I made a chinese friend in class. Not that I didn't have one earlier, there is already this particular guy from the northern part of China (Mongolia). But like always, a friend of the same gender somehow seems to be a better fit for me. And.... DANG!!!
She joined our class recently, she's from Taiwan. I am so glad someone can make me practise my poor Mandarin again. The last time was with Angela and then this Mongolian guy, however he is always asking me political questions or about the lessons. There wasn't much we would discuss about. But a girl is different, I can do all the gossip or girlish talk - just like the men talk about car, women and football :))
I feel very lousy with my supposedly Mother Tongue Language, I'm ashamed. I need to brush it up, and kick the habit of having a "rojak" sentence combining Mandarin and English. Or worse, even german! This can sound pretty awful I imagine...
Random thoughts:
A good friend of mine just texted me from Singapore, telling me what a loner she is and all her friends are not there for her when she needed them. She sounds miserable and having little faith in this thing called "Friendship". I have no idea what to say, friendship has to be mutual and be reciprocated. If it only goes one-way then the person is not deserved to be called a friend. Just like in Friendster, you can fucking hell have a list of 500 friends... but how many are there in real that you can actually say they are my friends... Good friends?? I think real friends you can count with your fingers, not with the calculator please...
27.11.05
24.11.05
German ist making me mad...
It ist... just like this! -- Did you just notice it?
Very simple words like "is" in English is "ist", "tea" is "tee"... "also" has another meaning, "what" is "was", "was" is "war", "banana" is "banane", "orange" is "orangen", "tomato" is "tomate", "litre" is "liter", "babies" is "babys", "kid" is "kind".... Are they enough to make one's English bad?? I'm wondering if I will start making silly mistakes like this, I was writing once to my friend about Tea and almost typed as Tee, I wonder if she'd have understood.
But there are some things I like about this difficult language... besides all those Grammatik (Grammer) that I still can't get into my head. Combined words like "Überraschung" + "Ei" = "Überraschungsei", it is very adorable when you translate them --- "Surprise" + "Egg" = "KinderSurprise" or you can opt to call it "Surprise Egg" ;)
Oh for your information, what do you call a Singaporean in German ;) I'm a Singapurerin, while a male would be a Singapurer.
Very simple words like "is" in English is "ist", "tea" is "tee"... "also" has another meaning, "what" is "was", "was" is "war", "banana" is "banane", "orange" is "orangen", "tomato" is "tomate", "litre" is "liter", "babies" is "babys", "kid" is "kind".... Are they enough to make one's English bad?? I'm wondering if I will start making silly mistakes like this, I was writing once to my friend about Tea and almost typed as Tee, I wonder if she'd have understood.
But there are some things I like about this difficult language... besides all those Grammatik (Grammer) that I still can't get into my head. Combined words like "Überraschung" + "Ei" = "Überraschungsei", it is very adorable when you translate them --- "Surprise" + "Egg" = "KinderSurprise" or you can opt to call it "Surprise Egg" ;)
Oh for your information, what do you call a Singaporean in German ;) I'm a Singapurerin, while a male would be a Singapurer.
18.11.05
Ich probiere mein deutsch aus
Ich finde Deutsch schwer. Es gibt viele wörter zu merken. Ich habe Koptschmerzen. Deshalb ist mein Kopf überlastet. Kannst du mir helfen???? Deutsch lektionen sind lustig, ich mag meinen Lehrer und die Mitschüler. Die, der, das, ein, eins, eine, einer, einen, kein, keins, keiner, keinen, keiner... argggggggghhh. Scheiße! Ich vergesse es immer. Es ist ermüdend, aber findet ich die Sprache interessant. Ich hoffe, ich kann bald gut Deutsch sprechen;)
p.s: Lernen schon 8 Tage
p.s: Lernen schon 8 Tage
14.11.05
I baked this today
Carrot cake with walnuts and raisins. Bit of a task. A little too sweet. But goes well with a nice cuppa tea ;)
p.s: Picture does look a little too yellow because of the lightings.
p.s: Picture does look a little too yellow because of the lightings.
Ü
12.11.05
Life beyond Singapore
chanced upon another girl's blog. She recently graduated from a local university in Singapore, and all her blog entries were complaining about herself and trivial things in her new working life. Part of me sympathizes with her, yet another part wanted to give her a tight slap...
I felt as if I was just like her when I first finished my school (but at least I was 19, not 22). It suddenly dawned on me that leaving Singapore is a good thing. There is suddenly so much optimism in life and you wouldn't complain about why you missed the bus, why your boss has given you this shit or that... You begin to take it as it is, deal with it better, instead of coming back home and venting to the person nearest to you. Or worse, swallow in self-pity and start ranting on your poor blog... although I have to admit sometimes I like to rant for the sake of sharing but definitely writing happier cheery entries means much more for me. I am glad to say I'm much more contented in life than I was... and you will too... if you watch this film called "Be with me" by Eric Khoo. A very good film and proudly by a Singaporean ;)
Oh well, growing up is part of life, what can I complain about...
I felt as if I was just like her when I first finished my school (but at least I was 19, not 22). It suddenly dawned on me that leaving Singapore is a good thing. There is suddenly so much optimism in life and you wouldn't complain about why you missed the bus, why your boss has given you this shit or that... You begin to take it as it is, deal with it better, instead of coming back home and venting to the person nearest to you. Or worse, swallow in self-pity and start ranting on your poor blog... although I have to admit sometimes I like to rant for the sake of sharing but definitely writing happier cheery entries means much more for me. I am glad to say I'm much more contented in life than I was... and you will too... if you watch this film called "Be with me" by Eric Khoo. A very good film and proudly by a Singaporean ;)
Oh well, growing up is part of life, what can I complain about...
5.11.05
Have a smoke~
I tried this the other night at an Arabian couple's place - our neighbor. We had the strawberry flavor. It feels like cigarette smoking, but much more fun and I hope less harmful to the lungs - not too sure about this! I found a very nice article describing how it works, so enjoy :) (BTW you should be able to try this too in Singapore's Arab street!!)
"Famous Middle Eastern long, brass water pipes with glass base are one of the most popular spare-time pleasures for many Arabs. Almost everyone has a nargillah at home to smoke with family or friends. Nice, better quality argille are also used as a decoration, proudly displayed by owner. In street cafeterias one can order a coffee or tea and a shisha. Usual choice for a pipe (nargilla) order would be a very light tobacco mixed with aromatic fruits - apple, cherry, etc. You can see people spending hours over nargillah and a drink of tea or coffee. Very pleasant, relaxing experience helps socializing and making new contacts. If someone offers a nargillah to you, you can be sure of his friendly intentions towards you. The smoke itself is very light and pleasant, even for those who don't normally smoke! Specially constructed water pipe additionally filters the smoke through water, and cools it down in long brass tubes, offering rather a tasty "dessert" than a smoking experience."
QUOTED FROM HERE
"Famous Middle Eastern long, brass water pipes with glass base are one of the most popular spare-time pleasures for many Arabs. Almost everyone has a nargillah at home to smoke with family or friends. Nice, better quality argille are also used as a decoration, proudly displayed by owner. In street cafeterias one can order a coffee or tea and a shisha. Usual choice for a pipe (nargilla) order would be a very light tobacco mixed with aromatic fruits - apple, cherry, etc. You can see people spending hours over nargillah and a drink of tea or coffee. Very pleasant, relaxing experience helps socializing and making new contacts. If someone offers a nargillah to you, you can be sure of his friendly intentions towards you. The smoke itself is very light and pleasant, even for those who don't normally smoke! Specially constructed water pipe additionally filters the smoke through water, and cools it down in long brass tubes, offering rather a tasty "dessert" than a smoking experience."
QUOTED FROM HERE
Oh yes, singaporean food, oh yes, oh yes!
Beef Kway Teow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you never heard or even tried before, then you should really. It's one of the famous delicacy down Geylang, besides the fact if you know what Geylang is famous for. Haha, I'm trying to speak about the food, but can't help to think of something else. *brainwashing in progress* Okay, back on. Along the many districts of Geylang, you also shouldn't miss the soya beancurd with crullers (they called it "Deep-fried Devils" online...mmm or "you tiao" in chinese) or the porridge with frogs' legs or the D24 durians. Yummmmm...
Back to the topic, my boyfriend just reminded me about this dish we just cooked 1 day ago. It's supposedly Singaporean, wasn't the type you can get in Geylang. But I think it's far better... hahah, okay, I think it has a very good taste itself, even though I can't remember the Geylang's one anymore - only had it once. Here's the link to the original recipe... I did substitute a number of things we couldn't get or can't be bothered to buy here.
If you never heard or even tried before, then you should really. It's one of the famous delicacy down Geylang, besides the fact if you know what Geylang is famous for. Haha, I'm trying to speak about the food, but can't help to think of something else. *brainwashing in progress* Okay, back on. Along the many districts of Geylang, you also shouldn't miss the soya beancurd with crullers (they called it "Deep-fried Devils" online...mmm or "you tiao" in chinese) or the porridge with frogs' legs or the D24 durians. Yummmmm...
Back to the topic, my boyfriend just reminded me about this dish we just cooked 1 day ago. It's supposedly Singaporean, wasn't the type you can get in Geylang. But I think it's far better... hahah, okay, I think it has a very good taste itself, even though I can't remember the Geylang's one anymore - only had it once. Here's the link to the original recipe... I did substitute a number of things we couldn't get or can't be bothered to buy here.
4.11.05
Potato-es
I've been having a lot of meals consisting of potatoes lately... E.g. Beef curry with potatoes, Fried chicken with fries, Mushrooms with herbs plus roasted potatoes, Shepherd's pie, Sauerkraut rosti with potatoes and broccoli, Fish fillet with potato salad...
The best was my Shepherd's pie. Why?? Because I made it myself ;) I think the secret lies in the mashed potato... how to make it tastesssssssssssssss.... soo........... good! I shall share a little - add milk and butter and a little sour cream ;) I copied bit and pieces from friend's recipe, cookbook and past mashed-potato-making experience, heh. For the meat, I think the marinating process is very important, I substituted lamb with beef, and it tastes as fabulous!! I just don't eat lamb - not in big portions ;)
The best was my Shepherd's pie. Why?? Because I made it myself ;) I think the secret lies in the mashed potato... how to make it tastesssssssssssssss.... soo........... good! I shall share a little - add milk and butter and a little sour cream ;) I copied bit and pieces from friend's recipe, cookbook and past mashed-potato-making experience, heh. For the meat, I think the marinating process is very important, I substituted lamb with beef, and it tastes as fabulous!! I just don't eat lamb - not in big portions ;)
31.10.05
A talented bunch
I went for a concert (27.10.05) by the Wise Guys which was in German. Yes, I can't understand but it was entertaining and these guys are really good with their mouths... or should I say throats. No sound equipment used, they can produce music with just the five of them. How great ;)
29.10.05
Scottish travels IV
My favourite city award goes to...... EDINBURGH!!!! *loud applause*
Chapter 8 It is not finished yet!
End of the tour doesn't mean end of my travel blog, just hang on for a few more Chapters okay?? I'm not going into Cologne, because the only thing I saw was the Dom and the river Rhine. It is just another shopping city!! So let me speak about Edinburgh and you're free to go thereafter ;)
Chapter 9 St Christopher in Edinburgh
Just in case you're wondering, that's the name of the hostel I was in. It wasn't the best but satisfactory. A number of us from the tour were staying 3 more nights in Edinburgh, all of us have got different hostels booked. I was the only staying at St Christopher since I've pre-booked. Budget backpackers would be a better choice, I was told to believe! We met up for a "post-tour-dinner" at Castle Arms which offered really cheap food and beer for the travellers :D
The guys decided to make a day trip to Glasgow the following day to catch up with the 2 aussies whom have gotten there the night before. I made up my mind to stay rooted to Edinburgh because 2 days is not enough lah. I am so glad I did, Edinburgh is the best city I ever saw, and it has now become my favourite city!
It has so much to offer. A visit to Edinburgh castle will be worthy for every single cent you paid; a climb up Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat (Holyrood Park) will give u a stunning view of the city; the old town with its narrow or long alleyways called closes or wynds (can't miss this, they're all over -- as seen on picture above), good choices of pubs and small shops with their own distinctive character; the Georgian new town with fantastic shopping, the fine Scott Monument, galleries and much more. Overall, Edinburgh is just so.... perrrrrrrrrrrrrfect for me!!! Even though it has a lot of steps and steep slopes everywhere, I don't mind as it keeps me fit.
My favourite street is the HIGH Street, there's a rounded about corner where they have very individualistic shops ;) I heard Grassmarket is good too, but I only saw the area at night when all is closed. So check it out when you're there!
Chapter 10 'Open Mic' Night
The good thing about travelling alone is meeting new people, and I realised I can open up more to Americans. I fit in better than with the typical beer drinking aussies or kiwis (no offence at all).
At my hostel, I met my bunk-mates Kelly and Shane (a canadian). Shane's the backpacker with a guitar, someone suggested him doing a song or two at the Open Mic which happened every Monday at this pub. So a couple of us from the hostel went to support him, even we knew each other for barely an hour! But it was totally cool, there were really some good ones out there ;) So were the Scottish pair we met.
It was really a shame when I had to leave Edinburgh... The sky was pouring, I know they wanted me to stay! Edinburgh, I love you :))))))))))
----- The very End -----
Chapter 8 It is not finished yet!
End of the tour doesn't mean end of my travel blog, just hang on for a few more Chapters okay?? I'm not going into Cologne, because the only thing I saw was the Dom and the river Rhine. It is just another shopping city!! So let me speak about Edinburgh and you're free to go thereafter ;)
Chapter 9 St Christopher in Edinburgh
Just in case you're wondering, that's the name of the hostel I was in. It wasn't the best but satisfactory. A number of us from the tour were staying 3 more nights in Edinburgh, all of us have got different hostels booked. I was the only staying at St Christopher since I've pre-booked. Budget backpackers would be a better choice, I was told to believe! We met up for a "post-tour-dinner" at Castle Arms which offered really cheap food and beer for the travellers :D
The guys decided to make a day trip to Glasgow the following day to catch up with the 2 aussies whom have gotten there the night before. I made up my mind to stay rooted to Edinburgh because 2 days is not enough lah. I am so glad I did, Edinburgh is the best city I ever saw, and it has now become my favourite city!
It has so much to offer. A visit to Edinburgh castle will be worthy for every single cent you paid; a climb up Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat (Holyrood Park) will give u a stunning view of the city; the old town with its narrow or long alleyways called closes or wynds (can't miss this, they're all over -- as seen on picture above), good choices of pubs and small shops with their own distinctive character; the Georgian new town with fantastic shopping, the fine Scott Monument, galleries and much more. Overall, Edinburgh is just so.... perrrrrrrrrrrrrfect for me!!! Even though it has a lot of steps and steep slopes everywhere, I don't mind as it keeps me fit.
My favourite street is the HIGH Street, there's a rounded about corner where they have very individualistic shops ;) I heard Grassmarket is good too, but I only saw the area at night when all is closed. So check it out when you're there!
Chapter 10 'Open Mic' Night
The good thing about travelling alone is meeting new people, and I realised I can open up more to Americans. I fit in better than with the typical beer drinking aussies or kiwis (no offence at all).
At my hostel, I met my bunk-mates Kelly and Shane (a canadian). Shane's the backpacker with a guitar, someone suggested him doing a song or two at the Open Mic which happened every Monday at this pub. So a couple of us from the hostel went to support him, even we knew each other for barely an hour! But it was totally cool, there were really some good ones out there ;) So were the Scottish pair we met.
It was really a shame when I had to leave Edinburgh... The sky was pouring, I know they wanted me to stay! Edinburgh, I love you :))))))))))
----- The very End -----
Did I forgot about Cologne... I think I just did. I was by the famous river Rhine, and the dom. In fact I think I have seen too many churches along the way but they do not appeal much to me anymore. The hostel stay was so-so, could be better and cleaner... but oh well, I still very much miss the cosy one up in Scotland. Sometimes in Germany, I'd prefer the much smaller places than the cities... I love the peacefulness.
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