Cambodia I ( Angkor Thom )

Guess most of you had already watched the first Tomb Raider movie which partly, was taken in Ta Phrom, which was located at the east of the Angkor Thom. That was Angelina Jolie in the movie but me in real life! Check this out!

For your information, the Angkor Thom is superbly big and the legendary Angkor Wat (one of the 13 finalists to be the new seven wonders of the world) was just part of the Angkor Thom. * Gasp* Not to forget Geography amateurs, Angkor Wat is in Cambodia and Cambodia is... HERE!

Well, the country borders Thailand to its west and northwest, Laos to its northeast, and Vietnam to its east and southeast.

See? They even have Angkor Wat on their national flag! Impressive...

Right, cut the crap. Passed through the South gate before entering the first destination, Bayon. As you can see, there are two rows of human-like thing forming the borders to the gate, the left side of me in the picture are the Devils while the right are the Gods. So they form something like God vs Demon thing.

The holy side.

Built in the late 12th century and early 13th century, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman VII's capital - the Angkor Thom. The Bayon's most distinctive feature is its massive stone faces on the many towers ( each tower consists of four faces each facing North, South, East and West ). This temple was once house to 49 of such towers but 12 of them were either destroyed or collapsed by its own leaving the other 37 standing.

Passed by the Terrace of the Elephants which was named because of the the elephant carvings on the stones along the 350m terrace. It was used for the king, Jayavarman VII as a platform to view his victorious returning army from the war and also to watch acrobatic shows.

This used to be the imperial palace for the king...

To be continued...

Evelyn

Japan Part V

There are many other stuff I did while I was in Japan such as Ken Dou, making mochi, writing Chinese calligraphy and eating sushi.

I was " assigned " to hit the dummy with all the other small children. It was fun at the beginning but seeing the others of my age having sword fight with each other, I felt like I was omitted from the group. However, being able to wear the Ken Dou uniform mended all the unpleasant feelings.

Next was making mochi for New Year! It was fun doing something which can warm my cold pair of hands during winter. :D

Writing Chinese calligraphy was one of my favourite activities. Main reason was because my writing is not bad! The ones with black ink are mine!

Of course, eating sushi was a bliss. Love raw salmon. Unfortunately, I choked on the cuttle fish sushi. ;P

At the airport back to Malaysia!

THE END

Satisfied Evelyn

Japan Part IV ( A Little Ski )

Skiing is one of the most loved sports in the world. It can be fun yet dangerous at the same time. However, my ski experience in Japan was a little dangerous yet enjoyable.

I had once skied during my trip to Korea in year 2005. I admit that I managed it well enough as a beginner. However, things had changed when I skied in Japan. I was still at the beginner slope but things does not work that well for me.

I kept on fell and fell and there was once, the lift almost hit me from the back but fortunately, I was pulled to the side by the guard there in time. If it were not for him, I would be lying in the hospital right now. Sad to say, even the 5 year old kid did way better than me.

After the first session, we stopped for lunch and I was exhausted for all the falling down and getting up process I had been through. I you had the opportunity to ski, you would probably know what I meant. It was excruciating! I even fell asleep at the table after lunch. =.=

Fortunately, something put a halt to my short nap and I woke up and went out. I picked up my ski gadgets and headed to the park with determination. I believe I will reap what I have sown before lunch.

As expected, I performed well and did not fall as frequent as before. Was really pleased. I love skiing! Forever will adore it.

In the meanwhile, do enjoy the snow fall pictures!

Happy Evelyn

Courage.

A trip to Japan really changed my life. I have learned how to think, talk, do and most importantly, I have built my courage.

I used to be a person whom people often use the word " cowardly " to describe. I used to have stage fright, fear going into the confined space for my piano exams and even public speaking. When I get nervous, nothing seems to form in my head and all I can do was looking at the person or the crowd with an open jaw. So, I really sucked at these things.

However, situations in Japan shone light upon my miserable fears. I had learnt how to speak spontaneously and also to give impromptu speeches. That was how I stacked building bricks to the wall of courage.

Vivid memory on how I accepted Li Ann's offer to lead the Leo pledge hovers in my mind these few days. I could not believe that I managed it so well even though I ran into the room for being late. I was trying hard to catch my breath while saying the pledge out loud but I neither feel nervous nor shaking in my knees. After the pledge was over, that marked the end of my first task in the meeting.

Everything goes on as normal till the sharing experience session came. Only Pei Shan and I went out to give a speech. I prepared a speech for this session once I came back from Japan since I have to prepare a report for the Youth Exchange Program too. However, when I was out there presenting my experiences, it seemed like it was spontaneous! My written speech was practically a guideline. I admit that I was a little erratic yet over-excited at times, but my speech was quite fluent and I was a little astonished to have so many of them being a little engrossed listening to me. They even laugh at my little lame jokes. That pleased me though.

After my wonderful speech, I turned my head reluctantly towards Lion Ivan and Pn. Vasanthy and saw both of them smiled gracefully at me. My heart melted as I knew that were great signs. I knew I did a splendid job and Lion Ivan must be proud and pleased with me! WEE~~ Maybe a little "perasan" here.

A trip to Japan built my courage and I am really happy to be able to do things a little more confidently and am proud to be able to give such a great speech. I hope those whose parents allow them to participate in this program will grab the once in a life time opportunity.

I fully support this program and am proud to tell everyone that I am a LEO who have attended Youth Exchange Program to Japan!

GAMBARIMASU!

Confident Evelyn

Millionaire Dream Became Reality

Who wants to be a Millionaire? Slumdog Millionaire is definitely a good movie you shouldn't miss. Although The Curious Case of Benjamine Button has a whole load more nominations for the Oscar compared to Slumdog Millionaire, many preferred Slumdog Millionaire more than anything.

This significant British drama stood out and ruled the 81st Academy Awards, sweeping 8 awards in the remarkable event. :D And from the way I said things, I sure do enjoy watching this movie!

This small kid is so cute!

Tata~

Evelyn

Stuart Little The Making

For experimental purposes, my brother bought two white mice from the Megah Pet Shop place. I do love animal if they keep a distance from me or are kept in a cage! They are very cute! :D

Here are some pictures taken by my brother. Enjoy!

Their cuddling awed me every time. The way they hold their food and bite is so cute! Sooner or later, they will become this.

P.S : This experiment is just to test their intelligence and not for dissecting purposes.

Evelyn

Humanitarian Aid, Propagate Love

Hamper Day was pushed forward to last Friday which is on the 13th of February. I guess it was because of the Valentine's Day which falls on the day after Friday. Therefore, the school took the opportunity to spread more love and show more affection to the less fortunate citizens.

Hamper Day was a disappointment yet it was a day which was filled with much rejoice. The students had to stand under the glaring sun for a moderately long time as past years. The intolerable heat that radiates on our sweaty skin is what we loathe most during an assembly. What made the situation worse was that set of Baju Kurung which hung across my body that morning.

Everything seemed like there were written to make up for our sufferings. I admit that I worried about Pn. Cheong yet deep down, I do not give a damn about who is going to teach us Biology while she was gone. I do not even listen when she was teaching since the second day of her class. Even if I do, I will not be able to catch up nor understand whatever she is teaching.

Despite the downside, there were many free periods on that day provided that Pn. Cheong was not around, skipped Moral for the Hamper Day special assembly and En. Kamal went to some homes to distribute the hampers. CHEERS! Of course I made use of the time doing my homework and study for next weeks carried forward History test.

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14 on which lovers express their love and affection for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. Many of those who were currently unavailable went out for dates with their beloved. As for singles like my siblings and I, we preferred going out to the mall with our parents than staying at home and rot in front of the TV while chewing popcorns. Another family night out bonding session which is as common as clouds in my family! ( not to talk about being in a dessert ) :D

I was strolling behind my parents and siblings when I spot Daniel Joseph walked pass me on the opposite side of the mall. I reached for my mobile phone lying in my handbag and text him an extemporaneous message. And we chatted in front of Efficient Herbs while my family members were in there buying things. :) What a coincidence!

Happy Valentine's Day to all lovers in this whole wide world!

Affectionate Evelyn

Japan Part III ( Tokyo )

I believe when it comes to Japan, everybody will have Tokyo in mind. However, believe me, if you were to go to Japan, save it, DO NOT go to Tokyo unless you are there for the Tokyo Disneyland.

Tokyo is famous for the Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, Rainbow Bridge and Asakusa. Accompanied by my host mother and my district YE chairman, Mr. Kimizuka, I joined a day tour around Tokyo. I was indeed mesmerized by the beauty and elegance of the Imperial Palace. I love the sophistication of the palace with typical Japanese building structure.

The royal family must be very happy staying in such beautiful palace. Unfortunately, the palace is not open to public to explore and to discover.

Asakusa was a busy and crowded place of attraction in Tokyo. The incredibly large lantern which was hung at the entrance made it looked grand. Stalls were set up along the way from the main entrance to the temple inside. The things sold varied from food, souvenirs to new year decorations. There were so many things to see that I was busy clicking my camera. I wanted to take all of them down to share with my family and friends when I come back to Malaysia.

Some New Year must-have decorations.

I too, passed by the well-known rainbow bridge. At first, I was puzzled by the name of the bridge and was wondering why it was called the Rainbow Bridge. I finally break free from my misery after 10 days or so when I took my second trip around Tokyo and this time with my host family. Of course, I passed by the bridge once again but this time I did it at night. The rainbow light effect on the bridge was very beautiful and appealing.

In the mean time, the bridge was just another ordinary bridge but it was very brilliant of the Japanese to put rainbow effects on it and make it another 'thing' to see in Tokyo.

My next destination was the Tokyo Tower. Doubtless I was impressed by the panoramic view of the city in front of me. However, it was already 4.30pm in there and as some of you who have already knew, sunsets at 5.00pm. Subsequently, everything appears to be blur and 'hazy'. Didn't get to see Mt. Fuji when I was supposed to genuinely from the observation platform of Tokyo Tower. Inevitably, I was cast under the shadow of discontentment.

Evelyn

Love tags? Miss tags.

It has been quite a while since I last did somebody's tag. Referred to the blog archive, I was last tagged by Bernard Ling, a guy who is currently missing in action. This time, I was tagged by brotherly bear.

Those who have been tagged must write their answer on their blogs and replace any questions that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

# Those people who were tagged must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this tag by sending it to other people.

1. Name the persons you want to tag

Yi Xuan, Yuen Hee, Xin Wei, Leon and Bernard if both of you want to do it.

2. Carrot or broccoli

I love carrot since young. Used to bite carrot while my mum cooks. However, broccoli is also my favourite.

3. Masculinity or sissy

I bet both the words refer to guys. So lets say if I were a boy, I will definitely choose masculinity. Common sense tells you why did I choose that.

4. Goth or punk

Erm. You decide.

5. Soccer or basketball

I neither play soccer nor basketball. If this question were to change to watching, I prefer watching basketball instead of soccer. I just love to see how basketball players do the slam dunk thing. I am not into soccer and definitely will not stay up late to catch Manchester United vs Chelsea. But I can tell you I am into FIFA World Cup and witnessed the Zinedine Zidane head-butt scene live on TV.

6. Favourite actor / actresses

Do not have one specific one. You name it, I'll tell you ( in detail).

7. What do you say to a person who spread rumours about you without any reason?

" Man, you are a !@#$%& who really deserves a punch on your @#$%&. If I hear it one more time, I'll break your bones. Watch it! And I mean it! " Is that cool enough? HA! But I am really pissed of with people like that and I will definitely do as I said if there is no such thing as law in this world.

8. Ever took nude pictures?

Who would be so stupid to do that ( except for somebody like Edison Chen who is stupid enough to record all that down and save it in his computer ) ?

9. Leather shoe or snickers

Love that leather shoe that goes with my YE uniform but snickers will be more appropriate to enhance my youth!

10. Long distance love?

All love are meant to be like that. It puzzles me when it comes to what we call puppy love.

11. Internet love?

Insane, dangerous, risking, frivolous, ridiculous, stupid. You think I'll want that?

12. Online dating?

Why not real life dating? Won't that be more romantic?

13. Tell us about your dream last night.

I dreamt about a thrilling roller coaster ride instead of a scary one. ( I watched Final Destination 3 on Astro before sleeping )

14. Ever hated someone so bad?

Nope. But I dislike someone moderately.

15. Who then?

Sad to say but he is my host father.

16. The last person you had beer with?

I don't drink beer. I tried once but it was with my dad. Totally hated it. The last person I had Sakae with? It will be a bunch of smoke-drunk-Japanese-elderly-man including my host father. Hated it too.

17. The last person you went to the movies with?

It's plural. Joseph, Janice, Ya Jen, Yin Wei, Ke Jun, Joel, Jennifer, Rui Yi. I think that is all. Sorry if I missed out your name.

18. The last person you talked on the cell phone with?

Jeremy Lee Oei Keong. He was telling me that he is not going to tuition.

19. The last person you hugged.

Who else? My boyfriend duh.. No doubt. I am still single since born. My grandmother instead.

20. The last person you slapped.

I have only slapped a person once in my 16 years of life. And that lucky person is Jeremiah whom I no longer talk to anymore. He really pissed me off that time.

21. In the last week, have you kissed someone?

No lips are open for me to kiss. Still waiting.

22. Do you rather do exercise or babysit?

Exercise! I can't stand babies crying and whining. Plus, I do not even know how to handle a baby.

23. If you could do anything or with anything, what would it be?

It? Meaning I can only pick one. Hmm.. tough one. All right, I wish to achieve all my wishes in life! Pro??

24. If you can have an all expense paid trip, where will you go?

Travel every possible places in the world in a luxurious trip! Dream on girl!

25. Are you old fashioned?

You be the judge. I personally do not think so.

26. Are you a freak or a Geek?

Freak! Freaky things are cool at times. Geek? NO..

27. Are you a slut, bitch/bastard or whore?

I don't call myself names like that. Unlike some who call themselves bitch. ( No specific names, in general )

28. Five things that scares me.

- supernatural 'things'

- being on an unsafe high place

- scary and incurable sickness that deteriorate my health non-stop till the moment I pass

- being in an agonizing condition or having an agonizing death

- being broke

29. Four songs playing in my head lately.

- I Hate This Part Right Here by Pussycat Dolls

- Just Dance by Lady Gaga

- Right Here by Brandy

- A Little Too Not Over You by David Archuleta

30. Ghost, Zombie, Witch, Wizard, Mermaid, Vampire, or Werewolf?

Witch! Imagine me casting spells all over to make life easier. I wouldn't have to wash my own dishes. If I can get in to Hogwarts. :D

Evelyn

Chinese ' Niu ' Year

Ever since i knew how to think and decide for myself, i enjoy the presence of Chinese New Year in my life. It somehow resembles a fresh beginning of a year and makes me feel young. Of course, it is ' Ang Pow ' i am talking about.

It feels a little different to start a new year this year as quite a number of things have changed. For example, i wasn't tuned to a new year mood yet Chinese New Year is here. Lesser Chinese New Year decorations in shopping malls and streets. Lesser ' Ang Pow ' received.

My grandfather's house used to be filled with cries of joy and dramatic. With my grandfather gone, everything has changed. I used to play and joke with my cousins. Now, they have grown in-heart and physically. We no longer talk to each other. No matter how I tried making a conversation, my efforts availed me nothing. They even hid themselves in their own room, not even thinking of coming out to the parlor we used to play in.

I now envy most of my friends who are close to their relatives as mine feel like total strangers to me. An uncle whom i have not seen in years came back. You must have expected something like shaking hands and shower greetings and blessings to one another. Instead, he shot me a cold and brief stare before he continued his concentration on the floor. Can he recall or recognize who i am? Perhaps not. Beside him was my three cousins who simply hid themselves behind the STAR paper. Great? Or just simply MARVELOUS?