From the Sky

Sharing a few pictures birds view from the airplane Quang Binh back to Saigon. Luckily, I got the cheapest ticket.

Enjoy!

Mời cả nhà thưởng thức những tấm hình chụp từ trên cao nhé!

Superman? Really?

A group of Superman in Central London. Gosh! I must be lucky to see them!

They are fast!!!

Aye matey!

I am definitely sailing back to my home tomorrow.

The ultimate destination!

This is possibly my last day in this blue-ship that I call my room here.

(This ship will be kept safely of course!)

I am already feeling very summery and inspiring.

Miss my best matey - the flying pirate so so so much already!

Wonder what I'll do without you :)

Sunshine on her face.

Just a start for our summer here in London.

Well, it's cold again now but still the sun is shining and the sky is bright.

That's something good to look forward to!

The Look

Model: My Linh (Hillary)

Make-up and Photograher: Tu Linh

Artwork: Eunice Yin

Reduce and Relive

Have I told you, my bestfriend is awesome?

Well, if I didn't, she is!

She bought me this awesome recycled book from Malaysia and I'm filling it with a lot of biology and chemistry. It's so gonna help me study! 

I drew in that "REDUCE" word!

Below is just a photo I've taken from my window. 

Funny how my window's views are so different - top of houses & green trees.

Anyhow, they both look wonderful!

Floating on the River

God! How long has it been since I have actually written anything or posting anything up here? I miss it!
But, since it is my Easter's holiday (off school!) and I am back in Vietnam, I am posting something here again!

Sincerely from Quang Binh.

Dots in the Sky

We all think that we know who we are but, when someone praise a question. We are most likely to be unable to answer.

"Everything has a beginning, right?"
"Yes, I agree."
"Do you believe that the world is created by god"
"No"
"Well, then do you believe that matters just appeared out of nowhere to create the universe and then us?"
"Not really"
"Where is our beginning then?"

There, you are stuck inside your own question. We all think we know who we are but we really don't. We are on the pathway to find our origin, ourselves and our purpose, avoiding losing ourselves somewhere along the way.

Life is harsh on us for a reason, just like your mother was harsh on you to teach you right and wrong. Don't let it suppresses you, step up and take the chances.

Finding the Lights

You know that feeling when you watch a really good movie and wonder whether your life will ever turn out that way?

It's always those really good movies that makes you think of who you are, who you've became and who you are going to be. I am still on the mission of finding who I am. I am still someone who is looking for myself. I don't know who I am going to be. I don't know if I should try the thing I want to try. I don't know what the future hold for me. But then again, I am always moving forward. No wonder most of us think of the future, plan ahead and follow plans.  It is true that your plan can change and be altered when you truly find who you are. One decision can change everything.

We complain too much about our lives, going on about bad things that happened but do we really appreciate what life has given us? Bad things happen - C'est la vie! But don't forget, good things happen too! If we can all learn to love ourselves and appreciate the small things we do everyday. Life would be so much more fascinating, exciting and wonderful.

It is scary to not know what to do but you've got to try and put yourself out there. Easier said than done, yes but do TRY!

Make the most of your time! Live like you have never lived before!

Hollow

I haven't had time to blog for so long and I feel guilty about it. I made a promise to Eunice I would so now I'm writing about the past two months moving to London.

London is a good place when I start to settle down a little more.

On the first two months living here, there were up and down. I've made new friends and I've managed to catch up with school work. Fortunately, I have my own room here and it's quite a big room as well.

There are so much work to do, so much classes to attend. I've had my timetable changed three times. I'm continuing drums and participated in the inter-house music competition. Collinson won the classical ensemble where I played the tambourine and the audience's choice award where I played the piano to the mass singing - We're the kids in America. That's the highlight of my first term.

Life isn't perfect! I had a fight with someone for the first time in my entire life, cried for weeks because I miss Saigon and tried so hard to find free time in my timetable. I found more about what an actual high school would be like and how immature people can be. Given the fact that they're all younger than me, I wouldn't be surprise they are.

Yes! I'm enjoying art classes here. It's the only thing that I've actually look forward to all week. Although, there are lots of work to do and I've had to skip lunch to finish my h/w so that I have more time to do art. Drama classes are getting better too.

At the moment, I'm staying at a host family because it's term break. Sure to be going out and around London soon enough.

Miss you all in Saigon! London is good but it's not as great as Saigon!

The people here are okay and will never be as awesome as you guys!

(the photo above is part of my artbook so you know eventhough I haven't had time to do creative things I'm still doing something artsy!)

A N X I O U S.

I've been waiting on my feet all this summer just for something to happen.

Anxious.

So far there a few things are moving along with my visa application. I have submitted it and have my photo and finger prints taken after 10 times, back and forth at two different embassies. Sitting around make me anxious. I have also applied to UCA hoping to get a place. It's incredibly difficult to stay calm on my bare feet. I don't know where I'm moving toward. Is my life really taking a new leaf or am I just here stuck with no direction and purpose?

My life is on the hang meanwhile people are moving along with their lives. My friends are going to school, my sister is applying for university and even my baby cousin has started talking all day, walking and smiling a lot. I'm still right here where I've seated for the past 2 and a half months.

I watched series and movies of a year worth because I thought I won't have time anyway to during the year. I drew and design little things. I hangout with friends, go shopping, sent out my UCA application and constantly running to get visa documents done as required. Once all of that ran out, I read books and I mean a high pile of books. Now I have nothing to do and no desire to. I need to be inspire by life and I need something exciting to happen.

Finally broke down for a moment and that was such a relieve. I can feel most of the weight is gone. I'm still one step away from finally getting rid of this anxious feeling.

May be good things happen to good people. At the moment that's all I can dare look into.

Surfeited with Rain

Rain is pouring hard everyday. It's nice and kinda not. I like the cooling and I like the repetitive sound. It's just that it is wet! My only walking sandals get wet very easily...

Better get use to it though.

Here's a nice view.

There is so much on my mind lately and sudden change of emotion.

Anyway, next week is a "busy bee".

I'm gonna fly! Ha ha

SpOiLiNg MySeLf in ThE wOrLd of CaMeRaS

I love Cameras!!!

I seriously L.O.V.E them!!!

Anyone who have seen me with a Digital SLR know what I mean.

GUESS WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just found out about LOMOGRAPHY - a shop for those who are passionate about analogue film photography.

I'm going crazy here!

L'USINE is currently selling these AWESOME camera and I can't stop from wanting to spoil myself with one. Fisheye2/Pop9/ActionSampler?

I'm falling in *multiple* love!

Oh My - My world has suddenly become shiny and new!

Life After The Beach

LOVE THE BEACH.

LOVE THE SUN.

LOVE THE WIND BLOWING THROUGH MY HAIR.

April for Art

Righty!

Went out with Eunice again today :D

I walked all the way from Le Loi to Le Thanh Ton to meet the two happy Aka and Eunice.

We are planning on cooking together (japanese food -> thumbs up!)

Bought stuff on Le Thanh Ton - the Japan Town of Saigon.

But that is after our trip to Binh Chau, of course.

That would be on Monday -> thumbs up again!

So you're wondering...

Who is going?

I'm going (stating the obvious --> if not why would I even mention it? xD)

Eunice, Aka, Khanh Linh and Cindy, too.

Which makes the trip cool to the cold (I don't understand my english either. Don't worry, you're not the only one!)

Back to my current time - that would be today.

Eunice and I again, see ourselves walking back to the Jap restaurant we went on Tuesday.

That's right! I haven't told you yet about Tuesday.

Tuesday, after 12.30 receiving our reports and chasing to get decent smoothies.

12.45 we're in the music room trying to record music for "Stay The Night".

Which by the way, premiere at Galaxy Nguyen Du with others short film on the 12 April.

It's a monday.

I haven't finish burning the DVD and the music.

Anyway, it didn't work very well.

The music recording on Tuesday.

So we decided, let's look for Japan res. in The Word.

...

We found a short list of Japan res. (Sad :[)

Of course, that's when we found this amazingly cute looking restaurant, with good Ramen.

As you know, I'm obsessed with Japan food + so does Eunice = another thing we click!

Hot guy! (hehe)

After heaven food with hot guy, we walked straight to Diamond Plaza and bought My Linh her dream mirror.

Princess mirror - not the pinkish thing - black and authentic looking mirror.

Talk about authentic, I never thought of going the Paris Deli but IT'S A PERFECT place.

Just like heaven.

My Linh, Eunice and I, LOVE THE PLACE!

And and and the waitor there is so nice as well.

And the place is quiet and again, the style suited us all.

I think My Linh had a Great Birthday!

Sooner or later, we knew this would happened.

MOF - 30 Le Loi D.1

Same old place, still good to take a quick stop or a long nap here.

Back to today. (yes for MOF)

Before that, after Jap restaurant, DAISO on Nam Ki Khoi Nghia.

I bought Ms Dung - all time favourite lady - her birthday present.

Now, after MOF, we crossed over to Saigon Tower and went shopping with our eyes.

Forgot to mention, my cousin's gf were with us.

Anyway, my Easter Holiday started with wonderful friendship-hanging-out-getting-fat-over-japanese-food-crush-on-a-hot-guy-having-girls-talk-shopping-with-our-eyes... and so on.

Probably end with me having-a-good-good-time-in-Binh-Chau-currently-not-finish-with-StayTheNight-which-is-premiere-in-one-week-photos-exhibition-as-well and last but not least good-news-for-my-Art-life!

So far APRIL has been generous and so much of a treat for me.

I just have to declare - April is my month and well I will treat myself nicely.

Happy Birthday to all April women out there - take the chances to have fun and do about everything you like - It's YOUR MONTH!

HERE IS UPDATE OF MY CREATIVE LIFE (many are already mentioned)

• As I've mentioned, finding good authentic looking cafe and restaurant is part of what gives me inspiration :D
• I'm considering taking a pottery making class - I would love to make my perfect mug because really, I never find a perfect one!
• POST-IT have a place to stay! (surely, you don't know what I'm talking about) SOON!
• Clue for the previous: Out2Studio - Kate gives me a space for free.
• I checked Out2Studio (6 Thai Van Lung) again and there are pretty much great stuff. You should take a peek.
• I finally get back in my creative shoes and drew something.
• 12 April - Short SStuFF - the Film that has been killing me and my time.
• 9th April - Opera House. If anyone is interested in classical and ballet.
• HardRock cafe with friends to see THE CLICK 5! Sorry, I'm only taking a few close friends!

Fair enough, you should be overloaded with information and updates and random thoughts...

Bye!

Note: I'm happy. I'm really happy and I'm putting everything that keep me worry aside.

BUGS BUGS BUGS

Woa, such a long time with no post!

Today featuring BUGS BUGS BUGS photography course with Andrew.

I don't particular like bugs by the way, but they're part of nature :) Photos today taken using macro on a normal camera if you're wondering. It's quite good for a first timer using macro.

My reason for not writing the past weeks is because I was getting my examination results back. Some good some bad... and I was busy in Hanoi with family things. There is something else that I missed out on the Saturday I was in Hanoi. Megan is part of the International Choir of Ho Chi Minh city and they performed a Christmas Classic and Carols. I felt very bad not coming because I said to her I would but then realising that I had to catch a flight to Hanoi right away. I missed out on her performance the second time.

Back from Cambodia

Me being silly on the bus.

One of the three mugs Daniel designed with a permanent pen. Ada = Amazing Dysfunctional Awesome! xDD my new nick name

My room buddy-old good friend- Fishy. We both got a fish mug together and a bell "ring ring" bracelet :D

The kids (more coming)

“Look into it, and expect the unexpected.”

These were my words before I sat on the bus and set off to Cambodia. What can I say? Was it one experience to remember? I was amazed with just how much have changed from what was in my memory. Ask me how was Cambodia? And I would say “Awesome!”. It was one unexpected and a surprisingly amazing experience for me.

The kids with broadly bright smile were the best and bestest part of the trip. I’ve got all these girls giving me lots and lots of hugs and kisses, and all the boys teaching me this cool hand shake and heaps of “Hi-5”. They are just the happiest kids on earth!

I was happy to hear from the teachers, who were cambodians and were so inspiring as for how long and how much they love teaching the kids.

At Steung Mencheay, I made friends with these group of beautiful smiles and confident kids who would come up and grabbed my arms immediately as I step my feet into the small primary school. HELLO! They waved, they asked questions in Enlish, they smile and they were absolutely gorgeous, lovable and delightful to see. “What’s your name?”, “How are you?”, “How old are you?” - Srey Leak is my best friend here. She taught me games, and as for more she taught me words in Khmer (even though I can barely remember anything) We had fun playing games, and sharing a little of our culture through different games we played and a little knowledge of language.

The Kais village Orphanage, where I had way too much fun with cute babies and these four adorable girls. The babies were perhaps for most of us the greatest experience. But for me, after putting two cuties to sleep, running wild with four little adorably cheeky girls was the best thing to do. They inspired my heart so much, we played “Duck, Duck, Goose” and even a game that I made up. The little ones enjoyed swinging in my hand as much as dancing with me in the wind and speaking ridiculously in some language we don’t even know. The grass was green, the ground was comfy and the wind blew our mind off just so we had too much fun.

I couldn’t say goodbye to all these adorable, wonderful kids. I ended up with saying “Bye bye” and “See you again” so many times I can't count. Many hugs, many kisses, many “high-five”, and many byes. Srey Leak asked me “When do you come back?” and I shed tears trying desparately to find a way of answering that very question. I left with my heart missing them.

The food here were … well AWESOME! And not just that, the restaurants and café are always relaxing, inspiring and beautiful. There is somehow always something the customer can do. I bought many books in a café next to our hotel. I went in and look at many inspiring art gallery café. It was always a new experience to go in a restaurant, to look at their setting, their presentations, their food and their art. I love that we get to choose our restaurant for lunch to taste different food along with an amazing vegan restaurant. I also love the performance of monkeys dance with it uniqueness and entertainment. Tiny Toones performance was great to watch and was another great time for the kids at PIO. Art is expected as well as respected and preserved.

I would say Cambodians are religious, and it is one good thing that they are. The country is based on NGOs and very much tourists. Religions is something that should be kept for it gives faith into the people. Morning of the third day was as much horrible and sad as it is a great place to learn why and how Cambodians live and become who they are today. I’ve seen things like this, in Vietnam like Con Dao island prisons and more, but still the cruelty and babaric of Pol Pot went deep into my thought. I made a stop, and in slience I prayed. Look at the faces, look at the skulls, and what’s left of it. You ought to be feeling something. Is it sad or horrible?

We left with a different experience in everyone of us. The killing field was massive. I’m shocked of what’s in front of my eyes, one sleepless night.

My experience of Cambodia was inspiring, touching and aboslutely awesome! I will sure come the next time, to see the faces and smiles of beautiful kids (I miss them so much right now!) to enjoy the amazing taste of food, to spend great time with friends – a small but hilariously wonderful group and to getaway from school.

I didn’t have any issue with the smell or conditions the kids are eperiencing. It is probably not hygienic for us but to be realistic, there are worst places than this that I, myself have been to. I was just happy to see their smiling faces. I always love spending time with orphans for many reasons because they deserve more love from us than anyone else. They need people to appreciate them, so that they feel loved and show them the wonders of life. Being an orphan is hard and lonely enough. I love them because they always are happy, always with a smile and always sweet and touching. The bigger kids don’t get many chance to be adopted. They aren’t just the only one who learnt something new, they opened my eyes to many more things than I could’ve ever imagine. I just really wish we have more time in this stunning country! I want to see more, I want to spend more time with these kids and I want to go further to orphanage that don’t get much visitors, (might be far but it’s worthed to be reward the most amazing time with kids. I also want to learn more, about the people and to experience more of this gorgous country.

P/S: I don't know what to say so I'm putting my 500 words reflections on :) Cheers! (more than 500 words xD)

I don't have all the photos yet but I'll put more up soon !!!

--L O V E F O R L I F E --

They sing, they dance.

They laugh, they smile.

Life to them is an amazing adventure!

Oh just how much I love them so!

L O V E