I nearly lost something very dear to me on Sunday. I'm glad I found it again.
Since young, whenever I lose something, I will never give up looking for it. I remember there was once when I misplaced something that was really important. I was so upset and searched everywhere in the house. I don't ever give up searching because I know whenever I lose things, I'm always the one at fault, and this time likewise. As much as I appear humble to acquaintances, I'm actually full of myself most of the time, especially to those close to me. You may feel it's normal for everyone. But I guess when it starts affecting people close to you in the negative way, you got to slow down, think and find the balance. The balance which is good for everyone you love. I'm glad closed ones around me give me constant reminders on this and never give up. But now, now that I've finally realized this, I hope I can help myself out of this prideful soul.
There was a period of time, when I first got into contact with Buddha's teachings, when I would pray daily. Whenever I prayed, my older sis would tease me and say that I'm full of pretense. Maybe at that time it was true and I stopped doing it after awhile. That's my weakness. I'm always very self-conscious and afraid of judgements. Because of that, I get unhappy very often but instead of searching for the answer within myself, I put the blame on others. I didn't know the reason why I prayed when I was young. However, due to incidents, I realized that whenever I am lost and need to find myself, what I need to do is calm my mind by praying, before reacting. I didn't do it because people around me don't do it. I didn't understand why my older sis, whom I'm a great fan of, doesn't need this to keep her calm. I didn't understand why my younger sis, who is so much younger, realizes and understands things at such a young age without requiring any external help. But now I finally know and admit that everyone is different in their own way. I need it so I got to do it.
I thought that the stages of growing up have already ended since I started teaching, gained more confidence and am proud of what I'm doing. Apparently, I still have a long way to go.
Everything can be at a lower price during the Great Singapore Sale except for....
1. Homework
One of my primary 5 students ask me if she could get a discount for homework yesterday.
2. Home allowances
I've been irritating my mum lately, asking for a discount for our monthly allowances but I guess I'll never succeed.
Anyway, I finally got a chance to go shopping while the crazy sale is on. Had the mood, and grabbed lots of stuff for loved ones. I went with my meimei and didi, by the way.
Had dinner with Ang Karen at IMM. She's old but still pretty and lovely. It was the first time we met, 1-on-1, since we graduated from university, which was like 3 years back. It's either we take each other for granted or we don't love each other anymore. Or, it can be both too. But I'll never ever accept the cruel reality. NOOOOOOO!!!
Thanks to Kar's Car, I got this! I'm going to travel around the world!
I neglected my blog for too long. This is Bali II for you.
Have I mentioned? We booked a cab to travel around Bali. It wasn't too affordable considering that it was only for the two of us but we couldn't care less.
Warung Nyoman
Al fresco dining at the warung. Warung means stall in Bahasa Indonesian.
Behind us is Uluwatu Temple, a famous Hindu temple located on a cliff.Uluwatu offers a wonderful vantage point to view a spectacular sunset but sadly, it was cloudy and we did not see it.
The monkeys on that hill are notorious for robbing tourists of their belongings. This one snatched my slipper and chewed on it (left). Eventually, it exchanged my slipper with an almost-dried banana (right). Such a foolish fellow.
Greasy barbequed sweetcorn ended my day with a good note!
Night view in villa with private pool.
At Hotdog Watersports. The watersports prices areway too over rated.
The area wasn't good for activities but we did have a first-time experience of riding the jetski.
Sea sports was done on the last day due to bad weather and lousy health. We headed back to the villa right after that as we had to catch the evening flight back to Singapore on that very day.
Bye Astana Kunti!
The trip was good although it rained two out of four days. It was a great catch-up with Anton koko-krunch!
I shall blog about my wonderful trip to Jakarta and Bali about three weeks ago before I get busy and forget all about it.
Anton's sister accompanied me to Jakarta. Her impulsiveness rocks the world!
No nice photos taken in Jakarta as I was just happy to be able to spend time with Anton. We stayed at Jakarta for only a day. Got Anton his birthday present from Mangga Dua Square and ate some nice food there and off we flew to Bali.
Denpasar Airport, Bali.
First shot taken once we arrived at the villa at noon. We were served thirst-quenching lime juice. A cold towel was also given to cool us down on the bright sunny day. Good service. We love it!
We ate lunch at our hotel's cafe as we had to wait to check in to our villa.
Finally got into our cozy villa. We have a private pool but we only had the chance to have a dip on the very first day due wet weather on the consecutive days.
Sun deck chairs for basking in the sun and the daily sumptuous breakfast served in our villa. Heavenly.
We visited some beaches. This one is the surfers' favourite. Dreamland Beach, but nothing dreamy about it. We didn't bring our swim clothes so we just had an F.O.C. self-entertainment session, like we always do.
One of the Painters' Gallery in Bali.
Painting of Balinese women with prayer offerings. The offerings, inclusive of a lighted incense, is a common sight in Bali. They can even be seen in shopping malls.
The Barong, an auspicious character of Bali (left). It resembles the Chinese's Lion Head. On the right is a colourful painting of flowers in a place that looks like a paradise. So relaxing just looking at it. It is so beautiful but of course costly. And that is the reason why I'm back here to work again. I want to have that in my own house in the future!
"Master Shi fu" of the Painters' Gallery. The most valuable picture, according to Mr Hartanto, taken at the gallery.
Batik Painting and Weaving of Fabric. It was quite an eye-opener to us. It brings back memory of me having a chance to do batik painting when I was in my secondary school.
At Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The monkeys are no different from the ones in Bukit Timah Hill. Not too enjoyable and we started being silly. I forced Mr A.H. into this, he can't be that silly, right?
Rice terraces.
Mountain top dining at Ubud.
I didn't enjoy as it was chilly on top of the mountain and I was sick and so was moody. Poor Anton was trying his best to smile.
We headed back to our villa before my cold got worse and that was the end of second day. We ended up eating cup-noodles which his sister prepared for us for dinner that day.
