Mini Travel Log: Munich, Germany

Munich is a very old city dating back to as early as year 1158. With a legacy of over 800 years old, this city is full of histories as with its' many well preserved medieval buildings. Parts of the city were destroyed by world war bombings but Munich rose from the ashes and was rebuilt to its former glory. I was really intrigued by the wonderful architectures here. The city is so clean and I was virtually breathing fresh air from the Alps. I arrived on the weekend and boy this city is alive with carnivals and concerts. I enjoyed open air classical orchestra right up to the latest pop music from so many different venues. I was in for a surprise initially when I came across a colorful carnival and parade at Marienplatz. I thought it was cool to see so many people dressing up in fancy clothes. Hey, so they do have cosplay here too like the ones in Harajuku Japan. To my horror, I found out I'm right smack in the middle of a Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Holy cow, on closer inspection, I realized all those dressed up ladies were actually men! And so the parade started with the gay version of PopeMobile leading the charade; throwing out condoms and gay clubs leaflets. Oh gawd my eyes!!! Ughhh!!!

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Mini Travel Log: Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Finally, my childhood dream to visit the real Disney castle had come true. This castle is the Neuschwanstein Castle which is about 1-2 hour drive from Munich and home to the late King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Germany. Neuschwanstein is translated into New Swan Castle in English and this magnificent castle is perched on a peak overlooking beautiful Bavarian landscape with surrounding lakes which one of it is called Swan Lake. To the south of the castle is the towering Alps forming the border between Germany and Austria. Disney copied this castle all over the world. This castle is the real deal, not those copycats. Thank you SQ for realizing my dream.

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Brand New Day

No matter how ferocious the storm is, the sky will always clear up for a brand new day. A wonderful phenomena of this world that replicates itself in life as well.

Singapore Street/Night Photography, V3

Photography is the best thing to happen in my life. During my darkest and saddest moment, it was my best friend. Through it, I was able to see beautiful things the world has to offer. And I'm gonna enjoy every minute of it. The best thing is, it can be enjoyed alone, or shared with those who also appreciate the beauty of it.

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Related links:
Singapore Street/Night Photography, V2
Singapore Street/Night Photography, V1

Perak Cave, Ipoh

These pictures were taken from Perak Cave in Ipoh. I really wish this world is as calm and tranquil as depicted in the pictures; unfortunately not because we humans are just too selfish, born to destroy each other, even the mother earth. Sigh...nothing much to say. I'm a broken man. Time to pick up the pieces, again.

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St. Michael's Institution, My Alma Mater

Introducing St. Michael's, my beloved school where I studied since young. It is the most beautiful school in Ipoh, if not the whole of Malaysia. The building itself is now designated a heritage site in Malaysia. Not only having a beautiful appearance, the school is equally strong on the inside; producing many bright students and future leaders.

I had the opportunity to visit my school again after graduated from there 10 years ago. The school is as magnificent as it was 87 years ago; surviving the world wars, test of times and mother nature. It's just that the interior is really in need of restoration and uplift. It has changed from bad to worse compared to the last time I studied there. Cracked walls are plastered shoddily and unpainted while the doors seem like they could fall anytime.

Histories and more info about the school can be read here.



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The Flying Dream Achieved

Exactly 4 years since I joined the airlines, I have finally achieved what I aimed for; to work in an office with the best view in the world. It was really a long and winding road compounded with the unfortunate economic downturn. At times, it was so uncertain that I felt like being trapped in an eternal tunnel of darkness. I came back from my jet training 22 months ago right at the start of the downturn. Had to stay on the ground for a year before I finally start commercial flying as Second Officer. During that year, I had worries everyday not to be retrenched as the situation gets worse. I'm glad the company held out the storm and kept me in the job.

Learning to fly was tough, but learning to fly commercial planes with few hundreds of passengers was even tougher. My Second Officer days were by no means as easy as auto-pilot. Basically a Second Officer is a pilot flying under probation. We were scrutinized down to every last bit of details in terms of knowledge, operation skills and flying finesse. After all, flying with so many lives is a huge responsibility and safety is the top priority. Therefore, the authorities and company made sure only the competent ones are granted the license; not just any button operators. Along the way, some frown and some tried to humiliate newcomers like us. Those are really not so nice people. But I must say I also met many great people and crew members that made my stay-over so enjoyable. I really enjoy traveling to new places with great people as there is never short of joy and laughter.

All my stressful and sleepless nights are now behind me. The last peak was sure a hell of a tough climb. The highest and most treacherous in my entire life. But with a little push from the instructors, my coursemates and my loved ones, I managed to conquer it and checked out as First Officer. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all those who were behind me through the thick and thin. Happy 4th anniversary to Course 121; a bunch of nobody that went through all odds together to become somebody that everyone envies now. To all my friends, happy flying. Hope to see you someday in the air.









Related links:
Life of a Cadet Pilot, Ultimate Jet Flying
Life of a Cadet Pilot, The Jandakot Story
Life of a Cadet Pilot, Part 1

Mini Travel Log: Dubai, UAE (3)

Dubai loves me, unfortunately not the money. I went back to Dubai for the 3rd time in the space of 5 months. Initial plan was to visit the desert safari as I thought I've seen enough of the city. On second thought, I decided to hop onto sight-seeing bus instead. I discovered many more new places and interesting attractions. Burj Dubai, now known as Burj Khalifa is open to the public now. However at the price of 400 Dhs (USD 110) to go up to the tallest building is not really worth it. Atlantis Hotel at Palm Jumeirah is worth to check out. It has its own theme parks, water world and an interesting underwater aquarium resembling the lost world of the Atlantis. The old city district of Dubai is a gem by itself. You can find traditional markets selling crafts at bargain prices here. The stone age port at Dubai Creek where traditional means of loading/unloading of goods are located is not to be missed. Oh did I mention snow ski? Yup, you heard me right. You can actually snow ski in the middle of desert! Dubai has the best indoor snow ski park with the best snow; as been told by my friends who had experienced it.

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Dubai, UAE (2)
Related link: Mini Travel Log: Dubai, UAE (1)