Thursday 17 January 2013

Swedish House Mafia

Tonight, Swedish House Mafia will be having their One Last Tour concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Just as the name stated, this will be their last tour because they are disbanding. :(

I'm not sure how many people in Singapore know about them but they certainly produced awesome music. One of them is the recently "Don't you worry, child" that youtube star Sam Tsui made a cover on.

Well, wish I could go for their concert but the tickets were too expensive. :( Understandable.

For some great music from Swedish House Mafia, check out this site on youtube: Swedish House Mafia TV

Sunday 13 January 2013

The devil sounds, focusing me to be further than God. But I know with God's strength, the devil's sound is futile. And when these past, the devil will be punished and shall never be able to make a sound. No more.

Saturday 12 January 2013

It's funny, you know. I've always thought I could put you down and move on, but after knowing when you will come here again, it created this weird feeling inside me and with me hoping that you will let me know about it.

Ah life. I think it's always better to be alone.

Where To Stay When Travelling

Everyone probably has a budget when travelling, depending on what one prioritizes. Some people don't mind cheap accommodation and would rather spend more of their money on food and shopping. Others would prefer a comfortable place to return to after a long day of walking and sight-seeing, preferably something with facilities such as jacuzzi and swimming pool.

In this post, I am going introduce some places one can stay in, depending on his/her budget. I have practically tried everything.

1) Hotel
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind would probably be hotel. But, if you're on a low budget, hotel might be too expensive for you, especially if you're travelling in countries such as Europe where living expenses are pretty high itself in comparison to Asia. But if you value personal space and prefer to be alone in a quiet space after a day, hotel is definitely the choice.

However, if you want a quiet space on your own and do not wish to be disturbed and hotel is unfortunately beyond your budget, another option would be BNB (Bed and Breakfast) or AirBnb.

2) BNB/AirBNB
Personally, I have not tried BNB; but I have tried AirBNB when I went to Paris, France. People put up spare rooms in their houses for travellers to stay a day or two. The price mostly varies according to where the place is located. I.e. The nearer a house is to the city centre of Paris, the more expensive it probably will as compared to those further from the city centre. Where I stayed wasn't in the city centre but it was pretty accessible and was only 5 metro stops from the station at the city centre. Therefore, the most important thing before making a booking on BNB and AirBNB is to research on the place and see how far it is from places that you want to go.

A great advantage for BNB and AirBNB is that you often get to interact with the owner of the house. I stayed with a French Designer when I was in Paris; she was really friendly and helpful and introduced many places that we could visit and provided us with many help in getting around. Although my friend and I didn't have a plan when we went to Paris, everything was a breeze thanks to the help of our host!

Another advantage is that you will be able to actually "experience" the life of the locals by staying in residential areas that they are staying in as compared to Hotels and Hostels. You get to see more and learn more of the way of life of the people in that country, the neighbourhood, and of course, witness the friendliness of the people there.

I guess the more people you have, the cheaper it will be. There are also different accommodations catering to different travel groups, just search it. When I was in Munich with 9 other friends, the place we stayed in was originally an oven of a bakery. It was really huge (considering that it fits 10 people). It was really interesting to have stayed in an oven.

Also, some owners will include breakfast for the price you paid, whereas others will charge you a small fee. Before booking, check the owner's profile or ask the owner if you want. Also, communication is really vital here. So to avoid disappointment, ask the owner if you have questions. For instance, if you need WIFI, you should just ask the owner if it's available since not everyone has internet in their house.

Official site for BNB: www.bnb.com
Official site for AirBNB: www.airbnb.com

3) Hostels
Of course, another affordable option would be hostels. I have stayed in hostels very often and also in places such as Berlin and Rouen. Hostels are probably a cheaper option as compared to hotels. And the great thing is that you might probably meet and get to interact with people from different countries. For me, it was such a great thing. For instance, when I was in Berlin, I met a lot of people, be it Germans, or people from US, who shared the same room with me or simply just in the washroom or the lift. When I was in Rouen, I actually found company to go to Monet's Garden with me together and we even cooked a meal together. I have also met a French girl and till today, we're still friends. And guess what, she's studying in Rouen and is renting an apartment in Rouen; so she told me I could stay with her the next time I'm there! :D

Of course, there are certainly downsides. Lack of privacy and noise. People might be travelling in groups so they might get a little noisy and would be difficult for you to fall asleep. Also, hostels tend to have double-decker beds. I have an experience when the night before I had to wake up early in the morning to catch my train from Rouen to Paris, the person sleeping on the upper deck was flipping and tossing around and it affected and kept me awake every now and then in the night. Also, you might not meet new friends, depending on the time you visit a country. During my stay in Rouen, I practically had the whole room to myself. Well, good and bad. But considering that hostels are more affordable options and they are usually within short distance to the city centre, it is definitely worth considering.

4) Couchsurfing
The last option I'm going to write about is couchsurfing. For those who don't know, couchsurfing is an activity when a host offers you a space in their house, be it the living room or any empty space. So basically, you will likely sleep on their couch, that's why it's couchsurfing! The best thing is that it's free and it's suitable for travellers who are either travelling in pairs or alone (since a living room wouldn't be large enough to accomodate many people). Also, for people who would like to interact with the locals and have some people to hang out with, it's a great choice.

The downside is that normally you can only stay for a few days (since it's people's house and might not be convenient, but this all depends on your host). Another thing is that you have to socialise with your host. I have a friend who rejected this option because he doesn't want to socialise with anyone. I have only tried couchsurfing once and my hosts were awesome. They brought me to places. So I guess by opening up their space to you, the hosts hope to make new friends and interact with people from other countries in return. So you probably won't have much alone time to make your own travel but I guess this is totally negotiable. Of course, this option is not just to get free accommodation but to hang out with people living in that country.

Couchsurfing site: www.couchsurfing.com

So, above are some of the options one can explore, if you don't already know, when planning a trip. No matter which type of accommodation you choose, it is wise to look after your own belongings, even if you have a hotel room all by yourself/ with friends.

Also, before making a decision, consider what you want to gain from the trip (lots of sightseeing? interact with the local people?), what's your budget, and what kind of environment you want to stay in (quiet? noisy? personal space?). While research is certainly important and probably leads you to the best outcome, I personally like spontaneity. I decided to go couchsurfing just a few days before I arrived and have no exact idea what it is going to be like. I would encourage everyone to try out every options and step out of one's comfort zone and interact and meet people.


Thursday 10 January 2013

For we only live once

One Direction's Live While We're Young


Well, I'm not a fan of One Direction; in fact, I thought they were catered more to teenagers rather than a 23 years old person like me. I accidentally heard this song playing on TV a while ago and I was so curious who sang it because it was so catchy that it made me wanna sing along and stand up and dance. So I looked it up and was surprised it was by One Direction. Still not a fan, but shall open myself up to their music and hear other songs by them when I have the time.

The lyrics in Live While We're Young really hits me. I particularly find this part inspiring and motivating:

Let's go crazy crazy crazy till we see the sun
I know we only met but let's pretend it's love
And never never never stop for anyone
Tonight let's get some,
And live while we're young.

Words filled with energy, enthusiasm and individualism, whereby we do not need to live or cater to anyone but ourselves.

Life's so too, isn't it? We move at our own pace, at our own time. We compete, but ultimately, it's pointless, isn't it? You may be jealous that she's getting an A, but ask yourself, are you capable of getting an A in the first place? You may be happy because you got 51/100 while he has only gotten 49. But ask yourself again, is your grade good? Is it only good when you win someone? Everyone is an individual, there's seriously no need to compete, no need to ask for another person's grade to assure yourself or worsen your mood.

Sometimes I just want to pack up my bags and go; go where ever, not only because I'm young, but also because I only live once. I found free universities in certain parts of Europe and it just makes me think, perhaps I can just pack up and go. But no, while tuition is free, I have to think about living expenses, which are crazily high in comparison to Singapore. I don't want to pack up my bags and go as a student (at least not for now; till I'm financially independent), but as an employed worker. So, I really hope I could be offered the internship positions in Germany. If not, I would work here for a few years and perhaps pursue my studies there.

I trust that in time to come, everything will unfold beautifully in front of me, like a peacock showcasing its feathers or a Phoenix living much stronger after the fire. And everything that's happening are just contributing to that beautiful future. With destructions come constructions.

:(

Today I received another Email from one of the German companies I applied to and they rejected my application because my German wasn't good enough. Make sense; if one can't speak in Singapore, it's probably pose a huge communication difficulty and in turn reduce efficiency. Sad that I couldn't speak better German. And I don't really have enough money to get lessons at Goethe Institute. But still, Germany is still a place I want to work at, and live in.

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Act of Good Will

I guess a lot of people won't be unfamiliar with LEGOs, whether you've played them when you were young or not. Those little, as I would like to call, BRICKS and figures that enable one to exercise his/her own imagination and construct his/her dream home, land, town, world, figures, etc. What you can create with it is meaningless.

I was reading and I came across this article.

Basically, this story is about a 7-year-old boy who lost a figure from his newly bought lego set that he bought with his pocket money accidentally. So he emailed LEGO and LEGO gave him a new figure equipped with additional items.

Wow, isn't that wonderful? It certainly is touching when companies (especially large ones like LEGO) go the extra miles to create satisfaction in their customers.

Indeed, as one of the comments in the above link stated, that LEGO may be using this opportunity to create publicity for itself. But, so what? Publicity or not, it's not really the main thing here. I do not blame them if their intention was partially to create publicity and build a reputation for themselves. They are a profit-driven company anyway.

What's important, the boy walks away with a new figures and extra stuff. Isn't that the wonderful thing?  Isn't that the most ultimate goal?

Sunday 6 January 2013

Clearing the Clutter

THEY, I don't know who "they" are but They said that clearing the clutter is a way of welcoming and improving your life in the new year.

Clutter are commonly referred to in its physical form; i.e things that you don't want/need and therefore should be removed for reasons such as cleanliness and clearing up more space. These physical clutter can be refer to old clothes in the context of tidying up a wardrobe, or anything that's lying around in your house that can be seen on touched.

Yet, there are also, in the more abstract form, the emotional clutter. Emotional clutter are things, events, memories or anything that affect/upset your emotional well-being. Generally, it may be things or feelings such as remorse, guilt, sadness, that are bothering you. These feelings may arise from relationships, past events, etc. I have had emotional clutters and I chose to put them down. One example is a deteriorated friendship.

I was rather close to a friend in the university during my freshman year and this continued to our third year when things started to take a different turns and deterioration sets in. Generally, we contacted each other less and less and I tend to feel awkward in her presence, no matter if it was just us or in a group. Sometimes whatever she said or do would portrayed to me an air of condescendence and superficiality. It's as if she gets close to me because she hoped she would stand to gain (which she didn't). I'm sorry but I don't need such friend (if they could be called thus) in my life. Sometimes I feel that I could be alone, without friends. Sometimes I'm rather hangout with myself in the university than with others. Perhaps it's not others, but me. I do feel lonely and hope there's someone to hang out with, but I'd rather hang out with myself and get use to the loneliness rather than engaging in conversations which I think are superficial, boring, shallow, and whatsoever that don't benefit but instead probably corrupt me mentally. That's why I don't really care when I have my convocation. So, off she goes in 2013. Perhaps we may never converse/contact one another again.

And after putting down this emotional clutter, I feel like a new me. A fresh blank page that's capable of being painted in more beautiful colours.

Of course, there are another type of clutter, I'm not sure what to call them. They are things that we have been putting off and if get rid of the way/done would benefit us a lot. For instance, learning a new skills may help one to improve on his/her job that he/she is doing right now. But one may be putting off this sort of learning due to excuses such as lack of time. Perhaps this clutter should be named the procrastination elements.

My resolution for this year is to be reborn again, to live a new me. Life's short and it's not too late to start living.

Endlich!

Finally! I have submitted my application for the job in Munich. Hopefully I get it.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Saturday 5 January 2013

Que Sera Sera, Whatever will be, will be

"Oue Sera Sera, Whatever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see, Que Sera Sera" -- Que Sera Sera by Doris Day.

Having a fatalistic mindset; leaving everything to fate. An internship or job in Germany or not, I cannot predict. I shall have faith and hope for the best with crossed fingers.

Yesterday, I accidentally came across this company that I really hope to intern at for some reasons that I do not wish to disclose publicly. I hope I could get that; I hope they give me a chance. It's not a huge company, not one that I have heard of, but the possibilities that the job could offer excites me. I really hope I could get it. Also, I thought the way I came across this company could be a sign for something. I don't know but I really hope to work there.

By I guess whatever is mine, will be mine. Trust and have patience that everything is unfolding in the way that leads to the most desirable results and outcomes.

Thursday 3 January 2013

When is Tomorrow?

As the feet of Graduation approaches, the calmness in my heart is disrupted. In less than 6 months, I will receive an Honours degree and be termed a "Graduate". Sounds impressive? Yet, beneath this glamourous term hides a sense of anxiety, uncertainty, and financial incapability that relates to the 5 Ws and 1 H (Who, what, where, when, why, how).

I have no resolution for Year 2013. I just don't want to make any because I fear that I will not achieve them and end up feeling demoralised about it. I know pretty well, perhaps, what I want in this life and what I want now. I want to become a director and film-script writer someday. I want to go to Germany and I hope I get an internship for this semester.

For now, I just hope the internships give me positive results. Fighting against time is just not funny.

But oh, why worry about tomorrow when you have today? Live for the moment.

Jersey Boys Show

Oh, what a night, Jersey Boys. Your singing and stage presence made me can't take my eyes off you. Many humorous scenes that made me smiled and, of course, laughed; so awesomely presented that I felt like I was suspended in a particular time and space, and the theater was the world. What a time free of worries while your performance lasted. Of course, the touching scenes really touched my heart, but well, big girls don't cry. I would throw away my Rag Doll and be your Sherry. (Italicized are some of the songs performed by Jersey Boys tonight).

Audience were treated to a night of audio and visual goodies in the Jersey Boys show. Not only were there awesome hits, such as Can't Take My Eyes Off You and Sherry, what impressed me were Jersey Boys' strong stage presence and direction. The moves and gestures of Jersey Boys were well-synchronized and coordinated. Man, bet they spent a lot of time rehearsing to reach such perfection. The stage directing were also awesome and creative whereby the planning team made good use of the limited stage space. The changing of scenes were well-coordinated and well thought out. I shall not reveal anything about it because it will only do justice to such a great musical if one were to witness it with one's own eyes. 

An awesome musical that caters to not just your ears, but also your eyes (and perhaps, heart as well).

I would say it's money well-spent. And I also love the dialogues. Definitely money well-spent.