From Teacher's Desk!

The life of Agasta Nunis, beloved grandmother!

2014-07-13T15:08:00.003+08:00

It was a usual morning. Well, quite usual until I heard my dad's car leaving the house much earlier than usual. I didn't think anything of it. It was my first day at a new part time job so I thought I had a few more minutes to just catch up on some sleep.

Then my brother came to knock on my door and he said the words I thought I would not hear for quite a while more. Grandma has passed away. Even writing this right now is putting my emotions in top gear. I couldn't believe what he said. I called my aunt and then when I said the words tears begin and I just couldn't hold it.

It was Saturday, January 5, 2013.

She was having some difficulties lately but I was still thinking that she is strong, she always has been strong she will pull through this. It was just the week before that we celebrated New Year's day and she was enjoying some KFC mashed potato - her favourite.

Grandma was always a rock for all of us. She had a tough life too but she never showed nor complained and lamented about her tough life. I still miss her till this day, walking into her house and her not being there. Maybe this is why its taken me this long to write this post about her. I tried doing it earlier in the week that she had passed on and again about a few months back. But just couldn't bring myself to write it.

Grandma as all her grandkids know her was the sixth out of seven children. Her dad was a long haul lorry driver and her mom a housewife. Her dad passed away when grandma was only 12. It was a work accident. My grandfather came from India and was working in Melaka when he chanced upon my grandma. She was 15 and he was 25 when they got married.

On their wedding day

My handsome grandfather, Mr Simon K.

It was a love marriage and they really were a happy couple. Though times were hard, they brought up 13 children that remain to this day a tight close knit family. It was 3 girls and 10 boys, a large family that was quite common then.

I believe this was the 1st family picture.

Both grandparents were quite strict with their kids and although I only knew my grandfather for 7 years, he was the fun one. He loved us, his grandchildren, at the time he was alive, there were 5 of us. Now its 25 grandkids.

A family photo of my grandparents with all their kids on
my eldest uncle's wedding day. This is priceless.

Grandma was the no nonsense type. I remember spending my days in her house during the school holidays. She and grandpa would be in the kitchen together cooking our lunch and at the same time making sure we were not up to mischief. It was just us 5 grand kids then and they doted on us.

Grandma lost her husband (my grandfather) 26 years before, and then a son in 2001. When my mother passed away about 8 years ago, she was there and was very sad. She doesn't say much about feelings but she knew what us - her grandkids were feeling and showed in her own way. It's hard to describe it, but it was most certainly felt.

We had a lot of good times. She was the happiest on all the wedding days, coming from a large family, there were many wedding days. Also, during Christmas and New Year's day, it was a must to be at her house. The warmth holiday feeling is always felt in her house. We also made a big deal of celebrating her 75th and 80th birthday on a grand scale. She was really the 'belle' at these events.

Grandma's 80th birthday celebration

At her eldest grandson's wedding.

Grandma you have fought a tough life and still found many happy moments. You have created a wonderful family and we thank you for all you have done for each of us. We still miss you and was glad to have celebrated one last Christmas and New Year's day with us. I know you held on to give us that.

Madam Agasta Nunis

May you have eternal rest in the Lord's house!

2013 was Fast & Furious

2014-07-13T15:08:00.001+08:00

How else can I say it? Year 2013 zoomed past!!!

There were many changes and also many eventful days to look at. The biggest change of all was at work. With a brand new vibrant and energetic principal, its no wonder the year had just zoomed past.

Many changes were made for a better work environment but that also came with some not so happy people. Yes, change is inevitable in life, every part of our life is a chapter, a new chapter that some would embrace and some would resent. However you look at it, you can't control and dictate when a new chapter ends and when a new chapter begins. It just happens!

The year looked liked it was starting off well, but 5 days into the new year, tragedy struck my family. Our most beloved grandmother was called to the Lord. She was not well even before Christmas but she was here, at home for Christmas and New Year's day. Who could have guessed that this would be her last celebration with us. It was a time that brought every family member back home. One of the rare times that we have managed to all be there.

Even then there were a few missing from this picture. Hopefully we get one with all of us one day. It continued to be a sombre yet eventful year. Many times some of the family were gathered to acknowledge an occasion.

It was my first time going to Thaipusam at Batu Caves. I've read about it and seen many pictures about it, i've learned about it in school and even watched documentaries about it on TV, but never have I actually been there for such an event. Very shameful to say that, since I am a Malaysian and live not too far from there yet there are people who would travel many, many miles just to experience this event.

I have to admit though, those stairs are a real challenge. If you have not been working out, don't even attempt it. I only walked halfway up, then decided it was too much and turned back down with my aunt.

We also spend a weekend in Melaka, meeting up with more family there. It was nice to see Grand Uncle James and his family. It also looks like there will still be a few more addition to this family in the very near future.

Many more family gatherings were organized and many with lots of laughter too. We also said good luck and bon voyage to our cousin Mark, who for the first time in his life is going to study abroad in the USA. Sadly, we will miss celebrating his 21st birthday with him.

Some events were recorded with pictures while most of the other is with our memory. What an incredibly eventful year.

Being consistent!

2013-09-15T00:40:00.002+08:00

How do we remain consistent?

I ask this question simple because it is now more than year since I last wrote a post. Instead of writing post, I should be 'writing' some assessments paper, or completing a section of a teacher's diploma, or reading up on early years education to decide on dissertation title.

Dissertation!! Right now, this word sounds overwhelmingly stressful and a sight ridiculous to be doing this when I have a full time job as a teacher plus managing the early years section of my school. But this is all in the name of personal progress and upgrade.

With my aunt at Batu Caves

Consistency here is key for me to complete all of the above and come out of it with all my hair on my head and all of my brains intact. I'll be fervently counting my blessings as I diligently trudge through this phase of my life.

I need to be consistent in my teaching methods and planning.
I need to be consistently marking the worksheets and workbooks,
I need to consistently maintain discipline and monitor the progress of kids.
I need to consistently exercise.
I need to consistently read articles and research papers.
I need to consistently complete my assignments.
I need to consistently attend my classes at the university.

Most of all I need to be consistently being consistent.

It's June 2012 already!

2012-06-17T15:37:00.001+08:00

It's now June, a half of the year 2012 has past. There were some uncertainties in terms of work and there were loads of stress too. So when the mid year school holidays came around, I was jumping for joy. I could stay at home for a few days and just relax. I did just that!

It seems that these days, we do take time for granted. During work days, I'm out of the house by 7am, back home in the evening then out again at night. I hardly do much at home except bath and sleep. If my mum was around she would say that 'home is my hotel now'. Its so true, we try to create and have a relaxing home so that it will be a place for us to unwind and relax when we get home. Seriously though, how much time do we spend at home.

I was very happy to have at least 3 days straight at home during the school holidays, what a relaxing time. Also, I got to really clean the house and throw out a whole lot of rubbish. That's two mission accomplished. The rest of the holidays were spent with continuous relaxing. After the few months of hectic work, it was most welcomed.

I managed to catch up with my colleagues too. During work there is no time to chit chat not even over lunch. So it was very good to go out, have lunch, chit chat and catch a movie. We met at KLCC, went to the food court to have lunch and also some good chit chat time, then we went to watch a most hilarious movie, went window shopping and then headed home with a big smile on our faces.

KLCC Park

KLCC

No matter what we teachers do, we just cant avoid working during school holidays, so in the second week we had to spend about 3 days working on our classrooms and lessons. How joyful I was when my aunt called me on Wednesday to invite me on a road trip. Woo Hoo!!! I was motivated now to complete my work. Hehe!! Simple pleasures of life!

Friday came around, I was excited as ever. I was going to a beach. Sounds like im a 'loco', but I havent been to a beach for almost 2 years. That's a very long time. So we four gals set off for PD late morning and reached there at lunch time. I have to say, PD has cleaned up itself since the last time I was there. Its incredible to see clear blue water so close to the beach. Amazing really!!! Never thought PD would ever be cleaned. First thing first, dump our bags under an umbrella and ran straight for the water. Ahhh!!! It was cool! So cool!!

Enjoying the water

See what I mean. Clean and blue.

New business - umbrella, table and chairs for rent.

Then around the time the sun was going to set, we cleaned up and headed to Melaka via the inner roads. I was apprehensive about driving through the inner roads, but it was a better idea rather than heading out to the highway and then back in to Melaka. I was most surprised to find that the inner roads from PD to Melaka have been very well paved and developed. Its much better than the roads in PJ. Seriously!! We made some interesting discoveries too. Some small villages which name we have never heard of before and buildings that has maintained its old, rustic facade.

We reached Melaka in time for dinner, so after some shopping we headed to one of the roadside stalls in Jonker Street for a most delicious dinner, even though it was raining cats and dogs. After dinner we were headed to the car when we all had the same idea, lets check out how much are these new cheap motels just off Jonker Street. Maybe we could spend a night here. To our surprise though it was not really cheap for simple room. But we might consider doing this another time, booking a better hotel.

Ohh What's in there? (An ancient pot, about 100 years old)

Pit stop - Hotel Puri Garden

Dinner at Jonker Street

What a day we had.

Two weddings and a funeral

2012-03-15T16:11:00.002+08:00

2011, it came and left in a blink of an eye. Now, we are at the end of the 1st quarter of 2012. Time does really fly. Lots to of things to be expected and of course the unexpected as well. Within just a month, I've attended two weddings and a funeral. Plenty of emotions flying through the air, and it is very tiring.

February 18, a date we were looking forward to for a while now. We were most excited when informed of my beloved cousin, Veronica's wedding to her best friend, Ron. Its been a few years since the last wedding in the family and before that it was about a decade plus since the last wedding in the family. It was the most beautiful and down to earth wedding. So off we went the to The Good Shepard Church in Setapak for an evening wedding mass.

The uncles and aunties with the bride and groom.

Of course, Veronica's creativity could be see throughout the decor and especially on the dress she wore. It was simply perfect! It suited her personality to the tee. Then to the K Club in Taman Melawati for the dinner. Except for a few absent family members, we were really, really happy to have an occasion to gather, laugh, drink and dance. Wow!! we did dance the night away. Even the aunties let their hair down and thoroughly enjoyed the night.

Some of the cousins

On March 3 it was off the Ipoh for me. For another most anticipated wedding. You know, I was the happiest person when I was told the dates for my cousin and then my best friends wedding. I decided on a day trip with my cousin, Kathleen to keep my company. We left Bukit Jelutong at around 8am and arrived at the Canning Garden Baptist Church in Ipoh well ahead of time for the wedding. It being a christian wedding service we were anxious of the proceedings. All the anxiety was in vain though. The service was long but it was a happy and fun kinda of way. There were some heartfelt moments but mostly it was just smiles, laughter and claps, lots of whooping and claps. Unusual for me!

(Will upload pics later)

Next, was lunch at a Chinese Restaurant in Ipoh itself! Simple and delicious food it was. I enjoyed it tremendously. Then, it was the drive back to PJ. I was very happy to get out of KL even for just a few hours, the scenery on the way was just simply refreshing. Long, rolling GREEN hills, actual hills yah!! Not oil palms plantations. Blue sky and lovely fluffy white clouds. I'm looking forward to the next road trip very much. Kudos!!! to Kathleen for excellent map reading skills. She was my GPS for the day in Ipoh!!

After all the lovely things that had been going on, it was most disheartening to get a phone call from my cousin, informing me on the death of a beloved grand uncle. Uncle Michael to everyone else (but Godpa to me), was a very cheerful man. He had his way of just making you smile always. I never really got to spend a lot of time with him but the time that we did meet was always full of smiles, hugs and laughter.

Michael Nunis and his brood of granchildren
(except for 2 strays there)

He loved his whiskey and he loved his Dunhill. He lived until he was 74, and he was just a couple of days shy of his 75th birthday. He was always concerned for each and everyone around him, always giving advice and a helping hand, always giving. He has lead a peaceful and happy life.

Michael John Nunis
(20/03/1937 - 12/03/2010)

Dearest GODPA, May your soul have eternal rest in GOD's wonderful splendour!!

2011-09-24T19:13:00.001+08:00

July 2011

Busy, busy, busy.

It’s been this way since January and there are no signs of it letting up, even for just a short bit. Seems like having a class size increased by 50%, also means 50% more paperwork to be marked, checked and filed. I would not have any child being transferred into another class or my class being split up though, for I could never choose between all of them.

Teacher's during the Chinese New Year celebration in school.

The first 3 months was a period of adjustments in many areas, the children needed to get to know me, get comfortable with me and me with them too. I also had to assess their level of reading, counting and general knowledge. What I have with me, is a bunch of really good, motivated and intelligent 6 year olds.

Children being children they need to know that what they do is important, it matters to me when they are not in school, it matters to me when they can’t spell or read well. It makes me happy when they have put in the effort to try and read a long word.

The first time I was assessing their reading level, I wasn’t happy with the level for some of the children. So I had to make sure that the children know what is required of them. They would need to reach level 6 by the end of the year, so there is a long road ahead for some of them who are only in level 2. Motivation is the key to it!

It’s been about 7 months of school year now. Guess how they are doing? The lowest level now is 4. Those few who struggled in the beginning had made the most improvements. No! No! No! It’s not because of me. It’s the children’s motivation. You wouldn’t believe me, but the children motivated themselves and each other.

One of the many birthday parties that I had attended this year!

We have been on two field trips this year, the first was to watch a play “The Ugly Duckling”. The children enjoyed it because it was a first for all of them to watch a play. They know cinemas very well but a stage play now that is something new. The trip was in May it’s now August and they still talk about the play and sometimes when they are playing they pretend to be the characters in the story.

The 'Ugly Duckling' play which the children enjoyed!

The second field trip was most recent. We visited Aquaria KLCC. Some of the children had been there, but going on a trip with friends always seem more exciting. They enjoyed themselves, but poor things had to walk for about 2 hours non-stop. It was tiring, even for me.

Now, we are concentrating on concert performance. They are excited and looking forward to the costumes. Also, it’s their graduation ceremony. It hasn’t sunk in yet that they will be moving on to different schools, meeting new friends and teachers and going into a very different environment. But I’m sure they will adapt with ease.

This year’s concert will be their last kindergarten performance. So, we are all busy, busy, busy with the practices. I’m just hoping they don’t forget their steps or music notes or get a stage fright. So far, practices has been going well. So, I’ll be keeping my finger cross they continue this way.

It's 2011!!

2011-02-26T00:33:00.002+08:00

Well, the new year is here. It's 2011, and I've started it off with a BANG!!

We were at the funeral parlour for my grandmother's wake. The BANG was from the fireworks that was let off just after midnight, also we could see the fireworks at a few other places from the parlour. Many family members were there, I don't think we have gathered together like this for quite a long time. It was great to have the family there!

The weekend whizzed passed and soon it was the first day of school which was also the day of my grandmother's funeral. I had to take some time off from school to attend the mass and then head back to school. It helped tremendously to have the kids surrounding me!

Soon it was time for the company annual dinner. Themed : Polka Dots - quite a many of them came 'dotted' for the occasion. It was great food, games and entertainment! The teachers really had their fun on that night.

All 'Dotted Up" for the night!

Then came Aunty Penny's 50th Birthday Party. She had a really 'retro night'. It was great!! The food, the entertainment, the decor, the music and the dancing!! Happy 50th Aunty Penny!!!

The Hippie Birthday Girl!!

A very hippie 50th birthday!

Then there was also Kathleen's 21st Birthday party two weeks later!

Happy 21st Kathleen!

Sam and Me

Very soon it was Chinese New Year! The family gathered together for a whole afternoon of food and laughter. It was a whole lot of food and a whole lot more of laughter during the card games!!

After this was the 40th day prayer and dinner, which was the usual fun, food and laughter for the whole family.

Remember this is still in the month of February only!! Next we had uncle Jude's birthday celebration at his home.

Happy Birthday Uncle Jude!

Then we had Kenny and Sarah's marriage registration at Putrajaya! Most of us had work so we couldn't make it but some could and made it all the more merrier.

Congratulations Kenny and Sarah!

Well, so far this has been my year 2011!! Very eventful and its promising to be more eventful as the year progresses. We'll keep you posted!

Dedicated to Mary Pinto

2011-02-25T22:59:00.003+08:00

December 30th, 2010

The news of my grandmother passing away was quite hard to deal with. She passed away yesterday - December 29, 2010. It's the day after my mum's death 6th anniversary. Well, now mother and daughter are reunited in the House of the Lord, the best place ever to be at.

She had lived a full life, born in China, she travelled to Malaysia when she was a teenager. She met my grandfather and brought up a large family here.

Mary Pinto @ 1942

Mary Pinto @ 1957

Mary Pinto @ 1972

She had a total of 10 kids - 7 boys : Johnny, Tony, Aloy, Jerry, G-boy, Martin, Jude and 3 girls : Margie, Aggie and Cecilia. My mum being one of her daughters.

Pinto Family around 1967

Pinto Family 1997

She had 18 grandchildren : Harry, Zack, Kenny, Ann-girl, Joey, Kevin, Nicky, Patricia, Veron, Philip, David, Mark, Kyle, Sarah, Jared, Timothy, Marissa and Jennifer. She also had 8 great grandchildren : Noriza, Arieffin, Nadira, Raiyan, Dahlia and Jasmine.

We had lots of fun growing up together. She was funny and strict at the same time. She was a good cook, no, no, scrap that, she was a great cook, she fed all of us very well. Very well indeed!!

She and grandpa travelled to many places too! She had style and grace, she also had lots of fun!

Dearest Mary Pinto, May you have eternal rest in God's wonderful splendour!!

It's Christmas Time!!

2011-02-25T21:02:00.000+08:00

December 26, 2010

Christmas is here again!!

It's time to meet up with the whole family for some good laughs. Hohohohohohoho!!!

There were lots of food involved and us cousins did our usual outing on Boxing Day, instead of bowling we decided to watch a movie at the not so recently opened mall in Wangsa Maju, Wangsa Walk. Nothing impressive about the place, just another shopping mall for people to spend more money.

'Little Fockers' was quite a disappointing movie. Just as expected, the 3rd movie for comedies are usually a failure. We expected more laughs, but it just wasn't there. They were just trying too hard to make it funny so in the end it was a disaster.

This time of the year also means that I'm off from work the whole month. It was filled with work still. I was getting ready for the new academic year. It wasn't easy reading through the syllabus, it never is when we are handling a new age group. But I'm looking forward to the coming year, it seems to promise more good things at work and development as well.

We will see how it all goes after that.

A Summary

2010-12-13T01:25:00.004+08:00

From the time I left Bangkok till my flight touch down in KL I barely had time to breath up until now! There were just things happening, one after the other. But now that the water is calm, I can catch up on the many things that I have left stranded.

The academic year at BHS ended on a high note. Many parents came to collect their child's report card and left with a very big smile on their face. Which made all the teachers smile too. Sadly, we also had to say 'goodbye' and 'goodluck' to Teacher Asella and Teacher Mary Anne who has left BHS.

The last day of school also meant that we will find out which age group we are teaching in next year. For the last two weeks of school there were a lot of speculation. We were all very excited and at the same time a little bit apprehensive. When we are familiar with an age group like for instance this year is my second year teaching the 4 year olds. I knew what to expect and what had to be done. I was prepared this time. So we prefer to stick to something familiar so that we can expand, improve and excel in it. At the same time, we would also like to teach a new age group so that we can move forward, increase our experience, improve and take up the challenge to excel.

I was most surprised when I was told that I was to take the playgroup children, means I will be taking the youngest lot - the 3 year olds. Its a daunting task and I was most apprehensive of it. But after 2 days of thinking about it, I felt that I'm ready to take on the challenge and excel in it. I started planning almost immediately on what I would do and also started asking Teacher Lina (the playgroup expert) on what to expect.

A week later, I find out that there might be another change. Instead of the playgroup, I might have to teach the Kindergarten group - 6 year olds. Hmmm!! Definitely an easier bunch to handle but the report writing part is what I'm not looking forward to. Well, its not confirmed yet! I will find out tomorrow morning, I hope.

But come to think of it. It doesn't really matter which age group I teach, because every year its a new bunch of kids and each class will present a different set of challenges for me. So I say to myself tonight : "BRING IT ON!!!!"

Besides work. *sigh*, too much had happened for me to put it down. Basically, when I got back from Bangkok, I was most keen on going back there or any other place to teach. Living and working in Bangkok has given me a very different perspective on my career. I have been teaching for the last 6 years, and it is a job, not wait its not just a job its what I love to do. I love working with kids on a daily basis, I find it most fulfilling. I love the title that comes with my name now - Teacher Stephanie. When parents or any students see me outside of school hours, its Teacher Stephanie and I'm proud to have been these students teacher. I hope I had taught them well.

Now, moving forward, I asked myself what else can I gain from me being a teacher here in BHS. Well, I got my answer recently, there is a lot of possibilities and opportunities that comes with being a teacher at BHS. It's a big school that constantly encourages teacher development and that is what teachers at BHS are looking for.

So my first step towards my career development would be to further my studies in the field of early childhood education. I will be going back to University to gain my next level, but this I can only begin in the next intake sometime in the middle of next year.

For now, its time to celebrate!!! There were a lot of things to celebrate for. Firstly, the teachers celebrated their job well done the day after all report cards were handed out. It didn't start out so well, we were stuck for an hour in the traffic jam, getting into Mid Valley. But once we were in, we just relaxed and enjoyed our time. We were supposed to do Karaoke, but that plan had to change because of the traffic jam. Instead, we went bowling. Hahahahaha!!! We had a jolly good time bowling. It was good to have some fun time and talk about other things besides lesson plans and students.

Then about 4 days later we had the year end class party at BHS and it was filled with food and games.The children and teachers had their fill for the day.

Next, was Mel and Mark's baby shower. Lots of people came bearing lots of nice gifts for the happy expecting couple. Theirs is a Christmas baby!! We are all looking forward to welcoming their newborn. It was also a good time for everyone to catch up with each other. Some whom I hadn't seen in a while, I was glad to see them again. Then there were the little ones for all of us to coo and ahh over. Hehe!! I bet they enjoyed all the attention on them for that night.

Bree to Skye "Your mitts are so nice"

Angie, Bree and I

Bubu

A few days later I met up with some very long, long, long time friends. San, Tati and Mary. We had a good time chatting over drinks and food. Its as if we had never been apart. Hehe!!

Christmas is around the corner, its going to sneak up on me, I just know it. I had better get started on my Christmas gifts for this year!!! *phew*!!!!!

What?? Time to go home!!!

2010-12-12T23:23:00.006+08:00

Time has flown by!!

My 6 weeks here in Bangkok is up and I shall be returning tomorrow. I wish I could stay! I've grown to love this air-noise polluted-yet bright and huge city!! There is still so much more to discover, I imagined doing it all, but alas, it was not to be. My last 2 weeks here has just passed me by with a clip of my fingers (really, it's like being in an action movie and the scenes just flashes pass you).

I had a school trip, a weekend on an island, school concert and staff party all in the last 10 days.

Koh Samed (NOT Koh Samui), is a nice island. It was about 2 1/2 hours drive from school (in Prawet District) to the seaside town of Rayong. From there its another 30 minutes by speedboat to the island. You can opt for the cheaper and longer ride on the ferries. But it was getting dark soon, so we sped off to the island to check in. We headed straight out for dinner after a change of clothes and from then on it was party till early in the morning. It's really fun when the teachers let their hair's down.

In the morning, I was most surprised that we woke up in time for breakfast. After that, we booked our 'seats' on the deck chair by the sea and planted ourselves there the whole day. You will be amazed at how planted to the deck chairs you can get. Food came to us when it was time to eat, massage ladies came by when it was time for massage and you can even by stuff by just sitting on the deck chairs.

Then it was time for dinner, so after a quick shower we headed to the other end of the beach to watch the 'Fire show' while having dinner. Dinner was great, they had a wide variety of seafood, meat and vegetables. One of the teachers was a vegetarian. The "Fire show" was very good and we also managed to catch some World Cup matches on the big screen they had set up on the beach.

I had a great time with the teachers on the beach!!! Then it was back to Bangkok and the last week of school. We had to prepare for the year end performance and party at the end. Here it's done differently. The parent are invited to attend the performance and then the party where the school canteen prepares a BBQ. The children in my class performed a rap version of the '3 Little Bears', they enjoyed and so did the parents. Then awards were given out and also presents to the teachers. I was unprepared for this part and turned tomato red when I was called. After that it was time for the BBQ and some dancing. It was great!!

Well, I had to say my goodbyes soon after and headed back to my apartment. I had another four days in Bangkok and I wanted to do everything in these four days. My friend SP arrived from KL on that Friday night. Saturday morning we headed out to visit the Temples and Shrines all around Bangkok. It was a hot, hot, hot day, we had to make sure we were constantly drinking water. Then we headed to the shopping mall to cool down, do a bit of shopping and have our dinner. I was quite an expert in getting around Bangkok by now and could explain things to SP. Sunday morning we headed out bright and early to an old part of Bangkok, Khoasan and then from there we went to Chatuchak. SP did a lot of shopping there and was most amazed, the same way I felt when I first walked into that labyrinth. Then we headed home when it got too hot.

That night we went for dinner at my favourite Thai Restaurant on Rama 4 Road. It's a cheap place to eat at and only the locals know the place. I was introduced to it by my manager who was introduced to this place by a local. Again, it was great food at a good price. That night we stayed up to watch the World Cup Final match in the apartment.

Monday morning, again we SP and I headed out for some shopping and a bit more sightseeing. We got a massage and a hair cut too. Things in Thailand are really cheap. Then I had to start packing. Oh dear!!! I wasnt looking forward to that part.

On Tuesday morning, SP left early, then I had another 6 hours before I had to leave for the airport. Only that morning I started packing up my things. I had too much to pack. Then it was time to say goodbye to everything in Bangkok!!

I had a great time when I was there, but I was also looking forward to going home to everything that is familiar. My comfort zone!!

Sights and Sounds of Bangkok!

2010-10-17T02:49:00.004+08:00

It's a very, very, very big city and its noisy. Constantly noisy.

I think I've mentioned that in my last few posts. You just can't imagine the level of noise here, its as high as their pollution level! Just standing by the street for a few minutes to wait for a taxi and I feel like I've been enveloped by a blanket of soot. I'm constantly using wet wipes, facial wipes and sanitisers here. I'm no Adrian Monk, don't get the wrong idea. I'm usually quite used to being grubby, but my level of grubbiness here has increased tenfold that I'm so conscious of it.

Well, I spend some time in between shopping to explore a bit of Bangkok on my own. I found out about church, and mass times, English mass times. Google was my best friend for a while. It took me everywhere and told me everything I needed to know about Bangkok. So the second Sunday of my stay here, I made my way to St John's Church, which is nearby Chatuchak Market. Found my way there quite easily, after many sign languages and once I learned that to say church in Thai is 'bod'. It was a small church, which is located on the grounds of St John's International School. The mass was said by a French priest, and surprisingly it was mostly the Filipinos that attended the mass. It was a very nice, cosy church.

Interior of St John's Church

The next Sunday I went for mass at the Assumption Cathedral. It is located within the Assumption University grounds next to the Chao Phraya river. I got to the church easily this time, after Google told me how to. From the BTS station I had a nice walk to the church, passing by little shops, a big hotel, small shopping mall, street vendors and many, many people. To get to the church its best to head to Oriental Hotel, then from there you can ask the doorman directions, its actually just around the corner, but its somewhat hidden. Once I turned the corner, I was greeted by the sight of a beautiful church.

The entrance of Assumption Cathedral

I got there just in time for mass to begin. It's a very big church and not crowded. I'm comparing this to the Assumption Church in PJ. It's beautifully designed and well maintained too. The mass was said by an English priest and this time there were a variety of people who attended mass. I loved it here so much I came back for mass here when I could.

The Altar

In my last few days here, I had a friend visiting and we went touristing around Bangkok. We took a river cruise on the Chao Phraya River, we saw a weird looking snake head-alligator body animal in the water right under the houses. The boatman was very excited to us show this, I was very scared and kept telling him 'okay, we've seen enough, let's move on,' which he obviously didn't get.

Do you know what this is?

We saw lots of temples along the way, a snake farm and a crocodile farm too. We didn't stop at any of this though, I wasn't to keen to get up close with the creepy crawlies. Besides this, there was nothing much to see. I wouldn't recommend the canal river trip. Instead take the longer trips that gets you to Ayutthaya.

The temples were pretty much alike. We went to the Temple of the Golden Buddha and the Grand Palace - also the place for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It was a very hot day to be walking around, so that's why I didn't enjoy it very much. Make sure you have on a good pair of walking shoes, water bottle, a hat or umbrella and sunglasses.

Temple of the Golden Buddha

Entrance to Grand Palace

The Royal Grand Palace

Besides the temples and palace, there are many more things to see around Bangkok. But a few days is not enough to cover the whole of Bangkok. I was here for about 7 weeks and I couldn't cover the whole of Bangkok too.

Traffic in Bangkok is just horrendous, so don't bother renting a car while you're visiting. Much faster to get around in their taxis or tuk-tuk. The taxis are either, new Altis or Camry, or the older ones use Sentra and Corrolla's, they are all in bright colours so its easy to spot them from far. I enjoyed the tuk-tuk ride, I wish I could drive one.

Bangkok Taxi

Tuk-Tuk

The 'songteow' is another cheap transport that can get you around. For about 6 baht which is equivalant to Malaysian Ringgit 60 cents you get to your destination. But these 'songteow' are like buses, they have numbers on their roofs and the ply a fixed route.

The 'Songteow'

Bangkok life is constantly moving. There seem no end to the things that goes on. At night, places like Khaosan Road comes alive. This is like a little cowboy town. Many tourist - backpacking tourist choose to stay here, because its cheap and you can get almost everything cheap on this road. Rooms here can cost as little as RM40 a night. Same say there's even cheaper.

Khaosan Road Nightlife

Another place that is constantly bustling is Yaowarat Road, or better know as Bangkok's Chinatown. Lanes and lanes that are endless and winding, there is simply no beginning and no ending to the roads at Yaowarat.

A very small part of Yaowarat Road

These are just about some of the things in Bangkok, there are actually a whole lot more. I've just peeled off one layer. I hope that I can come back here again soon.

Shopping in Bangkok!

2010-10-17T00:12:00.018+08:00

Written on July 2, 2010

The next best thing to Bangkok other than food is the SHOPPING!!!

Almost all the major shopping areas in Bangkok is connected to a BTS Skytrain or MRT station, making it so much easier to shop. From the station you can walk straight into a shopping mall via the bridges. No need to walk on the busy Bangkok roads. The LRT in Malaysia should take note of this.

The BTS Skytrain

Interior of BTS Skytrain

Once you get to either the MRT or BTS, get yourself a map. Its the best thing to help you get around. I relied a lot on this. I used the stations as my point of reference when I'm checking on where to go. It's quite straight forward, even the signages are well placed. So you shouldn't have a problem getting around unless you are really, I mean really bad with directions.

The sign at a BTS Station that points you to the last station.

There's lots of shopping malls in Bangkok that can rival KL anytime. The Mall Bang Kapi was the first mall that I stepped into. It was my first day in Bangkok and I was brought there so that I could get some food for the next few days. The supermarket reminded me a lot like Jaya Jusco, but it wasn't. I was glad that I could get lots of stuff here that you won't usually find on our supermarket shelves in KL, and they're cheap too.

The first weekend, I went to MBK shopping mall which is quite similiar to our Sungai Wang Plaza. Again, the food here was alright, the things to shop here was great!! I found some nice short sleeved shirts here for only RM20. I may sound overly excited and surprised, but that's because I could never find nice, like really nice short sleeved cotton shirts for myself in KL.

MBK Shopping Mall - great bargains to be found here

There's also Pratunam Market, more like Petaling Street style and Platinum Fashion Mall across the street from it, which has air-conditioning. Then there's Prantip Plaza which is an IT mall, where you can get IPhone for as low as RM500, I have no idea where its from though. From here the mall gets more upscale. Emporium and Siam Discovery is for the sophisticated, Siam Paragon is for the yuppies.

The trendy Siam Paragon

Sadly though I couldn't visit CentralWorld because it was still closed due to the recent unrest. I took the BTS and its passed right beside it, I could see the burned area. It looks sad that Bangkok's pride of the shopping malls was damaged. But its set to return soon!!

Besides the malls, Bangkok also has 2 famous street markets. Suan Lum Night Bazzar is only opened from 7pm till late and has rows and rows of stalls that sells almost anything. Lots of bargaining goes on here, and you must really bargain to get the good deals.

The entrance to Suan Lum Night Bazaar

The shops are well lit and airy too!

Chatuchak Weekend Market is another famous shopping spot. Here, there are rows, rows, rows, rows and rows of stalls that sells everything, I mean really EVERYTHING!! You want to get a live lizard, branded shoes and bags, paintings, house decor and cutlery and clothes and plants and accessories, here's the place to go and get them dirt cheap. They even have 'movers' office here to help you ship your things back. You will need to put on your best bargaining skills. It's amazing yah!! I went there almost every weekend and still I find new shops.

So, go around visit all the malls first and then when you're done with that, then only you go to Chatuchak to do your shopping. It the best place to buy presents too!!

The layout of the entire Chatuchak market.

Access to all these shopping place is easy, just hop onto the MRT or BTS and it takes you straight to the front door of the malls and markets. The trains are fast, punctual, cheap, air-conditioned and CLEAN!

Don't worry about food or drinks. It can be found in abundance at every corner of Bangkok.

Next trip : the Sights and Sounds of Bangkok!

Bangkok in school and its food!

2010-07-28T00:37:00.003+08:00

Written on June 21, 2010.

Bangkok is turning out to be a really fun and exciting place to be for me!! I've begun teaching in the school and have been out and about town since my 1st weekend here. So far, everything is going great!

I'm based in Prawet, a district near the Suvarnabhumi Airport - its pronounced as sur-va-nah-bum. It was mostly a residential area. Actually in Bangkok there is no clear definition as to where there are industrial, residential and business area. It's just all mixed up. For example, just at the entrance to my apartment there is a factory and right next to it a block of flats on the right and a house on the left followed by a restaurant cum house next to it. Here'a a view from my balcony!

Looking at it, its hard to tell what building is what until you go closer and have a look. Just opposite the main road is a big private hospital too. Things are just so random here. Then there is always lots of big rivers and there was one flowing just behind my apartment block. Again, you can see the brown roof huts is an entertainment outlet, sound like a karaoke place to me and just behind that is a cluster of houses.

Then I noticed this guy on a raft in the river, at first it looked like he was fishing then he was messing with the vegetation there, of course I thought that was like food for him. But I found out later from the reception lady of my apartment that I was wrong, he was moving the plants away so that the mosquitoes don't breed there. Such things that I amuse myself with on a Saturday morning.

I was posted at St George's International School, it was a very beautiful and eco-friendly school. They had a huge playground, a football field and a swimming pool. Here is the entrance to the school. The building on the right is the office. It looks grand, doesn't it!

The classrooms in this school were really big and spacious. I had only 8 children in my class and a teaching assistant too!! It was grand. All the teachers here are foreigners from England, Scotland and Australia, while the teaching assistants and office staff were Thais. Overall, they were all very friendly, welcoming and helpful throughout my stint here.

I've been out to a few places in Bangkok but not to all the major tourist spots yet! I'm saving that for later. The food here has been great too. At school they serve a mixture of western and local Thai food for lunch, so i've been enjoying it all!! Then the food by the roadsides too are great, although most time I don't really know what it is. I try to find out with some of my basic Thai and lots of hand and sign language. But I've learned to just 'whack' only.

Desert : Crispy pancake filled with cream and carrots. They have it with other fillings too!

Thai's equivalent to 'satay' and can be found at every street corner.

Mixed rice

Pork stir fried with peppercorns. It's really spicy!

Roadside stalls like these can be found on almost every street.

A simple dinner

Pad Thai Noodles

Fried Bugs!! I couldn't bring myself to try any of it!

Red Tom Yum Goong

Clear Tom Yum Goong

My favourite Thai food - beef noodles (Pho Bo)

Thai Papaya Salad with Salted Crab

RegularThai Papaya Salad

I've had so many types of different Thai food, its amazing that there is still much more to go. I will definitely be exploring more. I also love the coconut water, here its sweeter and the pink guava. It's very refreshing to bite into it after spending the whole day walking around in the heat.

I've arrived in Bangkok!

2010-06-06T01:38:00.002+08:00

So, now I'm in Bangkok. To be exact I'm about 25 minutes from Central Bangkok and 15 minutes from the airport. I had pleasant flight with Thai Airways. Going through the Suvarnabhumi Airport, I had a long way walk out to the Immigration area and then to the waiting area. I was met by the manager of the Thailand office. He's Malaysian, so that was a good start.

We got into a taxi and headed straight for the serviced apartment that I was going to be staying in. Found out that he and another staff lives there too. So I won't be completely on my own. Phew!! Then I got into the apartment and I immediately liked the place. It was nice, clean, and well equipped.

I have a living room,

dining table,

a small kitchen, where I can do some cooking

a very big bed

a bathtub

and a balcony with a view!!

The view of the swimming pool from my balcony.

So, I'm going to just kickback and enjoy this place for now!!

It's simple and superb!

WOW!!!

2010-06-05T13:27:00.002+08:00

Wow!!

It's been that long since my last posting. So much has been happening, its a wonder that I have time for anything else. I got a call one Friday evening from my school. I was wondering what I had not done or had done wrong while I was picking up the call. It was the admin, she called and very happily, secretively wanting to tell me some good news. She asked if I wanted to go to Bangkok to teach. I was like What??? Of course I want to. Forgetting about the trouble that was going on there I excitedly said YES!! I'm interested!!

So she passes on the call to our Manager, he explains the reason, duration and other details. So, I said that 'yes, I am interested, but I need some time to think about it'. So I immediately sms Debbie and told her about it. What a scolding I got for even considering of going to Bangkok at this time. So I kind of thought so maybe I shouldn't go. Then I spoke to Mel, and she said, well check it out first. She asked her friend who was in Bangkok or something like that and it seemed that it was okay to go now. I went online too, to check where exactly I will be and it looked all right.

The next call I got was from my principal, she was not happy that I was asked to go before consulting her. I understand her reason, with two teachers on maternity, it was tough enough. Also, the situation in Bangkok is something to worry about. So, we said we will give it a day or two and then decide about it.

The whole day I was consumed with indecision, Should I go, should I not go!!

Sunday came around and I was lying on the couch watching some travel show on Astro, and thinking to myself "Why not?" So, I called my principal and told her, yes I want to go, but I need to go and get a passport first then only I can confirm. I knew that she reluctantly agreed that okay yah...its an opportunity that I shouldn't miss.

Monday came around and I found out that I was to leave by Sunday. Gosh!!! That was really quick! So, rushed around the whole week to get my things done and also my passport. The best thing is you can get you passport done within two hours at Putrajaya. From the time I parked my car and to the time I got out to my car it took exactly 1 hour and 48 minutes. Cool right!!

So now, I'm off to Bangkok!!

This is my first blog post ever!!!

2010-02-21T02:33:00.001+08:00

Sounds really funny to be starting this. But it's about time as some have told me.

The question that has been playing in my mind since I created this was : What should my first blog post be about?

Well of course it starts off with me.

Born of Chinese-Eurasian and Indian- Eurasian parentage. I know this sounds confusing already but really its in line with the 1Malaysia concept. When you count in the many many mixed mariages in the family, I'd say that we have been living the concept since before Malaysia's independence day.

It began with the arrival of my great grandparents - but I'm not going to go that far back since I've never met them. Instead, I will begin with my grandparents... who seemed to have had quite a romantic story about how they met. My Late Grandpa K, was from Madras, India. He came here to make a better living. He met and married my grandmother K in Malacca. I don't know much else about grandpa since he passed away when I was only 7. Grandma K, was from a family of 5 children with her being the eldest daughter. Her dad passed away when she was just 12, he was a lorry driver. He would drive those old huge lorries to transport goods from one state to another. It was a very tiring job, as those days there were no highways and power steerings. Those old trunk roads were very dangerous too and sometimes not stable. He was killed in one of his trips. Together Grandpa and Grandma K had 13 children. Their second child is my dad.

Grandpa P however was born and raised in Malacca. He was of Indian-Eurasian parentage. While Grandma P was from China. Her dad came here first and later after her 1st husband died she came over with her son. In Malacca was where she and grandpa met, got married and had 10 children.

Grandpa & Grandma P in 1947

The 1Malaysia concept comes in when all my aunts and uncles get married. Most of my uncles are married to Chinese, then there's also those who converted and married Muslims. Also, there are those who are Indians and of Baba and Nyonya descent. Not forgetting an aunt who married a New Zealander and lives in London. It's quite a mix. It's especially unique when we are registered as Indians on our birth cert but look more like Chinese. Some of my cousins and I have had quite a laugh and lots of teasing when we were in school.

Why did I start blogging??

Not really out of a specific reason but I'm thinking more like testing the way I tell stories and how well you can understand what I say and how I say it. Sometimes there are just so many things happening all at the same time that we loose track of time, we don't realise that days, months and years have passed and we have gone through some things and missed out on a whole lot more. So here will the place that I tell stories of people, things, issues and adventures.

I hope that I can maintain a regular schedule for blogging. But then again it's me..... it's quite hard to say!