Tips on what-to-do in Barcelona (in a nutshell)

HELLO EVERYBODY!!! wow it's been a while since i last updated my blog... sorry guys! Not so motivated in blogging lately... anyway, these are the updates in my life, i will try to blog about them, one by one...

1) still without kids, not trying for one yet, but will definitely try for one when the time is right;

2) visited Geneva and London in September, for WORK!

3) my friend visited from malaysia last month (November);

4) Last week, I was in Newcastle, UK, for my graduation, for parties, for shopping, and for food;

5) YES, I have finally graduated with a Master in Laws! (December)

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Purpose of my blog today is for those who will be visiting Barcelona... Friends have been asking me on fb on what to do, where to eat, where to shop and etc in Barcelona... I thought these information are good to share with everyone!

TOUR

1) if you would like to use the tour bus it is gonna cost:
Adults:
1 Day - €23.00
2 Day - €30.00

for more information: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/tour/barcelona-bus-tour.html

2) if you like walking, then consider this walking tour which my friend did when she was here last month.. she enjoyed it very much and from the reviews, it looks good. check this link:
http://www.runnerbeantours.com/our-tours.php

FOOD

1) if you like sandwiches (proper ones not like McD), very spanish like, and a superb environment, check this link on how to go to the shop and its opening hours:

http://www.canpaixano.com/canpaixano-dentro.php

2) for good and cheap Spanish food (it's like fine dining but very affordable, i go there with my husband like once a month), be prepared to queue up (sometimes it might take 30-40mins if busy but worth the wait).. you can also order their crema catalana for dessert (it's a catalan dessert):

http://www.lesquinzenits.com/

3) this restaurant, i only went once, but it is famous for its paella (must try food in spain).. it was very good indeed around 20 euros per person:

http://elcherestaurant.es/en

SHOPPING

I don't think it's cheap to shop in Barcelona...

LASTLY

PLEASE BE VERY VERY CAREFUL WITH YOUR BELONGINGS!!! 

PICK POCKETS are EVERYWHERE!!!! 

Wherever you are - in the metro, in La Ramblas (one of the famous street)... just avoid any distractions! and always put ur handbags, cameras etc in front of u. when someone pushes u or asking u for smth, just be careful, they always come in twos (min). Snatch thief not so often though.

ENJOY AND HELLO FROM BARCELONA!!!

                                               (Pic was taken in Barcelonetta, near to W Hotel)                                         

Our wedding @ 19th December 2010

I have nothing to blog about cos I am now in deep s**t as i have got only 20 days more to finish up my thesis! and it scares me to s**t looking at pictures of philosophers who have been dead for more than 200+ years. what more analyzing and writing about their philosophies!

Anyway...

Chinese weddings are complicated. We had our wedding at Park Royal Hotel, Penang, Malaysia with approximately 200 guests. Some people didn't turn up though.

1) Pick up of bride

First, the groom together with all his grooms men have to come pick the bride from the bride's house to his house then back to their new home. However, he's from Spain and that made it impossible for him to pick me up from Penang and fly back to Spain the next minute... LOL! So instead we did a simple one, where he picked me up from the hotel room itself... 

2) Garden Ceremony

We then headed off to the garden for our exchange of vows and rings and sand ceremony. I know that we have had our civil ceremony in Spain. However, I wanted another one cos only his family and my dad attended the one in Spain.

3) Tea Ceremony

After the garden ceremony, we took some pictures with our relatives, friends, etc... Then it was the tea ceremony... I did go upstairs to our suite to chit chat and to freshen up before the tea ceremony, and to take off the veil which was so heavy, hanging and pulling on my-already-going-bald-head. :P

4) Wedding Reception

After the tea ceremony, it was the wedding reception! We started it off with our first dance which we both made a fool of ourselves cos we can't dance!!! We practised the night before to ensure that we coordinated well.. Everything was fine the night before but on the wedding night itself , the song was soooo long. Don't get me wrong, the song was beautiful and it was played by my dad's god brother who happened to be my "minister" at the garden ceremony. We pulled it off though. 

Food was then served and the night went on and on till about 10.30pm. I believe everyone had fun! Cos I had so much fun that I can barely remember the whole day... I guess the day just went by so fast.

A wedding is simply beautiful not because of how beautiful your dress is or how much money you have spent... My wedding would not be as beautiful as it is if it wasn't because of the people who were there. Thank you guys for making our wedding such a beautiful and memorial day!!! 

After Party

We had our after party just at the club next to the hotel: 69 Mansion. We stayed there till like 3am then off to the Malay stall for food!!! I ate like a queen then!!! :D

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So here's Jee Ann and Shayan's wedding video taken by our professional videographer on the 19th of December 2010.

Enjoy!!! xoxo

185 million euros! joke and reality

2 days ago was the result for the Euromillion draw... all you need to do is to choose 5 numbers from 1-50 and 2 numbers from 1-10.

All you need to pay is 2 euros for the bet and wait to see if you are lucky. The last winner was 2/3 years ago from Mallorca, Spain. As per my mate, the last winner was an old man. He and his wife were already rich before betting and they won 145m Euros. C'mon, they should have thought of the poor and not bet... hehehhehehee

This time the winner is from the UK and he won 185m Euros... How many zeros would that be? Imagine, if I won that lottery, I would have almost 1bn ringgit in my bank account! OH MY GOSH!!! but what the heck la, I saved 2 euros instead, cos all the numbers I told my husband did not come up. So luckily I didn't bet, otherwise I would be 2 euros poorer. LOL!!!

Anyway, I know this entry is crap but let me tell you a joke and a fact...

--> I have always believed that exercising will help you to lose weight. THAT'S NOT TRUE!!! I have been cheated!!! ok ok... see below...

Joke: A whale who swims all day is still so fat while a tortoise who walks so slow and does nothing, lives more than 100 years.

Reality: If you know me, you would know that I love to talk (as much as if I were to be dumb one day, I prefer to not live anymore *choy tai ka lai si* @ *touch wood*)... The thing is that I talk so much, but yet I have double chin. When you talk, you are supposed to be exercising your mouth and the whole area, no??? But how come am still fat and round in the face?

bye bye... time to EAT!!! xoxo

Why wasn't I born rich?

We have been looking at houses to buy, and I want to own a car which I can call my own... A BMW would be good.. I want to live in a lush house one fine day with my own garage to park my BMW in it.. 

The question here: Would we be able to afford any of these? OF COURSE and I am very positive about it! I am now working very hard, trying to earn whatever I can, and my dream is to move back to the island (once I have saved enough) I was born, together with my husband and our future kids, and to live there like a king!

Sometimes mama complains that we don't give her any pocket money, not that she needs it, but it is something which makes all parents proud I guess. I wish I can, but I hope you understand now that I am trying to save up some $$$ and buy myself a house first.

I guess everyone wants to be rich, but some choose to live the poor... I see so many youngsters here in Barcelona begging for money, together with their dogs. They are not even one inch close to being disable but yet they choose to beg... They have to beg when they can afford to buy beers and to feed their dogs?

Anyway, had this conversation with my hubby just not long ago... READ BELOW!

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me: "why wasn't I born rich?"

hubby: "you had the chance to marry the rich but you lost your chance by dumping them"

me: "at least I am happy today, and I don't know what kind of person I would be if I was still with one of them today. Can you imagine? O.M.G"

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P.S: To all my dear friends who are married, or going to be married, you chose this path, so appreciate what you have chosen and make the best out of it...

I chose this path! I used to date the rich but marrying a rich might allow you to shop in Louis Vuitton, Chanel or Gucci or Hermes without worrying about how empty your pocket is going to be, and you don't need to come home to a place where there is no lift and to add to that, living on the 5th floor... and no air-condition when it is 31 degrees in summer (although we are going to get one as I don't mind spending 700 euros for one. I can't be feeling uncomfortable in my own house).

However, as per my dear friend, Wei Wei, she used to say, God is fair. For example in this case, if he's rich, he's either fat, ugly or smth. If you are beautiful, you might be a bimbo or stupid. 

** Hence, my husband isn't rich but he has all the qualities a woman would want in her man (although I feel like strangling him at times LOL) I am proud to call him mine!
and I had the wedding I have always wanted (lush and beautiful), though I wanted a wedding gown of my own... *love you darling*

** Have been chanting "baby's skin to be fair like mine, nose to be like his (a lil smaller though), and to have his eyes".. Who knows it might work if I were to chant from now onwards till I conceive one in 2 yrs time? LOL

Nope, he's not indian.. he's 1/4 Peruvian, 1/4 Chinese, 1/2 Iranian (he's not Muslim though).. and me, I am 3/4 Chinese, 1/4 Mongolian.. do you see the color difference? I want my baby to be as fair as me... although he hates that I am so white... everyone in Barcelona says I should get some tan.. :(

what have you guys got to say???

xoxo

Pre-wedding Video: A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (MEMOIR)

I am now in Andorra visiting my MIL. Will be back in Barcelona tomorrow as it's a holiday tomorrow. I will blog a little more on what I have been doing in Andorra when I get back to Barcelona. You would then call me a materialistic woman.

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Anyway, here is a video I would like to share with my dear readers. It was done by my 2 good friends, Weng Khit and Cheryl, as our wedding gift. It also came with 2 photo albums (1 for us, another for my parents, how lovely can these friends be and how lucky can you be to have such friends?) 

We took all these photos the day after we had our pre-wedding photo session with our bridal shop (Blissful Bridal Studio). So it was another tiring day but was all worth it. We had Mei Chen and Lenny who followed us the whole day (Wei Wei and Ben for half the day or maybe just an hour?), and of course we did stop for food, LAKSA it was at Teluk Bahang.*mouth watering* Penang laksa is the best!!!

We went to a couple of places in Penang:

i) Penang Butterfly farm (where I was so scared of those tiny tiny butterflies when I am huge myself);

ii) Penang Reserved Jungle (Hutan Rimba);

iii) Teluk Bahang dam;

iv) Laksa place YUMMY!!;

v) Some sua pa (secluded) place near to Queensbay (i think that place was under construction);
vi) Penang Explanade; and lastly

vi) SOHO Free House, cause Zenzi Bar was closed that day and a bar is a must for a beer of course! LOL

Why am I now only sharing this video on my blog? Looking at all my friends having their wedding reception now, it brings back all the memories of my wedding day back in December 2010. 

This video which I am about to show you guys was played before we went up to the suite to change for our 2nd grand entrance. But I was so pissed that the hotel had some audio problem (FTS) that night where the pictures were only shown without the music. ARGH!!!!

Please enjoy the video! It's very beautiful!!! I am falling in love with this video over and over again! xoxo

Music: A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square by Nat King Cole <3<3<3

Photographer: Weng Khit

Being angry doesn't help but makes it more painful

Remember my previous entry on how someone close to you can break your heart?

I just found out the whole real situation last night and I literally EXPLODED!!! I have never seen myself in that stage and it scared the shit out of me... sorry for my language! But seriously, I totally lost my temper, and I thought I was going crazy and I wished I own a private jet where I can just fly home anytime I want.

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I have got friends here, I am not that pathetic.. sometimes I feel that I haven't got anyone here but I do, it's just that I don't quite feel so comfortable yet to reveal everything (although I do it very often FTS)... When I needed to speak to someone last night, I had no clue who to call cos it was like 6am in Malaysia. ARGH!!!!! kek si wah (frustrated)!

I got my parents so worried today. When you are far away (disadvanatage of being married to a foreigner), sending your parents or best friends, or siblings a text message saying you are down, they will automatically feel sad. I am so sorry mum, dad, Yvonne (if you were actually worried LOL) and of course my lovely brother who called and cheered me up! Never knew my brother would be my best friend today cos he never did like to go out with me when I was younger (we're talking about when I was below 18 cos when I reached the age of 18, I was his farm helper [u know what I mean, he and his friends would try to hit on my girlfriends and so they call it "farming"]).

So, after all the shouting and screaming (of course they all came from me), as my husband is the so-ever- calm-guy... I finally realised we were fighting over nothing!

I have been married for only 1 year now, there is still so much to learn!!! Dear readers, I will not lie that my life is filled with colours. However, I am not complaining though cos I chose this path and I will, we will, make it work!

P.S: If he does it, I promise I will bring a dog home VERY SOON! cos it all started because of the dog (who nearly killed me when I tried to snatch his bone once) At least my 2 dogs are lovely!

 That's his "ugly" dog which nearly killed me! *dislike* and also she stole my title "princess"

 Look at my precious Charlotte (fatty chihuahua)

Look at my precious Pepi (fatty chihuahua)

Why are my dogs fat? Cos their owner ain't Paris Hilton... xoxo

Why is it that even someone so close to you breaks your heart?

I had a row with my husband last night!!! Mummy says (ok everyone in the universe says) it is bad to say bad things or even do bad things to your husband that you might regret later. So what did I do this time?

I tortured myself instead by SLEEPING ON THE SINGLE BED IN OUR SECOND ROOM!!!! Not that I am complaining cos it wasn't that bad at all, new bed, with the window right beside me, with the nice air to cool me down... 

and him on the huge bed all by himself must be horrible without me... LOL

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BACK TO THE ISSUE...

Why did we argue??? of course it was over some stupid issue... I have been having problems with this particular someone which I do not want to mention and UNFORTUNATELY, this person is affecting me. FML!

I have been making efforts in forgiving this person as Buddha teaches us to forgive and to forget... Not that I have been reading books/ learning from monks, but my mum relays to me all of Buddha's teaching. Yes I am a Buddhist and proud to be one! and I believe in KARMA! Anyway, I am a very forgiving person (hate myself for that cos I always end up being bullied), but to forget is a very difficult task for me! I AM A WOMAN if you are not aware of!

As mentioned I have been making efforts to accept this person again, but hubby thinks that I am still angry mangry that he doesn't want to mention a s**t to me! Fine that he wants to protect my feelings but even if I am still angry mangry, I still want to know what is happening although I don't want to at times. Cos I AM KAYPO (nosy)!!!!

You know, the thing is, the more you try to keep a conversation limited, the more your partner will feel that you are hiding something from him or her although he or she isn't.

The worst thing, this all happened cos he got a message in his FB and I wanted to see and he said no... WHY did he say no???? Cos my best friend, Yvonne Ng, once sent me a message on FB and I got all super upset when he read it without my permission!!! But that was different, it was without my permission but this was with his permission... ISH!

Anyway, I am a strong woman... This is just a small obstacle in life/ in a relationship! If life is to be good all year round or all your life, then it isn't life, you must be already in heaven or something.

He knows I forgive him in minutes, but this time I wanted to show him that I can be angry for 1 night. He can make it up by simply buying me McD or a simple dinner outside... That's how easy it is for him to win my heart back...

To everyone out there: Treasure the one you love, you might hurt each other at times, but it is OK, it's just part of life. Just make sure you make it up after that!!! xoxoxo

Ex-boyfriends with similar birth dates!

Today is the birthday of both of my ex-bfs... Happy birthday to the both of you, Tiam and Eugene!

Here I am wishing you all the best in your life!!!

I am now having a good life, I believe you guys are having the same too...

These 2 were born on the 6th of June, however one of them was a year later though. :D

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Another 2 ex-bfs have got the same dates as well but different month different year... Made my life easier though in remembering dates. LOL

I did try to have same dates for my wedding, my anniversary, my husband's birthday, etc... but unfortunately, all of them are different. The good thing is, it keeps my brain working!

I know this entry is lame but anyway... I need to get back to my thesis... wish me luck!!! xoxo

You think you are smarter? Then you are wrong!

Ok, I am a member of Metropolitan gym. Guess how I became a member???

They have got many branches in Barcelona itself, if not mistaken 4 of them.

Me and my husband like the one near to our place, which is more convenient, and this will make us go to the gym more often. Previously, I was signed on to another gym called DIR which is a Catalunya gym... I only go once a week and paying €50 a month. Cos it's too far away from home. Just thinking of going to the gym KILLS ME! If not mistaken, they do not have any branches in any other part of Spain but only in Catalunya.

The story here is....

1) I quit DIR and we tried to sign up with Metropolitan, the one which is near to my house

2) We didn't want to pay a huge amount for the registration fee which was €150, and they told my husband there is no way to reduce the price even if we were to commit ourselves for the 6 months contract cos they are on high demand for the couple's package.

3) We went to another branch which was quite far from where we live and registered there... and guess what? Not only the registration fee was waived, we even got a month free for both of us.

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And now that we have signed up with the other branch (the one further away), no worries, we have just transferred our account to the one near to our house, and all we had to do was to pay €15 each for the transfer fee. TA DAH!!! *this is not rocket science*

We saved €150 and got a month free. And we even got 2 introduction packages with 50% off for the massage, personal trainer, etc... which I know makes not much sense here but still....

So you think that your business is doing so great that we had to pay you that huge amount to join you? Then you are wrong, cos we were smarter than you by doing it in another way... although I know it was a bit of a hassle but who cares when you are able to save this much of money?!!!! AGREE???

LESSON: There are always alternatives in life! So find it and try it...

**Bye for now, off to the cinema to watch X-MEN!!! WOOOHOOOO... xoxo

You think I am big?

Hello hello...

It's 20 minutes to the big game, Barca v Manchester United... Who are you with? Well, I have never been a fan of football but ever since I got to Barcelona, I have been supporting Barca. WHY??? If you're not in the game, you wouldn't know what people are talking about... if you support the wrong team, then bye bye to you... or whatsoever other reasons... As for tonight, I hope Barca will win but I HOPE AND PRAY that the people will keep the noise level down if Barca wins tonight...

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SO... Back to the subject... "You (more to Malaysians) think I am big!!!" What is big??? 

I have been going to the gym lately and you know how Europeans are when they are in the changing room. Walking around in the ladies with 2 balloons hanging and a patch of black thing (sometimes a lighter shade) below... *aiks*

I love the Sauna, Jacuzzi and the Turkish bath... Best thing in the gym! But everytime I use one of these, I feel so small! No, I don't feel small in size, I am quite fat in Spain... If I am slim, I wouldn't be paying 60 euros every month... And also I wouldn't be hiding behind my swimming costume... I don't even dare to put on my bikini...

BUT BUT... I feel that mine are like peanuts!!! You know what I mean, don't you?

The thing is that, I always try to make myself feel better by taking a quick look again to see if they are fake or real... I can't differentiate them! I have been watching this series called "Two men and a half" and Charlie teaches you on how to differentiate real and fake ones... FHL!

SERIOUSLY, I FEEL THAT MINE ARE LIKE PEANUTS!!! In Europe at least...

ARGH!!!!

Trying to kill me? BMW or Mercedes?

WHAT IS KILLING ME???

THE DAMN HEAT!!! I come from a tropical country, there is either sun or rain. No no no no, NO SNOW la! Autumn - can I say yes to that? Cos otherwise why do we hire those people to sweep the road? :P

I should be able to stand humidity since I come from a country with 100% humidity. In Spain, the humidity is approx 90%? but in Malaysia, I stay in an air-conditioned room most of the time. I used to set my room temperature at 16 degrees. My husband thinks I am crazy. My mum says I am wasting energy or sometimes she would ask me "you think your grandfather owns the electric company?". LOL!

You can check the average temperature in Barcelona here... But I think tipu one (fake) cos it says average in May is 18, but it's 28 today... ok fine, average!

But when it is hot you just need to cool down, why add to all the stress you have already got right? Later terbakar how? (translation of Malay expression: Why wanna explode?)

 Sudah mau mati (tanslation: Dying)

Here, in the winter, I would turn the heater on and set the temperature to 28 degrees, that's equivalent to the temperature in Malaysia... So now you get it why my husband calls me crazy!

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Why BMW or Mercedes? Not that I have one now, although I hope to have a Beamer one fine day...

 BMW? or

Mercedes? or

Now I have to live with the Mercedes, metro... or kala chia (bicycle)..

Bicycle? - Got parking ok..

 

I used to go to work by metro, then I moved, so I started using the bus. But because I always miss the bus by 1 minute, and end up waiting like a mad woman, thinking I would be at work early, and also that it is full, I then changed and started using the tram but I have to walk 10 minutes to the station.

But now, I have changed job, I go to work by bus again. Mercedes ok! It's the big one ok, not the normal bus... so don't laugh at my Mercedez...

Do you see how long my Mercedes is?

Last time the bus was full but up to a certain bus stop. Now, the bus is full, up to God knows which bus stop! And what more with all the tourist in Barcelona now because of the sun.. EEEE WANNA KILL THEM Those who are using the public transport would then take my seat!  Last time, it was even worse in the metro, metro is always filled with tourist coming from the beach! At least this route I am taking now is one the high-end location of Barcelona. But still...

What's the point dressing up, wearing heels, while you need to suffer standing in the bus for 20 minutes, smelling each other in the morning? and today after work as well... ARGH!!!

And NO AIR-COND, cos my selfish driver, I meant the bus driver, has a window for himself, and so he doesn't feel the heat...

p.s: We use the car only if we wanna go somewhere far as the parking here is HORRIBLE. I seriously mean it when I say horrible! Ok, need to sit in front of the fan now...

BYE!!! xoxo

Pain & sufferings

I have suffered twice and this is the 3rd time I am suffering in Spain ever since I landed myself in this country.

1) I fell on my butt (May 2010)

I fell on my butt. We went room hunting as I haven't got a place to live and I don't want to be living with my cousin in laws, as I believe everyone needs their own privacy no matter what people say... you know what I mean. I am sure everyone has this thought before:

** "sure sure no problem you can definitely come stay with me until you find yourself a place or hotel"... after that you would tell yourself again

** "damn, how long this person is gonna be here fore?"

So, I want to live near to the city centre cos I am lazy to walk! My husband and I found this, place 3 minutes from the famous La Rambla... Single room for 250euros per month! GOOD DEAL, LET'S GO SEE THE HOUSE!

F*** ME! was that supposed to be a room or a storeroom??? So after viewing, we told the house owner "hmmm, very nice, we need to see a few more houses first before we decide, but I think I like this although it is SMALL cos it's near to La Ramblas... GREAT LOCATION"!

So when we got out of the house, knowing not many people speak English in this country, we were both laughing and talking about how ugly that house can be, how can even a person think of renting out that place... Laugh n laugh and BOOM!

I FELL ON MY BUTT, more to on my COCCYX!!! It has been a year, and sometimes, especially when I sit for too long, it hurts like crap! So, be careful when you walk down the stairs! Hold the banisters, they are there for a reason!

Sickness: Carelessness
Medications used:

To release inflammation

Ibuprofeno - Pain killer

2) I vomited non-stop (Jan 2011)

So what is it that when people say, especially those who have been studying overseas... Everytime, before they go back home to Malaysia, they will somehow simply tend to say "S**t, don't know if my stomach can take the food which I have been dying for, hopefully no diarrhea".

I have been flying on-off, and I have never suffered from any diarrhea before. *touch wood* but I don't think it's because my stomach is strong... However, this year, after our wedding, I came back to Spain, started working, and after 2 weeks, I fell very sick...

We went shopping one day and I kept complaining I wasn't feeling good and my husband didn't quite bother cos I am like one of those story when we used to read when we were kids... What was the title again? Where you ask for help when you don't actually need it and when you seriously need it, no one comes to your rescue... For me it's different, i always say "I don't feel good"... And this time I really felt bad, and he said "It's ok, nothing to worry about, you'll be fine"...

Then we went to the carpark, cos the toilet was full, and I said "Lets go home"! and BLUEK... all came out, the food we had in the afternoon which was like many hours ago, but came out like they have just been consumed. YUCKS! Food poisoning???

Came home, kept vomiting, for the whole night till the next morning at 8am, where I told him "lets go to the doctor" and he finally said "OK"... cos initially he said "this is nothing, I googled and they said you just need to have hot drinks" BULLSHIT! Everything I took, everything came out! This is worse than a hangover ok! So we went to the doctor, got an injection, and they gave me this medicine which makes you stop vomiting but to suffer from diarrhea instead! FML... I took one, and that's it! I couldn't take more.. Nope it wasn't food poisoning, and nope I didn't lose weight cos I ate triple when I recovered... FTS! lol

Sickness: Stomach flu/ Viral gastroenteritis (medical term)
Medication taken:

Stops you from vomiting but makes you suffer from diarrhea

3) Shoulder Pain

I have been suffering from this horrible shoulder/back pain for almost 1 month now. I have changed my pillow 3 times.

i) cheap pillow from IKEA @ 7 euros
ii) A lil more expensive duck feathers pillow from IKEA @ approx 20 euros
iii) super expensive special pillow from a special shop @ 43 euros

NONE IS WORKING FOR ME!!! so I went for a 50 minutes massage at Metropolitan gym. Which I will never go again cos it was like a massage for baby as compared to the ones I used to go in Malaysia, Danai Spa, which were too painful for me but super good & relaxing... LOL

Went to the pharmacy and got this hot rub and it is still hurting like ****...

Sickness: God knows
Medication used:

1st I tried the super Yoko yoko which usually works like a miracle

Hot rub gel, still hurting though :(

Yes this final pain might be caused by stress.. but... ARGH! age is seriously catching up I guess! xoxo

P.S: Sorry that you need to turn your head to see few of the pictures.. I rotated them, I swear but it came out like that.. what can I do??? -.-"

Back to work

HOLIDAY IS OVER!!! (Cry my eyes out)

What is it like to be back at work again after 2 weeks of holidays?

Well let me tell you... As I have mentioned in my previous previous blog that I have just resigned and accepted a new challenge in my career line, I was counter-offered a couple of times where I eventually came to the decision --> "I AM RESIGNING". It's about time no? after 4 years!

Let me share with you. I was then asked to put "immediate resignation" on my resignation letter. What does that mean? That would mean I would be stupid if I were to put that.. And I was almost stupid to do it *FML* but luckily I have got angels around me which informed me. According to the law, I need to give 2 weeks of notice to my employer if I were to leave the company. If they want you to serve the 2 weeks or not, it is entirely up to your employer. In my case, I was asked to go home and that they will pay out the 15 days + holidays. So just imagine how much I would have lost if I was naive? Yes la, I was naive but luckily I pray and believe in God you know...

Another story, few years back when I was working in a very famous bar in the UK (after graduating in summer), I got fired after working for almost 5 months. Fat woman told me "you are not up to what you are doing"... AT LEAST I TRIED YOU FAT WOMAN! And I do not have a degree in making cocktails! Anyway, I am very sure my dad was jumping when I told him this news which was GOOD NEWS to him... Which father would like to see her daughter working in a bar?
However, that fat woman who fired me, she was fired eventually for being caught drinking in the bar after work (on the company's expense of course). And the thing which I would like to share here is, she fired a couple of people before me too (people with years of experience in bars), but no one took any action cos people just don't know their rights when it comes to employment. I was smart for once to apply what I have studied in uni. (So mum and dad, be proud of me ok) LOL!

**I wrote a very formal letter like how a lawyer would have written to the owner of the bar. Eventually, I got paid!!! cos I wasn't given any notice when the fat woman asked me to leave. What a B*tch!

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Above mentioned that today is my first day back at work, i actually feel great to be working again! No more unwanted-woman's-face to see, new colleagues, new environment, new bosses, new office AND a LAPTOP (yes yes yes, finally my own laptop at work)..

Good luck to all employees out there! And I wish my husband all the luck in the engineering world... xoxo

Learn from the Past

I have always wanted to share with people on my previous relationships but have always thought they were too personal, but what the heck! People have been asking me this question "how do you know he's the one?" Let me tell you now, cos I learn from the past...

Sorry ah, no pictures available cos first few relationships, I don't even know what is a digital camera yet!

Lesson 1: Tiam @ today the famous "Timothy Tiah, co-founder of Nuffnang"

I dated this guy when I was 14 (wow, so damn young). We went out bowling one day with my cousin and his other friend, and Ewe Tiam happened to be there as he was a newly transferred guy from another school. How do we date at that time? To think of it, it's really funny as compared to how teenagers date today... We used to hang out at my place on Fridays and going out for movies on weekends and the telephone was like my best friend in my high school life. After 2 years, if not mistaken, it was on New year's eve, I learned that he was bad mouthing me to another... How could this happen if it was love? and so, I moved on with much dignity... So Tiam, if you happen to be reading this, I did not leave you for another without any reason...

However, it took me a while to forget him as he was my so called "first love" u know ... or was it "puppy love"??? It was when I was with Leon when I found out he wasn't who I have always wanted...

Lesson 2: Eugene

A guy who has a same name as my brother, U-Jin. This guy was a total mistake. A year younger than me, I was 16 back then which makes him 15 then, and I swore to myself never again to date a guy who is younger as it will never work out (this is just my personal opinion, so no offence). I found out that it was a mistake to leave Guy no 1 without giving him another chance to prove himself again, and when I tried to give him that 2nd chance, it was however too late.

I was then single after my Sweet 16 birthday... Until college... (FML since then I have always been attached)

Lesson 3: A

I prefer not to mention his name here for his privacy. A was the best partner anyone can have. We were together for 3 years although it was on-off... Until today, he is my best friend, just like a brother to me. But due to foreseen circumstances, we couldn't proceed and thus, I had to walk away leaving his heart broken. But this, I will mend by treating him good from then till... (dunno when LOL)


Lesson 4: Leon

Leon is a good friend of Tiam. I met him when I went out with Tiam one day (it was just like a reunion thingy). Then I left A for Leon and it was another mistake! Remember, I walked out on Tiam because I wasn't treated the way I wanted? I walked out on A because I see no future... and I end up making the same mistake!

The thing I have learned here was "never to date your ex-bf's friend"... If they can be good friends, it just tells you that they come from the same group (just like me and my friends, why do we click so well? because of the saying "birds of the same feathers flock together"). Don't get me wrong though, they are all good people!

Lesson 5: It is embarrassing to even mention his name...

Super duper mistake... KNOCK MY HEAD PLEASE! I went to him cos I felt I wasn't even being treasured by Leon. Now that I think back, he (no no not guy no 5, but Leon) was a very pleasant guy! and am sure he is still today.


Lesson 6: Stewart

Remember me saying "I will never again date a guy who is younger than me?" I repeated that bloody mistake and ended up being heart broken again. This guy, I met him in England, was introduced by another friend. It just didn't work out and until today, I hate his guts cos he didn't want to return me some things which I have left in his house. ARGH!!! Anyway, good luck Stew!


**Summary: What do all these people have in common? MONEY! Coincidentally MONEY! But that wasn't what I was looking for... What I wanted was love... So what if he lives in a big house/ mansion? So what if he drives a BMW or a Mercedez? Those $$$ were not theirs, if I wanted those, I should have dated their fathers...
People out there have always thought of me as a bad person, a bitch, a slut, whatever you wanna name it. But, think of it this way - if I was so crazy in love with their $ I would not have let them go! Geezzzz! Those were the days!



SO, ask yourself:
1) Can money buy you happiness? NO!
2) Can money buy you love?? NO!



LESSON 7: From the 6 lessons above, should I already know if I am now with the right one? YES is my answer. I am now a happily married woman with my Man who is also my soul mate. I found him when I was in England... This is a true blessing from above! And I am now looking forward to build a family with him.. (not so soon la, have to finish my Masters first and then buy a house and then only make babies LOL)


To all of you out there:
Even if you fail once, or twice or 6 times, it doesn't mean you will continue falling. You will finally wake up with a slap on your face realizing you are someone who deserves better.

2011 Spanish League (Camp Nou Barcelona)

To all FC Barcelona fans out there!

As everyone knows that Barcelona football team (FCB) had won the 2011 Spanish League (La Liga), they have made an effort to tour Barcelona city in an opened roof-top bus to show their cup to their forever loyal fans.

Football used to be once just a very popular sport where it has turned political lately. In Spain, as we know that a football team plays with many different other teams. However, fans of FCB hate Real Madrid team! WHY??? There are many reasons to it... I am not a football fan and thus I haven't got much to say here.

Anyway, yesterday, instead of waiting by the roadside with all the other supporters, we went straight to Camp Nou stadium as that would be their last stop... Firstly, parking was a problem, and has been always a problem regardless of whether there is a function or without a function. Therefore, I prefer to travel by metro or the bus! But sometimes, I just want to be sitting in a car... (I can be a pain at times)

There was no entry charge which was good for me as I don't like football but just to experience the stadium filled with 80,000 people. And what more, we were so lucky that we actually sat in the first few rows, so near to the field but yet, the players were super duper tiny! This seat would have caused me approx 300 euros. So we saved approx 600 euros... It was worth it, you know what I mean, the whole experience, although there was no match going on. Cos i saw Lionel Messi from far.. LOL!

Lionel Messi

But the noise from those horns seriously annoyed me (my poor ears)... ARGH! -.-

*This was just like Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding, but this was even bigger with 80k instead of just 1,900 people (number of guests invited to Buckingham Palace for the reception). Nope the players didn't come in a horse carriage nor in a car but in a bus! Of course, we didn't beat the number of eyes watching the live telecast on TV worldwide. LOL!

The 2011 Royal wedding, Kate & Prince William kissing at the balcony of Buckingham Palace

We waited for 1 and a half hours, taking pictures, waiting for the players, and waiting for the stadium to be filled up... Everyone was enjoying the live band but NOT ME cos I understood NOTHING! When the players arrived, we only watched them for 20 minutes as again, I understood nothing.. Literally Nothing OK! Entertainments were all in Catalan and not Spanish. My Spanish is already like a 2 year old, what more with Catalan! FML

Looking for "our" seats

Part of Camp Nou stadium.. almost filled up

What a nice view eh...

Hubby in Camp Nou

As usual, Hubby playing with his new Tamron Lens *eyes rolling*

See those 2 guys running? Carlos Puyol (Barcelona captain) and Xavi with the Catalunya flag

**To those who wants to visit Camp Nou Stadium in the near future, you can either use the Metro (L3) and stop at Zona Universitaria; or by Bus no 7; or with the Barcelona hop on-hop off Touristic Bus.

Shopping for others = Shopaholic??

I tried signing in last night to update on my blog but the damn internet did not allow me to enter my blog, and I think to any other blogs as well...

Anyway, my husband went to the mall last Wednesday and he discovered that PC City in the whole of Spain will be closing down and thus everything's on 40% discount... He called me from the mall to say "I saw this lens it's really good and cheap, can i buy it?"... "NO!" was my answer as we have made a deal previously that he will only get his huge Canon camera after we get a house but me myself broke that deal last year when I got him his Canon EOS 550D for his 28th Birthday... Thus here he is asking for more now as lenses for cameras are like bags collection. When you have one, you would want to have more or to upgrade to a better brand.

I got so angry because he knows that our priority now is to get a house not lenses, or bags in my case... I went to bed and took a nap as that is how I release stress nowadays because the other way is to shop and I didn't want to do that.

In the evening, we were supposed to go to Ikea and we ended up in PC City! And we saw this DJ console which my brother had always wanted but was too expensive. Here it is on 40% and straight away I picked up the phone and dialed his number knowing it was 4am in M'sia and he had to work the next day... FHL! He got so excited that he googled everything online and finally yea, I bought it for him!

Hercules DJ Console RMX for DJ Jiniv

My brother's new toy

then... I felt bad towards my husband who wanted the lens so badly and told him "Fine you can have it if they still have it"...

Unfortunately, there was none left and the next day we went to so many other branches and nope, there were non left and thus, I believed him that it was at a really good price... AND GUESS WHAT???!!! We came home later that day and he said "LOOK AT MY LENS!!!" FML!

So let me make this clear:
1) Can I have the lens?
2) I said "NO" but when I felt bad I said "OK you can have it and this will be your gift for the rest of the year"

unfortunately, we couldn't find any.... so we went home... and

3) TAH DAH! He had already bought the lens yesterday and now he is actually asking if he can keep it and me standing here like a dumbo feeling bad that I didn't get it for him yesterday and it's now gone!!! FTS!

Hubby's new toy: Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC (Stabalize) for Canon

So that's all about PC City and of course I did get myself something small... a laser mouse by Logitech! hehehehe and it was at a really good price too... :)

One of my best friend wanted this bag from Bimba & Lola which is a brand originally from Barcelona. Hence the price was much cheaper compared to the same one in Malaysia. It's almost half the price!!! so here you go babes!!!! But both my brother and my friend would have to wait till Jan next year to have these things!

Bimba & Lola Butterfly collection

And for myself??? Yea, a picture with this Just Cavalli bag from an outlet which I only took a picture with!

Me with "my" Just Cavalli bag... Nope I didn't buy it.. Should I?

Adios!!! xoxo

A new challenge in my career

Hello everyone! One of the toughest thing in a cross-cultural wedding is when you are living in your partner's country and not your own. Many decisions have to be made more carefully...

I have been working for 4 years in my formal company. I have made what I have always wanted from the company. I first joined back in 2007 in Malaysia, a year after I graduated, 2 weeks after I flew back from the UK.

After almost 3 years in the company, I had to leave as I have decided to marry my husband and to live with him in this whole new country to me called Spain! I loved my job because I can see myself achieving all the time. Thus, when I came over to Spain, I re-applied for the same company again... Yes "re-applied" as the so called international transfer did not apply... I worked in this company for another year in Spain and have always reminded myself "I better be good at what i am doing as I speak Spanish like a 2 yr old and that won't bring me far especially with 4 million of Spaniards being jobless"...

Until recently, I got head hunted! So now I finally believe if you are good at what you are doing, you will finally be appreciated one fine day and being realized by another who sees you as a value... It was a tough resignation as so many things happened, one of them, I was counter offered! In the end, I did what I think is right for my own self interest... I think it's time for a change and for a new portfolio, and also to take my career in a different direction!

No I am not a lawyer yet!!! and might never be one...

I take this as a blessing from above and I am looking forward to my new challenge in 2 weeks' time. Yes 2 weeks! I have been going to bed late and waking up late as well... That's what I call life! lol!!!

Ok, now I need to go back to my thesis which is going to due in 3 months' time . FML, I had a year to do and now i've got only 3 months! Thanks to Miss last minute (ME)...

FTS - I can never discipline myself when it comes to assignments and now the final stage, writing this thesis for my LLM!

WISH ME LUCK GUYS!!! xoxo

April - November 2010

Many things happened from April 2010 - November 2010.

1) I went for Spanish classes, total of 120 hours... but now i still speak like a 2 yrs old or worse..
2) Obtained my PR in Spain
3) Got myself a job (very happy as 4 million of Spaniards are jobless and here I am working)
4) Still apart from my hubby but traveling regularly to see each other
5) Planning for the big day...

6) The worst thing, I lost a friend...

I used to work with S and she has never been a close friend nor colleague. However, when I moved to Spain, she has been the one visiting me, twice indeed, in one year, as her job allows her to obtain very affordable tickets... She first came in March and the last time I saw her was in November.

In November, she arrived on my husband's birthday, and we both went shopping for food and drinks, as I have invited my cousins in law for dinner. We were both going crazy in the kitchen cooking & laughing our asses off, and we even made sangria. Then we arranged for another meet up one night before she left where we talked so much about life, like how happy she is for me, and what she is looking for in life... She even told me she had bought a dress to wear to my wedding although her leave from her employer was not approved yet.


2/3 weeks later, my brother called me in the morning and said "girl, I've got bad news for you".. First thing which came to my mind, "did something happen to someone"? as it was so close to my wedding day. And he said "your friend died in a car crash at 3am"... I was like, knowing my brother, "hahhaa very funny" ... I stopped laughing and said "are you serious?" and yes it is true...

I have lost a friend, just like that, a friend which I had so much fun with when I was all alone in this country without anyone from my own country... She wanted to see her grandma who was in Penang, who was about to go for an operation, but instead, she didn't get to see her grandma, and lost her own life instead - due to the mistake of the other driver who came back for his semester break and drove on the wrong side of the road... FHL!

Until today, I cannot forget her, and I ask myself, "if it's so difficult for me, what would it be like for her family members???" So guys, please treasure those around you and also yourself as you will never know what will happen to you the next day!

R.I.P my friend... I miss you!

Registration of Marriage - 14th March 2010

Wow! how long have I abandoned this blog for??? Sorry to my few fellow followers...

My new journey in life has started... in SPAIN! let us rewind back to 2010...

Arrived safely on the 6th of March 2010 in Barcelona.

Our registration of marriage (ROM) was supposed to be on the 12th of March but my back then fiance always assumes everything... that everyone would be free on Friday. But in fact, his brother was only arriving in the afternoon from the UK and his cousins had plans planned for the kids (they were going skiing, and tickets were bought). In the end we had to change it to Sunday, 14th of March 2010! So guys, please do not assume when it is an important event.

So 14 March 2010 was it! The day my status changed from single to married. Our ROM was held in Saldes (a small village in Barcelona) and we had only family members, and a close friend (D) of my husband there. D was actually the one who translated everything when we first agreed to marry. Anyways, as for the ROM, my sister in law had to translate the whole ceremony as it was held in Spanish. So I didn't know what I was actually signing... LOL! Well I told him if it was something bad, he was going to get the same from me cos when we go to the Malaysian embassy, he wouldn't understand Malay as well. Hahahhahaha... Only people who were not there was my brother, my mum (both in Malaysia) and my father in law (he was in Iran). It's ok, I know they will be at the wedding reception.

After the ROM, we headed back home and we had an awesome lunch.

I know people love to see pictures than to read... so here you go:

Family picture taken before the ROM

What did I just sign??? Life contract *gasp*

It was nothing like a royal wedding with confetti being thrown at you but guess what, we've got snow instead! *loved it*

My ROM might not be in the heart of Barcelona city, but this breath taking scenery was just priceless...

I love you baby! Muaxxx

FREEZING COLD IN OPEN TOE HEELS!

These 2 snowman(s) were built by me! my ass was frozen with marks afterwards...

I will run with you no matter how hard the pathway is gonna be. Where ever you go, I shall be with you as I surrender myself to you today!

Our first ching ching as husband and wife