i'm back from 6 months in UK, spending one month traveling in Europe.
Only went to 4 countries and 8 cities. but it was great experience and I thank God for that.
The dream of traveling in Europe when I'm 21 came true. There were so much that I wanted to say. but right now i don't know how to put them into words.
It has been eventful. Different kind of experiences. and I fell in love with places, and of course God's creation. I wish i knew more of Europe history before i went though. it's definitely more enjoyable if u know more beforehand.
I guess i just wanted to write something here to mark my 6 month journey. More private/personal things shall not be publicise.
p/s: things may not be easier, but I pray that God gives me strength everyday to face challenges and draw closer to Him. Amen.
If it's in God's will, it'll be it.
Showing posts with label memories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label memories. Show all posts
Monday, July 9, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
A Dream Coming True
I've once said that I want to travel around Europe when I turn 21, and it remained something I talked about for 2-3 years. The subject came up in conversations but there wasn't any plan.
TODAY, i'm on exchange in Birmingham, traveled many cities around Britain, crossed country to Ireland and finally, have a first draft of plan to travel to a few Europe countries. My (and my friend's) plan may not be the perfect or cheapest route to go around, or i could have gone to more countries; but I'm glad to say that Thank you God for blessing me and giving me this opportunity to explore around and expand my horizons.
We've come out with a rough plan, going to a 4 countries and 9 cities in 23 days. I'm excited even though we've only booked our one way ticket that kick start our journey. The first time that I'll be backpacking and travelling without having a host at the places i'm going to go. This is exciting yet slightly intimidating/overwhelming. There are so many preparations to do. We still have to make adjustments/amendments according to the other group members and finalizing itinerary so that we can book our transportation. Afterwards there'll still be accommodation hunting and researching on places that we are going. As fun or as adventurous as it sounds, this isn't going to be the easiest thing to do.
But I pray that God will watch over us and protect us against all harms (physically and mentally), allow us to get along well, and pray that I may be a testimony for those I'm travelling with. I pray that God wisdom will be with us to go against all odds that may come in our way.
This is exciting! But right now, I'm going to keep this aside and prepare for another journey, which is going to start on Monday!
Thank you God. Thank you mum & dad (even though i know you won't see this).
TODAY, i'm on exchange in Birmingham, traveled many cities around Britain, crossed country to Ireland and finally, have a first draft of plan to travel to a few Europe countries. My (and my friend's) plan may not be the perfect or cheapest route to go around, or i could have gone to more countries; but I'm glad to say that Thank you God for blessing me and giving me this opportunity to explore around and expand my horizons.
We've come out with a rough plan, going to a 4 countries and 9 cities in 23 days. I'm excited even though we've only booked our one way ticket that kick start our journey. The first time that I'll be backpacking and travelling without having a host at the places i'm going to go. This is exciting yet slightly intimidating/overwhelming. There are so many preparations to do. We still have to make adjustments/amendments according to the other group members and finalizing itinerary so that we can book our transportation. Afterwards there'll still be accommodation hunting and researching on places that we are going. As fun or as adventurous as it sounds, this isn't going to be the easiest thing to do.
But I pray that God will watch over us and protect us against all harms (physically and mentally), allow us to get along well, and pray that I may be a testimony for those I'm travelling with. I pray that God wisdom will be with us to go against all odds that may come in our way.
This is exciting! But right now, I'm going to keep this aside and prepare for another journey, which is going to start on Monday!
Thank you God. Thank you mum & dad (even though i know you won't see this).
Friday, January 13, 2012
United Kingdom the Impromptu Trip
Edinburgh is a beautiful city.
We were chilling there, having a cuppa coffee and skyped wenxian! hah.
On the night Linh was supposed to leave, we went to this french pattisserie, Maison Mayci, on High Street (Harborne Road) in Birmingham. Their tarts are good, beautifully decorated too. About 2.60pounds for a palm-sized tart. This would cost about 8-9AUD in Adelaide.
Afterwards, when Linh was about to leave, I was looking at my timetable and wondering what will i do before going to Leeds in the afternoon as plan, suddenly i was wondering if i should go with linh! it was bout 6pm. Linh booked my ticket online and I packed in 5mins, left the hostel by 6.20pm, rushed to the train station (thank God no one was selling/checking ticket through the whole train journey which save us some time AND money), we dragged our hand luggage and ran to the coach station! 10mins to 7pm! We were 10mins early! SO! i'm In LEEDS NOW.
This was by far the most impromptu interstate trip decision i've made. It is fun, hilarious and exciting. I know it's a God-given opportunity for me to experience. I will look back at these memories one day and will be glad that i did it. I do this now, its called adventurous. If i do this in 10 years time, i'll most probably be called irresponsible.
So, this is only a small part of Leeds!
This is a nice city that I like. the Britz say this is a small city, i think they should visit Adelaide before defining what small means. :D alright, i still like Adelaide ok, just in a different way.
OH YEA! I went to Jamie's Italian (by Jamie Oliver) too! The food is good, but it's not "WOW" good. It's worth trying, because you know, it's Jamie Oliver. ;)
<3,
pRis
I forgot what building is this. :( But it's so pretty. Too bad I didn't get to revisit the castles.
Then, LINH CAME! haha. We went around Birmingham city centre, shopped for the necessities and she really did help my settling down in Birmingham easier. We went grocery shopping one night and had to carry what i thought was about 10kg of plastic bags back to where I live which is about 20-30mins of travelling time (including taking the train).
This is the view from Starbucks in Bullring, Birmingham.
On the night Linh was supposed to leave, we went to this french pattisserie, Maison Mayci, on High Street (Harborne Road) in Birmingham. Their tarts are good, beautifully decorated too. About 2.60pounds for a palm-sized tart. This would cost about 8-9AUD in Adelaide.
Afterwards, when Linh was about to leave, I was looking at my timetable and wondering what will i do before going to Leeds in the afternoon as plan, suddenly i was wondering if i should go with linh! it was bout 6pm. Linh booked my ticket online and I packed in 5mins, left the hostel by 6.20pm, rushed to the train station (thank God no one was selling/checking ticket through the whole train journey which save us some time AND money), we dragged our hand luggage and ran to the coach station! 10mins to 7pm! We were 10mins early! SO! i'm In LEEDS NOW.
This was by far the most impromptu interstate trip decision i've made. It is fun, hilarious and exciting. I know it's a God-given opportunity for me to experience. I will look back at these memories one day and will be glad that i did it. I do this now, its called adventurous. If i do this in 10 years time, i'll most probably be called irresponsible.
So, this is only a small part of Leeds!
This is a nice city that I like. the Britz say this is a small city, i think they should visit Adelaide before defining what small means. :D alright, i still like Adelaide ok, just in a different way.
OH YEA! I went to Jamie's Italian (by Jamie Oliver) too! The food is good, but it's not "WOW" good. It's worth trying, because you know, it's Jamie Oliver. ;)
<3,
pRis
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Hi 2012. Hi Birmingham.
I haven't blog in a long while. Anyway, Happy New Year! Greetings to all of you from Birmingham.
*This is just a record of what happened on my first day in Birmingham, it may be a lil boring for you*
I had such a long day yesterday. I traveled for about 22 hours to reach Birmingham. The landing to Birmingham wasn't like anything I was imagining: gracefully touch down and looking at the city with full of emotions. NO. The weather wasn't great, so it was so bumpy. It was like a roller coaster ride for at least 15mins. Kids were screaming and crying. I was looking at the downward camera of the plane. The sum of everything led to nausea. Got off the plane feeling sick.
After quite a long wait at the immigration, waited for almost an hour for my luggage. But thank God both my luggages arrive safely.
When i reached the reception of my hostel. i was dead tired. but the receptionist suggested that i should get my ID card from the uni. after much hassle and walk a path that i think is longer than needed, i reached uni. but the person said i have not completed my registration. so i couldnt get my card then. have to go back on Monday. Me, having no sense of direction, tried my luck to get back to uni from another way that i came from. But luckily i found my way back and there were quite a few pedestrian that i asked to just make sure i was in the right direction. I rushed back before 5pm to get my duvet set and internet cable for my room, only to know that reception is 24 hours.
Afterwards, i rushed off to High Street thinking to get my sim card. On my way out, i opened a fire door, thinking that i can use it as short cut, but i set off the alarm. so i had to run all the way to reception and ask for help again. the guy, Amirk (who is kind enough to help me carry one of my luggage to my room) shook his head. I was so embarrassed.
So, as i set off to get my sim card, thinking i must get it then, broke my heart when the stupid phone shop do not have micro sim. :S What kind of phone shop is that!?! he said i need to get to City Centre to get it done. Which i still have no idea where it is. Argh. with much disappointment, i went to get some things from this shop called Home Bargain. and then went to Marks and Spencer to get myself an apple pie and some ham. The living cost here is quite okay. I get the pie for 89p. I couldnt have bought a pie at this price in Aus.
So, using my almost-non-existent sense of direction, i manage to get home in one piece. My new neighbour who offered some help earlier gave me a sim card that she got in her welcome pack, after i told her i couldnt get a sim from High Street. I was so thankful. Thank you God for giving me a good neighbour/toilet mate (we share the same toilet).
So after a long day, i showered (the water was not HOT! i almost froze when i first showered until the water warm up towards the end of my shower), fixed the internet, put the sim in my phone, pack for today, and went to bed. Even though i woke up at 11+pm, 1am, 2am and finally wakes at 4am, I feel well rested.
Thank you God for everything, and my safe arrival. Now, I'm setting off to Edinburgh for 3days! Can't wait to see some family. Hope it'll cure my homesickness a little.
Cheers,
Pris
*This is just a record of what happened on my first day in Birmingham, it may be a lil boring for you*
I had such a long day yesterday. I traveled for about 22 hours to reach Birmingham. The landing to Birmingham wasn't like anything I was imagining: gracefully touch down and looking at the city with full of emotions. NO. The weather wasn't great, so it was so bumpy. It was like a roller coaster ride for at least 15mins. Kids were screaming and crying. I was looking at the downward camera of the plane. The sum of everything led to nausea. Got off the plane feeling sick.
After quite a long wait at the immigration, waited for almost an hour for my luggage. But thank God both my luggages arrive safely.
When i reached the reception of my hostel. i was dead tired. but the receptionist suggested that i should get my ID card from the uni. after much hassle and walk a path that i think is longer than needed, i reached uni. but the person said i have not completed my registration. so i couldnt get my card then. have to go back on Monday. Me, having no sense of direction, tried my luck to get back to uni from another way that i came from. But luckily i found my way back and there were quite a few pedestrian that i asked to just make sure i was in the right direction. I rushed back before 5pm to get my duvet set and internet cable for my room, only to know that reception is 24 hours.
Afterwards, i rushed off to High Street thinking to get my sim card. On my way out, i opened a fire door, thinking that i can use it as short cut, but i set off the alarm. so i had to run all the way to reception and ask for help again. the guy, Amirk (who is kind enough to help me carry one of my luggage to my room) shook his head. I was so embarrassed.
So, as i set off to get my sim card, thinking i must get it then, broke my heart when the stupid phone shop do not have micro sim. :S What kind of phone shop is that!?! he said i need to get to City Centre to get it done. Which i still have no idea where it is. Argh. with much disappointment, i went to get some things from this shop called Home Bargain. and then went to Marks and Spencer to get myself an apple pie and some ham. The living cost here is quite okay. I get the pie for 89p. I couldnt have bought a pie at this price in Aus.
So, using my almost-non-existent sense of direction, i manage to get home in one piece. My new neighbour who offered some help earlier gave me a sim card that she got in her welcome pack, after i told her i couldnt get a sim from High Street. I was so thankful. Thank you God for giving me a good neighbour/toilet mate (we share the same toilet).
So after a long day, i showered (the water was not HOT! i almost froze when i first showered until the water warm up towards the end of my shower), fixed the internet, put the sim in my phone, pack for today, and went to bed. Even though i woke up at 11+pm, 1am, 2am and finally wakes at 4am, I feel well rested.
Thank you God for everything, and my safe arrival. Now, I'm setting off to Edinburgh for 3days! Can't wait to see some family. Hope it'll cure my homesickness a little.
Cheers,
Pris
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
PERFECT
God is indeed perfect. Once again, I've experience his grace and mercy. I'm so glad I waited.
It was last week, during my exams, I wanted to book my airticket to Melbourne to have biometric scan appointment (just one of the things you have to do to apply for student visa, and Adelaide doesn't have British Embassy, sad i know). Anyway, I was told to wait until Friday before making any decision. I prayed to God, if you were to send me the acceptance letter of University by Friday, I'll book the airticket immediately to Melbourne, if not, I really didnt know what to do.
Friday (11th Nov) came, alas the acceptance didn't. I had property exam the next day, so I didnt think much. I was worried about it, but I thought to myself, worse come to worse, I'll just have to stay in Australia for a longer period of time, less time in Malaysia and a possibility of no family holiday end of the year (my mum said she'll leave me at home while all of them go on holiday). So, I decided to finish my exam before doing anything. At the thought of me not able to go home for a long time, mum offered to call the British Embassy in Malaysia. Since she was busy, she only did it on Monday and told me about it on Tuesday, after my exam.
She told me I can not apply for a visa. I was skeptical. HOW can you NOT have a STUDENT VISA when you are going to study there???!!! my friend who went needed one (Vietnam passport holder), and it did not occur to me that I REALLY DIDNT have to. I called the embassy today (16th Nov 2011, Wednesday) and confirmed I really don't need a student visitor visa to go to the UK because I'm a Malaysian passport holder. I was thrilled. ECSTATIC. because, that means I can fly home very sooon instead of being stranded in Aus indefinitely until i get my visa done.
So afterwards, I just continue doing things and went out to the beach and have a good time with three other friends. When I came home, i felt the urge to check my student email. and guess what's next? I SAW ADELAIDE ABROAD SENT ME AN EMAIL REGARDING BIRMINGHAM ACCEPTANCE. *GASP* I clicked open and I've been accepted! even though i know I probably get the acceptance, but the wait kind of make the you feel incomplete and have some reserve. But now! It's here!! I can't stop smiling.
I really thank God for his perfect timing. IF i've gotten my acceptance last week, I wouldn't have called the embassy or my mum wouldn't have called the embassy to find out I don't actually need the student visitor visa. and I would have waste quite a large sum of money by going there and have to wait for another (at least) two weeks before getting my passport back for the visa application to be completed. I thank God for his PERFECT TIMING. The timing is too perfect. and only God can do it. If i had let my impatience get into the way and booked my ticket, only to find out i didnt have to spend that sum of money, i'll be cursing myself for being such a fool.
And so, i've got most things done. I need to apply for accommodation and run some bank errands. and that's it! I'M ON MY WAY TO UK. Thank you Jesus. Thank you everyone who have been praying for me and praying alongside with me.I really appreciate that and I know God does hear your prayers for me. :)
God is ever faithful.
Signing off,
Pris.
It was last week, during my exams, I wanted to book my airticket to Melbourne to have biometric scan appointment (just one of the things you have to do to apply for student visa, and Adelaide doesn't have British Embassy, sad i know). Anyway, I was told to wait until Friday before making any decision. I prayed to God, if you were to send me the acceptance letter of University by Friday, I'll book the airticket immediately to Melbourne, if not, I really didnt know what to do.
Friday (11th Nov) came, alas the acceptance didn't. I had property exam the next day, so I didnt think much. I was worried about it, but I thought to myself, worse come to worse, I'll just have to stay in Australia for a longer period of time, less time in Malaysia and a possibility of no family holiday end of the year (my mum said she'll leave me at home while all of them go on holiday). So, I decided to finish my exam before doing anything. At the thought of me not able to go home for a long time, mum offered to call the British Embassy in Malaysia. Since she was busy, she only did it on Monday and told me about it on Tuesday, after my exam.
She told me I can not apply for a visa. I was skeptical. HOW can you NOT have a STUDENT VISA when you are going to study there???!!! my friend who went needed one (Vietnam passport holder), and it did not occur to me that I REALLY DIDNT have to. I called the embassy today (16th Nov 2011, Wednesday) and confirmed I really don't need a student visitor visa to go to the UK because I'm a Malaysian passport holder. I was thrilled. ECSTATIC. because, that means I can fly home very sooon instead of being stranded in Aus indefinitely until i get my visa done.
So afterwards, I just continue doing things and went out to the beach and have a good time with three other friends. When I came home, i felt the urge to check my student email. and guess what's next? I SAW ADELAIDE ABROAD SENT ME AN EMAIL REGARDING BIRMINGHAM ACCEPTANCE. *GASP* I clicked open and I've been accepted! even though i know I probably get the acceptance, but the wait kind of make the you feel incomplete and have some reserve. But now! It's here!! I can't stop smiling.
I really thank God for his perfect timing. IF i've gotten my acceptance last week, I wouldn't have called the embassy or my mum wouldn't have called the embassy to find out I don't actually need the student visitor visa. and I would have waste quite a large sum of money by going there and have to wait for another (at least) two weeks before getting my passport back for the visa application to be completed. I thank God for his PERFECT TIMING. The timing is too perfect. and only God can do it. If i had let my impatience get into the way and booked my ticket, only to find out i didnt have to spend that sum of money, i'll be cursing myself for being such a fool.
And so, i've got most things done. I need to apply for accommodation and run some bank errands. and that's it! I'M ON MY WAY TO UK. Thank you Jesus. Thank you everyone who have been praying for me and praying alongside with me.I really appreciate that and I know God does hear your prayers for me. :)
God is ever faithful.
Signing off,
Pris.
Monday, May 2, 2011
WICKED - the musical
I better jot down this awesome experience before I move on. I want to remember this experience for life! (or i'm just doing this because i'm procrastinating from doing my take-home exam. XP)
let's not talk about something as bore as Contracts Take Home Exam which is due tomorrow. let's talk about WICKED!
WICKED!
Musicals and I never cross path when I was young, if you leave out Marry Poppins, Sister Acts... okay, but that's all on tv! This is my first (as far as i remember, i might have watch one or two unknowns) musical ever! see, i'm a rather a classics-deprived kid when i was younger. It just wasnt in my school culture to know about Dorothy. but ever since i take up literature, I enjoyed them much.
Let me not sway too far away and get back to Wicked, i've enjoyed it so much. It was so so so so so AMAZING! A big thank you note to Cheryl who initiated the urge to watch it in Sydney last year and Suet! for telling me all about it, hence, leading me to buy a A$116 ticket. let me tell you, it's worth EVERY-SINGLE-PENNY! okay, maybe we use cent here, but u get what i mean. :)
There's so many scenes that I love, the part where Elphaba met Gah-linda, when they became roommate- the song they sung (What Is This Feeling) was full of humor;and then how Glinda be-friended with Elphaba and giving Elphaba a makeover, "Popular"; and the part where Elphaba figure she was in love with Fiyero, "I'm Not That Girl"; Elphaba's conversation with Doctor Dillamond (the goat professor), "Something Bad"; n oh! Elphaba and Glinda's parting scene of course! "Defying Gravity" and so much more. I love every single detail of this musical. Their dances was good as well. They have fast pace couple dance. Where the choreography was fun and lively...
This musical is full of emotion, sense of humour, moral values, good looking casts (Fiyero was quite cute! and even the flying monkey (after taking off his mask) was so good looking!; and Elphaba, you can see her beautiful face even though she dint have extra glamorous costumes and green appearance, she still look so great.)
I listened to the songs a few months before i watch this musical BUT the songs speak so differently after the musical, it's like every word have a deeper meaning in it. :)
Alright, I shall end this post with one of my favourite scene and song, the song just before intermission, where they ended the first half perfectly with Elphaba leaving on a broom:
Defying Gravity:
GLINDA
(spoken) Elphaba - why couldn't you have stayed calm for
once, instead of flying off the handle!
(sung) I hope you're happy!
I hope you're happy now
I hope you're happy how you
Hurt your cause forever
I hope you think you're clever!
ELPHABA
I hope you're happy
I hope you're happy, too
I hope you're proud how you
Would grovel in submission
To feed your own ambition
BOTH
So though I can't imagine how
I hope you're happy right now
GLINDA
(spoken) Elphie, listen to me. Just say you're sorry:
(sung) You can still be with the Wizard
What you've worked and waited for
You can have all you ever wanted:
ELPHABA
(spoken) I know:
(sung) But I don't want it -
No - I can't want it
Anymore:
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!
It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!
GLINDA
Can't I make you understand?
You're having delusions of grandeur:
ELPHABA
I'm through accepting limits
''cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down:
(spoken) Glinda - come with me. Think of what we could
do: together.
(sung) Unlimited
Together we're unlimited
Together we'll be the greatest team
There's ever been
(spoken) Elphaba - why couldn't you have stayed calm for
once, instead of flying off the handle!
(sung) I hope you're happy!
I hope you're happy now
I hope you're happy how you
Hurt your cause forever
I hope you think you're clever!
ELPHABA
I hope you're happy
I hope you're happy, too
I hope you're proud how you
Would grovel in submission
To feed your own ambition
BOTH
So though I can't imagine how
I hope you're happy right now
GLINDA
(spoken) Elphie, listen to me. Just say you're sorry:
(sung) You can still be with the Wizard
What you've worked and waited for
You can have all you ever wanted:
ELPHABA
(spoken) I know:
(sung) But I don't want it -
No - I can't want it
Anymore:
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!
It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!
GLINDA
Can't I make you understand?
You're having delusions of grandeur:
ELPHABA
I'm through accepting limits
''cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down:
(spoken) Glinda - come with me. Think of what we could
do: together.
(sung) Unlimited
Together we're unlimited
Together we'll be the greatest team
There's ever been
Glinda -
Dreams, the way we planned 'em
GLINDA
If we work in tandem:
BOTH
There's no fight we cannot win
Just you and I
Defying gravity
With you and I
Defying gravity
ELPHABA
They'll never bring us down!
(spoken) Well? Are you coming?
GLINDA
I hope you're happy
Now that you're choosing this
ELPHABA
(spoken) You too
(sung) I hope it brings you bliss
BOTH
I really hope you get it
And you don't live to regret it
I hope you're happy in the end
I hope you're happy, my friend:
ELPHABA So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!"
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!
GLINDA
I hope you're happy!
CITIZENS OF OZ
Look at her, she's wicked!
Get her!
ELPHABA
:Bring me down!
CITIZENS OF OZ
No one mourns the wicked
So we've got to bring her
ELPHABA
Ahhh!
CITIZENS OF OZ
Down!
<3 wicked,
-pris
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)