The Opening Of Doors + Thailand

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...

It suddenly occurred to me that when one door closed to me last semester, a dozen doors just opened ahead. I can now do things that I was initially restricting myself from doing. Things that I may not have done should the circumstances have manifested themselves otherwise. Things that I may have regretted not doing in time to come. I guess it always culminates to one's ability to see light in the utmost of situations. Often a difficult or arduous task, a time-dependent process.

Today I realised that there are people who read my blog, who are inspired by it. Not because I speak that which draws, but because there are many people who go through similar lessons in life, who cannot make sense of that which they are in, who eventually find solace in knowing that they are not alone. This is life, this is now.

PHUKET/KRABI

After a week of being on my own, I was already yearning the company of friends. Throughout the trip, Jelvin and Weiyang were awesome pals and I thoroughly enjoyed myself... Thanks guys!

Terrific natural sights, vast blue and green waters, magnificent formations would pretty much summarize that which there is to see. We visited off-shore islands on ferries, went canoeing, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. But of course, what is a trip without shopping and the all- famous Thai-massage. After surviving mostly on nuts and egg-tarts in Macau and HongKong, the company of awesome friends also brought with it food galore. I had people to dine with, so I had to eat and the food did not disappoint. Tried the different curries and each was tantalizing. The ambience of each and every restaurant was great too. Street food included special pan-cakes with bananas and PEANUT BUTTER- love at 1st sight.

School's going to start tomorrow. I feel funny cos there is nothing to push for, for once in my life. My GPA can't fall any lower because most of my modules will be arts modules. Neither can it be pulled any higher because of the previous semester. Yet I know I have to fulfill my responsibility towards my FYP professor to the best of my ability. Especially since my FYP professor was supposed to have no honours year student this year and he created more work for himself by accepting me.

I still am going to overload myself with modules. At the end of the day, I believe, the skills I acquire will be the ones that become the tools that empower me to serve the country well. Paper qualifications, I do not deny, will bring me some incentives. But then, what is

life without choices and challenges? :)

...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

ByE ByE HoNg KoNg, mY NeW FoUnD FrieNd :)

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...

I spent 4 nights it this city which I now choose to call the city of dreams. Whatever stereotypes of HongKongers I heard about were not nearly as justified as observed by me. People were amazingly nice. The moment I spoke in Mandarin, people smiled at me and gladly came to my aid. Yesterday, an auntie scolded a couple for occupying four seats and forced them to donate one seat to me at an eatery. During the New Year countdown, some HongKongers of nearly my age, offered me a drink and made friends with me, even though they barely knew a few words of English and I knew no Canto. Arms around my shoulder, we counted down together. With people like this around how can one not feel at home?

On day 1, I spent the entire day in Kowloon. Tremendous places to shop and dine at, but I shall not elaborate and bore. Day 2 was spent in the magical world that is Disneyland. The Disney-day came to an end with me amidst hundreds or even thousands of people, all at Victoria harbour- Making noise, ushering in the new year. On day 3, I explored some of the New Territories and Hong Kong Island. Today, I went back to Kowloon out of nostalgia for its people and am now at the airport.

HongKong's food is no disappointment. Everything I heard about the amazing dimsum is true. For some reason all food either melts in your mouth, or flows smoothly down the gullet. Such is the fine cuisine. I gorged on egg tarts every single day, smooth and creamy- the best ever. Dim Sum with Jenny was sheer delight. What more can I say? You have to eat it to believe it :)

Accommodation here was a hassle. Expensive and small. Imagine having to bathe with one foot in the sink and one foot in the toilet bowl. Such was almost the case. Looking back, the people and the food made up for every fault.

Next stop, Phuket with Weiyang and Jelvin. Goodbye, my new found friend... :)

Day 3, 4, 5, 6- Hong Kong- Epilogue:Blessed are thee...

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...

Coincidence of Divine Intervention?

Before I start writing anything about my HongKong experience, I want to share something. On my first day in HongKong, Patrick and Dean texted me- 'Loke, do you need me to pray for you with regards to anything' and to attend service on Sunday respectively. This sort of set my mind into reflection gear once again. While making my way through the city landscapes, numbing my legs out in a semi-jog throughout and freezing in the one thin jacket which I brought along I asked myself whether I was indeed feeling better, whether my priorities had been sorted out. Before the new year, I was still unsure. I was still feeling lost in the frenzy which surrounded my being. Then this morning, I had to travel to the New (Outer) territories of HongKong. Little did I know, the accomodation which I had booked 3 nights before, by sheer coincidence, is part of a Church. The building stands upon a hill called- High Rock. As, I entered the Church/Hostel, I could hear the sounds of hymms resounding (In Cantonese) amidst the various rooms. People who looked of my age or youger were sitting with their bibles all over, studying. Best of all, every single person smiled at me. The feeling was surreal. I entered the building and a small figurine stood before me- (Inscribed)- 'The Lord is my rock and my salvation'. Suddenly my whole world made sense.

I am not being evangelistic or prescribing that one should suscribe to a particular religion. But the idea that there has been what seems like divine intervention present my enter life commands observation. It suddenly occurred to me that as much as I have been a victim of circumstance for as long as I have known myself, my motivation has never dwindled, sustained. Through each calamity that has come my way, there has always been a silver lining. I am saying this not philosophically, but based on a multitude of experiences, given my family background and the circumstances from which I emerge. 'Just when you are told its the end, magic happens- I can name at least three such incidences'. People who know me well enough, will know. Today, regardless of where I stand, God has brought me to a place I never thought possible. Looking back at my accomplishments as little or much as they may be, I am indeed grateful.

Hence, the conclusion to this trip is that I'll continue working hard to the best of my ability with the aid of God. Work hard so that I only provide and never expect. I know I have gifts and I shouldn't drown myself in either self-pity, remorse or regret. I know I have the ability to build close relationships with almost everyone I meet, but may God grant me the drive to sustain these relationships and not let them falter in due time. After all, I always tell my friends- 'When I'm old and greying, I'll sit on my rocking chair in sweet satisfaction knowing that I contributed to my friends, my family, my country to the best of my ability'.

My epic beginning to the New Year... :)

...aNgeLs BroUghT mE HeRe...