Maldivian Paradise

It will be monsoon or still in the rainy season as forecasted. In my boat ride to the island resort, I prayed secretly for a calm sea to bring me safely to land and a sunny seaside in the next morning, if not too much to ask. Ahah, what a magical day! My prayers were not only answered but to my surprise, I had all the S's to park my lazy-ass-out and chill. It's truly an island paradise offering the smiling sun, shiny sea, soft sand and sultry sexiness! Yeap, you'll feel that when everyone is in their bare minimum!

My day starts with a wake, full of enthusiasm and hope. As my night arrival didn't grant me the chance to roam the atoll, I yearn to get out of my chalet and spend the whole day beneath the canopy of coconut palms, seaside shrubs and hardy plants shielding the pristine shoreline. Slothful deck chairs are abundant and invading every space ideal for a good chill-out. I took a stroll around the island and was quite amazed with the standard of luxury available. Watersports is a must-do, paired with a sinful tanning and good meals in all the welcoming F&B outlets scattered around. Personally, I am more than contented to be able to rest in front of my chalet, on the white deck chair, facing the sea with compliments of the soothing sound of waves and endless sea breeze. I feel like I own this portion of the beach, which I thought was meant to be felt this way, personal privacy and a sense of entitlement towards nature, the very fundamental human need.

While reading Blink and Off The Edge, my mind began to wander to a reflective state, almost akin to meditation. I began to realise how little it means to have materials around you when what makes us happy is purely love, freedom and simplicity. People here are always smiling, laid-back natured and taking time to spend their lives, witnessing every second as precious encounter to make others happy. It’s rather distressing to know that we’re only selectively in this mode as so-called modern lifestyle robbed so much of our soul and consequently, self-centering takes the toll on us.

Feeling rather little in this humongous natural setting, I felt humbled by my very own existence. Nonetheless, with my beautiful memories and encounters, my second visit will be at anytime soon, I hope.

Happy New Year and Happy Id Al-Adhar!

p/s : As my mood returns to reality, news and debates on Saddam's death looted the air. I felt terrible with questions that I know will go unanswered till our memory fades.May his soul rest in peace...

An English Christmas Home

I brought the sun to London, I was told. Prior to my arrival, London had been pouring and cold. I am glad to know that my stay here is still blessed with a rather dry and a little chilly weather. My greatest encounter so far would be my stay here in West London, home to a typical English family of three. The home is decorated with the most beautiful lights in the exterior and inside this warm and cosy place, lies many more glitteries and pleasantries that remind us so much of the beauty of Christmas. I almost felt too cosy and my mind travels to the future, imagining this as my retirement home...

To be honest, I haven't had any English food so far, if you consider English food as steaks or fish and chips. Well, I actually have been having English as the diversity of food here is superb. The national dish is famously known as the Chicken Tikka Massala and from this you can tell that, the receptiveness of British towards the differences of culture brought in by their immigrants. I have tasted the famous Duck Rice in Bayswater, followed by a nice lunch in Kiasu Restaurant, a 3-month old restaurants owned by fellow Malaysians and Singaporeans, I was told. I had the most amazing Nyonya Chicken Curry, just like how my Peranakan grandma used to cook it. I gobbled down a full bowl of rice and the curry gravy was not spared a single drop.

I also managed to take a stroll along Oxford Street to entice my pounds. I bought three books at a very good price so far. The Christmas lights in Oxford and Regent Street are kind of minimalist with the careful usage of "Merry Christmas" greetings, I would say. When queried about this phenomenon, I was told that, Christmas is now known as "Festive Season" as not to cause any offence to the non-celebrating citizens. Of course, the informer was furious over this implementation by the government in trying to curb racial segregation. Well, at least, we can still tell as the feeling of Christmas is unmistakeable.

Oh yeah, not to mention, at last, I can have a taste of reading the most enlightenning newspaper, The Guardian. I feel sufficient and contemplating on my next to-dos here in London.

Luxury Indulgence at Home

My trip back home was a short but fulfilling one. With a dash of luxury and as a craving hedonistic lifestyler, my encounters in Kuala Lumpur are simply perfect. With a good conversation over coffee and chocolate, I yearn to come back for more. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Market in Frankfurt

The Christmas atmosphere is simply lovely here!

Theme Park New York

A huge theme park this is, with a theme bears nothing more obvious than the city name itself, simply New York. You can see the loud slogan of "I Love New York" or " I Heart NY" printed on souvenir tees, mugs, pens, snow globes and everything you can think of, to get into the tourism money. The New Yorkers are proud people, proud of where they happen to be, the most happening city in the world, arguably.

This city displays more diversity than anywhere else in the world, as a short walk in the streets and you'll be readily bombarded by numerous languages spoken, skin colours and attires worn. The city itself which made up of tall concrete architectures, some most recognisable sky-crappers, parks, fashion, brands, street advertisements and billboards and the unmistakable Time Square, you’ll be simply amazed by the feeling of how lucky you are to be here. You just begin to partake in the slice of the New Yorker’s life, if not culture. To experience the heighten consumer market is to be here in New York, where merchandises are ever so tempting, sustained by the ever so eye-catching displays and surrounded by an atmosphere of euphoric consumer power.

One of my memorable encounters was not so pleasant one though. I actually felt being treated differently by the look, body language and some sinister remarks made by the people who were actually earning my dollars. From queuing up for food in a pizzeria to having a hearty breakfast in a typical New York hotel, I felt that my presence was not appreciated sometimes. Was I being too pampered from where I came from? Was it because of my skin colour that bears some culture stereotype traits? Was it because they are so readily to believe that I would not tip them sufficiently?

I begin to ponder, in the city that lives and breaths diversity, may be just a façade advertised to obtain a belief of what is the society encompassing exteriorly. The more important realisation may be how enlightened the people are in dealing and addressing diversity, in my opinion. Is by just displaying societal make-up qualifies the title, "City of Diversity" or does it want to be, real respect and deep understanding engraved in the consciousness of its people towards diversity? Hmm… this has changed a little of my impression of New York. Perhaps, I should be more open minded in accepting this, by behaving more like a New Yorker than being “different”. At the end of the day, whatever the oxymoron New York offers, I will still place New York as a place like nowhere else I would want to be. This, I salute the power of New York branding.

Singapore Sling At Raffles

Wow, I am still in daze! Tonight is one of the most magical night I have ever had so far. A lovely night of window shopping at Suntec, City Link Mall and Raffles City, brought us to Bakerzine for a naughty conversation over dessert. After some "serious" contemplation, we headed for Raffles Hotel, Singapore's Most Famous Hotel. I was very proud when I first stepped in eventhough in my heart, I felt completely underdressed. The atmosphere was just the right concoction that will make you feel at ease and at home. In the matter of seconds, I felt completely relaxed in my mood and my wallet too! I always wanted to try the drink created here by the late Mr Ngiam Tong Boon decades ago. You guess it right, the Singapore Sling!

Our barman is a lovely guy who feels so much at home at his bar. His movement and his speech reflects that he has so much pride in what he does. I honour such a person... He made us the original Singapore Sling from scratch! What a rare combination of a refreshing cocktail and a pleasant conversation with a French stranger, introduced to us by the barman and his supervisor!

After a nice and lovely sling, we are pampered by four glasses of premium Champagne! Our first glass was a $55 and followed by a string of Taittinger(s). With fine pralines and cashew nuts as accompaniment, life is almost perfect and worth standing still for! Cheers!