兩個人的相處，天時地利人和

兩個人的相處，需要天時地利人和。

步入了社會，
共度五年成長的大學朋友
也如中學時代的朋友，
各分東西，展翅追求理想。

離開了當下的圈子，
拉開了新里程碑的序幕。

群體也好，兩人之間的關係也好，
都需要共同站在一個陣線上。
站的次數越多、越久，
關係就越鞏固。

少了一起為同一件事努力的機會，
就少了交流，少了親近。

少了風雨，又怎能有彩虹的燦爛？

所謂天時，那個時段抽得出來嗎？
所謂地利，那個地點能達得到嗎？
所謂人和，那個誰和誰肯放手嗎？

兩個人的相處，需要天時地利人和。

2016 Recap

I felt like I needed this. This long transcription of my thoughts.

Stepping out of student life, leaving behind the title that grant you mercy at faulty times, and into the world of total independence(well, not if I’m posted to Penang) is a huge transition. The gap in between is a transition period. As much as how I would like to think that I am eventually coming out of this phase, I feel the urge to properly recap 2016. There was so much going on and so little that I scribbled.

I stopped uploading photos and sharing my life events frequently about four years ago. I don’t feel the need to publicize everything. I don’t feel the need to share the joy. I cherish the moments and my friends know I do. I feel like the acknowledgement among ourselves suffice. Okay, maybe I’m just lazy to upload photos and write significant captions sometimes…...okay, most of the time. Well, the downside is I keep all these memories with my own effort instead of letting internet do the job. Disc space, virus protection, file locations etc… I have to make sure I don’t lose them.

Pacing in the light of 2017, I feel like I need to let the events in 2016 sink and count the blessings within. So here I’m going to try my best to recall as much as I can. I’m posting this because I want Facebook to remind me one day on how much tougher I’ve grown in the year 2016.

Jan ‘16
- It’s my final year of Degree. Not much emotion actually.
- Just another new year, another new semester. Everything was so...normal.

**********

Feb ‘16
- Queensbay’s CNY decor was a blast!
- A lot of meet-ups and reignited familiarity.
- Papa-chan wrote me in his blog and a gush of warmth wrapped my heart.
- It’s the beginning of my 3-month long practicum. The admins and colleagues were welcoming and kind.

**********

Mar ‘16
- First Hung wedding!
- I broke down in school. There was too much weight I put on myself. I wasn’t finding trouble. They bothered me because I valued them. Well, I toughened up. I have more experience to share and inspire now.
- There’s a status I posted on Facebook that I would like to share here as well :

It's my second time wearing punjabi suit to this school that I'm teaching in now. I still had pupils finding it amusing and their interest piqued. A group of my Moral pupils came surrounding me and asked, "Teacher, why are you wearing Indian people's clothes?" I wouldn't say I did not expect this type of question but to intrigue them enough to brave up and ask me(I'm very fierce one ok), they must have failed to come up with a satisfying reason themselves.
I can't help but to wonder, why didn't anyone ask me such question when I wore baju kurung? Why didn't anyone ask me "Teacher, why are you wearing Western people's clothes" when I went OL style? Children perceive normal and reasonable as something they encounter always. Rare sights will be deemed weird and questionable even if they root from the same perspective.
My mom was pleased when she learnt that an Indian teacher in the school gave me two sets of punjabi suit and a set of lengha. "It's unity and acceptance in action", she said. Being the first Chinese teacher they have, I would say I was glad I exposed them to the true beauty of embracing the Malaysian culture.(And I explained to about four classes that it was punjabi suit and not saree. Young generations need more exposure to their own country's cultures.)

**********

Apr ‘16
- The heat of DOTS was insane.
- I was offered the title “Guru Cemerlang” but I rejected. Recognition from people I look up to and satisfaction from myself were enough. I won the fight.
- Quote of the month : Knowing Why is not enough, you’ve gotta know How to deal with Why.

**********

May ‘16
- Took up sensei’s challenge and participated in the 32nd National Japanese Speech Contest. Was too bogged down with responsibilities in campus and was too confident in myself as well. Thought since I had conquered reciting Japanese poem in a huge event, memorizing a speech wouldn’t be too hard for me. Quivered lips and icy hands turned into a huge disappointment in sensei’s face. I cried like a baby in the phone for the first time after 4 years. I wrote an article about it and got it published in IPBA magazine.
- It’s the end of my 3-month long practicum. I wrote this :
https://www.facebook.com/notes/chrislyn-hung/when-curtains-fall/10154113921339054

**********

Jun ‘16
- Christina Grimmie died. I had always loved her bright personality.
- Some heart-to-heart talk with secondary school friends that resulted from years of growth. We sighed at how time flies.
- A short and sweet mini family trip that put a genuine smile on our faces.
- Scrolled through Facebook posts and realized I did a lot of thinking and wrote quite a few so-called ‘deep thots’. I kinda miss that. Sharing my share-able thoughts.

**********

Jul ‘16
- The starting of Pokemon craze!
- Discovered my ‘other half’ in Hong Kong. Dang, dem feels~
- The first wave of hurricane.
- Getting addicted to Huffington, Thought Catalogue and other similiar read.

**********

Aug ‘16
- Immersion.
- Postponing the idea of taking JLPT, again. Tsk tsk, procrastination.
- LCW VS LD

**********

Sep ‘16
- Of blizzard and warm packs.
- Getting bogged down by assignments, thesis and presentations.
- Attended an international conference(TEFLIN) and presented a teaching aid project with friends in Indonesia. Great honour and learning experience indeed.
- Conquered Mt Bromo and all but had food poisoning for ten days.
- Bonds.

**********

Oct ‘16
- A leap of faith.
- Nailed my viva.
- Appointed to be the emcee for one of the sessions and got selected to be standby presenter in a conference meant for lecturers and professors. Quite a regret that I wasn’t needed in the end.
- Represented my campus to share my research in IPIK and broke their wireless pointer. *awkward laughter*
- Farewells.

**********

Nov ‘16
- Exam month.
- Surprise!
- Took part in an international conference/competition(MELTA). Was way too carried away by joy and jumbled up all my explanation. Haha. I still had fun!
- Indulgence.

**********

Dec ‘16
- Dusting Realistic Terebinthia.
- Of priorities and insecurities, of doubts and reassurance.
- A short getaway to Kob khun kha-s.
- Counting down new year with headache, stomachache, vomit, dizziness, fever and love.



Conclusion?
It’s a year of love, for love. Well, which year isn’t?

What is the purpose of your life?

I may not have the ultimate answer to the very first question
"Why do you think the human race exists in the first place?"

For that we would need to bring in
the evolutionary theory
the big bang theory
God's creation theory.

But at this point of my life I believe
that it's because of love, I survive
and it's for love that I live.

The love for Mother Nature
The love for beauty
The love for wonders
The love for humanity
The love for mystery
The love for truth.

It's for love, that I live.

闯关·后（社交婉语篇）

It’s okay. 

It’s okay.

这只不过是人生中很小很小的一个环节。

让这个环节深深烙印脑海的是你的感受。

记住你所经历的每一个感受，

细心咀嚼，探索自己的内心世界。

当你把诚意捧上，

法官冷眼对待，你的感受是什么？

当你屡战屡败，

士气受挫，你的态度是什么？

当你脑海浮现不同思维，

潜意识列出了不同方案，

你的决定是什么？

也许成功与否由不得你，

决定权落入他人手中，

可以选择的是自己的心境。

很多时候我们觉得自己有得选择人生，

随着岁月渐渐发现恰好相反。

很多时候我们觉得自己改变不了人生，

但却忽略了选择心境的权利。

看似渺小毫无威力的琐事，

卻是定夺人生的关键。

如老子曰：

Watch your thoughts, they become words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits.

Watch your habits, they become your character.

Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

似乎掌控了思绪，就能掌控命运。

但思绪，能与感受相盈吗？

Midnight Monologue

“很久以後，我明白到信仰是一場冒險。

當我竟然追到答案，感到平安毫無憂慮之時，正是我墜落之始。

Hey, 生命豈有一本天書提供所有答案予你，無須經歷跌倒與碰撞，仿佛Google map一樣為你定下清晰路線？

沒有沒有。

你會迷路，你會疼痛哭泣，但你會找到屬於你的信仰以及意義。

追隨耶穌意味背起你的十字架，學習認識自己認識生命認識愛與犧牲。

我不肯定這時候就是教會經常掛于口邊更豐盛的生命。

我只能說這是一條很精彩的路————如果你不甘於虛假的平安與喜悅的話。

讓我們同來一場循規蹈矩的信仰冒險吧！”

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　－－洪麗芳

Screenshot了那麼久，反復咀嚼這段文字無數次，今晚竟然有一語點醒夢中人的感覺。

是剎那間想通了嗎？還是又是自以為的mind conditioning？

說到mind conditioning，又是很值得探討的課題，下次吧。

“追隨”二字，有夾帶“相信”與“知道”嗎？

要知道了，相信了，才能追隨一件事/一個人嗎？

之前的猶豫與躊躇、不甘受洗、對於侍奉心有餘悸……都建立于“不相信”源於種種的疑問。

但，真的有那麼一個完整答案解開所有的疑惑嗎？就算有，我們有辦法解開所有的疑惑嗎？還是新疑惑只會不斷湧現？

曾經，把一些問題交到文人/領袖級人物手上，卻發現沒有人可以滿足你尋找的豁然開通明了的解答。是自己潛意識擬定了一個答案想尋求認同嗎？還是自己根本就不明白自己在尋找些什麼？

順道對最後第二句的回應：“如果你不甘於虛假的平安與喜悅的話”。

何謂“虛假的平安與喜悅”呢？

或許我能理解“虛假的平安”源於唯有得主赦免脫離死亡才是真平安，

那“虛假的喜悅”呢？

難道不相信耶和華，我的喜樂皆虛偽、不屬實嗎？

不過，今晚不談“虛假”。
今晚談“追隨”。

回歸正題。

“追隨耶穌意味背起你的十字架，學習認識自己認識生命認識愛與犧牲。”

難道不能嘗試跟隨，再尋找屬於你的信仰和意義嗎？

聽起來好瀟灑，好像很可行。

雖然知道自己的固執，即使問了也可能堅持己見。

但還是會問一下，給自己個定心丸，做好了本分再做決定總比忽視也許寶貴的意見來的恰當吧。

唔，有新領悟了喔。嗯，不錯不錯。

好，繼續加油！追根到底吧。

給上帝的一封信

Link : 給上帝的一封信


無意間看見了這篇文章的題目，

瞬時按下左鍵，沉默了。

有時候就是那麼一首歌，有時候是那麼一篇文章

當他人把你的心情寫照

以音樂或文字

完美地詮釋了你的見解

坦然地說出了你的心聲

那份感動

猶如和陌生人在某些事上

草木震動，山鳴谷應

你會覺得，你不是獨樹一幟的怪人

你會發現，你的思維并沒那麼異於常人

你會欣慰，在世界的某個角落找到了共鳴

作者和我同姓，連名都只有一字只差
呵呵，好巧

The College Soul For A University Student

I got this book as a Christmas present for last year but I only got it this year in February.

When I first opened the gift wrap, I laughed. 

I thought, how cute. I'm in my final year of university now.

I'm pretty sure most of the content won't be relevant to me now,

as I've passed those phases of 

identity-seeking, being chained to conformity and whatnot.

Then, I thought, oh well, I'll just read through 

and see how much resonance it has with the then me 

who had her first gingerly step into this new city, away from her parents' prying eyes.

I had read only 50% of the book and I completely changed my mind.

It wasn't that shallow as I thought it would be (how to find yourself a friend; how should you dress up; how to adapt to new surrounding; how to live harmoniously with your roommate etc)

Yes, the book does cover all of that.

But the way they are presented is much sophisticated and captivating.

As it focuses more on insights and inner feelings,

you can relate to it no matter what walks of life you're in.

It talks about growth, passion, society, love;

broad aspects that can strike a chord with anyone 

from having just started college to having graduated from college for years.

I thought it was going to be a series of how-tos,

like a Dummy guidebook for freshmen.

I am glad that I was so wrong.

Here's one of the many excerpts that ring a bell and
serve as a reflection of how we once were.

*********************************************

So, college is the perfect place to find---or redo---yourself. Suddenly, without parents and high-school friends who remember when you tripped down the stairs at junior prom, it's a level playing field. The time is ripe to explore that long-concealed interest in pre-Cambrian fossils or to date a goateed poet type.

But once you have to the chance to be anything you want, you face the really tough questions: What do you want?

It's harder than it sounds. What you think you want when you're surrounded by familiar faces looks different in a new place. Things you thought were cool suddenly appeared dorky, irrelevant or simply wrong. In high school, I was sure I'd fall in love with the first man who wanted to talk about Hemingway; but when I met that person, I hated his guts. I thought I'd find my voice in a college classroom; but in the end I was much happier scribbling down my thoughts and discussing them in the relaxed atmosphere at a coffee shop.

In other words, if you yearn to be someone quite unlike your high-school self, be fearless. Try whatever you can imagine until you find something that really fits. But in the meantime, go easy on yourself and others who are shopping for a new identity.

...it finally became clear to me why I'd come all these miles. It wasn't to become a completely different person. It was simply to figure out how to be comfortable with the person I was---not only at a huge university in an edgy city, but inside my own skin.

-Wendy Marston-

When Curtains Fall

I always enjoy reading my seniors' posts about the experiences they had with their students and am amazed by how normal mundane things they shared had inspired me and gave me insight on certain things. Now, I have a piece of my life to share as well.

This is not an article to boast of how I’d impacted pupils’ lives, rather, how they had taught me life lessons (even shaped my direction in life) in ways beyond imagination.

I sincerely hope you would be patient and read through the article for it's a firsthand testimony of how life shows love and appreciation through different means. =)

*************************************************************************************************

   　He sat there, staring at his friends, one by one, as they lined up to give me salam, sobbing and shedding tears. His facial expression was neutral, not showing any sign of emotions. His friends took turn to give me a farewell hug. He sat there, staring blankly while he watched the presents slowly piled up in front of him.

　　He was seated directly in front of the teacher’s table for he required extra attention from the teacher to ensure he didn’t misbehave. He was described ‘crazy’ by other teachers in the sense that he often did something unexpected that disrupt the class. He once took off his clothes in my class with the excuse of being too hot and he would sometimes stood behind me, not wanting me to see him, while I was teaching in front.

　　He did not come forth to give me salam. The bell rang and I walked out of the classroom. It was my last day teaching in the school after three and a half months.


　　Moments later, when stepping out of the staff room, I was surrounded by a group of weeping pupils. A voice caught my attention. “Maaf cikgu saya tak pernah jadi murid yang baik. Sorry cikgu....sorry...”, the boy who I thought would feel nothing about my departure uttered while sobbing. The boy who I thought finding pleasure in making me frown was his goal in my lesson cried like a little boy yearning for a mother’s cuddle. 　　

　　My eyebrows raised and my heart throbbed with soreness. I was lost for words. Every neuron in my brain flitted about in search for the right word to comfort the broken heart. I managed to extend my arms, hug him tight and say “No, you are good”. How unconvincing. I hate myself for not being able to come out with better words. 　　

　　He must be thinking I was disappointed in him for he always topped the chart of the most ill-behaved. The truth was, I enjoyed teaching him, still. I knew his thirst for love and care and the root of his attention-seeking behaviour. I knew he was one brilliant boy, if only he was given a better learning environment.


　　Facing this bunch of children, I had always reminded myself to put forth a more motherly love than teacherly love. I naively wished that I could compensate, even a little, the lack of love in their life. I felt they deserved more love than they were having. 　　

　　Out of 49 pupils, at least 10 were from single-parent family, 1 found abandoned then adopted, 1 had no idea where her siblings were, a few not knowing when their birthday was and a bunch who craved for attention and care. I was overwhelmed by the imperfections of their childhood and the things they had to go through at such a young age. They were losing out in so many aspects, I thought. 　　

　　But they astonished me with their imperturbable mindset in dealing with the hurdles in their lives. They did not feel ashamed or think less of themselves, as how many kids would think, when telling me how he had never met his biological parents and another telling how his mother decided to abandon him with the father after divorce et cetera. The kids did not yearn for sympathy, nor they thought their lives ought to be better in the past and that they did not deserve the life they had. Their faces sent you a message saying, “This is my life and I am handling just fine. I am surviving well”.


　　I’ve gone through two practicums and this was the first time I got all stressed up. I struggled for the first two months. I cried. I lost motivation. I was at the verge of abandoning my professionalism as an educator. I thought to myself, “Oh well, I’ll just embrace laissez faire. I won’t have to burden myself with their level of competency. I’m not in charge of their lives anyway. My life will be less miserable”. I thought the two classes I was teaching were beyond redemption. 　　

　　Now, don’t get me wrong. I had no major problem in controlling classroom discipline. I had no problem getting pupils to listen but I crumbled when trying to make pupils understand the knowledge I put forth.

　　 I was convinced that I could do nothing to bring them up from where they were to where they should be in three and a half months. I was at a time devastated when they could not comprehend what I was trying to put forth when I thought I had explained in the simplest form it could be. This was my third school, yet I knew little about setting the right expectations for right group of people.


　　For the past two schools that I had taught in, I was given pupils who had basic level of proficiency and they had a rich amount of exposure in life. Many of them were from wealthy family and they certainly did not lack of knowledge of the world. It intrigued me for I was able to put forth a lesson which required the pupils to think critically on life questions. I could easily carry out tasks where the pupils had to create something or come out with an elaborated answer to why-questions. I enjoyed challenging their perspectives and prompted them to speak up for their stand in life. But these pupils were special. They were sent to teach me a life lesson : how to love.

　　They had taught me how love should be present in every deed and how love would persevere and how love calls out to another love. They had opened up my eyes to how pupils, despite their age and limited cognitive ability, would be able to see a teacher’s effort and feel a teacher’s love underneath the reprimanding. They showered me with their gratitude and love through gifts, heart-felt notes, passionate hugs and tears. They had put me to shame every time I reflected upon the times I gave up on them.


　　Another confession : I don’t like kids. No, a more appropriate manner of saying it is I don’t like handling kids. Friends with younger siblings had witnessed how I got fed up and annoyed easily by their younger sister/brother. I dislike having to take care of them.　　

　　Children tend to get all attached and thirst for attention. I am one person who can’t be bothered. It’s okay if you come bugging me once in a fortnight to entertain you but don’t expect me to always be your playmate. 　　

　　I don’t like talking to kids. I find their topic of conversation shallow (I know they can’t be blamed) and boring. I like talking about ideas, perspectives, bigger issues... I find myself too impatient to be engaged in conversations on what toys you have in your room, how your friends not befriending you or how your Princess Sofia/Ben 10 saved the day. Thus, teaching primary school had never sounded appealing or appeared noble enough to me. 　　


　　Five years of theories learning and practical training had altered my perspective on primary school teaching. It’s not so much about putting forth worldly knowledge but your personality to show them firsthand knowledge in dealing with life. Giving them a fishing rod to fish should not be the ultimate goal but the heart to teach others to fish.　

　　I was amazed by how much life lessons I had learnt from pre-teens (I still cannot tahan Year 1 and 2 though, sorry ah). They had brought out the better in me more than I did vice versa. They had showed me how teaching primary school kids was more noble than I deemed and how much skills needed than I thought. It is the platform to touch lives and shape thoughts. It is the vessel that provides you the most opportunity to instill good will. Personally, education is the most rewarding pathway one can have : seeing others grow and bear fruits of their own.


　　Teaching was never my first option in life. I asked myself countless time if I really wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I even had escape plans once I finished the bond. But now I am changed. I have cast away my Plan Bs. I have decided this profession suits me and my personality suits the profession.

　　 These chipmunks, once again, convince me that education is the noble path I want to march on.

Well done, Fang

Often I wonder why have I allowed expectations to sink on my shoulders and let the weight suffocate me. Nonetheless, the feeling when I proudly give myself a pat on the shoulder in the end and say, "Well done, Fang" is simply incredible.

The journey of my third phase practicum which lasts for 3 and a half months is coming to an end. I had my last joined evaluation for my major and this was what I wrote for my reflection :

如果......没关系

如果是液体，没关系。
如果是固体，没关系。

如果让人百思不解，没关系。
如果让人掏心掏肺，没关系。

如果难以回报，没关系。
如果难以启齿，没关系。

如果懒于反抗，没关系。
如果面于冷哼，没关系。

如果犹豫不决，没关系。
如果摸不着头脑，没关系。

如果想待安全地带，没关系。
如果希望顶天立地，没关系。

如果想做自己，
如果可以做自己，
如果舒服做自己，
如果无恙，就没关系。





真的觉得，好庆幸。

Relationship - Religious Discrimination

Before preaching of love and fairness in treatment, how much do you actually practise them?

Yes, generosity, great patience and tolerance are required when opening up your welcoming arms to people who do not share the same belief or perspective in life. It is undeniably a munificence in accepting one into your life to share the moments, but will you bring someone across that border to be in your life?

From a religious perspective, be it quoting from the Bible or al-Quran or other holy books in the world, a large percentage includes a verse that basically says, "love is for all". Despite being the 'chosen ones', you are taught/commanded to love everyone, both lovable and unlovable. Ask yourself this question, would you be in a relationship/marry a person who does not seem to share the same beliefs and practices with you?

Let's narrow down the terms 'belief' and 'perspective' to the religion aspect.

If you are a monotheist, would you prefer going after a person who shares the same religion, who attends to the same practice, who thinks God should/shouldn't be put priority before anything? If either one is missing, would you doubt if that person's mindset resonate with yours and if it would cause a fissure in your relationship?

There are two main religions that I would like to highlight here :
Let's say you're a Christian, would you go after a person who has not baptized even though one is open to the practices?

Let's say you're a Muslim, would you go after a person who does not cover her head or not dressing according to how the Quran has taught even though one believes in the prophet Muhammad and Allah S.W.T?

Compromising can be hazardous sometimes.
When you compromise the little things that seemingly harmless despite sharing the core foundation of belief, you would find the little things eventually being magnified and irritable. You might start thinking why can't one fulfill the little commands when one has believed in something so majestic?

People with a religious pillar seems to have a paranormal strength to lean on but they are, too, the ones that receive more jibe and slander having to stand up for their faith and live up to their beliefs.

Religion seems to be preaching a love that the world shares.
But at times when I ponder and reflect on the various people I have met, they seem to be sharing the same religious discrimination and apparently they are unconsciously preaching the ideology to the next generation.

似是而非

如果有一天你发现...
我被写在你的故事里，
而你却不曾出现在我的场景里，
可以不要难过吗?

因为我发现，
你是本打开着的书，
而我，
畏畏缩缩，
启开的钥匙紧握手里。

你跟我坦白过你的过去，
但你不知道我的过去。
你没问，
我也没想说。

曾经有个男孩像你一样，
付出的真心一摞摞。
可是把鱼饵丢进了弃湖里，
徒劳无功。

稚气懵懂的我，
以最恶劣的方式
快刀斩乱麻，
结果害得双方偏体鳞伤。

感情不是越有经验，
就一定懂得处理状况。

我只希望
历史   不再重演。

遗言？Last will ?

如果哪天我离开了人间，

我要认识我的人把和我的回忆，

写在面子书上。

这样，

我家人可以看得见，

女儿在外留下的印迹。

If one day I left this world, 

I hope you would post our memories on my Facebook wall

even if we are mere acquaintance.

Then my family would get to reminisce

the trails left by their daughter.

死神......再次拜访街坊邻舍

死亡，其实离我们很近很近，只是我们视而不见而已。

2015年6月7日，
死神，
再次拜访街坊邻舍。

打开报章，翻阅每则新闻报导着死讯...
沙巴大地震10多个人生死未仆、曼谷爆炸所幸无人伤亡、印度渡轮沉没淹死29人、意大利难民船倾覆300多人亡等等，

有感触吗？

感慨着人生无常，
唉声叹气以后，
翻阅下一页。

直到，
手机响了。
“Loqman......”

噢，找到了，死了。

那一刻，很平静。

打开房门把这消息传达给正午睡的母亲，
从床上弹坐起来，“蛤！”

颤抖了一下，
这个消息......是这样的效应。
无语了，回到客厅呆坐着。

Loqman...
回想一下与他的回忆、
他留下的印迹。

在外地求学，
放学后对繁重功课的不满怨声连连时，
他每个星期准时到孤儿院报到，
爱心爆棚的教育着颇有优势的孩子。

放假了，
一颗炽热的心、
一个麻雀虽小五脏俱全的背包，
远走他乡，游玩山山水水。

闲暇时，
一台老爷车服务着载送，
赚取旅费，为人正直。

因为归天了，褒义词一摞摞？
不。
交情尚浅，曾经的来往却是如此。


2010年1月17日龙舟事件历史重演。
人家说，芳龄到了半百，噩耗连连。
身边人一个接一个......
季节性的归回西天。

17岁一次、22岁一次，
死亡幽灵在我面前带走了同龄人，
仿佛警告着，
“别以为你年轻，还有很多时间。”

有好几次，
我对生命充满了臆断。
有好几次，
上帝把我抱离了悬崖边缘。

和死神打过交道、
目睹领走旁人者，
更能领悟
 “活好当下”
“珍惜眼前人”。




恶讯来临之时，
第一个浮现你脑海的
是什么？

Thanks for the honesty, S.

Every individual has been in some endangered situation once in a while. I realized many times in life I've put myself in danger. The danger-danger kinda situation. (Funny how sometimes repetition of words make the original meaning of the word more intensified) Parking lot, dormitory, a strange city, car...

As I look back, it hit me that I was actually vulnerable and literally placed my safety into other's hands. I was oblivious about it. I kept thinking I might be of help by keeping the person company. Little did I know that I was actually luring, tempting... giving opportunity to possible tragedy.

I felt the same terror in me again last night. I was scared. The chilling sensation deep down in my bones that I didn't realize until when I was home, I heaved a sigh of relief and caught myself trembling all these while.

Reading the article helps. It was totally an eye opener to me. Shedding light to my naive-self that I was not as powerful as I thought I could be. Influence takes the right person, right moment and right place to slowly dissolve into someone.

Part of the article.

Healthy Approaches to Dealing with and Expressing Anger

• Using feelings of threat and distress to cue yourself that you are beginning to be angry
• Not sweating the small stuff and heading off anger before it escalates (This is no big deal)
• Using humor to defuse the tension in the situation
• Using movement or exercise to drain anger away
• Becoming more flexible and accepting of things others do
• Writing about the anger (Use size 24 print and a bold type on your computer, then delete it.)
• Drawing pictures about anger
• Looking for and admitting your part of the problem
• Sharing feelings and discussing the issue from an emotional level Gently confronting the irrational ideas of yourself and the other person
• Problem solving the issue using conflict negotiation
• Taking Time Out to cool off, and then come back to address the problem
• Breathing and calming to talk your anger down ( I can handle this. I'm cool. etc.)\
• Observing your physical reactions, thoughts and feelings
• Finding the errors in your thinking that triggered anger
• Trying to see the issue from the other person's point of view
• Take constructive action to make changes about the situation (MAD-Use your anger to make a difference
• Using relaxation techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization, Thought Field Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Tapas Acupressure Technique and Progressive Relaxation to release anger.

You might think I'm facing some anger issues or abusive matters but that is only part of it. I tend to write things in a vague manner because I don't want to recall the details when I read back the articles I posted. They aren't exactly memories of cotton candies and unicorns anyway, but I definitely cherish every bits of them when they're still fresh in mind. It's a constant reminder of the wonderful individuals I met who tried to present their best for me, how protected I am by strangers or mere acquaintances. I sincerely wish that you would meet an amazing person that brings out the better in you. Love.

Homestay and Field Trip in Japan! (Tokyo篇)

Yay, Japan! よろしくね，東京！

This trip was planned for half a year, and now it's over!

Ever since we booked our flight tickets in July, we've been anticipating this day to arrive!

How time flies. All the bitter sweet memories *drowning*

This post will be done in detail, thus might be draggy and long.

If you're up to it, then read it and experience my whole journey! :D

(How I wish I could upload each and every photo here so I can save space for new memories! Too bad I can't, else it'd be four pages long.)

*~26/11/2014~*

Taking a 17:30 flight from Penang to KL, then midnight flight to Tokyo.

I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be but the excitement was there. After doing a last minute research on places I would be going, I planned a meet up with Takushi Matsuyama. He was one of the Waseda University students that came to my campus for an interaction session with us Japanese class members in 2013. He's the only one I kept in touch occasionally. So, I thought, why not? I miss his smile!

Met this senpai of mine in KLIA2 for dinner before meeting others. Airport foods are relatively more expensive than other branches. Hmm, what do you expect?

Loving my new shades!

It was my first time in KLIA2, had roughly an hour to explore the place before we checked in our baggage and boarded the plane. I was sitting next to sensei as I booked her flight ticket. She's like a Doraemon! Now don't get me wrongly. She had almost EVERYTHING. Sweets, tit-bits, bread, water, snacks....she offered one after the next. I couldn't stop giggling.

When the plane took off, we struggled to dig out sensei's camera because my phone battery died. The night view of KL looks festive, to me. Flickering of colorful lights on the runway and twinkling of yellow street lights. I thought it was romantic. 

BUT, we had no idea how to operate sensei's video camera. Every shot turned out blur and we had no idea what to do with the settings. #girlswithtechnology

It's 01:30 now, I'd better get some sleep. Whole day of fun and excitement awaits. Oyasumi.

*~27/11/2014~*

05:27, woken up by sensei. We sat by the window, and something caught my eyes. 

Sunrise.

How often do you get to see sunrise at the altitude of roughly 40,000 feet? 

On top of that, how often do someone like me get to see sunrise at all? 

"Breakfast" had long been erased from my dictionary because I hardly have mornings if I had no class to attend. I'm not proud of it but I'm not ashamed of it. Hehe.

See for yourself.

Daybreak.

Hashtag no filter. 

The first ray. 

Seas of clouds.

The announcement was interesting. The longest ever I heard I think. Usually it's done in three languages only but this was done in first English, then Japanese, Bahasa Melayu and lastly Mandarin. (Kind of proud that I can understand 3 out of 4. Hopefully the next time I heard an announcement done in Japanese, I would be able to comprehend without difficulty.) It was an announcement regarding influenza which Japan had taken a strong precaution about it. 

And oh! Another reason the announcement was interesting because I noticed some grammar errors.

 "卫生间将在这期间停止使用" 

这不是语病吗？还是我华语真的退步得那么厉害了？

We landed at Narita Airport around 08:15. Apparently we were 30 minutes ahead schedule.

See our happy faces?

A happy grin to greet the warm sunlight.

First stop : Ueno train station.

Saw this cute petite lady in airport. Not sure of her function though.
She was so surprised when I asked for a picture. Haha.

It wasn't as cold as I thought it'd be. I was actually sweating because inside the train was quite warm.

The single transition ticker cost 900+yen. 

This umm, to and fro/total amount, can't remember. Anyways, 10300yen. Ouch.

Ouch. Costly. But the scenery was pleasing.

A lady accidentally bumped into me in the train (it was just a slight brush actually) and the lady kept saying "Sumimasen" which mean "Excuse me/I'm sorry". I just landed in this country not long ago but I had started to experience the Japanese courtesy being expressed explicitly already.

Want to know how excited we were? Well, first day is always the most exhilarating.
(pardon my Malay slang, lol)

Pimples covered my face but I was pretty sure my face was glowing. Because I was thrilled and feeling all energized to welcome a whole new experience in life!

My favourite ustazah and senpai!

Apparently 'Arigato' is the short form of "No, thanks" as well.
I gave my seat to an old lady but she refused. (Yes, I''m a kind girl.) Contrary to our culture, if you offer someone a thing and that person replies 'thank you', it means that person accepts your offer.

Both of us stood in front of the empty seat. Imagine how awkward was it. She said "Arigato" twice when I kept motioning her to sit. Eventually, I got back to my own seat thinking she might be getting down the next stop. That would explain her actions. 

She got off only after two stations. Before getting down, she purposely passed by my seat to wave goodbye. I replied sweetly, "Sayonara". 

"Now you're friends already huh", teased Puan Nor.

Shhh. Stalking Japanese guy in train.

Thought he looked a bit like JingXian. Haha.

We had to walk for quite a distance to reach our hotel. Surprisingly, it wasn't as cold as I thought it would be. No inner, only a t-shirt, winter jacket and a scarf. And gloves. My hands are 24/7 icy cold even in Malaysia.

While waiting for sensei to ask around for directions, we waited at this nearby playground.

Had our lunch at Ootoya. According to sensei, it's one of the most affordable and promising restaurants in Tokyo.

   
                                

I noticed something. Japanese guys like to suit up! Not only everyone's wearing the same grey-black suit, they're all almost of the same pattern!

Like this!

(Even matching pants!)

No kidding. Out of 100, 99 men would be wearing the same stripe suit.

I asked my Japanese friend and he confirmed it! :P

Maybe it was a common winter fashion but Taiwanese wasn't like this when I went during winter. Wanted to take a photo of them but it would seem rude to do so.

Oh and, it's a norm for guys to carry a briefcase, else a sling bag for younger ones. Unlike Malaysian guys who like to walk around with a girl because they would get to put all their gadgets in the girl's handbag. 

Girls, you'd understand.

17:00

The sky was pitch black already. In Japan, the sky started to get dark around 16:00 during winter. 

My heart pounded faster as the sole of my boots went from dangling to totally detached. (It's only my first day in Japan /-\ but oh well, the boots had been serving for three years) 

Plan to Asakusa got cancelled because it's too late due to some of us got off the team and the rest had to wait for them. We had no line at all to contact one another. Then, Harajuku got cancelled because we changed our plan to Nakano station where it's more affordable for me to buy a new pair of boots. We were in Shinjuku for my boots hunt but they're simply too expensive. Shinjuku has all kinds of Japanese branded shops.

Nakano was vibrant and happening. Bought a pair of new boots at 2808yen.Woohoo! So glad I didn't get persuaded earlier to buy a branded pair at 9610yen. Hmph.

Dinner : Ramen. Sensei's treat. Yeepee!

               

                                       

20:06

We headed for Akihabara, which was 25-minute away by train. Akihabara was a place to shop mainly for electronic appliances and anime stuffs. They had this large shop called Bic Camera selling all kinds of gadgets and a whole stretch of anime shops. From shojo to hentai (you know what I mean), you can spend hours hopping from one shop to another if you're an anime fan.

(A whole stretch of anime shops)

We went back to Ikebukuro, the station nearest to our hotel at around 21:30. 

The rest called it a day and went back to charge their energy as none of us really had enough sleep in the plane. Was expecting Leo them to explore around since the night was still young but turned out they wanted to have supper at Mcd only so I wandered alone.

Yes, I was aware of how dangerous it might be for a young girl to wander alone aimlessly in a foreign city at night, especially Ikebukuro was known as no-sleeping town. It had countless bars and pubs and a few clubs and... those business. I thought I spotted one. They were open-minded enough to put out all kinds of posters, though nothing extreme like those near the Pink Hotel in Hatyai.

So, I was roaming around clueless. I simply wanted to maximize my time there in Japan and I wasn't tired anyways. Of course, I walked only in areas where the crowd was. I knew how to protect myself. Ikebukuro was mostly about arcade shops, eateries, pubs, bars and clubs. Wanted to try out a drink from the vending machine only to realize I left my purse in my friend's bag. After thinking of a good excuse, I went back to the hotel to get my purse and came out again. (You see, if my friends knew about me wandering alone, they would tell sensei and I would get into trouble) Sorry Naqib, Xinyi, I lied about hanging out with Leo them.

Turned out I was lost, not sure of the landmark Leo showed me earlier. (He wasn't sure anyways) Took the wrong turn and I got lost. I have really poor sense of direction. How do I know? I still couldn't recognize the direction from the train station to my hotel even on the last day. I blame mom for this. Her gene. Fortunately, my Japanese was proficient enough to survive and Japanese had been kind. 

I continued walking around exploring the unfamiliar city, watching and analyzing people's behavior. There's this strange phenomenon, at least to me, in Ikebukuro streets. At every cross junction, you would see tall, not buff but looking strong guys standing in the middle of the road like mafias. (After all, they're all wearing suits) I wasn't sure what their motives were but nobody seemed to be afraid of them. I saw one of them approaching a middle-aged man. I purposely passed by one of the guys and wondered if they would approach me and hand me flyers so I could figure out their function. *sigh* They didn't even bother to look at me. =/

I was feeling all relax and light-hearted until this young man in red and black checkered winter coat came up to me and spoke in Japanese, "Excuse me, young girl. Are you alone?" I smiled and shook my head. He realized that I was a foreigner and said, "O, chugoku?" which means "China?" I remained silent then he asked, "친구?" which means 'friend' in Korean. I smiled and shook my head again, adding on a slight nod of courtesy and a stop gesture. He kept walking beside me and said, "O, eigo(english)? Hi." I realized he's getting too close to me now, our shoulders almost bump into each other's, so I stepped back, made a big cross with both my arms, smiled and quickly walked away.

(If my mom/sensei ever sees this post, I'm so dead.)

He stopped following me. I didn't dare to turn around to see whether he's still looking at me. I turned into the nearest junction I encountered and glanced over my shoulder to check whether the guy trailed behind. My pupils dilated when I saw him extending his neck to see the direction I's headed. 

Okay, maybe my pupils didn't dilated that much but I was just trying to express how frightful I was. I didn't want to get into trouble on my first day! 

I quickened my pace and purposely walked close to a couple of Japanese girls. Couldn't use them as a shield for too long though, people would think I's a creep. Bought supper from 7-11 and walked back to Sakura Hotel. Phew.

I managed to buy a steamed stuffed bun(273yen) and apple flavored tea(140yen) after utilizing my whole body to express myself. 

                                     

The cashier had a hard time explaining flavors of all the buns but I managed to comprehend at the end. Pork, chicken, pizza cheese and the other two unknown due to communication breakdown. I pointed at yellow pizza cheese bun because that looked rather unique. 

When I got back to the hotel, this was what I got.

I spent around RM8 for a normal steamed pork bun?!

Oh my, I can get that everywhere in Malaysia! ^%&%@#%$ 

Just like mom's worn out boots, some things might just happen out of control. Well, this is how certain journeys are made memorable. What matters most is all's well and ends well.

* がんばりましょう！*

First night. (wow, this is long) It's only the first night.

The tears, the colors, the different wavelengths, the sincerity.

All of us feel like we've been in Japan for some time already.

I wondered what more challenges awaited in this foreign city as I dozed off at 02:30.

*~28/11/2014~*

Woke up at 07:30. Had breakfast in the cafe beside hotel lobby before attending a home stay briefing session by Yamemaya-san. It's an all-you-can-eat buffet style. Well, what's on the menu? Toast, strawberry jam, grape jam, orange jam, coffee, tea, meaty mushroom soup and plain water. 

The soup was non halal as the ingredients included pork besides beef and chicken. Hmm. 580yen breakfast. I thought the soup made 580yen worthwhile.

We went to this street (forgot the name) for lunch and shopping.

Notice how the colour tones out from green to yellow? どもきれい！

It's normal to see some shopkeepers dress up like this.

Ahhhh I'm so excited!!! I see Pikachu everywhere!!

Sampat.

Naqib and I wanted to follow sensei for the famous tempura but got left behind because of traffic light. (Sensei's never done a headcount by heart before heading anywhere throughout the whole trip and us getting left behind happened at least 5 times throughout the whole trip. And she didn't realize even once! Geng leh.) So, we explored on our own. :)

Japanese take abiding by the rules seriously. The roads were clear but red light meant stop. Everyone stood obediently at the sides. If you cross it, you'd be seen prejudicial.

Next, we visited Yoyogi Park. Due to time constraint, we only took jump shots at the entrance of the park. Then, we left for our respective home stay destination.

Too bad jump shots are not with me =(

So happened that the line we're supposed to take got delayed due to an accident. The trains would only resume at 14:00. Sensei had to call all the host families who were supposed to meet around 14:30 to inform about the delay. I was meeting my host family only at 15:30 so I had time to walk around. After persuading sensei, finally I got off the hook and did not have to return to hotel with the rest. Wheee!

I was full of joy and wonder. The weather was rather cold but I was pretty sure a big grin got plastered on my face. I was in the mood that's up for almost anything!

 I walked towards Yoyogi Park and met this group of westerners being interviewed by a Japanese Youtuber near the park entrance. I walked up to them and talked to an American guy in his 30/40s standing behind the video camera watching the interview. His name was...uh oh sorry. Umm, he married a Japanese and was working as an airport engineer in Japan for two years already. His friends came over from US to pay him a visit and got interviewed there. I remembered!

He asked to pose in Malaysian style. I couldn't think of a significant pose so I did a universal one.

Then I asked him to give me an American pose and he did this. Lol.

After the interview was done, his friends came to talk to me and we had fun chatting about Japan, Malaysia and Chinese dialects. Apparently, to most foreginers, Malaysian Chinese are language genius because most of us can speak at least 3 languages and 2 dialects.

Oh I speak more *show off*

We had a good chat and took photo before I continued my own adventure. Cheese!

Yoyogi Park was like an escape from the urban city life. If you wanna get lost in mother nature, go Yoyogi Park. You can spend up to 5 hours there and get drunk on the picturesque view.

                     

Who doesn't love maple leaves?

万绿丛中一点红啊~

   

A park that will calm your rumbling seas in heart.

It's early winter and no snow in Tokyo so it looked pretty autumn-like.

I'm guessing those are sakura flowers but I'm not sure.

Look at the colours! Pretty little thing.

While immersing myself in the refreshing ambiance of Yoyogi Park, I was lucky to bump into parents bringing their children all dressed up grandly in kimono. 

(Look at this little beauty! Father is Norwedian, Mom is Japanese, they live in San Francisco now.)

かわいい！！

They're bringing their children to the shrine and pray for their children's health and wealth. They call this Shichi-Go-San Festival (7-5-3 Day). Children dressing up formally at the age of 3/5/7 to celebrate their growth. If you're curious about this practise, this article is comprehensible and informative : http://zoomingjapan.com/culture/shichi-go-san/ 

Then, I walked over to this place near the National Museum bla bla. The trees! They caught my eyes.  p(@v@) q  *jumping up and down inside my heart* I was totally excited! Bright golden leaves! Not the usual yellow lime colour you see in autumn. Forgive me for my over-reacting. Nothing captivates your heart more than the beauty of nature.

                   

 

                (Sorry for the lousy photography skill,can't really show the golden-ness of the leaves)

It was about time when I got ready for my home stay. Talked to three 19-year-old Japanese students who are Physics majors in the train. They can speak wonderful English. After a short chat with them, I went to stand at a corner and heard them talking about me. "Kawaii desu" followed by a few agreeing nods. *am song*

I estimated enough time to travel but I forgot to take into account the possibility of getting lost. I got lost on the way back to hotel. After asking a few kind strangers, I managed to get back to my hotel. (An old lady even brought me to this police patrol hut and get the policeman to give me direction. Haha! She couldn't speak English but she recognized that I's a foreginer and I was lost.)

I practically ran from train station to hotel and from hotel to train station again. My base layer was soaked in sweat. With winter's cool breeze blowing my face, I hoped I wouldn't get sick lest my trip be ruined. 

I should be departing from Ikebukuro at 14:54 but I got on the train around 15:10. Japanese has a strong principle on punctuality. I hoped I didn't leave a bad first impression to my host family. Finally got myself a seat in train. I took out my notebook and started practicing my script.

Sure enough, I was late. Reached Ageo at 15:51 when I was supposed to meet up at 15:30. I ran out from the exit and saw a man holding a paper with large printed words "Ms Hung Jun Fang". I ran towards my host father, gave a 90 degree bow with teary eyes(I did not fake it), "Omatase shimashita. Hontoni gomenasai!" I felt really really bad. He finished off work early just to come pick me up. But he was all cool, kept saying "Daijoubu desu." and kept talking to me in car. I would say we had the most comfortable chat despite our first meeting.

My host family.

Such a cozy and friendly family!

I scribbled a lot in my little travel diary about the dribs and drabs of my home stay experience. But I'm getting lazy as the post is getting too long and my host family was loving enough to sort out and compile the photos and turn them into a video clip! How touching is that? Awwwww. Feel like flying to Ageo and gave them a bear hug!

It's called : Fang Special Movie. Hahaha.

I took some videos to introduce tatami room(traditional Japanese straw mat room) as well as to commemorate me helping out in cooking!

(It's a rare opportunity to see me cooking.)

I give up trying to upload the videos. I compressed and compressed and finally get the biggest file to 100MB but I couldn't even upload a 37MB file. Why you let me down, Blogger? :‘(

This pretty much sums up my three-days-two-nights home stay.

They sent me home around 16:40 and I was restless. The plan was to meet Takushi at 17:30, Ikebukuro train station. But there were a lot of exits for that station, my phone went dead and never be woken up again until now before I could read Takushi's reply. He mentioned to wait at the east exit. (I knew all these only afterwards)

My friends and I waited at the west exit until 18:10 only Hasif realized he had jotted down his phone number. #whydidntyourecallearlier&;$@#&;$! We reached him through a public phone and FINALLY meeting up. I asked him later on and found out for that half an hour that we're late, he was running between east and west exits just in case we're waiting at either one. Remember how Japanese are very concerned about punctuality? He did not mean mug or give a disgruntled look at all. In fact, he strived hard to satisfy our different needs, kept surfing the net to find the nearest store that has what we wanted. We were truly touched.

Hachiko!

Takoyaki!

We wanted to go Pokemon Centre but we forgot to check the time and it was closed by the time we met up with Takushi. Well, I was glad honestly because we got to go Shibuya! Ever heard of significant Shibuya crossing? Ta-dah!

Notice the armies behind me across the road ready for a stampede. Haha

It's a wow factor in Tokyo because this junction connects roads from more than 4 directions and the pedestrian lights turn green together. If you can't imagine that, I'll show you a picture.

I experienced it. It's more crowded than walking in Shanghai, but the difference is in Tokyo, this happens only at this crossing while in Shanghai, it's almost everywhere.

That night, we requested to walk him back to the train station as a sign of gratitude before starting our reflecting session for home stay program. Sensei could not comprehend our intention and said something which we thought was quite rude. But ahh, I wanna leave that bad memory behind. Takushi was fine so we decided to let it go. We couldn't argue over sensei anyways. 

Side note : Naqib is such a sweet, caring young lady. 

She knew I had super poor sense of direction and was very sure that I couldn't recognize my way back to hotel so she followed along. Sorry I lied about knowing the way back. You're soooo sweet, Naqib! Sayang you! 

Muak.

*~1/12/2014~*

It rained the moment we stepped out of the building.

We went to Tokiwa Primary School to have a study tour. Well, we're teacher trainees. :D

Of course, we got lost on the way there. Takeshima-san, president of the homestay program as well as sensei's good friend, was kind enough to came out of school and led us the way. 

Getting lazier each day as the whole trip was tiring, packed with schedules so that we would maximize our stay in Japan. Since the pages in my travel diary getting more empty, I shall substitute with photos.

Oh, my father set this special mode in the camera so that once I turned on the camera, everything will be recorded and compiled into a video clip. It even split automatically according to the date so it's like compiling one whole day of journey into a short video clip. Brilliant!

but...I couldn't upload it. And I'm not gonna upload all the photos. There's a LOT of photos.

Bummer :(

*~2/12/2014~*

We went to Asakusa (Nakamise Dori) and Meiji Jingu that morning before going Waseda University. We had udon in this restaurant near Asakusa. I lost my appetite since last night. I wasn't hungry but I managed to finish one bowl of udon. I felt like just stopping by the toilet even though I did not have any nature call to answer. A sudden urge rushed through my throat and before I knew it, I vomited. This kinda freaked sensei out though she was feeling headache as well since boarding at KLIA2. 

no photos here because...

I lost my camera at Ueno subway station and got a real good scold from sensei. I thought I saw sensei's teary eyes while scolding me. I was moved. She was mad because she thought I should've told her earlier and not only when we were on our way back. Well, I thought since nothing could be done and we would be passing by this station again upon return. I wouldn't even need to let her know if the guy at lost-and-found counter could speak English. Lol. Sigh.

After filling up a form and showing my passport, I got back my camera. It's Japan! =3

 Had presentation by two students and sensei, then we got into groups for games and interaction. The sessions were not at all draggy and the games were well thought. One point for you, Shunta! =)

We were so surprised to see Takushi appearing in class during game session. He came! You have no idea how glad we were when we saw you, Takushi. =D Later on, we split into three groups to have dinner at three different restaurants. Hohoho. After listening to all the stories, I was so glad I chose Ootoya restaurant even though I wanted okonomiyaki at first.

I ordered kids meal (the Waseda students must be shocked inside haha) as I had no appetite, but the portion was quite large.

My table mates! Jason(he's a Taiwanese) & Akiko(she's so pretty!)

I ate only broccoli, potato and jelly. The urge came again. I ran to the nearest public toilet and vomited. Again. Ughh.

Japanese are soooooooo caring. (Can't express enough how moved I was during my stay in Tokyo) This lady saw me vomitting and went out to get the arcade shop attendant outside, They cornered me and talked to me in Japanese. I couldn't understand and I felt so weak. Then, through their body language, I understood that they're asking whether I's pregnant. Hahaha. So cute. Then, they asked if I was drinking or eating. I thought they're asking if I had taken anything so I nodded. Then, this lady took out a small packet of medicine and asked me to take it. I was deeply moved and told them through body language that I would go back to get my water and I walked off. Not sure if they waited for me there but I went back to the restaurant because the rest were waiting for me. 

I showed Takushi the medicine and he said it's for over eating. Something like Eno. So I didn't take it. That night, once again Japanese showed me their kindness and sincere solicitude. I love Japan even more now.

We headed off to Illumination City, The wind was so strong and it was freaking freezing for us Malaysians. The Japanese seemed fine as though it was a sea breeze in summer. We were too cold to take out our camera but managed to take a few photos. It was a great time spent with Waseda University students. After a few rounds of hugging, we parted at train station.

*~3/12/2014~*

Enoshima! An island surrounded by ocean(duh) with a lighthouse!

Ticket : 1700yen

We tried this ramune(200yen) and barbeque squid(300yen I think) before going up the tower. Mmm-mm goooood. I bought one bottle for my parents and they loved it! Even the way of opening the bottle was special.

XinYi took a video of me demonstrating how to open the bottle but I doubt I could upload it here anyways. :/

Some of us took the lead and eventually walked off first to the top of Enoshima Lighthouse Observation Tower. 

I was so glad we didn't wait for the rest. They were caught by the pretty flowers planted in the gardens below. There were temples and boards where people hang their wishing plates on them.

The view from the tower is refreshing! A big wide blue lively ocean falls beneath your eyes.

 The wind on the balcony was sooooo strong you felt like you're being blown away. Not exaggerated! Not hyperbole! Literally! It's the first time I actually felt that wind could really carry me away. As if I's gonna fly around like Peter Pan or Jack Frost. It was aweeeeeeesome! 

Why did I say we were glad? Because the authority decided that it was too dangerous for us to stay there as the wind was too strong. They shooed us down and closed the session. Wooooohoooo! We were so lucky. Aweeeeesome! Strong wind always get me excited and put a smile on my face. Feels like nothing is to be worried anymore, 乘风飞走吧! 

After the visit to Enoshima lighthouse, we went down to the street down the slope and had a shopping spree. The goods sold there are much more affordable compared to other places. Shibuya was another shopping heaven.

Next : Kamakura. 

The daibutsu was smaller than I thought. I've read reviews saying it's empty in side but it costs only 20yen so why not experience it yourself since you've come so far. Well, it was really empty. I actually expected some fossils or scrapes etc.

Behind the daibutsu was a beautiful garden filled with autumn-like trees. I love the colour! Who disagrees that autumn is the best season among all four?

It has wasabi sauce in it. And umm, trust me. You don't wanna try this. Not because of spicy but the taste is simply......unique.

Traffic light trees everywhere! The ones in Ghibli Museum were prettier.

That night, we went to one of sensei's favourite restaurants for dinner. Sensei strongly recommended this squid ink spaghetti. Eww. Thank goodness I didn't order that. Well, don't be discouraged though. You should try it if you encounter an opportunity like this. I was the only one disliking it while the rest kept having a second helping.

Night : nomikai! (drinking party)

I met this foreigner while surveying for a place for the party and had a great talk with him. He's 26 years old and had great experience woofing around the world. He's been in Japan for one month already when I met him.

I bought this 4% Kirin pear beer from 7-11 and thought it was rather strong. Felt as if it was 10%. Weird. Had my drinking ability gone down the drain? But when sensei bought me 3% peach beer in the airport, it wasn't strong at all. It tasted more like sparkling juice and was rather refreshing! 

Dinner for the night :

Pretty Japan style, convenient. But it's cold because I's supposed to heat it up but forgot about having a shared kitchen on 6th floor. ==

*~4/12/2014~*

We slept around 02:00 last night but woke up at 04:00 sharp and moved at 05:00. 

No one afforded to miss our flight back home. During the 7-hour flight journey, I barely slept. Had a long intimate bonding session with sensei.

Manga is for everyone!

Finally bidding Japan farewell.

God, you're such a mystery. Your plans are truly greater than mine.

Thanks, again, for everything.

We reached KLIA2 around 16:00+. Had dinner with sensei at OldTown and lingered around alone while waiting for my flight back to Penang.

Time flies. A trip that had been long anticipated was over, just like that. Will miss you, Takushi. You're truly a great friend. Hope you enjoyed your HongKong trip :)

This beige cap is his trademark. Haha.

#randomness#

女人，是用水做的。

时而凝聚，时而液体化。

时而干固，时而哗啦啦。

温热的火候，娇柔温顺。

沸腾了，一碰就破。

冷漠，不是冰点。

心寒，才是冰咆降临之日。

女人，是用水做的。

当然，生活中难免会有委屈。

明明事情的根源在于前方，人们却像教室里的老师，

往往只注意着后方忽略了眼帘下的事。

你掩人之过，别人一针见血。

“哼”，你只能冷叹一声。

友，淡如水亦深如海。

欲入之，则尝之。