poem: wordless symmetry

Sometimes I write poems, too.

My heart smiles, always, at you
Like a robot, you are, now, and before
In that metal robot heart of yours does it,
Can it love, I wonder
I wonder if it beats faster at the sound of my voice,
At the wordless symmetry we share when we see each other

Almost in a parallel universe we drift though meeting in short, but always sweet moments
I was hiding from the cruel realities of life when you gingerly picked me off the floor
Maybe you, here, me, us, is just a distant dream

But while I still can, I'll close my eyes and imagine
That the distance between our parallel universe can be bridged by more than feelings,
More than thoughts or words,
And I will smile, at you, always, in my heart.



And here's one I wrote a long time ago. Seems quite funny to read it aloud now!

Sunday, May 01, 2005
Reverie
::poem::

The serenity in borderland sends Sara into reverie-
Of newfound love beyond the bend, the wondrous roaming upon faraway lands
Transfixed, both were, by the intensity of a glance:
For a moment then, and hence thereafter
Love struck them, both him, and her.
Fresh, rosy apples plucked in Summer's breeze
With grassy smells and bushy trees
In spirit lulled with invisible joy
They traipsed, they leapt
Thro' the blissful glen
Of woody green
Sara loved so deep, and so true-
But she loved another, too.
One not as fun, nor as fair:
This marked the beginning of her despair.
Her beauteous eyes spied in dismay
Dark clouds that marred her happy days
In merry vale her love held true,
In borderland- she wished she knew.
Despite her joy and smiles untold
She wished one moment just to behold
The other's arms woven beneath her thighs,
The warmth and sparkle in the other's eyes
Knew then, as now, she had to choose
Sara wished - And so the tale goes;
She found herself without him or the other
Just happy by herself, over the border
From the faraway vale to the borderland
Her story was told, to those in love
Choose wisely now, lest you regret
A life of love, it may be sad
Happy dreams lie in reverie
Perhaps for you, more so for me.

Fringe - Alternate Reality

wordless symmetry in a parallel universe

I first heard the concept of a 'parallel universe' explained coherently in an episode of FRINGE. It did make sense to me, there is something else out there which we cannot explain. Of course it can be explained in christian terms - the spiritual and supernatural. But in some rare, rare occurrences, (both in christian spirituality and elsewhere), there is the meeting of the two. It could be just a preacher with such a powerful faith speaking some words of truth, which makes your knees go weak and your spirit just so sensitive to what God is speaking to you, and He does. How? You just can't explain it. What about? You can't explain it too, as words doesn't explain the full context... but subconsciously, YOU KNOW.

Suffice to say that God spoke to me about several things in the span of mere minutes, some of that, I will share with a select few and some of it I will keep it buried in my heart. I remember miracles from time past, the way I am aching for one now. I was reminded of certain things that gnawed deep within my soul. The faith or the X-factor that became the launching platform to this parallel universe was not lost to many, as so many around were also touched, weeping, shaking, confessing. The supernatural power floored me, I could barely stand up at one point.

Such happenings, where parallel universes join, is truly a unique one. Based on the decisions you make, the memories around you gets to be shaped. But the thing is, WHAT IF. What if... we had never made such decisions...one could argue that the future could be changed. But can it? One popular exposition of the theory is if we could go back in time and ensure Hitler wasn't born, thus not killing Jews, no World War, etc. But, as the story goes, when they traveled back into time there was another guy who rose up... and the same thing happened, albeit in a different sense. We all know that we can't do time travel. But we sure can make a lot of interesting decisions to shape our future. The more interesting thing perhaps is how and why.

If our friend here likes someone so badly, there's so many options, so many voices of reason, all of them which may or may not get him the girl and the love of a lifetime. Our friend may decide to talk to her for hours on the phone. But for girls like me, that's a turn-off. Maybe we can get bored easily without any visual stimulation. Our friend may decide to push her into making a decision. Surprise her! Girls like surprises, right? Well, it depends. There is a small but significant difference in sending flowers on Valentine's to her office and HAND-delivering flowers on Valentine's to her office. Once again, if you have decided to send her flowers, one which is too big will probably scare her off and too small, you will come across as a cheapo... and all this will fail, of course, if she is allergic to flowers!!!

I'm just saying, our friend should put more thought into the actions and the sub-actions he gallantly wants to show.

I'm just saying that sometimes, I too, do not know how to act when I like someone. All these thoughts also flood my mind. 'WHAT IF... ' What if...such decisions are not left up to me, and the future remains status quo. All I know for sure is that I'll be pretty miserable, inside. Well, I've always taken these good pieces of advice - 1. Let God and 2. Follow Your Heart. I hope our friend, and he, and me, and us, all don't care about what the rest of the nosy parkers have to say, and just do 1. and 2.

Watch the short youtube for explanation on parallel universes. For those with average IQ, don't even bother, you won't grasp it anyway. Just go and live out your simple, (self-absorbed) lives while the rest of us expand our brain matter with such timely, life-changing decisions.

it's such a hoot

I find photos of owls in mid-flight quite hilarious, don't you?
Met a guy who made me laugh inside, quite like the way this photo makes me feel.

maybe falling in love is all in the nose

Me and my girl-friends are having interesting conversations lately, sparked by the romantic interest of Mr Nice-Guy. I'm humbly surprised to know that they have drawn the same conclusions as me for certain 'moves' guys make or certain responses from the ladies. It's always fun to have a tete-a-tete about romance.

I think most ladies here are turned off by the same things: not godly (Oh God please send me a man of God being a commonly heard lament), being stingy, smelling bad, shorter than them, boring woodblock, lack of dress sense (By that I mean wearing faded home-clothes or pjs out in public, and not the usual garb of slipper+berm+polo), being too aggressive, or else lacking initiative, or too geeky, pushy and desperate vibes. Yes, vibes play a part of the intangible non-allure.

Also, some responses vary from the chap, if the chap hails from sg, malaysia, indonesia or further. In fact, malaysians (in general) seem to be more fun-loving (adventourous), but we cannot negate the effect of a humid singaporean airconless day on a fair maiden's visage, thus, though the option of dinner-and-a-movie-on-friday-evening seems trite, that is one of the more appealing options here... (plus there is little else we can do in that tight time frame, aye?) It seems that often our regional counterparts also love to foot the bill, a captivating trend that local chaps should indeed follow.

Anyway, one of my girlfriend and I have come to the conclusion that in the end.... it all depends on... the way he smells, to you. We admitted that certain guys should not take it so hard that they're in the 'friend-zone', just because, we cannot really envision ourselves spending 50 years with that kind of scent. "We must like the way he smells!", we proclaimed in unison.

So sniff him hard. (Or let her sniff you.)

As to the other question, 'how to make love stay?', I too, have no answers. We are all making our way there in due course, and some of us are ahead in that course of life.

Some interesting reads on the topic: 'Escaping the Friend Zone' http://www.askmen.com/dating/doclove_400/455_relationship_expert.html

'Choosing a long-term mate? Give them a good sniff!' http://www.mens-wellbeing.com/2009/09/choosing-a-long-term-mate-give-them-a-good-sniff.html

recent buys

recent buys by spiritedly featuring grey tops

quite an accurate depiction of the nice things I have in my wardrobe but always fail to wear them. well starting from this week, they will be brought 'out of the closet'!

unsolicited advice from a well-meaning alien

Some of us have been silently rooting for a friend who has been a friend to all, a nice-guy, someone who is always positive. It seems that he is in love.

And many of us want to help him 'succeed' in the relationship arena; just that many of us refrained from giving out well-meaning, unsolicited advice. In fact, all of us should ask for no-holds-barred opinion from an honest and caring 3rd party perspective, from time to time, all in the name of personal development. I promise to be brutally honest with you, as you are with me.

Especially so, when you like someone from Venus and you are from a distant, distant galaxy, you should ask Venutians' opinion rather that your same-pattern-alien friends. You may be resistant to such a path of thought but to be learning about the fairer sex bodes you well especially if you are hoping for a positive outcome, with less resistance to your unfathomable charms.

I have my doubts as always about his lady love, (due to the past track record), but was encouraged to see many dudes giving him the silent thumbs-up.

Well, no matter what others say, I think I just want him to follow his heart and see him crazy in love with someone for once.

And if I were to give more unsolicited advice, this is what I would say.

'When you see him, you can't stop smiling.
Your heart gives a leap of joy, and you know that in his eyes, you are the most beautiful, wonderful woman in the world.

There is that magic, a mutual understanding, shared thoughts, giggly feelings.
You'd know that he'd protect you from every harm.
You'd know that divorce is not a considerable option.
You'd know that despite what people say and think about you, he'll still foolishly and relentlessly support you.'

And that, my friend, is what a woman wants in a relationship. For more thoughts, don't hesitate to dial our numbers and jiojio us for tea (Your treat, of course...)

Best wishes from all of us!

the one, the one

Just thought this photo gives a cheery feel to a rainy Friday!

Am happy for a dear friend who have found love; a friend who has supported me through the recently trying times with both words of comfort and truth-talk time.

Through my weepy meanderings, little did I know that she was also suffering through the insensitivities' of others who have maligned her virtuous character. All I can say is that she has withstood more than half a year of mud-slinging and schadenfreude with magnamity. I can only hope that I show such kindness to people who otherwise don't treasure the value of a platonic friendship.

Hearing such news, I too wonder when my 'Eric' will appear. (His name is Eric right?) Heehee.
The next relationship will be my last, God-willing.

scrapbooking: DIY accordion album by envelopes

This is a little photo-album made from brown paper envelopes. It's my original creation though I'm sure there will be others out there!

I've always loved accordion folded albums and I decided to make this mini-one for a friend's birthday. Was quite hesitant to make things for guys as it's so limited to the stuff and color range you can use, but I must say I'm pretty, pleased with the outcome. Overall a simple project which took me 3 hours only, to make from scratch!

Color theme: Eggshell blue, newsprint, cream and highlights of yellow, copper. Quite into yellow these days!!!

Materials: 4 and a half small brown envelopes (the smallest size), lace, bobbles, wooden numbers, thicker alphabets, tags, blue diamantes.

Firstly stick two envelopes together by making a binding for the outside fold first then the inside.
I used about an inch thick of scrapbook paper folded into half. The same for next two envelopes. Then join both together.

I cut a half envelope to make a front opening so the front would look more interesting and also hide one of the tags that could only be seen when opened. Not all envelopes need to be covered, just the inside ones and the one on the back. I just chose scrap paper from previous projects which fit nicely as a theme of sorts. It's really off if I include a paper that just didn't fit in, so spent some time on that one.
First two pages. The space on top is designed to fit in a wallet size or card size photo. I really really like the polka dot paper with glitter! The color matches perfectly. Bought from The Art Republic at Velocity. In fact all the papers are bought there.
Last 2 pages. The long lace is to tie the front pages together.Total length of lace is about 1 yard.
The accordion pages come together nicely! I wanted to use all the same words but ran out of 'o's, anyways it looks better in different font style!
From the top view. I was quite glad that the binding paper I used did not seem too maidenly...despite the florals.
Using buttons for the last page. I used random neutral buttons with yellow and blue... started off with a cluster of yellow, blue, beige, at this top end, and then repeated the cluster.
Back view that matches the front exactly. A little lace element to hide the joining line.
I really enjoyed this project, spending a few hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Best of all, it uses up many of my scrap papers and envelopes from my last christmas project. I hope it will be loved and used!

Of thoughts hitting us from out of the blue

I find it really strange, sometimes, how the mind works.

All the time we have been filling our mind with the most mundane of thoughts.
Mine usually goes: 'What should I wear tomorrow, which bag should I carry, don't forget to buy contact lens, should I buy iced or hot coffee, alamak the next train is 6 minutes later, etc'... but sometimes your mind just gets stuck on one thing like a broken record or a song you fancy so much you can listen to it 20 times on auto replay and not get tired of it.

Sometimes the things that go through my mind never fails to amaze me. It's the revelation of how, suddenly, a little vignette of a past scenario that wants to go on replay in my mind. Or otherwise, a recent occurrence that cause you to stop in your tracks and start the thinking process.

I've recently taken on an 'isolationist policy' after some tiring and personally emotionally draining events. I don't want to look old, so I made sure I had adequate rest, beauty treatments, time-consuming hobbies like scrapbooking, and the like. But yesterday I ventured forth and was last seen alone, rereading a spiritual book which is part of a reading plan I aim to complete these months, hoping that no one would chance upon me for that sacred half hour.

Alas, an acquaintance wanted to sit near me and chat.

I was polite but I admit I did not really want to...share, so I turned many could-be sharing questions into jokes with an air of nonchalance. He along with 2 ladies came to sit around me, and asked me about my resolutions, sincerely. I tried to turn the conversation into something light by replying that I had 'plans' to go to post xmas sales... and indeed, the ladies launched into the topic with heart. But I felt bad as in the past I had always tremendously enjoyed chats with him. You could say that we were on the same page. So I sincerely asked him back about his resolution as I could tell he really wanted to share, with me. And he did, and we both exchanged smiles and kind words about our jobs and lives. As I left, I just felt touched by...the essence of a human spirit, a kindred spirit. He couldn't possibly have known about all the things that had happened, by all means we were just acquaintances. Yet just by a simple sharing my heart smiled at how a kind and sincere smile could make this day a special one.

How do I tell you or anyone about this little thing I treasure between friends and lovers, the way we can both connect over observing and coming to the same conclusions about the people in our lives, the way we can talk or write to each other about that, the innate curiosity we have towards certain things of interest, that enables our friendship to last through the years and pick up where we left it, the way other friendships can't? What is that little thing? A clique, a connection of the soul? I guess the simplest way of saying it would be that we're both on the same page.

Then I realize I value this little, insignificant thing so so much. And I hope I make wise enough decisions not to ruin any treasured friendships I already have.

Of babies, terrorists on boxing day and our inner poet

Recent happenings...
I got my 20th passport stamp for Malaysia. Means I'm more "pendatang asing" (in a positive connotation please) than any of my... Singaporean counterparts.
On Boxing Day around midnight, Ches and I met a 'terrorist'.
I never knew I could be a singing musical box to a baby.

Actually I think the words to my nursery rhyme tunes are all salah!!! (Or else it JUST doesn't make sense. IE Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder WHAT you are? I mean, it's a star right? I really pondered long moments on that...baffling. Anyways.)

And... well, it's splendid to spend Christmas in Melaka again.

I discovered Baby S looks a lot like... ME! (At the same age...)

At 8 months, she looks like me when I was one year old. Okay I look MORE like a boy but...I really feel she looks like the one year old me.
Here's a photo for comparison.

My arms and thighs are chunkier... but overall I'd say Baby S has the same 'skintone' as me, she is the exact SAME fair shade as me!!! Confirm chop chop. Means she will probably be as fair as me, grown-up, and the thick (red) lips too! Hee. She should go for some baby competition (like ME!) when she turns one because the super-fair, plump look is a sure winner in baby contests!

See, my arms looks like bamboo... and Baby S looks positively thin, compared to me!!!
Yes...I'm surrounded by baby contest prizes. Retro Pampers. Mom told me I got 4th prize out of 5 prizes given out and there were hundreds of babies who took part. So I'm confident Baby S can be a winner too!!!

==

I had an unexpected cheery meetup with Ches on boxing-night. He was always away for Christmas but thanks to J's due diligence, we managed to meet on the last night I was in Melaka.

To me it's awesome to have that kind of friendship we have, to sit in utter silence and read books together and go on long midnight car drives on long windy roads. Sounds boring to most but the serenity and the company goes a long way in keeping me sane. So after we disbanded from the group we went on a nice long car ride. Ches seems different in Melaka, a not so melancholy-and -serious version. He even cracked jokes, spouted poetry (!!!!!) and ran to open the car door for me! Buay tahan. Yes it's true! He suddenly said Larry King's words which was a poem written, something like a tribute for/to those wives left behind by dead husbands. In the car, he suddenly said... 'your tears build a staircase into heaven where we will meet again something something'... literally took my breath away... it's like totally unexpected coming from the serious Ches I've known all these years. I managed to find the entire poem when I got back yesterday. Hee.

And I thought I had already been driven to all parts of Melakatown but he somehow managed to bring me to some Taman I had never seen before and a place like botanic gardens, it had black-and-white colonial houses in huge grounds and presumbably lived-in by the ministers of state or some important person.

On our way back to Baby S's place, we had to U-turn at the junction where the traffic lights had a really long wait. The road was deserted as all the cars were waiting at the lights behind the u-turn...so it was only our one car. We can't believe what we saw next! In the MIDDLE of the road, a man was standing there, dressed all in black and carrying a BIG black bag and he was waving his arms at us... unheeded, we just drove on... but, he FLUNG himself in front of our bumper to stop us! I think at that moment it was just...sheer panic, you can't imagine our horror! Ches quickly locked the doors and the terrorist/drunk/madman wanted to try to open the doors... we reversed to where we had U-turned, and he just bounded towards us! Seeing a terrorist-looking man and the crazed look on his face, running towards you is NO JOKE... we both turned pale and quiet (or at least me) and waited along the side of the road until the cars at the traffic light were ready to go. We saw a few motorbikes being accosted by the man too, and he also flung himself at them, almost swerving one... We just waited for a car to drive parallel with us, in that sense both cars were protecting each other. Whew... I'm just thankful we were both okay because in my morbid mind I can just imagine the man flinging his bag, breaking the windows and 'Shards of glass and shrapnel of unknown matter were found in the victims phalanges' ala Bones style... he was really only inches from our faces and his crazed face still burns in my memory! I can still remember me blabbering 'What's he trying to do? What's he trying to do?' And Ches blabbering, 'Make sure the doors are all locked...wait for the cars...go together...GO TOGETHER!' in panic...

We are also blessed that night that Ches took his solid black SUV car out rather than the jangly, springy kelisa which I'm sure could not reverse in such a quick way and also the door could be easily pried open... so, yes, it was a scary incident, I hope a one-off thing.

If Tears Could Build A Stairway

Author: Unknown

If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane.
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say "Goodbye".
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.

My heart still aches with sadness,
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to love you -
No one can ever know.

But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
To remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.

Since you'll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today~
A hollowed place within my heart
is where you'll always stay.

scrapbooking: the red envelope holder

I'm just back from lovely holidays in Malaysia and having the 20th stamp on my passport makes me... more Malaysian than other Singaporeans? I can't even remember how many times I'd been to Melaka this year (I think 4?) and well... let me save my thoughts on that for the next post.

Well, I did this semi-scrapbooking project quite a while back in mid-Dec. So here it is, two red envelope-holders, project. I think the red color was perfect, it was well-made, solid... and found at under $10! I must say that I do find most scrapbook materials rather pricey here, so anything below $10 is like... incredible!

Back view... Stuck on the gingham ribbon and then the bobbles below it. Just a simple design.
Originally...

Closeup of the foam words. I really like the font and color of these words, most materials are found at 'Made with Love'.
I used a prima flower, a floral pebble sticker, and a chipboard heart. The heart was originally white, used ink stamp to stamp on the color and the diamantes from those handphone shop diamantes. I did the same for the lock chipboard, just that the paint was using tattered angels glimmer glam.
Arranging 3 items looks just about right!


So here it is, both envelope-holders. A simple project anyone can do! The most time consuming part for me was measuring the straightness of the gingham ribbon, I can't do anything straight!

I wanted to put a random word which also fits in the space, so I named it after my rabbit. And the other one, 'mine' will be a gift for my bestie who is coming down to spend the next two weeks or so in sg.
I know christmas is over but just wanted to show the simple card I did using all recycled pdts. Black a4 paper, transparency (the days of using OHP in school!) and gold glitter inside. I used sis' script stamp pad for the words background, and a uniball white pen to draw dotted lines and the words, snowman, holly. Quite pleased that I used recycled materials cuz that's what handmade stuff and scrapping is all about!

Pearl of The Orient : first time to Penang

Each time someone asks me where I would like to go in Malaysia, I would always say, 'Penang!'

For a really long time, I've always wanted to go there, however, I'd always end up going to Melaka instead. So, finally, my long-awaited wish is fulfiled. I think Penang is fabulous... the people are all decently dressed and jolly (Every Uncle is smiling to himself), they are all good looking, the local Chinese are rather fair and tall and not a fat one in sight... I really wonder why they are so fair, is it the mountain air or the water?

I'm so glad that Penang has not lost its charm and not too glitzy or gaudy or overcrowded, the way some parts of Melaka is becoming and the way Singapore has become. Penang reminds me of the Melaka 5 years ago where the locals used to give me rides when I looked lost or protected me from strange bad people, and the foreigners are all cool people who bicycled their way here or were backpacking throughout SEAsia. Well, I like Penang a lot and I'm grateful for cheap flights compared to a few years ago where we couldn't even fly to KL to transit. So... hope to visit again soon!

Departing Flight: AirAsia, SG to KL (ak 720), KL to PEN.

Chose to go to KL as the flights KL- PEN is almost every hour and about 5 times a day.

Compared to SG - PEN direct, it's only twice a day very early in the morning or else 11pm! at night, not worth it. As I took SG- KL - MEL before, I was quite sure that SG leg would takeoff on time and even reach KL earlier, 10 minutes earlier so booked for the immediately one-hour later flight to Penang. Had to run a bit, in fact was sprinting through the LCC airport...lol...very confusing design...but better than waiting at the airport for one hour!

Came back via PEN- JB. Both sides delayed a bit, ended up walking out of Senai 20 minutes later. Senai's retrofitted now and looks like SG airport.

The weighing scale at Penang airport... lagi best! Sure accurate.

Booked hotel and transfer via airasiago. Was quite ...apprehensive as there wasn't any email confirmation, however, the transfer did arrive early and everything was quite smooth. Ain't recommending the hotel as I found my stuff misplaced - ie, contact lens case was emptied (one side!) and a magazine I had bought (Malaysian Women's Weekly) disappeared. Quite scary considering it is one of the pricier and better hotels along the stretch!

Room toilet...nice lighting makes me look like a million bucks after the flights...

Mushroom had a bed to himself and a lovely tan as well.

FOOD

I only had a Lonely Planet to guide me and was told every foodstall was quite decent. So whenever I saw a crowd/queue I just went to taste the food. Of course, I had to try Assam Laksa, Cendul, CharKoayteow. I think the Cendul is nicer than Melaka's one. Sorry to all my Melakan friends....But. the nutty flavor from the generous heap of beans, and very fresh coconut taste wins it hands down for me...

Saw Singaporean looking people standing outside and slurping bowls of cendul...so joined them.

Cendul is RM2.30

Laksa RM3... I love it. Dad ate the assam laksa for 3 days in a row...
Full house wor!

CharKoayTeow RM5...about 3 or 4 juicy huge prawns inside!
Very nostalgic! This is how Chomp chomp used to look like 15-20 years ago! With the kind of signboards and all...of course Gurney Drive is 10 or 20 times bigger.
I like lok-lok... everything just tastes fresh and delicious and the rojak... I could eat it everyday!!!

There are several types of rojak there, the one we are used to with youtiao, turnip, pineapple, a cuttlefish and kangkong one, and a fruit one with water apples and mostly fruits. All are yummy!

Rest of the food ranges from RM3 - 6 except for the cuttlefish rojak RM10 - 15 depending on the amount. Also for Pasembur if you choose crabs I think the price shoots up to RM 30+. Most foods are decently priced but also in small-er portions than what we are used to back home. Nasi Kandar.
There were huge seafood (really huge!) just at the corner of the hotel, many locals and tourists eating, also small and crowded foodcourt-like places on the long walk to Gurney Drive.

Prawn pincer thingy is larger than my index finger....
Geoducks all the way from Canada.

The kopi shop cup is exquisite! It makes sipping tea a different experience, I'm admiring the cup the whole time... love the culture of beauty over utility... where can I buy such a cup?

SIGHTS

The weather was really nice, quite cooling and less humid than Singapore although it was blazingly hot on some days. I did get a little tanned from walking outside. At night it's really quite cold walking by Gurney Drive and I noticed I'm the only one wearing shorts... brrr.

Went to Spice Garden (which was much nicer than it sounds), Toy Museum (not worth going but okay if you want to relive those childhood memories), Batu Ferringhi night market (every night, cheap dresses, beachwear and unoriginal branded bags/watches), E&O and all the Unesco heritage walk buildings, Chowrasta Market, The Little Nonya's Peranakan house.

'Pinang Peranakan Museum' is a recently restored Peranakan mansion, sold to an antique collector. The offspring of this house are 4 families, 2 in Singapore, 1 England and one still in Penang. I found this trip really interesting as it's also part of the Singaporean culture, remember seeing many Peranakan women in my estate wearing their prim and beautiful kebaya... even today there are still a few.
Mushroom is in awe. He wants to act as Little Nonya's pet if there is a sequel.
Flooring is really lovely, from England. about 70% of 'The Little Nonya' was filmed here and the rest filmed in Melaka.

I like this sort of chair... it does look very comfortable...

Infinity mirror... I want to buy!
Nonya porcelain ware... The guide told us that the China blue, favorite of angmohs, were only used at funerals by the Peranakans!
They also had a vast collection of kasut manek...
Look at how tiny the beads are! Was supposed to be really pricey glass beads from England! They are exquisite and I would buy and wear them if I could afford them!
Can someone translate the one in the middle, I know it is something to do with 'Hainanese'...

Old mode of transport...rickshaw. It's heavy!

SHOPPING

Went to Gurney Plaza, walking distance from hotel, and Queensbay (recommended by locals), Prangin Mall (also recommended by locals).

Go holiday must go massage... our home brand Kenko...fish spa!

Gurney Plaza feels homely with many Singaporeans and the things we are used to, Guardian, Cold Storage, Esprit, Kenko... well, it's built with us in mind I guess. It's nice to go in to use the toilets and a respite from the heat outside. But then again I did not come to Penang to shop in Singapore! The g hotel next to it has a lovely lobby with designer chairs and art.

Queensbay is a huge, similar to Mid-Valley type of mall. More fashion labels - Forever 21, Mango, etc. It's just so huge that it's impossible to walk into every shop. There is an OldTown there which is the best draw I feel. And a very crowded KimGary.

Did a pedi at Prangin...adore those bunnies between my toes!

Prangin has about 3 levels of those cheap stuff, I feel for shopping experience (in Malaysian malls) it's probably the best to go to buy socks, small trinkets, cheap clothes (I don't see anyone on the streets wearing SUCH clothes, I wonder who buys them)...There's a decent Secret Recipe and Starbucks on the ground floor and food stalls in the corners of different floors. I heard the food's decent and also saw many people eating the Laksa/Chicken rice.

Chowrasta market where people buy those preserved fruits and lots of bottles of nutmeg oil. Everything is overpriced and have to bargain.

OLD BUILDINGS (and some new ones)
E&O is another must visit...palatial... longest sea view... and lots of famous people, Joseph Conrad, Rudyard Kipling, Rita Hayworth stayed here before...
Camwhore at E&O's lovely wreath...
Magnificent Christmas tree!
Cannons facing the open sea at the hotel.

This building belongs to a movie setting...'Harry Potter and the Gurney Drive goblins'
Yes I was standing in the middle of the road to take this picture.

Cheong Fatt Tze mansion. Did not visit... not interested in cheena artifacts...
"The Keymaster"
Mushroom likes clock towers and lighthouses.

I love dilapidated old buildings. Was very excited to walk through all of them. In a way, Penang feels much like Singapore. Lots of local Chinese who don't look all too different - dress in the same manner and very nice, polite, friendly people, we have lost a bit of that due to overcrowding. I was mistaken for a Penangnite, and also a Japanese by the locals, well, I feel complimented! Hee... Anyway I've been told that I look like a Penangnite before (in KL, Melaka) so I was very curious to see how they look like.

A well-read man is hard to find in this day and age.

Dreaming of a well-read future...
Tall Komtar in the background acts as a compass of sorts, won't really get lost...
Lots of interesting photography opportunities like these around the Love Lane walkways
Yes I also stood in the middle of the road to take this photo.
If you're in Gurney Plaza do take a walk in the g-hotel! Nice designer chairs and interesting art.
For instance this 'grinder', the space is used to put the grinded products, ie chilli seeds... lol.
g-hotel's mirror in toilet also good to take outfit photo...

TAXI

The road to Batu Ferringhi looks like Great Ocean Road drive at certain areas.

Batu Ferringhi night market is open nightly. Not really worth going, full of knockoff designer bags and cheap clothes.

Well I found a handmade-by-silversmith silver ring at one curio shop and batted my eyelashes at Uncle Shopkeeper until he lowered the price to less than S$10! Considering silver's really expensive here, plus it's handcrafted, one of the best souvenirs I've bought!

There are about 1000+ taxis on Penang island serving 1 million people and at some sightseeing places there's not a taxi in sight! So it's best to keep a driver's number and arrange for pick-up. Penang taxis are really expensive as they don't go by meter and there's a standard charge to places. For instance from Gurney Drive to Queensbay shopping mall it's RM35, expensive! And most short trips are RM12 to 15. It's not a ripoff but standardized pricing. Was told they used petrol and they lamented about the cost. Still, they make about RM180 per day... not bad. What we did was to book a taxi for a whole day, minimum of 4 hours and the charge is 25/hour which is good if you want to explore Batu Ferringhi and go to spa and be driven back, etc. Most places in Georgetown are walkable - I actually walked from the E&O to Komtar/Prangin Mall, in between there were quaint shophouses and the touristy places.

BEST THING TO DO IN PENANG:

Visit the Peranakan restored house, as seen in 'The Little Nonya'. Go with the guided tour. Very meaningful and interesting and really lots to see there!

I shall hereby proclaim my love for Penang!