Fact; </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.vincequek.com/search/label/Food" target="_blank"><b>Malaysia is a foodie’s haven</b></a>.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> And because the country is blessed with a
multiracial, multicultural populace, the more adventurous amongst you can expect to have a field day </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">every</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
day when it comes to food. Forget the
big American chain restaurants; instead, go for our wonderful street foods
which you'll have no problem finding all over the country. They're inexpensive,
delicious and above all, they give you - our guest - the chance to sample our
local delicacies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this respect, DO NOT leave Malaysia
without having first sampled “nasi lemak”, our undisputed national dish. This is a fragrant rice dish cooked in
coconut milk; with knotted "pandan" (screwpine) leaves and a stalk of
lemon grass thrown into the rice while steaming to lend it more aroma. Traditionally and in its most basic form,
nasi lemak is served wrapped in banana leaves, with fresh cucumber slices,
fried anchovies, roasted groundnuts, poached eggs and - best of all - some
spicy, chilli-based gravy (or "<i>sambal</i>"). <i>Super stuff!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nasi lemak</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although my country tends to make global political headlines from time to time for all the wrong reasons, visitors can expect
to have a most unforgettable vacation for all the right ones.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>T</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>here's just one small problem;</i> whilst my country makes for a great holiday destination, it will enchant you to the point where you</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">want
to come back again and again. And when you
do, remember what I said about sunscreen; this is possibly</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> the best piece of advice I can dispense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, welcome, all, to my beautiful country of Malaysia. Or as we say here,
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>“Selamat Datang ke Malaysia”</b></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. truly Asia.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Are you planning on visiting Malaysia for the first time anytime soon? If so, did you find this article useful? Or if you've been here before, how did you find your Malaysian experience? Would you come again?</span></i></b></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com0Malaysia4.210484 101.97576600000002-11.8789685 81.233578500000021 20.2999365 122.71795350000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-69330020678126496452018-11-03T08:09:00.000+08:002020-04-22T13:10:14.406+08:00Hostelling for older travellers: 5 common myths and misconceptions about youth hostels<div style="line-height: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;">FACT; as an alternative form of lodging, youth hostels today continue to come across as unappealing - <i>unsavoury</i> even<i> - </i>to<i> </i>many, if not most, travellers. This is especially true for those in their 40s and above. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;">Whether this is due to pride, a fear of the unknown, having watched one too many Hollywood slashers or plain close-mindedness, numerous fallacies have been unjustly spoken of hostels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;">M</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;">any still see them as dodgy dens for objectionable twenty-somethings who are perpetually either high on methamphetamine or inebriated from Jägerbombs. In reality, this couldn't</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;"> be further from the truth.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;"> In my 20 years of hostelling, not once have I had an unpleasant hostel experience. </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anywhere</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;">. <i>Oh</i>, and did I mention I'm 55?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plainly put, hostels are an inexpensive, decent and practical accommodation option. Yes, their rooms may be functional at best but, for nightly rates of up to 60% less than that of hotels, few can argue that they offer appreciably more mileage for your money, allowing you to travel longer </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">and</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">further.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So why then do so many travellers shun </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">hostels? Well, if you're among the uninitiated or the unconvinced (and more so if you're over 40), read on as I now tell you some common myths and untruths </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">about hostels which I hope will allay some of your more likely concerns.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>1. Hostels are for young or poor people; it's embarrassing to stay in one.</b></i> Oddly, this is probably the No. 1 misconception surrounding youth hostels today. <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The truth is,</span> these establishments have evolved from their advent as student accommodations into decent, affordable social havens for travellers of ALL ages. Whether you're 17 or 71, moneyed or otherwise are immaterial; here <i>anyone</i> looking for a budget-friendly and safe place to sleep in is welcome.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yours truly at the HI Youth Hostel in Zermatt, Switzerland</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hostels are simply a great way to save money while travelling. Discrimination has no place here; you'll neither be accorded VIP treatment by flashing your platinum card at check-in nor get turned away if you asked for food from someone at dinnertime. It's called the hostelling spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="line-height: 18pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">2. Hostels aren't safe.</span></i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Trust me, you're not going to get knifed <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">the </span>moment you step into a hostel. In fact, the vast majority of these properties have <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">modern security systems installed, a </span>24/7 reception and, in some cases, an after-hours curfew. Remember, hostel guests are simply<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> budget-minded travellers who</span> seek little more than a hot shower and a comfortable bed after a long day out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When sharing a dorm, you'll quickly find that people are usually respectful of your "space" as well as your belongings; after all, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;">they</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">o expect the same from you. Spend some time looking up reviews before actually booking your bed. This, plus sound judgment, should give you a notion of how safe or otherwise the place is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="line-height: 18pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">3. Hostels are noisy, rowdy and for party-types. </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yes,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> boisterous hostels do exist<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">especially</span> in major cities. <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The hub<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">b</span>ub</span>, however, is<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>almost always confined to the bar (if there's one at all), <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">but</span> even this is usually<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> lo<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">cated far from the rooms. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In truth, such h</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;">ostels are</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;"> f</span></span><span style="line-height: 18pt;">ew and far between and, just like anything else that <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">turns you off</span>, can easily<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> be</span> avoided<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>by <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">choosing, for instance,</span> a hostel that <i>doesn't</i> have an on-site watering hole.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;">My humble advice would be to <i>not</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> concern<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> yourself too much about rowdiness because </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">you'll find that the vast majority of hostels</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> have a warm, low-key vibe about them. If indeed such is your penchant, </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;">I recommend <a href="https://www.hihostels.com/" target="_blank">HI-affiliated hostels</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;"> as I find their overall environment </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18pt;">pleasantly quieter and more tranquil<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">. Furthermore, they all have strict rules against noise and late-night unruliness.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>However</i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>,</i> I must also add that</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> one of the advantages of staying in youth hostels is the opportunity to meet people from across the globe. The spirit of community - something you won't find in hotels - has always been the hallmark of the hostel experience; this, I feel, is important to one's personal growth as a citizen of our multicultural world. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not implying that you should blindly join the crowd or</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">hop on the party bandwagon, but being a loner in a hostel environment really is no different from depriving yourself of so many potentially enriching life experiences and opportunities. <i>Think about it</i>.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IcN-7pYNvyeVAFox-axhvxv2bV9oZup-wJql1hzbx9PUiWYzBOBr0suf1W99QCotdYNvk8AE9lu106vDArqTCv2uvKqORTyWqm9waUEZorpbFRivUAYTUtRoRXZXzL0DQXufIIleG2A/s1600/arg100e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IcN-7pYNvyeVAFox-axhvxv2bV9oZup-wJql1hzbx9PUiWYzBOBr0suf1W99QCotdYNvk8AE9lu106vDArqTCv2uvKqORTyWqm9waUEZorpbFRivUAYTUtRoRXZXzL0DQXufIIleG2A/s640/arg100e.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">That's me on the left bonding with chicos at HostelSuites Mendoza in Mendoza, Argentina</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4. Hostels are dirty.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Of course there are dirty hostels - just like there are dirty <i>hotels</i>. But it's biased to assume that just because hostels are a low-cost accommodation option, they are<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>invariably</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>dirty. You'll be su<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">rprised to <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">know that<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>the bedrooms, common areas and toilets of most properties are <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">regularly (and impeccably) housekept</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW851FebEMbp5HBRcRzlUEDFossRb8vq1K43tTmbm5-71vNgauCm8OmH-V1DFsymHR6zxJdVrNbdI44rlnJWeOOJm1Lg_wRA2MKBvhOcX2jpULO5RnkOetLupdRDTfqEly-OH0YaxvkYjF/s1600/hostel08-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="640" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW851FebEMbp5HBRcRzlUEDFossRb8vq1K43tTmbm5-71vNgauCm8OmH-V1DFsymHR6zxJdVrNbdI44rlnJWeOOJm1Lg_wRA2MKBvhOcX2jpULO5RnkOetLupdRDTfqEly-OH0YaxvkYjF/s640/hostel08-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>The spirit of community found in most hostels</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">As a guest, however, you too must play your part in ensuring the cleanliness of the place, especially that of the communal area(s). Remember this is a hostel we're talking about, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>hostels are <i>unique</i>. You'll experience a warm, laid-back atmosphere that's vastly different from the polished atmosphere of hotels. I've always said that hostels have <i>personality;</i> it's like hanging out at your bestie's.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">5. You have to share rooms.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll bet you didn't know most hostels offer private rooms. How about double rooms with private en-suite facilities? Well<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">,</span> the beauty with hostels is that you don't <i>have</i> to bunk in in shared dorms if you don't want to (or if your circumstances don't allow you to). A private room will of course cost more than a dorm bed but it's still substantially cheaper than a hotel room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: 18pt;">no</i>, it's not necessarily about bunk beds in small, crammed rooms when it comes to hostels these days. In fact, you'll be surprised how comfortable and spacious some private rooms can be. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just make sure you clearly specify your needs and preferences when making your reservation. Having said that, bear in mind what I mentioned earlier about the spirit of community in hostels, because the education and social exposure gained from bunking together with fellow travellers can be immensely enriching.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nvgmV8cAG8CQpOmQLwJbjTR3ttmagXsaE1Ymedyfc-5oJFuAtabgQq6KBdNyRSitT6f7O-hXnIVVJosqHt1vFZb9JhbQeDatIM62h0hp0AmZxajn4N5Ppl7nW9-gC1kVlWbJqbj-D-cf/s1600/hostel+rejkjavik-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="960" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nvgmV8cAG8CQpOmQLwJbjTR3ttmagXsaE1Ymedyfc-5oJFuAtabgQq6KBdNyRSitT6f7O-hXnIVVJosqHt1vFZb9JhbQeDatIM62h0hp0AmZxajn4N5Ppl7nW9-gC1kVlWbJqbj-D-cf/s640/hostel+rejkjavik-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Private room at Reykjavik Downtown HI Hostel</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hostelling truly is fun and if you've not tried it before, I strongly urge you to allow yourself the experience at least once. Greenhorns may understandably feel a bit out of place initially (as I did) but the unease quickly dissipates once they familiarise themselves with the environment or have a gab with other travellers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're unsure where to look for good hostels, look up </span><a href="http://www.hihostels.com/" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Hostelling International</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">; you'll definitely find something that suits your ta</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">stes and, of course, budget</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. But remember, as you normally would with hotels, do spend some time reading up guest reviews before committing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLCteBVuyf0BB_Ns5QVvUItjyBw6II6cZLlGMmJwzomAF1YoesR3oiYom7nbFY695qoyu5WG4iTfHx6RQEigxptYi1lqphy-Hg_n3xMBcEKSlvl-1WMDrAQ-8S2ppgz6z9W0zRFPkCmpT/s1600/hostel04-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="720" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLCteBVuyf0BB_Ns5QVvUItjyBw6II6cZLlGMmJwzomAF1YoesR3oiYom7nbFY695qoyu5WG4iTfHx6RQEigxptYi1lqphy-Hg_n3xMBcEKSlvl-1WMDrAQ-8S2ppgz6z9W0zRFPkCmpT/s640/hostel04-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A hostel experience goes </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">far</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> beyond cheap lodgings and barbecue nights. It's an inexpensive way to see the world and allows you to use the money which you'd have otherwise splashed on expensive hotel rooms on other activities such as sightseeing, food and getting around. More importantly, it builds bridges and teaches us about community and sharing. <b>A hostel experie</b></span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">nce</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> is both an educational</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> as well as a life experience; don't deprive yourself of either</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></b><br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Good luck and happy hostelling!</span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: helvetica, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">If you have a hostelling experience to share or any questions you'd like to ask about how to book hostel stays (or abo<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">ut </span>hostels in general), feel free to leave a line in the "Post a Comment" field below. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.</span></b></i></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-39431192597103407132018-10-05T13:57:00.000+08:002020-04-23T12:13:17.261+08:00How to Watch Your Brother Die: A narrative poem by Michael Lassell<div style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been awhile since I have, by any measure, been emotionally moved by literature - that is, until recently when I stumbled upon the narrative poem "How to Watch Your Brother Die" by American writer Michael Lassell which, despite all resistance, would prise the softer side of me wide open.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I first read the poem, I was <i>numbed</i> by the myriad of emotions expressed within. Love, pain, anger, fear, sadness, grief, confusion, hatred, regret, indignation, surprise, relief - all are so powerfully rendered in a series of seemingly casual <span style="line-height: 115%;">tête-à-têtes.</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you shall soon see, in "How to Watch Your Brother Die", Lassell captivatingly speaks of issues which sadly take place every day all around us - the immeasurable pain of losing a brother to whom you've not spoken in a long time, the untold agony a lover suffers when his partner is dying, the oft-unjust social prejudices your brother has had to endure in life </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">in death</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> even -</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> because of his sexual orientation, your coming to terms with his alternative lifestyle which, until now, you'd struggled to accept. More notably, it reminds us of how death often leaves loved ones with a host of unanswered questions and how these can potentially tear relationships apart. Here's the poem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 22px;"><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 22px;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">When the call somes, be calm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;">Say to your wife, "My brother is dying. I have to fly<br />
to California."<br />Try not to be shocked that he already looks like<br />
a cadaver.<br />
Say to the young man sitting by your brother's side,<br />
"I'm his brother."<br />
Try not to be shocked when the young man says,<br />
"I'm his lover. Thanks for coming."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br />
Listen to the doctor with a steel face on.<br />
Sign the necessary forms.<br />
Tell the doctor you will take care of everything.<br />
Wonder why doctors are so remote.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br />
Watch the lover's eyes as they stare into<br />
your brother's eyes as they stare into<br />
space.<br />
Wonder what they see there.<br />
Remember the time he was jealous and<br />
opened your eyebrow with a sharp stick.<br />
Forgive him out loud<br />
even if he can't<br />
understand you.<br />
Realize the scar will be<br />
all that's left of him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br />
Over coffee in the hospital cafeteria<br />
say to the lover, "You're an extremely good-looking<br />
young man."<br />
Hear him say,<br />
"I never thought I was good enough looking to<br />
deserve your brother."</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 22px;">"Watch the tears well up in his eyes. Say,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;">I'm sorry. I don't know what it means to be<br />
the lover of another man."<br />
Hear him say,<br />
"Its just like a wife, only the commitment is<br />
deeper because the odds against you are so much<br />
greater."<br />
Say nothing, but<br />
take his hand like a brother's.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 22px;">Drive to Mexico for unproven drugs that might</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;">help him live longer.<br />
Explain what they are to the border guard.<br />
Fill with rage when he informs you,<br />
"You can't bring those across."<br />
Begin to grow loud.<br />
Feel the lover's hand on your arm<br />
restraining you. See in the guard's eye<br />
how much a man can hate another man.<br />
Say to the lover, "How can you stand it?"<br />
Hear him say, "You get used to it."<br />
Think of one of your children getting used to<br />
another man's hatred.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 22px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 22px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Call your wife on the telephone. Tell her,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;">
"He hasn't much time.<br />
I'll be home soon." Before you hang up say,<br />
"How could anyone's commitment be deeper than<br />
a husband and a wife?" Hear her say,<br />
"Please. I don't want to know all the details."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br />
When he slips into an irrevocable coma,<br />
hold his lover in your arms while he sobs,<br />
no longer strong. Wonder how much longer<br />
you will be able to be strong.<br />
Feel how it feels to hold a man in your arms<br />
whose arms are used to holding men.<br />
Offer God anything to bring your brother back.<br />
Know you have nothing God could possibly want.<br />
Curse God, but do not<br />
abandon Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br />
Stare at the face of the funeral director<br />
when he tells you he will not<br />
embalm the body for fear of<br />
contamination. Let him see in your eyes<br />
how much a man can hate another man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br />
Stand beside a casket covered in flowers,<br />
white flowers. Say,<br />
"Thank you for coming," to each of seven hundred men<br />
who file past in tears, some of them<br />
holding hands. Know that your brother's life<br />
was not what you imagined. Overhear two<br />
mourners say, "I wonder who'll be next?" and<br />
"I don't care anymore,<br />
as long as it isn't you."</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 22PX;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 22PX;">Arrange to take an early flight home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;">
His lover will drive you to the airport.<br />
When your flight is announced say,<br />
awkwardly, "If I can do anything, please<br />
let me know." Do not flinch when he says,<br />
"Forgive yourself for not wanting to know him<br />
after he told you. He did."<br />
Stop and let it soak in. Say,<br />
"He forgave me, or he knew himself?"<br />
"Both," the lover will say, not knowing what else<br />
to do. Hold him like a brother while he<br />
kisses you on the cheek. Think that<br />
you haven't been kissed by a man since<br />
your father died. Think,<br />
"This is no moment to be strong."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 22PX;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
Fly first class and drink Scotch. Stroke<br />
your split eyebrow with a finger and<br />
think of your brother alive. Smile<br />
at the memory and think<br />
how your children will feel in your arms<br />
warm and friendly and without challenge.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 22PX;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 22PX;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">How do you find the poem? Were you moved by it?</span></i></b></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-90522130700601950522018-08-23T00:09:00.000+08:002020-04-25T19:59:51.836+08:00Carry on, Jo: Jo opens a coffee shop<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPx8JFSaa3XePeEWmmpu1TqUPcOegJECIFpqkTY3arTKDVxc3-qL0ozlnaUcLXGYfGOkkaFIGyDy6vfcjX3TCn-tOzcAxwjcAa4Cyh_7aIChCjlGtyAZGVFFvfELOvxe4FUaMuyPoEwBGX/s1600/jo01-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="294" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPx8JFSaa3XePeEWmmpu1TqUPcOegJECIFpqkTY3arTKDVxc3-qL0ozlnaUcLXGYfGOkkaFIGyDy6vfcjX3TCn-tOzcAxwjcAa4Cyh_7aIChCjlGtyAZGVFFvfELOvxe4FUaMuyPoEwBGX/s400/jo01-001.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>Owner's equity. Operating deficit. Operating cost. Overdue interest. Overdraft. Overstates. Overheads. Overruns.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Jo couldn't understand a thing Enna, his young, attractive niece cum bookkeeper, had just said. Neither can he fathom why she so steadfastly opines he'd be better off calling it a day. </span></span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">"Why on earth should I close my coffee shop when all my friends say it's the best in town?"</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">.</span><br />
<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">Pffft.... what the hell do accountants know about running a business?</i><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Despite secretly harbouring a perverse infatuation for his brother's eldest daughter since she attained puberty, Jo nonchalantly dismisses young Enna's advice, just as his buddies Wang and Dino, their wives and eight children file in - as usual, sharp at 3:00 p.m. every day bar Tuesdays and Fridays.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>"Come sit with me, my friends. Coffee's on me. Here, have some curry puffs. My treat", </i>Jo greets them aloud. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">Must look good.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Enna rolls her eyes in disbelief. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">My god, his business can't take anymore of this! </i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Exasperated, she gets up, dutifully (but hesitantly) bows to kiss her uncle's hand and excuses herself - graceful as always but otherwise angered by her uncle's dogged stubbornness. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">Can't he see they're taking advantage of his foolishness? I give up.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">It all started a year ago, shortly after <a href="http://www.vincequek.com/2017/09/carry-on-jo-jo-confronts-his-greatest.html#more" target="_blank"><b>Jo lost his job</b></a> at the company. In a last-ditch attempt to turn his fortunes around, he boldly gambled his last paycheck on the lottery draw which he went on to win. With what he maintains to this day to be his "hard-earned" money, Jo then decided to open a coffee shop and, in so doing, finally be his own boss. <i>At last, financial freedom</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">He didn't feel the need to over-think the matter; after all, coffee shops were prospering all around town. <i>I'll just pop in occasionally and let</i><i> my workers run the place. And when I've made enough money, I'll ask my brother for Enna's hand in marriage.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Although Jo's winnings would have lent extravagant capital for the venture, he very quickly splashed it all on an expensive new car, gold jewellery for his two wives - <i>that should stop them fighting for awhile - </i>and several luxury romantic escapades with the 14 year-old girl he's been secretly keeping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Not having enough funds left to start his coffee shop didn't worry Jo. After all, the government offers preferential loans for his kind. <i>It's a birthright</i>. With pride, Jo duly exercised this privilege and opened Rose Cafe - named after his under-aged playmate. <i>Lookin' good, Jo!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Seven months on, Jo finds things aren't exactly going according to plan. Rose</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"> Cafe is deep in the red, with repayments on his start-up loan</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"> now four months behind and</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"> a repossession notice issued on his flashy Audi coupe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-size: 23PX;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-size: 23PX;">For a long time, the till and stock-in-trade could not balance. To make matters worse, Rose Cafe has since become infamously synonymous with poor service; hiring a dozen culturally-lazy, parasitic relatives made sure of that. One</span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-size: 23PX;"> by one, they'd all left in a carefully-conspired exodus, leaving Jo with only a single employee, a mountain of debt and a total tie-down at the shop. In short, his dreams have hit rock-bottom.</span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">Where has all the money gone? Where's the freedom I'm supposed to be enjoying as Boss? </i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Sorrily simple-minded, under-educated and naturally lacking any business acumen, Jo is at a loss. For the first time since becoming Boss, he's feeling the heat - his pride dented but not so his determination to continue looking good. At all costs. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">My wives, my friends, Rose - more so Enna - mustn't know I'm broke.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-size: 23PX;">Unaware he'd rudely obtruded into his host's now-faraway thoughts, Wang abruptly startles Jo when he asks </span><span style="font-size: 23PX;">for another coffee - this time offering to pay for the beverage. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>"No, I'm not having it. You're all my guests",</i> insists Jo as he orders another round of coffee and curry puffs for everybody</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">. <i>Must look good.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">At that moment, however, a short, obviously displeased-looking man storms in. Immediately, Jo's face flushes deep scarlet, accentuating the acuteness of his chronic acne problem. <i>No, not now!</i> Hi</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">s heart misses several beats. It's Mr Ron, his landlord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>"</i></span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">You pay today?!</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">", Mr Ron bellows - hell-bent on not giving Jo any "face" in front of his customers this time. Some of the kids begin to cry. Jo hurriedly pulls his landlord to a corner and says something audible only to the latter - palms pressed together, as if pleading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>"Five months, Jo.... five! </i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>No last chance! Last week last chance! Pay now!". </i>Jo mutters something, obviously distressed.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">"I don't care</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">!</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"> Move everything out today!"</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">With that, Mr Ron storms out of his property as abruptly as he'd made his fiery entrance a few moments earlier - his face, as the Chinese say, black as charcoal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Jo suddenly feels nauseous. His knees buckle; he'd just been evicted for failing to pay the last five months' rent. In fairness, he'd</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"> seen this day coming but just hadn't been able to raise enough money to pay Mr Ron. Money</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">-wise, his generosity has always been towards Rose; she makes him happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span>
<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">What do I tell my friends? </i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Almost instantly, an idea comes to Jo and he dawdles back to them - face still flush from embarrassment. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">Get a grip, Jo. Must look good.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-size: 23PX;"><i>"My l-l-l-landlord just terminated my lease without notice because someone offered h-h-h-him higher rental for the shop. For sure he'll be he-he-he-hearing from my lawyer",</i> Jo stammers, clearly shaken by Mr Ron's aggression. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Obligingly, Wang and </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Dino acknowledge; they know what really happened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">Feeling awkward from the episode, they wish their host well and duly take their leave, but not before offering to pay for the coffee and food. Although Jo could do well with the extra cash, he declines. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-size: 23PX;">Must look good.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">After his friends have left, Jo realises Rose Cafe's time was up and decides to pay off </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">his sole, overworked worker - in kind. <br /><i>"Take whatever</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i> you want."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><i>What do I tell the family? What do I tell Rose? Or Enna?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">For the final time, Jo locks up shop, thanks his now ex-worker and slowly walks towards the car park. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">I'll think of something on the way home</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">As he approaches his car, Jo quickly notices one of its wheels had been clamped. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">The repo man</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">He lifts his head skywards, lets out a drawn-out sigh and, in an act of clueless defiance, curses the heavens.</span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;"> "What have I done to deserve this?! I was a rich man once!"</i><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;">He still doesn't get it - not even remotely so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span>
<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 23px;">I'll just tell everyone the car's being reupholstered and that the coffee shop will undergo upgrades from tomorrow; that should buy me some time. No one must know what happened. Not my wives, not Rose and definitely not Enna. MUST look good.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Disclaimer</u>: This short story seeks to highlight some of the potential pitfalls in the planning and operating of a coffee shop. No reference is made to nor intended towards any person or persons - either individually or collectively as a group or community. Names, characters, places and incidents are either of my imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual locales, establishments or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.</span></b></i></span></span><br />
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<i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>(The images contained herein do not belong to me and I do not take any form of
credit for them. They are for reference purposes only. If you feel that
any of these photos are your right, please let me know and I will take them
down immediately)</b></span></i></div>
Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-34451012257914819102018-01-14T22:31:00.000+08:002018-01-19T10:00:59.162+08:00Follow me on Instagram!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm a late starter, but since going on <a href="http://www.vincequek.com/search/label/%23BigBlogX%202014" target="_blank">my 11-day cultural exchange to Argentina</a> in the <a href="http://www.bigblogexchange.org/" target="_blank">Big Blog Exchange</a> a couple of years back, I've come to really appreciate Instagram as an alternative form of social media - so much so that it's now become my favoured way of sharing photographs taken on my travels as well as those shot every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So do follow me my Instagram profile and share it with your friends and family. Here's the link: <a href="http://instagram.com/i.need.a.dslr/">http://instagram.com/i.need.a.dslr/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many thanks to all.</span></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com0Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia5.8394439999999994 118.117172900000015.3311924999999993 117.46897940000001 6.3476954999999995 118.76536640000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-61450455259246893442017-09-14T00:31:00.000+08:002020-04-25T19:51:24.385+08:00Carry on, Jo: Jo confronts his greatest fear<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "cambria new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">Damn, </span></i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">Jo thought to himself.
<i>Why on earth can't they just do it the simple way? </i>He'd been dreading
this moment since the previous week. Yet this was a
necessary monthly ritual for Jo; something he<span class="apple-converted-space"> <i>must</i></span><i> </i>do in order to feed his family of ten - himself not included.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">For</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">years he's been telling the witch upstairs of his predicament; the morbid</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">fear he has had to endure each time he comes face-to-face with that... that... that... </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><i>beast -</i> the</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> same one</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> he's again about to face off against. In its den.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">But,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>no,</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the old witch just wouldn't budge. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>"It must be done this way",</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>she'd always retort. If it weren't for</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> his burdensome familial commitments, Jo would have quit </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">ages</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> ago and plied his janitorial trade elsewhere just so he needn't endure this enforced torment every month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">Jo's unease escalates. </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><i>The shorty who
works here isn't going to help me anymore; he's made that clear the
last time</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">With no one to turn to for help, Jo dare not step into the beast's den alone - much less <i>confront</i> what he fears could potentially prove to be his nemesis. But his children's school fees are past
due; so too the mortgage payments on his house that's been harbouring a
leaking roof since baby Mina - his unplanned eighth and youngest child -
was born a year ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;">Now, standing on the pavement - damp from the previous night's downpour - an unsettling mix of anxiety and desperation starts to creep through Jo, threatening to sap him of whatever little courage or composure he has left in him. He feels his knees
buckle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;">Out of nowhere, a myriad of emotions suddenly overwhelms Jo as flashbacks of Mrs Aalia and Mr Edi, his third grade language teachers at the elementary school from which he'd dropped out, hit him like a 22-wheeler doing ninety on ice. </span><i style="font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 22px;">Pay attention, Jo, for the sake of your own future!</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">But just as he was back then, Jo remains stubbornly unconvinced by his teachers' words. <i>I'm only 36, </i>he thought. <i>I have a house and, like Dad, two wives and eight kids. I'm superhuman! </i></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">A wry, derisive smile finds its way across his acne-scarred face, accentuating his thin d'Artagnan moustache.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">Somehow, dispelling the ghosts of his teachers in such quick and definitive fashion made Jo feel better, calmer. <i>I can do this,</i></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">he meekly convinces himself.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">Clinging to that tiny fragment of new-found belief, he pushes open the den's heavy door, steps in </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">and pauses momentarily. <i> It's freezing in here!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">From his soiled, grey overalls, he slowly retrieves the piece of black and yellow magic plastic which he'll need to accomplish his mission. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">Then from the corner of his eye, taking its usual place in that</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"> small, cold confine, Jo sees <i>it</i>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-family: cambria, serif;">Cyclops</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">Very apprehensively, he dawdles forward and stops two feet short of the beast. </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><i>Say something, dammit!</i></span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 22px;"> </i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">As usual, Cyclops stays mum. The only sound it makes is a dull, constant burr from its belly. <i>It must be hungry</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">W</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">hat Jo finds most disconcerting about the beast is the constantly-blinking symbols inside its huge, oblong-ish eye. From experience, h</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">e knows he can get Cyclops to obey if only he could make out what it's trying to say through that darned eye; he's seen Shorty do it many times before. Each time, however, the symbols - familiar yet alien - have proven to be beyond Jo's comprehension. Not knowing what to do next, he stands there</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> frozen, lonely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">A sense of foreboding - one of cold, stark realisation - overcomes Jo as he gets another flashback of Mrs Aalia and Mr Edi</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">. </span><i style="font-family: cambria, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 22px;">How right the both of you were. I'm sorry.</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> Realising he could never get Cyclops to obey, he gives up - e</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">xasperated, mission un-accomplished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;">Back at his workplace, Jo decides to confront Old Witch in Admin - determined to put an end to his monthly torment once and for all. Irate, he bellows, <i>"Listen Witch! Tell stupid Boss I want my salary </i></span><i style="font-family: cambria, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 22px;">paid in cash and not through the bank, or I quit! I'm not going anywhere near that bloody 'ATM' thing ever again!"</i><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;">Hearing</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> Jo's fiery outburst, "stupid Boss" steps out from his ivory tower. The entire office falls deathly silent as he obligingly tells</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> Old Witch to pay</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 22px;"> Jo - <i>in cash</i> - his employment severance payment. Jo needn't worry about having to use the automated teller machine again. <i>Ever</i>.</span><br />
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<i style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 22px;">(This dramatisation is, sadly, inspired by events and things I witness all too often in bank lobbies across this country)</span></i></i><i></i><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you phobic of cash machines? If so, why? Or if you've overcome that fear, please tell us how you did it.</span></i></b></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-4246537860764533522017-09-03T17:00:00.000+08:002018-11-03T21:18:03.833+08:003 must-see, must-visit places in New Zealand<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was recently revisiting some old photo albums </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">containing pictures from my last two holidays to New Zealand</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> when </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the thought of writing this post came to me. Specifically, I'd like to tell you about </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">three places in this majestic island nation which, in my opinion, truly warrant a visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each is beautiful in its own right; e</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">ach a gleaming jewel in the exquisite crown that is Aotearoa (or "Land of the Long White Cloud"). And w</span>hile they're hardly regarded as some of NZ's best-kept secrets, all three places are, shall I say, "less visited" compared to her other more well-known attractions such as </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Milford Sound or Tongariro National Park. Nonetheless, I p</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">ersonally</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> see them as must-visit, must-see places in NZ. Here are the three.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Russell is a leisurely (and scenic) 4-hour drive from Auckland</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Visitors to <a href="http://www.newzealand.com/int/northland/" target="_blank">NZ's Northland region</a> looking for a place to spend a quiet weekend or simply a day out really needn't look further than the lovely town of Russell in the Bay of Islands. NZ's first capital, the town </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large;">is today fondly referred to by the locals as <i>romantic</i> Russell... and for good reason; h</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large;">er rich history, old-world charm, modern facilities and easy access to many Northland attractions make the town the perfect base for a romantic sojourn or family getaway.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Beautiful Russell on the Bay of Islands, NZ</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Here t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">here are two small supermarkets, a bakery, some antique shops, a news agent and a couple of <i>really</i> good restaurants. My personal favourite - Sally's - serves everything from light snacks to lovely grilled sea bass to juicy steaks - all at reasonable prices.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time stands still in these parts; days are best spent cruising on the supremely scenic Bay of Islands or, if you're feeling adventurous, angling on the bay or trekking to nearby Cape Brett. In the evening, nothing beats watching the sunset over the harbour - cold beer in hand and partner by your side.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Strand, Russell's main street which is only 700m in length</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Russell is definitely worth a stopover if ever you find yourself in up north New Zealand. But instead of booking your room in touristy Paihia across the bay, lodge up in Russell instead; you'll find a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">ccommodation types for every budget here. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif; font-size: large;">Make an appointment with Russell; trust me, you won't regret it.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sunset over the Bay of Islands, NZ</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Anyone who's been to NZ's majestic South Island will <i>surely</i> have visited Queenstown, the country's top holiday destination - and, from there, Te Anau and Milford Sound; it's almost like a ritual.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Most, however, will not make (or rather, aren't aware of) the short road trip from Queenstown to the sleepy town of Glenorchy 46km to the north.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"> After all, this lovely alpine village is the country's #1 holiday destination with close to two million visitors each year. Our last visit there in June 2002 was our second; the first, in autumn two years prior. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">It was on this second occasion that Oi Len and I kinda ran outta things to do</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"> (despite the absolute </span><i style="font-family: 'HELVETICA', serif;">multitude</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"> of things to see and do here)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"> and I</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"> suggested we drive somewhere to see some "fresh" sights. As we've already been to Wanaka, Arrowtown and Cromwell, we decided to visit Glenorchy - a mere 46 km away - for a change.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were promptly warned by the receptionist with the goatee at our hostel. "Drive carefully, mate. <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">THE QUEENSTOWN-GLENORCHY ROAD</span></i></b> can get pretty twisty <i>and</i> precarious. There's not much to do in Glenorchy proper but the views are lovely all the way. Make sure your camera's loaded." Ooooo.... sounds interesting.</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The 46-km drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy hugs the shores of Lake Wakatipu</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">The road from Queenstown to Glenorchy is considered one of the "less-travelled" parts of New Zealand - at least where tourists are concerned. Tour guides in Queenstown will invariably take their clients to attractions like the A.J. Hackett Bungy at Kawarau Bridge or the jetboat ride on Shotover River or the leisurely cruise on beautiful Lake Wakatipu with optional barbecue lunch - but almost <i>never</i> to Glenorchy. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Which is a pity really for we found the 45-minute drive to be the most amazing we've ever experienced. <i>Anywhere.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The old steamer, TSS Earnslaw on beautiful Lake Wakatipu</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The road follows the eastern edge of Lake Wakatipu; affording spectacular views of The Remarkables which rise sharply and abruptly from the lake's western shores. The scenery is spectacular from the word "go". And although it does take a while to negotiate your way out of Queenstown (no thanks to the number of holiday accommodations sprawling up at the town's edges), <i>chill</i>. Round a few corners and you'll quickly find yourself in another world. Literally. Remote and pristine, this is where the views start to go from 'scenic' to 'breathtaking'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You can't drive fast on this road; but with scenery like this, what's the rush?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Despite the relative straightness of the lake's edges, the road circumventing it is a bit undulating with plenty of bends and turns. But it is the combination of these, the grand scenery and the enjoyable driving experience that made this road trip so firmly (and fondly) ingrained in my memory. The mountain and lake views change incessantly as new peaks unfold before you and perspectives change.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look familiar? That's coz blockbusters like Vertical Limit, The Last Samurai,</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Lord of the Rings and </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">The Chronicles </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">of Narnia were</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"> all shot in the vicinity</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Impossibly scenic, this drive is gorgeous any time of year. But as Oi Len and I were fortunate enough to experience in winter '06, the cooler months are probably best when snow decorates the surrounding peaks - especially in the morning before they're melted by the midday sun. But be put off <i>not</i> if the weather takes an abrupt turn (which happens regularly here). Again as we found out first-hand, the cloud effects can and do add dramatic atmosphere to the scenery. Ominous at times but beautiful nonetheless. And if you happen to be here on a clear sunny day, <i>lucky you!</i> - for this is when the blue of the lake and sky, the white of the snow and the green-brown of the mountainsides make for some truly stunning scenery. In short, whichever season you come, you will NOT be left short-changed as far as breathtaking panorama goes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The best spot to pull over mid-journey</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like I said, the entire drive is an easy 46 kilometres on sealed roads; so unless you're travelling to Glenorchy by bus, you'd be doing yourself (and your travel companions) grave injustice if you didn't pull over at some point to soak in the scenery and - while you're at it - fill your lungs with some pristine Otago fresh air.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwOP8gGqQov5D1EHgrtF50CNPm8bsiSiGe-1aupwv9yIxT3HEFxFat-pPdOrCxl6nRcLmycE2XBPctu5kbsKBLaqNdgaSJQlPKHdXfZIMoXrV5_RwAh6fsMdDxHW2POpsCxm1lVO_KkU/s1600/nz089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwOP8gGqQov5D1EHgrtF50CNPm8bsiSiGe-1aupwv9yIxT3HEFxFat-pPdOrCxl6nRcLmycE2XBPctu5kbsKBLaqNdgaSJQlPKHdXfZIMoXrV5_RwAh6fsMdDxHW2POpsCxm1lVO_KkU/s400/nz089.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>One of the many photo stops along the way</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Many consider the 121-km Milford Road further south the most scenic drive in New Zealand. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">I believe that's simply because they haven't yet travelled the</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"> Queenstown-Glenorchy road. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">I've (proudly) driven both and on this score, I beg to differ. Strongly. Personally, I think the latter <i>easily</i> takes the cake by virtue of her far superior panorama which so perfectly combines the beautiful Lake Wakatipu, grey-blue skies, snow-capped mountains and lush plains. And in a country abounding in scenic roads and stunning landscapes, that says a lot</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">. So am I saying this is <i>the</i> most scenic drive in the land? Having driven this and a great many Kiwi scenic routes, yes. Without doubt. Why do you think so many car adverts are filmed here?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The road hugs the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu all the way</i></span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'HELVETICA', serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">from Queenstown to Glenorchy</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Of the three places I'm introducing to you here, the next (and last) is probably the most well-known and hence, the most visited. Welcome to </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">CAPE REINGA</span><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">, NORTHLAND</span>.</b></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH89y2O7iZIjEsa-WwGy8DchqSdJ61LQXcLSJVS5fuhgLJnbAIKOTE3GcrUH-d5ZwuebV9hwuO511sBiUGuXLtPCJKpD2s6IUN1TW2qETkZMXVYw0rndp8hBlyqgMzgd050uMAAC_DrLQ/s1600/cape09.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH89y2O7iZIjEsa-WwGy8DchqSdJ61LQXcLSJVS5fuhgLJnbAIKOTE3GcrUH-d5ZwuebV9hwuO511sBiUGuXLtPCJKpD2s6IUN1TW2qETkZMXVYw0rndp8hBlyqgMzgd050uMAAC_DrLQ/s640/cape09.gif" width="432" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="border-width: 0px; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Map of the North Island with Cape Reinga at her northernmost tip</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="border-width: 0px; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">The name of the cape comes from its </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Māori name - "Te Rerenga Wairua" which literally translates into "the leaping-off place of spirits". T</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">he Māori believe that upon death, the spirit of the deceased travels to the sacred </span><i>pohutukawa</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"> tree which sits at the tip of Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island - as northerly as man can go in New Zealand without getting wet - and then slides down a root of the tree before leaping into the sea below. The spirit then emerges onto Ohaua - the highest tip of the Three Kings Islands some 55km yonder in the Tasman Sea - for a final farewell before rejoining his ancestors.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">C</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">ape Reinga, Northland, New Zealand</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cape Reinga is located about 100 km north of the nearest town of Kaitaia and marks the end of State Highway 1 which runs the entire length of New Zealand's two islands. Until 2010, the last 19km of this highway was unsealed gravel road. For this reason and due to her sheer distance from literally everything else, it would be a fallacy to say that <i>the majority</i> of visitors to New Zealand have come by. However, with the sealing of this stretch, Cape Reinga has seen a surge in the number of visitors which these days total about 120,000 a year. For better or for worse, this figure is likely to rise considerably with her improved accessibility by road.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOZe5U2D-0mnIFQW8JYF1588MOcDNmSo7r5TXvq6BWpXM5CBRwa0_-2CjlOWXagr4d_bSo57gTH7b3dFJWHXl-DuF0DTzJfwcQXb9btOitS9HPZKrHgFfkQOrD8M1dlMnHjPmq56iiaE/s1600/cape08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOZe5U2D-0mnIFQW8JYF1588MOcDNmSo7r5TXvq6BWpXM5CBRwa0_-2CjlOWXagr4d_bSo57gTH7b3dFJWHXl-DuF0DTzJfwcQXb9btOitS9HPZKrHgFfkQOrD8M1dlMnHjPmq56iiaE/s400/cape08.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">T</span></i><i style="font-family: 'HELVETICA', serif;">he famous lighthouse at the tip of Cape Reinga</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cape Reinga is lovely - it truly is. I've been asked before; what's there to see and do in Cape Reinga? Well, what's there to see is the meeting point of the Tasman Sea and the South Pacific Ocean. With this knowledge in mind, try standing near the edge of the cliff and you'll be overcome by this all-consuming feeling of sheer space and utter freedom; with strong winds pounding your eardrums and nothing but deep blue seas and open skies as far as the eye can see. Personally, my senses were overwhelmed as I stood there. I felt as if I could (and indeed <i>wanted</i> to) fly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;"><i>O</i></span><i style="font-family: 'HELVETICA', serif;">i Len and I at Cape Reinga (spring '06)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And what's there to do? Nothing. But that's the whole point. Come <i>not</i> for the sake of snapping a few I-was-at-Cape-Reinga pics and be on your way. Stay. Find your own quiet spot around the lighthouse. Sit. Shut your eyes. Have a moment of quiet contemplation. Refresh your senses. Nourish your soul. For you won't find a better place to do all these than at Cape Reinga. Trust me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CVaEzvfz7Km9TCrGcsLKOuV0oMz8VQIw37qYN30I5Yd3uOlGujeUEbbRsIe4QR4fEKncw5Uyze5vIz0aalK3YEbBrYlsHqYMbljiuvrGqc7kCJ9GYWloDutN9D6BOS4GS5ELykLZ0bM/s1600/Picture+915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><i style="font-family: 'HELVETICA', serif;">That's the Tasman Sea in the background</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since early-2007, Cape Reinga has been placed on the tentative list of UNESCO; waiting to receive World Heritage Site status. How deserved and apt, I say, when this finally happens because Cape Reinga is a place like no other. Open, beautiful and sacred, this was where I finally found peace with myself and with the world. And if you do come by one day, I pray you will too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So there you have it - three places in New Zealand I'm extremely fond of and which I feel everyone ought to visit at least once in their lifetime. All three are <i>slightly</i> off the tourist trail and most mainstream tours won't bother taking you there. But if you ever end up in Paihia (and chances are you will), hop across the harbour to Russell. Have lunch there. Hell, stay a night and enjoy her sunset and her supreme serenity. In the morning, drive or join a local tour to Cape Reinga. Allow an entire day for this outing; the cape is definitely worth your time. And while you're there, rediscover yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">Queenstown, South Island. Go ahead; enjoy all the thrills and spills this village has to offer. After that's done, rent a car, drive the Queenstown-Glenorchy route and let the breathtaking scenery take over your senses and your mood. And when you get home from your Kiwi sojourn, proudly tell your friends that you've just been to three of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. My personal favourite? It has to be Cape Reinga. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">I have asked Oi Len to take me here a</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , serif;">fter I'm gone; for I too want to take that leap to <i>Hawaiki</i> - the other side. This is my final wish.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a pleasant day, everyone.</span></div>
<br />Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com4New Zealand-40.900557 174.885971-53.186806 154.5832365 -28.614308 -164.81129449999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-29125058347987145082017-04-15T15:03:00.000+08:002018-11-03T21:12:23.082+08:00Malaysia to the world: 6 popular rice dishes in Malaysia<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Aaaaaah..... rice</i>. That little grain we Malaysians so love to consume (and are so consumed by). That little swamp grass seed without which many of us would become like zombies - clumsy, dysfunctional, anti-social. Like most Asians, we <i>thrive</i> on rice - or "nasi" (<i>nah-see</i>) as we say here. Personally, I can go no more than two days without rice</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> without becoming a walking dead myself - not a good thing especially when I travel to places where "real" rice is hard to come by (somehow risotto just doesn't do the job for me).</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So in this respect, I suppose it's just as well that I live in Malaysia where we're absolutely <i>spoilt</i> for choice when it comes to rice recipes. The fact is, Malaysia is a food haven especially where rice (and <a href="http://www.vincequek.com/2014/07/malaysia-to-world-6-popular-malaysian.html" target="_blank">noodles</a>) is concerned; her multicultural society made sure of that. Each ethnicity has its own rice specialties and, over time, these have become so ingrained in our dietary preferences that - bar <i>halal</i> and <i>non-halal</i> issues - we've come to truly enjoy each other's offerings. </span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Read on as I now walk you through some of Malaysians' favourite rice-based nom noms.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. NASI LEMAK.</b> With roots set in both Malay culture and cuisine, the term nasi lemak (pronounced <i>luh-mahk</i>) literally means "fatty rice" - or in this context, "rich" or "creamy" rice. Frequently taking centre stage at Malaysian food fairs abroad, nasi lemak is the undisputed national dish of Malaysia. It is a supremely-fragrant rice dish that's cooked in coconut milk with knotted <i>pandan</i> (screwpine) leaves and a stalk of lemon grass thrown into the rice while steaming to lend it aroma. In its most basic form, nasi lemak is served wrapped in banana leaves with fresh cucumber slices, fried anchovies, poached eggs, roasted groundnuts and generous amounts of spicy, chilli-based gravy (or <i>"sambal"</i>). As a more substantial meal, however, nasi lemak can also come with a variety of side dishes such as pickled vegetables, chicken, beef, shrimp or fish. A must-try for every visitor to Malaysia.</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'ARIAL neue', arial, ARIAL, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Despite its name, it is generally accepted that Hainanese chicken rice has its origins in Singapore instead of the southeastern Chinese island of Hainan. Essentially, this is a dish of delicately poached chicken infused with ginger and scallions. The rice is steamed using the soup from the poached chicken - usually with a knot of screwpine leaf thrown in for aroma. Properly made, the chicken should be tender and velvety, and the rice rich and fragrant. This dish is best enjoyed with soy sauce, ginger-based chilli and thick oyster sauce as condiments. Especially popular among the Chinese populace here, Hainanese chicken can easily be found as street food or at traditional Chinese eateries around the country.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EPqQok7OieB3vIoGnNxTk_ATQxDBPR61iljg32FREiV7NE_Qi_W6kUmne0YgHmWrUf1o7UZ4MIK4reFXEMNeR3IhHVC9Cjk7WBtHUo9sPBD5MoBSwIC9WK868AT5ZDTRamxjE7fLJQWt/s1600/nasi-hainan1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EPqQok7OieB3vIoGnNxTk_ATQxDBPR61iljg32FREiV7NE_Qi_W6kUmne0YgHmWrUf1o7UZ4MIK4reFXEMNeR3IhHVC9Cjk7WBtHUo9sPBD5MoBSwIC9WK868AT5ZDTRamxjE7fLJQWt/s640/nasi-hainan1a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>2. Hainanese chicken rice</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">3. NASI KANDAR.</span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;">This rice dish is popular in northern Malaysia, particularly in the island state and popular travel destination of Penang from where it originates. Nasi kandar (pronounced </span><i style="font-family: 'ARIAL neue', arial, ARIAL, sans-serif;">"kahn-dar"</i><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;">) is basically a meal of plain white rice served with curry and side dishes like fried chicken, squid, beef, mutton, fish and prawns. Vegetables such as eggplant, </span><i style="font-family: 'ARIAL neue', arial, ARIAL, sans-serif;">okra</i><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> (ladies' finger), tomato and bitter gourd are also popular accompaniments. Invariably, these are all served on a single plate with the curry sauce poured directly onto the rice - a bit like an all-in-one. Personally, I like mine with chicken </span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><u>and</u></span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> fish curry mixed in. <i>Heavenly</i>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. NASI BIRYANI</span> (pronouced <i>bee-ree-ya-nee</i>)<i style="font-weight: bold;">.</i> Nasi biryani - or <i>briyani </i>- is an incredibly fragrant rice dish where <i>basmati</i> rice is cooked together with a wealth of spices. These include ghee, cumin, mace, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, onions, white pepper, ginger, garlic, coriander and mint leaves. Believed to originate from Persia, nasi biryani by itself (and with a bit of curry added as gravy) makes for a truly wholesome meal. However, to spice things up, this rice is commonly consumed in Malaysia with curry and some side dishes (e.g. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">vegetables, eggs, fried fish or chicken, squid). Of the six recipes mentioned here, nasi biryani is my favourite; I love how the combined fragrance of all those spices awakens the taste bud and hits every one of the senses. Mind-blowing stuff.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>4. Nasi biryani</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">5. BANANA LEAF RICE.</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> To be honest, the consumption of banana leaf rice is more often than not enjoyed as an <i>experience</i> rather than for the food itself. A traditional</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> South Indian rice dish introduced by migrants in the 11th century, it's really all about <i>how</i> you</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> go about consuming all that wonderful food from a large peace of banana leaf....</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> without any cutlery.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a recipe <i>per se</i>, t</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">here's really nothing overly-unique about banana leaf rice; </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">it's typically white rice with an assortment of Indian dishes on the side (curry, chicken, fish, vegetables, etc.) and a piece or two of <i>papadom</i>. Portions are usually quite hefty and, to finish, could prove to be a bit of a challenge for the uninitiated - especially when (traditionally) you'll have neither fork nor spoon to perform the task with. Nonetheless, I urge all visitors to my country to give it a go if only for the experience. <i>Go wash your hands now</i>.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFci0khY5-C-jNB_ExtHDr2NZCC6VZPih1p5vUj38lU2SAGis_PfbgZhSc4F0M1e9mKkwui6DvIJfNSbBJf2OcLNPq-I7D251sJ_etMc38FbQkKdlwxY7FRJxJpBczxeb02Yn7bvPJMlCB/s1600/nasi-banana1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFci0khY5-C-jNB_ExtHDr2NZCC6VZPih1p5vUj38lU2SAGis_PfbgZhSc4F0M1e9mKkwui6DvIJfNSbBJf2OcLNPq-I7D251sJ_etMc38FbQkKdlwxY7FRJxJpBczxeb02Yn7bvPJMlCB/s640/nasi-banana1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>5. Banana leaf rice</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. CLAYPOT CHICKEN RICE.</span> This is a rice dish traditionally prepared by cooking rice in a claypot over a charcoal stove. For flavour, the rice is infused with chicken stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, salt and (sometimes) Chinese rice wine. Diced chicken, mushrooms, Chinese sausages and a bit of dried salted fish are then added in while the rice is cooking. Before serving, the rice is sometimes garnished with finely-chopped spring onions. Notwithstanding all that seasoning that goes into preparing the rice, it's really the slow, over-charcoal cooking bit that gives claypot chicken rice its distinctively aromatic (and unforgettable) flavour. Utterly delicious and one not to be missed if ever you're in the neighbourhood.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwKv7jGSw-TBChyphenhyphenhaGRxfz0l-KqBjVkUpEHH9x-7JaQHC2AEv07takH9OS0WbWMT_EyqjcFtP6Rq6387Uk1w-WECX42kw5kvZIQ66pFaQT9zME63A09ImBkanPPzNv4KIaY8umCY3t-1S/s1600/nasi-claypot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwKv7jGSw-TBChyphenhyphenhaGRxfz0l-KqBjVkUpEHH9x-7JaQHC2AEv07takH9OS0WbWMT_EyqjcFtP6Rq6387Uk1w-WECX42kw5kvZIQ66pFaQT9zME63A09ImBkanPPzNv4KIaY8umCY3t-1S/s640/nasi-claypot1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>6. Claypot chicken rice</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of the goodies here can be easily found at most traditional coffee shops and restaurants - not to mention open-air night markets - all over the country; just keep an eye out for the signages on display. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As far as prices go, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">expect to pay anything between USD0.50 for a basic packet of nasi lemak and USD2.50 for a serving of nasi biryani with everything on it. In major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu, however, they tend to cost more but only marginally so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you'll make time when you're in town to sample some, if not all, of the wonderful rice dishes I've mentioned here. They are inexpensive, truly delicious and will leave you with a lasting memory of the great (and "real") nasi you had in Malaysia.... truly Asia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Have you had any of the rice dishes above before? If so, did you like them? Do share with us your thoughts by leaving a line below.</i></b></span></div>
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Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-5972692400092292662016-08-21T20:00:00.000+08:002020-03-25T18:55:16.068+08:00Punctuality is the politeness of kings: Why punctuality matters<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I could never think
well of a man's intellectual or moral character if he was habitually
unfaithful to his appointments."</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>-
Nathaniel Emmons, American theologian (1745-1840)</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "perpetua" , serif;">*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was late for
work once. </span><i>Once;</i><span style="background-color: white;"> Monday, 13 June 1994. I remember it not because it was the day Exxon
was ordered to pay punitive damages for the Exxon Valdez oil spill. No, I remember it because it was the day we found my
old man sprawled unconscious on his bedroom floor. That was the day Dad suffered a
stroke and concussed himself as he collapsed. More notably, I remember it
because it was the day before he went away.... </span><i>for good. </i><span style="background-color: white;">And so after
10½ years of never having been late for work, that was how a blip finally found its way into my impeccable attendance record.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I take immense
pride in my punctuality (at least two acquaintances have described it as
"frightening") and vividly remember how my boss penned the single
word "<i>Exemplary</i>" under the column marked "Punctuality
& Commitment" on my annual appraisal form for 2001. And this meant a
lot to me; it showed recognition. More importantly, it showed appreciation<i> </i>of
something I'd striven incessantly to achieve. That is why I find it tragic that, in some cultures, punctuality isn't even expected<i> -</i> never
mind <i>observed</i> -<i> </i>and being late is deemed
"fashionable."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I do not hold in
high regard those who think it's "okay" to be routinely late. I think they
are undisciplined, indifferent and lack a genuine concern for others. In
short, I think they don't give a damn. I also equate habitual lateness with
rudeness. In fact, making others wait - or making others <i>also</i> late -
is rudeness (and selfishness) personified. In my younger days, I looked down on
people who were always late for school, for an appointment, for work or for a
meeting. And guess what? <i>I still do. </i>Fact is, lateness really bothers me, which is
why it drives me up the wall when someone is habitually <i>un</i>-punctual - be it family, friends,
associates or those on my wage bill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Punctuality is a
virtue, and like so many other virtues, it is one that's (tragically)
disappearing with each passing generation. Far too many people these days have lost that sense of urgency which once drove humankind to progress and
prosper. And that's probably why it's getting increasingly lonely for me (as
well as those who walk with me) here on Punctuality Street as our numbers continue to
dwindle. However, I'm slowly learning to come to terms with that loneliness in
the hope that, someday, tardiness won't bother me as much as it does now. Not
that I'll ever condone it - quite the opposite - but s</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">adly, in many
cultures today, the situation has come to a point where trying to fight (or even discourage) tardiness is a lost cause.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Closer to home (and
until such time that my ability to do so is hampered by sickness or physical
immobility), I <i>will</i> continue to strive to be punctual. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Why?</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Because I
believe that being punctual is being respectful. More importantly, I believe that
being punctual is </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">right</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">What do YOU think?</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Are you bothered by people who are habitually late? How do you handle them?</i></span></b></div>
Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914560597721704623.post-78409756009918225862016-05-11T23:31:00.001+08:002020-03-25T19:02:27.144+08:00Malaysia to the world: 7 popular Malaysian teatime fare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKBMJwQyBCzeO7P1bOJYj38x4P9KKDPzi74Uyxs-YwRVUJwj7zcKbu0en7Laag44hcs9MLizwsrZWfhEyjiQ0XTlSjnHowzUwduCHtoReBf9gA1STUq1SSlHXfds_06hZdXczgsP_JRZh/s1600/teatime2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKBMJwQyBCzeO7P1bOJYj38x4P9KKDPzi74Uyxs-YwRVUJwj7zcKbu0en7Laag44hcs9MLizwsrZWfhEyjiQ0XTlSjnHowzUwduCHtoReBf9gA1STUq1SSlHXfds_06hZdXczgsP_JRZh/s640/teatime2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Malaysia</i>. It's May and "summer" beckons, so to speak. Not that we'll ever have the luxury of experiencing the other three cooler seasons bar a cataclysmic polar shift, but because of the (usually) low rainfall, May through September is</span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> generally deemed the best time of year to visit this beautiful land. It is, however, also the hottest</span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - meaning if you're intent on being out and about under the perennially-angry equatorial sun for more than a couple of hours each day, you'll want to make sure you stay well-hydrated. <i>And fed</i></span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To this end, I urge you to take the opportunity if ever you're in the country to experience a traditional Malaysian teatime and sample some of our unique teatime fare.</span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Truth is, Malaysians love teatime. Typically enjoyed during mid-afternoon, it offers a brief breakaway from the daily grind to catch up with friends and workmates or simply to chill. </span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">More significantly, it's when we get to satisfy our post-lunch food cravings before the evening's main meal (yes, we Malaysians seemingly can't stop eating). Here, for the benefit of my foreign readers, </span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">are some of our favourite teatime eats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: 'ARIAL neue', arial, ARIAL, sans-serif;"><i>1. KAYA ON TOAST.</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> This is an extremely popular teatime snack among Malaysians. </span><i style="font-family: 'ARIAL neue', arial, ARIAL, sans-serif;">Kaya</i><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;">is essentially a sweet, creamy coconut spread made from coconut milk, eggs, sugar and flavoured using </span><i style="font-family: 'ARIAL neue', arial, ARIAL, sans-serif;">pandan</i><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;">(screwpine) leaves. Popular in Malaysia and Singapore, a well-made kaya spread sandwiched between warm toast - more so with a few thin slices of cold butter thrown in - truly is a recipe to die for, and tales of visitors getting hooked on this unique Malaysian offering are not unheard of. Best enjoyed with</span><span style="font-family: "arial neue" , "arial" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.vincequek.com/2013/08/coffee-series-part-3-malaysians.html" style="font-family: 'ARIAL neue', arial, ARIAL, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><i>"Kopi-O"</i> or black local coffee</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVyUhkfSKyf3PuRVjnq5qf2dVnGQCr4pIqwaq9vUNV6mB_lxnF3QHGaphUw5Hf6-0XFA7Oat27hHSKKeEj8AqS4oCgcc_BgKe6IxUmfjGoxlep7T8DnuKFYr7_16cMR-49WQByL3OgLhv/s1600/kuih01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVyUhkfSKyf3PuRVjnq5qf2dVnGQCr4pIqwaq9vUNV6mB_lxnF3QHGaphUw5Hf6-0XFA7Oat27hHSKKeEj8AqS4oCgcc_BgKe6IxUmfjGoxlep7T8DnuKFYr7_16cMR-49WQByL3OgLhv/s640/kuih01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Kaya on toast</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>2. CURRY PUFF.</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> This is a deep-fried puff pastry (not unlike the Spanish's </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">empanadas</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> with special curry-based fillings. The curry is usually thick and dry to prevent it from oozing out of the pastry shell. Especially popular as a light snack in Malay and Indian eateries, curry puff fillings come in many variations. These include vegetarian, egg, potato, chicken, sardine and even </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Paneer</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Sometimes spicy but rarely hot, curry puffs make for an excellent afternoon snack.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Curry puff</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>3. EGG TART</i></b> is essentially a custard tart consisting of a pastry crust filled with egg custard. The pastry of a perfectly-baked egg tart is flaky and aromatic, and the custard sweet and velvety soft. Immensely-popular in this part of the world (more so in the Far East), egg tarts are best enjoyed with a cup of hot milk tea or white coffee. Probably the lightest snack among the six mentioned here.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0boHkGM_mMhNaReYbOuSW_cXYj8HCY48ueSGVFeWAPac8ZwNc0c2Q_X0cmGzcYCI2ENb0Ass_FCpJSKG-FCZMq7yq_cBeC_vf_Cd3LgfREERMcJqLqE-eOorTPWDbvfgH5PsBsXG4kgG/s1600/kuih03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0boHkGM_mMhNaReYbOuSW_cXYj8HCY48ueSGVFeWAPac8ZwNc0c2Q_X0cmGzcYCI2ENb0Ass_FCpJSKG-FCZMq7yq_cBeC_vf_Cd3LgfREERMcJqLqE-eOorTPWDbvfgH5PsBsXG4kgG/s640/kuih03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Egg tart</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>4. KUIH LAPIS</i></b> [translation: cake (kuih) and layered (lapis), i.e. layered cake]. Despite its name, <i>kuih lapis</i> isn't exactly a "cake" <i>per se</i>. This is because the term</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">kuih</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> (pronounced </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"koo-ay"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">) is broadly used in Malaysia as a reference to any bite-sized cakes, cookies, dumplings or pastries. Kuih lapis is a rich, sweet steamed "cake" consisting of thin alternating layers made from rice flour, coconut milk, eggs, butter and sugar - each coloured with edible colouring and laboriously piled one on top of another. The rich and unmistakable taste of coconut makes kuih lapis a truly delicious Malaysian offering that will leave you wanting more. And more.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Kuih lapis</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">5. ONDE-ONDE</i> (pronounced <i>on-day-on-day</i>) This is a traditional Malaysian kuih made from glutinous rice flour shaped into bite-sized balls infused with <i>pandan</i> (screwpine) leaf juice and thick, concentrated palm sugar. These are then steamed and, before serving, rolled in with generous amounts of soft, steamed grated coconut. What makes onde-onde truly special (and some say <i>addictive</i>) is how the palm sugar within literally bursts into your mouth each time you take a bite, waking your taste bud like few other foods can. Definitely something every visitor to Malaysia must try before they leave.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnQGUGNZYlo2zdeBcmrz-ZOWumBAEeHz2UzwnEt1cfPOIRr5tEOG_uRf6dvBHsmk1eKgnFkrz-qETRag1UFO0AwQZM2SgZtH9Sr8Eo9HtQOH4Wxh-aU3vC58HkYA-mux8-oiymhufW8fq/s1600/kuih05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnQGUGNZYlo2zdeBcmrz-ZOWumBAEeHz2UzwnEt1cfPOIRr5tEOG_uRf6dvBHsmk1eKgnFkrz-qETRag1UFO0AwQZM2SgZtH9Sr8Eo9HtQOH4Wxh-aU3vC58HkYA-mux8-oiymhufW8fq/s640/kuih05.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Onde-onde</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">6. PEANUT PANCAKE.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> In it's most basic form, peanut pancake is a crisp, thin pancake generously filled with butter, roasted ground peanuts and creamy sweet corn. The pancake is then folded into a semicircle and cut into wedges before serving. Despite its popularity as a teatime snack, peanut pancake is also sometimes enjoyed as a dessert - especially in the evening. My personal favourite among the seven goodies mentioned here.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XFrwLh_LwI07fuyaid5Jpkv9hyphenhyphennekORiynxNaBNOt55m3-p73jZDU-SMiqVKITi1oR8pbhx-ZB9msyaIoOLa9ds_pKpn7mFCOmFXFYhAoxfRYgtsdQRflMcUwLe9ErgKFWE_-5cLiNSU/s1600/kuih1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XFrwLh_LwI07fuyaid5Jpkv9hyphenhyphennekORiynxNaBNOt55m3-p73jZDU-SMiqVKITi1oR8pbhx-ZB9msyaIoOLa9ds_pKpn7mFCOmFXFYhAoxfRYgtsdQRflMcUwLe9ErgKFWE_-5cLiNSU/s640/kuih1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Peanut pancake</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>7. PISANG GORENG.</i></b> Literally translating into "fried banana", pisang goreng is arguably the No. 1 teatime snack food in Malaysia - possibly even in South East Asia. Making them is easy; the banana is simply battered and deep-fried. That's it. Best enjoyed with piping hot black local coffee. Heavenly stuff.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kN7cBg80keI3gh6xc76CR2-RhJq2mn7pWAmOS0GhrqSMxtULir7uPvJY0p1asZ1KUJfiuoO26eAQcbp8s-TB7z_p62h-EMTGG-9_bpEie7oWGn0jwMLpWq0pfaryNAdC_rHkjt7hfGRg/s1600/kuih17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kN7cBg80keI3gh6xc76CR2-RhJq2mn7pWAmOS0GhrqSMxtULir7uPvJY0p1asZ1KUJfiuoO26eAQcbp8s-TB7z_p62h-EMTGG-9_bpEie7oWGn0jwMLpWq0pfaryNAdC_rHkjt7hfGRg/s640/kuih17.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of the teatime snacks I've mentioned here can easily be found at any of our many open-air night markets, street vendors or traditional, ceiling fan-type of coffee shops around the country. They're </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">inexpensive as well; prices range from only USD0.30 for four pieces of kuih lapis or pisang goreng to USD0.40 for one curry puff or peanut pancake. Malaysians love them, I love them and I've no doubt you will too. But, hey, don't take my word for it; come to Malaysia and find out for yourself how good they really are. <i>Bon appetit!</i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMPslcV4yWN0ZQFidGLawFfGOohFSw4NEsS6utqBSS4MageENfYCY5RPVFsBlwYexFVHchRamKY3oDVI3xie3Li24cytYOqLXqLVX2r4aK4SHyFAM42wa2UpFajd7fOKR5P0dTNJeaL2m/s1600/signature+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMPslcV4yWN0ZQFidGLawFfGOohFSw4NEsS6utqBSS4MageENfYCY5RPVFsBlwYexFVHchRamKY3oDVI3xie3Li24cytYOqLXqLVX2r4aK4SHyFAM42wa2UpFajd7fOKR5P0dTNJeaL2m/s1600/signature+for+blog.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Which of the teatime fare here do you think you'll like most? Or if you've been to Malaysia, have you tried any of them? Which was your favourite?</i></b></span></div>
Vincent Quekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565179171137746285noreply@blogger.com91