Weekend in Kerteh

The common question that comes from people for us who are working in Kerteh is that, "What do you do during weekends?" First thing is to laugh. lol

Usually, I will just say nothing you can do except eat, sleep, movie and drama series. Then, I thought alright it's time to tell the world Kerteh is not just about eat sleep movie drama. lol 

Kerteh is located in South Terengganu, nearing to Kuantan, Pahang not in the north towards Thailand border. Just in case you have no idea where Kerteh is because people do ask me that haha

Anyway, one of the weekend activities that you can do, hike/jog at Bukit Bauk, Dungun. It is two towns away from Kerteh, only 45 minutes drive away. 

Although it is not a big mountain to hike but it could be quite challenging as the hill is really steep all the way up. You barely go up and down. It is always up and up lol For those who hike, you know going downhill is not an easy task as well. So, you will be going down and down steep hills. For UTP-ians, a good benchmark is Bukit Keledang, only difference is the steepness which doubled.

Overall, it is still a good hike or jog if you want. Advisable to go as early as possible to get nice morning breeze. Not too sure about watching sunrise, not that I know of. Don't expect spectacular scenery on the top, not to discourage  you but it's still a good morning hike you can do during weekends here :) 

We were quite tired by the time we reached the top so we hang around there before coming down and of course taking photos as our energizer! haha

This kind of trip works best with friends together as we get chatty along the way and enjoy the hike. View from the top is simple but I guess reaching the peak is a great achievement with that steepness :D

Dungun is also famous for its 'Megi Ketam'. Basically, maggie with crab. Who doesn't love maggie? haha Unfortunately, it is only open in the evening and we didn't get to drop by for some. Will be back again.

Graduation is not merely certifications

Graduation is yet another key milestone in life. Well, to some it's a very big moment of celebrations yet to some it could meant just the end of a certification or qualification. To me, it is not merely certifications especially if you graduate from a university.

My tuition teacher once said, "University life is a time you enjoy with friends especially the freedom you get outside". Indeed.

Graduation is a time of reminiscing the good old times. It's always great to look back and search for that special moments you spent or witty things you did that got you in trouble and so on. It is something you wouldn't find or get once you step into the working world. As cliche as it sounds, it is true. It brings you to the next stage of life; the adulthood. 

Graduation also depicts how much you've grown through the years. I think everyone started out as a young, innocent, naive student going Educamp, following instantly what the faci said, following rules like it might get you terminated if you don't. 

Gradually, you start behaving like seniors, understood that rules are meant to break, punctuality is ridiculous, wearing matrix card all the time is lame, skipping classes are normal and so forth (oh please, not something to follow if possible lol).

Most importantly, at the end of the day or perhaps the year, you grew into that Graduate with much honors not only in education but the whole well being that makes every mum and dad proud. Great achievement doesn't only refers CGPA nor does it sees how thick your certificate files etc. Great achievement comes from hardship, great efforts, multitudes of ups and downs to get to the end. 

Hence, I always believe the importance of our journey in bringing us to our destination. My journey in UTP has been great definitely. If it was not because of the people around me that supports or discouraged me in some way or another, I wouldn't have grown wiser in mind and attitude. I believe in friendship, as it is hard to come by. Education aside, life living with friends around are something to cherish. They are the ones to bring you through the storms, back you up in studies, make you laugh and put that extra sauce to spice up your life. 

You see, that's life. How funny sometimes we think we can manage on our own, live our own life and mind our own business. But you know you fumble at simple things and smile when someone appreciates or compliment on your deeds. We need people. We need friends.

Oh well, maybe too much of stuff here and there. lol Anyway, to my graduation success, I would extend my gratitude to both my parents and family, UTP friends who stand by me, friends back home who supports me during my down time, lovely juniors and seniors who directs and lead me. Most of all, thank God for all these wonderful precious blessings I've been showered through the years.

Big LOVE from daddy mummy!

I think the best part of it is my extended family in Hope Ipoh :) They've been my great source of comfort and peace and fun. They're my source of inspiration when I need that renewed spirit. 

Happy Graduation!

Certified PADI Diver Now

*time to post out of my draft box.

Finally did my Open Water Dive Course and got my PADI certification. Such a great achievement lol Been wanting to do it since when I was in UTP and just excuses after excuses, I got to nowhere. Now that the island has been "brought" nearer to me, I've got no excuses to give haha Wonder if that's the reason I got posted to East Coast.

So, one of the weekend when I knew there's a Malaysia Day holiday, I straight away took a leave on Sunday (yeah..I'm working on a Sunday) and signed up a 4 days diving course at Pulau Perhentian.

Was recommended by people, Panorama Diver is a great diving shop to start out. It was quite a last minute thing, and we thought ok, if we can't book a place then we'll just go next time. But of course, when you hope for something, it turned out something else haha

Off we went on a Friday, totally excited! Woke up super early and starts our journey about 5am. It was my second time to Pulau Perhentian. The last was at Perhentian Besar Coral Bay which I finds it too boring and small. Perhentian just didnt give me any great impression.

But when I arrived at Long Beach Perhentian Kecil, it was totally different. The scene is almost like Redang although not as beautiful. Then, I realised it was an 'ang mo' island :) Anyway, first thing you will see is Panorama Diver shop itself which is great, you don't have to search for it.

The place was decorated nicely which makes you feel welcomed and excited for the holiday. They made the environment seems fun. There you see Panorama Diver and panorama Chalets & Restaurant. Please do not be confused as both is two different entity.

We checked in and met some dive instructors. It was quite a free and easy kind of schedule. They arranged our dive schedule according to our preference and time. It was quite relaxing and enjoyable. First day, was more like theory, watching videos about diving fundamentals. We did it together with another two Germany girls who came and decided they want to take the diving license spontaneously. How awesome.

Kinda like I'm the Panorama girl. lol Since first day has nothing much, we just hang around the beach and thank God for all the 4 days we were there, it was not even raining at all despite the rainy season. There are lots of things you can do there. You can even sign up for yoga class by the beach.



We had our first dive on the second day. Like Yay! the fun part finally arrived. Our dive instructor was Pablo and he gave us a short briefing on our first dive. He was such a great instructor, funny, witty and friendly. Diving was made easy by him.

First very important lesson to learn is to breathe continuously in water and stay calm. I did have some difficulty in equalizing the pressure in my body and hence got disturbed by it during the first dive. But the next one onwards, I actually manage to master the equalizing part and voila! Everything else became amazing underwater.

We have to check and fix our own diving stuff after being taught. That's still fine. The only thing I hate is to carry that heavy tank to the boat. The first time I carried it, maybe they fix it the wrong height, it hurts my back badly. I remember how I hate carrying my own ski when go skiing at the mountains too. It's heavy and troublesome lol

This is the after diving moments, cleaning equipment and keeping it the correct way. Not something you would like to do after diving haha But in any case this diveshop made it very organized and neat. There are specific bins for BCDs, fins, goggles and appropriate area for hanging.

The area is cosy for hang out and not to mention the people there are awesome. What we do every morning is we ordered the food from the restaurant and eat it at the diveshop while the instructor explained our next dive mission. Ok mission sounds like a big plan haha

Too bad we don't have a waterproof camera to capture all those creatures underwater. The only creature we manage to capture is that sea cucumber lol Will make sure the next round we get someone with GoPro cam =P

Well, couldn't express how awesome underwater life is until you experience it yourself, really. As a beginner, the deepest we could go is 18m and the deepest we managed to go is 16.9m. Best creature seen is Jenkins' Whirpray Stingray and Porcupine fish. Porcupine fish is my all time favourite since a kid, am always amazed by its bloated body haha But sadly during that time it did not bloat. Still, it's great I finally see it underwater myself.

  

The one I saw is the one on the left. The one I wanted to see is the one on the right. 

After the fourth day of diving, we wanted to try an adventure dive at Sugar Wreck where there are thousands of fishes around the sunken boat/ship. Sounds like a mermaid fairytale already lol It seems scary at first but I think it's worth exploring. Anyhow, we just have to go back because it was a working day the next day. We will be back for this for sure.

Sugar Wreck at Perhentian Island. Credits to this youtuber.

Our diving package + accommodation sums up to RM1050. Rating wise, diving shop is great but accommodation sucks to the max. Advisable to stay somewhere else but dive at Panorama Divers :)

Yay! Next diving spot will be Pulau Tenggol. Looking forward to it next year! More to come hopefully. Life in Kerteh not so bad after all.

PIPE - Petronas Induction Programme for Executives

Officially completed my PIPE, Petronas Induction Programme for Executive at Petronas Leadership Centre (PLC). Many said it is a 2-week vacation from work which is very true. 

Now I miss the place.

Enjoyed good food, good sports, good bedrooms and most of all great and awesome people.

After that two weeks of fun, am proud and ready to work in Petronas :) Actually fun aside,I did managed to get a lot of great insights from those experienced people. They indeed have open up a different perspective about work life and share their two cents enough to give us fresh grads some tips to survive! 

The proud 'Scorpions' of PIPE 112 :)

Best part about PIPE is doing CSR. We had it at Subang in a very badly managed and low level people area. Anyhow, the childrens are still nice. These are the ones who attends Sekolah Agama which I think is more appropriate and well mannered. 

They were so innocent that one kid asked me, "Can I eat this in class later?" and then later when we were in class, she asked, "Can I eat the bread now?" 

*heart melts*

Whenever we got the free time at night, we will go 'makan'. Alamanda is like our base shopping mall but at least we got ourselves to The Mines too. 

Fellowship-ping with PIPERs really makes it all great especially when you have humour master in your group. There is no one day we do not laughed about his jokes and actions. 

That's what I missed most right now. The humour, the people, the moments in PLC itself. 

To all of them starting their life journey with Petronas: All the BEST! :)

Best First Job Never Wanted to Leave

I think I havent yet mentioned I joined Talisman Energy since April in fact I will never forget my first day of work because it was my birthday that day haha Anyway, it's an opportunity I never thought will come by at all in my life. I was attending SAP training for 3 months since Feb and during that time my other friends who were also attending the training with me have gotten call from Petronas to report duty. I was saddened by the fact that I did not get any placement in KL but I got call from Bintulu. After letting them know about my preference to be in KL, I actually just lose that placement. So I began to worried I cant get a job at that time because at the same time I wanted to quit the training so badly and I need to attached with a company to do so.

Out of all the worries, one day Talisman called me while I was watching tv at home. It just came at the right timing. Unprepared, the HR guy ask if he can do a brief phone interview with me; freaking the crap out of me. And the next thing I know I went for the face to face interview and I got the job as HR Admin.

Well, I am really not a fan of HR in fact I did told them HR is my enemy lol however, within one month my boss changed my jobscope to HR Mgmt System Analyst whereby I dealt hands on with system management; not development but more to like consulting and coordination task. I managed my own projects and given chance to make own decision here and there which was great.

Within 4 months before I left, I've managed to learn like a thousand whole lots of other things from them. It actually changed my whole perspective of what HR was like. It's not just about recruitment and paperwork. And I guess what is most valued in HR is relationship. Everyday I look forward and driven to go to work despite waking up early and going through hassle to drive all the way to Kelana Jaya and then take LRT all the way to Ampang Park.

The main point is that, now that I left Talisman for Petronas in Kerteh, when I look back, I realised how the people in Talisman is so much bonded and warm welcoming. Not that Petronas is the opposite, but there is this something that I feel is missing when I joined Petronas. I am not promoting Talisman but truly there is a big difference when working with expatriates. Since it is a Canadian company, work structure is much flexible and open for discussion as well as fun while working. Jokes and laughters in the office most of the time. Then I realised it was the culture at workplace that got me so motivated to work in the first place.

Indeed was my best first job I gotten. Am grateful for all the friendship gained and laughters as well as memories built within that short 4 months. Short yet many things happened!

Maybe now I'm having too much of a culture shock here in Kerteh. It's a big total change for me because I am used to working ang mo style in a big lively city. To be here in a super slow pace and almost empty city with longer hierarchy working place, hmmm really takes lots of effort to adjust.

Gambateh Mel!!

Still believes that my journey doesnt just end here and no goodbyes shed, just moving forward to the next oil and gas company :) 

Thank you so much Talisman!

GE13: Malaysia's Major History

Malaysia's 13th General Election has marked its most prominent history of all now. There are many thoughts and opinions going around, mostly hatred and rage burning from within Malaysians especially the young generations. How can we, the new generations of the future not felt a pinch to what is happening right now? I have never felt so defeated, quench to the bottom of the heart like something has died inside me.

I think it's enough time that we stopped putting the blame on anything or anyone because everything has been done. What we should be doing now is to look forward to what more could we do to reach that democracy stage. A friend of mine, a Taiwanese in fact, told me this is the process of democracy and it's a good start because people has raised their voice. No castle is built in one night. This is so true. There will be no point rushing into something when we missed out all the details in between. One step at a time.

I am glad many of us has open up our eyes to see the need to fight for our rights and bring back our lovely country, a place to stay peacefully without culture compromising and corruptions what not. To those who have yet to feel it, I hope that in the days to come, you will encounter this patriotism from within which has caused the uprising of many Malaysians today.

I never felt this love for my country before but today as I was driving, tears rolled down my eyes just by thinking of what has happened. Saddening but still believed that greater things has yet to come! God has his plans for our country!

Let us raise our voices and fight for our country but still be on guard on our act and humility.

Keep this spirit up people!

The Lady Turned 23

Oh well, a year younger again! Yippie. lol Had a small celebration with my family. I kind of hate my birthday falling in mid April when everyone is always and forever busy during that time of the year. So, after some years I kind of used to the fact that it is the time people will be rushing for tests, projects, work, meetings etc. So, I'm actually okay with it not getting any surprises or what not. Usually I appreciate small dinners or gestures from closed ones, at least remembering my special day haha

Anyway, this year since we graduated, we're all separated on our own and some friends even began working, so I kind of expect everyone would be busy and that. Still, appreciated some of them who drop me a wish or something :)

I had a little surprise from my family actually. We had dinner the night before my birthday; the BIG CRAB, my favourites of all seafood :D Had it night before, because the next day (my birthday) is also my FIRST OFFICIAL working day. Congrats to myself. lol Now, I will remember this day for the rest of my life. haha  So, there would not be much time to celebrate on that night.

However, little did I know, they actually prepared so much of a surprise after my "hectic" day of working in office. That night I was seriously a happy little girl getting an Instax camera (Le Panda version) *grins* which I've always so reluctant and stingy to buy.

It's a night filled with lots of chocolaties too lol My little sister got me the finest dark chocolate from Fidani that I'm also too stingy to buy lol

Every pieces is handpicked and every one of it is dark chocolate. oh love much! :D

Then, there are even more chocolates. Oh well, most of the years I'm getting chocolates from some of my friends too simply because I'm skinny enough to need that. lol

At the end of the day, it kind of bring me to tears a little because of such a thoughtful and lovely family, knowing me so well and giving me something that I've longed for. haha Seriously, it is such sweet love that made my day :)

Here's the first two instax photos with my family :) <3

------------------------

Mille crepe has been the "in" thing now with Nadeje newly opened in SS2. I was thinking what is so special about this layered cake and so, give it a try. We planned for Nadeje but somehow the plan kept called off lol So, we ended up having Mille Crepe cake at Paradigm Mall. Am seriously loving the Bamboo Charcoal flavoured cake. Indeed, sums it up being the #1 top seller cake. The cakes here are indeed delicious already, am looking forward to taste the difference in Nadeje.



This one is the Strawberry Chocolate flavoured crepe cake. Love the bits of strawberry inside. There are a variety of flavours to choose from and you may ask for a testing for each flavour before you choose :)

Third Instax at Vanilla Mille Crepe shop ;)


Happy 23 to me!

Cheers.

Austria, reliving once more.

This could be a long lost post about my travels in Europe. I had a great time in Europe during my internship; did it in a small cosy town, Wels, Austria. I thought it will be good to jot down the places that I've been and the little memoirs I had at all of the little places I dropped by. It has been a year plus since I came back from Europe haha but somehow most of the fond memories are still kind of fresh in my head. I still wish I could relive that moment once more. Definitely, want to visit Europe again in times to come.

So, here goes the diary of my travel. I'll start off with Austria itself as it is a wonderful country although small in its size, it gives you the best mountain side scenery. I love how Austria being the centre of the Europe surrounded by different countries where I find it convenient to travel about; either to the East or to the West. 

I live in a small town called Wels. I love how everything is accessible by walking distance. The supermarkets and shopping area are just 10 - 15 mins away from where I stay. You tend to meet your friends on the way and most of all, the weather is cool enough even during summer that you don't sweat while walking. damn Malaysians. lol

 During summer, you get to dip into the river and sunbathe by the river which is a usual hangout spot for the Europeans during this season. The water will still be cold even though it is summer and there is a nice traun (river in German) right behind my hostel. During the weekends, other than volleyball we will head for the river for some sunbathing. It is never nice to stay in the room during weekends because it is so hot inside there's no fan or aircond, you just need to get out and have fun :P

Ducks may also appear along the river, dipping together under the sun. They will disappear or maybe a proper word to describe is migrate to another area during winter since the water is icy cold. It is my first time getting this near to nature which I never do in Malaysia. haha

Most people own a floating boat which they will row along the river or just relax floating on the river. This is how clean and serene the place is. You can practically just do anything you can think of during summer. I mean there's hardly any restriction what you can do to the river as long as you keep it clean and legal. lol

Yes, cycling is part of the culture here. You either own a car or a bike or both. Bike is essential which get you anywhere quickly in town and apart from that, leisure where you can even get your bike on the train and head to another city to cycle. I have yet to try this sports as I have no bike. I will want to try one day. I think it's awesome you don't need to have a car to bring your bike to another city to explore. Just ride to the nearest train station and off you go as far as you can go.

During some weekends, I will go for a stroll with my friends in the small little wood beside the river. Just being with the nature you know haha I always get excited whenever we're having such plans. It feels good after a whole week of stress in the office. Usually, after the strolling we'll drop by some cafe or crash somebody's place to hang out and have a good chat. There are these few people whom we can get along, like have a good talk and laugh which I feel great after meeting them.

There's this place by the river that has good cocktails and drinks. Don't really remember the name but it is kind of obvious if you walk along the river itself. It only opens during summer as it is an open-spaced restaurant. So, it is closed during winter. 

You get to sip some cocktails or juices and enjoy the serene environment =) 

Another good place for kebap and pizzas is the Palace. If you're familiar with Europe, kebaps are kind of common in most places. When I said kebap, it is not the typical Malaysian kebap haha It is somewhat like the Subway but in a round burger shape instead. Too bad I have no pictures of it. In fact, there's two types of kebap, a burger shaped kebap and a wrap (like McD's twister). But I always prefer the round ones. 

These are the pizzas at the Palace. There are variety of flavours and they are seriously good. Must try when you're at Wels :D And it's a halal place actually as it is opened by the Turkeys. This was the first place I learned my German for food lol It is a good place to learn actually because the menus are filled with ingredients of the pizza which forces you to learn if you want to avoid certain ingredient lol 

The best part about Europe is the ice-cream lol They called it Eis in German. I never fail to get an ice-cream every week after work especially on Friday. haha Il Gelato serves superb ice-cream or maybe the only one in town I guess because I didn't see any other ice-cream shops. It only cost 1 Euro for a scoop. A big scoop actually and it is equivalent to Baskin Robbins here >.< 

My all time favourite is the Pistachio Mint and the Strawberries one (with real strawberries in it). Any flavours taste good actually and they're very rich which totally fulfilled your taste buds :))

Lastly, the thing that I always wanted to do most when I'm in Europe is to lie down on the park's grass land. lol Maybe we get to do it here also lar but then the feel is different with the environment so clean and peaceful, with the garden flowers so fresh and all. I love to drop by this garden called Burggarten in Wels. It is on my way back home. Sometimes, when I feel like it, I just drop by and turn one round before heading back haha Sometimes during weekends, I'll drop by, sit on the bench while watching people around or read a novel or something. It's really nice to have that feeling. Even the teenagers had picnics and hang out there which was surprising it was not the shopping malls they headed. 

During winter the ice skating rink (Kunsteisbahn in German) will open and swimming pool turns indoor with warm pool available. Outdoor restaurants all turned indoor and everything turns indoor lol At some place, you still get to skate outdoor which is awesome too with the lightings around usually nearing Christmas with the Christmasy feel :)

In fact, the ice rink here uses real ice according to my friend because she felt funny when I mentioned that we also have an ice skating rink in a shopping mall. She was curious how to have ice skating rink when there is no snow in Malaysia. lol The ice there is much drier also which makes me tend to fall off. Maybe I'm just not a good skater too lol 

Ahh, how I miss that small little town and friends. =')