I should update my blog occasionally. Just that haven't been able to go online for the past 2 months, which was indeed, a pain in my butt. Guess I'll start in summary about my second half of summer and the start of being in Blackpool.
Summer
Honestly, I enjoyed it. I felt like a nomad with no home, but I really enjoyed it. ^^ Went travelling quite a bit actually. Went to stay with Teng for 2 weeks? It was actually quite fast come to think of it. Maybe it was just 10 days. Even when I kept thinking about my results, I still enjoyed myself. Got to meet up with Hui Yee too. Went to Bath, Bristol and some other place which i honestly, Cannot remember the name of.......-_-". Anyway, it was really relaxing and got to meet lots of nice and kind people in Cardiff. I had a lovely time. But I didn't get my results until I got back to Liverpool because of some technical problem. I cried. Obviously since everyone knew they passed and I was just wondering if I failed because I didn't get my results. But I PASSED!!! ^^ And then made my way to Blackpool to start 4th year.
4th year
A great start to the day, I was sick. hahahha......During induction, left after the first half of induction because my head was pounding and I was seriously tired and cold. Started getting rashed on my joints too. Which was just weird. But got better after that. Obviously had a few problems trying to get use to the people around us. Guess I'm just not use to the way people interact here. Or I'm just to scared/shy to interact with people that I rarely see. aaaaaaaiiiiiiiii............I can be such a coward at times.
Things that pissed me off
1. Internet was horrifying
2. I had trouble getting use to the packed schedule
3. Trouble trying to make myself understood
4. The toughness of speaking out
5. Occasionally feel like crying when I'm totally ignored. (This only happened when I was pushed to the edge, happened too often)
6. My absolute lack of knowledge and courage.
Solutions
1. Got internet that we had to pay for
2. Biological clock has changed at last. -_-"
3. Still having trouble here.....Socially, I feel really awkward. WAT can you talk to the locals here about?? Honestly, I have been speaking so my crap, I feel like an idiot. But I guess nothing much can be done especially when there are those that don't want to know about your culture. So, I just get tired out
4. aaaii.....Obvioulsy forced myself to. Even though I felt scared. Fear is just a feeling anyway.
5. I just listen and let myself be ignored. So what right? I mean, being ignored is fine. But just once, I felt a surge of happiness when I wasn't ignored. ^^ Stupid really.
6. Still working on that. Really trying hard. hahahah....
Well, I would say that 4th year is really busy. And I know I should ENJOY my social life, but how do you enjoy something which makes you feel uncomfortable, left out and awkward? I just can't. I'll rather avoid such a situation. I admit that I wanted to go hang out with people from the same batch and talk to them, but its so hard!! They have their own groups and topics and I really lack courage. Plus, outings in clubs just pisses me off. They won't even let me in without my passport. Too tiring. I dunno sometimes whether to take it as an insult or praise. (Young looking) -_-". Lots of problems and thoughts. But in the end, I'll just avoid situations that make me feel frustrated. (Like being a wallpaper or lamp post).
So, thats my 4th year so far. Been on psych, palliative and paeds. Loved all the rotations. Just wish the holidays would come slightly faster. ^^ Might be going into depression. hahahha....
Miss everyone back at home!! Oh, and I had a haircut! Just wanted to chop off my hair. ^^
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
OSCE done...
What can I say....Just finished OSCE about a few days ago........I came out of the exam feeling 'nothing'. Absolutely nothing...I'm not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing honestly. What was I actually suppose to feel? I want to be happy and positive again, but somehow, I'm not very sure if that is the kind of feeling that I should be having. I really pray to God to let me pass my OSCE. I honestly want to continue studying medicine. I find it hard to imagine myself doing anything else. Even if I probably don't look anything like a doctor right now. Or seem like a medical student. But there isn't a reason why I would not pass. I really should just pass the exam. Come to think of it. Anyway, I'll chilling now and waiting for my results. Which comes out in 10 days or rather 6 days time. hahahah.....I'm starting to feel the fear. A bit. I guess I can't do anything about it after all.
In Cardiff now ^^. Staying with Hui Teng. hahahaha.........I'm definitely enjoying myself. Although, I should go out and tour more. But you know how lazy and piggish I am right? Just hope that I'll actually get off my fat bum and go travelling to the places that I should actually go. Well, I'll post up the pictures when I'm done touring. OH! I burnt myself on the wok while cooking. -_-". It is due to the fact that I haven't cooked for such a long long time. =P. Anyway, can't wait to go Blackpool!! ^^ Hopefully I can actually go.
In Cardiff now ^^. Staying with Hui Teng. hahahaha.........I'm definitely enjoying myself. Although, I should go out and tour more. But you know how lazy and piggish I am right? Just hope that I'll actually get off my fat bum and go travelling to the places that I should actually go. Well, I'll post up the pictures when I'm done touring. OH! I burnt myself on the wok while cooking. -_-". It is due to the fact that I haven't cooked for such a long long time. =P. Anyway, can't wait to go Blackpool!! ^^ Hopefully I can actually go.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
OSCE Practices...
I can't believe I'm still alive. We have been practicing OSCE quite a lot lately. Honestly, I'm quite sick of it. I know I have to do the resit and everything, but seriously, I want to just get it over and done with already!!! I kind of have to question my ability to be patience at times. PLUS the fact that I have probably a huge ego. I guess I don't really mind being corrected, just that its tiring having to keep trying to be perfect in examinations and communication skills. AND comm skills!! OMG, I'm going to be sick of being 'empathic' by the end of the resit. Its not hard honestly, just that practicing to be empathic is to me pathetic. For me anyway. But I still practice it because I want to pass.
Don't give me that, 'but you have to be empathic to patients' nonsense. I know we can all be empathic without practice, just that a certain amount is required to be shown to the examiners to make sure we can pass. Its not hard to feel sorry for patients honestly if they are actually real patients. The main point of OSCE is your imagination I think. Otherwise it is really hard to deal with simulated patients.
ANYWAY, I'm just so sick of practicing, counting down now 6 more days to go!! Can't wait! Wonder what will be my result this time? *I seriously hope its a pass!*
Don't give me that, 'but you have to be empathic to patients' nonsense. I know we can all be empathic without practice, just that a certain amount is required to be shown to the examiners to make sure we can pass. Its not hard to feel sorry for patients honestly if they are actually real patients. The main point of OSCE is your imagination I think. Otherwise it is really hard to deal with simulated patients.
ANYWAY, I'm just so sick of practicing, counting down now 6 more days to go!! Can't wait! Wonder what will be my result this time? *I seriously hope its a pass!*
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Farewells again..
aaaiiiiiiii.......Well, Franziska, my housemate left to go home yesteraday. It was just horrible since I thought I might not be able to see again in the future. I mean, I will meet her again in October, but I'm definitely going to miss our times in the kitchen and dinner times. We didn't hang out much but it was still fun!! The day she left, it rained. @_@. I seirously hope we'll keep in touch! I honestly hate farewells. And being me, I remember people and will try hard to keep in touch, but just have this tendency to forget at times. *Its an old lady thing or just me*. So, I really hope that those of you who haven't heard from me, it doesn't mean I don't remember you, it just means I just haven't gotten to it yet. Sorry......
Anyway, nothing much happened. I defrosted the fridge and cleaned out the cupboard. Now its so clean!! Well, clean for me anyway. Oh........and, I kind of lost a little bit of weight...(I'lll HAPPY!!). But might be water weight. Oh well. Will keep up my diet and try and exercise. Did exercise today.. Whole body aches now. hahahaha.....I'm such a weakling. Anyway, I miss Franziska!!
Anyway, nothing much happened. I defrosted the fridge and cleaned out the cupboard. Now its so clean!! Well, clean for me anyway. Oh........and, I kind of lost a little bit of weight...(I'lll HAPPY!!). But might be water weight. Oh well. Will keep up my diet and try and exercise. Did exercise today.. Whole body aches now. hahahaha.....I'm such a weakling. Anyway, I miss Franziska!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
My Japanese Name
Yup, you can just imagine the type of things I do when I have nothing to do. Thought I'll just share my Japanese name and meaning since I'm so free now a days. ^^. hahaha.....Just for fun!
My authentic japanese name is 小栗 Oguri (little chestnut) 久美子 Kumiko (eternal beautiful child).
Take your real japanese name generator! today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Isle of Man...(IOM)
Yup yup!! Here it is. My 5 weeks at the Isle of Man and what I did there. I think its going to be one long post......But the pictures are easier to see on a slide show. (I have to seriously thank Wen for that. Got the idea from her blog). The rest of the photos might be on facebook. Might ^^ So, I'll go by the places I visit.....First week.
Castletown
The first place that I went to. By taking the bus of course. I wanted to take the steam railway, but thought I'll leave it for another day. There, I visit Castle Rushen. As you can see from the pictures below. It used to be a place of governing and also a prison for those who were convicted. I can't really remember the history, but I know the ruler used to stay there a long long long time ago. I'll probably get the name wrong as well. Sorry for the bad memory of mine. But it was a lovely place to visit, although the stairways was really narrow and I probably almost hit my head. Didn't expect the ceiling to be so low. But I always get this kind of chilled feeling when I walk around preserved castles and previous prisons. Its almost as if I can feel that people were suffering there....Well, I was just freaking myself out. Btw, the peacock, was actually cooked. They cooked the peacock and then redecorated it. It used to be a delicacy. Isn't that amazing??!
Then after that, I went to the Old Grammar School. Just nearby. Its not a school anymore -_-". Just for us to look around. Then I waited to go into the House of Keys. Its the house of governors that govern the Isle of Man. But they moved to Douglas (The main town I think) later on. So, we had a demonstration of changes in the years and got to watch as they discussed legislations. It was a really interesting display actually. hahahah.... After that, I went onto the Nautical Museum. It used to be the house of a famous smuggler, whose name I cannot seem to remember at the moment. -_-". Sorry people, maybe you can look it up online. Anyway, the displays were just amazing. But I didn't stay long....
Because, it just so happened that the day I visited Castletown, it was the annual Snake/tinbath race. YUP! A Tin Bath race. hahahaha...It was freaking funny to watch people paddling in tinbaths....Wonder if you can see it in the photos. Anyway, they also had a race in a long kind of connected tube. (Basically, like a snake) and they raced in it. I kind of liked the bathtub decorated as a cow. It was so cute!!. Plus, I enjoyed the ice-cream there..Manx ice-cream...It was yummy!! So soft and not too cold. Seem like a right temperature. (But I felt kind of weird since the lil kids weren't eating ice-cream and I was eating one with a backpack...Makes me question my own age at times -_-")
Port Erin
The following day....I think, I decided I'll take a trip to Port Erin. To just visit Cregneash Folk Village. It was quite interesting to have a look at the culture there and stuff. Although I absolutely do not understand their Manx language. They used to be farmers and fishermen. Anyway, before visiting the place, I walked along the coast and ate a bap sandwich. AND yes another icecream...but this time it was not the usualy Manx cream, but like normal but delicious ice-cream. Then I just sat at the seaside and took pictures....SUPER NICE SCENERY~~~
After, I decided to walk to Cregneash...OMG!! That was the biggest mistake and craziest thing I ever did...The road there was uphill and steep!!! I was practically bending over to walk up. But my motivation was the scenery (SUPER SUPER BEAUTIFUL!!!). Although I almost wanted to walk back down because there were no signs telling me I was going the right way. Luckily someone was there in the quiet hill and told me I was going the right way..I should have freaked out actually. But I didn't. And I reached safely.
And once there, I was talking to the nice receptionist there and he was the nice man who offered me a lift back. But I left early. And the place was so cute!! The goats and lambs were adorable, but they wouldn't let me pet them. aaaaaaiiiiiiii..They didn't want to come near me! WHY? I'm not scary looking. I know I'm not!. Anyway, on the way back, the nice elderly couple gave me a lift back, so, I'm a happy happy person. =P
Tynwald 2009
This is a annual Manx National Day held on the 5th of July. But this year it was on the 6th. AND I got the chance to witness it *Was SUPER excited!!*. I got to see the procession and also the ceremony. This is the time that the parliament reads out the Acts that has been passed by the parliament and also allow citizens to send it petitions and appeals. It was an interesting event!! Plus, I got to see a fighter plane fly pass when the Governor arrived....Anyway, there were stalls and games behind the grandstand.....And all the members of parliament sit at the Tynwald Hill. The hill with the big white tent. ^^. It was at St.Johns. I truly enjoyed it. Also, there was folk dancing too!!
Ramsey
So, during the week of National day, they had various events, which I didn't attend. hahaha.....I went to the hospital obviously....But I went to Ramsey. They were had a street festival there. So, there were live bands and people dancing and belly dancers too!!.....Although, truthfully, people back home are a lot more flexible....But it was pretty good!. Anyway the journey to Ramsey and back, for me was amazing. I got to see really lovely sceneries. I didn't do much at Ramsey and didn't get to see the fireworks.....aaaiii....Bus timings. I got to listen to songs and sit around and even had a pint of beer. *I seriously HATE the taste of beer. URGH*. I was tempted because everyone was having one too.....Well, it was really interesting. I got to eat cheese and tuna sandwich. My diet in Isle of Man of horrifying. But anyway, it tasted great! But the ceremony for me was weird, since I was alone.....But everyone was definitely having lots of fun! They were enjoying the live music and socialising. *My social skills suck...Plus I felt weird. -__-"*. It was a good day though. And I'm officially sticking to just wine and cocktails. Beer is just yucks!
Alright, I shall continue....
Peel
The next place I went to was Peel. Took the same bus that I went on to go to Ramsey. Well, Peel was a really lovely place. I got to see the beautiful ocean...I thought it looked better compared to Port Erin, but then they are connected, so there shouldn't be any difference....First place I went to was Peel Castle. It used to be the strong hold of defence for the Isle of Man. I believe it was built by the Vikings...I could be wrong though. Anyway, I walked around the castle and checked out the ruins. SO COOL! But it was really windy there. I think it was windier than Liverpool at that time. -_-". Also took a few photos of the place as shown below. Then half way through the tour, while I was looking out towards the ocean, I saw a SEAL!!...Guess what? I actually spelled seal as 'seel'. My brain has totally lost it honestly. This kind of awful spelling could make my mummy cry. I wasn't looking for them, I just suddenly saw a head bobbing on the surface of the sea. At first I thought it was the ducks. But then, when the seal dived, I saw its tail....So, I seriously doubt I could have mistaken a seal's tail for a duck's tail. I actually felt quite at peace during the tour, until I came to the prison -_-". I have no idea why, but unused prisons give me the creeps. I can feel the pain and sorrow of the dead prisoners some how. I just feel COLD.......
After the tour, I decided to climb down the rocks to get closer to the seals. ^^. hahahah...I was scared seriously....But at the same time I didn't think it was too dangerous. Plus, I don't regret it CAUSE I got to see the seals sunbathe up close. Although when I tried to get closer, they just hid themselves underwater. They only came up when the sun came out. So I was just sitting there with my legs up to my chest watching for about 45 mintues. It was worth it! I even saw a mummy duck and her ducklings swimming with the seal and then cleaning themselves. I was so happy!! Thank God for all these lovely animals. After that, I realised that there was a place where u can just sit and watch the seals. -_-". I know!! All that effort when there was a place specially for you to spot seals. But to me a was worthwhile effort. After that, I had lunch at a pub. Got to eat buttered haddock fish!!...It was quite a unique taste. They were well known for kippers and queenies (something similar to scallop) but I didn't get the chance to try it since it is NOT cheap to eat these kind of food.
After lunch, I went to the House of Manannan. Manannan is supposedly the name of the God of Sea. If I'm not mistaken. The ferry that I took from Liverpool was named after this God. Pretty cool and majestic name eh? Anyway, the House of Manannan is actually the museum showing the different cultures and the changes through time in the IOM. So, first were the Celtics, then Vikings. They inter-married and lived happily together. Then I know there was an invasion from England if I'm not mistaken. The museum also showed the different ferries produced as time went by and the changes in career through time. It was actually quite educational. Just that my head couldn't take in everything at once. I'm sorry my brain capacity is so small. Well, I did enjoy reading the touch screens and everything. It was really cool!! There was even a simulated ferry, where you can try and drive the ferry to the IOM from Liverpool. (I couldn't even get the ferry to leave the dock.....hahahaha...I kept crashing into the boat in front of me)
Laxey and Snaefell Mountain (Snow Mountain)
Right, so the following week after Peel, I decided that I better try out the Electric Railway Train. One of the oldest railway transport in IOM. I wanted to try out the horse tram too....BUT, I didn't. Seemed silly to just sit in the carriage from one end of the promenade to the other. Although I could argue that I'll never get the chance to try out the tram again since I might not be going there ever again. Well, I took the train up north to Laxey. This stop is where I got off to see the Great Laxey Wheel, named Lady Isabella. It was build to generate electricity from water. It was GIAGANTIC. I thought it looked like a ferris wheel. hahaha...But It looked really really beautiful. I climbed up right to the top and looked at the view from the top of the wheel. DAMN NICE!!!. Climbing down was a bit scary though..I'm not afraid of heights, it was just kind of narrow and really high up. After that, I went to check out the mine....I honestly think I might be a bit klausophobic. I was feeling quite scared when I walk into the mines....PLUS before that I read about how the miners die in the mine...GAH! Ghost!!! Spirits!! Luckily they blocked off the mine after a short while....Gave me a reason to turn back. (I have this tendency to go on until I see the end, even though I'm scare. I think it's cause I always want to conquer my fears. -_-")
After that, I went to check out the Mine's Trail. I was walking up hill in the forest. Reminded me of jungle trekking, but in jeans. -__-". Trust me, its not comfortable. I wanted to find the Processor Room actually, but I gave up half way because the sign told me it'll take like 60 minutes and I wanted to check out other places there. So I walked back down and when to see the Engine room and the lift. Then I decided to try the Mine's Trail at that end and guess what? I came to the Processor Room/Place after 10 min. -_-". Seriously.....So misleading. Anyway, it is the photo with the waterfall behind me. It use to be the Processor Room...Maybe I got it wrong. Oh well, I more or less visited the whole area and made my way town. Actually, I saw the Mine's train on the way up and was wondering if I wanted to take it.....Since I have to pay and stuff, but after a while, I just couldn't NOT go on since the mini train is so mini and cute!!! It used to transport the products from Laxey Wheel to the area near the station. CUTE!!
Snaefell Mountain......A word that I totally cannot pronounce properly. I have this tendency to say Snake? Why seriously....aaiii...anyway, it means Snow Mountain in english. From Laxey station, I took a train up the mountain. and saw lots of cool scenery on the way up. Also got to see the TT Roads. IOM is well known for TT races. Motorbike racing and cars too I think. I did see a few race cars around. Not like F1, but the ones you usually see in the older movies. Cool right? Anyway, that was when I was on my way to the hospital in the bus. Ok, back to Snow Mountain. When we reached the nice mountain, I was freezing!!! The temperature was really really low. Although maybe not as cold as winter...Then again, maybe similar to winter. Ever heard of a mood ring? Well, it changes colour according to temperature and the ring turned 'Black'. The lowest temperature for the ring. hahahahah........... I took a picture of it. But not very clear though. aaaiiii.... Anyway, we were supposed to be able to see Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland (I think) from the peak on a clear day. Obviously, it was NOT a clear day for me. We couldn't see much..Just the sea and the sky and the different towns of IOM. And I couldn't stay outside long since it was SO COLD!!!..Note to anyone, please remember to wear thick jacket if you're going up the mountain. Not your summer jacket. I went to Cafe and had a brownie. I seem to be eating a lot. But what I liked the most was the GREEN TEA!!. All I have been seeing the few weeks was English tea and coffee. And now I realised I have a bad reaction to coffee. Every time I drink it, my tongue swells. And becomes a bit painful. I use to sleep after drinking coffee. Now my tongue hurts. Anyway, I'm just a fan of chinese tea with no sugar/milk. And it keeps me awake as well. Anyway, nothing much really. I totally enjoyed the calm and amazing scenery during this trip. hhahahaha.....
Rushen Abbey and Manx Cat Sanctuary
Since its my last weekend in IOM, I rushed to try out the Steam Railway train the following day on Sunday. I have never pushed myself to visit so many places (I think its a lot) in such a short time. First place I went to was Rushen Abbey. It used to be the dwellings of the white cloth monks ages ago. Now, only a few buildings are still around. So, I got to learn about their lifestyle and what time they're supposed to wake up every day. (2am!!). And then how many hours of prayer. and food and farming and how they live their life. Its interesting. When I went out to visit the broken down buildings, I felt a chill.....I always seem to when I visit these places. Maybe it was cause I was all alone. And nobody was around. And when I when to the site, they showed the places where they found the graves of dead monks. ARGH!!! Give me a break. I stepped on one of them cause I thought it was a drawing!!!! I didn't mean to disrespect them. aaaiii... Anyway, old building fascinate me and chill my spine as well. Oh well, history just seem more interesting and real when you see it. And the gardens were quite lovely to look at....Although the water in the pond didn't look very clean...And made me think of Dengue....If they had mosquitoes around. But there wasn't any. Just dragonflies.
Rushen Abbey was a really peaceful place to go to. Maybe just a bit too quiet...Anyway, I finished touring it really fast and took the train back to Santon, which is where the Manx Cat Sanctuary is!!!!! Muahahaha.....I don't generally love cats, but they're nice to pet and they are quite lovable when they're not being arrogant and stately. Cats are also quite clean as well. But the one cat I wanted to see was the Manx Cat (A tailess Cat). And I got to pet it!! And made it angry cause and went and pet it's stomach. I know cats are sensitive about that. And I took a picture of my scratch marks. Tiny ones. Thank goodnes!!. And I got to see the interesting cat having a meeting as well. hahaha...they were just staring at each other. Then the black and white cat stared at me as well. And obviously ignored me. Cats have such an interesting way of ignoring people. Maybe I think too much. ^^. But I really enjoyed myself. If possible, I hope that people will help take care of them and donate a bit to just help out with the care of the cats. Even though I didn't give much. (Sorry! International students are not too well to do).
YES!! Finished the sight seeing post!!!! MUAHAHAHAA....My fingers seriously feel quite cramped right now...Well, IOM was a lovely lovely place to visit. I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I went with my friends and wasn't alone all the time and talking to myself. aaaaiii....But I really did enjoy myself and even felt a lot healthier being there. And as I mentioned earlier, God was there with me all this time. Although I do feel frustrated that I'm alone some times, but I seem to feel God's presence more thanks to this short elective. Well, I'll still recommend it as a tourist destination!! =P. Go visit the place if you get the chance to! You'll love it. (I didn't get to go nature walking....no time)
Castletown
The first place that I went to. By taking the bus of course. I wanted to take the steam railway, but thought I'll leave it for another day. There, I visit Castle Rushen. As you can see from the pictures below. It used to be a place of governing and also a prison for those who were convicted. I can't really remember the history, but I know the ruler used to stay there a long long long time ago. I'll probably get the name wrong as well. Sorry for the bad memory of mine. But it was a lovely place to visit, although the stairways was really narrow and I probably almost hit my head. Didn't expect the ceiling to be so low. But I always get this kind of chilled feeling when I walk around preserved castles and previous prisons. Its almost as if I can feel that people were suffering there....Well, I was just freaking myself out. Btw, the peacock, was actually cooked. They cooked the peacock and then redecorated it. It used to be a delicacy. Isn't that amazing??!
Then after that, I went to the Old Grammar School. Just nearby. Its not a school anymore -_-". Just for us to look around. Then I waited to go into the House of Keys. Its the house of governors that govern the Isle of Man. But they moved to Douglas (The main town I think) later on. So, we had a demonstration of changes in the years and got to watch as they discussed legislations. It was a really interesting display actually. hahahah.... After that, I went onto the Nautical Museum. It used to be the house of a famous smuggler, whose name I cannot seem to remember at the moment. -_-". Sorry people, maybe you can look it up online. Anyway, the displays were just amazing. But I didn't stay long....
Because, it just so happened that the day I visited Castletown, it was the annual Snake/tinbath race. YUP! A Tin Bath race. hahahaha...It was freaking funny to watch people paddling in tinbaths....Wonder if you can see it in the photos. Anyway, they also had a race in a long kind of connected tube. (Basically, like a snake) and they raced in it. I kind of liked the bathtub decorated as a cow. It was so cute!!. Plus, I enjoyed the ice-cream there..Manx ice-cream...It was yummy!! So soft and not too cold. Seem like a right temperature. (But I felt kind of weird since the lil kids weren't eating ice-cream and I was eating one with a backpack...Makes me question my own age at times -_-")
Port Erin
The following day....I think, I decided I'll take a trip to Port Erin. To just visit Cregneash Folk Village. It was quite interesting to have a look at the culture there and stuff. Although I absolutely do not understand their Manx language. They used to be farmers and fishermen. Anyway, before visiting the place, I walked along the coast and ate a bap sandwich. AND yes another icecream...but this time it was not the usualy Manx cream, but like normal but delicious ice-cream. Then I just sat at the seaside and took pictures....SUPER NICE SCENERY~~~
After, I decided to walk to Cregneash...OMG!! That was the biggest mistake and craziest thing I ever did...The road there was uphill and steep!!! I was practically bending over to walk up. But my motivation was the scenery (SUPER SUPER BEAUTIFUL!!!). Although I almost wanted to walk back down because there were no signs telling me I was going the right way. Luckily someone was there in the quiet hill and told me I was going the right way..I should have freaked out actually. But I didn't. And I reached safely.
And once there, I was talking to the nice receptionist there and he was the nice man who offered me a lift back. But I left early. And the place was so cute!! The goats and lambs were adorable, but they wouldn't let me pet them. aaaaaaiiiiiiii..They didn't want to come near me! WHY? I'm not scary looking. I know I'm not!. Anyway, on the way back, the nice elderly couple gave me a lift back, so, I'm a happy happy person. =P
Tynwald 2009
This is a annual Manx National Day held on the 5th of July. But this year it was on the 6th. AND I got the chance to witness it *Was SUPER excited!!*. I got to see the procession and also the ceremony. This is the time that the parliament reads out the Acts that has been passed by the parliament and also allow citizens to send it petitions and appeals. It was an interesting event!! Plus, I got to see a fighter plane fly pass when the Governor arrived....Anyway, there were stalls and games behind the grandstand.....And all the members of parliament sit at the Tynwald Hill. The hill with the big white tent. ^^. It was at St.Johns. I truly enjoyed it. Also, there was folk dancing too!!
Ramsey
So, during the week of National day, they had various events, which I didn't attend. hahaha.....I went to the hospital obviously....But I went to Ramsey. They were had a street festival there. So, there were live bands and people dancing and belly dancers too!!.....Although, truthfully, people back home are a lot more flexible....But it was pretty good!. Anyway the journey to Ramsey and back, for me was amazing. I got to see really lovely sceneries. I didn't do much at Ramsey and didn't get to see the fireworks.....aaaiii....Bus timings. I got to listen to songs and sit around and even had a pint of beer. *I seriously HATE the taste of beer. URGH*. I was tempted because everyone was having one too.....Well, it was really interesting. I got to eat cheese and tuna sandwich. My diet in Isle of Man of horrifying. But anyway, it tasted great! But the ceremony for me was weird, since I was alone.....But everyone was definitely having lots of fun! They were enjoying the live music and socialising. *My social skills suck...Plus I felt weird. -__-"*. It was a good day though. And I'm officially sticking to just wine and cocktails. Beer is just yucks!
Alright, I shall continue....
Peel
The next place I went to was Peel. Took the same bus that I went on to go to Ramsey. Well, Peel was a really lovely place. I got to see the beautiful ocean...I thought it looked better compared to Port Erin, but then they are connected, so there shouldn't be any difference....First place I went to was Peel Castle. It used to be the strong hold of defence for the Isle of Man. I believe it was built by the Vikings...I could be wrong though. Anyway, I walked around the castle and checked out the ruins. SO COOL! But it was really windy there. I think it was windier than Liverpool at that time. -_-". Also took a few photos of the place as shown below. Then half way through the tour, while I was looking out towards the ocean, I saw a SEAL!!...Guess what? I actually spelled seal as 'seel'. My brain has totally lost it honestly. This kind of awful spelling could make my mummy cry. I wasn't looking for them, I just suddenly saw a head bobbing on the surface of the sea. At first I thought it was the ducks. But then, when the seal dived, I saw its tail....So, I seriously doubt I could have mistaken a seal's tail for a duck's tail. I actually felt quite at peace during the tour, until I came to the prison -_-". I have no idea why, but unused prisons give me the creeps. I can feel the pain and sorrow of the dead prisoners some how. I just feel COLD.......
After the tour, I decided to climb down the rocks to get closer to the seals. ^^. hahahah...I was scared seriously....But at the same time I didn't think it was too dangerous. Plus, I don't regret it CAUSE I got to see the seals sunbathe up close. Although when I tried to get closer, they just hid themselves underwater. They only came up when the sun came out. So I was just sitting there with my legs up to my chest watching for about 45 mintues. It was worth it! I even saw a mummy duck and her ducklings swimming with the seal and then cleaning themselves. I was so happy!! Thank God for all these lovely animals. After that, I realised that there was a place where u can just sit and watch the seals. -_-". I know!! All that effort when there was a place specially for you to spot seals. But to me a was worthwhile effort. After that, I had lunch at a pub. Got to eat buttered haddock fish!!...It was quite a unique taste. They were well known for kippers and queenies (something similar to scallop) but I didn't get the chance to try it since it is NOT cheap to eat these kind of food.
After lunch, I went to the House of Manannan. Manannan is supposedly the name of the God of Sea. If I'm not mistaken. The ferry that I took from Liverpool was named after this God. Pretty cool and majestic name eh? Anyway, the House of Manannan is actually the museum showing the different cultures and the changes through time in the IOM. So, first were the Celtics, then Vikings. They inter-married and lived happily together. Then I know there was an invasion from England if I'm not mistaken. The museum also showed the different ferries produced as time went by and the changes in career through time. It was actually quite educational. Just that my head couldn't take in everything at once. I'm sorry my brain capacity is so small. Well, I did enjoy reading the touch screens and everything. It was really cool!! There was even a simulated ferry, where you can try and drive the ferry to the IOM from Liverpool. (I couldn't even get the ferry to leave the dock.....hahahaha...I kept crashing into the boat in front of me)
Laxey and Snaefell Mountain (Snow Mountain)
Right, so the following week after Peel, I decided that I better try out the Electric Railway Train. One of the oldest railway transport in IOM. I wanted to try out the horse tram too....BUT, I didn't. Seemed silly to just sit in the carriage from one end of the promenade to the other. Although I could argue that I'll never get the chance to try out the tram again since I might not be going there ever again. Well, I took the train up north to Laxey. This stop is where I got off to see the Great Laxey Wheel, named Lady Isabella. It was build to generate electricity from water. It was GIAGANTIC. I thought it looked like a ferris wheel. hahaha...But It looked really really beautiful. I climbed up right to the top and looked at the view from the top of the wheel. DAMN NICE!!!. Climbing down was a bit scary though..I'm not afraid of heights, it was just kind of narrow and really high up. After that, I went to check out the mine....I honestly think I might be a bit klausophobic. I was feeling quite scared when I walk into the mines....PLUS before that I read about how the miners die in the mine...GAH! Ghost!!! Spirits!! Luckily they blocked off the mine after a short while....Gave me a reason to turn back. (I have this tendency to go on until I see the end, even though I'm scare. I think it's cause I always want to conquer my fears. -_-")
After that, I went to check out the Mine's Trail. I was walking up hill in the forest. Reminded me of jungle trekking, but in jeans. -__-". Trust me, its not comfortable. I wanted to find the Processor Room actually, but I gave up half way because the sign told me it'll take like 60 minutes and I wanted to check out other places there. So I walked back down and when to see the Engine room and the lift. Then I decided to try the Mine's Trail at that end and guess what? I came to the Processor Room/Place after 10 min. -_-". Seriously.....So misleading. Anyway, it is the photo with the waterfall behind me. It use to be the Processor Room...Maybe I got it wrong. Oh well, I more or less visited the whole area and made my way town. Actually, I saw the Mine's train on the way up and was wondering if I wanted to take it.....Since I have to pay and stuff, but after a while, I just couldn't NOT go on since the mini train is so mini and cute!!! It used to transport the products from Laxey Wheel to the area near the station. CUTE!!
Snaefell Mountain......A word that I totally cannot pronounce properly. I have this tendency to say Snake? Why seriously....aaiii...anyway, it means Snow Mountain in english. From Laxey station, I took a train up the mountain. and saw lots of cool scenery on the way up. Also got to see the TT Roads. IOM is well known for TT races. Motorbike racing and cars too I think. I did see a few race cars around. Not like F1, but the ones you usually see in the older movies. Cool right? Anyway, that was when I was on my way to the hospital in the bus. Ok, back to Snow Mountain. When we reached the nice mountain, I was freezing!!! The temperature was really really low. Although maybe not as cold as winter...Then again, maybe similar to winter. Ever heard of a mood ring? Well, it changes colour according to temperature and the ring turned 'Black'. The lowest temperature for the ring. hahahahah........... I took a picture of it. But not very clear though. aaaiiii.... Anyway, we were supposed to be able to see Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland (I think) from the peak on a clear day. Obviously, it was NOT a clear day for me. We couldn't see much..Just the sea and the sky and the different towns of IOM. And I couldn't stay outside long since it was SO COLD!!!..Note to anyone, please remember to wear thick jacket if you're going up the mountain. Not your summer jacket. I went to Cafe and had a brownie. I seem to be eating a lot. But what I liked the most was the GREEN TEA!!. All I have been seeing the few weeks was English tea and coffee. And now I realised I have a bad reaction to coffee. Every time I drink it, my tongue swells. And becomes a bit painful. I use to sleep after drinking coffee. Now my tongue hurts. Anyway, I'm just a fan of chinese tea with no sugar/milk. And it keeps me awake as well. Anyway, nothing much really. I totally enjoyed the calm and amazing scenery during this trip. hhahahaha.....
Rushen Abbey and Manx Cat Sanctuary
Since its my last weekend in IOM, I rushed to try out the Steam Railway train the following day on Sunday. I have never pushed myself to visit so many places (I think its a lot) in such a short time. First place I went to was Rushen Abbey. It used to be the dwellings of the white cloth monks ages ago. Now, only a few buildings are still around. So, I got to learn about their lifestyle and what time they're supposed to wake up every day. (2am!!). And then how many hours of prayer. and food and farming and how they live their life. Its interesting. When I went out to visit the broken down buildings, I felt a chill.....I always seem to when I visit these places. Maybe it was cause I was all alone. And nobody was around. And when I when to the site, they showed the places where they found the graves of dead monks. ARGH!!! Give me a break. I stepped on one of them cause I thought it was a drawing!!!! I didn't mean to disrespect them. aaaiii... Anyway, old building fascinate me and chill my spine as well. Oh well, history just seem more interesting and real when you see it. And the gardens were quite lovely to look at....Although the water in the pond didn't look very clean...And made me think of Dengue....If they had mosquitoes around. But there wasn't any. Just dragonflies.
Rushen Abbey was a really peaceful place to go to. Maybe just a bit too quiet...Anyway, I finished touring it really fast and took the train back to Santon, which is where the Manx Cat Sanctuary is!!!!! Muahahaha.....I don't generally love cats, but they're nice to pet and they are quite lovable when they're not being arrogant and stately. Cats are also quite clean as well. But the one cat I wanted to see was the Manx Cat (A tailess Cat). And I got to pet it!! And made it angry cause and went and pet it's stomach. I know cats are sensitive about that. And I took a picture of my scratch marks. Tiny ones. Thank goodnes!!. And I got to see the interesting cat having a meeting as well. hahaha...they were just staring at each other. Then the black and white cat stared at me as well. And obviously ignored me. Cats have such an interesting way of ignoring people. Maybe I think too much. ^^. But I really enjoyed myself. If possible, I hope that people will help take care of them and donate a bit to just help out with the care of the cats. Even though I didn't give much. (Sorry! International students are not too well to do).
YES!! Finished the sight seeing post!!!! MUAHAHAHAA....My fingers seriously feel quite cramped right now...Well, IOM was a lovely lovely place to visit. I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I went with my friends and wasn't alone all the time and talking to myself. aaaaiii....But I really did enjoy myself and even felt a lot healthier being there. And as I mentioned earlier, God was there with me all this time. Although I do feel frustrated that I'm alone some times, but I seem to feel God's presence more thanks to this short elective. Well, I'll still recommend it as a tourist destination!! =P. Go visit the place if you get the chance to! You'll love it. (I didn't get to go nature walking....no time)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The not so ideal world...
Well, I actually heard this news last week on Friday, but honestly I think this kind of situation has been going on and on for many many years. This is regarding the death of the 5 soldiers in the fight in Afghanistan. I still cannot understand WHY we have to fight each other.
Is it some sort of test to see determine who are the strongest and toughest people?
Is this a way to show that we are right and everyone else is wrong?
What is right and wrong anyway? I definitely know that’s its WRONG to kill and hurt those around us.
Is it right to take away the life that was given to us by God?
Is it right to shoot/bomb a person just because we think that, that is the only way to protect our beliefs and thoughts?
Do we really think that it is right to hurt one another or are we just following the past because we can’t let go of the past and we want to supposedly fulfill the wishes of our ancestors by continuously killing others that oppose us because it is our ‘DUTY’ to do so?
Isn’t it just being selfish and conceited thinking that ‘we’re’ the ones that are right and forcing it on to others expecting them to accept our thoughts without considering the feelings of those around us?
How do you feel when you lose a loved one?
That is exactly the same feeling that your ‘enemy’ or ‘opposer’ is feeling right now. Some probably think ‘GOOD! Let them feel the same way as me’.
Then, when will this ever end. We will forever be digging a hole so deep that we can’t climb out of. Drowning in the self perception that we want to hurt those that hurt us.
WHY?! Why can’t we shake hands and forgive each other?
Why must we be stubborn and drag on this ridiculous fight that has cause needless pain to ourselves and those around us?
Why must the future generation be dragged into this? Think about the horror and pain that children have to go through watching death in front of their eyes. Or worst, watching people in pain, unable to die or live as they used to.
When will enough be enough? When everyone has died? Or when you’ve won after killing and hurting countless people that even after you’ve gained victory, you will be haunted by the fact that blood is all over your hands…..Are you happy? Is this the kind of life you want for your family and yourselves?
Hasn’t God told us to love our neighbours with all our hearts as we love ourselves?
*I might have gotten it a bit wrong, but basically, God wants us to live in harmony I think*
I know a lot of us don’t realize that fights are going on all around the world. Reasons vary, but the ones I’ve read about is the right of land, right of the people and religion, plus beliefs that just clash with each other. Honestly, there have to be some other way than war to solve a problem. Don’t they ever get tired of hurting one another? Why can’t each of us compromise? That’s probably the reason nothing can be agreed on, because everyone wants to win. Nobody, nobody wants to lose. Is there such thing as a tie though? Maybe if one side stopped, the other side will too. Or is that too vague of a result?
But I guess its hard isn’t it…..to just let go of things and love one another. An ideal world is not easy to get. Even as I type this, I know that I can’t do much for those at war, no matter how much it makes me angry or frustrated. All I can do is pray that God will one day help each of us to understand how both parties are feeling and to just reach out His hands to pull us from our, self dug ‘deep hole’ and maybe then, we can stop killing and having to see our loved ones disappear. To open our eyes to the fact that, there is no point in hurting one and another and the only person we are hurting the most if ourselves. And most likely God too since He doesn’t like to see us in pain.
I feel very protected though. I mean I practically live in a bubble. I’ll never be able to understand how people at war are feeling, but that doesn’t keep the feeling of anger and sadness from overwhelming me at times when I read/hear news about the continuous fights that are happening in this world. I especially hate it when civilians are hurt and dragged into it as well.
That’s why I don’t like to listen to news/ read newspaper at times. (Guess I’m running away too). It just hurts….
Is it some sort of test to see determine who are the strongest and toughest people?
Is this a way to show that we are right and everyone else is wrong?
What is right and wrong anyway? I definitely know that’s its WRONG to kill and hurt those around us.
Is it right to take away the life that was given to us by God?
Is it right to shoot/bomb a person just because we think that, that is the only way to protect our beliefs and thoughts?
Do we really think that it is right to hurt one another or are we just following the past because we can’t let go of the past and we want to supposedly fulfill the wishes of our ancestors by continuously killing others that oppose us because it is our ‘DUTY’ to do so?
Isn’t it just being selfish and conceited thinking that ‘we’re’ the ones that are right and forcing it on to others expecting them to accept our thoughts without considering the feelings of those around us?
How do you feel when you lose a loved one?
That is exactly the same feeling that your ‘enemy’ or ‘opposer’ is feeling right now. Some probably think ‘GOOD! Let them feel the same way as me’.
Then, when will this ever end. We will forever be digging a hole so deep that we can’t climb out of. Drowning in the self perception that we want to hurt those that hurt us.
WHY?! Why can’t we shake hands and forgive each other?
Why must we be stubborn and drag on this ridiculous fight that has cause needless pain to ourselves and those around us?
Why must the future generation be dragged into this? Think about the horror and pain that children have to go through watching death in front of their eyes. Or worst, watching people in pain, unable to die or live as they used to.
When will enough be enough? When everyone has died? Or when you’ve won after killing and hurting countless people that even after you’ve gained victory, you will be haunted by the fact that blood is all over your hands…..Are you happy? Is this the kind of life you want for your family and yourselves?
Hasn’t God told us to love our neighbours with all our hearts as we love ourselves?
*I might have gotten it a bit wrong, but basically, God wants us to live in harmony I think*
I know a lot of us don’t realize that fights are going on all around the world. Reasons vary, but the ones I’ve read about is the right of land, right of the people and religion, plus beliefs that just clash with each other. Honestly, there have to be some other way than war to solve a problem. Don’t they ever get tired of hurting one another? Why can’t each of us compromise? That’s probably the reason nothing can be agreed on, because everyone wants to win. Nobody, nobody wants to lose. Is there such thing as a tie though? Maybe if one side stopped, the other side will too. Or is that too vague of a result?
But I guess its hard isn’t it…..to just let go of things and love one another. An ideal world is not easy to get. Even as I type this, I know that I can’t do much for those at war, no matter how much it makes me angry or frustrated. All I can do is pray that God will one day help each of us to understand how both parties are feeling and to just reach out His hands to pull us from our, self dug ‘deep hole’ and maybe then, we can stop killing and having to see our loved ones disappear. To open our eyes to the fact that, there is no point in hurting one and another and the only person we are hurting the most if ourselves. And most likely God too since He doesn’t like to see us in pain.
I feel very protected though. I mean I practically live in a bubble. I’ll never be able to understand how people at war are feeling, but that doesn’t keep the feeling of anger and sadness from overwhelming me at times when I read/hear news about the continuous fights that are happening in this world. I especially hate it when civilians are hurt and dragged into it as well.
That’s why I don’t like to listen to news/ read newspaper at times. (Guess I’m running away too). It just hurts….
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