Born Dreamer

Dali Gucheng- Xiaguan - Dali Gucheng

2007-06-18T05:58:00.000-07:00

I love to take a walk in the morning. Cangshan got it's own character. It looks different at different time of the day. It keeps on changing its mood.

The morning scene is also interesting. This place is bustling with life.

After roaming the place for a few days, I need a change and decided to find my way to Xiaguang. I learnt that I can take bus no. 8 from Gucheng and the bus fare is only Y1.5.

On board the bus, I checked the map and decided to stop at Xiaguan's Railway Station.

I find my way to the market, had my lunch at a restaurant and walked all the way to Erhai Lake and Park.

I would say, the place is very scenic. I spend hours roaming around, trying my best to digitize the place and bring home some memories.

Outside the viewing pavilion called "Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon", I found some hawkers hawking interesting food. I can't help but took some photos.

Back in Ancient City of Dali (Gucheng), everything looks so familar again.

I love to watch Dali clouds at the night. Sometimes, it looks so mysterious and so enchanting.

Visit to the market

2007-06-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

See what I found in the market.

After visiting the market place, we went to a small shop to have our facial. At the price of Y20, I cannot complain.

My cousin seems so pleased to be able to recommend me for the money-for-value facial and she said she enjoys living here as the cost of living is low.

Before long, it's dinner time and we head to Cafe de Jack for our dinner. We had fried rice and vegetable soup for two. Ah! I'm beginning to love this place. I remember having my American Breakfast (toast / eggs / hash brown & coffee @ Y13) here in the morning.

AFter dinner, we took a walk and enjoy Dali Gucheng by night. It looks so oriental.

Dali - Gucheng

2007-06-16T23:54:00.000-07:00

The next day, I rise early and left the church just before 8 am. I went to look at some guest houses and went in search of Cafe de Jack as I was told that Father Larry likes the place.

I take a leisurely walk and check out the guest houses around Dali. The morning scene is refreshing.

By late morning, I found Cafe de Jack and went for my brunch. This is my favorite haunt when I was there. It was a cozy place and the staff were super friendly.

I ordered ginger tea (Y5) and french toast(Y8). While waiting for my breakfast, I log in to the net and check out some mails at Y5 per hr. The staff were busy cleaning up the mess left over by the merry makers last night.

I spoke to one of the staff and before long, we introduced ourselves and I learnt a bit about the place. Her name is also Jane. She said it was given to her by one of the guests as Chinese name is too much for him to remember. Her Chinese name is Yang Peng. She also told me that they are in the process of converting the upstairs area into a garden place for guests to relax. June is off-peak season so they do it now in preparation for the crowd in July and August which is their peak season.

She went about her work and when she is free, she came to chat again. This time she drew a picture of the Bai Chu or is it Naxi Chu? See sketch above. She said I can still see them in their traditional costume in Dali or Lijiang. They wore a towel round their head, wearing a blue costume . Her sketch is cute right?

I spend hours at the cafe, relaxing and reading there. Then I started to go around and check out Gucheng and some of their guest houses.

By noon, I met up with my cousin and she brought me to dye my hair at a local saloon at Y40. My cousin was contemplating whether or not to dye her hair. She finally gave in. It was quite well done and I quite like the color. I'm quite pleased with the deal.

We went to Sister Cafe and had Japanese cuisine (sabu-sabu) for dinner. Then we went shopping and playing with the idea of importing some stuff to Singapore for online sales, perhaps.

We also went to visit her friend, also named Jane who is the owner of one of the travel agencies in Dali. I took a 6D5N Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-la package for Y1,000. Actually, I think it's easier to travel on my own as I understand that it is very easy to find accomodation in Lijiang. Somehow, I think my cousin will feel better if I join a tour group. I decided to go for it.

We take a walk around Gucheng before calling it a day.

Dali - Tianlongbabu Movie and TV City

2007-06-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

We decided on Western Breakfast at Dali Gucheng (Ancient City)and on our way there, we met our 2 inhouse cooks carrying a big basket on their back. They are on their way to do their marketing. Hm .. reminds me of backpackers with their backpack.

After breakfast, we proceed to Tianlongbabu Movie and Television City. This is the location shooting site for the famous Chinese Drama Serial, Tian Long Ba Bu (Chronicles of the Heavenly Dragon) by Jin Yong.

Looking at the programe of the day on the big board, we realised that we had missed some event and in any case, we will not be able to follow through as we plan to go swimming in the afternoon.

I tried the magic basin. "Your hand must be clean" the lady said, "wash it with soap, then rub against the handles of the basin and you can see the water jumping up"

I tried, after a while, it works. I noticed the little girl watching. She must be wondering what I am doing.

We visited some of the location shooting sites. Ah! this is the bridal chamber. The word, "Xi" which means double happiness is symbolic sign for many chinese wedding.

We went to the studio and decided to be the "stars" of the day too. We dressed in the ancient costumes provided by the studio and sit on the prop and just act according to instruction given or rather act "silly" **haha** And lo and behold, we ended up with a VCD of our own as prelude to the actual VCD on this place. (It's so funny!)

We watched a short skit on the predictable old chinese story. Aiya! you know lah! The princess throwing the silk ball from the verandah and the man who catches it, get to marry her. Aiyoh! old story liao! I do wish they have a more refreshing version.

The next item is the Lion Dance. Hm .. they are good!

In the afternoon, we got a lift to Xiaguang. We plan to go to a villa for swimming. I understand that the water is from the hot spring. Enroute, Father Tao brought us to see an ancient stone. Till now, I don't know its signifance.

But I do remember seeing a group of lady dancing with their pink fans and I also saw a beautiful red roses. Or is it Camellia?

Our next destination is the villa for our swim with water from the hot spring. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a costume that fits me, so I spend my time in the spa doing reflexology, while kakis swam happily away.

After our spa, we took a bus to the railway station and started looking for a restaurant that serves good herbal pot soup. After much difficulty, we managed to find that particular stall.

Yummy, yummy! We got a good dinner (Y97) with a good bottle of red wine (Y45) and the 5 of us have fun singing our heart out as well. Ha! must be the wine.

We returned to Dali Gucheng (Ancient Town) by cab.

Dali - Cangshan

2007-06-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

They are bringing Andrew to Cangshan Mt today and I get to tag along. **Heehee** My good host packed some fruits and tidbits to munch at the mountain top.

Two of us took the gondola up to the mountain, while the other 2 went up on horseback.

The 20 min ride (Y50) is smooth and pleasant. Looking at the top of the various species of pine trees bring a sense of calmness and the stillness invoke a certain kind of peacefulness inside me.

Cangshan Mt is the main peak of Yunling Mt southward. It stretches from Dengchuan, Eryuan in the North, stopped at Erhe River in the South, Erhai Sea to the East and the river valley of Heihui River to the West. There are 19 peaks in this mountain range.

We had our lunch at Highland Inn and then proceed for a short trek and be with nature for a while.

The gondola ride down is more holistic as I get to see the panoramic view of Dali, apart from the top of the varous pine trees.

By the time we get back, it is dinner time and we went for Pizza and Steak at Pizzeria, on the upper end of westerner or foreigner street. The plate of fruit is so elaborately decorated that we felt it is a pity to eat and destroy this beautiful creation.

My cough is not getting better. There's so much phlegm inside. It's quite embarassing to cough so much esp when there are people around. I tried to controlmy coughing but it only get worse. The Strong Bi Ba Gou I bought yesterday only temporarily ease the discomfort. **sigh** Despite this, I truly enjoy myself.

Dali - Fishing Cormorants - San Dao Char

2007-06-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

This morning, I attended the 2 hr talk on "life value" by speaker, Andrew from Hong Kong.

For lunch,I joined the students and staff and had a simple but healthy meal,inhouse - veggies with eggs, green veggies, soup and keropok.

After that we get ready to go to see the much-talked about Fishing Cormorants at a remote part of the lake (I think this is also part of Erhai Lake)

I watched as the owner skillfully placed a ring round the neck of all the hunting birds that are trained to catch fish for him. The ring is in place to prevent the bird from swallowing the fish. Once the bird caught the fish, it will swim back to the owner and he will get the bird to throw the catch into a basin. To some, this is a cruel form of fishing but watching the relationship between the birds and the owner, I don't think he is being cruel.

That evening,we have a feast, compliment from Andrew who insist on playing host. Thanks to him,too, I get to tag along. *haha! lucky me!"

After dinner, a few of us went for a cup of tea. We tried the famous 3-course tea (San Dao Char) in Dali at the Cultural Centre. This is the traditional Bai's (a minority group) way of drinking tea. The 1st cup is bitter, the 2nd cup mixed with walnut, rushan and brown sugar is sweet and the 3rd cup mixed with wild pepper, slices of ginger and cinnamon powder had an recurring after-taste (symbolising reminisce). Intersting hor! There's a lot to learn from the Chinese. Ah! this is where i came from right?

SIN-KMG-DALI

2007-06-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

I took TG via BKK and met up with my cousin at the waiting bay.

Onboard, seated next to me, is an elderly Australian. He is heading to Nanning to meet and marry a lady he was introduced to 3 years ago. He got a teaching job in Nanning thru ATC in Australia and hope to stay 1 yr b4 going back to Australia. I wish him all the best!

It started to drizzle when our flight landed at Kunming International Airport. We took a cab (Y30) to the bus station and bought our bus tickets (Y123) from Kunming to Xiaguang. We arrived at the bus station amidst heavenly shower blessing. We got drenched. Thankfully, the small towel I tucked inside my backpack at a last minute, came in very useful.

From Xiaguang, we took a cab to Dali Ancient Town (Y30) and bumped into Father Larry, Lifei, Teresa and her guest from Hong Kong, Andrew. They just had their dinner and are preparing to go back. I only knew Teresa then as she came to Singapore about 2 wks ago.

After checking in, we went for our dinner. I'm amazed at the way they laid out the uncooked food in plates and basins on the floor for customers to pick. I had a fulfilling dinner. Nice vegetables and soup. (Ah! I mention to my cousin that I want to go on vegetarian diet when I'm there as I understand the people in Dali loves dog's meat and I cannot bring myself to stomach that.)

Unconditional Friendship Is Like A Piece Of Gold

2007-06-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

Certain people touches your heart. I was having kopi-o with Shima today. She came back from Australia to see her ailing dad and I felt that no matter how busy I must make it a point to catch up with her b4 my trip. I'm glad I did. She taught me something that I really treasure. Yes, when you give, you give with your heart and expect nothing in return and yes, regardless of race, language or religion.

When she knows I'm going to Dali and will be staying at a church with my cousin for a couple of day, she took out a $50 note. At the end of our kopi-o session, she asked me to hand the donation for missionary cause. She is not a Chinese, she is not a Christian but she donated just like that. How can I say no? Like she joked, "Not for you huh, for a cause" I thank her on behalf as there is no way I can reject and decided to donate the same. Thanks for showing me the way, my friend.

There's another friend who ask me if the church needs some soft toys and books. Don't get me wrong, I'm not there to do missionary work. I'm not called. I'm just there to idle .. to relax .. to reflect .. to destress .. to give my old bones a break .. I'm fine with doing nothing, at least, for the time being.

Well, I'm going to a friend's place now. And this is another friend that really go beyond the word "friendship" Knowing my cousin has to be at the airport at 4 or 4.30am, she not only offers her place, which is near the airport, to us but also offer to drive us to the airport in the morning. What can I say? This morning she even asks if I need a ride as her weekend car can go out in the evening. *haha*

I felt blessed to have friends like that. Friends you can count on. Hm .. what can I do for you I return?

Strange, by tomorrow, I will be in Kunming or maybe in Dali. I don't know what lies ahead. I don't know what to expect, except there are many dogs in Dali. How am I going to overcome my fear for dogs? I don't really know.

Read and watch footage of the recent earthquake in Puer .. flood in the Southern region of China. But somehow, I still know, I want to go. Yes, I know I'm going to a strange land where it rains in Summer. Well, I'm prepared to sit through the rain and hopefully at the end of the rain, I can see beautiful rainbow.

This is the 1st time I'm travelling without an itinerary .. without any concrete plan. I just let the Lord guides me through. Whatever will be, will be.

Dali .. Here I come

2007-06-10T05:46:00.001-07:00

My last post is in year 2005. Guess I'm not a Blog person.

With an open mind and a lung full of phelgm, I'm ready to embark on my journey to Dali and to, I don't know where else.

I don't know where all that phelgm came from. It's really irritating! Numerous visit to Dr and medicine don't seem to help. Whenever, I'm choke with phelgm, I will start coughing non-stop. It's bad!

That aside, I never have the luxury of travelling with time on hand, with an open ticket. I got 60 days visa in China but will I really utilise the visa to full? Only time will tell.

The day before yesterday, I received a sweet daypack and a nice farewell card with a pair of travelling shoes (2-dimensional, one of my colleagues pointed out to me) from my colleagues. Guess they want me to enjoy my travelling too. Received 2 boxes of Savoury puffs from 2 other colleagues too. Soo sweet of them. I decided to share the joy by distributing them to all colleagues in the office. I really appreciate their thoughts. It's hard to say goodbye but it's for the best of all.

When it is time to go, there's no point holding on, even though the company had decided,after I tendered,to give me an increment and even a promotion. I had to remind my VP, HR, that I had given 2 mths notice. I never believe in looking back and once a decision is made, it's best to move forward.

Anyway, goodbye to work, at least for now. Dali .. I heard you calling for me. Here I come!

Public Transport - MRT and Buses

2005-04-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

I was very tired .. my left leg still hurt after 3 games of bowling 2 weeks ago. Yes, I enjoyed the game. I scored 95-125-131 .. not bad, considering I have not been bowling for the past few years. I was quite pleased with my score but regret making the greatest mistake in my life! I forgot to warm up my stiff limbs before the game. The result .. an over-stretched left leg muscle from my thigh to my calf and an injured knee cap leaving me limping for about 1 week. Now, it's much better but still abit sore.

So imagine poor me stepping into the MRT train and so happy to find an empty seat.. alas! my happiness is short-lived. An old lady walked in and stand in front of me. I waited for a while, no one makes a move. I decided to give up my seat to her.

I looked around me at those seating comfortably and wish someone has a heart to give up his seat to the poor lady instead of me .. there's a young man busy sms-ing .. another tired office worker dozing off .. no, more than one .. a couple of young ladies busy talking .. a few reading .. none of these people makes a move. I felt like screaming! I'm tired, you know .. my leg hurts .. hey, you people .. what happen? didn't you see that old lady .. or do you pretend not to see? At times like this, I wish I don't have a consience and seat right thru.

Hanging on to the railing, I diverted my thoughts and think about other thing .. somehow the high cost of transportation irks me.

You know, a new stored-value card here costs $15 .. out of which $5 is to defray the cost for the card and only $3 is refundable, leaving me with only $7 value in the card for travelling. I have to ensure this card stays with me for life by topping-up once the value is low.

The interesting thing about the $3 refundable deposit,is that I might never get it back. The only time I foresee getting back my $3 is when I renounce the use of public transport. *sigh**

I'm a frequent public transport user, that means I need to "donate" (I treat it as a donation, I felt better that way) at least $5 to the transport co. before I can buy a stored value card for travelling around my city. (Strange land i"m living in .. I want convenience and a slight rebate, so I need to pay for a card to travel)

Of cos, I can do away with the $5 + $3 deposit, by paying for every single trip but things are not so simple. If I do that, a single trip will cost more than when I paid by using the stored value card. On top of that, I will lose out on the 25 cents rebate esp when I have to take a train and a bus, everyday before I reach my house. What choice do I have? My transport cost works up to close to $4 a day!

If the transport company don't make enough money and go bust, then it will be worse, I think. I have to buy my own car, if I can afford to, or a bicycle and learn to cycle or walk to my destination. None of these options appeal to me.

So, every day, I prayed hard that they are able to make a decent profit. The moment, the public transport company announces that they are in the red, or don't make enough money, I start to shiver as that means a possible fare hike. But thankfully, they make enough $$$$$ most of the time. I wonder what is public transport??

Still, I'm proud of my country's efficient transport system. Though I felt that they should be more prudent in their spending and do away with unnecessary stuff like a mobile TV. I also pray they are more cost-conscious in their planning.

Aiya! my wandering mind! jay dreaming again!

Dr visit

2005-04-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

The buzzing sound don't seem to go away, so I visited Dr Ong on Thurs and she claimed there was some pus inside my ear and there's nothing she can do except to give me some antibiotics and then pray for the best.

I asked her many questions, one of which is what causes the injury? is there too much wax inside? Her reply is that it is clean, no wax only pus.

"What causes the pus and what should I do to prevent it from happening again? Should I clean it more often?" I asked.

Dr Ong replied, "It's self-cleansing. You don't need to do anything and please don't put anything that is smaller than an elbow inside, which means don't put anything inside .. don't clean it"

Abit irritated by my numerous questions, I think, she said, "You seem to have many myths in your head,"

I laughed, "That's why I need you to dispel them. I'm worry, you know."

"Come back after 5 days" she said, and then changed her mind and said, "no .. no .. after one week, I just remember the anti-biotics is now packed in a box of 14 and you have to take 2 per day" I looked at her .. I'm surprised my next visit to the Dr is dependable on the packaging of the antibiotics she prescribed.

My bill ... $85!! in exchange for 14 antibiotics, 10 Tab Sudafed Tablet to clear my nose and 30 Tab Serrazyme to clear my throat and phlegm (do i hv phlegm?) Of cos, the fee included the 10 mins of her consultation time as well. The time she spend dispelling my myths. Wah! that's rather expensive! I lamented at the high cost of medical bill. I wonder if the day will come when I can afftord to die but cannot afford to pay for my medical bill. **sigh**

By Sat, ie yesterday, the buzzing sound still don't seem to go away. I decided to go for a second opinion and visited my GP, Dr Koh.

I told him straight, "Dr, I need a second opinion" and told him about my 1st visit to Dr Ong and the medication she prescribed.

He listened patiently and then proceeded to examine my ears and said that as far as he can see, there's a minor infection in my right ear. Nothing serious. "Why do I hear the buzzing sound then .. will it go away" I asked. He replied patiently that it will takes sometimes for the antibiotics to work. He assured me that Dr Ong did what she can. That's re-assuring as my confidence in her is abit shaken when she decided my next visit by the number of antibiotics in a box. (14 .. 2 per day, so see me 7 days later.)

"The buzzing sound in the ear" he explained patiently, "could be due to some injury .. did you hurt your ear recently? sudden loud sound or loud music, etc ... most importantly, do you have flu b4 the buzzing sound?"

"No .. no .. no flu .. nothing .. not that I remember .. I don't use MP3 or walkman either .. got mobile but no ear phone piece either" I replied.

"Did someone, like your friend .. playfully hit your ear" he asked lightly.

"No, Dr .. not at my age .. " I laughed. I can't imagine any of my friends being that playful.

Unlike Dr Ong, this Dr Koh asked me more questions than I asked him. Not only that, he patiently explained to me the possible cause for the pus .. could be due to some slight injury .. even persistent coughing can sometimes hurt the eardrum. I liked him. Most doctors seem to be in a hurry to get rid of their patient so they got time to see the next one. More patients mean more money. But not Dr Koh .. he got time for his patient.

He then assured me that my ears are clean, no wax .. and that there is nothing to worry about.

"Does the buzzing sound disturbs you?" he asked. I looked at him and he added, "some people might not be able to sleep because of the sound"

"No, Dr" I replied, "It's abit irritating but I can still bear with it" I thought of telling him that I look forward to drifting to my dreamland every night and most of the time nothing seems to deprive me of that little pleasure. But changed my mind and keep quiet as it does not serve any purpose.

I then decided to ask him something else, "Dr .. I do have some problem recently, for instance, someone can talk to me and I tried my best to listen but nothing go in"

"Oh! that is your mind working .. no one can help you .. you are not interested, hence you switched off"

"Is that normal" I asked. I don't seem to have such problem before.

He smiled, "You got to take up something that is of interest to you"

"Like what?" I asked

"Like learning to cook .. you can train your mind to remember the ingredients you used, the portion, etc .."

I shaked my head, " No .. not cooking .. mahjong?"

"You can play mahjong but that doesn't mean your mind is working .. if your interest is not there .. you don't think" he said wisely. "Try Toast Master" he then suggested.

I smiled at the idea of seeing myself doing the ice-breaker and trying to visualise myself making my maiden speech in a toastmaster club. I'm flattered, Dr.

"Try and remember what you like to do when you are young ("am I that old now?" I wondered) and didn't get to do it .. find out what interest you and do it" my charismatic Dr suggested.

I replied that I shall tried and then I added, "It's difficult to grow old, Dr .. esp when memory lapse occurs and when pain starts to surface .. even my ears start to give me problem"

He laughed. "You are doing Ok .. you are fine" he assured me.

Before I left the room, I said, "You are very assuring, Dr. Thank you. I hope I am!"

He prescribed a small bottle of ear drop and my bill is $25. I happily paid the receptionist and left. Even without the ear drop, I think the price is worth the visit.

That's yesterday .. today, the buzzing sound is still there and I wonder if it will ever go away.

Today, Pope John Paul II passed away, leaving millions to mourn his death. I wonder why he had to suffer so much before he died.

He's a great man after all. A good and compassionate man. One who believe in human rights .. one who lead the Catholic community all over the world. One who touches the heart of millions. Someone mentions over the TV that his mere presence, his aura is so overwhelming, it can makes one cry. A very prominent figure, well known and well liked, globally.

Only a man of his calibre is able to justify the high cost the media have to pay for the best location to film his last journey. I remember hearing over TV recently that TV stations have been paying for that particular hot spot for years .. waiting for the right moment to film his last journey. I believe many TV stations have started compiling his life story or start working on his documentary the moment he is hospitalise.

At last, his suffering had ended and he's moving on to eternal life. I'm touched by his life story. That compassionate image that flashes on my TV set over and over again. May God bless his soul!

A Dreamer Is Born

2005-04-01T23:57:00.000-08:00

Today a dreamer is born .. Life is like a dream. Sometimes it's hard to figure out what's real and what's not. People are like actors and actressess on stage. I wonder if you agree with me?