Attending a wedding at Gold Coast :)

I just landed at Gold Coast few hours ago. This is my very first time in Gold Coast. I will be attending a beach wedding south of Gold Coast tomorrow. The sandy beach is so nice and cool. See for yourself ...

Politicians .. our role model?

The news about the politicians in which was covered in the newspaper daily is making me feeling disgusted. It's not that I believe what was reported was entirely true, however, the coverage and actions done by these politicians are just simply making it unbelievable!

I believe in a strong government which can lead the people to improve and compete in this world for better. Instead what we got was politicians accusing each other, digging each other dirts to win favor, exposing the politician's past so it will bring shame to them, or worst using the law literally to force each other to step down. What is happening?? Why are you so GREEDY?? Why do you want these POWER STRUGGLE? It may makes you famous or richer, but what does this mean to us?? Do you think we will respect you with what you have done? You think your voice is my Voice? Just because you are given the power, you can start abusing it?

My wish is really simple. Be a good role model to us and to our future generations. I do not wish the current and upcoming generation lose their conscience. Gaining power and money through unforgivable act will not make me adore you. I wish you can sleep everynight without worrying who will backstab you or your family tommorow. Respect is earned not given or snatched!

Will you live in Australia ... forever?

Yesterday, I was sitting at the cafe having a chat with Anthony. We talked about work and the crisis in the world. He then asked me, will you make Australia your home?

In fact, there have been many times I was asked the same question. My answer will be 'No' at this moment. Don't get me wrong, Australia is a beautiful country with multi cultural races. However, my fundamental issue with this country at this time is 'values'.

I have been brought up by a family with strong Asian values. We respect the elderly, be nice to the people we are dealing with, and show manners when you are out there. Some people that I came across may see these as supression or you are living like a 'loser'.

Whether I like it or not, that's the issue I am facing now. I find the people particularly in Sydney and Melbourne not friendly. For instance, at work. I notice some of the people could not look pass my look and recognise my abilities to do my job. Or people choose to push back when confronted with a question, which in reality they should accept the responsibilities. Also, I find not many people like to be apologetic here, because it's just not right! They like to apply the Rule of the Jungle, the fittest will survive. I thought we are in 21st century where we are literate and globalised?

I will not claim Asian values is the best values, but I believe in tolerant and compromise. However, right now, I don't see that here in this phase of my life.

Oscar 2009 .. who is the winner?

Who will be the winner?? I am a movie freak so obviously who is the winner for the Oscar tomorrow makes me excited. I have seen most of the Best Picture nominees, Slumdog Millionaire, Frost/Nixon, Benjamin Button, The Reader and Milk.

Slumdog Millionaire - I would rate 7 out of 10. It's a good feel movie and the only movie which is very uplifting among all of them. Since I go to India quite a bit, I could relate some of the life of these street kids. You wonder why they have to live this way when you see them in India.

Frost/Nixon - I would rate 7 out of 10 too. Suprisingly good especially it keeps you at the edge of the seat. Who's going to win in the national TV debate? Frost or Nixon? It's a pity Martin Sheen was not nominated for 'Best Supporting Actor'.

Benjamin Button - I would rate 6 out of 10, though many people like the movies. I think my problem was it's too long and I lose the interest to appreciate this movie.

The Reader - I would rate 8 out of 10. A lot of nudity in this movie but the acting was superb. I prefer Kate Winslet acting in 'Revolutionary Road' though. The ending makes me very upset. Why give one's hope when you will snatch it away. This linger in my mind for a long time.

Milk - I would rate 6- 1/2 out of 10. Sean Penn is good no doubt, but I think it's time to pass the Oscar to somebody who is not potraying a real life character? The movie has a very uplifting message in the end.

And if I would hand the Oscar to .. it will be ..... 'The Visitor'! In fact one of the low key movie I really adored. Not shown in most Asia's cinema'. Good actings from all the casts. The ending was soooo moving but at the same time renewed a life. I really like Richard Jenkins and Hiam Abbas. I hope Richard Jenkins will be the odd to win Best Actor :)

Melbourne .. City of Festival

City View from South Gate.


A moving dragon on display at Crown Casino Hotel.


Sri Lankan giant crab. Look how small the lobster is :P


General Post Office at Bourke Street.

Valentine's Day ... Not Again!

This coming Saturday Feb 14, 2009 is (not again!) Valentine's day. This is the day couples display their love and commitments to each other. What about us who are still very single!!! Where should we hide or what should we do??? This has been a question to me every year.

I read The Stars today, a column writer who happens to be a single lady has few suggestions for the single one. She has suggested, we should pamper ourselves by dressing up, cooking our most favorite dish, rent a good feel chic movie and enjoy the moment all by yourself. I think if I started to do that, I can enroll myself to Tanjung Rambutan (mental hospital)!

However, I have other thoughts. I think all the singles guy or gals, should organise a small party. We should all meet on that day, and toast to our freedom. We should enjoy the singlehood while we still have it. Also, this will help to silent your family or friends who always pressured you on that day. We single still can have fun on Valentine's day but we celebrate for a different reason! We love all our friends not only the special ones! Yum Seng! (Cheers!)

Melbourne Summer or Spring?

I had arrived in Melbourne at 9pm on Sunday. I thought it was so hot that it triggered a bushfire, and just today the temperature dropped to 20'C! I was wearing tee and shorts. I have not even brought any jacket with me for the week as I was told the temperature will continue to go down! Melbourne does really has a very weird climate.
Anyway, I walked around the city along Yarra River and found the temperature was really cool and breezy. Melbourne is much slower pace to Sydney, but the city does has its own character.