快乐套餐

览览facebook看到以前一个很要好的朋友
顿时觉得 原来 快乐
其实可以很简单

一个快乐温暖的家庭 不需要很富有的
一张平凡的文凭 不需要是外国的
一个可以依赖的肩膀 不需要很好看的
一群可以谈心的朋友 不需要太多的
一个平凡的生活 不需要太多喜悲的波动
一颗开朗热诚的心 不需要任何复杂的残渣


现在看来，简单的快乐
又好像很不简单

pinkiecloud's part time as a chef

When a blogger has completely nothing to blog about, the most mundane things to say is about food - because hey, everyone loves food!

Often, my friends who will don on cute perplexed expressions and ask me whenever i told them that im off for lunch/dinner. Obviously, they are those who study in local unis and colleges. You do groceries shopping? You cook? You really can cook? Are your food edible? Gosh, u pack lunchboxes? Wow! The answers are absolutely an affirmative 'yes'. Yes i do, at least when im not lazy. What else can you expect in this land of english pounds (despite the exchange rate is 4.9 now)..

And this is the bah kut teh we tried out that day.. Yes, it was nice. Made another special dish which was the tortillas with jy tat day, and it was awesome too! Please do not doubt: Pinkiecloud can cook! :D :D :D

we are now approaching the final week before term starts

Wow i don't even know where to begin. So much has happened since i last blogged. The finland assignment was trully a long nightmare that used up so much energy and fried so much of my brain cells. After much and much suffer n determination, im proud to announce that it is almost done! The remainder was actually my appendix which im gonna resume work after my FIS paper. I spent 3 days decideing on my topic and finally got sticked to 'renewable energy', after engaging into a few conversations with some seniors and peers. Thanks for everything! But coming up next im on the track of revising for my finals, jiayou for me =)

I find it ludicrous that i actually feared a lack of discipline by staying back in warwick this easter! Pooh! Im suffering more 'lack of time', 'lack of proper eating hours', 'lack of sleep'. My plans to learn a few japanese songs failed completely. I guess the only difference is that if i were home, my 3 meals are at least taken care of. Im inherently lazy to cook. Dinners were usually 9pm, and breakfasts were utterly skipped and replaced by suppers. And i do not have to worry whether bus 12 is on service or otherwise at all.

But tis was really, really nice ^-^ Life is full of surprises, it seems. Someone (more than one actually) was pondering whether lcw is really really my bf =) At one time i was glad that the entire dream seemed so real, but at another time, i was upset that it is jz a dream. Everyone around me has been asking me to stop dreaming and be more realistic. Guys and girls, is there anything wrong to like or love ur idol? But yup anyway, he is not my bf yet.

Finally, i must mention the weather! It's a gorgeous day out today at seventeen degrees. Aahhh, spring love, flowers and cherry blossom trees, I was happy enough to get my a princess-sleeved top from h&m today :D

it's not pms, im pretty sure

I am currently home alone. My last remaining housemate decided to take off to visit her friends nx week because "coventry is too boring".

I've been feeling slightly edgy and emotional lately, which doesnt make sense. My brain's completely fried, my emotions are undecidedly loopsided. I dont really like this feeling because i'd very much rather be the happy-go-lucky girl who smiles and laughs on small little matters (if you get what i mean). I crave the simple happiness. I crave positive thoughts. Actually, i just want to sing karaoke party and laugh and laugh till my tummy ache and my tears roll down.


ps: I hate finland.

prague babies

This post is about 3 weeks late, but ppl always say better late than never!

The czech Jewish Quarter captured all the history of collapse of the Jewish town in early 20th century. Initially it was out of our plan to pay for the jewish museum package, but the description of our guide sort out clicked us and created our anxiety to explore the history of WWII in Czech. As a result, we took out an additional 200Kc for the admission..

The most significant attraction that led to my decision was the Pinkas Synagogue. FYI, a synagogue is a form of Greek temple. It's a memorial to the Jews murdered by the Nazis. 5 rooms of walls were fully inscribed with 80,000 names of the Jewish victims, and u can expect the real figure to be even more. The exhibition of Children's Drawings from Terezin collects all the painting and illustrations of the Jewish children at time of imprisonment. Each picture manifests their feelings, their yearn and hope to go back home one day. A very very sad and emotional place.
Another significant attraction was the Old Jewish Cemetery. Hv already tried my best to capture this photo to show u a broader image as possible since photography is prohibited in all 6 sites. The amount of tombstones were mounting high that many of them have to overlap each other, layers over layers, albeit the cemetery has been enlarged a few times, and again the real number should be much greater. It is how heartbroken to grasp how many lives had the war took away.. Tis is the Spanish Synagogue. The interior of it is trully amazing, with stylish motifs on the walls and ceilings. The exhibition displayes history of the jews in bohemia, both in periods of enlightenment and emancipation.
The ceremonial hall.. The old-new synagogue..
Apart from the jewish quarter, our final day in Czech is also filled in with the old and new town of prague. In the old town, we have the astronomical clock.. :D
The sideview of astronomical clock.. Ohh ya, b4 i forget, we witnessed 3 couples getting married there. One of them even threw the 'flower ball' and everyone rushed over to grab it. Andu know what, a guy got it!! =))

The Church of our Lady before Tyn..and its night outlook..We were reminded of easter by the easter market, selling lots of food, jz like our christmas market! Pancake, hotdog, beer, fried cheese..

If u have yet to see an easter egg, here it is :D
Walking along the streets..
An interesting thing we observe in czech is that each shop tend to hv its own wall colour..
For music lovers, the BIGGEST metronome in the world!! Tik, tok, tik, tok =P
THe powder tower..

Dont be suprised by the SEVEN FLOORS of shoes in Bata!!!!! Wooottt.. ^-^

In a nutshell, just like any other european countries, prague is romantic and beautiful! U visit castles, cathedrals, basilicas, bridges, museums like everywhere u do. It is the culture that distants the czechs. Food is good, and most people are able to converse in English here, which sorts of ease our journey all the way. Unlike in italy or france, it is slightly more difficult to ask for directions. Ultimately, the cost of living here is generally much lower, enabling better accommodation, better food, more souvenirs, more enjoyment! So if u planning to visit europe and u r on a tight budget, prague is a great choice!!

it's sunny sunday today

Great thanks to everyone who did contribute little or much for my econs assignment. Toyota, VW, BMW, Ford, GM, Peugeot, Renault.... Phewww.. finally, finally, finally, they are all done! The graphs, their income statements almost drove me half insane! I think that im an adamant person. But the breathe of determination to use toyota as my main topic seems to be so childish when the recalls r getting more and more severe.. I gave up toyota in the end, i have to.

But on a brighter note, the worry bout squeezing words into the challenging word limit proved to be overestimated, as the entire draft went out relatively quite smooth. I enjoyed the assignment though, i find myself talking bout cars manufacturers and their subsidiaries, when in the past i dont know really much about cars, other than the all-time proton, perodua, toyota, honda and nissan etc. I think tat's what i want in my studies, to be able to share my knowledge, to be able apply in real life, and seeing imagining the little molecules and atoms, nor the electrons and orbits of the elements which are utterly invisible :)

Today's gonna mark the end of my awesome holiday (yes im pessimistic about tis).. I saw my 2nd assignment waving strongly to me. And it accounts for 60% of my module mark. I know i have to do more research, spend more time, be even more serious about it.

I wish there are still rooms for some little holidays here.

birthday shortout

Just a short but sweet birthday post for daddy! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY! You are the greatest, coolest, most humorous and caring daddy on earth! May you stay healthy, happy, handsome and wealthy always. Heehee.. Thank you daddy for all the effort you put into everyone at home. We love you!!

weird timings

At last! Weather's awesome enough to be called 'spring'!! Have been living in extremely weird hours for the past few days.. Hmm.. if it can be estimated using timezones, i guess im somewhere living in america.. It is so hilarious thinking bout it! At one time i was chattin with my msian friends, and then i told them that i ll back in 7 hrs. Reason? Im heading off to bed. And it's even more strange when i was climbing up my bed when the sun was setting out in the sky. Ohh, well..

But i really enjoyed the company. Ever since we completed our secondary school, i have been seeing my former classmates so much lesser. Everyone starts mapping their career paths in different regions in the world, and everyone's getting busier and busier. To simply get a time whereby everyone is in msia is sufficiently challenging. I have not been talking to some of my best best friends for more than a year, which is quite intimidating. I began to hypnotise myself that it is going to be fine, that we are forever friends despite not msn-ing, fb-ing or talking to each other.

Please tell me that friendship is not a weak bond at all.

more on prague

Hellooo, Im back to share more on prague again!! This is our first accommodation.. A very decent 3-stars hotel for just 9 pounds! And with good buffet breakfast to fill our stomachs before we start our expedition for the day!!
In the following picture, i was standing on the Charles' Bridge, the main bridge that links the east and west of Prague..There are lots of statues along the bridge, but most of them are no longer original. They were either destroyed by the flood in 2002 or they are reconstructed since the genuine one is displayed in museums.. Imagine how strong and how high sea level the flood would hv been to cause such destruction? Thanks to a funny 'auntie' who took photo for miss yip and me. I still rmb her hillarious look when she pressed the 'off' button and the lens shrunk in when she's supposed to press the 'capture'.. =)
Actually, there are not merely a bridge linking the both sides of Prague. We counted, there were at least 4! And klang is just connected by 2 bridges, and it took us ages to complete the link near Jalan Kapar now. Y can ppl construct bridges easily while it is an uphill struggle for us?? =P

Having the castle behind the princess.. :DSide view of the castle.. Again, im wondering y can ppl's bridges be so elegant and impressive but not ours?? xDOn the edge of the bridge there's a kampa island.. It is quite famous for pottery market. Most of the embassies are located here hence it's a quite high class and quiet place. And there's a bridge whereby couples lock a love lock as a blessing for their relationships!

Apart from that, that's the John Lennon wall! Hmm.. Czechs are quite talented in graffiti :)
Not forgetting to show u more pictures on food, we had a full 3-course lunch in a Czech restaurant..
Starting with appetiser --> salad..

Main with beef goulash, bread dumplings and onions.. If you want more description on this, read the 2nd post after tis.. But u must be wondering, onions as a side dish? Hmmm.. Yes, I dont eat onions too :(

Apple pie as dessert.. We wanted to try the famous sweet pancake, but our course includes apple pie.. Next time ya, sweet pancake =P
In the late evening, we headed to Petrin Hill. In Prague, the modes of transport available are underground, bus, tram and train. Amonst all, underground is the most comfortable, while train is the worst. Shhhh.. their trains and train station are not too well maintained... But most of them are efficient. Most of the time, we do not hv to wait more than 5 minutes for any transport, cool!!

Tat's the tram.. Sort of 'land train'.. It has its tracks, and has wires on the top of it.. Cars are prohibited from driving on the tracks.. I think driving in Czech is quite difficult.. and boring ( i ll tel u why bit later)

That's the leg of Petrin Hill.. It's a very spacious and green grassland that everyone would definitely enjoy.. Reading a book, listening to music, chattin with your friends, dating, throwing balls at each other, or even merely lying down on the grass and observing the sky.. It's so relaxed and pleasant..

We climbed up the hill, step by step.. Well, u know pinkiecloud isnt a very sporty person. But i didn gv up. I believe the view from the pinnacle is going to make my effort worthwhile, and it really did! Everything was so pretty that they looked so fake, as if drewn or painted..

Just because they are so pretty, they deserve another picture here :)

In order to reward ourselves, we bought ice-creams for ourselves! Up the peak, there are few more attractions eg. the mirror maze, the museum and the Petrin tower, which is also called the 'Prague Eiffel tower'.. Well u r allowed to climb up the tower however, it was already closed when we reached the peak.. Anyway, a picture of it is well enough.. I doubt i can climb all the way up after climbing up Petrin.. Heeeheee ^-^

It was almost late evening after we came down from petrin.. But there's a place that we would really like to visit as we saw a photo of it from the postcards.. It has a very unique structure, and it looks very gracefull and glamorous..

Let me present to you, the dancing house!! Like a great dancer, it stands out in the night and shines itself =)Remember i mentioned that driving isnt that enjoyable in Czech compared to Malaysia? Well, due to having one land reserved for the trams, most of the roads in Czech is single lane. Hv a think, if a car breaks down or if there's just a very very slow driver in front, how long can the queue be.. There's no second land for u to cut in at all.. THat's y u can see traffic jam here!! Wakakaka...The last picture for the post: The night view of the castle! I hv a feeling that it really looks like disneyland or any fairy tale castles.. Really! It was so fascinating and fantastic in front of ur eyes.. Shhh.. I made a wish in front of the castle!! :DOne final post coming up on prague in the context of history, the old town. And may i wish you Happy Easter!! ^-^

so...

We're into the second week of spring break now, and i feel myself falling into that same old murky holiday routine. Suprisingly, i enjoy the routine very much. Imagine passing the day doing all ur favourite things without having to work on ur what-to-do-plan for tomorrow, having no worries about what time to sleep and what time to wake up (in order to catch the just-in-time bus), nor what to revise today. It is so relaxed and enjoyable, a real, real holiday. Compared to holidays back in msia, mummy will start declaring springcleaning, then u hv to clear ur rooms, take out unwanted clothes, books or teddies. But of course being at home is still always the best :(

It's good friday today. Despite being in boring coventry, i woke up to a lovely morning surprise to find sunshine in my room! Weather has been really cold and unfriendly lately. Some places are snowing indeed, in the season of spring! And because weather has been so appealing tdy, the remainder 3 girls in the house decided to go for 'Nanny McPhee" in coventry. And juan ying, she has been tahan-ing for her 'char siew' cravings since week 10 till shin li and me are back from prague. Heehee :)

So tis' the one where days overlap and are so jarringly similar that you can scarcely remember which the day of the week it is. Just today, I struggled to remember if it's wednesday or thursday. I feel my brains turning into pulp already, and i know i barely know how to write properly now.. =P

The Little Venice: Cesky Krumlov

The name of 'Little Venice' is given to Cesky Krumlove due to its natural geographical characteristics. As you can see, the small town is surrounded by the Vlatava River, but the difference is, you walk here, instead of taking boats or ferries. Apart from that, it's of a uphill rather than a flat land :)
From Prague it takes you 3 hours of coach journey to arrive Cesky Krumlov. It is totally a very different place compared to Prague. You dont really hv the 'tourist' feel because everyone is so friendly and close to each other here. In this context, it is very much like Volterra of Italy. We headed to our accommodation once we hopped off the coach.

We got a little shock when we reached our accommodation (Krumlov House). It was a themed pension! Look at the dragon door first :)
The common room, also included a kitchen and a piano!!Our room!! Ohhh.. so 'fairytale' liked. We then realised that it was awarded the best hostel for the year!! What a splendid pleasure ^-^The hostel owners were very very friendly and recommended lots of places for us to go for sight-seeing and cheap eats. First and foremost, the main square of Cesky:
We then crossed the Barber bridge, and walked our way towards the Cesky castle..

Tat's it!! The Cesky Castle.. =)
The enchanting tower was the first to welcome us. Do u notice a half moon beside it? It seems that the moon was following us throughout the trip, we saw half moon on bright daylight almost everyday.. Well, wat shall i say, that's pinkiecloud's attraction =P
We then walked through a long passageway to the inner castle..
But the passageway wasnt dull at all.. The walls were prettily and creatively painted and adorned which was really impressive :DWe then 'tortured' our feet further walking up the hill to the royal gardens.. Despite so, it was really worthwhile as the scenary up there was extremely, amazingly, utterly beautiful and fantastic! It was so soothing and u wil definitely fall in love with this little town..

Gosh!! The water was so calm and crystal clear :)
It was so beautiful that u wouldnt mind sitting there for an hour just to enjoy the entire atmosphere.. Really! How i wish i could draw such a beautiful picture :D Next, these are some pictures of typical streets in Cesky or Czech Republic..
We had our dinner at a medieval restaurant (sorry i forgot its name, u know im not good in Czech language...) Most of the time, Czech ppl eat beef or pork with bread dumplings, which is a kind of 'rice' but in the shape of bread, coupled with sliced, salted cabbage or spinach. The concept is very much like 'roti canai', where u spread some meat and gravy onto ur bread dumplings and veg. For your knowledge, in most western countries, veg are generally more expensive than meat. If you compare Czech food with English food, Czech food are more tasteful (probably slightly saltier) but personally, i find it just nice. To me, English food are sometimes bit tasteless =P
That's the best recommended dessert for that restaurant -- Fruit dumplings.. Actually it's like our chinese 'pau' but it is filled with fruit jam instead of 'char siew'.. But no worries, it was delicious :) We stayed in Cesky for merely a day and we returned to Prague the next morning. From the postcards, we can foresee that the sceneries here are gonna be even more beautiful during winter. We really enjoy our visit in Cesky and sshhhh.. everything here is so much cheaper than in Prague! :