.::. Oslo - Norway .::.

Having been to Norway twice, it's one of my favourite European countries, for the serenity and natural beauty of this country is breathtaking. Oslo is the capital of Norway, and it's an 8 hour bus-ride from Malmo, where I lived in Sweden.

The first time I visited Norway was in November, when the days were really short and cold. It was dark by 4pm, and the city was so quiet and peaceful.

Honestly, Oslo wasn't spectacular. It was calm, and people were mostly distant, like most scandinavians. But it felt really peaceful and modern. You can sense why they have the highest standard of living in the world - people seemed contented! No complaining aunties around, everyone seemed to be chatting happily.

I seriously wondered - how can these people be so happy when a bottle of coke cost almost SGD$10?!



This is Oslo on a cold November evening.

Both times, I spent about a day in Oslo - just to stop by for the night before traveling up north. My first cruise trip along the coast of Norway to Tromso and Kirkenes, stopping by Northern Cape and witnessing the norther lights was so breathtaking that I swore to return during summer - despite the ridiculous prices in Norway.

I returned to Norway again in June, when the boyfriend came to visit. I really wanted to share the beauty of Norway with him. This time, it was for the famous fjords and the 'Norway in a Nutshell Tour'. It was not cheap at all, but it was really worth every penny. The scenery was so beautiful, it makes you really 'touched' and I go all teary feeling thankful to experience these.

Just outside the main train station. I love the vivid blue sky. Don't everyone look contented and relaxed?

This was outside the famous opera house.

The view of Oslo city from the Opera house.

It's shaped like a ship on the sea.

Streets of Oslo

Around Oslo City-center.

Oslo at 7am when we rushed for our train.

Oslo isn't my favourite city in Norway, but it's really calm and peaceful. It makes it difficult to imagine terror and bombs being associated with it. It's where the Nobel Prize is awarded! I feel for the people, the innocent lives which were taken away.

Sometimes you wonder, why do some things happen?

Scandinavians are strong. They somehow look so calm and in-control and detached that you feel like they can get through anything.

We used to discuss about the migration tensions and how the weather (lack of sun) contributes to the high suicide rates in Scandinavia. And then, it makes me wonder if there may be more people with such warped thoughts out there? Pleading insanity is so cliche, but does 'insanity' give people the rights to claim others' lives?

God bless the people.

.::. The Photobook .::.

This is what I have been working on for the longest time.



I have decided on the cover of the photobook!

This should be it. One of my favourite picture of the whole trip.

And this is how my working screen look like.

I realized that I've bought 2 hardcover and 2 softcover photobooks. And? I haven't even finish my first book after so many months.

I have been working on this everyday for the past 2 weeks, an hour or two each time. Yet I'm still only perhaps 80% done. It's so difficult trying to choose a few hundred pictures from a sea of 2000 pictures. And then to edit the pictures, arrange the layout and align everything, it takes forever.

So I have been squeezing and rationing the pages to fit all the pictures I want into 48 pages. Some pages are crammed with tiny photos, and I don't like it for I've seen some books with one photo for 2 pages looked so beautiful. But I can't forgo so many pictures for it wouldn't be representative of the whole trip! I really tried so hard, then I realized yesterday that I could add pages for $2/pg till up to 160 pages!!!

Now, I have to redo some pages.

I don't even remember many of the places we have been, and I haven't added descriptions and words.

This has got to be perfect!

At least as near to it as possible.

God bless my eyes which are already dry and puffy from the hours of Excel at work.

.::. Chinook's Railway Outing .::.

We decided to visit Singapore's only railway tracks last weekend, like many other Singaporeans. It was my first and last visit, since it is closed to public in preparation for dismantling since the 18th of July.

Sometimes, I wonder if Singaporeans are really too bored and do not have much to do during weekends. When there are slightly 'special' events like this happening, everyone flocks to it.

I don't really get the hype, for the trains have a reputation of poor maintenance and most people shun it. Many would prefer affordable and comfortable coaches instead. Yet when they finally decide to stop running the trains, everyone is trying to get a ticket to ride on the trains. The irony of it all.

Honestly, I was very surprised by the crowd. I never expected to see so many people!

We went there since it was reported in the papers over the past few weekends, and it was the 'last chance' afterall. It seemed like a good outing since there's greenery and you can take pictures of the tracks and bridge - sounds like a good outing. Chinook is allowed to join in the fun too!



Here is the boy, exploring the tracks. He's almost FOUR years old - which is technically 28 human years-old, and older than both me and Joey. Has it really been FOUR years? I still remember him as the puppy who stepped on me with his paws full of his own shit the first day he was home. He's alot braver and enjoys outings these days.

My boys.

Chinook can stand too!

Our little family.

On the tracks.



He must have got tired after awhile since there were so many people and he is still pretty nervous around crowds.

Singaporeans can be so ridiculously rude. Apart from exclaiming 'hot dog' and how cute he is, some kids actually commented about how disgusting Chinook's ass and penis and balls are. Seriously?! They were a family, and the mother just laughed it off while Joey said loudly 'Why is the boy so crude?!' He's so young, yet he talks like this without any respect! Don't dogs deserve some respect, at least the owners' of the dog!

All I can say is, I hope my children are not like that!

Although it was supposed to be a cooling day, I was drenched in sweat.

It was a great weekend since I get to spend time with the boys and have a chance to take some nice pictures. Although I love photography, it's not often that I get to do it much in Singapore.

.::. Loving Work .::.

What do I love about working?

The greatest thing about working is financial freedom.

I grew up with little luxuries, even going out for movies with friends involve begging my parents to give me that little money - sometimes for days! I really hated having to ask for money and being dependent on others. It was liberating to start earning my own money at 15 and buying little luxuries like CDs. Since then, I never stopped working. Perhaps it made the one-year stay in Sweden so liberating, for it was the only time I stopped working.

With financial freedom and choices, I will be happily unemployed and doing things which I love - things which needs money to do. There are endless possibilities and I don't think I'll have time to be bored.

One of my greatest dream this lifetime is to own my own place and decorate it the way I like it. It has to be uncluttered and filled with all my favorite things, a functional kitchen for me to work in, comfortable enough to entertain some close friends and a really cosy place for me to rest.

Till then, I guess I will be slogging away.

And trying really hard to be financially independent.

Meanwhile, I can hope that the company can send me on working trips to visit all the beautiful wineries and plants in Europe!

.::. Reflections .::.

It has been 5 weeks since the U.S. trip, although it really feels like I only just got back.

It's also the 3rd month on my new job, although it doesn't feel quite as long.

It has been a year since I came back from Sweden, and obviously it feels like it just happened too.

Going into the mid-twenties, it seems like all we do is lament about how quickly everything seem to pass us by. Despite trying to make full use of every single day, cherishing every little moments, I still feel like I haven't done enough.

It's scary, when it has come to a point where you ponder about life and what you want out of it. How many more productive years do I have? Not many, before I settle down and be tied down by kids.

I am still trying to figure out what I would like to do with my life. I most definitely could not envision myself going to work like now for the next 30 years. I almost detest going to work, facing endless Excel spreadsheets and trying to make numbers match and reports accurate. I don't find any satisfaction from doing my job well. although it does give me a decent income for my needs. I can't find meaning in spending so many hours of my life in the office, in-front of the computer. I doubt I will be truly happy even when I climb up the corporate ladder, making more money.

I reckon that there are many people who could stay at a job they do not like for years, for the rest of their lives, as a means to an end. Yet I've this sinking feeling that this is simply not what I want, I'm not doing the right thing with my life. Part of me wonder, why am I wasting my life day-by-day? The down-to-earth side of me influenced very much by my upbringing tells me that I'm not ready yet, and it's better to have a stable job and income. Is it even possible to find a job that you really like?

I'm still searching, constantly seeking the right answer.

For now, there are so many possibilities, yet none feels right. Perhaps if I dream enough, have enough faith, I may find the answer. Till then, I pray for enough courage and strength to take the plunge and defy all forces which try to hold me back or bring me down.

.::. Peek-a-boooo .::.

We were at Boston, too lazy to open up the tripod for a group picture.

So he took a picture of me.

And I took a picture of him.

Then, he said, 'the most go back photoshop lor.'



There you go.

He really did!

My unprofessional eyes couldn't tell any difference.

To think that he ends up being the one learning photoshop when I have been the one wanting to learn it since god-knows-when.

I need to start setting goals!

.::. Hooked .::.

P.S. took out the chatbox, too many annoying spam that does not go away!

.::. Jump! .::.

Jumping Jack Joel.

He's a total natural.

And he always looks happy in these shots.


We tried to take some jumping shots together. In fact, we tried so many times.

But it became apparent that he's such a natural and I suck at it.

It makes me laugh, looking at his expressions.

.::. Qubec .::.

We stopped by Qubec for a day trip after listening to all the wonderful comments people have of this place.

It's no doubt beautiful, in a European way. I loved it, it's like I'm back to Europe. Apart from the beautiful buildings, I love the laid back feel and character of Europe. It's like everyone is so relaxed. Nothing beats sitting around and watching the world go by.

It's just like those small European towns which has an area preserved. A day trip is enough to stroll around and experience the old city inside the walls.



By the deck. The best moments are when you've someone to share them with.

Beautiful.

With the famous Fairmont hotel in the background.

Right on top of Citadel.

The view from the peak of Qubec.

And how I love those European streets.

Grab a coffee and watch the world go by.

.::. Attacking Singapore? .::.

This was finally published!

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_685238.html

We encountered this around Times Square in New York City about a month ago and it was disturbing! He stood around with this huge board, and shouting 'Singapore' very loudly. The first time, I thought I was mistaken. But the second time we walked past, I saw the sign and was really disturbed.

It wasn't about our Prime Minister, but his wife, Ho Ching. Something about condoning some sort of discrimination? It just sounded really offensive. He looked abit crazy, otherwise I would have took a picture of the sign. I tried googling about it, but didn't find anything.

I wonder if our government is going to catch him and bring him to court?

It seems that he lost his job in Singapore, which resulted in such behavior according to Singapore's reports. But seriously? Who knows?

It's disturbing. I wonder, when people think of Singapore, what is their first thought?

.::. Rockpot .::.

Rockpot is a little quaint town near the coast. It's famous for its cheap and fresh lobsters. We drove for about an hour from Boston to get there, and it was one of my favourite stops of the trip.

It was so cold, about 8 degrees and drizzling.



This is the famous lobster shop. Roy Moore's. It's one of those small shops with lots of character. They serve their lobsters with fries, and you can eat them behind the shop, with a sea view. You sit on crates, and it's just really traditional and nice.

Alas, it was too cold and wet that day. I was shivering when I got out the car and there was no way I was going to enjoy eating lobsters out in the cold. I wished we could have ate on the crates outside though we ended up at their restaurant down the road.

The famous dishes were clam chowder and lobster, and that was what we had. I am really good at eating lobsters! Got the meat out super fast and clean while the boyfriend wondered how to do it. *beams with pride.

We were both enjoying the lobsters really. It was so fresh and sweet.

I really liked this town. We had the famous apple strudle, and took fun 80's pictures in a small studio (pictures of that another day).

On the way back to the car, this bird stayed so still even when I keep inching nearer to take a picture. He just stood so still and looked at me.

If only...the weather was good then. It would have been spectacular. I think I would have loved strolling along the coast and enjoying lobsters and apple strudels by the sea.

Someday!

.::. Us @ Niagara .::.



This may be my favourite picture of the whole trip, simply because I remembered being very happy at that moment. We were so near Niagara, and the force of the water and wind made it difficult to keep our balance. Yet both of us were trying so hard to take pictures, despite being worried about getting our camera spoilt.

I enjoyed the 'Maid of the Mist' very much, so fun. Beautiful memories.

Oh, and my teeth looks so straight and white! I didn't edit the picture! =p

.::. Magic Kingdom .::.

I'm not sure it's new or an Orlando Disney thingy, we were given a 'photopass'. You could give this pass to any of the many photographers around the park and they'll scan it to take pictures for you. After that, you can go online with your unique pass number to view all the pictures taken.

Honestly, I think it's amazing! But obviously, we were very skeptical about things like that for they always cost a bomb. We didn't take that many pictures with the pass since we wanted the pictures in our camera instead.

In the end? It really cost too much! It's a ridiculous US$14.95 for 2 4R prints. You can edit photos and add borders, and do many fancy things with it.

I couldn't bear to buy the pictures. However, I did a pretty smart thing - I did many printscreens of the pictures! I have all of them now, abeit at a not-so-good quality.



Walt Disney's world.

I really appreciate this man's amazing dream which came true and as a result, brought so much happiness to so many people around the world!

I love Mickey and Minnie!

The photographer, this very old man went like, now you can kiss her, go. Lol.

I find myself loving Disneyland more and more everytime I visit it. I really wouldn't mind going again!

It really does feel like the happiest place on earth. I always laugh so much when I'm there, and everyone's so nice and happy.

Let the memories begin.

.::. GOD .::.

An unique and goddamn expensive way to evangelize in Orlando.

Unlimited reach, the sky is your canvas.



If you ask me?

I think it's insane.

Probably better off spending the time and money to do some charity work in the name of god?

Oh well.

.::. Angry Birds .::.

I think Chye will like this. Lol.

.::. Burpees! .::.

This is so cool.



I miss Europe! There are so many beautiful cities which I haven't been to.

On hindside, Italy may probably be my favourite European country - Rome, Florence and Venice were all really beautiful. It's a hard fight with Norway's breathtaking scenery.

So I haven't had the energy to get my workouts going again, but I'm still working on the arms though. I'm still jet-lagged, sleeping by 11pm and getting up at 5am?

Will work for more travels.

.::. Brooklyn Bridge .::.

This is my favourite view of New York City for I seem to 'feel' the city standing across the bridge.

I seriously think that this view is better than the bird's eye view from the top.

Isn't it beautiful?