I was just back from a party in Balmor tower, one of my batch architecture students organised it. At first, I was not willing to go, whispered in my heart when asked by Dara, my flat mate. Then, I thought that maybe it was the chance to meet new friends or to talk to some architecture friends. As a result, I changed my mind and went to the party.
Surprisingly there were just 3 architecture students, excluding me and my another 2 architecture’s friends who went there together. In fact, party or bar is the most common night event here. Moreover, the spot light is always on the drink! Drink means beer, wine, vodkas and whatever with alcohol.
I told them I would not drink for the night, but eventually, I tried some wine because my Taxes friend told me wine is healthy... I mean “yeah”... I drank because I was too bored there. The music was loud, they were just drinking and talking...
The party was blown off, because a group of them said: let's go Union.. And more than half went to the union. Student Union to me, in my first impression when I was surfing Dundee’s net in Malaysia, was a welfare society for students. Astonishingly, it is a bar and disco place. Everyone enjoys in the union, drinking or looking pretty girls or handsome boys to fuck off. To me, it is bullshit. Meaningless. It is not my culture, seriously.
I had my first drink there, a sole beer, with lemon; then a thick black Guineas; followed by a shot, forget the name though. I licked the salt on left hand then quickly “throw it into me” (a new phrase means drink it fast) with right hand and finished it by biting a lemon immediately. Actually it was a small cup of alcohol, but I was told that it was very strong, more than 40%; then a mix of Coke and didn’t know what beer. So, £2 per drink, I took 4 drinks, and had to pay for the stupid £6, cause subsidised by Dara. I get drunk for the first time, face,ear and eyes turned really red. I wouldn’t forget about that night for my first drink, though it was not a nice memory.
My attitude toward drinking is:
I wouldn’t reject any culture of the local, including drinking and party and pub.
I’ll be open to accept anything, but still, I’ll pick what I should and forget about what I shouldn’t.
I paid £9.9K but the local didn’t pay any. So, I should be the one who work 9.9K times than them in architecture, right? Of course with a bit of social once in a while.
K, enough, sleep now.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Mapping Entrance- First Design Project
Well, this is my first group project. It is called mapping entrance. We need to draw out the whole doorway in the actual size. Sounds easy isn’t it? So, after the lecture we went to our destination, which is of course a doorway. In fact, it is an old, gothic entrance of a library. We were led by a tutor, named Dog...Oops, it should be Doug... Then, we sat down and started to draw out the door in our sketch book.
Well, I really thought that I knew what drawing was. I was even very confident that I knew how to draw anything because everyone said that I am very artistic. Anyway, it was just a static building. I tried to sketch out the doorway with a pencil on A4 sketch book. Lines were not straight, dimensions were out! More importantly, I didn’t know how to draw 2D from this 3D world!
I was so frustrated about myself, so disappointed. Yeah, I will catch up drawing by myself this year, I promised. How? I’ll draw at least 5 sketches a day, as my own homework. As though I am so ambitious... The truth is I really need to draw to fill in my compulsory sketch book!!!! It is part of the assignment that determines pass or fail for the year.
Go back to the mapping entrance. Then, we measure it, label it on one of our group member’s sketch book. My sketch book was half way drawn, I’ll continue with it later. My english is too poor, really hard to even listen and understand the daily conversation of my group members. They speak real fast and fluent, with all kind of different accents and local words, some irish, some english, some Scottish... I was kind of left out. Truly, I need to work out with my listening and speaking as soon as possible, if not, I would be alien someday.
Well, I really thought that I knew what drawing was. I was even very confident that I knew how to draw anything because everyone said that I am very artistic. Anyway, it was just a static building. I tried to sketch out the doorway with a pencil on A4 sketch book. Lines were not straight, dimensions were out! More importantly, I didn’t know how to draw 2D from this 3D world!
I was so frustrated about myself, so disappointed. Yeah, I will catch up drawing by myself this year, I promised. How? I’ll draw at least 5 sketches a day, as my own homework. As though I am so ambitious... The truth is I really need to draw to fill in my compulsory sketch book!!!! It is part of the assignment that determines pass or fail for the year.
Go back to the mapping entrance. Then, we measure it, label it on one of our group member’s sketch book. My sketch book was half way drawn, I’ll continue with it later. My english is too poor, really hard to even listen and understand the daily conversation of my group members. They speak real fast and fluent, with all kind of different accents and local words, some irish, some english, some Scottish... I was kind of left out. Truly, I need to work out with my listening and speaking as soon as possible, if not, I would be alien someday.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Fire alarm, again
Well, It’s 4.04am now (26/9/08). It’s the third time I went down from the 4th floor due to the fire alarm! The fire alarm was so sensitive; I really had enough of this kind of stupid ‘expedition’. If including the fire alarm at uni, this is the 4th time I run out of a building due to the firm alarm.
Last two time were the mistake made by lady smokers, this time I think was the same reason too, just that I was lazy to find out who was the super hero who could summand a 60 people gathering at this particular sleepy time. Anyway, we were not allowed to smoke anywhere in the flat. They still don’t learn from the experience. I really hate the buster!
I was working for my first week assignment, a presentation for tomorrow 9am. The title was the ‘inspiring place’, where we can use any method to present to the tutorial group of 13 people. We can have any place, which is inspiring for us, and this is my place:
It’s a forest on top of the hill 20 minutes walk from my flat. It is a common place for old folks to stroll around with their best companion, dog. I went there alone with my lovely G9 camera of cause. After passing through all the residence houses, I came to a flower garden. Just behind the garden it was a big piece of land dedicate for the nature forest. Most of the trees are pine tree, an evergreen coniferous tree that has cluster of long needle-shaped leaves.
There were two small diverging paths that leading to unknown destiny. I simply chose a path and a sudden open space turn to me. I love the space so much, without any reason, I just stop at the centre of the space enclosing by the bushes and trees. The wind was freezing, the temperature definitely less that 10 degree Celsius but I can’t feel the cold. The feel was so great. I just love the place. I like the setting, where a large stone on the ground as a natural sitting place. The leaves were rustling while some were lifted by the gentle wind and eventually fall to the ground. Some songs of birds accompanied on the melody. The sound was soothing and peaceful.
Last two time were the mistake made by lady smokers, this time I think was the same reason too, just that I was lazy to find out who was the super hero who could summand a 60 people gathering at this particular sleepy time. Anyway, we were not allowed to smoke anywhere in the flat. They still don’t learn from the experience. I really hate the buster!
I was working for my first week assignment, a presentation for tomorrow 9am. The title was the ‘inspiring place’, where we can use any method to present to the tutorial group of 13 people. We can have any place, which is inspiring for us, and this is my place:
It’s a forest on top of the hill 20 minutes walk from my flat. It is a common place for old folks to stroll around with their best companion, dog. I went there alone with my lovely G9 camera of cause. After passing through all the residence houses, I came to a flower garden. Just behind the garden it was a big piece of land dedicate for the nature forest. Most of the trees are pine tree, an evergreen coniferous tree that has cluster of long needle-shaped leaves.
There were two small diverging paths that leading to unknown destiny. I simply chose a path and a sudden open space turn to me. I love the space so much, without any reason, I just stop at the centre of the space enclosing by the bushes and trees. The wind was freezing, the temperature definitely less that 10 degree Celsius but I can’t feel the cold. The feel was so great. I just love the place. I like the setting, where a large stone on the ground as a natural sitting place. The leaves were rustling while some were lifted by the gentle wind and eventually fall to the ground. Some songs of birds accompanied on the melody. The sound was soothing and peaceful.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
At Dundee
Well, I don't have much time here to post somthing on, cause I still didn't have internet conection now in my room. I'm in the city library, cause can't even login to the university's computer yet, as I not yet matriculate. It means i haven't got my pass to access internet.
This is a very nice city, the weather is qutie cold, it's 13-18 according to my Mac. But I think it's I'm just fine with it. Just have 2 cloths on at all times, and with a thin jacket if going outdoor.
This week is the Week zero, which for us to settle down. I have my kitchen settled, bought some kitchen utensils.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Abu Dhabi
Had lunch in house, cause the restaurants did not operate for the fasting period for the whole month. If the restaurant wish to operate, it must not be in the public exposed place, like market or shopping mall, instead, it need to cover the restaurant with cloths and close the door. It's like eating secretly. They say this is to pay respect to the local Muslims.. Malaysia better!
The poor restaurant really suffer a lot. They only have less than half the profit for the month but rental still the same. So, some of the bigger companies, like starback, take the opportunity to close the shop for renovation.
Bout 3 o'clock, Aunty brought me and little cute cousin stroll around Abu Dhabi with GMC-General Motor Car- American's car. Abu Dhabi have quite a lot of high rises, but much shorter and less ambitious comopare to Dubai. Only 20 to 30 stories high and most are comparabily old buildings.
We went to Marina Mall, just beside the sea. The temperature here was extreme!!! It was 38 degree celcius, a common temperature for them. What to expect in a desert city? Aunt said this month is fall, so the teperature is decreasing. For Aug, the temperature surge up to 50 degree. But I still need a jacket at night, cause every building is air-conditioned. We can't go outdoor when the sun is high in sky, even at night, the temperature is above 30.
Quite adventurous for us to stay in contect with the hot air outside, when we leave a building to the car, or when we step down from car to run to a building. My spectacles will condensed with vapour once coming down from car. Besides, the extremely humid air made me hard to grasp for air.
Finally I bought my toothbrush, a toothbrush which reflects less is more.
Aunt drove to the site to Fetch uncle back for dinner. As an architect, he work in a temporary office next to the construction site. For the first time I stepped on the desert sand. So fine, just light touch with foot on the sand would make it fly high.
We waited for the ISLAMIC OPERA SONG, and rush to heal our empty stomach at a Bei Jing restaurant. My uncle was so surprise. There was no car on the usually jam road. He said everyone were inside the restaurant.
At night, I discussed my whereabouts in London with another uncle. He studied in Glassglow, as an architect too, and stayed in London for 2 years. So lucky to heve a good guider here.
The poor restaurant really suffer a lot. They only have less than half the profit for the month but rental still the same. So, some of the bigger companies, like starback, take the opportunity to close the shop for renovation.
Bout 3 o'clock, Aunty brought me and little cute cousin stroll around Abu Dhabi with GMC-General Motor Car- American's car. Abu Dhabi have quite a lot of high rises, but much shorter and less ambitious comopare to Dubai. Only 20 to 30 stories high and most are comparabily old buildings.
We went to Marina Mall, just beside the sea. The temperature here was extreme!!! It was 38 degree celcius, a common temperature for them. What to expect in a desert city? Aunt said this month is fall, so the teperature is decreasing. For Aug, the temperature surge up to 50 degree. But I still need a jacket at night, cause every building is air-conditioned. We can't go outdoor when the sun is high in sky, even at night, the temperature is above 30.
Quite adventurous for us to stay in contect with the hot air outside, when we leave a building to the car, or when we step down from car to run to a building. My spectacles will condensed with vapour once coming down from car. Besides, the extremely humid air made me hard to grasp for air.
Finally I bought my toothbrush, a toothbrush which reflects less is more.
Aunt drove to the site to Fetch uncle back for dinner. As an architect, he work in a temporary office next to the construction site. For the first time I stepped on the desert sand. So fine, just light touch with foot on the sand would make it fly high.
We waited for the ISLAMIC OPERA SONG, and rush to heal our empty stomach at a Bei Jing restaurant. My uncle was so surprise. There was no car on the usually jam road. He said everyone were inside the restaurant.
At night, I discussed my whereabouts in London with another uncle. He studied in Glassglow, as an architect too, and stayed in London for 2 years. So lucky to heve a good guider here.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Dubai
First day at Abu Dhabi. Uncle take leave to entertain me to Dubai. Lunch at a Japanese restaurant. The food there is bit different from M'sia. There is only high class restaurant at UAE, you can't find mid range restaurant. 1MYR= 1.06939Dhirham. So, look in the price below, I ate Salmon fillet for 58dhs.
Then we went Dubai, about one hour journey from here, Abu Dhabi. First time I saw a GMC-General Motor Car. An America's car. I asked why GMC? Uncle replied: to support America, or it will collapse. Yup, the GMC's sale fall 30% this year, as Toyota and Honda sales boost up in US.
My set of lunch
Then we went Dubai, about one hour journey from here, Abu Dhabi. First time I saw a GMC-General Motor Car. An America's car. I asked why GMC? Uncle replied: to support America, or it will collapse. Yup, the GMC's sale fall 30% this year, as Toyota and Honda sales boost up in US.
When over 120km/h. If not, it would state the temperature. It was 38 degree Celsius.
This is how it was in the desert.
This is how it is along the road.
The Burj Dubai, when complete, estimated 162 stories, 818 m, twice the height of twin tower and is still waiting to be built, as it want to be the tallest building forever. It waits for the compatitor to finallise their plan. If any other building plans to be built heigher, the Burj Dubai still can climb heigher as it wish, since the foudation is built to accommodate much more levels.
Along the main street, the buildings are fantastic. All kind of shapes, as heigh as KLCC.
The air quality is not good, filled with sand.
Went to a shopping mall, forget the name.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Abu Dhabi, First step to Dundee
I'll walk 15 min from Paddington station to Malaysia Hall with my 30kg luggage. So, I need a handy way to carry my luggage or go gym to get fit! ya, my hand luggage is almost 15kg. Add up both, 30+15=45kg, it's 90% of my body weight.....
I went to papa's warehouse to pack my luggage. Thay were so pro.
My iMac and clothings weighted 29.4kg
Jie demostrating
After the packing, went to pyramid have lunch with LKW friends. I burnt my hand.
Kah Meng holding the camera
After the "farewell" lunch at pyramid with LKW's friends, went to buy a lipbalm. It's wierd thing to me, never use before.
Rushing back to pack my SMALL hand luggage arter say bb to my dear friend. Well, I never learn from past experience-last minute work always perfect! I perfected my last minute preparetion by leaving my tooth brush in the same old place. maybe there's something more that I left out, yet to discovered.
At KLIA, the atmosphere was bit (fan zao). Mama's left foot banged by the trolley just after we step out of the car. I know she's very pain, I know. After check in with my 29.4kg luggage, my lil tenssion finally can put aside. Well, for unknown reason, I can't feel the sadness of leaving M'sia for dunno how many years, not even nervousness or fear felt. My heart was so calm, just like normal day. Why??? But surely it wasn't a good thing, as no andreline pumped up, wouldn't be more alert and reactive.
Family and friends at KLIA. From left, Boon Sim,Chin Chuan(friends), Ling, mama, papa, me, nini and Hui chuan(cousin)
After McD, took few pictures with family N two friends who came along. Just before my departure, mama's tear rolled down her cheek. Mama, don't cry. I'll be fine, I promise.
Cute mama
On plane, I didn't switch off my phone immediately, still sms n talk to friends, as though it was last day of mine. Ha, the world is flat. I type here, U read there, isn't it a small small world? I might be over reacted.
I fly Etihad, a UAE company. The pilot gave instruction in their native language before english in their slange. Hard to understand, so I just ignore. First thing first, check for the emergency outlet, the evacuation plan, and the toilet. Then, explore the sall LCD display in front of me. The two dunno what nation ppl, speaking dunno what language, have zero conversation to me. Just point and point and aspect I know what they think. It's their first time in air I think, always follow what I do. I open the food container, they follow. I ate A, they not dare to eat B. I press on the screen at A, they press A too. When I take tea instead of coffee; beef instead of fish or chicken, coke instaed of wine or skyjust, they just point at what I eat, and the air stewardes take 3 sets of the same thing. I acted very pro, as though I fly everyday.
Watched Iron Man and Bat Man1989 half way, as it is too lame compare to The Dark Knight.
Sleep a while.
Arrived in Abu Dhabi. I love the arabic design,
Abu Dhabi Airport, MUCH smaller than KLIA
Uncle came to fatch me, he called a cab, Camry, left driver seat. The road was so flat and straight, the car maintain at 160km/h, so stable. Ya, just realise, Camry got 5th gear, as approaching 130km/h, it switches. The house beside the road was so fasinating. All enormous bunglo, Arab style. Flat roof, well crafted fascade, square, arabic arched and openning.
Reached uncle house, a hotel service condo, ate japanese noodle, washed up and sleep again.
My bedroom
It's really wierd about the time. I flew off at 9:45pm at M'sia, reached UAE at 12:10am(4.15am M'sia time). so, it's time to sleep again? yup, I sleep again. The time here is 4 hours later than M'sia.
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