That Patong Feeling

There's a magic about Phuket, especially Patong. There's an energy unlike anywhere I've been before. The ratio of Caucasians to Thais are almost one is to one! It's an exciting mix of cultures all in one place - comforting Thai hospitality mixed with the thrills of Western entertainment. Also, almost everyone speaks English! If you're looking for somewhere that's different but not completely out of your comfort zone, this is the place to be.

We stayed opposite Hard Rock Hotel and at night we'd hear bands play Moves Like Jagger or some old Bon Jovi song. Venture further and there's the megamall of Jungceylon. For a more "Thai" experience, there are always roadside stalls, the OTOP market where you can try your bargaining skills, tailors, and Thai massage.

In terms of natural beauty, Patong is still gorgeous despite being under seige from urban development. The beaches are beautiful, especially at sunset. Buildings are relatively flat, retaining that old world charm. That's set to change as condos are springing up and hotels get bolder and reach higher into the sky. Now though, you can still have a full view of the hills surrounding the paradise that is Patong, so visit while you still can!

Trips to the surrounding islands are not to be missed. The weather's pretty fantastic this time of the year and the tour guides do their best to provide an enjoyable experience. Any trip on a speedboat will bring you to the highlights in the Adaman sea such as James Bond island, thrilling rock formations and breath-taking islands.

It's quite experience being in Patong. If you want quiet, you're better off at other beaches but if you want to be where the action is, there's no better place. The tour operator warned us of rowdy Russians who had been creating chaos along Bangla Street, but while we were there, it was safe and the place was bustling with energy of girls on bar tops and men drinking non-stop. It gives you the feeling that it's organised, yet it has surprises at every turn. The streets are fun to explore at night. Take a turn into the alleyway and you might get to experience even stranger adventures.

The sun and the sea, the people and the tea, are just some of the highlights of a holiday in Phuket. I returned tanned, happy and wishing that I had more time to spare. I certainly won't wait two years till I'm back there again!

"Are you okay?"

"No."

"You wanna talk about it?"

"No."

"Do you wanna take your mind of it?"

"No."

"Do you want me to leave you alone?"

"No."

My Travel Philosophy

Travelling, for most people, might be about getting away from reality and removing themselves from monotony. They want to relax and not have to think about anything.

But when I go overseas, I've come to expect something rather different altogether. I'm not looking for luxury or comfort. My senses are heightened - I'm greeted by sights that I have never seen and the chatter of a language that's unfamiliar. I try my best to take in everything, make notes in my head and investigate things that intrigue me. I want to do things I can't do normally - take risks, explore and challenge myself. It's always a challenge, doing things in another territory, speaking and relating to people with a different background. Because everything is new, you feel like you're learning all the time.

It's an amazing feeling.

Going overseas is all about being immersed in a different environment, a different culture. For me the WOW factor is never this is pretty or that is gorgeous. It's seeing a different way of life. Knowing not to take the good stuff in my life for granted is one thing I often take away. The other thing is going through the trip knowing that I'm made of tougher stuff, that I can go on when things get rough. Also, there's a lot to learn from the spirit from others and what they make of their life - their values, their beliefs. I like the feeling of being enriched when I travel, something that comes with being out of your comfort zone.

But then again, being out of your comfort zone is tiring! I'm not sure if I will feel well-rested, physically or mentally. But one thing's for sure - I'll be refreshed with a new perspective.

Bukit Batok Nature Park Run

I'm not going to lie - the run was a killer.

I had my dental at West Coast Way and Firus met me there at noon to start our run. Moments after we began, it drizzled. It got heavier and we took shelter for awhile and the rain stopped. We went in the wrong direction but got to see a cock and two hens, as well as a bit of the train tracks. Thankfully it didn't rain and it stayed mostly cloudy. (We weren't really keen on floods as we were running alongside the canals.)

The blazing afternoon sun came out as we made our way up the park connector, past Keming Primary School and right into Bukit Batok Nature Park where there was finally some shade!

Okay, we did stop for a bottle of 100-plus at some mama shop as we were nearing the park. It was just to save ourselves from dehydration.

We didn't have much time to explore the park because it started to rain again! We did manage to take a couple of photos at this gorgeous body of water which got collected in what used to be a quarry. Reminds me of xiao guilin, a place that I visited regularly when I was young.

Maybe we should plan a solid route round Bukit Batok one day!

Act of Valor

I don't enjoy war movies. But left with nothing much left and Hollywood putting a stop to their ridiculously formulaic rom-coms, I decided to put my money on a this blockbuster and go with the flow.

Enter Act of Valor. The production did not disappoint. It was war weaponry galore, showing off the latest technology and equipment that the US defense force had to offer. The scenes were extremely realistic and the pacing of the action, brilliant. The rescue bit was particularly intense and so were the raids that followed. Each mission was cinematic poetry in motion - my heart must have stopped a couple of times. The portrayal was excruciatingly real - these soldiers weren't superhumans, they weren't invincible. I felt their determination and their pain to the point that I had to make the effort to detach myself emotionally from the movie!

The narrative however, wasn't particularly brilliant, with backstories of the characters inserted rather haphazardly throughout the movie. According to critics, that was the downfall for this film.

I beg to differ. The cast of non-famous actors as well as soldiers from the US military brought the war on terrorism to life and it was heartbreaking to watch. It didn't glamorise violence nor made it cool. The soldiers gave their lives so others could live.

The movie challenged me to think of my purpose in life. I could never be so selfless and brave but am I doing enough to make a difference to the people around me? Are we all too caught up in superficial ideals? Shouldn't we have something to fight for?

And sometimes the best relationships are forged from the most trying situations. So are the toughest people. The image of the soldier throwing himself over the grenade will forever be etched in my mind.

Somewhere Only We Know

Everyone needs a safe place to make mistakes and grow. I was just talking to this kid today who sort of reminded me of myself.

I never thought of myself as the leader. I was more comfortable following. I think I make a decent follower too. I like being a team-player more than I like have the glory. I enjoy the experience of working with others on a project more than the success that follows.

But in life sometimes you end up having to make decisions for yourself. The process can be trying and annoying but it's great to know that you were the master of your destiny. You took the path chose. And that's the cool part about life. I'll never be able to sure that I get what I want but I can take the best option with all the knowledge I have at that moment and hope for the best.

It comes with practice. I would never have gotten here without being treated like a leader before I was ready to take on the role. I was never a natural in decision-making, in getting people to listen to me. I've really got to thank my education institutions, especially in my later years, for giving me the chance and molding me.

And it was then that I had opportunities to learn about myself. My leadership style. How I react under stress. What I valued. My decision-making process.

One thing though that has come naturally to me is nurturing others. And Librans crave equality, for people, who are on par with them, to keep them constantly challenged but never overpowering or smothering, always encouraging and positive. But that's for me and I'm lucky to have found people like that in my life. That's why, at the same time, I like giving people that extra push to help them achieve whatever it is they want. It's this same need that extends to why I enjoy teaching tuition but in the larger scheme of things, I'm glad to be able to give some of the younger folks I know some advice, a safe environment to make mistakes and a chance to see their decisions bear fruit and come to life.

Let's go for an adventure. Try something new, together. Bravely, we'll see what we can achieve.

The Iron Lady

"Watch your thoughts for they become words, Watch your words for they become action, Watch your action for they become habits, Watch your habits for their become your character and Watch your character for they become your destiny."

The Iron Lady is mind-blowing as it is heart-breaking, painting MT as the awe-inspiring figure that she is - intimidating and brilliant.

I loved the acting. I loved the romance. I loved that it was British. I loved the complicated story-telling, bouncing back and forth moments in time yet being able to produce a coherent narrative.

I loved the art direction. Yes, the thought that went into the design was amazing. Every attention to detail was paid, every prop from her jewellery to her pen, deliberate and well-thought. A huge part of her persona was driven by her mostly blue attire that matched her ferocious blue eyes.

What can I say about Meryl Streep's acting that an Oscar win would have missed? Not much. Performing, as always, with great intensity, every move she made was measured and economical. From pouring tea to autographing books, she didn't waste a frame as she provided a layered performance. Every moment was dripping with clues about the character's being... It was enthralling.

And last of all, the first and currently, only female British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, around whom the movie is based, is an awe-inspiring politician. Getting her hands dirty for all the right reasons, her steely determination was legendary and it was eye-opening to see the part she played in bringing the "Great" back to Great Britain. Resolutely sticking to the tough decisions she makes, her steadfast belief in what she thought was right turned out to be the single most inspiring aspect about her for me.

Movies based on great people and rooted in history really leave a deep impression on me. Milk, The King's Speech and now, The Iron Lady, are fine examples.

I'm definitely looking forward to more.

uRun

Took part in NTUC's uRUN last Sunday. It was supposed to have the added element of a 30-storey climb after a 10km run, but I knew I wasn't up for it! Thankfully I only signed up for the run. And now, 10 things about this 10 km run:

1. First time running with my NatSteel colleague, Bryan, in a race. Our Sports and Recreation Committee will be organising more of such runs and it'll be cool to have more people join us next time round. (The other colleagues who joined uRun took on the vertical climb component bravely!)
2. I clubbed and drank the night before.
3. I ran on 2 hours of sleep. Never again.
4. The route sucked. There were so many U-turns, maybe that's why they called it the uRun! Boring and repetitive scenery.
5. The Brooks running tee is too tight. I'm giving it away. I felt my ribs being crushed!
6. I liked how the emcee was hyping everyone before the race. Really A+.
7. We spent about an hour covering 10km. We spent another hour in the queue to retrieve our bags from the baggage counter.
8. I learnt that the area underneath the huge seating area where we waited for our bags was extremely stuffy.
9. I met my cousin's boyfriend while in the queue.
10. The youthful volunteers helping out with the logistics brought good energy to the event.
    

In all, it was a good run, even though it got a really hot and I my exhaustion did get to me a little. I'm happy that I didnt' stop even though I came close to doing so and even sped up towards the end.



Second race of the year completed! More to come.