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.