Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

Friday, February 29, 2008

Three "first" in Brisbane

First shopping spree. Went to DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) at 1 Airport Road. A 2-hour journey, one way . It was not planned, I just suddenly decide to go after lunch because of my need for some sport apparels. After a 3-hour shopping spree, I spent AUD130 on a pair of Fila running shoes, 2 shirts, 2 shorts for sports and another 2 for classes (yes, we can wear short pants to lectures here). How I wish I was earning AUD for the past few years ... sigh.
URL: http://www.dfo.com.au/

First citycat ride at night. What's a citycat? It is a "ferry taxi" and it operates along Brisbane river near the city. I have taken citycat numerous times, but this is the first after dark. It was nice, especially when the cold wind blows over my face while the boat sped through the river. The scenery was beautiful, and it was a bit romantic, except that I was not with anyone. Well, I guess I could imagine.
URL: http://www.translink.com.au/qt/TransLin.nsf/index/ferry_main

First time eating Nando's outside Malaysia. Well, nothing much to say, as it is the same. But there is another "first" - I met my other housemate, Scott, for the first time. He just came back from holiday in Europe. While having dinner, Leon (my other housemate), invited me to a cricket game between Australia and India next Tuesday, but I can't make it. Have classes. Perhaps next time.

Cricket, I have no idea what it is. Took a crash course using Wikipedia just moments ago, but I guess I need to watch the game to understand. Well, it is one of the most popular sports in Australia. So, I better learn up.
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Such a sweet, loving couple - Teena & Ranald

My first day at school

Hmm, how does it feel like going back to school after 6 years? One word:

SLEEPY

Anyway, it didn't really get off a good start at the very beginning. Firstly, I have to walk to school in the raining. It's not heavy rain though, just drizzle. Then, I got lost, trying to figure out where the lecture room is. The school is a bit like a maze, probably that is what makes it amazing.

Alright, found the lecture room. However, the air-con is not working. So, it was stuffy and hot thoughout the 3 hour session. I really pity the lecturer, he was sweating so heavily. But he got my respect too, he kept lecture going.

Today is a Finance class. We were lectured about present value (PV), future value (FV) and annuity. Does it ring a bell to you?

Anyway, soon after class, I head to the library and borrow the first book, on Statistics. That's for tomorrow's lecture. And as I walked back just now, the rain hasn't stop. Haih. However, I love this temperature, a bit cooling, but minus the rain.

And I am cooking spaghetti for tonight. Yummy, I hope. Want some?

Friday, February 22, 2008

Happy Birthday Sean!

Good day, mate!

Wow, it's been a month since I wrote anything. Well, I have been busy handing over stuffs at work, preparing for CNY and also getting ready for my departure. Limitation to internet connection also crippled my efforts.

I am now sitting on the floor near the Social Sciences and Humanities Library in St Lucia campus, University of Queensland. Not that I want to, but I got chased out due to a fire alarm. I am now waiting for the green light to enter the library. I am running out of battery!

I have been staying at a backpackers for 7 days now. This place is a bit dodgy but still considered clean. I usually goes out at about 9am and come back only at night, for shower and sleep. Now, a bit of update on events for the past week.

Day 1 - 16th Feb 08

Touched down at 9.30am. Reached backpackers in the city at 11.30am. No, the journey from airport to the city does not take 3 hours. You see, I booked this UQ reception service, which includes airport pick-up and transportation to accommodation. But not only me, there were other students too. Therefore, it takes time to drop everyone off. Along the way, I made my first 3 friends in Brisbane - Mark (Singapore), Karina (KL) and Geraldine (Johor).

Day 2 - 17th Feb 08

In the morning, I was walking towards the city. And on the way, I made my next four friends - KC (Ipoh), Raymond (China) and Terence & Wilson (HK).They were on their way to the city too. So, I tagged along and had my first lunch with them - Hungry Jacks (Burger King in the rest of the world).

I bought a prepaid SIM card. After conducted survey with 3 networks, I chosed 3. The others are Optus and Vodaphone. If you want my number, email me!

Later that evening, we helped Terence & Wilson to move to their new place in Sunnybanks. It is is Zone 3, a bit far for me. And it smells Indian in that house. And there are 2 pet dogs.

Day 3 to day 6 - 18th Feb 08 to 21st Feb 08

Orientation week, so has been busy attending all sort of briefings. Although some of them are boring, but I have to give credit to the university that everything was conducted very professionally. It makes me so welcomed here.

Also, during these days, I have been hunting for a place to stay for the semester. It is hardwork and exhausting because:
  • Rooms availability is limited. The university has a website where students post any vacant rooms for rent. That is my main reference. And it is like watching share market. Have to be quick to view the place as it can be taken up anytime.
  • Many other students are without accommodation. This leads to demand is higher than supply (for rooms near to university). This caused price increase. Some lessors even take advantage of this situation and accept bidding.
  • Dodgy queenslander house or modern townhouse. Most houses around is of the queesnlander type. Huge house, made of wood and you might hear possums running on the roof at night.
  • Room mates.

However, this is a great experience as I get to know the suburns and roads around St Lucia. Also good exercise, as I believe I walked more than 3 km everyday. And yes, I am slimmer now. Ha ha!

Day 7 - today

It's my 28th birthday. And I found a place to stay!