Thank You!

I haven't visited the temple since the last I went when I was in school. Just because I did not put much effort in studying and being a student, procrastination is to the next level. We all know that, we have all gone through that. haha. Except, if you're studious, then it's a different story all together. It's best to pray if you fall into the former. 

For the first time in SO many years, I stepped my foot into the temple. Since 2019 was the year of retrenchment, aside of whatever I have, I still need luck to be on my side.

I'm not sure if I haven't been here for a really long time, or any other reasons, I find this really pretty. haha. In the end, I got the job. Congratulations to myself haha. Of course, I went the second time to say thank you! 

To be honest, I really like visiting temples. My current goal is Laos. haha. Hanging out with the monks sound cool. ✌

Venue: Thean Hou temple which became a tourist attraction now. 💗

Part 4: Reykjavik, Iceland

This is the end of it, one year later just for the sake of 2 photos haha

This was in Reykjavik and from a church. This was actually noon. They have just 3 hours of sunlight everyday during winter. Though I don't appreciate extreme hot sun like ours, I don't think I can appreciate with just 3 hours of sunlight everyday too. And my friend, this, they call it sunlight haha.

Hallgrimskirkja is what it's called. This is a Lutheran Parish church. The first picture was taken from the top floor in this church.

Right after that, we went lurking around town since it was our last day there, not forgetting the souvenirs, for my fridge and cupboard. haha.
Sadly, luck was not on our side, we couldn't get to see the Northern Lights due to bad weather condition. Bad weather meaning it rained. It can only be seen when the sky is really dark meaning we gotta get out of the city to witness it. That, depends on luck too. This time, we didn't get to. Try again next time. At least, we got to see a beautiful scenery in Iceland!

PayPal - check out - 043019

This is my story of 2019. It was a long journey I had with PayPal. Some might know that my major is in hospitality. That didn't work out well because of the long hours and almost zero EPF. Hotel line isn't for everyone. Certainly not for me.

When PayPal came to Malaysia, I was trying my luck from a job fair in Midvalley. That was in 2011. It has been a long time. Fast forward to the end of 2018. Some of us heard rumors that it's about to close down. Nobody can give us an answer because ... management will keep their lips sealed. Thinking that, we prepared ourselves quietly, mentally.

Chinese New Year 2019 came and a few days later, we were all told to go to a nearby hotel (walking distance of course) at a specific time. There, we saw bouncers, our directors, some big bosses flew in from the US. What is happening? Well, looks like the rumors are true afterall. So many questions popped into our head the same time. I'm sure the same for the others. Maybe, some are smiling deep inside. But, just a minority. Questions like what will happen to us? What's next? How can I find another job that pays me the same? What kind of job should I apply for? When can I get a job? How do I tell my family? It was an emotional scene. I saw people broke down into tears with the fear of uncertainty. We were then brought into a room with each department separated. We would then be told our exit date. It happened too abruptly. We weren't prepared at all though we knew it before the actual announcement.

2 months later, we saw ourselves out from the exit door and that's the end of our PayPal journey. Some of us have been there 3.5 years, 5 years and myself? 7.42 years. We might have lost our jobs, but, we gained knowledge, opportunities and most of all, friendships. The company gave us a lot that it will never be the same anymore. Now, it depend on us to put in the effort, to keep in touch. It's no longer going to work having the same person sitting beside us anymore. There are no more iphones giveaways as lucky draw gifts for annual dinner. Haha.

Truth to be told, the culture has become toxic over time. 7 years over is a long time. It has become very localized that it's no longer a place everyone enjoys. Yet, they stay because .. with the amount of work, there's nowhere else that would offer the same pay.

As for me, I enjoyed my time there. It's sad to part ways but, we gotta do what we gotta do. We will meet half way. One door closes, the other opens. I applied for more than 100 over jobs with only 5 interviews being called. It wasn't just us getting retrenched. There were other companies too. So, we ain't competing with the only other 800.

To those who are still looking for a job and with this virus flying around, all the best. Opportunities will come knocking your way soon. Have faith.

PayPal, thank you for the experience and friendship you have given me along the way!

To all my friends, I don't work for them anymore. Don't come texting me for free consultation 🤣🤣🤣

Check in

Hi yo, I'm back! How are y'all? I hope everyone is safe and well. Who would have thought that I'll be back in situation like this. 

I know for a fact that Covid-19 started in December last year, escalated to around the world in March. I was about to visit China in March when the pandemic happened. I had my first ever trip to China in 1999. Let's just say that the entire experience wasn't very pleasant and I was still a teenager. Haha. 21 years later when I decided maybe, I should give China a chance, shit happened. So it got cancelled and they forfeited a few hundred. It's not fair, it's not our fault but...Yeah things happened. It is what it is. The virus was just hitting China back then, so I booked a hotel in Laos with the purpose of escaping a wedding. That didn't happen too. For obvious reason. I even had plans for Europe, everything is cancelled 🤭🤭🤭 

 
We have to adapt to changes. Let us all do our part as part of our social responsibility. It's not about us, it's about our community, society and future. The situation is really meant for introverts. haha.
What have y'all been doing? I have been working, Netflix, coloring and working out. These are the main things that I have been doing for the past 3 months. Now that they have opened up almost everything, I think it's about time that we re-visit how we work. Working from home certain days should be considered. As long as results are delivered, why shouldn't we? I honestly enjoy working from home haha. Next question, is the gym really necessary? I'm really considering not renewing it once it ends. With 5 hours of being stationary, it's bad. Effort and time has to be put in.

Last but not least, stay safe y'all!

Part 3: Reykjavik, Iceland

The next part of the trip

I have no idea how many waterfalls we went in total in the entire trip. Having said that, I enjoyed every waterfall I went to. There's something unique in each and every one of them. I love this place, the Guldfoss The Waterfall. It's very refreshing

When you follow a tour, be prepared to start the day early. Super early because everything is packed within a few days. I have been to quite a few countries during winter. Winter nights are of course longer then the days. However, I have not been to a country with just 3 hours of day light everyday during winter. This is Seljalandsfoss. If I am not mistaken, this is already 8am. And here we are, without sunlight. This can get a little depressing

We then spent the next 2 hours here in Skogarfoss Falls. It's relatively long. We don't need that long. Yeah, another waterfall haha

The sun is starting to show itself. This is Reynisfjara Halsanefshellir. This is a great place to take picture haha

The famous black sand beach, Vik, The waves can get aggressive. Hence, always look back, or make sure someone is watching it for you. There was a case previously where a tourist died. Such a way to die. Tragic.

Skaftareldahraun. Lava. It was just 5 minutes stop. Nothing much here

When I arrived here, it felt like I've been transported into a whole new world. Very scenic, a whole new level of beauty. Jokulsalon, Glacier Lagon.

Skaftafell National Park. hehe. Amazing. But, I couldn't feel my feet and fingers anymore.

We left all these beautiful places, like a dream come true. Throughout the entire trip, we have not seen an actual sun light. This was the best the weather could do for us. Woohoo anyway hehe

The reason why some people visit Iceland is for their Blue Lagoon. From a mile away, we smelt sulfur from the Blue Lagoon. It's that strong. Then, it comes together with sunset. You can enjoy all you want here, complement with winter. It's just SO damn good. The moment you try to wash your hair, you feel like crying. I had to wash and wash and yet still as rough as sand. In the end, I had to keep washing for the next 3 days before it went back to its original form. My god. It comes with a price

Part 2: Reykjavik, Iceland

After spending a night in Copenhagen, we took a flight to Reykjavik. The flight was 3 hours. I had a culture shock in the airport in Reykjavik. It feels so much like a domestic flight when it isn't. The moment we got off the plane, it's already the baggage claim and then to the souvenir store. Right after that, it's the exit of the airport. There's no immigration for us, except if you are a US citizen.

Super early in the morning, we were brought to this place. The reason many people visit Iceland is for the Northern Lights. It's either you're lucky, or you're not. This is a Northern Lights Center, an introduction to Northern Lights of countries with Northern Lights and how it happens

After the sun goes up a little, we arrived at Thingvellir National Park. Diving is permitted here in certain areas. It's a World Heritage park before. It's known for its history and geology. Ooh, I was freezing.

We were given 20 minutes in this park, quite ridiculous. We had to sprint all the way up back to the coach. Damn!

Here we are at Laugarvatn Fontana. It's filled with natural minerals and the center they have has steambath and pools.

This is where they make their own lava bread. They dig it to the ground and leave it for 24 hours. A day later, voila, the bread is ready. And omg, it's so damn good. Thank God I don't live there. I'll gain weight in a week. Just imagine the smell of the bread, spread with butter. Damn.

Next step, to Geysir. Regular eruptions at every 8-10 minutes

Look at the people and the camera, trying to capture D moment hehe

Part 1: Copenhagen, Denmark

I embarked on a journey to Iceland some time ago. I bought a ticket to Copenhagen, then another flight to Iceland. Before that, on the way to Copenhagen, I stopped by at Dubai for a night. So, I got to be in 3 different countries hehe.

 After a night in Dubai, here I am! In Copenhagen, Denmark

This is the Christmas market, obviously only happen during the Christmas season for about a month

This is where everyone goes. The highlight of Copenhagen. Well, we didn't have the time to go. It was just for a night here before we flew off to Iceland, our main destination

Christianshavns Kanal in Danish. It's not that difficult to guess. Christianshavns Canal in English. Chtistianshavns refers to a neighborhood.

The wind was really strong, we were freezing. It's about time we find some shed.

What's next? Brunch time!

This is still within the Christianshavns area

Boat rentals are popular for sightseeing but of course, for other purpose too

Then, we arrived here, Nyhavn. It's almost sunset. To begin with, there wasn't much sun that day anyway. The prices here is a bit to the high scale. There are restaurants, cafes and bars around with a rich and vibrant culture.



Part 6: Seattle, Washington

It has been awhile now. I've been so busy that this has been neglected. Oopsie. Guess I'll continue and I'll be more active these days, just because of what just happened. A snap preview is that I am unemployed now due to the change of business strategy. My company decided to shut down the whole site in Kuala Lumpur, or rather Petaling Jaya. Hence, I am now actively looking for a job, hoping to secure one by July. Having said that, the job market is rather slow. The response has not been promising. At the same time, with the competitors right now, I am trying to be as positive as I can, considering the people around me, I think I'm okay.

We had an underground walking tour. It's the only way to tour the interconnecting tunnels. Check the website for the schedule.

"Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints." The famous quote by Chief Seattle and as you can tell, the city was named after him.

Some of the pictures took during the tour

With the family. In Fremont. Ooh my stomach expanded

This is one of the attraction in Seattle. Ballard Locks. So, all these boats, big and small had to wait for the bridge to open for them to cross over. The purpose of this is to maintain the fresh water of Lake Washington and Lake Union above sea level. It's also to prevent the mixing of sea water of Puget Sound with the fresh water from the lakes. Besides that, it is also to move the boats from the water level of lakes to the water level of Puget Sound an vice versa. Here, you can also see the migration of the fishes. Unfotunately, it wasn't the season when I was there

Being an Asian, this is a must-go place haha. The first ever Starbucks. In fact, they actually moved a few doors down from the original shop.

I used to watch many Bruce Lee's movies when I was growing up. So, visiting his graveyard is something I would wanna do. Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee side by side in Lake View Cemetery. We asked a group of tourist to take a picture of us. They declined. Not sure if they are from China or Taiwan. Bruce Lee is not going to follow you home

I've never been so happy going to a cemetery

My last walk with Rocky before I flew home that night. He's such an adorable giant.

Father’s Day

As we all know, Father’s Day was just last weekend. You can see the uncountable numbers of photos up on social media celebrating this special occasion for and with our respective greatest hero. Some do not celebrate this day, but that does not mean that the fathers mean nothing.

My dad is no exception, he’s the greatest father I can only imagine. I wouldn’t trade it with anyone else, ever. We might not be super rich, but, we were and are happy in our small family home. Time is what we want. My dad gave all his time to us when we were young, even right up til this day, nothing changes.

I can even write a novel about it. But let’s not go into that. So I was seeing all those Father Day’s pictures. It’s great of course, until, you see pictures of these men, certain men that celebrate like it’s a perfect family and everyone’s happy. That’s the ideal. But, when you know that these certain type of men are not good fathers. They cheat on their wives again and again, and it makes me cringe. All the time. No matter how happy the family looks, whether the wives are aware about it is another matter. However, these disrespectful men do not deserve this. Why procreate when you can not commit into one wife and one family? If you feel that you wanna play around, go, but don’t bring down your wife together to your level. Jesus. I’m still waiting for karma to hit it back on them. Patiently.

Melaka Trip

About a little more than a year ago in May last year, we took a drive down to Melaka. We have been there so many times. So, we didn’t really do those must-do touristy things. It’s more for a chill out session. Oh btw, testing out this app for blogger see if it turns out fine. Right after work on a Saturday, we drove to Melaka and picked Steffieko from a place she calls home haha.

We booked this boutique hotel. It’s located right at the corner of Jonker Street. Parking spaces might be a little limited. But I gotta say that it’s a pleasant nice hotel. If you’re too lazy to drive or walk from Jonker, you might wanna consider this place.

We were just strolling around in Jonker. Bought food along the way and check where our hotel is located. It’s on the left.

We had this for dinner and damn it was so good. This only meant one thing, my cholesterol would fly high as high as the sky.

That’s the three contributors to the food earlier haha

Before leaving Steffieko in Melaka, a mandatory picture of us.

We had an agreement that we would go down to Melaka after she comes up to KL. So, as long as she doesn’t come up, then we wouldn’t too haha. I am a strong believer in fairness and equality. Haha. 🤣