I have streaks.
of blue hair sticking into my eyes..strays of the highlights i had done.
about a week ago.
hehehe. call me crazy.
i think i'm rockin it.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Friday, 1 May 2009
Strangers in the Outfield
Remember when we were growing up, how our parents would tell us,
just as they send us off to school, whether on a school bus, or driving us to the school gates themselves; they would remind us,
"Don't speak to strangers, alright?"
And' we'd nod, understanding strangers meant people you don't know personally but never fully taking into consideration what a stranger is connected with.
I consider myself a polite, educated and friendly person. And so if i do bump into a stranger, whether on the streets, on an airplane, or eating out; and they inititate a hello, i would reply with a smile or maybe another greeting.
Sure, you first have to be able to pick the situation in which to give a response. If i was feeling rather down and moody or perhaps the 'stranger' emitted some bad vibes i might just look up and decline to respond.
But as i said, being maybe a little too friendly i usually respond in a positive or affirmative sign.
I made another friend on my flight back to Makassar today. And yes, my friends raised their eyebrows when i shared the information. And so he is french, and had so much stories to tell on our 3-hour flight that i enjoyed the company. But because i learned my lesson from the scare in Christchurch, i ended the acquaintance at the airport, although i initially did offer to drop him off somewhere in town just because he seemed lost. Bad judgement call?
Now this wasn't my only 'friendly' encounter with a stranger as i had mentioned, as i have been flying on my own for the last few years all over, i do tend to make 'friends'. I met a German Pro-Skater on my flight to Christchurch, a Japanese and Kiwi couple on my flight to Melbourne, and the list goes on.
But, it was on the streets of Christchurch city that i regretted my respond to a stranger. He appeared friendly, we spoke of architecture and education as well as the history of Christchurch. But when he followed me into the Museum that i had started to sense the bad vibes.
Being an outsider, a tourist perhaps i misjudged myself thinking he was merely a friendly samaritan wanting to guide a tourist around. And when he lay his hands on me, i froze.
When it was just on my shoulder, i managed to simply shrug it off, maybe he didn't realise his hand was there? maybe this is just a normal thing over here. Then it came again and moved lower, and lower and i knew i wasn't imagining it. Alarms were ringing in my head. This isn't right. I have no idea who this guy is!
I pushed him away and ran off. I wasn't thinking right, or i would've gone to the museum guards. But i went for the bathroom instead, Washed my face. Thought it over and peered outside. he was gone. I wanted to report it to the guards but since he wasn't around i decided i didn't have to.
Of course, walking back into the city i wish i had, because who knew if he had been waiting for me outside? and he was big and tall.
Needless to say, i didnt speak to anyone else the rest of the day. And the rest of my trip, my conversations were reserved for my tour guide and tour mates. I was told off though when i got home,
'Didn't your mum ever told you not to speak to strangers?"
I could only nod in defense. Who knew?
My only advice is women, who travel on their own should always be careful of their surroundings. I never thought it would happen to me. but it did. And i am now more aware of violation than before. It isn't right.
I hope we all can learn a thing or two from my experience.
just as they send us off to school, whether on a school bus, or driving us to the school gates themselves; they would remind us,
"Don't speak to strangers, alright?"
And' we'd nod, understanding strangers meant people you don't know personally but never fully taking into consideration what a stranger is connected with.
I consider myself a polite, educated and friendly person. And so if i do bump into a stranger, whether on the streets, on an airplane, or eating out; and they inititate a hello, i would reply with a smile or maybe another greeting.
Sure, you first have to be able to pick the situation in which to give a response. If i was feeling rather down and moody or perhaps the 'stranger' emitted some bad vibes i might just look up and decline to respond.
But as i said, being maybe a little too friendly i usually respond in a positive or affirmative sign.
I made another friend on my flight back to Makassar today. And yes, my friends raised their eyebrows when i shared the information. And so he is french, and had so much stories to tell on our 3-hour flight that i enjoyed the company. But because i learned my lesson from the scare in Christchurch, i ended the acquaintance at the airport, although i initially did offer to drop him off somewhere in town just because he seemed lost. Bad judgement call?
Now this wasn't my only 'friendly' encounter with a stranger as i had mentioned, as i have been flying on my own for the last few years all over, i do tend to make 'friends'. I met a German Pro-Skater on my flight to Christchurch, a Japanese and Kiwi couple on my flight to Melbourne, and the list goes on.
But, it was on the streets of Christchurch city that i regretted my respond to a stranger. He appeared friendly, we spoke of architecture and education as well as the history of Christchurch. But when he followed me into the Museum that i had started to sense the bad vibes.
Being an outsider, a tourist perhaps i misjudged myself thinking he was merely a friendly samaritan wanting to guide a tourist around. And when he lay his hands on me, i froze.
When it was just on my shoulder, i managed to simply shrug it off, maybe he didn't realise his hand was there? maybe this is just a normal thing over here. Then it came again and moved lower, and lower and i knew i wasn't imagining it. Alarms were ringing in my head. This isn't right. I have no idea who this guy is!
I pushed him away and ran off. I wasn't thinking right, or i would've gone to the museum guards. But i went for the bathroom instead, Washed my face. Thought it over and peered outside. he was gone. I wanted to report it to the guards but since he wasn't around i decided i didn't have to.
Of course, walking back into the city i wish i had, because who knew if he had been waiting for me outside? and he was big and tall.
Needless to say, i didnt speak to anyone else the rest of the day. And the rest of my trip, my conversations were reserved for my tour guide and tour mates. I was told off though when i got home,
'Didn't your mum ever told you not to speak to strangers?"
I could only nod in defense. Who knew?
My only advice is women, who travel on their own should always be careful of their surroundings. I never thought it would happen to me. but it did. And i am now more aware of violation than before. It isn't right.
I hope we all can learn a thing or two from my experience.
Monday, 27 April 2009
September Rain
One day left in town. I put up this photo because we took this not even over a year ago in September during Eid Mubara'. And i loved it. WE were a complete family again. maybe this year it would be the same. InsyaAllah.
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Riders of Rohan!
.
Of course, nothing stands on the beautiful rock this day, except for holes on its rocky ruins and remnants of bolts stuck to it as proof of construction. here i share photos of my hassle-free LOTR tour of Edoras. Complete with a Know-it all tour guide (love ya rex!), yummy lunch, and great scenery.
Dorothy and I battling it out for middle earth ;)
sisters, Liz and Christina were the Eowyn's of our trip.
The hills did look short from where i was standing, but no!
As my sis would say, "You've arrived in New Zealand!", gorgeous lake clearwater
Any LOTR fan knows that the great trilogy, its movie was shot in over a 100 locations on both islands of New Zealand, and Christchurch, or Mt.Sunday to be exact, was where the kingdom of Rohan was built; literally.
Of course, nothing stands on the beautiful rock this day, except for holes on its rocky ruins and remnants of bolts stuck to it as proof of construction. here i share photos of my hassle-free LOTR tour of Edoras. Complete with a Know-it all tour guide (love ya rex!), yummy lunch, and great scenery.
Dorothy and I battling it out for middle earth ;)
sisters, Liz and Christina were the Eowyn's of our trip.
The hills did look short from where i was standing, but no!
As my sis would say, "You've arrived in New Zealand!", gorgeous lake clearwater
Thursday, 23 April 2009
City centre of Christchurch
Settled originally by the Ngai Tahu Maori tribe, the official British settlers arrived in Christchurch in 1850; and it became New Zealand's first city by Royal Charter.You can see the colonial heritage by the tree-filled parks, meandering streams and many stone buildings that makes it very similar to England. In my opinion, Christchurch is well planned out with a fine balance struck between the tranquility of suburban and village life with the metropolitan bustle of a small city.
A person i know keeps saying how similar, or perhaps how Christchurch is better than Scotland. (Having been to Scotland, i could say there ARE similarities but they are both two different parts of the world). Reaching the city, you can see that it was built around a Cathedral, a testament to the city's Anglican heritage; the cathedral square unassumingly taking the role as its centre. Canterbury museum and Chris College showing hints of gothic style architecture; both easily accessed right across the streets of the cathedral.
I mostly enjoyed a walk across Hagley Park, it is the third largest park in the world (yeap!), after NYC's Central park and London's Hyde Park. Tram ride around the city's main sights is a must for a tourist, though most of the locals have never even tried it (due to the fact that the tram route passes through buildings n sites that are all within considerable walking distance from each other).
If ever in doubt of your activities while anywhere in NZ, just head on to the local i-site. I did on my very first day and got 3 days booked on incredible day-tours. :)
A person i know keeps saying how similar, or perhaps how Christchurch is better than Scotland. (Having been to Scotland, i could say there ARE similarities but they are both two different parts of the world). Reaching the city, you can see that it was built around a Cathedral, a testament to the city's Anglican heritage; the cathedral square unassumingly taking the role as its centre. Canterbury museum and Chris College showing hints of gothic style architecture; both easily accessed right across the streets of the cathedral.
I mostly enjoyed a walk across Hagley Park, it is the third largest park in the world (yeap!), after NYC's Central park and London's Hyde Park. Tram ride around the city's main sights is a must for a tourist, though most of the locals have never even tried it (due to the fact that the tram route passes through buildings n sites that are all within considerable walking distance from each other).
If ever in doubt of your activities while anywhere in NZ, just head on to the local i-site. I did on my very first day and got 3 days booked on incredible day-tours. :)
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Rainbows
I always thought i'd be nicely represented in a kaleidescope of colours.even if my wardrobe does not represent such things.
hmm.
Sweet Home Malaysia!
First off, a shout out to my bff Dr.Farissa Hussin; so proud of you love! (you were so afraid and panicky for nothin! told ya! ;) ) InsyaAllah if all goes well for me in the next year, i'll be joining your ranks soon. But of course, i don't claim myself to be brilliant as you are. I have doubts on my own abilities but we shall see. Congatulations again :D we can celebrate Friday beramai-ramai k?
I have been back for....over a week now.
and i have been successfully bumming around at home! yes, you may frown upon my laziness to achieve somewhat more productive means while on holiday but i do not care. I think doing chores and helpin out at home is a wonderful thing that i miss. (being around the noisy banter of my kid siblings is like music to my ears - i missed them loads)
on a lighter note, i do still have about 4 weeks left. yeah, groans...what to do?
money is scarce, too lazy to get a job cos i already have one waiting for me back in makassar.
So...(drum roll pleasee)
i finally get to fly away :) only for a little bit. to see my fav holiday destination.
if not to see my sister; i can go on tour as planned last year.
KL -Melbourne -Christchurch
Another adventure awaits
I can't wait.
Dee
I have been back for....over a week now.
and i have been successfully bumming around at home! yes, you may frown upon my laziness to achieve somewhat more productive means while on holiday but i do not care. I think doing chores and helpin out at home is a wonderful thing that i miss. (being around the noisy banter of my kid siblings is like music to my ears - i missed them loads)
on a lighter note, i do still have about 4 weeks left. yeah, groans...what to do?
money is scarce, too lazy to get a job cos i already have one waiting for me back in makassar.
So...(drum roll pleasee)
i finally get to fly away :) only for a little bit. to see my fav holiday destination.
if not to see my sister; i can go on tour as planned last year.
KL -Melbourne -Christchurch
Another adventure awaits
I can't wait.
Dee
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