The Mid-Autumn Update from UTP

Final year final semester is upon most of us Jan 08 intake students. This is the semester of reminiscence, the phase where I sometimes pause and think how far I've come and what I've become after 5 years. But not on this post. There will be plenty of opportunities to take a walk down memory lane some other time. 

Back to the present: Final year final sem, per week I would have 4 hours of simulation lab, 2 hours lecture, and 2 hours tutorial which can be on or off. All the hours are not fixed and most of the time we're let off earlier. Of course, we still have the ever-nagging FYP and FYDP, the double projects that loom over us since the previous semester. But overall, I have a very free timetable and it's down to time management to put those lecture-free days to good use. 

It's the ending of week 3, so far this semester has been packed with interesting outings and activities. I'll let those extra-large sized photos do the talking. XD

22th September: Bukit Bangkong hike. See if you can spot which of these tiny ant-sized people is me? 

A hiking trip to see the sunrise that we thought will take us 3 hours only took us 30 minutes instead. Needless to say, we reached the peak very early and had to wait. For me it was an unique experience. First, we were wondering around in pitch black darkness with our torch lights. When sunrise is near, everything were mere silhouettes and the surroundings a deep blue hue. It was a cloudy day, so we did not literally get to see the sun rising from the horizon. But when vibrant colors return to the world from the gloomy dark and blue, it's a sure indication it's daylight. We rewarded ourselves with a very delicious dim sum breakfast, all the more tastier after a physical workout. 

    Ipoh Dim Sum Foh San restaurant

Almost one week after that, I went for my first Paintball game! Having played Laser Tag first, Paintball was more realistic and physically taxing, which makes the game more thrilling and enjoyable. We played on a grassy terrain with plenty of tall grass, barrels, and fences. We paid RM50 per person (8 of us in total) for 400 bullets. Getting shot at and bearing bruises is the norm, and I did get a taste of my first battle scars.   

 Plenty of fun and action, but I'm more inclined to name it 'Pain'ball after this

Then, it's the end of September, which triggered a slew of posts on the online community asking Green Day to wake up. But 30th September was also special for the Chinese because it was the day of the much awaited Mooncake Festival. On that thankfully clear and cloudless night, the full moon hung bright and gorgeous, ready to mesmerize fellow moon-gazers. This year I did not manage to go home and celebrate, but I did have a great time with my friends here in utp, where we gathered and savored those delicious mooncakes while playing some board games. Mooncakes sold in the malls and supermarkets with elaborate packaging are often expensive, so living in this small Tronoh town does has its perk when it comes to buying cheap yet delicious home-made mooncakes from the town people. Knowing this news late, we almost did not get to buy the mooncakes, but the town people are kind enough to contact the 'tauke' to come out specially to sell those mooncakes to us. 

Helping aunty to promote those mooncakes! (as if she needs it, business is going great for her)

Besides that, I also spent a random night watching a play by students of Tronoh Theater Shop in UTP. The actors were impressive and portrayed their characters perfectly. The effects and stage props are also excellent and realistic. Too bad the many random side shows (some are good, some are absolutely horrible) and the story's abrupt ending ruined it a bit. But anyhow, all this reminded me of Drama in English I and II that I have took in Foundation. Good times. 

Sangkar Maut drama. TTS' talented actors and stage crew

That's all for the updates. I will be enjoying the rest of my weekend then. Week 4 is starting soon, let's hope that the new week shall be as interesting, or better, more interesting than the weeks before. 

Semester break

The September semester break is the last break of my uni life. With around 2 weeks of free time, I have had a few productive plans on my mind, but ended up not doing most of it, because enjoying my last semester break is more important. I REALLY need a break.

Most of the time I'm contended to be at home, spending time with my siblings, helping out my parents, and doing the things I love but can't seem to find time to do while I'm in UTP. Having no deadlines or stress weighing on shoulders is liberating indeed. Other times, there were a few interesting highlights on some of the days.

On 14th September, my younger brother and I had the chance to catch a glimpse of the beloved British royal couple Prince William and Princess Catherine who were having a walk-around in KLCC park on that day. I do not fancy standing and jostling with the crowd, but it's not everyday that I can see the royal couple up close (well, as close as I can get). Plus, it coincides with my sem-break, so it's fated. It was worth it though, all the standing and waiting, because the mood was simply electrifying when the royal couple appeared, and I did get some priceless photos and videos of the scenes.

Biritsh royal couple in KLCC park

After that, we hang around in KLCC until it's lunch time where Dad introduced us to Shogun, a Japanese buffet restaurant in Farenheit88 shopping mall. The price is a jaw-dropping RM50 per pax, but once inside you began to see the food is fit for a king, with almost every kind of palettes available and constantly replenished. I targeted all the expensive seafood dishes: salmon fillets, calamari squid, prawns, salmon sushi and sashimi, and shark fin soup. I'm pretty sure the countless helpings of shark fin soup alone had done enough to cover the RM50. Anyhow, it felt like I'd been to heaven and back.      

Shogun in Farenheit88 

A few days before I went back, I also went to Setia Walk with my family. The place is a new and developing commercial lot, with many walkways, open-air cafes. and idyllic fountain and pools where children can waddle or soak their feet in it. A very relaxing place and perfect for family hang-outs (with hyperactive children).

Starbucks at Setia Walk 

We had dinner in Wong Kok restaurant, and the ambience totally won my first impression of it. Glassed wall with skyscrapers landscapes in it that gently changes its hue, giving it a realistic effect. I ordered a cheese-baked fish fillet rice and it was delicious, but I found it too pricy for that small portion. But I guess everything's like that on the menu, or any other fanciful franchise restaurant in KL.

 Wong Kok restaurant at Setia Walk 

After dinner, the youngsters of Chua family felt like karaoking, so we went out again. Our night out set us back RM 60 per person at Neway (yup, very expensive), but to think: buffet, unlimited singing time until 4am, a large cozy room with its own washroom, one mike for every person, the rate charged was justified. Just don't do this too often then we'll be ok. Same goes for Shogun.    

Karaoke and buffet in one. Awesome!  

August update

How was August for me? Continuing from where I left off from the last post: 

I tried to fast while coming down with a fever,  not successful, just made the fever worse. Lots of water, Panadol, and a few days later, I'm recovered. Raya over at a friend's house was fantastic though. Despite my subdued appetite, I still enjoyed the time we had. We took A LOT of pictures for keep sake. Here's one:

Tidja, Shakila, Fareez, and me

And after that amazing night, it's back to my UTP life as usual. August has been a gruelling month, with 2 projects culminating to a closure, hence came the final presentations in which we have to present our whole semester worth of work. The preparation involved many hours of meetings and work, adding that with long pages of report writing, the result was me having many late-night sleeps and stress. I'm praying that I can get a decent grade. The seniors are right in saying these 2 final year projects are the toughest courses for us chemical engineers.

Luckily, there was a break in between for me to catch a breather, which is the Raya holiday that fell coincidentally with my birthday, thus I get to celebrate it at home. Nothing beats that! We celebrated with dinner at a restaurant that served us in a private room, which has its own karaoke set, so it's family dinner + karaoke night. 1st time hearing my siblings singing out loud. My parents used to have a karaoke set at our previous home and it reminded me fondly of the old times there.  Food and song was aplenty, one of the best nights I have with my family. I have had my birthday present the day earlier, and it was more than I can ask for. Thanks Dad!

 22nd years old!

 
 During that one week break, we also went to Pulau Langkawi for a 4 days 3 night vacation. We rented a car so we can move around at our own pace and time. It was a very memorable trip and we got most of the major attractions covered: aquariums, beaches, wildlife parks, mangrove swamps, cable cars, waterfalls, fruit orchard, Eagle Square, museum, and duty-free shopping places (yay chocolates!)

 Eagle Square

 

          Back in utp, my friends decided to have a birthday outing with me although my birthday was many days over. That was a pleasant surprise and very thoughtful of them, but soon I got an even more awesome surprise when they gave me a birthday present which I badly needed. It's like they can read my mind, they're the best pals!

A maroon colored iPhone cover with a sturdy look and grip. Loving it!

31st August was Malaysia's Independence Day and the day before was my Mom's birthday. I was not there to celebrate my Mom's birthday, but she had a great day nevertheless with some close friends and the rest of our family. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet of roses. By the time I was back to take a snapshot of the bouquet, the roses have already wilted, but they're still pretty. My Mom was always working so hard and had gone through a lot, a tough character who can endure whatever hardship that comes her way but still carry on. I wish my Mom would be forever in good health, and be happy always.     

 Roses for Mom. Happy Birthday!

That's all the major highlights in August. It was a month of tough academic life, but at the same time I get to spend some memorable quality time with my family, which is important. There's a quote that says we are moving with such a fast pace in life, that we sometimes forgot our parents are getting older. That saying is very true, as always I fear and dread the chances I have left that I get to spend with my parents, because with each passing day that opportunity grows lesser.

The month of September began with final exams. It was soon over, which also means my Final Year 1st sem has come to an end. I am currently enjoying the remaining days of my sem-break. My final semester as a student starts very very soon, and it's a bittersweet feeling for me. But more on that later, bye for now.   

Ramadhan

The holy month of Ramadhan has begun for some time for my Muslims friends. Indeed, to fast the whole month is not easy. I admire their strength, because to go hungry is still bearable, but to ignore the clawing thirst at their throats everyday for the whole month, that requires pushing one's will to the limit.

Being invited to buka puasa at one my friends' house, I have thus challenge myself to a day of fasting too so that it will be more meaningful. I have thought the only real trial today would be sitting through the Heat Integration test with the aching thirst, but never would I expect myself to come down with a fever. For now it has not developed into a fever yet, but the tell-tale signs are there. The incessant coughing, which only worsen my need for water, the neck and forehead warming up while the fingers and toes are cold, i woke up for sahur today in a miserable mess. Of all the days to get sick, it has to be today?

So the odds are not in my favor, but never mind, I will try my best to tide through this. The feeling of achievement will be many times greater with the extra odds stacked against me. About me being sick, let's just say I have not been responsible with my health lately. Unhealthy meals, staying up late to finish my work, no fruits, and less exercises, it's not surprising I turned out like this. I just wish I have my Austrian lifestyle back, where I am in control of my life, my schedule and the places I can go.

Today will be a tough day ahead. Even when I'm done, sure I might deserve a pat on the back, but it's nothing to be too proud of. If I sincerely wish to fast, I would have done so without needing a reason to, and without glorifying it to the whole world so that they can heap praises onto me, which I'm trying to keep a minimum here. No, it would be silent, a challenge I embark on my own, where my temptations will be the contenders. In the end, it's just a battle with the devil inside of me. That's how it should be done.      

At this point of time

There has been such a huge gap since my mediocre update from Graz. Where am I and what am I doing now? What have I been through? 

Well, 7 months of internship in Graz, Austria has been the best 7 months of my life. To be independent, to be in charge of your own life, and of course the culture, the weather, the people, the food: to have the chance to experience them is indeed a privilege I never dream of. It is as if I was being transported to another reality of fantasy. I really missed my life there. 

Back from internship, I am currently facing my Final year 1st Semester in May. Study life seems tougher after internship for most of us, perhaps due to the allure of working life that we briefly experienced  in that window  of 7 months. I myself have enough of exams and lectures, but who knows? I have yet to face the real working environment. It should be even tougher. Even so, the current semester is already tough on me, and certain time I feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders threatening to break me. But toughen up and face it I shall, because if I can't handle this, how am I going to handle the meaner ones in the future?

I guess studying or working life, both are challenging aspects of a student life. So, it is important to have plenty of fun. This semester has its equal share of ups too. Some pictures to share here: 

White water rafting with friends whom mostly have been interns in Austria 

Craving for durians after the rafting

Cameron trip with the Chindians Jan08

          Laser tag battle with my coursemates. Oh the fun! 

The bowling team for Chemical Engineering Department. We won the champion title!! 

These are the good times, and I'm sure more will be coming. Whenever I feel the stress biting into me, I just need to think of all the good times you have had, and remind myself bad and stressful times are just part and parcel of life. Eventually the rain clouds will clear and the sunshine and rainbow will appear. 

Happy mid-sem break to all UTP students! 

Near death experience?

It's an awkward transition really, from the merry "yay I am oversea!" to this morbid account of near death experience, but i guess it is only when death brushed past me ever so lightly that i feel i must get things off my mind in this post. Interestingly, it was someday this week during a blackout in utp, a few friends and I escaped to the mamak stall, and this near-death experience topic was brought up somewhere during our conversation. Who would have thought a few days later i really got a near-death experience to share!

It was Sunday, my team was announced the champion for this year's utp sports carnival for bowling, so we went on to celebrate till the wee hours of the morning. We were heading back, just about reaching Tronoh where the road is pitch dark with nary a street light, then it happened. 

I was in a drowsy state from sleepiness when the driver suddenly exclaimed "What's that?!" Before i knew it, our car slammed into something hard, followed by loud screeching, then our car hurtled forward violently and unsteadily, almost seems any moment it will swerve and crashed into the adjacent divider. Luckily, it finally came to a stop. Everyone's sleepiness instantly evaporated as we took in what had just happened. 

Our car had been ensnared by some thick wire that had been hung across the road.  The 1st instinct was this was a trap, and someone might be waiting to ambush us if we stepped right out of our disabled car. So we stay put in the car and called for help. Our friends in another car soon came. It is only then that we dared stepped out of the car. Closer inspection revealed that the wire was actually a cable that has gotten loose from the power grid and it hung across the whole length of the road. No one dared to touch the cable. The cable has cut deeply into the bumper of the car but luckily was not entangled in the wheel.  

Soon, the police was called over, then some men from the TNB also came to remove the cable. Then, we drove (yeah, amazingly only the bumper was damaged) to the batu gajah police station to file a report. The police's theory was that someone was halfway stealing the cable and was lowering it to the ground when we happened to drive past, therefore getting caught by it. That would explain why other cars before us were not affected. It was a bad-ass cable indeed. Strong, sturdy and used in cranes to lift heavy loads, which made it lucrative to steal i guess. The accident happened at 4am, and by the time we were done with the police report and finally get to go back, it was 7am. Needless to say, I took a really long and deep sleep. 

Thinking back, we were indeed very lucky to be alive and the car suffered only a minimal amount of damage. So many things could have gone wrong that we might end up in scenes akin to those in Final Destinations.We could have swerved and crashed violently into the divider, or the whole car could have flipped over. I shudder to think if it was a motorbike that was tripped by the cable instead of us. Kudos to my friend for gripping the steering tightly and keeping the car steady in that spur moment of accident. There is so much more: If the cable from the power grid was alive with current, we could have been electrocuted. Or if it was hung higher, it could have smashed right through the windshield and cut into our flesh. Or if there really was a cable thief, he might be violent and decided to robbed us instead. Indeed, we can count on our lucky stars neither one of worst-case scenarios actually happened. We escaped unscathed, traumatized maybe, but safe and sound in one piece. Pitting all this against the Ipoh Run that I'd missed, it seems minor. Of course, it was really a letdown for me because I had been looking forward to this run for a very long time. Nevertheless, here I am, still breathing and alive, so I am eternally grateful. 

Life is so fleeting wasn't it? We could lose it all in just that one moment, with all those unspoken words left hanging, all those things to do never accomplished. 

Greetings from Graz

I'm back! It's been a long while. A lot had happened. To get things started, right now I am doing my internship overseas in Graz, Austria. 

This was a late post, a very late one indeed considering my internship is two-third over. Time flies. A lot of patching up to do since my last entry in tumblr. I will take things slow. Consider this post a prelude. 

Good night.