Legoland Malaysia, 2012

One weekend last October, my friends and I took a weekend day trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia to visit the newest Legoland theme park. The theme park was designed for kids so if you go in there thinking it's the next Disneyland or Universal Studios, you will be disappointed. Lower your expectations and you might have an enjoyable time marvelling at the Lego structures and whooping it up along with the kids on the (rather tame) rides. I have to say though, the Malaysian theme park seems not quite ready, and needs more time to be developed fully. I visited Legoland San Diego in 2007 and I have excellent memories of that place. The rides had more variety, took into account older visitors, and the park design really immerses you into the world of Lego.

// Camera & Film
Instead of toting my SLR across the Causeway, which entails having to go up and down buses to pass through Singapore and Malaysia immigration, I decided to go with a lighter camera that day. For a change, I decided on the La Sardina instead of the LC-A+ and paired it with the new Lomography Sunset Strip 100 film. I have mixed feelings about this new film. While I enjoy the colour tint of the film, I am not wild about the grain. It reminds me of the Lomography XPRO 200. I will have to try it out in the SLR and see how I feel about it.

Back from Perth

It's been one day since I arrived back from Perth and already I miss the relentless heat, endless blue skies and laid-back atmosphere. That is not to say I hate coming back home, I went back to work on Friday, responding to emails that arrived in my absence, catching up on the office gossip and meeting new colleagues. This weekend, I am plunging directly into belated Chinese New Year celebrations! Today is the 7th day of the lunar calendar and is known as The Day of Man (人日), and is the common birthday of every person. So happy birthday to everybody! My family is coming over to my home to celebrate and tomorrow I am headed out to a friend's. Lots of food, noise, games and a little friendly gambling. Wish me luck on the last one!

Tagged! My Favourite Things 2012

The lovely Rhianne has tagged me to do My Favourite Things of 2012. Here they are!

Favourite Make-Up
Blush. My routine is simple and consists of foundation (or BB cream), blush and a little eyeliner. Of these three, I love using blushes the most. I love how different colours can instantly change up your look. Also, they make me look a little more alive and a little less sleepy. My favourite blush is the MAC Eversun Beauty Powder Blush.

Favourite Book
Unnaturally Green. I love musicals and this book provided a great insight into the world of musicals that no amount of behind the scenes youtube clips can provide.

Favourite Album
Wicked (Original Broadway Cast Recording). Defying graaaaavityyyyyy.

One Thing I'm Grateful For
My Health. After getting chicken pox and conjunctivitis almost back to back, I am very grateful to have stayed fairly healthy throughout the rest of the year. There was that little bout of insomnia and acidic stomach but I am none the worse for wear. I credit daily cups of orange juice for keeping me going.

Greatest Challenge
Balance. I am currently striving towards a better work-life balance. It's been a little tough-going but this is going to be long journey.

What I am looking forward to in 2013
Travelling! I am already on track for Perth (one more day!) and Bali. There's also talk and discussions of Taipei and Beijing!

Thank you for tagging me Rhianne. If you have yet to to be tagged, consider this your invitation to play along! :)

Bandung 2012, Part 2

The second day of the trip, our programme brought us around Bandung. Out into the villages and up into the hills. It was an illuminating trip, seeing how other people live in another part of the world.

Bandung 2012, Part 1

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Bandung, Indonesia as part of my work. The first day, we spent much of our time at the Fine Arts Department at the Bandung Institute of Technology. The art studios were such a fascinating place and the amount of random art all over the walls of the school really showcased the personalities of the students.