X-men

Brought my younger sis and grandmother out shopping today. It was fun going to the market with her and learning all the marketing skills such as how to know which vegetable is fresh, and the famous fish freshness test which I never learned and probably won't need to.

At night, went with my elder sis and younger sis to watch X-men. We caught the mid-night movie and boy were we surprised to see a huge crowd outside the cinema. Singaporeans are creatures of the night... They sleep in the day and wake up at night.

Missionaries

Two missionaries came to my doorstep today. They asked if I know about the word of Christ and quizzed me on the true name of God, then the modern name, then which chapter and so on, so forth... I got all the answers correct! Muahahaz! So finally they gave up trying to convert me. 10 years of Catholic school and 1 year of bible studies in college.... Hey... I know my stuff alright... Just that its getting rusty over the years... =P

Caught in the act

That's my sister's rabbit. Caught in the act, eating and eating 24/7. Well i think it looks more like a Chinchilla. According to her, its a lob-ear lion head rabbit. Lion head? Far from it... just look at it! Those innocent eyes... awwwww.... lolz

Ok... I admit, I have nothing better to do. Job hunting is at a stand still for now and I'm just staring at her rabbit while it stares back at me. We really have alot in common you know. Sitting around, eating all day long...

Deviling

Just found out that the process of pupillage to become an advocate is actually called deviling! And the student advocate is know as a devil, and the person he interns under is known as the devil master! And all devils and devil masters will be issued a book called the Faculty's Devil's Handbook that guides them on doing civil work in the courts! How cute... lolz

The Omen...

Something happened at home at midnight... not a good sign... something is coming up...

Been trying to look for a job lately but to no avail. Times are pretty bad. Brought my sis out shopping for supplies for her birthday party though. Its gonna be a small one as its the exam period now.

Went to the library at night to borrow a book for my grandmother. Its been about 12-15 years since I borrowed a book from the public library. Can't believe my card still works! Lolz. My grandmother wanted to read up about World War 2 and the Jap occupation. She was in elementary school then when that happened.

I also bought a Citronella plant home! Nice aroma and wards off mosquitoes! And also bought some snacks for my grandma. Gheez... I'm really spending alot, especially for someone who has no income.

And my sis, she got a new lob-ear rabbit as a pet! Cute little thing. Now my house's officially a zoo. We've got dogs, rabbits, hamsters, fishes... and the cats outside often pay a visit to watch the pond.

Spent a day reading law books at Borders today, then had late lunch with my banker. He has provided me really good service these few years. No matter which part of the world I'm calling from, no matter what time of the day, he always replies to my banking queries. 24 hour service! Lolz. But this was really the first time sitting down for lunch and chatting about things other than banking. I guess now we're more like friends than banker-client.

Came home and started brewing a chinese medical concoction for my grand mother's cough. I went to gather all the various herbs by myself. Did my own estimate on how much of each to mix and started the experiment! Lolz. Totally experimental! Fortunately the taste came out pretty good. And my grandmother was more than happy to try. Lolz. We shall see...

Fighting Spiders

Following the success of the drama "Little Nonya," Singapore has come up with another drama series walking down memory lane. The old kampung days... brings back memories of my childhood. If you have never heard Singlish, this show will give u a rough gauge of it. Lolz.

Growing older

Was asked to go attend a Fire ceremony by Swami Atmachathainya in the afternoon. Then told to stay on for the Bhajan as well. So I was there from 11am till 5pm. But it was nice to meet old familiar faces again. Used to do weekly bhajans when I was young. Everyone has grown older. You don't realize it in the people you meet everyday, but for those that you have not met in years, to suddenly see them, its like... scary... I got to meet Arubin too! The little kid that I went to India with when I was 12 and he was like 7ish. 12 years ago man... Time flies...

Still in the mountains

It was an extremely boring saturday. So boring that I fell asleep in the afternoon and had a strange dream. I dreamed that I was climbing some mountains again. Along the mountain pass were many statues carved into the rock. When I got to the top, I could oversee the end where the mountain meets the ocean. The wind was blowing very strongly. And there, faraway on an island was a temple, its name was 靜安寺. When I woke up, I realize that this temple really exists in China! Furthermore in the heart of Shanghai. Was suppose to go to it but I was too tired that day and went to rest. Well, I guess I'm going there in my dreams now.

The pilgrimage has not ended. It has only just begun...

I dreamed a dream

Brought my grandmother to meet Swami Atmachathainya today, an old friend of ours. And he also gave me some advices on where to take my life. Said I should be a healer instead of a lawyer. Sigh... I am confused. What is my path? I'm accepted into law school, accepted into the translation program, accepted into TCM school... accepted everywhere... how... where to go? What is my dream?

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high,
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving....

(Well if you haven't watched Susan Boyle from Britain's Got Talent, you should really watch it. Absolutely inspirational.)

The midnite salon

My grand mother came over today so I passed her the gift I bought from China for her - a 20 episode series about the life of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. She was so happy when she received it. She loves movies about gods and ghosts.

Then I went over to my god mum's place for a hair cut and its always in the late night as that's the only time that she's free. Quite a cool concept huhz - the midnite salon. Maybe I can start an international franchise with that. Lolz

When I got back home at 1am, I found my grandmother still up, watching the Guan Yin series. She said it was so interesting that she could not stop! Lolz... sometimes she appears to me as this little girl who finds happiness in small simple things.

Day 29 - The Return

Back to Singapore.

Day 28 - Beijing

Heard that Anhui is currently having a severe hailstorm! So I guess it was a lucky thing that our trip got diverted. Flew back to Beijing today then took the train and bus to Mark's place - A one hour journey costing 3元. Sorry I didn't forewarn you about my arrival. But you should be happy that I didn't get lost at least! =P. Packed my luggage then stayed on for a while before heading back by taxi which took an hour as well and costs 52元! If not for my luggage, I would have taken the train and bus! Sigh... I'm gonna miss u lots bro! Thanks for the good times!

Had dinner at the hotel with Madalena and was joined by Daniel! Thanks bro, for coming all the way. And yeah, as mentioned, lets hope its not another 3 years before we meet up again! And I got to chat with Sunny at night as well! Argh!! Miss u soo much too bro! Got to meet and chat with so many of my close bros these few days... I'm happy! Heez... Tml, I conclude my long journey. I think its about time... =P

Day 27 - 蘇州：靈嚴山寺

When with Victor and Madalena to Suzhou's Ling Yan Shan Temple today. This is the temple where Master Hua studied the Vinaya in the early days. Unfortunately it too has changed alot after being opened to local tour groups.


Following that we went to the local taoist temple at 觀前街 just for fun and it was a new experience for Victor. Said it was quite fun as there were many new stories, traditions and interesting myths in the taoist tradition. There was a table where coins can stand by themselves, and a donation area that lets you play a game of trying to hit the bell suspended in the air, and some really interesting artworks. I even got to step on what was believe to be a set of footprints left behind by Lu Dong Bin, a taoist deity.

At night, I listened to Madalena tell some stories of Master Hua's final days. It was really sad but at the same time gives you a sense of awe. Master Hua is a really really great person... And I got to chat with Andrew for a while too! Brother!!!! I miss u soooo much!!!! Lolz... Have fun at the conference! =)

Day 26 - 杭州：靈隱寺

Went to Hangzhou's Lin Yin Temple today. This place is famous because of a hill called 飛來峰 (The hill that flew over). The story was that when Ji Gong, the famous maverick monk was residing in Hangzhou, the temple refused to let him in as he was extremely dirty and did not follow any of the rules. So while outside, he flew an entire limestone hill to the opposite location of the temple and made it his home. Thus the name - 飛來峰 as limestone is not native to the area. The hill was pretty big but the many ancient buddhist carvings on the walls made it a very enjoyable climb. I even managed to climb up the stone bed which Master Ji Gong used to sleep on. It was quite high up and the surface was extremely smooth and slippery. Not an easy climb. And outside the cave, I sat on a thousand year old tree branch that formed the word - 心. Guess I crossed lots of boundaries today - Lying on Master Ji Gong's bed and sitting on the thousand year old tree =P...

Day 25 - Shanghai

Ended up, I didn't go to An Hui. My ticket directed me to Shanghai instead. Thanks bro, for waking up at 5am to send me. Thanks for breakfast and taking care of me for the past few days as well! Good luck for your exams! =)

Met up with Madalena in Shanghai and we went to the Jade Buddha Temple. Then I had to go back to the hotel to crash. Woke up to early. Had a swim in the evening before going out for dinner and then helping Madalena on some Drba matters. A slow and easy day.

Day 24 - Beijing

Basically gave Mark a big good bye hug this morning thinking that it'll be years before we meet again. Then I called the airline office after he left for school and surprisingly managed a last minute change with no penalties at all! Guess perhaps its like what my mom had said, i was meant to go. So my ticket's been extended to the 14th of April. And when Mark came back from school, he found me sitting in his room as always. Big disappointment huhz... You can't get rid of me! Lolz!

We went back to 西單 for dinner and shopping. Had a really spicy hot pot dinner! Check out the chillies. The restaurant even provided two complimentary boxes of tissue papers per table for customers. Desserts at Mc Donalds and they have banana pie! How interesting. Didn't buy much. The nice coat that I saw 2 days ago at Zara got sold out. Not meant to waste money. Heading for An Hui tml.

Day 23 - Beijing

Tried to figure out the public bus and train system and went to look for Daniel at 五道口 in the afternoon while Mark was in school. Lucky I didn't get lost. It was a long 1 and a half hour journey with 1 bus ride and 3 train transfers. We went on to 服裝市 and liased with Mark there. And walked to 中官府 for more arcade games!

I was suppose to fly tomorrow, but received a call from Madalena asking if I could extend my ticket again to follow on a trip to An Hui about some educational program meeting. The airline office was already close by then so my status is really undecided. Scary, but that's how my life goes I guess. You never know what's gonna come up next. In chatting with my mom, I also found out that An Hui was where her ancestry comes from! Earth Store Bodhisattva's land! Cool... Lolz. We learn new things everyday.

Day 21, 22

Went with Madalena to meet a book publisher hoping to publish DRBA's books in China yesterday. Then had lunch with Mr Lin and was treated to 大紅袍茶! The most expensive tea. 1 pound of it costs about several hundred US dollars. And got to taste top grade Tie Guan Yin tea. Extremely different from the ones we have in Singapore. Met up with Mark at night and Shao Bing, Mr Lin's nephew and my new friend. He's from Fujian! Where my ancestors came from. And I was asked extend my trip to go back to my "老鄉" with him. Lolz. But i think this trip is getting too long already. I'm in my fourth week. We had dinner and after that, I bid farewell to the group and moved over to Mark's place.

Mark left for school early in the morning and I basically just slacked around at home for the whole day. Its been a long and intense, yet extremely fulfilling trip. So I declare today slacking day! Lolz. At night we went to Xi Dan for window shopping and arcade.

Day 20 - Back to Beijing

We decided to forgo the plane and try out the newly built high speed train from Taiyuan to Beijing. A 3 hour ride but felt really fast with company. When we got off the train, the Chunghwa TV station was there and our group got interviewed about our experience on riding the train. We're on China's TV now! Lolz.

Headed over to the Olympic City after that, what they call the Water Cube and the Birds Nest. Grand place, but really a waste that no other events are being held there anymore. Following that we went to Silk Street again for more shopping bargains and all the ladies had such an enjoyable time playing the bargaining game. Champion is Aunt Guo Cuc once again. She bought a bag that was selling for 560 yuan for only 60 yuan. That's almost like a 90% discount! Lolz. Power!

Mark joined us for dinner and we had a good time spending time together for the last time as a group. Tomorrow, we go our individual ways. It has been a really enjoyable pilgrimage.

Day 18 & 19 - 五台山，山西

Travelled yesterday to Wu Tai Shan - Home of Manjusri Bodhisattva. Wu Tai is located in Shan Xi province, a very dry area but well known for its noodles and vinegar. There are about 300 varieties of noodles here and it is said that spagetti was found after Marco Polo travelled through Shan Xi and brought noodles back to Italy.

We headed early for 佛母洞 this morning. A very narrow cave opening which miraculously can allow anyone of any size to squeeze through. Its about 2500 steps up the mountain and once there, there is usually a one hour wait. But we were most fortunate that a local offered to send us up there for a small fee and when we got there, there was not a single soul except the resident monk there. He was extremely surprised that we made it up so early and kept asking us where we were from. Although some got stuck midway squeezing through the hole, we all made it in and out successfully.

We then proceeded on to the other temples around the area which would have been cancelled had there been a wait at 佛母洞. The Great White Pagoda is a place which originally housed a pagoda built by King Ashoka with one of the Buddha's Shariras enshrined within. The White Pagoda was built over the orginal one to protect it.

We later went to 縣通寺, the 2nd temple to be built in China in A.D 68. The 1st temple was 白馬寺. Amazingly, this temple was untouched during the cultural revoluntion and houses many tablets by Emperor Kang Xi and Qian Long. And I saw a really cool cat there! Check out the pic. One of its eye is blue and the other is yellow.

That completed our pilgrimage of the 4 holy mountains. 功德圓滿! Lolz. I guess we count ourselves extremely lucky for completing it all with extremely good weather, good health, and good company! Headed back to Shanxi city for the night and tomorrow we take the high speed railway to Beijing.

Day 17 峨眉山

We woke up to a freezing, foggy morning. It had snowed the night before and so the climb up Mt. Emei was cold and arduous due to the ice that had formed over the steps. The fog made it difficult to see anything but we brave all odds and recited as we progressed slowly. When we reached the peak, as if by magic, the fog totally disappeared and the sun lit up the entire mountain, revealing a most beautiful sight – The Peak of Mt. Emei, home to 普賢菩薩 (Samanthabadra Bodhisattva), 3079m above the sea.


Even our local tour guide who had climbed Mt. Emei plenty of times was overjoyed and started taking pictures herself. She said of all the times, this is the first time she has ever seen the peak so clearly. And the sun so happened to be in the position that forms a halo behind 普賢菩薩. We also got to see Mt. Gong Ga, the highest mountain in Szechuan which is a rare sight according to her.



As we were about to leave, the snow on 普賢菩薩's body suddenly started melting and water flowed from his hands and feet. So I went over to collect some to wash my hands and face and soon other pilgrims started to follow and the tour guide said we just start a new trend on Mt. Emei. Check out the photo below. Compare the size of the bodhisattva to the guy standing below. Incredible how they built it at such heights.


In total, there are 4 famous sights of Mt. Emei – The Buddha's light (a 360 degrees rainbow); the welcoming pine; the cloud sea and the burning forest lamp. The Buddha's light and forest lamp are the most rare as they occur only about 20 days in a year. But our guide said that we have had 7 miracles ourselves today:
1. The April snow.
2. The mysterious clearing of the fog
3. Seeing Mt. Gong Ga from Emei.
4. The Sun Halo
5. The Cloud Sea
6. The melting snow from Samanthabadra.
7. We all made it up to the 3079m point and back safely.


The bronze temple, the golden temple, the silver temple.


The coming of the sun and the retreat of the fog.


The view from Mt. Emei.

Day 16 - 成都

This morning we flew to 成都 and met up with Madalena, Guo Ji and Guo Cuc. Chengdu is part of the Sze Chuan province - which means, spicy food! So those who don't take spice, you have to tell them no spice at all. And even then it will be a little spicy. Their spice rating is way different.

We went to 樂山大佛 first. This is the place where they filmed 風雲 starring Aaron Kwok and Ekin Cheng. I always wondered where it was. The climb down to the feet was extremely narrow and steep. Check out the 2nd photo. Really scary. Especially with the rain and my dislike of heights. But I made it down all 71m! Feeling accomplished. Lolz.

At night we drove to 峨眉山 - the home of 普賢菩薩. Couldn't see anything as it was already night then but there was a natural hot spring pool in the hotel! So I got to soak in Mt. Emei's hot springs.

Oo! And more good news! I just found out that I got accepted into the law program at the University of Sydney! The top law school in Australia. Oh my god! Thank you Buddha! Lolz. Gheez... so much choices now... What should I do? Lolz