Wednesday, October 24, 2007
.je vais a' Paris ce weekend!.
have been slacking these few days. weather has turned for the better but the whole Bathie family is sick. Cough, flu, cold. Bad. Despite that, Sue and I still finished up the whole tub of left-over ice-cream just now. Ha.
Had French Lesson today and it was so interesting. Hard to absorb though. I was telling M how learning a new language is so addictive. Mastering one language is indeed an art and take time man. Guess what I am saying.
"J'm appelle Gavin, Je Suis Etudiant. Je vais a' Paris ce weekend!"
Going Paris tomorrow and I am pretty excited. Let's see how the world most romantic city is really like :O
Oh, did I mention about the career fair which I attended last Thursday? It was massive and all those very reputable firms like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, UBS, HSBC, Big 4s, law firms etc etc etc are all there. Took so many brochures and Jays is already stressing me to submit job applications for summer. So many choices, and it seems like in the UK, big banks are hot hot hot. (Same for Singapore!) And look at how many freebies I got from the fair :P
Just for laughs. Miss Curly Alfro and Mr Getting-not-very-straight. I was shocked to see the hairdo but... i really think it looks great!
floated away at
7:28 AM
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
.Tired.
Crap. It feels like school just started. It must be the Week 3 Syndrome. I feel that work is piling up and I have so little time for everything.
My weekend was spent in Bath relaxing and walking around town. Headed down to Bristol on Saturday for a day for some shopping before we came back Bath to watch the Rugby World Cup Finals England v South Africa at a nearby family pub called Royal Oak. The match was rather dull and the atmosphere was really down because England lost. Sigh. Wilkinson didn't manage to save the day afterall.
Went Bath Abbey on Sunday for Holy Communion and before that, I dropped by the Roman Baths because I was too early for the service. Too quite a lot of pictures, but will post them up when I am more free!
For now, I need to prepare for my Psyc project meeting tomorrow and copy my French notes. I am lagging behind super badly!
zzzzz. Some pictures to enjoy.
Fried Rice for the Bathies. Looks nice huh.
On our way to Bristol, at railway. I wonder why Sue looked so happy being strangled.
Rugby Finals at Royal Oak. Goodness. Sue looked sleepy. Must be the gem she ordered. LOL
Marks and Spencer, outside cafe. Full of shopping stuff at H&M and Primark.
Debute of Roman Bath! More to come
floated away at
5:05 AM
Monday, October 22, 2007
.Greece Trip 101007 - 161007. - Athens. Santorini. Mykonos. Athens -
Before I leave for my next destination Paris, I better start posting my Greece picture. Goodness, those collage took me hours to do it.
Friends were telling me about my emo posts and wondered how Greece could trigger my emotions. Beside having a long and turbulent history way back from 3000 BC during the Bronze Age, the place is really awesome. High mountains, historical buildings, clear oceans and skies... I think this time picture speaks louder than words.
Enjoy.
First day at Athens was rather dead. Weather was still great about 20 and we went to Athens most iconic symbol the Acropolis. Arguably the most ancient monument in the Western world but it was rather disappointing because of the construction work. Lots of dust but nevertheless it was an eye opener! Was at the Theatre of Dionysos, Stoa of Eumenes, Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds and some others. It was really amazing how these buildings are so well preserved back from the BC age.
After which, we toured around Athens and walked along Mitropoleous Street. Kean "kato" for dinner but we were famished man. Was trying to find Viasos recommended by Lonely Planet and it took us half an hour to realise it was closed down. How accurate. We had an early night at Athens Backpackers. Met some Australians but was too tired to socialise with them.
Day 2 was a mad rush. We needed to catch the 7am ferry to Santorini and guess what, I realise I haven't taken a cruise before! I got quite excited with the facilities in the ferry and I went around taking lots of pictures. As we were deprived of the sun back in the UK, we spent some time tanning too! It was quite funny too when halfway, one Australian girl actually came to our seat and started complaining to us how irritating her sister was.
Finally reached Santorini after a long 8 hour ferry ride. I recalled how I fell in love with the island at first sight. The villa was really a plus factor man. We got upgraded to a suite and the place was beautiful. Gosh. Maybe I just love swimming pools.
We then rented a scooter and drove around the island. Cheap thrill but G and I were like smiling ALL THE WAY. As it was late, we visited the Kamari Beach ( Black Beach ) and went to the town centre Fira to shop. Nothing much though. Ate Moussaka for dinner again and it was so much cheaper than Athens!
The following day, I wanted so much to ride the scooter once again to explore the island but G wanted to visit the volcanic islands. On hindsight, it was a wise decision because we visited the volcanic island, hot springs and watched the sunset at Oia (e-ye) in ONE day. The hot springs was disappointing because the sea was freezing. The sunset was amazing though and both G and I were lamenting how we were both so-wrong companies. haha. But indeed, that place got me rather emotional again (oh, what a surprise..)
.
After that, we had dinner with our new American friends(Matt, Sarah and Ben) who are currently teaching in Germany.
That marks the 2 days spent at Santorini. Really wished I could have spent more time there exploring the island but yeah, Mykonos wasn't that bad too. We went to the famous windmills and Little Venice situated in the town centre.
The weather turned chilly when we were at Mykonos and the wind was damn strong. On a few occasions, it nearly blew my cap off the sea!
Also, there were so many beaches in Mykonos and G and I spent 3/4 of our time there reading and tanning. On Day 4, we even went for beach hop with our scooter and it was damn fun. (apart from the chilly weather.) Mykonos is known for being a gay paradise but sadly, we didn't see much action going on. LOL. G was so disappointed! As it was near winter, the pubs were close at night, and thus, we didn't manage to catch any night life. For the 2 nights, we just walked around the town centre and went back to our villa to watch D-grade movies. haha.
Took some pictures and I personally love the cow picture. The sky was so clear and he looked so confused.
My most memorable moments in Mykonos would be the part where I just lazed along the beach, reading my Purpose Driven Life. Also, as we had lots of time in the small island, I spent some time sitting along the riverside sipping Greek Coffee. The feeling was damn refreshing because how often do you do that in Singapore?
Back to Athens on the 16th. As Athens, by comparison, seemed so boring, both G and I were not extremely excited going back there for a night. We visited most of the sites and the last stops we wanted to visit were the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the National Archaelogical Museum. We gave the temple a miss because we spent a total of 3 hours in the Museum looking at historical artefacts back from the old BC. Some worth mentioned are the gold artefacts from Mycenae, Minoan frescoes from Santorini and Clycladic figurines which are my personal favourite. Some of the artefacts are so real that it somehow led my imagination go wild! However, towards the end, it was kinda an overdose and I just wanted a good meal.
Went to this Jap Restaurant called Furnin Kazan at Athens for a nice sumptuous birthday lunch. It was really orgasmic to eat Jap food in Europe and it was reasonably priced too. Yummy and this made me a happy man once again. Earlier on, was really grouchy because I did not manage to catch ANY sleep the previous night at Athens Backpackers because the whole room was snoring! zz.
So Greece, my 2nd Europe Destination, was really awesome. Visited many historical sites and got to know Gerrie slightly better and like I mentioned earlier, it was rather soul-searching as well on my side. This will be my number 1 honeymoon spot for now and lets see whether my choice changes after my trip to the supposedly romantic Paris this Wednesday.
It's already 4:23 am and I have class later. Gosh. I need to sleep... and study.
Greece, I will be back.
floated away at
9:05 AM
Friday, October 19, 2007
.slacking in Bath.
Did I tell you guys the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning? COWS and really nice scenery! I think the picture couldn't capture the cows but they are always in the green field. Damn relaxed and refreshing man.
Yesterday was a great day. Congratulations to Jay for getting another scholarship. Damn proud of him and yeah, he gave all of us a treat at this fantastic place called Rats & Parrots. Me, being such a food lover, have been deprived of good quality food for the longest time and the meal was indeed damn satisfying!
Wanting to post my Greece Trip but I am too lazy to do so. For now, I need to go back school to print out some stuff and have some swim before I grow really really unfit.
See you guys soon!
floated away at
6:13 PM
.a short note which i wrote on the plane EZY2002 back to London from Greece.
1755 London Time 16 October 2007 // 6 Days In Greece
Happy 23rd birthday to myself! Life has been good and I thank God for all the blessings. I am so glad that these 6 days have been safe and smooth-sailing for both of us. 6 days @ Greece with a person whom I know for a month was such an experience. Throughout this 1 month of travelling, I realize how much insights I have gained and how dependent I actually was. Never did I think I was actually so dependent on people around me. From the panic attack @ Changi Airport for excess baggage to the loss of my camera @ London Luton Airport. Goodness. I was fortunate that I had my family and friends to take care of me at Changi, but you know, I realise I am the sort to have to learn my lesson to grow smart. Recalled how I ran up and down the airport @ London because of some customs security issues, leaving my passport at the check-in counter, forgetting my sweater at the security counter and running my hearts out just in time for my flight to Marrakesh. Goodness, that experience was really traumatic YET memorable. Today I am proud that I have become more prepared and checked in on time for my flight! It was hilarious though when Gerrie was panicking so badly because she refused to pay for the train ticket to airport and the conductor came! Like people always say, you have to leave your comfort zone to know what you are actually capable of, to get the better out of you.
At home, I was so disorganised! Having an organised(anal) dad, everything ubsed to be done sui sui by him. In a way, I was spoon fed. But this Greece trip made me realise how much I actually learnt from my parents and it is amazing. You know, you unknowingly picked up so many habits from your parents and you only get to realise them only when you are not near them? For my dad, I realise my admiration for him is really deep and I have been really organised because of him? From recording of accounts, folding clothes preperly, reporting flight details to important people and keeping everything tidy.... all these thanks to my dad. Alos back in Bath... learning to cook, how to treat people right.. thanks MUM. Oh and something interesting about Gerrie's theory about having a business man Dad and not - Bman children tend to be more streetwise, assertive and know how to deal with people better. True?
This Greece trip has been a really relaxing one and had allowed me to reflect on my life lots and grow with God as well. Have been reading "The Purpose Driven Life" (thanks ryan!) and many things that the author wrote really intrigued me. Issues on how to resist temptations, how to love others like how you love yourself, how to lead a god-centered life, how there is a reason for everything and what matters most and how everything takes time... Without the time I spent in the beach, I wouldn't have been reading these (In SG, textbooks are the ONLY books I read. argh.)
Yes, come to how hectic my life in Singapore had been. Spending lots of time in the library, chasing grades and getting upset when I dont meet my expectations. Seemed meaningless. You know, over the past 6 days, I have been leading life reflecting, reading, sitting along the riverside sipping Greek Coffee.. GOSH. Time of my life man. Of course, I do know I have to get myself back and lead what a student life should be - mug, study hard and do well in school! ... soon.
Living with a person has been ex experience as well. You know how some people can be so different as friends and as a travelling companion? Gerrie has been really really nice and I thank you for being so accomodating at times. Me being rather emo and moody at times, it was definitely not easy for her to travel with me too. Also, I realise I am really hot tempered and too frank sometimes that I speak out whatever is in my mind. And... being REALLY different in some views and way of enjoying life, it was tough the first few days man. Eg: I wanted a good meal and she wanted just bread. haha. Not doing things together kinda spoilt the fun, so thus it wasn't surprising to have disagreements. Thankfully, we actually got closer after this trip!
However travelling with somebody so difference has made me discover so much of myself! Too direct, too frank, too crude, too insensitive with words. I better start learning to process my thoughts and to compromise more. I have hurt a few friendships becofre because of these weaknesses of mine and I definitely dont want to burn any bridge. On the bright side though, I have learnt to take care of myself and I realise how food makes me happy. haha. To enjoy life, to me, means having great food and good company. Also, during the 6 days, a call from a special somebody seem to determine how my mood would be for the rest of the day. Amazing, yet not so amazing.
I hope that I have grown after this trip. I am definitely not an easy travelling companion as I don't seem as easy-going as I appear. Sometimes I have too strong opinions and I should learn to accept other's perspective as well. These, I have found out while travelling with J and G.. and yeah, stop those emo swings Gav!
My eyes hurt now and I want to sleep. Last night @ Athens Backpackers was really bad. I drank too much beer, blankets were dirty and smelly and everyone in the room was snoring! I ended up tossing in bed the WHOLE night because I am such a light sleeper. What a birthday.
Thanks for calling just before I leave for London. Your call made my day!
Love, and Goodbye Athens,
Gavin
Sign off, 1810//
floated away at
5:41 AM
Monday, October 08, 2007
.Back From Wales.
Tiring weekend trip to Wales. Went Cardiff, Brecon Beacon National Park, Rosalli Bay, Cardiff Bay and Swansea. Transport was really expensive but managed to see some seals! Thanks Cexiang for putting us up at his very luxurious accomodation. :) If given a chance, I will like to visit Wales again! At least to Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia Mountains :P
Some pictures!
floated away at
9:27 AM
Saturday, October 06, 2007
.cycling around Avon Canal!.
Had a relaxing Friday in Bath today. Mich decided to do a cycling tour around Avon Canal and it was fabulous. Gerrie missed out the fun this time! The weather was cool yet sunny and we had a damn stress-free day from all the cycling. Sue was so funny cos she got so tired towards the end of the cycling route and it was weird not hearing her voice for onc. We had really unhealthy fried chicken with chips for lunch that cost 48 sing dollars because we were desperate and hungry. Despite that, we cycled past many great sceneries! (include an old greatlooking church, many healthy looking dogs, green parks, clear rivers and retirees)
Excellent. Went to a small town and I am so amazed with all the old buildings in UK. They look old, yet so well maintained.
Off to Wales later! 3 more hours to go! Will be spending 2 nights there and have planned to visit Cardiff, Brecon Beacon National Park and hopefully Pembrokeshire and other national parks.. Gosh. Can't wait to see the food festival!
//exploring the world, yet missing my loved ones.
floated away at
9:48 AM
Friday, October 05, 2007
.spanish night.
just as we were ranting on how boring Bath is and that we have not had a real clubbing experience yet ( the ones that we went were really boring! ), Jay, Sue, Gerrie and I had ton of clean fun last night! oh man, Michelle slept in and she missed out on all the fun moments!
The drinks are relatively cheap ( 1.70 pounds for one pint of corona ) and I had 4! gosh. Met so many new people and some of them were really wild. Jay and Sue salsa-danced in the podium while I attempted helplessly with a almost stranger. [how embarassing] Nic, our italian friend, was the one who recommended us. Haha, we are gonna make this a weekly affair man, and stop all partying after getting back Singapore. :P
best night ever really.
Today, went to Royal Crescent for some golf and frisbee. Wanted to post some really nice pictures but unable to. Will try again tmr! :)
on our way to second bridge club
Corona with Gabriel from Germany
Me with Fab & Friend.
Moroccan + British + Jay [Acting high]
the 4 of us when we are still rather sober.
the guys
Nic, our italian friend! Real nice chap.
crazy.
Alona, the one I tried dancing Salsa with. Sorry!
// more to come. enjoy the moment!
floated away at
7:37 AM
Thursday, October 04, 2007
.living in a foreign land.
Honestly, I am so thankful I am given this chance for this exchange programme. Being in Bath for near to 2 weeks, I am enjoying every single part of it - from the weather(only when it's not raining), the environment, the school, the people and the idea of living w/o much restrictions. It's not that my parents are restrictive in Singapore, but when you are living w/o your family members, you tend to be more disciplined and less lazy? For me at least, no more maid to do my washings, wash the dishes and tidy the room, and I have learned to do them myself. It's not difficult, but thinking of how I am back in Singapore, I realise I do get a little spoilt and ill-disciplined. I don't even close my cupboard after getting my clothes. I don't even hang my towel up to dry. Oh man, I am so ashamed of my lazy ways back in Singapore.
At least right now in Bath, I am really independent. I don't even think I am learning to be independent. I can be independent as long as the situation needs me to be. ermm, is there a difference? hahaha. sorry, i seem to be confusing myself. Today, I did cooking for the Bathies while they were strolling in some park. I am sure I mentioned before how I wanna thank God for letting me live with these 4 wonderful people here who are so patient and loving. All of us can have many differences, but I am proud to say we all know how to compromise, and that, I believe, is the key, to living peacefully together.
Kudos to Jay, Gerrie, Sue and Mich! A taste of my cooking tonight. They seem to enjoy it except for the very hard rice.
Besides learning to be independent, it seems like I am living a new life here. In a foreign land, there are so few familiar faces around. I don't know why i am thinking of Peggen right now, but you know, if I happen to do damn unglam stuff in school, I won't need to worry of paiseh, because I presume people don't really know me at all. Somehow, it's quite a good thing not needing to engage in small talks and having so little distractions in school (for now). haha! I miss S*U though.
Just now, I visited the sports village again! I was swimming leisurely in my lane when I realised the lane was actually for competitive swimmers! And it's cool how the end point has today's training program attached.. and so, I decided to follow the training programme. 8x100M Medley, 10x50M breast, 10x50M frontcrawl, followed by 2x200M medley. I did it based on what I know, and it was really tiring...
While swimming, I am really impressed by how University of Bath place sports in such great importance. They build up a great sports hub for students, and even award scholarships for the outstanding sportsmen in school. And they never fail to emphasize the importance of sports. Yeah, so unlike S*U where students don't really seem to regard sports as something of their priority.
In case you guys can't read the quote, the words that really inspire me :" Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sports can create hope where there was once only despair. It breaks down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination. The heroes sport creates are examples of this power. They are valiant, not only on the playing field, but also in the community, spreading hope and inspiration to the world."
After that, I went to Sainsbury ( supermarket in Bath ) to get some food for dinner. Sudden urge to whip up some good dishes for my fellow Bathies and oh man, while walking there, I took some pictures with my new camera! I realised, in this month of travelling, that I love crowded weekend markets, green parks, peaceful places and old buildings. (hell, contradicting.)
That's about it. Heading to Spanish night right now! Some random pictures before I sign off :
We actually had a fire drill just before we wanted to start our dinner.
Some special photos on my desk. Will show others next time ! And in case you guys still haven't seen my room (now with many many photos though)
S
ome photos taken at Suspension Bridge, Royal Crescent Park and Dinner with Italians + Bathies 1 week ago //
//the journey is long, cherish every moment.
floated away at
3:52 AM
First day at Athens was rather dead. Weather was still great about 20 and we went to Athens most iconic symbol the Acropolis. Arguably the most ancient monument in the Western world but it was rather disappointing because of the construction work. Lots of dust but nevertheless it was an eye opener! Was at the Theatre of Dionysos, Stoa of Eumenes, Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds and some others. It was really amazing how these buildings are so well preserved back from the BC age.
Day 2 was a mad rush. We needed to catch the 7am ferry to Santorini and guess what, I realise I haven't taken a cruise before! I got quite excited with the facilities in the ferry and I went around taking lots of pictures. As we were deprived of the sun back in the UK, we spent some time tanning too! It was quite funny too when halfway, one Australian girl actually came to our seat and started complaining to us how irritating her sister was.
Finally reached Santorini after a long 8 hour ferry ride. I recalled how I fell in love with the island at first sight. The villa was really a plus factor man. We got upgraded to a suite and the place was beautiful. Gosh. Maybe I just love swimming pools. 
We then rented a scooter and drove around the island. Cheap thrill but G and I were like smiling ALL THE WAY. As it was late, we visited the Kamari Beach ( Black Beach ) and went to the town centre Fira to shop. Nothing much though. Ate Moussaka for dinner again and it was so much cheaper than Athens!
. 
The weather turned chilly when we were at Mykonos and the wind was damn strong. On a few occasions, it nearly blew my cap off the sea! 
