Just a month ago, I blogged about my primary school teacher, that she had cancer in final stage.

Yesterday, funny as it sounds, I received the news that she has passed on from facebook. Seems like people are getting all the important and critical news from facebook nowadays.

I thought someone was playing a prank, I called my mom…and she confirmed it, because her sister attends the same church as my family members.

Felt so numb…..she is the 4th person I know who has passed on due to cancer this year. 15 years ago, none of us in class would have thought this would happen to her. It could just happen to anyone now.

Though looking at her picture still sends shiver down my spine due to the traumatic experiences in class, she is gone forever now.

She always shared her traveling experiences with us in class and encouraged us to travel and see the world. No wonder now my classmates love to travel, including me. I wish I can tell her proudly that I have visited many places and to share with her my stories.

She always scolded us for “memorising textbooks” and we didn’t know the “world outside the textbooks“. I still remember that we were punished to write a Sultan’s name 100 times because we couldn’t answer it.

It was quite stressful whenever she asked some current affairs questions. We were only 10 years old and we couldn’t answer her questions most of the time. Then we were punished.

After she’s gone, it just reminded me that I can’t assume that I could be with anyone as long as I thought I could. Life has become more fragile over the years. I kept thinking of paying her a visit only when I am “successful” one day, just to prove to her that I “have finally made it“. I assumed. I assumed that she would be there at my wedding. I assumed that she would answer the door when I knock.

Now, only if she can still scold us when we don’t read newspaper..

RIP Ms Teh..

from Cheryl

Posted under Life documentaries | [4] Comments 

Wanted to write about my recent trip to Bali but just couldn’t find time to do it. It was my 2nd visit to Bali this time and I must say, the experience was TOTALLY DIFFERENT! I like BALI even more now. (click here for my 1st visit to Bali)

One thing I hate the most though, is the bargaining. Whoever says that woman has the gift to bargain is a lie. I can’t bargain for nuts! The only thing that I made myself useful, was that I can at least converse with them with 1/2 Malay and 1/2 Indonesian.

Some tips and guides to find the good places for dining in Bali..

Top Places to EAT (A MUST REALLY)

1) Ku De Ta

This place does not need any introduction. Do a search on Google and you’ll find great recommendations from many many people. It is located at Seminyak, where many designer’s shops are located. It is about 20 minutes away from the airport.

What is so unique about this place is an open-concept restaurant that gives you unobstructed view of the beautiful endless beach and real good sunset!

The best time to go is at 5pm. I reached there at 5.15pm, just in time to grab the best seat with the bright orange sun setting in front of me. The place was filled pretty quick just after 5.15pm.

Of course, the food was great! Though it was a little pricey but the experience was worth it!

Squid ink pasta with Unagi / Cocktail that knocked me off before going to airport

The portion was pretty small, so that you can order and sample more! *smart*

Ku De Ta
Jalan Laksmana No. 9, Seminyak

2) Bebek Bengil

This restaurant is HUGE and I love the design very much! It has many huts to dine in and each is led by tiny paths accompanied by trees and ponds at both sides. Beautiful! I reached there at night and couldn’t really see the details of the design but the atmosphere was perfect and it was cooling – no need for air-con!

The signature dishes, really, are the Bebek Bengil Crispy Duck (bottom right) and Pork Ribs (top center).

To tell you truth, I hate duck meat. But this one was different! It was so tender that it just melted in my mouth! The skin and bones were crispy that I even chewed on them!

It is located at Ubud, my favourite district where you can see many artwork and handicraft. It is almost 1.5 hour drive from town (Kuta). But it is quieter, less busy and it is more cooling. I stayed at Ubud for 2 nights, which I will blog about my lovely accommodation in the next entry.

Bebek Bengil Restaurant
(Dirty Duck Dinner)
Telp. 62-361- 975 489
Padang Tegal – Ubud

3) Cafe Batu Jimbar

This is an arty cafe – from interior design to pepper and salt shaker. Too bad that I was so into eating that I forgot to take more pictures of the restaurant.

Wall made of corals and shells (right)

If only I have more people joining for this meal, then I can order more food for sampling.

This is melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef burger. Though the burger is a little small (compared to Carl’s Junior’s) but oh boy!!!….*speechless* You know how tender wagyu beef could be…*awww…*

Steak wrap – looks ordinary but was very well balanced with fresh greens and mild sauces.

If you travel from Kuta (town) to Ubud, you will more likely to drive past Sanur. So good to plan your journey, else you will end up driving back and forth…worse when there is traffic jam in the evening

Cafe Batujimbar
Jalan Danau Tamblingan, Sanur

4) Flapjack’s

It sounds weird to eat crepes and pancakes in Bali but this place serves very GOOD crepes. It opens till late so it is best for supper.

Looking at the design, I thought I was in America for a split second.

Sausage crepe with cheese and garlic. The crepe is so thin and it just blends so well with the cheesy sauce..

It is located in the heart of Kuta, where shopping malls, Starbucks and Hardrock hotel are. Most shops close at 11pm.

Flapjack’s
Complex Dewi Sartika Plaza Street
Kuta

Next: How to find cheap deals; Fabulous hotel.

Posted under Travel | [4] Comments 

Have you tried sitting alone in your room or house, paused…and listen to your environment?

Since the day I recovered from sickness, I have learned one very important thing – It is OK to be still, quiet and be totally free.

Looking at the amount of youtube videos posted on facebook, I see how much we wanted and long to be entertained. TV is no longer enough to keep us entertained and occupied. We need many other things….facebook, msn, music, games, videos..Means that could feed our senses. That’s why having a portable video/music/game device is so important now.

When I was sick and was sitting alone at home. I didn’t turn on my laptop to work because I refused to bring work home since long time ago. No TV, no music…I felt suffocated because I felt the air was still.

I was lost for that 5 minutes. My mind kept telling me that I should make good use of my “free time” to work on my research and assignment. Otherwise, I was just wasting my “free time”. In that moment, I was struck by guilt. I felt guilty because I was not using my time “wisely”. Not because that I have deadlines to meet…I just felt wrong to feel “unoccupied“.

Just as I was about to stand up to bring out my research materials, I saw my rabbit lying at the balcony, looking at the world outside the house peacefully.

Her usual chill out pose

I started to think that she must be very bored. How could she remain at this position for at least 4 hours?

But and again, who says that being still and doing nothing means boring? I realised that I have not been listening to myself for a loooong time. I have been consumed with endless work, people’s matters and external noises, so much so that I thought the time has stopped when all these are removed.

I need to find that peace back. I need to re-learn that being absolutely free and quiet is nothing wrong, but to take time to hear the noises within me.

How’s it like for you? Do you think being occupied all the time is more comfortable?

Posted under Thoughts & musings | [5] Comments