BLOGGING FROM BERASTAGI, MEDAN

We are here now in Berastagi, after spending our time in Parapat and Samosir Island in Lake Toba. Berastagi is located on a highland and therefore has much cooler temperature. We have not had the time to explore yet but I guess we need to rest after extreme climbing at the waterfall in the afternoon (AGAIN?). I am praying I will not get sore muscles when I wake up tomorrow morning.

BLOGGING FROM PARAPAT, MEDAN

I am now sitting in the patio of my room with two other people, overlooking the famous Lake Toba, Medan, Indonesia, while simultaneously chit-chatting and using our gadgets. We are at the moment enjoying the cool air and the sounds of crickets and frogs in the surrounding. Another trip involving 2 ex-students from SMK Taman Universiti, Mr. Ikhram Mukhriz Ikhsan, who is studying dentistry here, and Mr. Azry Anuardy, both of SPM batch 2012. We have three more days to explore and see what Medan has to offer. We pray for a good weather throughout our short excursion and have been enjoying ourselves a lot so far.

MYLAOHOME HOTEL, LUANG PRABANG

Mylaohome Hotel is the hotel I would highly recommend if you are still searching for an accommodation in Luang Prabang. The price was very reasonable and I had nothing to complain at all.

The hotel staff were friendly and helpful, especially when we asked for directions or suggestions for places of interest. We were given a short briefing by looking at the large town map in the wall right after checking in.

The building was a typical Lao wooden traditional house. We had all our meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner, together outside the room at the veranda.

The room was spacious and I had the huge bed all to myself.

And there was a bathtub too installed in the bathroom.

I was very happy as the hotel provided universal power points in the room. For the first time, I did not have to use my travel adapter when I had to charge my camera or tablet.

There was also a small building which housed a comfortable mini library which should be an ideal place for people who need to work when they are in Luang Prabang. And for one thing, we had very good wi-fi throughout our stay there.

I would stay here again if I were to visit the city in the future.

A PRE-WEDDING RECEPTION MEETING

Congratulations Nurul Nazihah Ismail and Ahmad Hussein Abu Azam on your wedding day. Sorry I could not attend the event but I wish both of you all the love and happiness the world has to offer.

I know I am going to miss the fun at the reception as both the bride and bridegroom were schoolmates in SMK Taman Universiti from SPM batch 2009, and they were once in my English tuition class when they were in form 5. Too bad the timing was just not right and I had other mission to accomplish at the same time.

OBSERVING THE ALMS GIVING CEREMONY, FOR THE SECOND TIME

7th DECEMBER 2016 ~ I had to go to the market early in the morning on the last day of my stay in Luang Prabang as I decided to bring some local fruits home. Then I saw the monks walking to collect their alms from people at the road side. I was excited as I could observe them closer compared to the first time.

Some rules to be observed while watching the alms giving ceremony are:

(1) Do not stand too close to the monks or the alms givers.

(2) Do not use flash lights when taking photos.

(3) Do not make any noise. This should be a religious event, not a party.

This time, I saw the monks putting a few of the alms they received into the bags of two children who were waiting for them by the road side. I wonder whether these kids came from a poor family (as they looked like siblings).

So that should wrap up my 4D3N trip to Luang Prabang. I am glad that I chose this town as my holiday destination with my two friends. Things slowed down for you here and it was a relaxing and stress-free getaway (minus the trekking and climbing part). I just hope things will remain the same there for many more years to come.

[MY LUANG PRABANG TRIP MAIN PAGE]

BOOK REVIEW - "ME BEFORE YOU"

I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. to finish up my reading and found the ending too depressing, I regretted staying up. Lou was the carer to Will, the son of a filthy rich family, who was bound to the wheelchair after an accident. Lou had not only to take care of him, but her mission was actually to change Will's mind to (legally) end his life as he felt that he was a hopeless. Instead, Will had made Lou changed her outlook towards life and Lou fell for him. Unfortunately, Lou's love for her was not enough and nothing could change his ultimate decision to die.

I only watched the movie (online) halfway so I thought they would live happily ever after eventually.

I need a story with a happy ending, please. *sobs*

MY VERY LAST DAY IN SMK MUTIARA RINI, JOHOR BAHRU

I received a letter from the District Education Office last week, and I was transferred to another school. I was shocked as I was relocated to SMK Mutiara Rini only 2 years and 5 months ago. And many people were also shocked to hear the news. Saying goodbye was something really hard to do but I guess there was no other choice. I had experienced the same thing before.

students of 4SN

students of 4T3

form 5 students whom I did not teach

with the Chinese God of Prosperity :)

the office staff

the school counselors

There were a few other photos which were taken two days before.

the English Language Panel (a few others had classes)

5K1 - a class I taught last year

and another class taught last year - 5SN

I will start teaching in a new school right after the Chinese New Year break so I have to bid my farewell for now. *sobs*

Thank you SMK Mutiara Rini,

for the experience,

for the friendship

and for the memory.

"Things we do not expect

happen more frequently than

we wish."

~ PLAUTUS ~

THE BUILDINGS OVERLOOKING THE MEKONG RIVER

There were numerous buildings along the road, overlooking Mekong River in Luang Prabang. As Laos was once a French colony, the French influence in the local architecture is quite evident.

Most of the premises function as hotels or guest houses. I am not sure whether the price of the accommodation by the Mekong River is more expensive. The buildings look more stylish though.

[MY LUANG PRABANG TRIP MAIN PAGE]