...but this time, there shall be change.
I just got back a few hours ago from Jogjakarta, Indonesia. After returning from London Heathrow on the 8th of August, I found myself back at Changi airport the next morning for my flight to Indonesia! Talk about hardcore travelling... =] That's a whooping 5 flights in 36 days!
I am now tossed right back into the thick of things as the semester kicks off yet again. However, I am determined to break the cycle... There is much to be improved, much to be learnt and done; proving this, I am now going through the webcasts of 8 lectures that I missed while in Indonesia.
In the following days, I will update my Ironman and the Eurotrip experiences on this space so that the memories will be with me when I look back.. Ok, back to the lectures.. =]
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Temptation
Tonight, I was truly tempted by what I saw at the red light district in Amsterdam. Ladies, dressed in nothing but bikinis, displayed themselves behind glass panels for gawking men to make their decisions.
I felt pretty uneasy for these ladies, who even though depended on this profession to make a living, be looked upon as objects of purchase or exhibits in a showroom.
As my eyes met with one of them, I felt the ancient sin of lust slowly overwhelming me. As I told Jason, it was as if her eyes gave out electric currents, enticing me. I immediately smiled and looked away, unable to believe what just happened in seconds that seemed to me like a few minutes.
As we walked down the street, we saw more and more of them. Thankfully none of them possessed the seductive skills that I experienced a few metres back..Smiles were exchanged between us as they looked on with hopeful eyes on each batch of tourists passing them by. I made it a point to at least smile at them, acknowledging them and greeting them as how normal people behave.
I left early with Jiajie, and was glad that he made the return with me. For I knew that had I gone back alone, I MIGHT have ended up in one of those rooms lining the streets in Amsterdam's famous red light district...
I felt pretty uneasy for these ladies, who even though depended on this profession to make a living, be looked upon as objects of purchase or exhibits in a showroom.
As my eyes met with one of them, I felt the ancient sin of lust slowly overwhelming me. As I told Jason, it was as if her eyes gave out electric currents, enticing me. I immediately smiled and looked away, unable to believe what just happened in seconds that seemed to me like a few minutes.
As we walked down the street, we saw more and more of them. Thankfully none of them possessed the seductive skills that I experienced a few metres back..Smiles were exchanged between us as they looked on with hopeful eyes on each batch of tourists passing them by. I made it a point to at least smile at them, acknowledging them and greeting them as how normal people behave.
I left early with Jiajie, and was glad that he made the return with me. For I knew that had I gone back alone, I MIGHT have ended up in one of those rooms lining the streets in Amsterdam's famous red light district...
Crazy weather in a crazy place
I am currently in an Amsterdam library sponging off the free internet service to type this post =] Amsterdam does indeed fulfil its labels of sex and drugs; however, it is also a very beautiful place in its own right. The people here are very friendly (the friendliest so far since Zurich), and the streets filled with endless surprises...I got 2 books here for €12! What a steal! =]
Drizzling rain occur once every 45mins-1hr, and the temperature cooling. The gang and I reached Amsterdam last night at around 11:30pm after a very eventful 7hrs train ride which almost saw us stranded in Frankfurt, Germany due to the delay in departure of our train. Thankfully, all things worked to our favour and we managed to board the connecting train to Amsterdam. We made our way to the hotel to check in and subsequently decided to look for dinner as we were starving.
The Burger King at the station near our place was closed for the night after we walked back to check. Disappointed, we took a slow stroll back to our hotel. Melvin then spotted a sign that read 'MacDonalds', and so with hopes rekindled, we took the path to the Golden Arches. It seemed like we were Harold and Kumar in search of White Castle late at night to satisfy our stomachs.
We took a long walk in the blistering cold of the night, braving the elements, with one goal in mind. The yellow globalised logo slowly revealed itself behind dark trees and bushes in the corner of a lonely street. Jason and I almost made a sprint for it! As we walked closer to the restaurant, our hopes grew; the lights were on, there were cars parked outside and the main gate was not locked. I was sure of leaving the place with a full stomach!
However, to my horror, MacDonalds was done for the night too...I shot for the stars, but failed to even land on the moon. We made our way back to the hotel cold, hungry and disappointed. I had Oreos and Milo powder to fill my stomach before turning in at 3:20am. What an adventure...
Anyhow, Jason and I will now be making our way to the Crumpler shop in search of his legendary leather Crumpler bag which cost a bomb. Jason is slowly consolidating his reputation as a spendthrift... =]
Drizzling rain occur once every 45mins-1hr, and the temperature cooling. The gang and I reached Amsterdam last night at around 11:30pm after a very eventful 7hrs train ride which almost saw us stranded in Frankfurt, Germany due to the delay in departure of our train. Thankfully, all things worked to our favour and we managed to board the connecting train to Amsterdam. We made our way to the hotel to check in and subsequently decided to look for dinner as we were starving.
The Burger King at the station near our place was closed for the night after we walked back to check. Disappointed, we took a slow stroll back to our hotel. Melvin then spotted a sign that read 'MacDonalds', and so with hopes rekindled, we took the path to the Golden Arches. It seemed like we were Harold and Kumar in search of White Castle late at night to satisfy our stomachs.
We took a long walk in the blistering cold of the night, braving the elements, with one goal in mind. The yellow globalised logo slowly revealed itself behind dark trees and bushes in the corner of a lonely street. Jason and I almost made a sprint for it! As we walked closer to the restaurant, our hopes grew; the lights were on, there were cars parked outside and the main gate was not locked. I was sure of leaving the place with a full stomach!
However, to my horror, MacDonalds was done for the night too...I shot for the stars, but failed to even land on the moon. We made our way back to the hotel cold, hungry and disappointed. I had Oreos and Milo powder to fill my stomach before turning in at 3:20am. What an adventure...
Anyhow, Jason and I will now be making our way to the Crumpler shop in search of his legendary leather Crumpler bag which cost a bomb. Jason is slowly consolidating his reputation as a spendthrift... =]
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Greetings from afar..
Hello friends! It has been a long while since I updated this space..hahas.. =] I will do a short reflection of the trip so far..Up till now, we have been to Zurich, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome and the Vatican city. I saw the actual picture above (blog title) with my own eyes! Hahas.,it was beautiful..Rome is such an unbelievable place..Imagine living alongside ancient ruins and architectural wonders! My goodness..
Yesterday, for the kick of things, we decided to check out the water-polo matches as the 13th FINA World Championships are being held here in Rome. The last match between USA and Italy was insane; the stadium was packed and the crowd jeered whenever the USA players got possession..Italy still lost in the end, proving that it takes more than just cheering to win a match.
So far, I have discovered things about myself that I thought were put away for good, things that I thought will never surface again..I was wrong. However, I am glad to be given the chance to discover them once again and to plan out my next step of action =]
I also wish to thank all the people who came to send us off that day..It was really touching to me and it really showed what friendship was all about. I love you guys! =] Till the next post, take care!
Yesterday, for the kick of things, we decided to check out the water-polo matches as the 13th FINA World Championships are being held here in Rome. The last match between USA and Italy was insane; the stadium was packed and the crowd jeered whenever the USA players got possession..Italy still lost in the end, proving that it takes more than just cheering to win a match.
So far, I have discovered things about myself that I thought were put away for good, things that I thought will never surface again..I was wrong. However, I am glad to be given the chance to discover them once again and to plan out my next step of action =]
I also wish to thank all the people who came to send us off that day..It was really touching to me and it really showed what friendship was all about. I love you guys! =] Till the next post, take care!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
All about the Influenza virus
After my morning nap from 9.30am-11.30am, I checked my email and to my surprise, I saw that there was a compulsory assessment that I had to take after reading up on an E-module from NUS school of Medicine regarding the Influenza virus. Cool beans! Even though I am pretty pissed that they are giving us this in the midst of my holidays, I am also quite interested in the topic! =] So here are some of the things you have to know about the virus..
The Influenza virus is an ancient virus that still continues to haunt mankind. In 1918, it killed anywhere between 50 and 100 million people and when autopsies were performed, the victims’ lungs were found to be blue and sodden - indicating death by drowning, apparently triggered by a massive overreaction of victims’ immune system to a new virus.
The world has become more vulnerable due to the one feature that most differentiates present day transmission scenarios from those in 1918: the advent of large-scale air travel.
In the old days, geographical distance at least provided a measure of protection as signs and symptoms had time to develop and those afflicted could be screened at border entry points. Today, with hardly an airport unreachable within 36 hours from any point on our planet, the speed - and pattern - of microbial movements has altered dramatically.
This pandemic will and can return to strike us; so much so that scientists tell us the question is not “if” but “when”? Many scientists are warning that the current H1N1 flu outbreak has all the hallmarks of a pandemic, there are others who say it may turn out to be no worse than the normal flu.
In her declaration of the present outbreak entering the phase 5 level of threat on 29 April 2009 (signaling a pandemic was imminent), WHO Director General made a reference to the fact that “it really is all of humanity that is under threat”. Was she exaggerating? Think about this and decide for yourself. For if and when the big pandemic flu finally hits us, it would be too late to realize that our complacency has not only been costly, but possibly terminal! Currently, the outbreak is in phase 6 level of threat, indicating a pandemic.
Hence, it is important to stay vigilant and informed. Some websites to stay tuned for information are: World Health Organisation (WHO), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Influenza virus is very 'smart' as it can mutate leading to evolution of new strains in a process known as antigenic drift. This helps the virus to evade the immune system of its host and enables it to circulate in human population.
Also, the virus is capable of antigenic shift which is a process usually resulting when viruses from different host sources (e.g. humans, pigs, birds) concurrently infect the same host and are allowed to mix. The resulting hybrid product's potential to wreck havoc depends on its virus virulence (potency or aggressiveness) and the ease of human-to-human transmission.
Human-to-human transmission occur primarily via droplet transmission or contact transmission. Droplets are produced during sneezing and can travel up to 1 metre before hitting the ground. Physical contact with an infected person through handshakes, hugging or kissing can direcly transmit the virus. Physical contact with inanimate objects that have been contaminated can indirectly transmit the virus too if you do not wash your hands prior to touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
It is hence important that we have social responsibility to the people around us. When we have flu-like symptoms, we should put on a mask, visit a GP and avoid crowded places. Every single person is important in combating the Influenza pandemic.
Also, to protect yourself from contamination, you should wash your hands not just frequently but thoroughly. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily and avoid touching surfaces that other people may have contaminated, such as escalator handles, door handles. If you are unable to avoid touching them, wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you can, and remember not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. It is also recommended to avoid crowded places if you can help it and to keep rooms when ventilated.
All information cited are from the National University of Singapore's Department of Epidemiology and Public Health in collaboration with Centre for Instructional Technology.
The Influenza virus is an ancient virus that still continues to haunt mankind. In 1918, it killed anywhere between 50 and 100 million people and when autopsies were performed, the victims’ lungs were found to be blue and sodden - indicating death by drowning, apparently triggered by a massive overreaction of victims’ immune system to a new virus.
The world has become more vulnerable due to the one feature that most differentiates present day transmission scenarios from those in 1918: the advent of large-scale air travel.
In the old days, geographical distance at least provided a measure of protection as signs and symptoms had time to develop and those afflicted could be screened at border entry points. Today, with hardly an airport unreachable within 36 hours from any point on our planet, the speed - and pattern - of microbial movements has altered dramatically.
This pandemic will and can return to strike us; so much so that scientists tell us the question is not “if” but “when”? Many scientists are warning that the current H1N1 flu outbreak has all the hallmarks of a pandemic, there are others who say it may turn out to be no worse than the normal flu.
In her declaration of the present outbreak entering the phase 5 level of threat on 29 April 2009 (signaling a pandemic was imminent), WHO Director General made a reference to the fact that “it really is all of humanity that is under threat”. Was she exaggerating? Think about this and decide for yourself. For if and when the big pandemic flu finally hits us, it would be too late to realize that our complacency has not only been costly, but possibly terminal! Currently, the outbreak is in phase 6 level of threat, indicating a pandemic.
Hence, it is important to stay vigilant and informed. Some websites to stay tuned for information are: World Health Organisation (WHO), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Influenza virus is very 'smart' as it can mutate leading to evolution of new strains in a process known as antigenic drift. This helps the virus to evade the immune system of its host and enables it to circulate in human population.
Also, the virus is capable of antigenic shift which is a process usually resulting when viruses from different host sources (e.g. humans, pigs, birds) concurrently infect the same host and are allowed to mix. The resulting hybrid product's potential to wreck havoc depends on its virus virulence (potency or aggressiveness) and the ease of human-to-human transmission.
Human-to-human transmission occur primarily via droplet transmission or contact transmission. Droplets are produced during sneezing and can travel up to 1 metre before hitting the ground. Physical contact with an infected person through handshakes, hugging or kissing can direcly transmit the virus. Physical contact with inanimate objects that have been contaminated can indirectly transmit the virus too if you do not wash your hands prior to touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
It is hence important that we have social responsibility to the people around us. When we have flu-like symptoms, we should put on a mask, visit a GP and avoid crowded places. Every single person is important in combating the Influenza pandemic.
Also, to protect yourself from contamination, you should wash your hands not just frequently but thoroughly. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily and avoid touching surfaces that other people may have contaminated, such as escalator handles, door handles. If you are unable to avoid touching them, wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you can, and remember not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. It is also recommended to avoid crowded places if you can help it and to keep rooms when ventilated.
All information cited are from the National University of Singapore's Department of Epidemiology and Public Health in collaboration with Centre for Instructional Technology.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Week 9 round-up
Monday: 2.5km wetsuit swim (morning), 14km pace run (afternoon) and 1.8km easy swim (evening)
Tuesday: Rest day
Wednesday: 2km wetsuit swim (morning)
Thursday: 35.5km long run (evening)
Friday: Rest day
Saturday: 80km bike ride and 5km run (evening)
Sunday: Rest day
Total Swim Mileage: 6.3km
Total Bike Mileage: 80km
Total Run Mileage: 49.5km
This week has seen the effects of the large amount of training slowing starting to show. Physically completing a workout is no longer the question; the problem was more toward the mental side. More often than not, Nic and I dread the workout even before embarking on it, and these are sure signs of over-training.. Therefore, we both decided to take it easy from now on to fully get the mental faculty back to its optimal performance for the Ironman in 2 weeks time.
I did my last killer training on Thursday. It was a mileage run and I decided to try the 30km coastal route that we usually cycle for our trainings as the running route in East Coast Park has become really very boring. I brought along 2 gels with me as I started off from carpark F2. The plan was to hydrate whenever I see a petrol kiosk or foodcourt along the way.
I did not bring money and that was a mistake! There were so many times during the run that I wanted to just stop and take a cab back to F2, but I held on. It was also pathetic to be at a petrol kiosk with no money to buy drinks and having to hydrate from the toilet's sink. Lesson learnt: always bring money. =]
Anyways, I was dying entering the last 8-10km, and the sky was dark already. My legs were dead weight and I decided to just stop and walk back figuring that the distance was already more than my intended 30km. I walked out to the main road to see where I was in relation to PK (pang kang) bend, and to my surprise, it was right ahead staring at me! I had given up when I was already so close to the end! Freaking heck.
I went back to running and finished the run with a time of 3hrs 35mins. After that, I seat down as my legs were really tired and I proceeded to lying down to rest before walking back to F2. It was quite a good workout, but I hope I will not feel such pain after my Ironman in Switzerland..
Here is a poem infront of my table that I always read when I feel like giving up. The author is unknown..
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit-rest, if you must, but do not quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
as every one of us sometimes learns,
and many a failure turns about,
when he might have won had he stuck it out;
don’t give up though the pace seems slow—
you may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
it seems to a faint and faltering man,
often the struggler has given up,
when he might have captured the victor’s cup,
and he learned too late when the night slipped down,
how close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out—
the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,and you never can tell how close you are,
it may be near when it seems so far,
so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
it’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Tuesday: Rest day
Wednesday: 2km wetsuit swim (morning)
Thursday: 35.5km long run (evening)
Friday: Rest day
Saturday: 80km bike ride and 5km run (evening)
Sunday: Rest day
Total Swim Mileage: 6.3km
Total Bike Mileage: 80km
Total Run Mileage: 49.5km
This week has seen the effects of the large amount of training slowing starting to show. Physically completing a workout is no longer the question; the problem was more toward the mental side. More often than not, Nic and I dread the workout even before embarking on it, and these are sure signs of over-training.. Therefore, we both decided to take it easy from now on to fully get the mental faculty back to its optimal performance for the Ironman in 2 weeks time.
I did my last killer training on Thursday. It was a mileage run and I decided to try the 30km coastal route that we usually cycle for our trainings as the running route in East Coast Park has become really very boring. I brought along 2 gels with me as I started off from carpark F2. The plan was to hydrate whenever I see a petrol kiosk or foodcourt along the way.
I did not bring money and that was a mistake! There were so many times during the run that I wanted to just stop and take a cab back to F2, but I held on. It was also pathetic to be at a petrol kiosk with no money to buy drinks and having to hydrate from the toilet's sink. Lesson learnt: always bring money. =]
Anyways, I was dying entering the last 8-10km, and the sky was dark already. My legs were dead weight and I decided to just stop and walk back figuring that the distance was already more than my intended 30km. I walked out to the main road to see where I was in relation to PK (pang kang) bend, and to my surprise, it was right ahead staring at me! I had given up when I was already so close to the end! Freaking heck.
I went back to running and finished the run with a time of 3hrs 35mins. After that, I seat down as my legs were really tired and I proceeded to lying down to rest before walking back to F2. It was quite a good workout, but I hope I will not feel such pain after my Ironman in Switzerland..
Here is a poem infront of my table that I always read when I feel like giving up. The author is unknown..
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit-rest, if you must, but do not quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
as every one of us sometimes learns,
and many a failure turns about,
when he might have won had he stuck it out;
don’t give up though the pace seems slow—
you may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
it seems to a faint and faltering man,
often the struggler has given up,
when he might have captured the victor’s cup,
and he learned too late when the night slipped down,
how close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out—
the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,and you never can tell how close you are,
it may be near when it seems so far,
so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
it’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Friday, June 26, 2009
THE killer concept!
Today, I will finally exclaim it to the world (sorry Nic, you have to hear this again) that my phone is freaking killer! Whoosh..seriously man..it is more of a computer than a phone..I feel updated with the times..
It has always been my belief that a handphone is supposed to just be a handphone. It should have the call and SMS function and maybe the camera function will be a bonus add-on. Therefore, I have been faithfully using my Nokia 6300 while the people around me upgrade to touch-screen, huge phones. The slim and small 6300 has been my pride all these while.
It was until mum urged me to get a smart-phone to keep up with the times that I started looking around for a new handphone. The Nokia E71 (white) caught my eye and the rest is history.. =] I took about 2-3 days to understand its functions and how to use it..gosh! It has been an eye-opening experience to see how technology has advanced over the years..I am currently downloading maps into my phone for my Eurotrip after the Switzerland Ironman, got to get busy.. =]
It has always been my belief that a handphone is supposed to just be a handphone. It should have the call and SMS function and maybe the camera function will be a bonus add-on. Therefore, I have been faithfully using my Nokia 6300 while the people around me upgrade to touch-screen, huge phones. The slim and small 6300 has been my pride all these while.
It was until mum urged me to get a smart-phone to keep up with the times that I started looking around for a new handphone. The Nokia E71 (white) caught my eye and the rest is history.. =] I took about 2-3 days to understand its functions and how to use it..gosh! It has been an eye-opening experience to see how technology has advanced over the years..I am currently downloading maps into my phone for my Eurotrip after the Switzerland Ironman, got to get busy.. =]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Most Read
-
Having tried searching high and low for this poster to no avail, Aldrich, my Aquathlon captain, sent us this scan that he made a few days ag... -
Ok, this is something interesting that I learnt which I immediately linked to something which one of my friends always does. As I was typing... -
Today, I volunteered as a CPR facilitator for the Singapore Heart Foundation as they are having a course at my alma mater, Victoria Junior C...