My London Experience

My experience here in London is very different compared to Melbourne. Here, I feel more like a student, living on a tight budget, yet constantly having fun.

Being unemployed, I have to look out for the cheapest alternatives rather than the most convenient ones. Lunch was always from supermarkets rather than from a proper food place. I no longer frequent the shopping malls and fine restaurants like I used to do in Melbourne. Here I've gave up on the luxurious and sophisticated life.

But here, I can go all the way to Slough for a friend's house parties. First time, I dressed up in 80s, and mingle so easily amongst people that I've only just met. First time, I actually experienced diversity, through people I met from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, US and the list goes on. They made this London experience undeniably unique.

Of course, the time I spent with people in Melbourne was precious too. Coming from the same ethic group, the sense of belonging stems from a common set of believes and values, a brotherhood that was formed since ages ago. With them, I feel at ease, at home. But with this group of people here in London, its different. Common ground is harder to be established, but what overcomes this is a more receptive mentality. Here, they learn and appreciate what you bring in. Here, I have to step out from my own set of boundaries and learn to appreciate. Of course, I would think that such bonding is rather hard to foster, yet it is exciting.

I am glad to have taken up this exchange opportunity. London is, after all, exciting! And you can tell from me writing this when I'm actually hang-over from last night's party in Slough.

Musical #3: The Sound of Music

The musical version of The Sound of Music was rather disappointing. Compared to the film, this version of musical appears to be somehow sloppy. The character of Maria portrayed was not what I imagine it would be. Though Maria is to be young and tomboy-ish, this musical has somehow overemphasis it to the extent where she appears to be bubbly and kiddish. Too much of unnecessary romance was also included into the musical. While the film has portrayed a more serious version, this musical seems to be somehow light and humorous. And again, the soundtrack is better compared to the performance with only an exception: the first song, Preludium. That strength and serenity within the song, it is simply breathtaking.

So, to conclude, if you are a hard core fan of the film version, my advice is to skip the musical. Otherwise, it is still quite an interesting musical to watch with some humorous scenes and of course, the beautiful songs.

People walk in and out of your life so easily.
Just when you found someone that you are willing to share,
Poof! There he goes, leaving you disappointed and puzzled,
wondering why we let them in in the first place.

In the endless flow of time,
it all seems dispensable and minute;
but in our own limited life time,
it stings like a burning wound inside.

Is such scar a prove of our living and existence?
Nah! To me it is a mark of how pathetic we are.
Nothing is everlasting and so is a "seasonal" friend,
yet, we still naively yearn for more.

你的缺点我来弥补，
我的完美你来珍惜。

这样子，幸福吗？

And I've settled my trip to Morocco. Next thing, Spain. Decisions, decisions.

The Pauperising Wishlist

• A slick pair of leather shoes
• A high quality mp3
• A cool camera
• A chic smartphone
• A few to-die-for tour packages
• and loads of cash

Prelude. I-river. Burden.

In the emptiness, I'm searching for something solid, something that I can cling onto. Without strong beliefs, life is like a void, where no visions can be materialized and imposed.

*

Came back from Scotland on Monday morning and attempted to blog, yet, I failed. The trip was somewhat different from what I've experienced in the past. Though I must admit, its not necessarily a bad thing. I'll probably post up a more detailed post about the trip some other time.

Lost my i-river on the trip, to be exact, during the period when I was in Inverness. It might have been the work of the Loch Ness monster or some evil spirits in the old castles, who knows. But no doubt, it was a huge lost to me. A lost of a sentimental possession is just devastating. From now onwards, it won't be there to offer me a solitude of peace and tranquility. I won't be able to distant and seclude myself from the shadow of loneliness and isolation. Alas, I guess I'll have to find alternatives to deal with this.

*

Though just came back, I'm now already in the process of organizing my next trip: an expedition to Spain and Morocco. It will be a massive one, for sure. Travelling seems to be an easier method to avoid reality. It keeps me occupied with those nitty gritty chores. Yet, its funny how I always find comfort when carrying my backpack on my shoulder. I feel at ease and alive with that burden placed on me. I guess I'm still not "all out" with the idea of running away from reality and responsibility through travelling. Should I try harder? I wonder...

伦敦·晨

一杯星·巴克的拉铁，
一本吴英旭的《在罗马的阶梯上画画》，
一首首自挑的mp3精选，
我独自坐在 Canary Wharf 的广场，
细品伦敦迷蒙的早晨。
晨雾中的高楼大厦，
搭配着广场周围的菊花田，
一股莫名的感动油然而起。

无题

飞蛾扑火似的，
我在那被诅咒的诱惑中，
寻觅霎那间的快感，
以便填补空虚的心灵。

沉醉于自焚的亢奋状态，
我在焚烧的同时，
寻找瞬间的温暖，
以便慰籍被冰封了的知觉。

无论如何，终究短暂。
无论如何，终究空虚。

Excuses can be so convincing that they no longer sound like procrastination.

Strong is the ability to acknowledge problems and deal with it. Those who never encountered problems are not necessarily strong.

Wandered along those alleys and lanes around Covent Garden.
Love the scene there in the evening.
Roads lighten up by fancy restaurants and pretty shops.
Street performers serenading outside Central Market.
The old buildings around painted a canvass full of magic.
I sit on the corner of the street,
dazzled by the beauty of Covent Garden.

Retail Therapy

Spending seems to be an effective method to relieve mild depression. At least, that is how it is for me. When you spend on things that you like, it's like "woosh", your problem is temporarily removed, just like how you are giving away your money. Then, you savour the goodies that you bought, convincing yourself that you really deserve it.

Was feeling kinda down yesterday, so bought myself a box of Charbonnel et walker's Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles for £9. Seriously, it was so bloody good! Perhaps even better than kkb's champagne truffle! I guess, to a certain degree, that helped with stimulating the release of endorphin.

Felt like pampering myself more after that. So, went to some restaurant around Soho by myself at 1.30am. Had a glass of Rioja Crianza (Spanish red), sticky toffee pudding and a Sicilian kiss (cocktail). Then, it suddenly hit me that how I missed the asap gang. Back then, every time when I wanted to go out and splurge, they will always go with me even though it is not in their best interest. They provided me with support and companionship. For that, I'm eternally grateful. Well, this whole splurging act cost me £27, not something that I can do everyday.

Alas, London! Quoting a friend of mine, "I think you are emo coz winter time. Depressing." I seriously wonder how much of it is due to the weather. It would be nice if I can put all the blame on it, but I know that is not the case. There are things that I really need to sort out by myself now. Like some serious adjustments and calibration. That's what I need utmost.