A Balinese Retreat~

In case some of you have not known, I went to Bali over the weekend (4 days) for a short getaway & to celebrate my birthday. This is the first year I spent my birthday overseas. I just thought I need a break & was glad that my friend, Hamsa, asked me if I wanna go on a trip with him. I was chatting with Suliana earlier this month & told her how much I wanted to go to Bali. Hamsa's birthday is in January as well so we decided that this trip shall be our birthday treats to ourselves! Haha...Kinda chic~ Quite a last minute holiday but a enjoyable one indeed. We took 180 over pics & I had to choose the better ones for the blog. Sit back & relax. Allow me to indulge you on my trip to...BALI. :)

DAY 1

We flew to Denpasar on Garuda Indonesia & landed at about 8.20 pm. Our driver (Pak Kutu) met us at the Ngurah Rai Airport & brought us to the resort we gonna stay, which is called Ramayana Resort & Spa. Such a convenient location, the resort is just 10 mins away from the airport. Our room is on the 2nd floor & has a balcony that faces the lush gardens. Nice nice... :)

So Balinese...Must see who chose the resort. *winks winks*

This Hamsa got so hungry (he said that the dinner served inflight wasn't enough!) that we had to have another meal after we arrived. Too lazy to go out so we just head to the Gabah Restaurant in the resort itself.

His Nasi Goreng & Bailey's Coffee

Ramayana's. Mixture of apple juice, mint leaves & whatnots. Shiok!

My seafood satay actually uses lemongrass as the usual sticks we have here...

DAY 2

It's the 26th January! We woke up close to 12 noon, just in time for lunch. :)
Weather's looking good & I'm feeling great. Hehe~

Chose the easiest way out for lunch lar...MacDonald's. If only we can have juicy burgers with a view of the beautiful ocean like this EVERYDAY.

Hard Rock Cafe! We're thinking of having dinner at the cafe on our last night. Hehe~

The resort is so near to everywhere! The beach, the makan places & shopping.

The shopping street of Kuta.

We met our tour guide, Yana at about 4pm as he'll be taking us for a sunset tour at Uluwatu. After driving for about 25 mins (up & down the hills), we finally reached....

A visit to Bali's dramatic Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Believed to date from the 16th century, this temple is perched on a limestone point suspended some 825 feet over the roaring Indian Ocean. What a long way up the steps...this is like Batu Caves already! Anyhow, visitors have to wear long pants or at least cover 3/4 of the leg area. If not, have to don that purple sarong with a yellow ribbon. That explains why Hamsa & I are walking around in them! Also, visitors are asked to remove their necklaces, spectacles & sunglasses. Loads of monkeys guarding the area & they are ready to snatch these items!

The water is sparkling blue! Aahh... I thought I was in South Africa for awhile. :)

I got scared by the monkeys lar...so I was glad Yana walked with me on my left & Hamsa on the right. Haha!

So nice! I bought a painting of this shot for Naz.

Hamsa is quite good in photography, I happily trust him with my digi cam to do some snapping. The time is almost 6 pm & we are waiting for sunset & kecak dance to start....

For curious or kaypoh people: I know what's going through your heads. NO. We are NOT a couple. :)

The most famous of the Balinese dances, the Kecak originated from the Sanghyang dance choirs, who chant a distinctive "kechak-kechak" accompaniment. Quite spiritual worr....

I wanna soak up the sun!

After the tour, it's finally dinner time! We were starving already. Yana drove us (with 2 other tourists) to somewhere near Nusa Dua for grilled seafood. The place is like a warung & we are seated right on the beach! It was a clear night & there loads of stars in the sky. Nice! Each of us have a plate full of ikan bakar, clams, sotong & prawns. Unfortunately, one of the tourists is a vegetarian so she offered Hamsa her share. Geez...see how much that chap gobbles down his food?! Then kena mini diarrhoea at night! Hamsa...I told you to eat in moderation horr.... Hehe~

There's a group of guys who play musical instruments & sang too. They came to our table & guess what....they sang "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt. It's a great day for a birthday, watched beautiful sunset & dinner under the stars to top it all. Too bad, there's no special someone with me. I never really like that song but..I admit that my emotions got the better of me &I teared a bit. Sighs...

DAY 3

This is called... VAINITY. Hahaha!

At the balcony where we had our Nescafe. I name this balcony "My Space" (coz I can just sit & daydream most of the time) & I bet Hamsa will call it "My Smoking Bay" (he's not allowed to smoke IN the room!).

The day is bright & sunny again! Walked to Discovery Shopping Mall. Bought some souvenirs for my colleagues & Hamsa had A & W for lunch. I'm facing the beach from where I'm standing in the pic. Suliana will LOVE this mall!

And of course, no matter where I travel to, I'll always look out for...Starbucks. It's essential to gulp down Iced Caramel Machiatto on a hot day...

After all that shopping, I dragged Hamsa to watch sunset at Kuta Beach! It's like one of the many things MUST DO in Bali lar...

We sat from 6pm to 8pm. Talked about things in life whilst admiring the beautiful view of Kuta Beach. He even had the time to do a fake tattoo on his arm! Haha!

Aaawww~

So dinner at Hard Rock Cafe tonight! Hamsa had New York Strip Steak...

While mine is Tenderloin Steak...Yummy! Not forgetting the Cecil Orange Clove Tea.

I love this pic! It's like my crazy moment in Bali!

And my friend had his too!



Bought a couple of shirts from the Hard Rock Mega Store.

We agreed to spend our last night in Bali merrily. Went to get some drinks at the Hard Rock Cafe & watch the live band too. I drank just 2 (BIG!) glasses of cocktail : Reggae Breeze & Twist & Shout. They contain merely vodka with other juices but I was already super high. Haha... Hamsa drank 5 tequila shots & didn't feel anything at all! Damn... It's my FIRST time drinking so much & the FIRST time getting high. Quite happening you know! I remember feeling very very happy that I giggled non stop & I told Hamsa he looks like he's from Muis (An Islamic body in S'pore). I didn't dare to go to the dance floor coz I was afraid I may not make it back to our table. I realised...when a person is high on alcohol, his or her true emotions will show. I laughed & told Hamsa that I haven't feel this happy for awhile & the next moment, I cried. Like I said...the past month was a hard one for me. Anyhow, Hamsa won't tell me what I was crying about that night (he just commented I said a lot about myself...& I figured...ARIFF). I thanked him for taking care of me & brought me back safely. I hope he kept other info strictly confidential! Hahaha!

DAY 4

Sheesh...we are going back home! Bali is such a nice place that I don't wanna leave. Work is waiting for me some more... Tsk. My stomach didn't feel good after the alcohol session the night before. I vomitted a bit & managed to sleep off my mabuk-ness. So..no hangover lar. Anyway, it's just vodka. :)

He's sad to leave too but...at least, a special someone is waiting for him to come home. :)

Waiting to board the flight to gloomy S'pore. (My dad told me it rained everyday I was in Bali). Still got excess Rupiahs & USD but nothing much to buy at the Ngurah Rai Airport ley....
Take pics better!

I did some thinking on what to do, what I want... after I came back from my trip. I promise to love myself more than others (who claim to love me!). I enjoyed Bali & hope to go again someday. Not enough lar! In the meantime, I'm already looking forward to my next holiday destination: Australia. Insyallah~

A New Year...A New Beginning~

Seems that I have lotsa requests from my fellow colleagues & friends wanting me to blog again! :) Since my last entry, I've been thinking a lot, cried a lot & find out..A LOT too. It still hurts but I have to be strong, I have to pick myself up again & since he chose to love another (THAT easily!) instead of me, I regard that as his loss & he's literally "dead" in my heart. I'm still so much amazed that a person can just have a change of heart THAT fast, tempted to some "long-lost crush" & still lie to others without even batting an eyelid. When I'm reminded of the messages that he sent me, explaining the whole "unfortunate" story & then, me finding out bit by bit, it really scares me that someone I thought I know so well, trusted so much can actually do this to me. Gosh..all those promises to stay true, stand by me no matter what & the hope to settle down together...it seems so ridiculous. Hah... is it that shiok to hurt others? And goodness, people leave for the greener pastures & he chose...a DARKER one. If YOU are reading this, please...just enlighten me...WHAT HAPPENED? Don't crap about mommy wanting someone pious (she wore a bikini...to the mosque can ah?), mommy not allowing female friends (haha...God knows what you 2 have did!) or the fact that she's too outgoing for your cup of tea. Don't even tell my friends that when you are supposedly down & out, it's hard not to have feelings for the "angel" who stood by you. I wish YOU & her happiness...& it's at the cost of hurting my feelings & screwing up my life.

The last month has been a hard one. This is so like receiving an Oscar's but, I really like to thank these people who made a difference.

Suliana: The best of the best friends. Thank you for crying with me. Telling me all the nicest things in the World...understanding me so well & listen to my crap. I appreciate you checking on my well-being everyday, Love you, love you & really love you!

Fizah & Maria: You girls are great! :) I miss you 2 & I'm grateful for the support. We'll meet up soon, ok?

Liah, Nickole, Sue, Sadiq, SueLyn, Helmi, Daphne, Lavanya: How do I go on with work without you guys cheering me on??? :) You all are such wonderful colleagues. Taking care of me, understanding my feelings & trying to make me smile & laugh everyday. I know I'm not the only one going through this hard time (Suelyn & Liah, I'm joining you!) but I feel touched that you guys care. :) Many, many thanks indeed.

Naz: This guy really listen & even though he HARDLY talks, I'm glad he's my dear friend. Meet up soon yah..I know I still owe you the vcd. Hehe...

Wayne, Siti & Justin: Haha...my cute little friends! Always love the mini dinners & gatherings we have. It's amazing how we can still keep in touch despite the busy schedule....It takes effort I guess. :)

For those that I didn't mention, but play a part in making me feel better in any way, any kind, from the bottom of my heart...thank you & I'm glad that I meet you guys in my life. This period has made me realise how much you guys care for me & value our friendship. I'm going away to somewhere..nice (hopefully!) & I'll blog about it when I'm back. Insyallah.

The Last Kiss

Dear readers, I'll be away from blogging for how long, I don't know. Some thing happened this week which made me feel like I lost my soul. I'll always remember the date 11th Dec 2006.

I know I mentioned that I'll update my Genting-KL pictures but I guess, that won't be the case now. I'm sorry. I started this blog a year ago, with the inspiration of someone I nicknamed Superhero. Suddenly, he walked out of my life & left me wondering...what I have done wrong. Everything I do, including taking leave this weekend, buying him cakes while he's at home studying, accompanying him to Expo to buy a printer...EVERTYHING I do, I think of him. I was honest & faithful..I never thought of leaving him, not even once.

When I walked home just now...tears rolled down my cheeks. I've cried for so long...and the tears never seem to dry up. I asked myself...Why must it happen to me? It's weird without him around. No one to speak to when I'm stressed at work, no one to calm me down when I can't sleep at night & no one to joke around with me. Within just a day, I find myself being so so alone. He suggested we took a step back & be good friends. He said we'll see how it goes. If we're meant to be together, then we will. I agree..but will I be ok if he gets to know other people? Can I accept it if he decides to be with someone else? I hugged him tightly yesterday, knowing things will not be the same again.

This blog has many fond memories of me & Superhero..I can't bear to read the entries at all. I hope...when the year 2007 comes, you will find the old Norain again. I got in touch with a friend again a few days back & he asked me for my birthday, wanting to give me a surprise. I told him, I don't want to remember because I'll be spending it alone next year. Just pray that I'll be happy.

Funny when you stop & think
Time goes faster then you blink
Nothing ever like it was
But we've got a special thing
All the happiness it brings
Is more than enough

It's hard to breathe when we were apart
You're like sunshine in my heart
I keep you here inside
You've been everything to me
You've been & will always be
The apple of my eye

And I know it's hard to believe
You're still the biggest part of me
All I'm living for
I still think about you
I still dream about you
I still want you & need you by my side
I still mad about you
All I ever wanted was you
You're still the one

If you love me
Look into my eyes & say you do
I've been waiting for someone all my life
For someone just like you
Baby, all that we've been through
I'm still in love with you
And I want you to know I do, I do

Thank you guys for taking the time to read my blog. Insyallah, I'll be back to write in again. Take care.

Something For The Soul!

I forsee myself being broke (as usual!) this month. My colleagues gonna have Christmas party (where we'll exchange prezzies), I have to catch up on the gatherings with my friends..& spending time with my dearest. :) Oh well, for these 2 days, I already spent like $300!

1) Went for a body massage & scrub at Balik Kampung. The place is kinda ulu & got a little lost at first. The prices are affordable & services is good. So..I signed up a package worth $500 & paying it in 2 instalments.

2) I found my Jane Porter again at Borders! It's the LAST book on the shelf & I already couldn't find it in major bookstores. I want to pick up reading again...so I better start now.

3) Also did French pedicure at Fave Nails yesterday. Shiok shiok! My feet will look even nicer with the Birkenstock!

I had lunch with Suliana at Cahaya Restaurant, Far East Plaza. Gee...I don't think I'll be eating there again anytime soon! The auntie (I bet she's the Lady Boss) was so rude! First, they served us without any utensils & when I walked over to the counter & asked nicely if I can have forks & spoons...she got irritated & said " Take lar, take lar". She started walking away. Bloody hell...so where am I supposed to take them from?? Her wide ass, is it? I don't care if the restaurant is busy. C'mon, it's lunch time & she's making money from all those luncheons. I feel like slapping her face but then again, I wouldn't wanna get my hands on her sweaty, oily face. I'll just hope she will have more wrinkles on her face & look uglier than the hippos at the Zoo! Hahahaha!

I AM a nice person but if I encounter bitches like the Cahaya auntie, I shall be the meanest person around! *winks*

Shopping..For A Book!

I was making my way back at Citylink Mall the other day when I thought of going into MPH bookstore for a while. This new arrival caught my eye & I browsed through a bit. Looks interesting so I just bought it almost immediately.



I just read 1/4 of the book & so far...really so good! Entertaining & witty! (Suliana, I'll lend it to you after I'm done, ok? Hehe...)

Vivo Yay!

So, I was saying that I gonna watch movie with Superhero today, right? We caught Casino Royale at GV Vivo & I like the new James Bond! Helmi told me yesterday that the movie was dissapointing but I find it not too bad. A typical 007 kinda movie larr... Hmm, I prefer Daniel Craig to Pierce Brosnan though. He looks more James Bond-ish. Haha! And Eva Green is so hot! The movie was shot mostly around Europe I think. So by the end of the movie, I told Superhero I wanna go to France...err no..maybe Italy or.. Spain? Can I tour the WHOLE of Europe?? Keke!

I stepped into GAP boutique for the first time just now. I already set my eyes on a pair of jeans. Wanted to give it a try but Superhero gave me THE look. Looks like I have to come again with my girlfriends. Hmmmph! Hard to find men who loves shopping. Helmi was talking about his shopping vacation at Thailand & I got the sudden urge to go for a shopping spree soon. Sighs....talk about saving money for my holiday.

Glad to find MAC counter too. My concealer has run out, you see. Happy enough for the day...though it's just one of my needs. :) I got my first Boost! juice too. Jovy & Sze Luan made so much hype about it when they were in Australia. So when Sze Luan told me that they gonna open their first franchise at Vivo City, I was really looking forward to giving it a try. Honestly, it was just ok....those smoothies, blended juices or sorbets that can be found at Raffles City too. Maybe I haven't tried the best one yet. Shall ask Sze Luan for recommendation. :)

UGLY People

I know I'm supposed to update my KL-Genting trip like 2 weeks ago but I've been very busy, or rather lazy! Haha...It has been work, sleep, eat & work again. I just switched on my computer to check my mails really. I try to upload the pics soon but for now, let me share with you my frustrations, at work.

Irritant 1

I was preparing my group arrivals yesterday & I called the tour guide to check on the group's details. She insisted on having complimentary carpark coupon & when I declined, her tone changed! Geez..here I am calling with regards to work, & the agent has to be downright cheepo to argue with me for a carpark coupon?! I would have tried to be kinder & give her the damn coupon if not for her rudeness. So me, being the bitch at times, insist on not giving in & I even sent a mail to the Sales Manager in charge of the group to complain about the guide's behaviour. Hmmph!

Irritant 2

I saw an Indian guest approaching the Reception & he appeared to be somewhat friendly. I greeted & assisted him for his check-in. It turned out to be my most horrible check-in of the day!! He asked for lower room rates, why I'm asking for so much deposit, late check out & the list goes on. It may seem to you that the list of things that this fellow is asking is typical of a guest but....NO. He's TRYING to be smart & then he doesn't look nice anymore. I was very patient yet I managed to give him a few pieces of my sarcasm. Gosh...looks can be deceiving.

Irritant 3

A Chinese lady came by the Reception & wanted to borrow a Sony Erricsson charger. When I asked for her room no. , she claimed she has checked out. When I asked for her name, that was when she blasted at me. "Why do you need my name for? I don't think it's a important! I'm just sitting over there!". So the clever me already figured that she lied about the "checked-out" thingy. I don't feel like lending her the charger & my colleague mentioned that it has been loaned out to another in-house guest. This idiotic woman actually wants me to call THAT guest & ask if she can use the charger!!!! Oh my God...I was so appalled by her bimbotic, rudeness, stupidity...oh whatever. I just stared at her for like 5 seconds & shook my head a bit. Can you believe such creatures exist??! Since she doesn't want to give out her name, maybe it's a terrible one like Betty or Lulu! (Right, Nickole? Hahaha!)

I'm beginning to feel that the nature of my job can be hazardous. Imagine...I handle more than these 3 irritants EVERYDAY? My colleagues & I will not be surprised if we have heart problems or high blood pressure when we get old... We see "ugly" people during the course of our duty but like what Frankie said...."God is fair". I like that. :)

It's my off day later today. Gonna spend time with Superhero. Time to be a sweetie-pie. Hehe~

Dinner at Marche

Work was busy as usual, but fun! My kakis were on the same shift as me & we had a dinner planned after work. We asked Norman & Charlene along too, since they are just on the other side of Marina area. Chose to have dinner at Marche since the restaurant is the most convenient. With the gluttons like us around, photo taking during dinner time was an enjoyable one. Hehe!

The moment we got the seats, Nickole went to get soups, Liah asked for caesar salad & Sue ordered pizza. The morning shifters were rather starved...nothing new.

Charlene has just started work somewhere near Conrad! Good good, that means it's easier for us to meet for more gossip sessions. Oh, by the way, I cut my hair short yesterday. Couldn't stand the split ends already!

Dessert that I shared with Charlene: Banana Caramel crepe with Maple Walnut ice cream. Shiok!

These girls wouldn't share their dessert with anyone. Especially Nickole. Don't even dare to LOOK at her Swiss Chocolate ice cream!

Let's see....we had steaks, barbecued stingray, pizza, caesar salad, rosti, pasta & a round of soups. Not forgetting the sweet delights & great company. All worth it!

Liah & Nickole saw this cute kiddo scratching his butt, just beside our table. Couldn't resist taking a snapshot of it! We were quick, for his mom turned to look at us suspiciously after that shot. Hehe~

We could only meet up with Norman after our dinner at Marche. We accompanied him for his dinner at Marina Square, & amidst all that, more gossips & stories that we all update one another. I miss the days when he was still at Conrad! If you must know, he "trained" me for all those bitchiness I applied at work! Sighs...a great evening indeed.


I just came back from a short trip to KL & Genting 2 days ago. Many pictures to show, but I think I'll update much later, like tomorrow. Hmmmm~

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My dad's old time friend passed away yesterday. I was in the same secondary school as his son as well. My deepest condolences goes out to him. May he be strong in the days to come & I pray that his late dad will rest in peace. Al-Fatihah.