My Most Fav Couz in Oz

  "Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. 

Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfil it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it. Life
is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is life, fight for it."

-- Mother Teresa

 

It was an overwhelming week filled with continuous activities. One day after another I find myself going to so many hospitals, trying to accomplish as much as I could before being office-bound for POA2. Little did I realise that time, even with my impeccable time management skills, was still short, considering I am going to be away up to the end of the month.

Every waking moment throughout the past week, I awaited impatiently until the day arrived that I would be on my way to be back to the place I truly enjoyed, and of course, meeting my two little niece and nephew. It has been too long! It was when I took out that old familiar black trenchcoat from the plastic that wrapped it, that I realised I haven't worn it for a good four years now. :) How time flies. 

So glad that I am taking 10 days off to Perth.  

-day 1-

Met LJ for the first time at home, such a tall man with warm gestures. I could see Uncle Pedro's resemblances in him. :) and there they were, two little "things", sitting on what seemed like a super big sofas for their sizes, ever sooooooooo cute and innocent my heart just softened into sponges of a million holes, oozing out all the love and endearments on the two little kiddos. It was my pleasure meeting both Maja and Milosh. :) such cuties. After a short nap, we went out for lunch at Royal Seafood Restaurant at Aberdeen street. Most of the shops were closed for the day, since it was a Sunday. Dim sum was niceeee! So besar the sizes of the dim sums. Yummeh!!! 

And I got to experience hand made Italian pizza by Chef LJ himself. The dough he made in the morning expanded to three times it's size by nightfall! Hahah funny that even small things like that amazes me. :) Reminds me of the Italian pizza I had in Italy - fresh crust from dough made this morning, only that this had way more ingredients like smoked ham and meat on it. Good pizza, good company. We laughed a lot tonight. It was nice. :) Stars were shining bright in the dark sky tonight. I would lay on the grass if there wasn't Oy and Ollie's poopoo around the garden. Pfft. 

-day 2-

Warm coffee latte, with one spoonful of sugar and fresh warm froth with milk, sitting by the chairs in the chilly winters outside the house, I felt a gush of warm sensation as I slurped down the home-made brew, appreciating every passing moment in this stress-free, calm and peaceful land. Sometimes I don't think I deserve so many beautiful things in my life, but damn, am I just so grateful. Life is really too short, and if today was my last day, I would feel contented knowing I that I have lead a pretty decent life, and I hoped I have made some people happy with my presence. :)

Went shopping at Suncity Mall! :)

Bought myself a Kardiashian Kollection wallet. It was so sexy in royal blue! So in love! Okay, my first and last splurging on myself. I hope. 

Had a random conversation with an Australian chap today while waiting for the food. Anita and I could tell that he wanted to know me a wee bit more (prob coz he was only fascinated with my Malaysian accent), but I was more afraid than curious. He was trying to speak to me in the limited BM that he knows, which was kinda funny. Unfortunately, I cut him off when I had the chance. Looking back, maybe I shouldn't have.

LJ was so nice to cook BBQ for the night after work. It was raining tonight, so another good cup of coffee yet again in the chilling rain while waiting for the food to be BBQ-ed was just what we needed. It was nice, to know LJ on a more personal level. We talked about everything - Food, culture, animals, his hometown, my heritage, the list goes on.  Nice, decent chap, really. :) Even feeling under the weather, he still took the effort to cook for us. Truly appreciated. :)

Milosh was a handful but Maja was endearing. 

-day 3-

I think I know why I had migraine today. Ah well. Was thinking if I had to have an attack on a monthly basis, might as well have it when I'm in the midst of having a super-relaxing holiday. Spent most of my time sleeping, though we went out for awhile for grocery shopping at the European store. :)

Tonight, it was my turn to cook. Omggg la I haven't cooked  in the longest time really, since I have daddy to love and care for me very much. :) but it was good. I didn't disappoint. :) Hainanese chicken chop with stir-fried vegetables, coupled with chicken broth for a cold winter's night.

Because I slept so much during the day, I had so much of time at night, so I took a cup of hot milo, brought it out in the cold, and slowly slurped it bit by bit. Call me super silly but I just love it when I could see myself breathing out mists of cold air. Probably coz I know it only happens in a Western country, so that's just one if my silly moments. There were sprinkles of rain throughout the night. For one moment I thought of the man who would happily share this cup of milo with me and laugh at my silliness, and appreciate this cold air the way I would. 

Wore socks around the house for a few days now, should have brought my thick socks from Sheffield. Damn.. Bathing was freaking cold! (I like) *shiver shiver*

-day 4-

The days get colder as it progressed. I am growing fonder and fonder over Maya, and I know she is growing fonder and fonder of me too. At one point of my life, I thought kids weren't my cup of tea, and  I thought that bringing children into this torn and wretched world is not the right thing to do, but when I carry her, and when I look at her in the mirror with her arms around mine, and when she willingly lays her head upon my chest and smiles so innocently, it's so easy to melt inside. A beautiful moment of randomness. I guess the maternal side of me came out, and I thought, I would like to be a mother some day. =) think I'll make a pretty awesome mom. I'm caring when I choose to be. Guess that's already one half of motherhood ticked, right??? :P

We went to run some errands, and I dropped a post at Australian postbox. Anita brought me around the neighbourhood to see the land upon which her new house will be built on, and I could imagine the house that would be on it. It would be bigger than the one I am living on now.

Yes, Perth can be a laid-back place, boring for some, but perfect for a rather boring person like myself. In fact, a nice place to bring up a family and lead a pretty decent, happy life. You don't need to be so rich to lead a comfortable life, that's the beauty of living in a first world, socialism-based country.

I wonder, should I drop all that I have in Malaysia and migrate here?

*sigh*

I am not that brave.

Went to Cockburn Central and did some shopping!!! =) Bought gifts for the lovely family. Saw a pretty pair of boots! But there was no use of it once I returned to Malaysia. I bought one once, when I was in Sheffield. Never wore it a single day in Malaysia until it withered over time. And I threw it away four years later. 

Damn weather. 

-day 5-

The sun is out today! Ahhhh.. I slept until late, simply because  I caaaaannnnn hahahaha.. Wanted to leverage on the beautiful and sunny sun and take a brisk walk to the nearest cafe and take a sip of a hot coffee, but Anita, being the wonderful cousin that she is insisted on driving me despite me persistently convincing her that it is okay. In the end, she won, and so all four of us took the tour to Gelare!!! We had waffles, I had cafe lattee while she had vanilla chai tea. The tea was waaaayyyy to sweet for my liking I swear I had sugar rush! =)

We then went to the park for a stroll while Milosh plays at the playground. Gosh, the wind outside today, coupled with the sun, left a good imprint and ignited fond memories of the days of Sheffield. It was exactly like Sheffield, I swear. I thought I would never feel this sense of calmness, soothe and serenity ever again. I amazes me, how simple things can mean so bring so much beauty.  I'm truly contented. =)

Anita cooked Jerk Pork for dinner. Jamaican. Yummmeh.. =) And we had some rum and brandy to accompany us on this cold night. Not too cold, unlike last night.

-day 6-

Beautiful, beautiful day! We went out to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant nearby, before Anita dropped me to Cockburn Central to head to the city. The winds started gushing stronger just in the nick of time after I boarded the train. When I arrived at Cockburn Underground and exited to Murray's Street, it felt like I was back at Sheffield's Moore's Street. It was getting so cold, that even my thick woolen piece didn't suffice. Went into the malls to chill out for a bit, before changing into "tourist' mode and coupled with my big ol' fat tourist map, I made my way on foot to cover the city on my own. Went to the old sourvenir shop to get some souvenirs for the fam and friends. Didn't buy as much of things as I thought I would. 

Walked a bit more to some more shops. Went to a sex shop *awkward*. Later on, I adjourned to the Perth Town Hall. Was so happy to see the fusion of foods and drinks served! There were even trucks that served burger that had a place there, and that made me feel so 'American' for a moment. Haha. Then walking deeper into the building, there was an exhibition on Aboriginal Arts, which had some really fancy local arts being displayed.

Then I walked a bit further, and just on the other side, I saw the grand St Paul's Cathedral. =)

Of course, went to it, made a prayer, and a donation, and had a 'conversation' with God in all gratefulness and all so yeah.. =)

Opposite is the park.

There were a few buildings around too. King's Street bore the most expensive fashion labels like LV, Chanel, Prada and all. 

Night was dawning, so I made my way to meet Shakeena.

Had a good night catching up with her. Made some new friends too! A few Asians, a few Caucasians. Caucasians can be a pretty friendly bunch, did u know that? They become even friendlier after a few pints of beer. :) Well, so does everyone, right? 

=)

Really, really AWESOME weather. Sooooo loved every moment of it. =)

-day 7-

It's a Saturday! Lazy lazy Saturday. =) I literally dragged myself out of bed because it was soooo comfortable just bumming around in laziness. LJ was complaining that I keep sleeping until it was so late and I was like "Dude, I'm on a holiday man. Bite me! =)"

But well, we dragged ourselves out to Suncity Mall and went strolling around. Didn't buy much today too. Ohh, bought a blueberry muffin, with high hopes that it would be similar, if not better than the ones I had in Sheff. To my utter disappointment, it didn't even come close! Damn it, such sad predicament! It had waaaaay too much of bicarbonate soda in it, maybe half a teaspoon less would have been perfect. Damn. 

When we came home, we did some "pakai-pakai cantik" with some nice dresses that Anita gave to me. She's such a darling. =) Now I have some extra nice dresses to bring home to!! Now I'll just have to look for dates to go out with so that I can wear those nice dresses. Haha. Awesome. =)

Jeanette came over, Anita's good friend. =) OMGGGGG la I'm so amazed with how impeccable her Australian accent was. It was so thick and infused with the locality of a well-versed Australian accent that it made me so jealous, I wished I lived here and spoke like her. She was a really nice person, ever so friendly and always curious to know more, whether it is about me or anything else. 

I guess Australians here are just very nice people in nature simply because life is so carefree here that they actually take the time to know their neighbors and friends well. :) or maybe it's just Perth. :) but I'm definitely not complaining. 

It was a good night. =) more whisky, Rum and wine. She left at 1 in the morning.

-day 8-

What kind of life do I want to have? I'm dreading the thought of going home, where it have to go back go work, be hot in the sun and sweat (and bad pollution), be engrossed with the unfavorable political climate that haunts the country, and the list goes on. I'm comfortable here, the weather is good, the coffee is good, everything is better here. Well, I guess the grass is always Greener in one side. Then again, everything is seen in a different perspective now as a tourist. Maybe my perceptions would change if I came here as a PR with much hopes and dreams. But I finally understand now, why they says that our kids would have less of a future in this country. Yes, it is different here, but the grounds of competition is fairer. At least we would have a better fighting chance, being in a foreign land like Australia. Sigh.. But talk is cheap, I know. 

We went to eat dim sum in the afternoon, in this place called.. I think it was Delicious Barbeque House or something. Met Uncle Pero in the evening as he returned from his out station business-trip, and he called me Jeanny. Haha. He has aged a lot with time, but still as friendly as ever. The house still looks pretty, white with wooden embellishments and oak furniture, I reckon. LJ cooked a sumptuous meal for dinner. He was spending a lot of time on it I was wondering what was it that took so long to cook. No wonder it took so long to make, coz it was so yummy! It was made out of beans and smoked pork belly. Of course, on the sides were jerked chili, and some salads made out of lettuce that was plucked from the garden. I mean, really, people actually grow stuffs to eat at their backyards! The planted chillies too. :) The last time I grew something, it was hydroponic, and that also daddy didn't eat anything I grew. In the end we just threw everything away. Funny how different nations mindsets work. But back to the meal, it was really really delicious! ,LJ says the thick broth is usually made during winter, to keep us warm from the cold. In fact, they smoked the pork belly themselves! How cool is that??? I think it's awesome to marry a white guy. It seems like they just know how to do everything, so 'hands-on', you know???? 

Watched Australia's X Factor. 

Was a tiring day, but nice nonetheless. 

-day 9-

Today, most of the time was spent packing, but we went to Woolworths to buy some last min souvenirs for everyone at home. :)

Guess what LJ and Anita got me? A freaking coffee machine! And not just an ordinary coffee machine, a DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine!!! Omggggg la I was overwhelmed with joyyyyyyy!!!!! You know how expensive this is in Malaysia??? The manual one is RM 429 while the auto one is RM 880. Guess which one I got?? The auto version, of course!!!! It was their gift to the family. I felt so 'pai seh' accepting it, but they insisted. Sigh.. I'm surrounded by super nice people. And I'm so grateful.

I remember wanting to buy one when a chirpy promoter promoted this to me last year. I told myself that if I had extra money, then I'd splurge on for myself, but then when the time came I decided that there was a better use of my money to park it elsewhere than this. Like they say, a coffee machine is a 'want' than a 'need'. But I guess the good Lord works in mysterious ways, and he must have heard my thoughts, and graciously made it come true through Anita and LJ. God Bless Them both for being such lovely people. 

I was overjoyed, really. My own coffee machine. Gosh. :) especially when I'm such a coffee lover. Thank You Lord..! :)

-day 10-

This marks the end of my journey here, I made my way to the airport with a cab as I didn't want to disturb anyone. My flight was way too early. The cab fee was AS 72! Whoops, that's 200 bucks just for transportation. Elks. 

I had a friendly driver, he was from India, with a really thick Indian accent. We had a decent conversation, but in fact I wasn't concentrating much as I was trying to remember everything that I saw  around the freeway and all that with hopes that I would return here again. Also, the heavy feeling of leaving such a humble family and the thought of saying goodbye to Maja earlier was heart wrenching. She wouldn't remember the times we spent together as she is too young to have a valid, tangible memory, but rest assured that I will always have a soft spot for her. I would for Milosh too, if he wasn't too difficult. But he is indeed a very cute guy, handsome too. Just that he can get a bit too demanding of any form of attention. 

Perth was lovely.

I really enjoyed my stay.

Why I'm penning this down, all these bits and pieces of memories, is because I didn't do that when I was in UK, and I know that old memories become grey as I paint newer ones in time. Which is why this note, this diary, would be an intangible keepsake, where memories would always remain fresh as I walk backwards to memory lane in time. 

No pictures, just words.

" Life can only be understood by looking backward,

but it must be lived by looking forward".

 :)

Thank you, Australia. 

Lotsa love.