Having "Me" Time

The flags on Dataran Merdeka Today it is Hari Merdeka Day in Malaysia or otherwise known as Independence Day.  It was on this day (31 August) in 1957 that Malaysian Independence from British rule was declared at Merdeka Stadium.  In the days running up to the national holiday, Malaysian flags fluttered all over the country and was seen on all the major buildings in Kuala Lumpur.  Everywhere I looked, I saw the Malaysian flag.  Such was the strength of national unity and you could tell the Malaysians were proud of their country. As a tourist, a sight you cannot miss in Kuala Lumpur is the " Dataran Merdeka " or Independence Square.  It was on this square that the British Union Flag was first lowered and replaced with the Malaysian Flag fifty-three years ago at midnight.  A historical moment in the history of Malaysia and one that signified the diminishing British colonial rule in Asia. It's incredible to think that this happen...

Back from my very brief vacation in Kuala Lumpur I must admit, I miss it already.  Flying out Friday morning and back on Sunday evening, it was indeed a very short trip but one that I'm glad I finally made.  I had been meaning to go for several years now upon the invitation of a wonderful friend there, but for one reason or another, I just never made it.  Now that I have, I wish I had done it sooner.  Being able to reunite with a long time friend was wonderful and I'd like to "Thank You" her and her family for giving me such a wonderful time there.  They were a wonderful host. There is much to see and do in Kuala Lumpur than first meets the eye.  Only a two-hour flight from Bangkok and accessible on the low-cost AirAsia it is a wonderful little getaway place to go if you are in need of an escape from everyday life whilst at the same time discovering a new culture and way of living. Unlike Thailand which is predominantly Buddhist (90percent),...

There is something about traveling that always makes me feel light and happy.    I love booking tickets for a trip, no matter how short the trip.  I love the anticipation of going away.  It makes me "happy" and I find myself in a deightful mood.  Sometimes it's good to just get out of your normal routine and venture out to the unknown and discover a new place.   It excites your brain and gives it new life. Yesterday, I ventured out to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  I hopped on the low cost Air Asia which was pleasantly ontime (despite rumours that it's always on delay).  I had pre-ordered food and booked my seat in advance so I had absolutely a great flight.  No one sat next to me and I was towards the front of the plane.  The food was not bad for airplane quality and their Nasi Lemak (Malaysian dish of coconut rice with chilly, fish, and peanuts) was quite delicious and tasty. I felt happy and satisfied.  I don't need much ...

It's important to listen to our bodies and know when to take a break and when to ignore it and keep on exercising.  Although it's wonderful if you are managing to keep a fit schedule of exercise three times a week and an active lifestyle, don't over push yourself when you are ill.  If you come down with a flu or get ill, don't be so hard on yourself.  Give your body a break. Give it a break when it needs it.  Not when the "mind" needs it. I know myself that I get lazy and tend to want to stop running or going to the gym, so I make myself go by telling myself  "No excuses."   I make myself get up and go.   It works wonders.  I go to the gymn and I exercise.   I feel wonderful. Sometimes though, I tell myself  "No excuses" even when I need to stop and just let my body rest.   I catch myself not yet fully recovered yet I want to go so that I am still on schedule.  It becomes a little obsession...

Everytime I get ill, I am told that having "soup" is good for me.  A nice big pot of home-brewed soup simmers away on the stove filled with all the goodness of vegetables, some chicken, or minced pork.  The aroma of fresh soup fills the air and before I know it, a large bowl of delicious and healthy soup stands before me. I am given nothing but a variety of soups to eat during my "flu" and it doesn't matter for how long it lasts.  Three times a day for as long as it takes, I am to have "soup."  I do admit though that "soup is good for the soul."  The warm soup, warms up the ill body and leaves it feeling good.  Steam from the soup helps clear up our congested nose, chest and throat.  Of course you could do it with just plain steam, but it's so much more satisfying with delicious soup! Don't you think? Not only that, all the goodness of vegetables which are nutrient packed with a bit of carbohydrates help give us much needed ene...

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for your patience..:)  It's been almost a week since I last wrote and I must say I miss writing my blog!   Yes, catching the seasonal  flu is absolutely no fun with its body aches, fever, headaches, stuffy nose, and sore throat.    Even though it's not as bad as the 2009 flu, it was bad enough for me.  I'm happy to be over it. It's been raining almost daily in Bangkok and the humid weather makes it perfect ground for the flu-virus to spread.   Everyday on facebook, I spot a friend either having caught the flu or getting a flu shot.  So my advice to everyone? Take care of your hygiene! 1. Wash your hands regularly after going to the bathroom, before meals, or whenever you have the chance. Make sure you use soap and give it a thorough wash through.  (Not one of those fast running-by-the-tap washes.) 2.  Carry a small portable anti-bacterial hand gel that you can ...

There is something magical about fireworks that I just love.  During the Queen's Birthday celebrations last week, each night ended with a beautiful display of fireworks.   Fireworks which I could see from my balcony.  Each day's display differing slightly from the other.  I'd stop whatever I was doing and just look out the window with a grin on my face, like a child eyeing candy at a store. I don't know what it is, but it could be the sound of fireworks sizzling up into the air before a little "bang" sends streams of sparkling light down all around you that touches my inner child.  It brings me back to the time when I first really witnessed fireworks and felt how extraordinarily wonderful they were.  I remember, I was in Luxembourg during the Grand Duke's Birthday Celebrations. Every year it is celebrated on the 23rd June when the leaves are green and the air is fresh.  Summer is just around the corner and everyone is ...