The Stressful Calling

I've been pretty quiet of late. Nothing interesting really happened. I've been drowned in work and my personal life is at a standstill. Well, not really. I'm happy with whatever things that have been going on, just that it's not worth typing about.

After almost a year, I finally received the best news ever. I'M GOING BACK TO SCHOOL FINALLY! The countless applications finally got through and I'll be doing something of a personal and career interest, Aerospace. To add up to the stress of work, now I'll include the stress of school. It's stressfully exciting.

It'll be a journey ahead but the stress started before my school starts. Even though I'm applying under my employment scholarship, the acknowledgement was a bit late to process the initial fee. So I had to make the official payment for the first semester and claim when my scholarship is up. STRESS!!! With a downturn of finances the last couple of months, I have to apply a quick loan to settle the fees and payback once the scholarship is up.

Freaking thing is, my SingPass was blocked again by an idiotic internet lag. Now I need to go over to CPF center to reset the password before I can apply for loan. Such Fun!

Really, I must be insane in the brain to be happy for more stress. LOL... I'm just happy that I can broaden my learning capacity (as if I can't on my own - actually hard to classify my competency without quiz and examinations. HAHAHAHAHA). Oh, I also have to reschedule my January Beijing Trip now. Look like it's either in end Jan or early Feb. Till then, I'm like soooooooooo excited y'all.

My Tribute

Three years back, the world lost someone so brilliant and controversial. To me, She's the greatest director and scriptwriter that Malaysia ever had. Most Singaporean will know this 2 commercials but do you know whose brilliance it was from. Let's refresh our minds shall we.

"Funeral"

"Family"

Now I bet you'll remember this 2 great commercials and actually reflected on what it's about at some point. She never fails to touch my heart and actually made me teared. Her Malaysian commercials are no different, it had great values in them.

Apart from commercials, She had written and directed 5 wonderful films. I've watched all repeatedly and still  have not gotten bored of them. She showed that the world is full of controversies but nothing is impossible, there are ways around and sacrifices to take. Something I've learnt after all Her movies, Nothing is simple but nothing is impossible.

Her films:

Sepet  (Slit Eyes)
2004

Gubra (Anxiety - Singaporean pronounced as Gabra)

2006

Mukhsin

2007

Muallaf (The Convert)

2008

Talentime

2009

Something I love about Her films are the controversy that She based on and Her muse, Sharifah Amani. She's so fiesty and suit all the role. 

My latest trip to Kuala Lumpur got me hunting for all Her shows that I've not owned. I've also found a book on Her during my Kinokuniya spree which I just have to get. Like Her, the book is different and features stories of Her life, anecdotes and poems, and what people think of Her.

By now, you would have known to whom I'm referring. Even though She's no longer among us, I truly missed her as how I miss all my dearly departed.

Thank you Yasmin Ahmad for opening up some of our eyes and heart.

Rid Them All

Based on SIN, I've been spending a lot in the first quarter of 2012. I've been getting more books and clothes, and not forgetting the impulse Playstation 3 out of frustration from work. I then realized that I'm short of space to store my spree.

I looked around and concluded that my VCD/DVD, comics and toys collections that I've stored away have to go. Throwing away would be wasteful after all the hard earned money spent. So I managed to pawn off the "legal" videos at Cash Converter and dispose those less legal ones. It's not worth the quality to pass to someone else and it's a hassle.

As for the other collections, there's no shops that will purchase used comics and toys. I listed and packaged my comics and toys, and created a site Rydikulez Collections to showcase my collection that I'm letting go. The site was completed in early March and I shared the link via Facebook and Twitter. I don't have much friends with the same interest so it was relatively slow. I did managed 2 transactions from my secondary school friends whom I influenced them back then.

Knowing eBay as another avenue, I researched on the procedures from setting up, selling/auction and transactions. With the added website link to the auctions, I've managed a good traffic and clear a significant amount of items even though it wasn't showcase on eBay.

I met the buyers and managed a quick chat. All were pleased to complete their collection or attaining it at a lower cost in good condition. They even complimented on my effort in packaging them. I felt their satisfaction and was really happy for them (plus the money I got as well).

The sale may not break even but mu intention of clearing them were fulfilled without a lost. The proceeds will be saved for future indulgence, probably a significant holiday expense. Some of it did help my Korean spree. All this hard work really did paid off and it did bring a personal satisfaction and space in the room. Let's just hope someone don't utilized that empty space.

Fanatical Hunt

Upon returning from South Korea, my friends asked me whether I liked it there. I told them that I enjoyed my trip but Korea didn't captivates me as much as Japan. The inspiration however was mostly towards K-Pop.

My inspiration came about while watching 2 of my favorite K-Pop group teaming together on a "Infinitely Yours, Seoul" feature, Super Junior and Girls Generation Seoul MV. It features many beautiful scenery that I planned a scavenger hunt of the place featured.

The Inspiration

Jessica, Leeteuk & Siwon Pre-shot:
Banpo - Hanggang Park (I was there at night)

Opening Feature:
N Seoul Tower

Sunny Walking the pre-schoolers:
Deoksugung Palace Exterior

Taeyeon, Sunny & Shindong Scenes:
Sejong Square

Kyuhyun & Seohyun Shots:
Cheonggyecheon Stream

Ryeowook, Donghae and Sooyoung Shots:
Ssamziegil Shops @ Insadong

Group Shot:
Banpo - Hanggang Park overlooking Banpo Light Fountain Bridge

Donghae Street Dance:
Banpo Bridge

The hunt made my trip to Seoul most satisfying of all. I fanatically put on the song while I'm at most of the places. Even some I managed a simple move (I wished). The places are truly magnificently beautiful as featured in the MV.

On top of the MV hunt, I also hunted down my K-Pop Idol, Shindong for his establishment. He had opened 2 PC bangs which I wanted to utilized for uploading some of my photos in Facebook but I did not have all the required materials. Shindong wouldn't be around too as he was on SS4 tour in Indonesia that very day.

Shindong's DraQra PC Castle:
Sincheon

Truthfully, I'm into K-Pop and not into Korean culture. I can't even enjoy Korean Cuisine and especially not the rude attitudes of the elders. I shall stick to K-Pop fanaticism.

North/South Korea Day 8-9: Venturing DMZ and last Burst of Attractions

With the recent passing of Kim Jong Il, I grew fascinated to North Korea somehow. So while I was going to South Korea, I was wondering whether there's a way to check North Korea. Of course, there are strict regulations between the two nations but there is an attraction that attracts many Caucasians - the DMZ ( Demilitarized Zone). DMZ sits at the very border of the North and South and within 2km from both nations are marked as demarcation line where there should not be any retaliation between both nations.

There are 2 types of tour to DMZ, a half or a full day tour. There is only a half day tour on weekends due to the closure of Panmunjeom which is part of the whole day tour. So I ended with the half day tour which starts at 0730 with a transport that pick me up from your hostel. I booked the tour thru Seoul Backpackers reception when I checked in and I got a SGD3 discount.

Freedom Bridge

First stop of the tour is to Imjingak where the guide will process your clearance into the DMZ. While waiting, I wondered around overlooking the Freedom Bridge, a bombed train vessel, unification messages and a Peace Bell. I had 20mins to wander around which I find a bit too short as I wasn't able to go up the observation deck.

Moving on from Imjingak, we went into the DMZ area where South Korean soldiers were checking our passport. Here the guide told us about identifying the period of service of the soldiers by the number of bars on their head gear, between none (newly enlisted) to four (ORD loh!!!). In SG, we just served till its over.

Layout of the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
(Stole someones photo due to photography restrictions)

Clearing the check point we move on to the Third Infiltration Tunnel which is 73m into the ground. The north dug an infiltration tunnel by using dynamites till it blew a water line that notified the South. South dug a tunnel to intercept the North. It is an amazing story but being there was more amazing.

Photography is prohibited so we had to leave our belongings in the lockers provided and was told to have a helmet along. We walked down a steep 73m deep tunnel to get to the tunnel. Once at the bottom, we made our way thru a 2m by 2m tunnel to check the blockade where we'll pass into North Korea, underground though. Thank god for the helmet, I kept banging my head to the low tunnel. There are 3 blockade but you can see pass each blockade through the viewfinder. It's quite cold in the tunnel but the work out to get back up states wearing a jacket is pointless.

After the tunnel, we were brought to small museum with the guide explaining the history in the DMZ before moving on to the next location, Dora observatory.

Just 5mins away from the infiltration tunnel, Dora Observatory is another photography restricted area. There in plain view was spectacular view of North Korea but we're not able to snap a shot at a certain point, not even in the building. I just enjoyed the breathtaking view.

Stood behind the no photography line and managed this shot
of North Korea from Dora Observatory

Dorasan Station

Our last stop in the DMZ was Dorasan Station, a now-closed station between South Korean to the North which leads to Pyongyang. The station is generally new and still shiny. There wasn't much there except an entry to the platform for SGD5. Though the station was a great place to enjoy the aircon after being in the open for so long.

Our last itinerary for the tour was a visit to Seoul Ginseng Center where they'll promote the benefits of ginseng. After a sample, EVERYONE just left before they could target some sale. That was classic.

The tour bus will drop passengers off at either City Hall or Itaewon at about 1400. I needed to complete my Seoul MV hunt and returned to City Hall for Deoksugung palace.

I was in time for the change of guard ceremony at Deoksugung Castle. It lasted about 20mins. I didn't went in the castle as I knew I had many other places to cover.

I was famished like the North Korean because I hadn't had anything except a pack of bread. I was craving for Italian and went in the first Italian restaurant that I came upon. I was the first time I had risotto.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

I was contemplating of checking Gyeongbokgung palace as I wanted to see other non-palace and realized I haven't been into one. So I went into the most grand of them. Entrance was SGD3 and the place was huge. It's said to be before Forbidden City and slightly smaller, slightly. There are many sections to the place I didnt know whether I've been to all. It was just too huge. Wonder how I'll survived Forbidden City.

I was groggy once I completed with the palace and I needed to check Bukchon Village. It's similar to Haji Lane in Singapore with rows of local designers. I was packed with trendy early 20s. There are Hanok buildings in the area with 8 great photography vantage points which was featured in 2Days 1Night. I was too tired to search all aimlessly till I found the map at the Tourist Information counter. I gave up as I was tired and I still need to go to Dongdaemun.

Bukchon Hanok Village

The different subway lines were very near each other and I wanted to take the direct line to Dongdaemun. Tired still, I took the nearest subway and transited to my destination. I was quite dissappointed with Dongdaemun as it was mostly street market and a wholesale market that sells mostly souvenirs and crafts. Dongdaemun Gate was also under restoration. I was at Dongdaemun for only 5mins and returned back to hostel to nap before I continued with my last shopping spree.

Every last shopping spree is a crazy on for me. I see things along the way and took a mental note of my shopping list. However I got others instead. I finally managed to get some clothings, a shoe for my nephew, and a last minute Happy Call purchases after I checked out.

My Korean Shopping

Check out my last 2 Days in 대한민국.

Overall, I enjoyed my whole South Korea trip, alone. The great adventures of getting lost and the beautiful sceneries and young people. I didn't enjoy Korean food before and will never do. It's mostly bland. The elders there irritates the hell of me with their rude behaviors. I told myself that I'll never return to Korea but soon realized that I could return to shop and I know someone who would love to follow. Though I won't be returning within the next 3 years. Now I'm planning my next major trip hopefully by year end or early next year to Shanghai/Beijing.

안녕하세요

South Korea Day 7: Second Date in Seoul

While in Jeju, I noticed someone I dated was there too. I FB PM her for a second date in Seoul. I admit that I was a JERK after our first and she actually agreed on a lunch date the day after my birthday. Woohoo!!!

Since the date was in the afternoon, I went about to Namsangol Hanok village 2 stops away. It's an area where traditional buildings from the Joseon era were relocated to. Also in the village is a time capsule to commemorate the 600th year after Joseon dynasty. The village is filled with traditional activities which some were similar to those of Southeast Asia.


Along the way, I had a wardrobe malfunction with my jacket and had to rectify the situation. It wasn't major but I had to take pride of my attire so I headed straight to Myeongdong to find Daiso in search of solutions.

Once rectified, I was right on time for the date and/or earlier than her. I was expected to find a diner as I read Hangul. She had problem searching some cuisine as majority of the stores had Hangul menu. A jerk still, she didn't get to have her tteokbokki (while writing this, I googled and noticed that tteokbokki is a street food that I saw all the while - the spicy street food I dare not try) but I had my raw baby octopus instead. I was amazed that she was daring to try it too. Any hope of a future with her, that's personal.

We continued walking around Myeongdong and she was amazed of the alleys that I brought her too. As she knew I was on a tight schedule, we parted ways and I headed to City Hall where I continued my Seoul MV hunt, searching for Sejong Square, Daeksugung Palace and Cheonggyecheon stream.

I was at Daeksugung entrance but chose to visit the next day instead. I was on another time constrain as I have a theater to attend at 1600. I headed towards Sejong Square instead. There wasn't much there except for Sejong statue, water fountain and a fantastic view towards Gwangbukgong palace. A few snaps and I continued on along Cheonggyecheon stream.

The stream was refurbished to suit the metropolitan life. It can be considered a walking route to many parts of the city as well as my theater venue, Seoul Cinema. The streams starts by a man-made waterfall and flows towards the Han river. It is quite serene walking along the stream. No wonder there were a lot of people sitting at the ledges and benches chatting, reading or just chilling with friends.

I got out at the intersection where the Seoul Cinema is located. I've made reservation back in Singapore for Jump! A Martial Art Theater which featured in Singapore before. I had recently went on many theater and would just like to add another in Seoul since Jump! is a non-verbal play (I'm going to struggle if it's a Korean play). Tickets were at SGD50 and it lasted for 90mins. It is a comedic show where you'll be entertain way before the show officially starts. The acrobatic moves where awesome but it had a simple plot. I shouldn't expect much for a non-verbal show.

After the show, I wanted to collect my films from the Lomography store but it was still early. Checking on current location, I was actually very near to Insadong - another of my Seoul MV hunt. I had dinner around the corner and made my way to Insadong.

Insadong is another shopping district but selling mostly traditional items such as hanbok and such but I was looking for a specific building feature in the MV. That building is Ssamziegil where the "mall" circulate from ground to three storey up. Majority of the shops are local fashion designers. I did thought of getting some traditional gifts but the items are quite pricy. So I left the place empty handed and in time to collect my films.

Hongik University at night is totally different when I was there the day before. It's livelier and crowded. It was hard getting from point A to B and majority of the diners were packed to the brim.

Once I collected my films, I continued walking along Hongik streets. At one point I noticed a lot of people gathering around a camera crew. From what I can make out from the conversation, there was a K-Pop artiste in the restaurant but I didn't caught the name. I waited like an eager fan but gave up as I do not know who it was. Hey! Shindong's in a concert the very moment so I don't really care who was dining there.

I had to head back to the hostel as I have an early morning tour the next day. So far, Seoul is vibrant in terms of life (except the elders - have not met one that is not crude) and attractions. I noticed that there's a lot of places that I need to cover the next day to get the satisfaction. Till then, I had to head back to rest for the trip to North Korea...

Second Date In Seoul

South Korea Day 5-6: A Year Older in Seoul

After my misadventures in Jeju, I was glad to be back to civilazation. Greatest was being a year older in the city. As previously mentioned in an earlier entry, I was inspired by Super Junior/Girls Generation Seoul MV. I will have that in another entry for my fanatical hunt.

As mentioned I stayed in Seoul Backpackers which is across Namdaemun Night Market. I returned to Seoul in the late afternoon from Jeju. It was already night after I settled down so I was only able to venture around the hostel facility, Namdaemun Market. I had my next Korean dinner at their diner whose menu were mostly in Hangul. Score point for able to read it!!!

I was done with dinner by 2030 and crossed the road to Namdaemun but majority of the shops were closed. So much for a night market. Shinsaegae has its main store around the corner and to my surprise, it was closing too even when the store sign states closing at 2230. So I ended going to the convenient store to get some drinks are returned to the hostel.

Waking up in Seoul on my birthday was quite serene, without actual person I know wishing happy birthday in my physical face. The feeling was just great, no offense though.

First stop would be N Seoul Tower, a stop away but I chose to walk over because the cable car service starts at 1000 and I was out by 0920. A return ride cost SGD 8.

N Seoul Tower stood on top of Namsan Mountain and overlooks many parts of Seoul. Apparently, many of my holiday will include towers where accessible. Also located at the venue is the Teddy Bear Museum. Combined entrance fee is SGD 14, individual will be SGD 9.

I hadn't had breakfast so I wondered around for food. There was a particular burger joint named "The Best Burger In Seoul" and I do have to admit that it truly was.

Since I didn't managed a visit to the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju, I bought the combined ticket. The salesgirl recommended me to go to the museum first before going up. There are two sections to the museum. One part is the local history and the other is an international exhibit. I have to admit that the Teddy Bear exhibition are adorable. The giant teddy are quite nice to hug. However I was most drawn to the souvenir shop where I unconsciously bought a Teddy Bear for no apparent purpose.

Next, it's time to zoom up to the tower. A typical tower attraction similar to that of Taipei 101. But the view in Seoul is much more breathtaking with the Han river to the south and mountain ranges surrounding Seoul city. The toilet there also overlooks the city. I guess only the guys be able to enjoy the view while taking a leak.

I don't know why but I bought tons of souvenirs at N Seoul Tower. From Teddy Bears (still no idea why), magnets, iPhone cover (less than SGD5) and others. Some are cheap so I grab all the souvenirs for my colleagues from there so I won't be bother to search later on.

Cable Car ride down and walk down towards the subway, I was actually across Myeongdong which is a fantastic shopping area. Like Taiwan where I'll visit Ximending daily, Myeongdong is my daily visit. There's lots of great shops around and I did get crazy. Knowing that I'll come Myeongdong again, I ventured out to Hongik University which was about 7 subway stops away via Euljiro 3ga station at the other corner of Myeongdong.

Hongik University is Seoul third top university but the area surrounding it is the hippest with trendy eateries and clothing store for the young or young-at-heart. My main objectives was to locate Seoul Lomography Gallery Store to get more souvenirs and also to process my Sprocket Rocket films since they have their own Lomo lab. It's a 24 hours process unlike Singapore where they'll send to Taiwan to process and takes up to 2 weeks.

I was reluctant to visit Sincheon to check my K-Pop idol establishment, Shindong's DraQra PC Castle. You know Shindong of Super Junior? He established a PC shop and other avenues and thats the reason why he became my idol, an artiste who doesn't fully rely on his fame alone. I thought of using the facility to upload some of my photos but I did not have all my gears plus Shindong wasn't around as he's away on SS4 tour in Indonesia. I had plenty of time before Banpo bridge light show so I made my way there still and was amazed and fanatically impressed for that moment.

Since I still have plenty of time till the light show, I made my way to Coex Mall (a few stops from Sincheon) where the famous Coex Aquarium is located. Apparently like Busan Aquarium, there wasn't much of a boast of exhibition and the entrance fee was SGD 20 also. I ended wondering around the mall to kill time and to find the best directions to Banpo Bridge.

After all the research, I chose to use the Dongjak direction which was 2km away but direct. It was nice stroll along the park in the cool night but while checking the Google map on my phone, i realized that I was walking next to a cemetery. Lucky there were a lot of people, it would be freaky walking alone near a cemetery.

Banpo Bridge Fountain Light Show is on every 1800, 2000, 2030, 2100 and 2200 based on the website and depends on the weather. Each presentation last for 20mins. I was 5mins late for the 2000 show and waited for the 2030 show but it did not turned on. So I continued waiting for the 2100 show. It had to be the coldest night throughout my trip at 7 degrees.

Banpo bridge is one of my Seoul MV itinerary so I was satisfied visiting the area. While waiting for 2100 show, I researched the best way to get home and found that the subway across Banpo bridge is the nearest route home but the route to the station was a complicating one. It became an adventure where I panicked due to the urgent need of a toilet but I found my way around to the station.

Day 1 in Seoul was packed with many itineraries. It was a tiresome day but a birthday in Seoul and being at the vicinity of my K-Pop idol was the icing on top of my birthday cake. Just splendid!

Birthday in Seoul.