Sunday, April 16, 2006
So far..and Happy Easter!
Its been a rather pleasant trip so far, the overnight bus was nice and comfy, if it wasn't for the street lights would have been better, forgot my eyepatch!
Come to Ipoh, the very first day, saturday, had Hakka Mee for breakfast, then headed up to Cameron Highlands to look see on the new road from Ipoh. Thot it would have been a straight shot up so I was NOT looking forward to it but holy mackeral, its every bit as twisty and winding as the old road from Tapah and probably heckelluva more scenic its open air all the way. Damn! where's my bike. Oh well, was a passenger so ws busy snapping pics here, will probably all come out blur. Was told the road was briefly closed cos of a landslide and true enough enough contractors clearing the road and upgrading the hillside at the landslide point to build a few houses. On the way down, saw this HUGE landslide right at the top of the mountain at the slide point waaaaaayyy up higher, that was probably was what triggered it. It looked like Godzilla had came by and swiped down the mountain side. Dang too busy jaw dropping to take a pic.
Cameron Highlands is somewhat less cool these days, all that development!! It USED to be a nice rustic place to hang out, maybe it was a holiday weekend, but it looked like downtown Ipoh. So many tour buses. Sigh...
Had lunch in Kg Raja, fresh water tilapia, was looking to get some flying foxes but ain't none and we were accompanied by a horde of flies. Forgotten how persistent these buggers are, don't get any flies in Lake Louise, or ants or cockroaches for that matter. Got hungry bears tho :P
Its been a heady 2 days of eating and eating, sigh..... *eyes growing tummy* kena blangjah by this relative, that relative, this Jiao Lao, that Jiao Lao, no chance to eat the local fare!!! *pout*
Didn't get a chance to meet up with Helen, cos it was Easter Weekend and she was busy and my schedule was so tight, darn.... neba mind, next time when I'm back!
Then my dad bot me enough packs of Ipoh White Coffee to last me till the next century. Still wondering how to bring that back.
Today a miracle happened.
I went to Church!
Hmmmm can't even remember the last time I went. Since I had nothing to do and my old man asked me to go I thot why not? Altho I did put up some feeble resistance at first but curiosity got the better of me. It was a methodist church so a little bit similar to a catholic church. But the real deal was that the whole service was conducted in Cantonese!!!! Alamak.
Oh well go with the flow. But was interesting but the whole thing made me realise something and as to why I haven't gotten back to church.
Note: this bit hereafter may be disturbing/unsettling/unagreeable/agreeable for some since its a diatribe I'm doing and I tend to question a lot. But its just me asking questions to which I don't think anyone has an answer. My opinion thats all.
I was reminded of a program i did. That program focused on the Why instead of the How. Most programs like motivational programs focuses a lot on the how but not the why. Like school also. (looking at my old school results, I now realise I should have majored Geography, that was the one outstanding subject of mine. But like every other chinese family, it was go become a doctor, architect, engineer etc. I still remember the look of a classmate when he got a place in Biz Admin at Sing Poly, he looked like he had been given a prison sentence. I think this pressure hasn't changed very much. Reading an interview on Glenn Goei, he pretty much went thru the same thing, cept he was smarter and realised what he should be doing)
So it struck me (while I was browsing thru the book of Psalms, Kings, Exodus [I had forgotten and now can't believe Moses told the Levites to go kill all their brethren over a Gold Bull/Calf [plus a ton of other stuff], what ever happened to Comandment number 5 [don't murder] or is that open to interpretation, ok I know opinions on this will fill an encyclopedia] and ahhhh the mystery of the Covenant Box finally revealed, to me that is, had this itch since Raiders of the Lost Ark) coming back from this sidetrack;
It occurred to me that I've been following the christian/catholic religion since I was a baby since my mom was a catholic. But she never had me baptised or sent me to sunday school. I always pondered about that. It became a little clearer when she converted to Buddhism abt 10 years ago, give or take a couple of years, yes she did do that. In her words, she prayed and prayed and nothing happened. Buddhism helped her more than Christianity did. Yup and opinions on this will fill another encyclopedia.
Okay, so the thing I realised is, my own personal religious leanings focuses on the WHY. Not the HOW, hence my abstention from the various church formations. For me (you may have another opinion) the HOW is the various anglican, methodist, charismatic, catholic, russian orthodox, presbyterian, baptist (did I leave anyone out?) formations. You pray/do it this way or that way... not important to me. And yes I do believe in God, he's helped me before, like in primary six, sitting for the PSLE exams, chinese was a must have subject and I gone downhill waaaaaayyyyy downhill on that subject so I prayed like mad and I passed! A true miracle a Can't Believe it moment. Still pray occassionally but ain't so promising the results, probably used up my supply of prayer quota. But I still haven't given up on Him *grin*
I also realise if I am to continue believing in Him, I should throw away the old testament. Like King Solomon killed a lot of people in the name of the lord, makes me wonder, maybe george bush got inspired by this for iraq. It reads a little too much like a medieval history on civilisation with some books and some parts comes up short. Like now I know why muslims treat pigs as unclean so no touch (read that bit) but why not the christians? same book what...........hmmmmm must go google this.
Yup I'm saying this on limited knowledge, but impressions are kinda weird and interesting.
I guess the trip to Cameron must have opened my eyes somewhat.
Come to Ipoh, the very first day, saturday, had Hakka Mee for breakfast, then headed up to Cameron Highlands to look see on the new road from Ipoh. Thot it would have been a straight shot up so I was NOT looking forward to it but holy mackeral, its every bit as twisty and winding as the old road from Tapah and probably heckelluva more scenic its open air all the way. Damn! where's my bike. Oh well, was a passenger so ws busy snapping pics here, will probably all come out blur. Was told the road was briefly closed cos of a landslide and true enough enough contractors clearing the road and upgrading the hillside at the landslide point to build a few houses. On the way down, saw this HUGE landslide right at the top of the mountain at the slide point waaaaaayyy up higher, that was probably was what triggered it. It looked like Godzilla had came by and swiped down the mountain side. Dang too busy jaw dropping to take a pic.
Cameron Highlands is somewhat less cool these days, all that development!! It USED to be a nice rustic place to hang out, maybe it was a holiday weekend, but it looked like downtown Ipoh. So many tour buses. Sigh...
Had lunch in Kg Raja, fresh water tilapia, was looking to get some flying foxes but ain't none and we were accompanied by a horde of flies. Forgotten how persistent these buggers are, don't get any flies in Lake Louise, or ants or cockroaches for that matter. Got hungry bears tho :P
Its been a heady 2 days of eating and eating, sigh..... *eyes growing tummy* kena blangjah by this relative, that relative, this Jiao Lao, that Jiao Lao, no chance to eat the local fare!!! *pout*
Didn't get a chance to meet up with Helen, cos it was Easter Weekend and she was busy and my schedule was so tight, darn.... neba mind, next time when I'm back!
Then my dad bot me enough packs of Ipoh White Coffee to last me till the next century. Still wondering how to bring that back.
Today a miracle happened.
I went to Church!
Hmmmm can't even remember the last time I went. Since I had nothing to do and my old man asked me to go I thot why not? Altho I did put up some feeble resistance at first but curiosity got the better of me. It was a methodist church so a little bit similar to a catholic church. But the real deal was that the whole service was conducted in Cantonese!!!! Alamak.
Oh well go with the flow. But was interesting but the whole thing made me realise something and as to why I haven't gotten back to church.
Note: this bit hereafter may be disturbing/unsettling/unagreeable/agreeable for some since its a diatribe I'm doing and I tend to question a lot. But its just me asking questions to which I don't think anyone has an answer. My opinion thats all.
I was reminded of a program i did. That program focused on the Why instead of the How. Most programs like motivational programs focuses a lot on the how but not the why. Like school also. (looking at my old school results, I now realise I should have majored Geography, that was the one outstanding subject of mine. But like every other chinese family, it was go become a doctor, architect, engineer etc. I still remember the look of a classmate when he got a place in Biz Admin at Sing Poly, he looked like he had been given a prison sentence. I think this pressure hasn't changed very much. Reading an interview on Glenn Goei, he pretty much went thru the same thing, cept he was smarter and realised what he should be doing)
So it struck me (while I was browsing thru the book of Psalms, Kings, Exodus [I had forgotten and now can't believe Moses told the Levites to go kill all their brethren over a Gold Bull/Calf [plus a ton of other stuff], what ever happened to Comandment number 5 [don't murder] or is that open to interpretation, ok I know opinions on this will fill an encyclopedia] and ahhhh the mystery of the Covenant Box finally revealed, to me that is, had this itch since Raiders of the Lost Ark) coming back from this sidetrack;
It occurred to me that I've been following the christian/catholic religion since I was a baby since my mom was a catholic. But she never had me baptised or sent me to sunday school. I always pondered about that. It became a little clearer when she converted to Buddhism abt 10 years ago, give or take a couple of years, yes she did do that. In her words, she prayed and prayed and nothing happened. Buddhism helped her more than Christianity did. Yup and opinions on this will fill another encyclopedia.
Okay, so the thing I realised is, my own personal religious leanings focuses on the WHY. Not the HOW, hence my abstention from the various church formations. For me (you may have another opinion) the HOW is the various anglican, methodist, charismatic, catholic, russian orthodox, presbyterian, baptist (did I leave anyone out?) formations. You pray/do it this way or that way... not important to me. And yes I do believe in God, he's helped me before, like in primary six, sitting for the PSLE exams, chinese was a must have subject and I gone downhill waaaaaayyyyy downhill on that subject so I prayed like mad and I passed! A true miracle a Can't Believe it moment. Still pray occassionally but ain't so promising the results, probably used up my supply of prayer quota. But I still haven't given up on Him *grin*
I also realise if I am to continue believing in Him, I should throw away the old testament. Like King Solomon killed a lot of people in the name of the lord, makes me wonder, maybe george bush got inspired by this for iraq. It reads a little too much like a medieval history on civilisation with some books and some parts comes up short. Like now I know why muslims treat pigs as unclean so no touch (read that bit) but why not the christians? same book what...........hmmmmm must go google this.
Yup I'm saying this on limited knowledge, but impressions are kinda weird and interesting.
I guess the trip to Cameron must have opened my eyes somewhat.
Comments:
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Happy Easter, FlyBoy. Hope you had a great holiday so far! don't worry if we can't meet up, yea? always another time :)
Ipoh? Cameron Highlands? Jesus?!! I am too giddy from cooking up another storm now so I'll let others less intoxicated from biscuits and coffee than me explain the Meaning of Liff. Pass it on.. Happy Easter.....
Happy Blessed Easter, FF!!! :)
Me dito with LB... as you know I'm not into any religions anymore but yes, I do believe in God.
Me dito with LB... as you know I'm not into any religions anymore but yes, I do believe in God.
Hahaha FF, another chance for a meeting... to discuss the meaning of life...
Hope you are not like the other Singaporeans who got lost trying to find their sifu in Japan.
Get a map, if you may LOL...
Hope you are not like the other Singaporeans who got lost trying to find their sifu in Japan.
Get a map, if you may LOL...
SF, the Japanese search was quite funny.
Anyhow, FF, I think all these are part of the HG search. I have an answer to the pigs thing, but I won't be anal to reply you here.
Like SF said, another time over coffee or tea. Smile. :-)
Anyhow, FF, I think all these are part of the HG search. I have an answer to the pigs thing, but I won't be anal to reply you here.
Like SF said, another time over coffee or tea. Smile. :-)
Ipoh jiao lao food nice, yes? So many food pixes of Singaporean food, none of Malaysian food??
Interesting story, your mom. I've heard of Buddhists converting to Christianity, but very seldom vice-versa.
Interesting story, your mom. I've heard of Buddhists converting to Christianity, but very seldom vice-versa.
i went up to CH recently and kind of enjoyed the trip...but you were right about the tour buses...annoying but since helping our tourism economy, grin and bear it lah.
I felt so bad missing the chance to see you!!! After the Easter baptism thing, I went to Tesco at about 7pm... I was looking around, half hoping I'll see you... or whom I perceived to be you...lol
(layman term : big muscular hunk from Baywatch strolling in Ipoh Tesco....)
I'm really sorry we did not get to meet up. Like you say... there'll probably be another time. Promise??
As for your faith matters, it is OK. Everybody goes through the moment of doubt, confusion and frustration. If, you are now questioning many things, this is the BETEST sign. Because hor, you only question when u want to know more..... like what the bible say "The Truth will set you Free...":-)
(layman term : big muscular hunk from Baywatch strolling in Ipoh Tesco....)
I'm really sorry we did not get to meet up. Like you say... there'll probably be another time. Promise??
As for your faith matters, it is OK. Everybody goes through the moment of doubt, confusion and frustration. If, you are now questioning many things, this is the BETEST sign. Because hor, you only question when u want to know more..... like what the bible say "The Truth will set you Free...":-)
So sorry cheong hei.. u asked why Christian can eat the pig... (Char siew, siu yook, siu bau.... )
Jesus said,
"Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.’" Mark 7:15 (NIV)
Paul said,
I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean." Romans14:14.
I love what Jesus said. Meaning, you can hear all the bad bad gossip, news, insult etc (and also can refer to food), it is no sin. It is what comes out of you (your choice of action after listening/eating) that makes it sinful or not sinful. :-P
Jesus said,
"Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.’" Mark 7:15 (NIV)
Paul said,
I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean." Romans14:14.
I love what Jesus said. Meaning, you can hear all the bad bad gossip, news, insult etc (and also can refer to food), it is no sin. It is what comes out of you (your choice of action after listening/eating) that makes it sinful or not sinful. :-P
my colleague also tole me that Cameron Highlands was great, never been there...only went to Genting Highlands before...
hmm..maybe can consider for my next trip!
hmm..maybe can consider for my next trip!
I agree with Helen. Jesus taught us that it's what comes out of us that defiles us. Which means if we curse and swear, we are defiled ;p
may,
was great meeting you at last!!!! made the holiday all worthwhile *BIG GRIN* (jomel see what you missed :P)
Alamak I was so caught up chatting with you and Boon I forgot to ask if you had makan already or not!! aiyoh *slaps head* me such a poor host, paiseh... but really thanks for catching up with me, really appreciate it! thru all that KL traffic somemore... drop by Canada sometime yah? or we can meet back here again next year *grin* or maybe I can hitchhike to down under LOL :P
L B,
Yah the winding road must have made me giddy...LOL ;)
funny how holidays make you think...too much!!!!!!
Selba,
Heh must have been the thin mountain air and being in a church.... :D
See Fei,
heh yeah can be looooonnngg discussion best served with several cuppas of white ipoh coffee *licks lips*
Me get lost? the expert with maps? the one who owns a Suunto Global MG-1 orienteering compass, the fella who scored the only subject with As from primary school to secondary school *slaps head somemore, arrraggh chinese families and wanting to be doctors etc* which was geography,which I really should have studied instead, btw nowadays got GPS :P
LOL *grin*
ya ya we should chat more on this :D
btw I'm still lost on my destiny *blank look*
Mother Superior,
Ya I thot those fellas looking in Japan damn goondu, I agree with that Karate fella who said if got such thing I'll be the first to go!
errr whats HG *blur look*
1 Corinthians 10 ok! hmm now I gotta borrow a bible, i don't have one! LOL
Cocka,
ya lor the twisty roads and the bible don't mix.....
kat,
No place or pc to upload leh food pics...... wait wait :P
mslenglui,
the things we do for the economy... but they should learn from the canadians,
*pinggg light bulb goes on* maybe I can be their consultant!!! *grin*
Helen,
Aiyoh, if we managed to catch up sure got long talk wan :P
Its ok lah, after seeing the activity at the church I know what u up against
errr btw which church you go to ah?
Hmmm tell me more about the BETEST thingy, now you got me curious...
Ahhhhhhh pigs!!! the fog lifts, heng, cos the bible said Rabbits are unclean *mad pout*
I ate A LOT, hmmm how to control the methane gas?
*tight and innocent look*
Leonard,
Hey you like cars and driving eh? then Must Go!!! its a great great drive, use the Ipoh route, not so giddy.... if I had my bike now, I'd go back again in flash, if only to sample the twisty bits, leessee go in the morning, back in the evening, I think boleh!
Michael,
*grin* I used to curse and swear a lot in the army... can someone speak to MINDEF? ;)
See Fei,
Haha a loonng awaited break, as they say an idle mind thinks a lot..
Simple American,
I couldn't agree more!
Thats why I shake my head at the muslims and their practices from 700AD.. whew talk about maintaining a culture...
do tell more, one day we should go fishing together,
lots of time to talk!
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was great meeting you at last!!!! made the holiday all worthwhile *BIG GRIN* (jomel see what you missed :P)
Alamak I was so caught up chatting with you and Boon I forgot to ask if you had makan already or not!! aiyoh *slaps head* me such a poor host, paiseh... but really thanks for catching up with me, really appreciate it! thru all that KL traffic somemore... drop by Canada sometime yah? or we can meet back here again next year *grin* or maybe I can hitchhike to down under LOL :P
L B,
Yah the winding road must have made me giddy...LOL ;)
funny how holidays make you think...too much!!!!!!
Selba,
Heh must have been the thin mountain air and being in a church.... :D
See Fei,
heh yeah can be looooonnngg discussion best served with several cuppas of white ipoh coffee *licks lips*
Me get lost? the expert with maps? the one who owns a Suunto Global MG-1 orienteering compass, the fella who scored the only subject with As from primary school to secondary school *slaps head somemore, arrraggh chinese families and wanting to be doctors etc* which was geography,which I really should have studied instead, btw nowadays got GPS :P
LOL *grin*
ya ya we should chat more on this :D
btw I'm still lost on my destiny *blank look*
Mother Superior,
Ya I thot those fellas looking in Japan damn goondu, I agree with that Karate fella who said if got such thing I'll be the first to go!
errr whats HG *blur look*
1 Corinthians 10 ok! hmm now I gotta borrow a bible, i don't have one! LOL
Cocka,
ya lor the twisty roads and the bible don't mix.....
kat,
No place or pc to upload leh food pics...... wait wait :P
mslenglui,
the things we do for the economy... but they should learn from the canadians,
*pinggg light bulb goes on* maybe I can be their consultant!!! *grin*
Helen,
Aiyoh, if we managed to catch up sure got long talk wan :P
Its ok lah, after seeing the activity at the church I know what u up against
errr btw which church you go to ah?
Hmmm tell me more about the BETEST thingy, now you got me curious...
Ahhhhhhh pigs!!! the fog lifts, heng, cos the bible said Rabbits are unclean *mad pout*
I ate A LOT, hmmm how to control the methane gas?
*tight and innocent look*
Leonard,
Hey you like cars and driving eh? then Must Go!!! its a great great drive, use the Ipoh route, not so giddy.... if I had my bike now, I'd go back again in flash, if only to sample the twisty bits, leessee go in the morning, back in the evening, I think boleh!
Michael,
*grin* I used to curse and swear a lot in the army... can someone speak to MINDEF? ;)
See Fei,
Haha a loonng awaited break, as they say an idle mind thinks a lot..
Simple American,
I couldn't agree more!
Thats why I shake my head at the muslims and their practices from 700AD.. whew talk about maintaining a culture...
do tell more, one day we should go fishing together,
lots of time to talk!
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