A good friend's birthday is coming round the corner but I won't be able to buy him a meal thus I thought days before he turns 30, I should wish him a Happy Birthday. You know who you are.
This song brings me memories of school days and it sure was whole loads of fun. I remember singing this song with two other chaps in class and both their birthdays are round the corner. The other song we usually sang together was a song by Color Me Badd.
It rained cats and dogs this evening. Trousers wet so was laptop bag but thankfully things in the bag weren't wet - all thanks to Samsonite.
Day started busy at work as my Director returned back from the US. He told me how much he missed his family just after one week and I moaned about my many more weeks to come. About 40 days more.
Lunch was jacket potato filled with bacon. Not bacon bits but slices of thick bacon. The potato was huge, the size of two fists combined. Carbo. Lots of it with no exercise. Well, brisk walking helps doesn't it? Maybe not enough. Should do some skipping since I brought the ropes.
Left the office at 530pm this evening and headed to try a hand at lottery. Bought a few tickets and hoping to win 2 million pounds. Yahoo!! Just few days back a few chaps aged between 19 to 57 shared 45 million pounds and had about 6.7 million pounds there about. Saw the whole group of them posing in photos that made headlines. Their smiles were really wide. I would do the same if I hit 2 million pounds but I was later told that non-EU citizens cannot claim the prize money. Sad huh? Never mind.If I won, I'll find my way to collect the money even if I needed to split the winnings.
Enough dreaming. A little too early to dream now because it is only 830pm while typing this blog.
Dinner was Spanish food with Angela. Good food. Nice alcohol. Ordered a Sangria, a Spanish cocktail. Feeling so full now because we ordered a pitcher and I was shocked that the pitcher contained 1.5 litres of liquid. Here they don't stinge on the alcohol. Here aren't Singapore.
So we ordered about 5 dishes comprising of prawns, mushrooms, potato & eggs, ham slices and calamari. It was a Spanish feast. Wanted to order a plate of paella (rice) but didn't think we could finish the food. Wasting aren't good but we really couldn't finish the sangria thus we left a little behind.
Angela's family who was supposed to arrive this Friday made changes to their trip. They aren't coming over anymore and that leaves only two of us for company. Well, I miss those carefree days where I could do anything or eat anything. Now it is mutual respect but company is good sometimes. 40 days together is going to be a long time and she has plans to visit Spain, France and Scotland. I don't think I am going to be that adventurous. Maybe somewhere by train that is closeby will suit me fine. I believe she is very disappointed that her hubby didn't make it here but decided to head to Melbourne instead. I guess it is for the daughter because I heard she fell sick and they are afraid she cannot adapt to the cold weather here. Anyway, Angela is going to be my shadow the next one over month.
Will be meeting up with Juliana, Heidi's friend who lives in Swindon. We'll do dim sum on Sunday. New company. Can't wait to meet her children. Am sure it is going to be fun with kids playing around.
Just find something to do every weekend and time will fly. Hopefully so.
There was one day when Sandy suddenly asked me about a song I sang at Karaoke. An English song. Frankly, I couldn't really recall then so I brushed her off but she kept insisting that I remember so I had to crack my head. It wasn't easy because at karaoke sessions I practically refuse to let my friends have the microphone. I always wanted my concert. :)
Finally I found the answer and here you go ....
Viva La Vida -
I used to rule the world Seas would rise when I gave the word Now in the morning I sleep alone Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes Listen as the crowd would sing "Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
One minute I held the key Next the walls were closed on me And I discovered that my castles stand Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing Be my mirror, my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain Once you go there was never Never an honest word And that was when I ruled the world
It was the wicked and wild wind Blew down the doors to let me in Shattered windows and the sound of drums People couldn't believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries wait For my head on a silver plate Just a puppet on a lonely string Oh who would ever want to be king?
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing Be my mirror, my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain I know Saint Peter won't call my name Never an honest word But that was when I ruled the world
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing Be my mirror, my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain I know Saint Peter won't call my name Never an honest word But that was when I ruled the world
There was a huge temptation for me to sing this song for Sandy during my wedding because I felt it had very meaningful lyrics to it and what was important was that we do listen to this song while driving.
Didn't do it in the end because I kind of felt that singing my own composition was better and more romantic but nevertheless take a listen to this Bon Jovi song. The MTV coupled with the music should bring you tears. I love you my dear!!
All About Loving You -
Looking at the pages of my life Faded memories of me and you Mistakes you know I've made a few I took some shots and fell from time to time Baby, you were there to pull me through We've been around the block a time or two I'm gonna lay it on the line Ask me how we've come this far The answer's written in my eyes
Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more I don't wanna sleep tonight, dreamin's just a waste of time When I look at what my life's been comin' to I'm all about lovin' you
I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've paid some dues, baby We've been to hell and back again Through it all you're always my best friend For all the words I didn't say and all the things I didn't do Tonight I'm gonna find a way
Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more I don't wanna sleep tonight, dreamin's just a waste of time When I look at what my life's been comin' to I'm all about lovin' you
You can take this world away You're everything I am Just read the lines upon my face I'm all about lovin' you
Every time I look at you, baby, I see something new That takes me higher than before and makes me want you more I don't wanna sleep tonight, dreamin's just a waste of time When I look at what my life's been comin' to I'm all about lovin' you
Woke up hungry this morning and had to munch on some cheese crisps I bought from Marks & Spencer. Yummy. Maybe I had too much to drink last night and had dinner too early.
I called the concert organiser today and was told tickets are sold out for the Ryuichi Sakamoto tour in UK. I cannot believe this. First was We Will Rock You and now Ryuichi Sakamoto. Can't I even catch a musical or concert here? Argh.
Angela's family will join her here on Friday and they have plans to visit Manchester on Saturday. Not too sure if I should join but let's see. I just feel so sour that I am not able to catch the Ryuichi Sakamoto concert. Looks like I have to find some other alternative. Sigh.
Lunch was cheese and tomato sandwich and a ham cheese pasty. I didn't know what a pasty was until I saw it. Just imagine a kind of angmoh pastry with ham and cheese filling. Something like a curry puff but it is square and soft.
Dinner was roasted duck and crispy pork slices with rice. Not too bad but with char siew sauce it would have been better. Had two glasses of beer today but didn't visit the neighbouring pub because it was close when I walked past. Perhaps there was no business today thus Adrian decided to close early.
Watching Ugly Betty on TV now. Quite interesting. I wonder what's the weather like in Singapore now. Has it been raining since I left?
In the pictures are Cardiff Castle, a nuts seller at Cardiff market and the Spanish restaurant I visited with the Shires at Bath.
Am typing this blog while sitting on the throne. Giddy and feeling weak in the legs. Had four pints of Tauton cider from the pub next door. Phew. Sure it has a high level of alcohol content. No kidding about that.
Had pizza buffet for lunch at some place called bella pizza. frankly, worst then pizza hut. Argh. I miss Rocky's in Singapore.
The alcohol is getting into the head now. Thankfully the pub is just next door and looks like I will only have 2 pints the next time.
Another 40 odd days before I arrive at Changi airport. I sure miss the local food. Singapore is surely a place for a wide variety of food. We have everything.
Remind me to write about my pub experience. It was warmth and the atmosphere was more than good. Maybe because Adrian was friendly and he chased people out when he thought they were not nice people.
Dinner was something closer to home. Japanese ramen. Not from my favourtie Japanese restaurant but an Asian restaurant nearby. They had laksa too but I dare not try. The only thing I was so tempted to try was the cute Thai waitress that served us. Haha. Oops. Did I say something wrong? She was really pretty and reminded me of Eunice Olsen.
Maybe I will visit again sometime without Angela as that would help a little because I was asked at the TM Lewins staff if Angela was my mother. Phew. I must look young. Hehe.
Just returned from a Japanese dinner at Cabot Circus. Not very satisfying but never mind because it was pretty well priced in the lower range so what can I expect.
I managed to slip into the pub next to my serviced apartment and said hello to both the owner and the Rottweiler. They were friendly and we talked a little bit - the owner not the canine. :)
He got me to try tbeir Taunton Cider and it was pretty good or rather very much like many other ciders. Very drinkable. You could have it mixed with orange squash, lemonade or just in its natural form but he told me only the females had it with lemonade.
The pub was filled with both men and women but the men had every sentence with the f$%k word. Very vulgar but they mean no harm. At least that is how I see things but it surely is going to be a nice hangout since I am only one minute walk away from the apartment lobby. I will try to get some local concoction and I remember seeing some people having their alcohol with tabasco. Interesting isn't it? I shall find out more sometime when I visit the pub again.
One more thing I forgot was that the owner (shall find out his name next time) told me about three or four pints of Taunton was enough to get me drunk. I doubted it at first but after the second pint, I could feel the effects of the drink so I will watch out. Not to worry.
So which is better? Hanging out in a pub next door or a casino which requires a 7 pound taxi ride. :)
Photos attached - nuts I bought at Cardiff, Taunton, my udon dor dinner, a used bottle that turned order number at lunch, Doom Bar at lunch.
Visited the Clifton Suspension Bridge today and the weather was terribly cold thus I was left with no choice but to buy a thicker jacket. Can you tell I have put on weight? Actually it's the after effects of putting on more clothes. So don't think I am fatter.
Had lunch at a pub / restaurant in Clifton (some town within Bristol) and had ale to go with my roasted beef. Believe it or not it was fantastic. It was so much better than what I had at Lawry's and surely not as expensive. An ale and the roast beef set was 11 pounds. Really worth it. I wonder if I can get better roast beef than this in Bristol. Angela had fish & chips and it looked good too. Better than my takeaway fish & chips. Haha.
Now here comes the scary part. I almost met with an accident. I was really lucky. Just one more step forward would have sent me to the A&E. I thank the angels for looking out for me. Very thankful.
This was what happened. The weather was really cold and I had to put the hood over my head thus restricting my head from turning and causing some blind spots. I saw there was a 'zebra crossing' and checked that there were no cars but I was wrong. I stepped out looking on the ground (when it is cold, you look on the ground.I don't know why) and suddenly I heard jamming brakes and a screech. The car was just right in front of me. Probably ten centimetres away. No kidding. If one foot just went forward, I would have been hit surely. Just one second earlier and I would have been sent flying because when I looked up at the car in front of me, I was right at the spot where the mirror was. Phew. A very close shave.
Angela was shocked but I just wasn't shaken. I don't know why. I was cool and apologised to the already swearing female driver. It was my fault because I crossed before the pedestrian crossing and didn't do the needful checks of 'look left, look right and look left again'. Again I stressed that I was really blessed because this surely would have been the first time this ever happened. I was always careful when crossing roads or even when I am driving. I just don't know why there and then I was so careless and absent-minded. Anyway, let's put that behind and don't nag about it. At least I was kept safe from danger as promised.
So I did some shopping today and besides buying a winter coat, I got myself some TM Lewin work shirts. Nice and very good material. Sorry Sandy, I thought I should celebrate because I was safe from harm. I wanted to buy you a bag for placing all the baby's necessities. Let me know if you like it but if you don't then just let me know so I won't go back to make a purchase.
It is 530pm now and I am waiting to head out for dinner at 630pm with Angela. Somewhere nearby would mean Cabot Circus. Will update you again later tonight.
My grandfather never left me anything or at least I wasn't told just yet what he left for me but I still have very clear memories of him and how much he doted on me as I was his first grandchild. That is of course the privilege of being the first in most families.
I remember him as a kid in his own way and not because he became senile. He never was senile. He was only weak and sick from illness but he was mentally sharp. I say there is a kid in him because he was into magic tricks, gadgets and he has a big stomach. Huge stomach thus a kid in him like he was pregnant.
I miss him and when I think of him I still tear from those memories. Even now when I have to pay my respects on occassions, tears clog up automatically. He was a nice man and often bullied by people around him and I think I am one of those bullies I am sure.
It is a pity he wasn't physicaly at my wedding but I am sure he is very happy for me to have a nice wife. It is a pity he isn't joining us in our naughty conversations or playing mahjong with us.
It is indeed a pity but I will surely tell my children about his stories so that they know that they too missed the opportunity to play with their great grandfather.
This song is one of my grandfather's favourite song and I have this in my MP3 player so that I am reminded of him once in awhile.
I believe I grew up with songs by Sam Hui too and am sure it is due to my family's influence. My parents liked him so did my godparents. Well, I believe Sam Hui was a very popular singer of their time. Their era. And it became my era too because all of them always listented to their songs when I was young.
It is a pity I never bought them tickets to catch Sam Hui perform when he was here in Singapore. It would have been nice if we all watched the concert together. Tried looking for some other video clips of his on youtube but couldn't find anything good thus I thought this was a good video which has both Sam Hui and Leslie together.
Dad, Mum, Baya and Ma. Enjoy the video and lets's hope Sam gets broke soon so that he'll visit Singapore again and we'll catch him this time round. So for now. this is the best I can do for you to see Sam Hui.I wonder if we still have the Laser Discs.
Nothing to do on a Saturday night thus I thought I share this song with you.
While on my journey to Cardiff this morning, my heart hummed this song.
It is a very popular song in Hong Kong written by a renowned composer - Wong Ka Kuu, lead singer of group Beyond. Unfortunately like two of my other favourite idols, he passed away. The other two are hide from X-Japan and Leslie Cheung. Of course, these three aren't my only favourite musicians. I still have X-Japan the band led by Yoshiki, Ryuichi Kawamura of Luna Sea and Bon Jovi just to name a few.
Anyway, this video I have below reminds me of my younger days of age 14-16 thereabouts where I too was part of a band. Not military band but a band that made our own music and competed in nation-wide competitions. Rich Ho was the leader of the group with fellow drummer Jason Koh.
We were young then and had dreams. Dreams to have our music published and sold in the recording industry. Too bad for me, it never happened. I only have a few songs I have published for my own listening. For some of you, you might have heard a love song I wrote for Sandy on my wedding but there is more to that. Frankly, songs better than the one I performed at my wedding. Haha. Too bad. For my ears only.
Rich Ho now runs his own firm directing his own film and I heard recently that he is going to be moving into the music industry again. This chap is a hidden gem who chooses not to shine just yet but I am confident he's glorious days are coming soon and I am happy for him. As for Jason, we lost contact somehow but nevertheless whenever I hear this song or sing this song at karaokes, I think of this two chap because we had our fun when we were young. We had our dreams but never fought hard for it.
Anyway, listent to it if you are interested. As to the English lyrics, it isn't very accurate but close enough.
I will also take this time in Bristol to share more music with you and the stories behind them. Most of the songs I listen to would have a story behind it which helps keep my memories alive. Music is indeed a part of my life and if put together it'll be able to chart out my story board.
Spent almost a full day at Cardiff and missed the steamboat session at Aunt Poh Lin's place. Sigh.
Took a bus to Cardiff this morning and the journey took about an hour twenty minutes. Not too bad but surely faster by train as it took me only forty five minutes when I headed back to Bristol.
The weather at Cardiff wasn't very friendly as it rained periodically and I had to use the umbrella which isn't a very good idea because the wind was really strong and it'll cause destruction to my small little umbrella. Looks like I will need to get a rain coat or a thick wind breaker to keep me warm as the weather is turning harsher.
Visited Cardiff Castle and spent about two hours there. Pretty nice interior but other than that, just another castle. Spent the rest of the time looking around the shopping malls but didn't get to buy anything except for some souvenirs.
Was looking around for a nice raincoat but didn't find anything I liked. Let's see what happens in the next few days.
Oh. We realised there were a lot of rugby fans in Wales today and they were all in their national jerseys. Why? Because New Zealand's All Blacks were visiting Cardiff and they'll play Wales tonight. Took some photos and let's see if I can share them here or would it be on Facebook.
Lunch was bacon, egg and fries. And a beer too. Bacon was salty but the fries delicious especially with malt vinegar. Yummy.
Headed back to Bristol for dinner at Dynasty. Well, it was a Chinese restaurant which served authentic Cantonese food. Frankly, the setting was a little posh for a Chinese restaurant and I believe it could well be considered fine dining but at this fine dining restaurant, portions were huge.
I ordered a Singapore Fried Noodles. See how I miss my bomeland. Again is there Singapore Fried Noodles? No idea. Angela orderd claypot braised pork and the pork was really fat. I only took a piece because I know it isn't healthy taking pork fats. Not good for cholestrol. I know darling. :)
So what plans have I got tomorrow? Hmm. Very likely a visit to the suspension bridge of Bristol. Was told it is a tourist attraction so will check it out. The other task I have is to do some grocery shopping. Need to buy some fruit. Maybe grapes and strawberry. Easiest to eat because I need not cut. I wonder if it is washed but don't worry, I'll make sure it is rinsed before I put them in my mouth.
Another 6 weeks plus to go and I sure am looking forward to my last week here. I have plans to visit Birmingham at the end of November because I want to catch Ryuichi Sakamoto. Catch the video and tell me if I should catch him 'live' in Birmingham because I doubt he'll ever make it to Singapore.
Did you see the rainbow in one of the pictures? That was taken while I was at Cardiff Castle. Didn't make a wish at that time but am sure sighting a rainbow is a good sign. The last rainbow I saw was on my birthday I think.
And the other picture was taken at the Cardiff market where I bought some almond and walnut. Not for bringing it back to Singapore but for my own consumption here. :)
It's Friday night at 1030pm and I just got back from dinner with Angela. Headed to Piano & Pitcher by the Harbourside for a P&P original burger. Well, P&P stands for the name of the resaturant itself - Piano & Pitcher.
Sandy kept telling me to try the burgers here but the first burger I tried sort of disapointed me. She told me burger patties here are juicy but mine was really dry. Nothing fantastic really. I think Carl's Junior had better burgers. I miss my lo-carb burgers.
What I enjoyed was the Amstel beer and the Bulmers cider. Cider supposedly is meant for girls but I liked it anyway. It was sweet and thirst quenching. My dinner companion had chicken wings and as you can see from the photos, the chicken looked under-fed and I was told some feathers were still left unplucked. Disgusting. Yuck.
Lunch was again at Shanghai Nights and I had a Singapore Fried Rice. I wonder where it originated from. Surely there isn't a Singapore fried rice. Only Singapore Fried Rice is Dick Lee's Fried Rice paradise ... Nasi goreng very nice ....
In case you are lost, there is a local song called Fried Rice paradise or was it a musical? Can't remember now. The other picture I took was 'Sang Mee' or crispy noodles. Was told it was pretty good. Maybe I'll try it some other time but lunch was good for the company. Besides Angela, other colleagues from the team joined in. Sure was a rare occassion where the locals didn't eat in like they always do. :}
We (Angela and myself) have plans to visit Cardiff tomorrow morning at 9am. I kinda think it is too early because I want to be part of the steamboat dinner we'll have tomorrow night in Singapore. Don't want to miss the event but looks like I don't have quite a choice now. Let's see.
This weekend would be my third weekend without Sandy and I miss her badly like I miss home and my baby of course. Let's hope the weekend treats me nice and the rain wouldn't fall where I will be. :}
The first time I heard this song was when local celebrity Sebastian Tan sang it at his solo performance at the Esplanade. I still like his version but couldn't find anything close.
Here is the composer singing Corner of the Sky from the musical Pippin. Never got to catch the musical but sure will if it ever goes to Singapore.
Interesting lyrics ...
Corner of the Sky -
Everything has its season Everything has its time Show me a reason and I'll soon show you a rhyme Cats fit on the windowsill Children fit in the snow Why do I feel I don't fit in anywhere I go?
Rivers belong where they can ramble Eagles belong where they can fly I've got to be where my spirit can run free Got to find my corner of the sky
Every man has his daydreams Every man has his goal People like the way dreams have Of sticking to the soul Thunderclouds have their lightning Nightingales have their song And don't you see I want my life to be Something more than long....
Rivers belong where they can ramble Eagles belong where they can fly I've got to be where my spirit can run free Got to find my corner of the sky
So many men seem destined To settle for something small But I won't rest until I know I'll have it all So don't ask where I'm going Just listen when I'm gone And far away you'll hear me singing Softly to the dawn:
Rivers belong where they can ramble Eagles belong where they can fly I've got to be where my spirit can run free Got to find my corner of the sky
Finally company for dinner and this is real company. Not chefs or waiters but a colleague from Singapore who arrived this morning.
She sure is lucky that her hubby and daughter will join her next week till she returns to Singapore just before Christmas. My. A long vacation isn't it? Anyone coming over to join me?
Morning didn't start out too cold but I was wrong because it became chilly towards the afternoon and colder at night. Normal for the season to be jolly.
I had baked potato with baked beans and cheese this afternoon and I paid 5 pounds for the meal which included two slices of garlic bread and a cup of orange tango. Worth it? No idea but I didn't like the taste.
So make a guess what was for dinner tonight? Japanese food again. Seafood curry rice. Didn't take any photo because I am sure you saw it in my first blog.
Tomorrow's Friday and I wonder what's going to happen in the weekend. A trip to the casino or should I catch a movie? Let's see but I sure have a date for steamboat on Saturday night - Singapore time.
I haven't visited London yet but I remember telling myself many years back that if I ever visit London, I must listen to a song by Ralph Mctell.
Take a listen. It cheered me up for selfish reasons. There are people who are surely feeling worst than I am. I may miss home and feel all pathetic but there are people who do not even have a place called home.
This song woke me up a little. At least for now.
Well, I am bored thus looking for something to do as I didn't want to sleep that early just yet. Who knows, there will be more videos coming up.
Oh, I think I was 19 when I told myself that if I ever visited London, this will be a song I would have to listen to as I walk through the streets of London.
"A lonely walk through the cold Wishing someone was here for me to hold
The leaves falling off the tree Believing now that it is free
I put on my earphones and hear some familiar sound But the songs that play bring tears to the ground"
Mark '4 Nov 2009' Bristol ---------------
I feel like this all the time. Cold and lonely. Sometimes feeling carefree but end of the day I just miss home. Nothing beats being at home. Really.
Many times I find myself singing this very familiar song. A cantonese song by Leslie Cheung and surely one of my favourite.
The lyrics are just so meaningful and it just fits my life right now. Take a read or if you know how to sing it, go ahead and sing it because that is what I do as I take those lonely steps alone back to the apartment - dark, lonely and with noone to talk to except the sky which at times gets filled with stars. Of course there are times when the stars leave me to be alone only with the winter cold and the drizzling rain.
I am sure the below video will seem familiar. Leslie won some awards in 1986/87 and that was when I was still a young boy with no worries and truly spoilt- even till now.
I always see myself heading to the Amsterdam airport and I just feel a sense of happiness when I have that thought. Well, not because the casino is waiting there but because the next stop will be Changi.
The weather is turning cold and rather unfriendly. The wind cuts the skin and freezes the body system causing it to shiver inside out. Now I know why winter can be bleak and sorrowful.
It is Liverpool and Lyon playing on TV now. Guess Liverpool has to win if not Lance is going to turn away from his favourite team.
I have been wanting to visit this pub next to my apartment but never dared to for one funny reason. Well, the pub is filled with burly men and they sure look rough and unfriendly but according to the watchmen who looks after security at our apartment, he says the people there are all very friendly. So I believed.
On Sunday, I took my chances and decided to head there. I opened the door and paused. It was crowded and everyone just turned to look in my direction. I smiled and went 'sorry' and closed the door again. You know why? Besides the men and women I saw standing around, there were a few freaking huge rottweilers who lazed just in front of me. They too turned around. I felt intimidated by those dogs. Who knows if the dogs are trained to tear apart Chinese men and I might well be a rare breed in this neighbourhood. No thanks.
I left the office at 430pm and again headed to Masa as I craved for some sake. It keeps the body warm when you take it hot that is. Had something different today and it was pretty good. Kimchi ramen. Spicy and hot. Good for this weather. Had two small plates of sushi and refrained myself from ordering Uni. Very tempted but I know it aren't healthy.
Finally a fellow Singaporean will arrive in Bristol tomorrow and she'll be heading to the office on Friday. Let's see if she will get in touch with me tomorrow evening for dinner if not I will end up dining alone again tomorrow. If dining alone, I will just have tepanyaki tomorrow. Well, not that it is very nice but better than nothing. I prefer the company.
No pictures tonight because my camera is down with no battery thus I am not able to transfer the photos over to the computer. Will share the photo of my kimchi noodles tomorrow instead.
It is 8pm now and I guess I shall catch some TV and sleep after. This weather is nice to hibernate under the comforter but without family, even the finest wine will taste like sea water. Right? Let's face it. I am a family person.
Manchester United is down by a goal against CSKA Moscow while Chelsea still holds a draw with Atletico Madrid. Go Chelsea! Let's hope Drogba and Lampard can fire home a few goals.
I was surprised when I was told by a friend that he follows my blog daily to see what was on my dining plate. Frankly, what is so interesting about my food? Shouldn't you be more interested about how my life is getting on here? Frankly, it is boring.
I knocked off at 5 today and didn't know where to go. Was too lazy to make a trip to the casino and like I mentioned, I have gotten bored there. One of the only amusements I might have here in Bristol yet I find no interest anymore.
So I decided to head down to the usual Japanese restaurant Masa. Yahoo...!! Man U is down 1-3. Aren't I mean? Well, just bored. Nothing against Man U really. As I was saying, I headed to meet up with the chef, waiteresses and the friendly boss at Masa. Had a warm sake and a Kirin beer. Didn't think there was any point in taking photos of the drink thus no photos on that.
Ordered a sashimi bento, three plates of sushi and guess what? I ordered a pair of Uni sushi too. Delicious. The sea urchin was fresh and yummy. I was told I was lucky because they seldom import sea urchin due to the low demand here. If I could have another two plates of sea urchin, I would be more than happy to swallow them.
As usual, the guys there entertained me as they knew I was all alone at least for the next two more days until a colleague from the Singapore office joins me. I really hope the colleague can click with me and enjoy eating, drinking and exploring Bristol and the outskirts. Let's hope she has interest to visit London too if not it'll be boring heading there alone.
I still haven't heard news about the cue extension I ordered for Baya. I wonder if it'll make it here before I leave. Worst scenario would be for them to send it out to Singapore so no fret.
Again, am just thinking what's for dinner tomorrow. Indian? I want some exotic food. Maybe some Swiss food? No idea where I can find that though. No takeaway fish & chips, that's for sure as I do not want to end up in some back street figuring how to eat the mess again.
On 22nd September 2009, Sandy took a pregnancy test and guess what? We are parents-to-be.
When I got confirmation from the doctor, tears welled up. It was tears of joy. It was very emotional. It is a new beginning for us both and we are all very excited to welcome a new member to the family.
We don't know yet if it is a boy or a girl but for sure we will love him or her very much. Most importantly, I will teach him or her to sing our song and who knows, I might just write a song to celebrate this new journey we'll have together but for now, the song will go ....
"..... We'll teach our children to sing our song, we'll let them sing and let them carry on so they'll know how much I love you ...."
I believe I will be a good father and Sandy a very good mother. We will be mirror images of our own parents (godparents) and will do what we can to give our child the best in life. We will work hard and strive to provide lots of happiness, lots of laughter and most importanly, lots of love.
Well, Monday blues for me? Not really. At least another 6 more Mondays and I should be out of here and back in the arms of Sandy. Miss my bed and bolster at home.
The day went by pretty quick today as we 'evacuated' when the fire alarm went off. The first time it rang at 1515hrs and that we were told is a fire drill and we need not evacuate but at 1545hrs, another alarm went off and everyone just stood up and got going thus I climbed down 11 storeys just like my other colleagues. False alarm but it was too late, we were across the road trying to spot the blazing fire.
Before all that happened, I had lunch with a fellow colleague at Shanghai Nights. Nope. Jackie Chan starred in Shanghai Knights so I didn't see him at the Chinese restaurant. I had soba. Yes, I know that's Japanese but they served it there. Siew Mai for starters and my colleague ordered a roast duck and roast pork rice. Looked pretty good and might just try it next time.
Dinner was Bella Italia and frankly was disappointed with the linguini. I think I could do better myself. The sauce was bland and too little but the portion was huge. Soup was a good choice and hot chocolate was superb. No beer for me today because Sandy was nagging on the phone about my daily drinking habit. What to do? This is a beer drinking nation.
The day started late this morning as I woke up only at about 8 odd. Well, I had a very late night that's why.
As I type this blog, there are sounds of fire works going around the neighbourhood. No idea what is it about. Maybe Halloween.
Visited Bath today and had a wonderful time with the Shires. Bath was definitely a beauty with unique Roman influence over the building structures. A place with lots of history and scenic countryside.
Took a ride on the locomotive steam train that very much signified Thompson the train - the cartoon character of a train and a face right in the front of the train. It was a different experience where trains really went choo-choo.
Settled for lunch at a Spanish restaurant and had paella ( some sort of fried rice)with tiny slices of sausages. What went well with it was of course some beer . San Miguel to be exact.
Spent about 5 hours at Bath and headed back for a lonely evening where I felt so homesick inside. Headed out to a pub just next to my apartment and had a cider.Decided to do a Chinese takeaway so that I could sleep early tonight but the food was disappointing. Frankly, lousy and very oily. Really didn't like it but I was just too lazy to walk out to the restaurants.
Hopefully the Singaporean colleague coming down this week can bring me some good company if not it is going to be very stressful coping another 7 weeks. Counting down daily.
Have to think of what's for dinner tomorrow if not nothing to look forward to.
