Yeap, I back... blacker than ever... don't look like part of the community anymore really... Mum, Dad n BooBoo try to hide the look of terror on their faces as I approach the car. Yes, there's no point to being a fair damsel when you're an absolute bore once the surface has been scratched :P
What were the 9 days like? I'd like to challenge those whiny Amazing Race people to a duel as to who's the grooviest adventure seeker! Bah, LETS SEE EM TACKLE THE GUT WRENCHING STUNTS THAT I DID EH :P
IT WAS MIND BLOWING & ABSOLUTELY THRILLING!
AN EXPERIENCE YOU'D NEVER GAIN SITTING IN THY RABBIT HOLE WITH YOUR NOSE STUFFED INTO A BOOK/TELLY! I'VE MET SO MANY PEOPLE!
I'VE LEARNT SO VERY MUCH! CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE OH VERY MUCH! I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT :)
I am sooo screwed... the overnight train I've got to take is fully booked.... waaaaaa... nnnooooo.... nnaaahhheee.. iiilllaaaiii.... tttiiidddaaakkk.... mmmooouuu aaaaaaah...!!!
Having a FANTABULOUS TIME
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
ps: my winning smile got me the very last ticket in the economy class... all I have to say is 'THE BLOODY HORROR'... truly depressing in a 3rd world country-ish way... you'll see what I mean from the pictures later... all part of the experience!
Okay, so me and Porkchop head to Ikano because Porkchop's mum says to us that travel addicts anonymous says it gives the best bargain for currency exchange. There we were, two shopaholics, standing infront of the counter... the lady says to me... here's XXXXXXX Million Rupiah!
In seconds we'd gone from technically adult paupers to MILLIONAIRES!!! Now, being paranoid that we'd now become irresistible targets of bag snatchers... I swear nothing prepares you for it... there isn't a book one can read 'Millionaire Now? How to be cool'... We moved to the music of James Bond as we proceed in the fashion of your average local female spies to the nearest cafe's to recalculate the amount given.
Then Mindy whispers 'Pssst, Prem...there's a two seater behind.. puuurrrfect to calculate our $... at UNCLE LIM'S :)
The food here is really good... but unlike most kopitiams... Everything comes in huge...HUGE proportions for a girl that is... we'd usually take one dish, some bread and share. The roti bakar isn't as good as my favourite steamed bread at Pappa Rich but still fluffy and yummy. The coffee is so and so... the main dishes are really the attraction here, so far its been absolutely up to my high Malaysian standards.
ps: Wah, I'm so travel savvy... everyone's been calling me up with tips... I even went to BORDERS to read travel tips books :P
1. Mobile PDA with wireless + International Roaming + Digital Camera
2. International adapter (Get the worldwide compatible one)
3. Neon torchlight (For sunrise hiking...bah, big batteries so heavy)
4. Super anti-theft locks (bloody hell, dad says my bags so tiny, they'll just carry it anyway)
5. Winter clothes for volcano peak (you'd think you'd be steaming instead with it being a live volcano and all...I am sooo gonna have a Frodo Gollum destroys the ring in Mordor moment )
6. Tons of cute yoga/sweat pants (its so freaking uncomfortable climbing temples/hiking/plain walking for hours in jeans... and mini skirts/shorts are a tad bit disrespectful in a mainly Muslim country)
7. My stylish aviator sunglasses (Can you believe my dad used this pair when he traveled around SEA when he was my age)
8. Comfy flip flops + hiking sparkly Adidas sport shoes
10. Blankie (For overnight train rides...I always freeze to death...but catching the sunrise from my bed bunk is so worth the pain)
11. Chewy Bars + 3in1 vanilla tea + Tumbler ( bound to get hungry as you travel in such speed)
12. Credit Cards ( $$$ of course) + Passport
13. Maps + Detailed Itinerary + pdf of Historical *Beginnings of Buddism, Hinduism, Islam bits of stop spots (helps with the oooh aaaah...now I understand)
14. Books to read while on the move (I'm taking War & Peace...only 1/4 through now... I've already learnt so much...wee, I've finished 2 more Sophie Kinsella books)
I'm not going to Bali though... I don't think the beach allows for much mind broadening or life changing experiences... unless with a enormous group of friends its not worth the $ it costs... so common too :P I don't think I will shop in Bandung either, no way its better than Bangkok... will stop by for 2 days but just window shop... spent quite abit on all the adventurous stuff I want to do... super physical so no choice but to hire tour guides... God Bless I don't return looking like someone thats fled from a 3rd world country.
I'M READY FOR IT...BRING IT ON! WISH ME LUCK... I LEAVE TOMORROW!
SEE YOU IN 2 WEEKS!
pps: Funniest bit is mum gets me a traditional Ceylonese meal today as she mumbles... 'Go la... then you will appreciate your Amma & Appa... wash your own clothes... no chicken curry/popiah/sushi/coffee... no water... sleep in the train... suffer and come running back ' I say 'I survived 5 years of hostel life at university on my own didn't I... what's worse?' :P
I won't be here in Msia for XMas... so the Nathans head out to get our annual sparkly shots done!
ps: Why is it that all forms of self photography seem to involve what I call the 'GREMLIN LOOK'? I surf the net... blogs, facebook, messengers... they all look like gremlins! Its the tilt your head downwards, expand your eyes as wide as you can and smile a toothless smile in a desperate attempt to look as adorable as you can :)) Its like a virus... its everywhere... you can't tell one person from another...its creepy! To further prove my point...here I'll give it a go...I can't get the toothless part right :P
I went out to dinner in style... the Poopster was on his way...the Terminator picks me up with something new and shiny... Its been AAAAAGGGEEEESSS since we've all catched up. The constant sms-es... 'Aiya, tonight can't...meeting'.
Me and Terminator head on to the mamak shop of choice as we await the arrival of His Royal Poopness... I see this man walk towards our table... I scream with giggles... fit of giggles... from the tummy bursting out in packets of laughter...
I cocked my head to the side and went into fantasy land...Me, damsel in distress... in my super sparkly saree... screaming 'Heeelllppp!' as I run across the sawah padi, wind blowing through my luscious curls... La Mustachio pops out with his signature sarong...folds his sarong upwards, making it half its width, tucks it around his waist... Holds a parang screaming 'Deeei, I will save you!' as he twirls the ends of his mustache ...Comes bursting out swishing his parang on one hand and knocking out the bad men with his huge wooden stick with the other arm as he flies in the sky, sarong still intact in your typical Bollywood/Kollywood/Mollywood fashion...WHY YOU ASK ME... WHY...Observe...
ps: I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT TO TAKE A REAL SHOT OF ZE MUSTACHIO/COOKIE SWEEPER... he's always looked so boyish... seeing the mustache was a shock to my system. Don't kill me... I am just thy loyal publicist... most men aren't manly enough to even grow a mustache! See, now you're famous amongst the cool crowd too... I AM SO DEAD :P
pps: Okay, I know I'm risking sounding like a hypocrite but... now we hate creepy insane -ish men staring at us... but now what does one do when a super cutie *OMG very Bollywood-ish... gives you the eye in an LRT? I ride the KLCC route and there's always tons of yummy men in suits. Stare back and risk giggling like a school girl or play hard to get by Porkchop's technique 'Prem, look towards him but not at him... so he's confused but can't help looking at you' :))
Last time I was in Bangkok... all I could think was 'DagNamMit! Wish I had more time!'. I think extremely hunky because he's so gosh darn smart & savvy Dato' Fernandes HEARD MY PRAYERS!
Its fabulous for a poor travel addict with the ability to snag extremely cheap flights + hostels to snore in as I roam around with my backpack :)) Weee... we've decided to head through Northern Thailand from Bangkok- Lap Buri - Lampang - Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai and all in 6 days too!
I H.A.T.E... with deep contempt... utter disbelief... it happened again today just like every freaking time since I've sprouted boobies/booty... Why do creepy men think a sardine can like filled LRT gives you the green light to feel up women around you? I wiggle to another spot and you lot follow me? DON'T YOU HAVE MOTHERS/SISTERS?R.E.S.P.E.C.T!
I admit being part of the yummilicious woman members only club *I believe all confident women are...is fantabulous... life's just a lil sweeter...we get parking spots when the sign says FULL... 'oops this bag is too heavy, could you strong manly man carry it for me?' moments... extra stamps on our coffee cards... petrol poured for us... best seats in the house... the doors swing open for us... free chocolates... free food basically :))
I'm so sick of the fear of living in the city... being mugged/ whistled at/ honked at/ stared at/ stalked/ DID I MENTION STALKED AGAIN & AGAIN/the 'accidental' brush/ molested EVERY SINGLE DAY... till my wrinkles set in and I smile a glorious toothless smile... all my female friends experience some form of harrassment...I WANT TO BEAT THESE CREEPS UP WHEN THEY TAKE SHEER PLEASURE AT THE SIGHT OF MY OBVIOUS DISCOMFORT!
Then I hate the fact that I always feel invincible and it reminds me I can't really beat em up with my dainty manicured fingers *self defence class wanted! My male friends never... never understand... they don't get why women are just plain paranoid these days... better safe than sorry... WHAT? SHOULD I DRESS LIKE A NUN? SHOULD I MAKE MYSELF UGLY? SHOULD I NOT WEAR MY FAVOURITE NECKLACE? SHOULD I HAVE TO RUN? SHOULD I HAVE TO FEEL FEAR? IT'S YOU THAT'S GOT TO KEEP YOUR GRUBBY PAWS TO YOURSELF!
Life isn't a continuous hiphop video where women are all skanks and men are pimps... ONE DAY, I WILL TURN AROUND AND KICK YOU WHERE IT CERTAINLY WILL HURT!
“Adventure is a path. Real adventure - self-determined, self-motivated, often risky - forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind - and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” - Mark Jenkins
When travelling, be it overseas or just a short drive away... I believe that it should always be a learning experience. Avillion was chosen because of its beautiful colonial structure and immense marine sights.
The higher I climb in academics, the more I notice that a man's mind grows narrow in a narrow place. One must be proud to be Asian but by not exploring cultures of the world, we are incapable of creativity and imagination. Simple really, geeks swear by...the more data, the better the analysis... they just don't get it that it applies to life in general :P Next week...the temples & volcanos of INDONESIA!
Sir Snugglelot wants to tag along for the big bash but alas Dalmatians aren't tiny enough to allow pet smuggling :P
We head to Avillion Admiral Cove Resort in Port Dickson Malaysia... I have to admit, when it comes to hotels The Nathans *the seniors get a lil posh. Being a travel addict, I've learnt the art of hunting for fabulous hotspot. This place is PERFECT with a super duper capital P! Its affordable RM250~270 per night for the suite with a killer view. Fits four people too! Observe... gorgeous!
Wait till you get a taste of what the entire resort is like... a slice of marine heaven! Doesn't feel like same old Port Dickson does it :))
Been aaaaages since I've set my prissy toes into Vietnam Kitchen! I LOVE DINING HERE! Its a healthy yet absolutely yummy option. Everything is fresh and a powerhouse of spices! *OMG my grin is uber cheesy :P
They have these new set meals for prices between RM10~15 that include a slice of meat/fish, salad, pickled vegetables and iced tea. Affordable & a perfect balance to begin the day!
Yummy crispy shrimp salad with fresh mango and papaya
Rupster had the chicken marinated with spices served with sweet sour sauce
ps: Can ya see the red undertones on me curly hair? Bah humbug...where's the sun when you need it!
Those who know me... know that I'm an animated ....yeah yeah, an EXTREMELY animated person :P Thing is... attributes once used to define classy glamazon DIVAS... now seems to have shifted to the stereotypical GAY man... loud, fashionable, bimbotic, gossipy... have we seen the death of the vintage female divas?
Clearly my mum thinks so. Quote of the day as I had a scream fest with my parents defending my royal honour, my intelligent opinions with my usual high pitched squeals... Mum laughs her head off screaming 'You sound sooooo gay!' ... 'Stop watching so much TV!'. I love the Gay community and have always believed that my long lost BFF would be a gay man :)) We'd dress fierce and strut our stuff...bam baby...strike a pose!
So what is the Diva today? Divas are strong, independent, pro-active women who are listened to when they speak, loved for their fiery spirits and respected. They are comfortable in their own skins and perceive their lives as blessed, regardless of the external challenges they may face in mundane life.
Taking full advantage of the year end sales... Me and Rupster head to One Utama to get my hair recoloured, her hair highlighted... I was absolutely terrified of the possibility I'd end up leaping outta the salon with skanky hair... but all was well! A lil different tone this time...Naked to the eye until bowowchicabobow...I step into the sunlight... subtle caramel red... SIZZLE... LOVE IT!
Pontianak thoughts anyone? *Just to clear things up...that isn't me...muahahah!
ps: My hair was so black and thick *typical brown creature, they had to dye it twice :))
After the semester from hell... I certainly wasn't in the mood to begin on my thesis. The countdown of 6 months till submission begins...THEN ITS UNIVERSITY MALAYA BYE BYE! HELLO, THE UNKNOWN...Ask any engineer and they freeze at the thought of it...we were born to manipulate numbers not words...any excuse to get out of doing it.
Its got to be W.O.W... Its got to be mind boggling... Its got to say 'Yes, I have a brain and am absolutely capable of using it'... Its got to be good enough 'Pick me! Pick me!' to gain admission into the university of my choice. I never was satisfied with being 'normal'... never will be... to achieve the life I want to lead, free of the rat race and filled with new experiences I must achieve the target set. Thoughts still run through my head 'Am I smart enough?' , 'Will luck strike twice and another extremely pricey scholarship be awarded?', 'Is my passion for Electromagnetics big enough?'.
I guess I'll never know till I try...for the last time, I will be uncertain.The final step has come so soon... its been 7 years of engineering school already :)) I love discovering all things new... I love reading (yes, textbooks included...I'M NOT A FREAK) for leisure not exams :P
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
I'll see you at the finishing line :) Another 3 years to go *fingers crossed BEng. MEng. PhD.
Hell yes, I'm a proud Indian woman *yeah yeah Ceylonese technicalities have no room here... I LOVE SAREES... oh so sparkly, oh so shiny, oh so eye blinding!
Funny, we Nathans with our kampung being Klang and all don't usually go saree shopping there. We're more the Masjid India shopaholics. With tons of weddings around the corner, we decide to head to Klang and see whats new. Armed with our local Indian women mafia pack leader *you should see her bargain... the power, its scary, Aunty Suguna of The Guna clan...the entire Nathan team head to Little India to begin the impossible task of choosing 3 sarees!
KLANG HAS IMPROVED SOOO MUCH! I was so proud... they now carry a healthy variety from north and south India. It doesn't just cater to 'Rich Aunties' anymore *whopppiiee! I will definitely be returning to grab more but for now... beggars can't be choosers :P
ps: I've always been absolutely horrified at the fashion statements Indian men make... from the 'Hey shorty... we be black' falls off the bum hiphop jeans to the sarong like 'check check' shirts they all seem to think falls under formal wear *tsk tsk... Here's another classic... Lord, the horror! *teeheehee!
Major Giggles... I watched this adorable chick flick Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging from the director of Bend it like Beckham recently and dare I say that there were soooo many moments ripped right out of my girly diary :))
Its so cute... I LOVE BEING FEMALE!
Things I totally identified with were:
1. The obvious boy stalking mandatory for the average teenage girl... mine was weekends at One Utama all through high school! RADAR ON...Girls see stud muffin... Girls giggle... and giggle...and giggle...Girls debate who should approach boy....Girls fight and decide boy isn't worth it anyways :)) Sadly, in university the ratio of hunky to nerdy men were 1:1000!
2. Girly slumber parties where we dish on how pretend snogging with Boyzone/ Backstreet Boys/ 911/ BBMak/ Westlife/ Five's poster on the wall is just as good as the real thing *OMG...BOYZONE'S BACK!!! (I'm a rock star but me and Ronan go waaaaay back :P ) Squeals as we scrambled to dial Hitz FM's num to score free tickets to boyband concerts just so we stand between bushes to get glimpses of those pretty boys.
3. Of course the countless tribal councils we always have when one of us has a major crush... He likes me... He likes me not... He likes me... Plan A, B, C hatched to make boy come to us like bee to honey... Muahaha... Like OMG... What should I wear? Like OMG... What should I eat? Like OMG... Should I pay my share?
4. Sitting in circles at parties and sharing boy bible stories... WTH is 1st base? How to deal with sweaty palms when the occasion calls for hand holding... How to giggle at all jokes and marvel at boys enormous brain... How to shampoo, blow dry, flip hair for maximum effect... How to twirl skirt with fantastic kitten heels and not trip... The perfect lip gloss that isn't too icky.
5. The best part about being a girl is that your mates always have your back. If the opposite sex has been evil, you've always got ice cream and a shoulder to lean on. Need to bitch? They're always there screaming along telling you the man's an idiot, you're far too fabulous anyways and McSteamy/Dreamy/Hunky awaits you at the end of the rainbow.
I look back at it all and its all been well worth the ride... I've learnt that being a fabulous woman comes with certain power... today, being an adult *though I care not to acknowledge it... comes with so much caution and responsibilities. I marvel at how much the average adult worries about consequences. Those were simpler... GIGGLY-ER times :)
The person thats had to bear all the mental agony is clearly the 'man of the house' , Dad... he's always around the corner when we're busy squealing 'OMG blah blah is sooooo H.O.T!' . Dad pauses 'Who's temperature's H.O.T?' Me, Mum and Sis still double roll on the floor giggling :))
Before I begin... I'm done with the twilight series... verdict... nyah... mmmhhmmm... blurgh... I liked the first one but the rest went downhill from there... maybe I'm just a lil way past... fine, fine waaaaaaaaaaaay past the whole teenage romance phase :P Didn't like constant damsel in distress Bella *oh save me, hunky man from the big bad world..anyone else thought Edward and Bella's relationship is just a wee bit unhealthy bordering creepy? It doesn't deserve its Potter comparison one bit really...Thing is with Potter... its age friendly, far better written and has more to it than boy meets forbidden fruit human girl... and hell yes, I'm more of a Hermione than Bella!*Spank! Can't help lusting for Edward Cullen immensely though... blows hot steam off invisible Edward I picture adoring me with his signature crooked smile :))
I've been out and about constantly on an eating spree...BUT I'M SOOOOO LAZY TO EDIT EM PHOTOS!
Here's the first of lots to come :P
We headed down to Itallianies, The Gardens for lunch with a glamorous window side booth cos we're posh like that *The Ceylonese & Italians treasure food alike eh!
My verdict is... the spaghetti was scrumptious... the mozzarella and mushroom balls baked with bread crumbs was to DIE FOR! Service was extremely slow though due to the lunch crowd. Never go there alone because the portions are fit for at least two people. I went home a happy camper!
ps: I was wondering WTH? Everytime I log onto Facebook, another creepy man is trying to get me on his list... after reading that Kenny Sia does it too... I now know why! Oh saw this on PostSecret...sums up my future puuurrrfeeectly :))
Name: premmy Home: Malaysia About Me: My mama taught me that a woman is a combination of beauty and brains. I'm half super nerd, half bombshell wannabe! I believe in being passionate bout the things i do, never settling for second best, i know i can reach for the sky if i put my mind to it,not afraid of being myself,loving myself,believing in myself and speaking my mind.Dont have a problem with having a whole lotta bootyliciousness (most of the time :P)To sum it up....yeah baby, i'm all woman See my complete profile
WHAT I'M GROOVING MY BOOTY TO:
MIKA - WE ARE GOLDEN!U2 - MAGNIFICENTALPHABEAT - FASCINATION
PIXIE LOTT - BOYS & GIRLS
GLEE - SOMEBODY TO LOVE
BEYONCE - SINGLE LADIES
FEIST - MUSHABOOMTHE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS -
STANDING NEXT TO ME
LILY ALLEN - 22
When travelling, be it overseas or just a short drive away... 
Although I do like Marc Jacobs...Backward Heel
