Saturday, December 26, 2009

Postcard from afar

A better photograph from Venice Beach, California.
-Kenough

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Frivolous conjectures of why I haven't updated the blog in a long time

It has been quite some time since my last entry, way too long indeed. I apologize for the protracted hiatus. I've been wondering why I didn't update the blog, and I think I came up with some reasons. Individually, they are not sufficient reasons, but taken together, I think they account for my omission to update the blog in the longest time.

Firstly, I have been really busy with school work. This has been the most trying semester for me in terms of workload, with an unprecedented avalanche of 5 projects and 4 research papers. My semester also included the Conflicts of Laws module which is the most mentally challenging module that I've been confronted with thus far. But somehow, through divine intervention or otherwise or a combination of both, I did well, better than expected actually. If anything, I've one more thing to be thankful for at christmas service on fri. Perhaps I may even encounter God this christmas. This has by far been the longest break I've taken from church, and if absence makes the heart grow stronger, and if God exists and He has a heart, then perhaps he will reveal Himself to me this christmas. Haha.


Secondly, some turmoil in my personal life has obstructed my motivations to talk cock on the blog. I was feeling troubled, disappointed, irritated, and frustrated for a good one month. It was a very unsettling experience for me, but nevertheless a very interesting one. I was oftentimes distracted, sleep and appetite were both affected to some extent at times. I discovered aspects of my emotional side that I never thought existed, and I realized that in certain respects, I am not as much a master of myself as I want to be. I need to change that. It was a staggering and humbling experience that I want to remember and learn from.

Thirdly, there are four reasons why I update the blog. Firstly, I've something havoc to post. Secondly, I've an announcement to make. Thirdly, I'm updating on significant event(s) in my life. Fourthly, just to say stuff that I feel like sharing with all of you on the blog, some thoughts that are just nice to be written with some thought. Perhaps because of the first two reasons why I haven't updated the blog, the four reasons to update the blog just never really arose.

In conclusion, 2009 has been a hell of a ride, and I look forward to christmas, the christmas party at Amigo Luke's, new year's eve, havocking the rest of the year, and 2010, which I guarantee will be an ultra time blast. Martini and Ducati Liang, all the best with graduation and job-hunting. Kendaman, all the best with Part B; I believe it won't belong before you earn the moniker 'King of Sub Courts'. As for Luqman and myself, the rollercoaster of school and holidays is gonna keep on a rollin, and we're gonna continue to take in the sights and the rush of adrenalin. All the best for the new year, Amigos, and may 2010 bring you abundant happiness and satisfaction.

Friday, December 04, 2009

My China Trip by Kendamainmanfromdamainland

After enduring a wearisome week of back to back exams, I jetted off to China for a reprieve from all that academic madness. Owing to my laziness and intolerance of the inclement weather, I hardly ventured from Nanjing, where the bulk of my trip was spent. The only anomalies were trips to Shanghai and Suzhou. This holiday, however, was unlike most of my previous travels which were exploration oriented. Instead, Gaiatri and I indulged in la dolce vita which was made possible with the luxury of time as well as affordable commodities.

I, in my opinion, think that a significant part of living the sweet life is being a couch potato. Having missed every possible drama series in the past 24 years of my life, I watched season 1 of The O.C . and found it rather enjoyable. It was turbocharged with drama which revealed certain truths on the human condition and showcased lavish lifestyles we could only vicariously experience. Once The O.C ended, we went on to watch various havoc comedies which aided the regular sustenance of our laughter quota. Looking back, I find it kind of sad not being able to take watching shows at a stretch for granted in light of my impending legal career which lurks around the corner.

Next, our stellar experience thus far was supplemented with much delectable food. Beginning with the Chinese cuisine, we devoured numerous portions of peking duck, xiao long bao, tang bao (jumbo xiao long bao infused with extra broth), beef noodles and fried rice without any weight/health related inhibitions. Drinks wise, both of us chilled at the Shanghai Tang Bar on a random evening. We also had traditionally served Chinese Tea in an old skool house in Suzhou that doubled up as an art gallery.

We took no prisoners as our culinary quest extended to the European frontiers. These cravings were mainly satiated at Shanghai, a metropolitan city pervaded with western culture and starbucks cafes strewn all over. Notably, we had splendid prime rib, wagyu steak with truffle fries, heavily truffled lobster and pigeon with ravioli, foie gras as well as an exceptional Sunday brunch. On a random note, I was reminded that having a long breakfast would soon become a luxury once worklife begins.

Not to forget, I had my virgin scoop of ice cream at Coldstone Creamery. Unlike your run of the mill ice cream parlour, Coldstones unique style encompasses mashing toppings such as kit kat and brownies into the slightly gooey ice cream on a stone cold surface. In retrospect, I find it rather peculiar to have learnt of this American based franchise in China despite having traveled to USA before.

Oh yeah.. as a testament to the vast array of cuisines in China, we whacked butter chicken, chiken tika, naan etc in a spontaneous and unexpected visit to an indian restaurant in Nanjing.

Anyway, I must say taht I really enjoyed myself in China with Gaiatri. To top it off I downed 5 flutes of champagne filled to the brim and saw a shooting star from my window on the flight home to Singapore.
-kendamainmanfromdamainland