Walton on the Naze

Last last week, we went out for a Geography field trip. This was one of the best trip I have had. I really like doing practical work because words and numbers and siting in class is so not my talent. May be this is one of the area I would like to head in. I learnt to use a clinometer and a ranging pole and carried out experiment with quadrats. We were looking to see if this cliff/coastline protection scheme is working. One side has seawalls and groynes installed to the beach to reduce the process of Longshore Drift and the other side has nothing but Managed Retreat. I had to take lots of photos and do field sketches.

I look really lol in those clothes xDD 'cause they keep me warm! and the backpack is very practical. I can hang equipments there.

There is a historical tower of Walton here that the local are trying to protect. Inside they have a small cafe at the bottom selling delicious sandwiches and beautiful hand-painted postcards. Upstairs is some sitting places for the cafe, an art exhibition space and the Tower history at the top.

Now we are writing coursework for this. It is a little bit more confusing that anyone would think.

Someone drew Spongebob there! :D

Jumping Frogs in the Rain

It's been raining hard outside. Well, just harder tonight - must be one of those nights eh?
Nothing much lately for me. Although I have been trying to think of new ideas for my next art project. I just wish that anything would pop into my silly head. Eunice is now in Singapore and starting a new wonderful life that I hope to know more about soon. She would know how to help me - not intentionally anyway but she would definitely somehow inspires me.

The summer is passing by very quickly - especially when you take up traveling! I came back into the loving arm of my family at the begining of July; signed up for SAT classes, practice drums, piano and even took up the guitar. Gotta say, self-learning really make you go crazy but I can play a few songs now. I bought a new brown woody looking guitar and a small little uklele. It is time to hit Youtube for some lessons! I traveled with my family to Quang Binh for the second time and I am again fascinated by the rich history, culture and nature of this place. Shortly after that, I head off to Laos to embark upon an insightful experience with Laotians.

Honestly, most days I would spent trying to keep in touch with all the great people I know that has left Saigon to pursue new life. I laid awake at night watching TV series, writing emails and sometimes artsy creation and then sleep to shorten the day. I thought of my friends with their new lives. I miss them, but then again do I appear like some kind of needy person now? Must creeps them out! (sending loads of post mails)

Perhaps, the summer is rather, for a student, a time to reflect, relax and rethink. For example, I set out goals to do some study before I get back to the new school year but I have rarely done much and still have no intention of starting; or the fact that I have became even more philosophical than before with all the weird and boring theories about the human brain; or I actually tried to imagine myself over and over doing different actions for an embarrassing incident during the year. Lol very rich of me!

May be I should read more books. I did read about five books or so and if you count children's books tooo... lol... Nevermind, I'm just gonna head off and learn some more uklele!

Adventure is Calling!

I decided that it was time I get out there and explore London a little more! (and Sharon needed to take primary sources of buildings for her art project)
Fascinating!

I woke up quite early and arrived 45 minutes earlier than the time Sharon and I were going to meet. So, I walked around, go through the street from London Bridge station and saw beautiful view of the bridge when there weren't many tourist. I let the wind blow on my hair and took some fantastic picture with my iPhone. They really take care of the river here - with the clean up boat going around at 9.30 in the morning.

I walked down further along side of the bridge and met a man whose job was to keep the grey stone tiles under my feet neat and clean. He has worked and lived in London for 9 years and enjoyed the view of the river very much.

Sharon and I met up and we reached Southbank. We got lost walking around as tourists with a camera and hand-drawn map which did not help much. Though we did get a free book...

A little extract from the big poster at BFI (that's my dream!)

I had no idea what Southbank Centre was until I saw it. It was a theatre, an art gallery and the BFI - British Film Institute. That colourful stair right there pump water up to the Southbank centre! And of course, the exterior of the three buildings were decorated with several projects. Awesome stuff inside and we bought postcards in agony of stopping ourselves buying more!

Hungry stomaches, rumbling so we tried to look for good but cheap food at Waterloo station. McDonald it is... To be honest, I was not looking forward to this because I dislike McDonald. But wait, we found a very "Captain Jack" store with yummy looking pastry. Jaw dropped and I went straight into buy my very first West Cornwall Pastry's mushroom cornish pasty. I indulged myself with every crispy bite of it.

Moortage was our next stop. Hmm... sound exciting eh? It was good for Sharon's primary sources for her art project but, the place was creepy! You know that urban image of the world with people walking around only going to work. Well that is it! Hundreds of workers going in and out wearing suits, getting lunch, on the phone... walking in small streets of many many tall buildings!

Our last stop of the day was Canary Wharf. Interesting buildings and very quiet life. It is almost like a private district where you live in a luxury apartment with stunning views and have your life being easily taken care off. To us it was more like a maze because we got lost inside this huge area, walking endlessly and cannot find a way out.

We did, eventually and to conclude our adventurous day out in London, it was an AWESOME! Although, unfortunate things happened such as I nearly died twice thanks to Sharon stopping in the middle of traffic to take pictures or losing oyster card or one person got on the train while the other stand back and wait for the next... Oh the Adventure! xD

Drawing the Future

We all have a little dream of what we want to become; a doctor, an artist, a director, a happy married man, a beautiful bride, a marine biologist, a delicious chef...

We all dream and draw out the most perfect image of the future, yet knowing that the dream may not be true.

But, what does it bring? The dream is a rough draft, a sign of hope, and a small guide line of your own future. Surely, your childhood dream and the real you of twenty years after is different or at least for most of us, the dream changed to suit our life. That doesn't mean that you have failed yourself.

The world is not perfect. You are not perfect. I am not perfect. We all have our own flaw, but trying hard to get where you are in the future and setting a high expectation upon yourself is how way to success. The road to there is never easy. In fact, it is incredibly tough and at every step of the way, there is a sharp knife waiting to kill it - your dream.

I am nobody to talk about the dream and determination and setting high expectation. I have no idea how to succeed your dream. But, one thing I do know is that the imperfection makes each of us perfect, because without this imperfection, there is no point of improving, no point of setting goals and no point of trying hard.

Whether it is you make it to the end or not, make sure you try hard enough, dream high enough and don't  stop.

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!

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.

Between Home: A documentary

Between Home (documentary trailer 2010) from nickj on Vimeo.

I've just got hold of some of Jack Rath previous work from Sally. He worked with kids and adults making fun and inspiring short film. My favourite was Olli. It's a gorgeous and meaningful film about a kid trying to get away from the everyday life where he is trapped emotionally.

Between Home is Jack newest project.

Congrats Jack.

It's really great!

Glad to hear that you're doing well.

BOX STOCK BOX STOCK

I have trouble letting go of things.

There I admit it!

Mum alway says that I have got to throw things away.

Well I did, and you see I stock new things in again.

Things I collected either have meanings or could be in good use in the future.

I feel the need of proof to what I did in the past.

I feel like having lots of memorable things around.

I feel happy finding meaning of life.

So may be I do have an issue of letting things go.

But can you blame me?

Because I can't just let them go.

p/s: Weird photos of me acting in Drama class!

Pescetarian

Incase you don't know what Pescetarian is, it's a word!

Don't worry. Most pescetarian don't even know that they are one

Pescetarian is a person who eats no RED meats (excluding land animals) but includes fish and seafood. Their diet include veggie, nuts, fruits etc. with or without the addition of Eggs and Dairy.

I've given thought on becoming a vegan.

I love veggies and I could totally survive on fruits and nuts.

But seriously I love japanese food.

Well, japanese food are mostly fish dishes.

I can't give up on that.

I believe that fish are animals (scientifically they are!) and think they can feel too.

So if I say I am a vegan, I'd be insulting the actual vegan.

I don't want to announce that I'm one when I'm not.

How I got to this subject is because I'm an Eco-Friendly freak (not that freaky!)

Once I found out that farm animals actually contribute to destroying rainforest and contributing to pollution.

I started learning more and more.

It did give me creeps seeing those farm animals factory but it didn't really alter me much on changing my mind to become vegan.

I do have feelings for animals! I'm against cosmetic testing on animals.

I love eating and what's better than finding a healthier diet with all the things I like and I can eat almost all the time.

Plus, veggie are so much easier to cook muahahha xD

My point is next time when someone tell you that they are a pescetarian. Respect their choices! Whatever it is you are going to do with your life should not be judged. I'm still not going to announce that I'm a pescetarian or vegetarian yet (just if I must put chicken in my mouth I'm not receiving hate mails =.= plus I might need brain food) But know that I do avoid eating pork, beef and chicken for ECO reasons.

Somewhat sounds ridiculous to me because I love fishes and the ocean. My blog is all about that and I'm eating them!

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 !!!

Traditional Arts

Going to Ben Thanh market with my mum like usual, I bought this Matryoshka Doll today! I'm loving it! I still remember my first Matryoshka when I was little and I always play with it. Mum gave me a barbie doll and I pulled its head out in one minute (haha I know I'm violent?) But with this Babushka (what I called it), it never was damaged and I've always been amazed with it :) Just one sad thing, I don't know how we lost it...

Babushka is Russian nesting doll if you're wondering.

A little fun video about my new Babushka.

This Babushka is Vietnam made so it's not the same as I remember.

Anyway, along with this Babushka, I bought some Vietnam hand-painted traditional mask.

Isn't it amazing?

Life is wonderful when Art is preserved and kept for everyone to enjoy.

These masks have a tradition, a tell and so I hope you enjoy my post today!

Today was a beautiful day for me. We went out with Ghaidaa family. They are great and also, it was the first time I've ever been into the Muslim mosque. Quite an extraordinary day to be in the mosque and meet muslims... hmm thinking I should be doing my h/w now right?

Stop and Wait

I did this wordy drawing with a reason. If you've been following my blog then you would know that I've had trouble drawing lately because I really don't know what to draw and I try and try and try... Sometimes it's not about doing and trying, it really is about waiting!

Trust me, I know. People may tell you like they tell me, if you want something then do it! Yes that's true and it is an important step, in the case of I want to learn better or I want to do something big. That's when you start making small achievement for the big goal ahead of you. But with art and finding inspiration, it's not very much easy. When I try to look for something inspiring, I usually can't. I feel stuck and it's meaningless. Today, thinking about why I can't find anything meaningful to draw, I finally see that waiting for that meaningful thing to come and inspire me, it is more meaningful than ever trying to find that inspiration. I'm not saying stop trying and doing, I'm saying sometimes you've gotta stop and wait, because inspiration comes unexpectedly.

KNOW WHEN TO STOP

One way of getting ideas is to doodle. I love doodling and I do it all the time, anywhere and everywhere at any time. It helps you relax not focusing on anything in particular and you might find what you need with just a pen and a piece of paper.

I haven't find a new idea yet and all I've been doing is doodle, like the one above.

Yes, keep trying (it's important) but don't try too hard to think about it.

Relax, have fun and enjoy creating something new!

La La Land

It's one day left till the week on HOLIDAY comes!!! which means YAY YAY YAY XDD

I really have been such a bitch to everyone... Lunch today, was horrible for the fact that I got so ****ing mad at someone and then there is a series of bunch of things going on a lot in my mind lately. Gosh I JUST WANT A BREAK FROM EVERYTHING AND I MEAN ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING :( I wan to spend nice time with myself or with some close friends if they have time or have tea may be (or not I'll we sip tea on my own) and I want to draw and paint something.

Plan for the holiday? I don't know...

I'll probably be watching CSI and stuff for the lost of two months without watching anything.

I'll paint for the time I've not been painting. I'll sip tea for the time my head goes crazy.

I'll slap myself for being so aggressive (this is for tmr if I actually do get so pissed)

I'll relax my mind for the time I've been so busy. I'll eat lots and lots more fruit for the time I eat Bot Chien.

I'll free myself from the world and just simply say "oh, **** the world". I'll watch lots of utube. I'll ask a friend to hang out with me for the weekend. I'll dive myself into reading a book.

I'll go swimming for many months not doing proper one.

I'll go eat my favourite PHO.

I'll go cry.

I'll talk to my best bud faraway in Adel.

I'll do absolutely anything to keep myself up happy! (well of course preparing for the term after that...)

..... la la la.....

I know this is so stupid but as I've been tired of being nice in front of people who would really annoy me and I try to be nice, I'm now being such a bitch to them... And I tried, I really tried to maintain my dark face inside of me but still I feel bad for what I did... as always not thinking before my action :( I'm so tired of hiding things and not telling. You know why! There are certain things you keep to yourself and have to always be careful not hurting anyone's feelings... Yup my chemical changes is changing... of course. May be that's just why I'm being such a bitch and so aggressive and depress lately.

I apologized!

I am such a selfish brat right?

I picked up the card this afternoon...

But didn't get to finish cutting...

and I am writing letters at the back of what I already have...

Haiz...

The costume arrived and something wrong happened...

But what can I really do???

It is my fault to be honest...

Haiz...

Today is the official day of Vitamin Punk break up...

I don't know what's really in my mind...

Though I know this is going to happen but...

It's kinda sad that it have to end right now...

Haiz...

For the wind I love blowing my mind away in the afternoon...

I hate my sensitive nose for picking up dirt and sneeze...

Haiz...

Listening to Michael Buble..

And I wonder to myself...

No seriously...

AM I REALLY OKAY?

It's not a very beautiful day today, is it?