Tuesday 30 September 2008

Scotland_Edinburgh_Part 2

Our mission today is to hunt for sea monster.

Loch Ness is located at northern Scotland. It is well known for sea monster Nessie. There are rumours going around about the sighting of the monster. However, there is no conclusive evidence to prove the existence of the creature. It’s merely a myth that surrounds the beautiful highland.

The journey is long and daunting. It took us almost more than half day to reach the destination. Nonetheless, I enjoy the scenery and surroundings pretty much. It’s so tranquil and serene.

On the way to Loch Ness.





Loch Ness and Urquhart castle.




Mission failed as we didn't witness the sea monster by the end of our trip...

Rich dark chocolate cake

185g unsalted butter, chopped
250g dark chocolate bits
215g self raising flour
40g cocoa powder
375g caster sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten

Topping:
20g unsalted butter, chopped (1)
125g dark chocolate, chopped (2)

*Mix (1) + (2) and stir well in a heatproof bowl

1. Preheat the oven to 160 celsius. Grease a 22cm springform tin. Place the butter and chocolate bits in a small bowl and melt it.

2. Sift the flavour and cocoa into a large bowl. Combine the melted butter and chocolate mixture, sugar and egg. Then, add 250ml water and mix well. Add to the flour and cocoa and stir until well combined.

3. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.

4. Serve 10-12 people.

This is the chocolate cake that i used to bake for him. I could still remember how happy he was whenever he tasted the cake. He ever told his friends this is the best chocolate cake that he has ever tried.

I have never baked this cake ever since we departed.

There's a sign.

Whenever i am in love, i feel like cooking/baking for someone.

I feel like cooking/baking for someone lately...

A sign that signifies endless sorrow and poignance.

I wish i wasn't that nice
I wish i could be sensible
I wish i could just let you go...

Monday 29 September 2008

Scotland_Edinburgh_Part 1

I love ghost/horror stories/movies. Everything to do with paranormal phenomena and supernatural will drive my valvor.
I used to watch an American documentary introducing the most haunted place on the earth. Edinburgh is one the places.

Here i am Edinburgh.
__________________________________________________________________

The journey to Edinburgh takes 4 hours and 45 minutes. Obviously, it's time to replenish my energy. Yes, sleeping.

There were string of festivals going on by the time we arrived and the main street was flooded with tourists!!


Our 'not so budget hostel'. Donkey Hostel. (If i still remember the name correctly)

We need to pay GBP30 per night person for a room of four. Guess what? We still need to put on the bedsheet, pillow case and quilt case by our own. !"£$%^ Nonetheless, it's a nice hostel but a little bit pricey. I particulary like the interior design of this hostel. It's so colourful.

The bathroom + toilet


Our room!
It's time for lunch!!

We went to this take away shop and the food are yummy!!! Guess what i had, fish and chips!!! For those of you who knows me well, i DON'T eat FISH AND CHIPS and it's bloody oily and unhealthy. However, i broke the rules!!! Hence, i realise one thing, i only eat yummy and unhealthy food. Hehe...

The fish and chip is quite cheap! It costs five pounds + a drink.


Edinburgh castle.



A prison! This is one of the haunted place in the castle. Can you see something???




There are many dungeons in Edinburgh castle and here is one of them. It looks spooky and errie!! No wonder this castle is notoriously named as one of the most haunted castle on earth!!!

All right! We have enough of castle. Now, it's time to share with you something.

Haggis, one of the Scottish food, is made up of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs and minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, salt, mixed with stock. To challenge myself, I tried it. I personally don’t like the taste as the smell is so distinct after having the first bite! It made me sick!! However, i strongly advise you to try as you might like it!!! :)

Night time! Party time.

We went to a fantastic club near our hostel. The club has four levels with different music played in each floor. It’s cool!!!

My mates! CJ, Thinesh, Yoland and Reuben
Tipsy Feiyong trying to be bootylicious!!!

We met some interesting Scottish in the club. There was a Scottish guy wearing a traditional Scottish skirt and a naughty lady pulled up his skirt. Yes!!!! I saw something!!! A banana and a nut!!!! Oh my gosh!!!! Hahaha…

My first day in Edinburgh.

Saturday 27 September 2008

A patchy path

I am getting uptight lately. The stress and pressure of finding a way out really keeps my emotions on the edge.

What should I do? Where should I go? There are so many uncertainties lying ahead which need to be carefully pondered before any course of action is taken. The process slowly erodes my patience and confidence.

I am planning to apply highly skilled migrant visa when I go back to Malaysia in November. Recently, I found out that the risk of rejection is high if you are a UK working holiday maker who wants to apply the highly skilled migrant visa under Tier 1. You have to justify that the length of your stay in UK is at least 50% travelling. For example, if you stay 1 year in UK, you need to prove that you have travelled for at least half a year. Also, the job you have MUST BE incidental to your holiday. Meaning to say, if you hold a permanent position, and yet, you travel less than 50% of your stay in UK, your application is most likely to be rejected. Unfortunately, this is the predicament that I am facing. The recent changes of UK immigration rules really cause such a stir to people like us!

I am still considering what I am gonna do. My head is spinning around each time I think about this. I would only grit my teeth and assure that it will be sorted out at the end of the day. An unendurable process that drives my emotions to the edge of the cliff.

Hopefully, I will tell you my decision in the next blog.

Have a good weekend…

Ps: Spending my weekend in Windsor Castle with MK and CJ. A last and farewell trip among three of us. Finally, the fellowship has come to an end…

Wednesday 24 September 2008

LEAVE ME ALONE!!!

My head is spinning around because they are back to haunt us again!!!

Who are they?

Bed bugs!!!!

We need to hot wash all the bed linen, pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers before the fumigation tomorrow. It’s gonna be a hell lot of works to do!!

Why can’t they just leave us alone?? We have been traumatised physically and psychologically in the old place. Why do they have to follow us all the way here???

My anger, outrageousness and morbidness are indescribable.

Fuck off bed bugs!!!

Monday 22 September 2008

There's no one else will do...

I start getting emotionally involved.

It’s a signs of expectations, insecurity and uncertainty. I always ask myself to be sensible and rational but to no avail.

I have a failed relationship few years ago. It brings unendurable and irresistible heartbreak, sorrow, suffocation and tears. It’s a mentally ordeal that kept me depressed for few months. The unconditionally care and love showered by family and friends, heals the wounded me.

It teaches me a lesson, a lesson not to love and care so much to someone. If you remain sensible, you wouldn’t expect and demand so much that will minimise the degree of disillusion and disappointment.

It’s easier to say than do. How many of us can remain sane when you are besotted with someone. If hearts can be controlled and ruled, there won’t be so much heartbreak.

The more sensible my mind is, the more rebellious my heart is. I won’t dictate it anymore. It might be broken into pieces. Somehow, I will mend it, as….. there’s no one else will do.

Thursday 18 September 2008

It's time to go...

Eyes are brimming with tears.

What am i doing here? Why am i leaving my beloved family and friends to this bloody place that is full of coldness, selfishness and loliness?

There's no dream here.

My dreams are completely shattered and devastated long time ago.

It's time to go home.

It's time to see those who are genuinely, unconditionally and truthfully cares about me.

Tuesday 16 September 2008

What i did over the weekend...

1. Shopping

I went for BURBERRY sample sale with MK, CJ, Pamela and her boyfriend. Guess what??? I bought 4 handbags and 3 purses. Gosh!!! This is the most spendthrift day during my stay in London.

To be honest i am not a materialistic girl (it's because i don't have much money to be materialistic :) ). However, the sample sale is just bloody tempting. For example, the purse i bought costs 155 pounds if you wanna buy it in the retail shop. However, i only paid 50 pounds in the sample sale! How would you resist the temptation??? If you miss it, you are such an idiot!!!

In order not to be an idiot, i splurged!!!

It's such a guilty pleasure.

Specially thanks Pam for bringing us to the sample sale. Love ya!!!

2. Badminton

A beautiful Sunday morning.

We went to the nearby Sport Centre and played badminton. It's been so long since i last played it.

Devil Feiyong

Terry taught Feiyong the right way of playing badminton

A very fun afternoon. I should do more exercise from now on!!

3. Mid Autumn Festival

Today is Mid Autumn Festival. We went to a friend place and have dinner.

Our chef--Terry. He's the boss in the take away shop that i worked before. He cooks really nice food!!!!


The main courses!

Steamed tofu with prawn

Stir fried prawn with spring onion

Fish meat and melon soup

Steamed fish with spring onion and ginger

The dinner was damn delicious! The dishes reminds me of Mum's home cooked food.

From clockwise, CJ, MK, Terry, Pamela, Zhihao and Dave

The moon. Is overseas moon brighter? I don't think so...

Group picture

A very fun, heartwarming and lovely weekend.

My anxiety, fear and trouble seem to be dispelled. The obstacles are still ahead. However, i seem to have the courage to battle it.

I was not alone at that moment. Just that moment...

Friday 12 September 2008

???

Annoyed!

Not exactly sure how i can deal with that.

There are so many question marks at the moment!

It causes a big headache to me.

Pig!!!!

I will weather the storm.

Lollipop


DJM, thanks for the lollipop.

The lolly seems to bring warmth and care to my unsettled heart.

I never thought that you will surprise me with this. However, it did put a big smile on my face.

Not exactly sure how i can finish this.

Would you help me please?

Tuesday 9 September 2008

For you, DJM

Thanks for everthing.

No matter what the ending is, i am glad that it did happen...

This song is dedicated for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTz7rhommHI

Perhaps this is a beautiful collision that entangles us endlessly...

Monday 8 September 2008

It's still the same...

It won't make a difference.

I'll still face darkness, loliness, solitude and poignance.

I am just a fool.

A fool that entangles emotionally.

To taste the bitterness,

that brings disillusion, heartache and sorrow...

Wednesday 3 September 2008

Don't jail me!

Haven't updated my blog for a while.

A big big sorry to all my loyal readers.

Please pardon me...